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FIRST, I am now againe to change my Argument, the gouernement being thus happily changed, and to report a time of mer∣cie, and not misery; of preseruation and not persecution, and how the Catholike Faith was defended not offen∣ded; of Queene Elizabeth, and not Queene Marie Sisters (indeed) by the bond of Na∣ture, but most disagreeing in the gifts of
Grace, and holy ornaments. The one defa∣cing, the other restoring, the one wounding, the other saluing, the one offending, the o∣ther defending the most Catholike Faith, Queene Marie in blood,* 1.1 Queene Elizabeth in peace, in peace with God, in peace with his Saints, in peace with all men, saue the ene∣mie of God and Man, the Idolatrous and false worship of Antichrist, the which (with most zealous resolution) shee hath most victoriously opposed, to the eternall honour of her name on earth, and to her euerlasting happinesse in heauen; where now shee hath most honourable place among the fellow∣ship of those holy ones, who haue best fought the Lords quarrell, and best defen∣ded the profession of Faith: and as it is said, the daie and night diuide the yeare like in∣different partners:* 1.2 so we may say, that these two Sisters, Queene Elizabeth and Queene Ma∣rie, haue diuided the Renowne of the world, Queene Elizabeth (like the day) ha∣uing got the better part of fame, honoura∣ble and holy remembrance: and Queene Marie her Sister (like the night) the worse
part a name of blood, which being vttered, reduceth to memorie the stories of blood; and how the Saints of God were slaughte∣red, whereby shee her selfe is made more blacke than night, in giuing her name so blacke and so bad a remembrance.
Secondly,* 1.3 This difference of good and bad is (indeed) very common in the gene∣rations of mankinde, and not common to any other kinde of creature saue Man. For inuegitable things we see, that from one roote doe proceede many branches, yet all of them of one and the same Nature, and all bearing one and the same fruit: but in the generations of Man it is otherwise, for from on Father commonly proceedeth children of disagreeing quallities,* 1.4 as from one Adam was deriued both righteous Ha∣bel: and a wicked Caine, and from one Isaac, a Iacob and an Esau, and so from one Henrie an Elizabeth, and a Marie, a day and a night, a mercie and a miserie, a blessed protector and a most bloodie persecutor of the Chri∣stian Faith. And therefore was King Henrie much in Gods sauour, and to vs was hee fa∣uourable,
in making the greater part of the Kings Children the better part,* 1.5 (which sel∣dome to any one man liuing happeneth. God in his anger gaue our Nation but one Marie, but in his loue he gaue vs both an Edward and an Elizabeth, for so is God dou∣ble as much in mercie as in iudgement;* 1.6 nei∣ther will he that hath care ouer all his crea∣tures, suffer the cause hee so deerely loueth to want protection, but if he giue his Church a Marie to trie it in the fire of persecution, he will also giue it an Elizabeth, to restore and refresh it. Such was our noble Defendresse, whose care did medicine the bodie of Reli∣gion and State,* 1.7 which her Sister had grie∣uously wounded. And for my owne parti∣cular, though there was neuer any Princesse in the world, whose name I would more gladly honour than Queene Elizabeth, yet dare I not take vpon me to report her worth (not for that I feare the face of any man in that honest performance) but because I am farre vnable to giue so much of honourable remembrance as her most princely life hath well deserued: and by fayling (in reporting
lesse than truth) I shall wrong the reputati∣on of her name, which most tenderly I loue, and whereto I will euer be a seruant. And therefore let such as desire to know her worth;* 1.8 reade the large storie thereof, in the most honourable deeds of late times, there being almost no memorable Act in Chri∣stendome, for the space of fortie yeares of her time, wherein she had not some part of princely deseruing; Let him view the pros∣perous face of this Nation, and therein be∣hold her merit, let him remember her fortu∣nate & victorious in her most famous victo∣ries, wise in the gouernement of her state, iust in the liberty of Lawes, mercifull in iudgement, and iust in determining, Let him remember England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Spaine, Portingale, Italy and Belgica, and all the quarters of Christendome, in euery part whereof is spread the remembrance of her merit, let him aske the Turke, the Tartare and those Emperours of most distance, and they can report the honour and name of Queene Elizabeth; Let him inquire at the enuie of the greatest Potentates in Christendome, and
that will declare her worthie of most worthie praise: if there be any one a stranger in this Israell, and doth not or will not know her merit, let him consult with these, or with any of these, and he may receiue satisfaction & better knowledge: or if this suffice not to make her enough honourable, let him re∣member how her holy hands put out the fires of trouble and grieuous persecutions, loosing the holy Martyrs from the stakes of of death and (like Gods Angell) binding the mouth of death,* 1.9 and tribulation which had wasted a great part of Gods inheritance. And then how shee restored the Truth of Gods seruice, vtterly abolishing Idolatrie & grosse superstition▪ And this is that which best merited honourable remembrance; in∣somuch as if I had enuie and coueted to ob∣scure her princely deseruing, this her most godly act, would (in despight of enuie and me) declare her most worthie, and con∣demne the enuious breach of all them that dare traduce her.* 1.10 And therefore I dare bold∣ly say of Queene Elizabeth, that in respect both of greatnesse and goodnesse, she was
such an Empresse as the world neuer had a∣nother to match her; and for her Sex shee was such a woman as (worthily) may be said to haue exceeded all other but that most sa∣cred Virgin▪* 1.11 with whom I neither will nor dare make comparison.
Thirdly, Now that wherein Queene Eli∣zabeth was most absolute,* 1.12 was principally in those heauenly respects of mercie & Ma∣iestie, wherein I thinke she was most excel∣lent and without comparison; the which, like two hands she applied to euerie good worke of Church and Common-Wealth; for by her mercie she approued her self most Christian, and by her Maiestie a most Prin∣cely Soueraigne. In both which respects, was this Ladie so singular, as if Grace and Na¦ture had giuen them for ornaments to make her most excellent, and as if God would (by her) demonstrate to the world surpas∣sing he can make that Creature vpon whom he shall cast his heauenly ornaments. Nei∣ther doe I thinke it disparagement to any Prince in the world,* 1.13 that I report Queene Elizabeth most excellent, both because shee
was so in true estimation; and also for that it may suffice (for the honour of any prince) to come neere Queene Elizabeth in these ho∣nourable deseruings, she being matchlesse for mercie vnlesse in the comparison of K. Iames our Soueraigne,* 1.14 and her successor which with her Kingdomes hath inherited that most gratious indument. But for Ma∣iestie she was neuer exceeded,* 1.15 neither can I giue that comparison without wrong to Queene Elizabeth, and flatterie to them whom I should compare her.
Fourthly, And were I worthie to aduise in a matter so serious,* 1.16 there is no Prince in the world whom I loue; to whom I doe not wish this regard of Maiestie, for there is no∣thing more necessarie in the person of a Prince then Maiestie, which when it hath the moderation of mercie and aduised iudge∣ment to order it, it is then of most excellent beauty, and of most speciall vse. Because where it is thus ordered,* 1.17 it begetteth in mens hearts an admiration and a Reuerence to the person of such Maiesty, for common∣ly that which men admire they loue, and
too much familiarity doth oftentimes beget presumption, and neglect of dutie, neither is there any thing that doth more incour∣rage disobedience in Subiects, than remisse∣nesse and want of Maiestie in the souereigne. And this is pretily alluded in the fable of the frogges,* 1.18 to whom (demāding a King) Iu∣piter cast into a poole where they were assē∣bled, a block which falling with much noise stroake a terror and a Reuerend feare in the Frogges; but when they perceiued it bloc∣kish, and to want Maiestie, leape and insult ouer it in derision and scorne, hating to giue their obedience to that which wanted the Maiestie to command them. And this Morall did Queene Elizabeth well vnderstand, who most Princelike did euer maintaine the Ma∣iestie of her high place, yet euer with the wisedome of such moderation,* 1.19 as that her Maiestie was mercifull, and her mercie ma∣iesticke, of these two principalls compoun∣ding a gouernement most honourable and vertuous.
Fifthly, Such was this noble Queene, and much more noble than I can report her, who
before she was Queene,* 1.20 did worthily defend the profession of the Catholike Faith, euen to the hazard of her princely life. God giuing her that relish of aduersity, the better to taste the pleasures of her most happie time which was to follow. And if the particulars of her troubles were indifferently considered, she would be found very constant, and faith∣full to God-ward; and to haue indured much for the testimonie of Faith, and to haue had a glorious Conquest ouer all the enemies of her religious life.* 1.21 First, their pra∣ctise who thought to dis-inherit her, and her Sister, by intruding into the seate of this Empire the Ladie Iane, whereby it was like∣ly the inheritance should haue bene conuey∣ed another way, and translated into ano∣ther Succession, which could not haue bene without apparant danger of her life and her Sisters; because authority that is vsurped, cannot bee otherwise secured but by their death that can make lawfull claime:* 1.22 yet God who doth euer protect truth did otherwise dispose of this great businesse;* 1.23 but if we com∣pare this with her trouble (in the time of her
Sisters gouernement) the comparison will make this little, and that monstrous; she ha∣uing indured so much for the tryall of her Faith, as may well approue her to bee most valiant in Christian patience, and to haue worthily defended the profession of the Catholike Faith, before shee was made De∣fendresse; the storie of which her most ver∣tuous suffering,* 1.24 I haue heretofore writ∣ten in verse; and therefore in this place I forbeare to make particular Narration of that which formerly I haue declared. And in this I receiue speciall contentment, that in my knowledge of this Souereigne La∣die Queene Elizabeth, I dare confidently report to haue found more (in the trauell of my time) than King Salomon withall his experience and wisedome could euer finde,* 1.25 A good Woman.
FIRST, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 common with God then to helpe, when the disease is highest, and the expectation of good is furthest off, for in this doth God shew his omnipotencie, and the difference betweene the actions of himselfe, and his creatures; for man to pro∣duce his effects doth couet the aduantage of naturall fitting causes, but it is sufficient cause in God that he is willing.
Secondly, There is this difference in the punishments of good and euill men, tempo∣rall, and eternall; the good mans temporall punishment must of necessity end; the euill mans spirituall punishment hath an euerla∣sting necessity of being. For God hath deter∣mined all men to taste of both cups, but with different measure.
Thirdly,* 1.26 It was a wisedome both Religi∣ous and Pollitique in the Queene to enter her State with generall peace; for though shee
had the sword of authority in her hand, and found in the power of her command such as had bene very grieuous vnto her; yet did she like a wise Princesse take no further re∣uenge, then onely name them for her ene∣mies, and so distinguish them from better friends. For it is most needfull for a Prince at the entring his State, to gaine the opinion of mercie, because there is nothing can bet∣ter secure him, then the hearts and faithfull seruice of his people.
Fourthly,* 1.27 There is this greatnesse euen in men of inferior fortune, that they either dispise the dignities they haue not, or can with a modest patience hope them. For see∣ing that all worldly things are moued with variable motions; what man can haue rea∣son to dispaire the fortune of some prospe∣ritie.
FIRST, Queene Elizabeth (in her gratious disposition) was like the sune, which no sooner is vp, but it riseth to the com∣fort of all Creatures: so the Queene no soo∣ner in the seate of Maiestie, but she applyeth her cares to the vse of mercie and vertuous deeds, casting vpon the generall face of this Nation, her heauenly aspect and influence, which (in the blacke time of her Sisters go∣uernement) lay in the shadow of darkenesse and blacke obscurity. And as the neerest to her Religious heart she beginneth (being of
important consideration) first with Gods cause Religion,* 1.28 laying that for her foundati∣on, whereupon she determined to erect the whole frame of her holy life; For shee well vnderstood, there was nothing could sup∣port her in the true estimation of honour and vertuous liuing but Religion without the exercise whereof, all other things are vitious and of euill merit. And therefore did she pur∣sue this end with a most stedfast resolution, daring to doe any thing (were it neuer so hazerdous) that might aduantage it, and re∣mouing euery impediment, which any way might hinder the prosperity of that procee∣ding. And because she found the bodie of her State dangerously wounded by disor∣der,* 1.29 and euill gouernement, she therefore (very carefully, and skilfully) applieth pre∣sent remedie, least otherwise the disease might proue incureable, and the cause of Religion might then bee like the common cause of Patients,* 1.30 who haue their patience tryed by deferments and lingring cures, which in the trade and practise of many bad Physitions is very frequent. And this disgrace
hath the Queene well auoided, in determi∣ning first the generall cause of the Com∣mon-Wealth, before any particular end that might respect her owne priuate.
Secondly, The euidence of this her holy and princely care is most apparant in the re∣storing of Religion, to that Truth and Autho∣ritie,* 1.31 wherein in King Edwards time it was worthily established, abolishing superstiti∣ous Poperie, which in the time of Queene Ma∣rie her Sister, had vsurped the place and dig∣nitie of true Religion. And this false worship hath Queene Elizabeth (like a most victo∣rious Empresse) for euer vanquished, brin∣ging it downe to that pouertie of strength, as the fauourers thereof haue little reason euer to hope a restauration of that, which she and her Successor,* 1.32 our Soueraigne King Iames haue for euer banished from the bonds of great Brittaine.
Thirdly, And in this hath Queene Elizabeth very fortunately defended the Catholike Faith,* 1.33 and finished that holy quarrell with as much honour, as euer did any Christian Prince before her, being in this worthily
able to match if not, to ouer match her most princely brother K. Edward, (who but for her) may be thought (for his holy care) singular and without comparison.
Fourthly, To reckon vp the particulars of Queene Elizabeths merit, were a needlesse tra∣uell, both because I cannot so report them as they are worthly, and also because they are yet visible in the view of the gouerne∣ment of the Church and State of England,* 1.34 as now it standeth; our Church being still in the flourish of that prosperity, wherein shee left it established to the next Defendor of the Faith, and wherein K. Iames her successor our Souereigne doth yet continue it, and wherein (we hope) it will be euer continued in his hopefull posterity.
Fifthly, This noble beginning of Queene Elizabeth, was so much to the aduancement of the Catholike Faith, that being (by report) made knowne to the world, was a cause that the Children of faith who (in Queene Maries time) did willingly banish themselues into places of farre distance;* 1.35 now hearing of this alteration resort againe to their Countrie,
and to the protection of this Noble Defen∣dresse, who did free them from the miserie of persecution, and vnder whose defence they peaceably enioyed their liues and the libertie of Reformed Conscience. And with this holy exordium did Queene Eli∣zabeth begin the Storie of her vertuous life.
FIRST,* 1.36 It is a precept giuen vs by our best Master. First seeke the Kingdome of God. This lesson had the Queene learned from that Doctor, who therefore did applie her first cares to this principall end, for which God did succeed her in others; for it is vn∣questionable true, that he that seeketh God, shall finde all his necessarie things though he seeke them not.
Secondly,* 1.37 The Queene by her direct ma∣nifesting her resolute purpose how in the case of Religion, she was resolued, was both in her selfe Religious, and had this Pollitique
respect, that thereby shee tooke feare from her friends, and hope from her enemies, ma∣king hope and feare shift places, for that did satisfie the expectation of her friends, which in such case is doubtfull, and preuent the forward hopes of the contrary faction, which in all such alterations is ouer-daring.
Thirdly,* 1.38 There is this benefit in afflictions that their vse and acquaintance, make men valiant and able to vndergoe all fortunes, for it is possible to make pleasure of sor∣rowes, and to vse them for recreations.
Fourthly, It is a commendable pride, mo∣destly to esteeme ourselues in our aduersi∣ties, but hee that can moderate his pride in his prosperities, is thought the more rare ex∣ample, and deserues imitation.
FIRST, It may seeme strange to many that their should bee any consideration able to diswade from doing well or that any by-respect should be so respected, as to with∣draw the purpose of one resolued to ho∣ly cares. And this in truth were strange, if common experience did not teach vs other∣wise.* 1.39 For it is often times seene that such men who haue gained fauour in generall o∣pinion, and are assuredly thought to be con∣stant, and most resolute, in that wherein they are so reputed, doe notwithstanding
fall off from this their reputed Constancie, and yeeld themselues ouercome by the per∣swasion of dishonest and by considerations.
Secondly, And therfore is their iudgement much deceiued who belieue that any thing in this world is of that assurednes, & vnuaria∣ble cōstācie,* 1.40 as that no time, nor any perswa∣sion can altar. For the most excellent men, & the most excellent vertues of men, are not supported by their owne power, or by any earthly assistance, but by the hand of God only: in so much that when this most absolute power, shall not supply to any particular, the strength of such a one is but weakenes, & his constancie but faintnes;* 1.41 because (without this heauenly prop) he cannot support the body of his vertues, and so of necessity both he and they must incline to bad alteration: if then the question were demanded, what should be the condition of all men? I would answer, to bee constant in their holy purpo∣ses:* 1.42 but if it be demanded what is the Na∣ture of all men? I answer, that all of all manner of conditions, are inclineable to euil onely and that such who ascend the degrees
of best reputation, doe it not by their own•• power, neither haue they power to conti∣nue that state, but naturally cast themselues from those deseruings whereunto God hath raised them. Be it therefore the euerlasting honour of their names, who haue valiantly resisted the power of those earthen tempta∣tions, and haue had their regardfull eyes to holy and Religious ends onely. And such was Queene Elizabeth,* 1.43 who (in respect of her dangerous fortunes, was assuredly much tempted to these earthly regards, the which she nothing regarded in comparison of her heauenly cares, whereto she was wholly and assuredly deuoted.
Thirdly, And therefore I report not what could, but what would haue diswaded the Queene (in respect of Policie) from refor∣ming Religion; and I will plainly expresse my selfe in this particular, because I would most gladly auoid the euil of misconceiuing which commonly ariseth from doubtful vn∣derstanding.* 1.44
Fourthly,* 1.45 And for the Queene, though she neuer fainted in the care shee had vnderta∣ken
for Religion, but euer continued her course in one resolute passage, and euer trauelled therein with much prosperity and honour; yet there wanted not many re∣gards of Policie,* 1.46 and state considerations, which might haue allured her, from her ho∣ly constancie, and haue made her more remisse and colde in the pursuit of her holy businesse; such as heretofore haue altered the strongest purposes of other Christian Princes, and such as would haue altered the Queene her selfe, had not God (by the power of his Grace) giuen her extraordina∣rie supportations. For (as I haue said) Re∣ligion and Pollicie respect not alwaies one end,* 1.47 neither doe they worke by one and the same meanes. And though in Christian Common-Wealths it is most needfull that Religion order state,* 1.48 and that Christian Princes suffer themselues to be directed by the Law of God, and by the dutie of Consci∣ence;* 1.49 yet in the practise of many states it is otherwise, where the truth of Religion is peruerted, and the sense of Scripture wre¦sted, to maintaine the vnlawfull vse of such
state practises, as (in the truth of holy iudgement) are most damnable.
Fifthly, This truth is euident in the go∣uernement of such Christan States,* 1.50 whereby license, dispensation and pardons, men may adulterate, lye and Murther, and by the fa∣uour of their lawes, commit such outrage as (in the iudgement of Gods Law) is death:* 1.51 and these are regards of State, which (for ad∣uantage and profit) tollerate and protect those things, which (in the stricktnesse of Conscience) are altogether vnlawfull.
It is euident then both by generall obser∣uation and by speciall instance that Christi∣an Princes haue many earthly prouocations to withdraw them from the zealous pursuite of holy & Religious purposes, and that God onely is able to support the best, and most worthie, from dishonourable recusancie; and from retyring from those diuine seruices, whereunto they haue with great hope and much acclamation entred.
Sixthly, And in this noble deseruing hath Queene Elizabeth exceeded many of her prin∣cely predecessors; and therefore I report
this as one the chiefe of all her honourable deeds,* 1.52 whereby she hath well declared her selfe beloued of God, constant in her holy purpose, and best able to defend the holy quarrell of the Catholike Faith. For by this victorie she had of her selfe,* 1.53 she hath done that which all the world could not doe; God hauing made her inuincible, and not to be conquered but by her selfe.
Seuenthly, To relate the seuerall conside∣rations of state were much trauell & imper∣tinent to this busines; because the number of them is great, & for the much diuersity, they altering according to the variable gouerne∣ment of state, and as the alterations of time would make them vseful. I wil therfore (on∣ly) report some few which at this time, and in this state were very considerable.* 1.54 And first the alteration the State indured by the Q. altering Religion: for she could not but vn∣derstand, that her new forming the order of Religion in her Kingdomes,* 1.55 (was in the wisedome of State) very hazerdous;* 1.56 because thereby she must needs discontent the greater number of her subiects, whereby
shee became subiect to the displeasure of her owne people, and lesse able to suppresse the disobedience of such as should dare to at∣tempt against her. For at this time the Pro∣testant Religion (to which the Queene was zealously deuoted) had not equall greatnes in this Kingdome, with that of the Romish, the Papist exceeding the Protestant in Number and power.* 1.57 And therefore the Queene (in her election) made choise of the weaker and lesse able part, to support her against her better prouided enemies. And this shee would not haue done, if shee had yeelded to this perswasion of State, or had regarded the dignity of her temporall life,* 1.58 more than the honour and dignity of her Christian Name. But she that could not be ouercome with euill, ouercame this euill temptation, and resisted the power thereof by her vertue and godly constancie.
Eighthly,* 1.59 Againe, the Q in thus altering the State of Religion, did attempt a matter very difficult, and of no easie performance, and this she might vnderstand by her iudge∣mēt in Philosophie, & by obseruing the course
of all naturall things. For we see that those things which moue themselues,* 1.60 in their na∣turall motiō, are carried with lesse vehemēce then those that are moued by violent & for∣ced meanes. And the body of this kingdome (at that time of the Q. entering the state) mo∣uing in the fauour of romish religion, wher∣in it had formerly moued for many yeares, could not without much violence and great difficultie be moued against that customary motion,* 1.61 nor be forced to retire backe in the same steps, wherein it had formerly procee∣ded: and therfore this difficulty in finishing was a consideration of state, which (in respect of state) might haue diswaded the Q. holy care from the reforming of religion, & which would haue preuailed with any prince in the world, who had regarded the felicity of their temporal life, more than the honour of God or the prosperity of the Catholike Church.
Ninthly,* 1.62 the discontentment of her neigh∣bour nations▪ & the displeasure of the grea∣test part of Christian princes, was a speciall consideration, and such as that nothing but grace could be able to withstand, for it is ne∣cessarie
& natural in the Natures of Princes, & in the spirits of great persons,* 1.63 to desire ge∣nerall reputation, and that their names may liue in the fauour of good estimation, hating to be held hatefull, or not to haue place, in the loue of their neighbour nations. For this forreigne regard as it exceedingly cotenteth the noble spirits of such as desire it;* 1.64 so also it is most behoofull for the security of their persons & states; kingdomes and great states being in this respect like particular men,* 1.65 not able to liue in prosperity, and flourishing wealth, without cōmunicating to each other their seueral profits: neither is there any part in the world, where the regard of cōfederacy & forraigne cōbination is so behoofull as in the states of christendome,* 1.66 because of the e∣quall partage of christendome to many seue∣rall princes, whereby they liue in iealousie of one another; & cōmonly confederate with such forreigne power, as (in the discretion of state) is thought to be of most conueniency, both to aduance the glory of their nation, & to aduantage them against their most feared enemies, wheras it is otherwise in the spatious
gouernement of mighty Empires;* 1.67 such as at this day the Turke, the Persian and the Russian Emperours be, and such as heretofore the Ro∣mane Emperours were, who (by reason of their huge bodies of State,) moue almost without resistance, neither care these migh∣ty Emperours (so much) to confederate with their Neighbours, because they know that (of necessity) those lesser states must like Riuers discharge their seruice into their Ocean.* 1.68 But this Kingdome of England being in the middest of many disa∣greeing Nations. This consideration of state did therfore neerely concerne the Queene to consider of, and these importances would doubtlesse haue diswaded her holy cares, had her cares bene any other than holy.
Tenthly, But this Noble Defendresse of the Faith, howsoeuer shee vnderstood as much in the wisdome of State,* 1.69 as anie other Prince than liuing. Yet would she not be ru∣led by that wisdome, but (like her selfe, a most Christian Princesse) shee contradicts Pollicie with Pietie. And she whose Religious Iudgement might and could teach her, that
God was able to support her Princely State against all opposition, and to supply to al her necessities would (not for any State conside∣ration) distrust the mighty power of his pro∣uidence, or forsake the safetie of his prote∣ction for any cause whatsoeuer. For shee knew well that God was altogether as able to preuaile with the lesse as with the greater number, and that he was not like man, to worke onely by the aduantage of meanes,* 1.70 for without meanes can he effect whatsoe∣uer shall please him, were the whole power of earth and hel to withstand him. And ther∣fore as Sampson strong in God,* 1.71 could with his weake weapon destroy a Thousand of his enemies; so this most resolute Defen∣dresse of the Faith, refusing the power of earth, hath with the truth of Religion one∣ly, vanquished not a thousand onely, but many thousands of Gods enemies where∣by she hath most nobly garded the safe pas∣sage of the Catholike Faith.
Eleuenthly, And this I report in honour of this most excellent Queene,* 1.72 whom no re∣spect of danger or State consideration, could
remoue from her holy constancie; & whom all the power of the earth was not able to be∣reaue of her noble spirit, whereby shee was most excellent fit for the defence of Faith, and wherewith she hath defended it, with as much honourable merit, as euer any Chri∣stian Prince in the world did.
FIRST,* 1.73 God doth then trie the faith and loue of his seruants, when they are pre∣sented with strong and able temptati∣ons; for these tryalls though they cannot confirme in God any opinion of Truth, in whom there is all knowledge, yet they serue for the imitation of other, and for their iudgement that will not imitate.
Secondly, He that shall fall from the ser∣uice of God, for any respect whatsoeuer; doth iudge himselfe an Apostate, and vnwor∣thy of Gods fauour, because euen those that loue God, if they loue him for respect, they
loue the respect and not God.
Thirdly,* 1.74 In state reason it may seeme ha∣zardous for the Queene to alter the State of Religion, because it might haue occasio∣ned such discords in the State, as might much distresse her peaceable beginnings, be∣ing yet vnsetled; yet considering in what termes the State then stood, the Faction be∣ing almost indifferent in number and strength, she might very well thinke that the authority of her opinion would carrie ma∣ny thousands with it; because the grosse multitude doth euer moue in the current of the common opinion.
Fourthly, In the proceedings of State af∣faires the prosecutions must be ordered by a discreet and setled iudgement, and not with desperate vndertakings, which some call Man-hood and heroicall spirit. For if there be difference betweene a priuate man and an ordinarie officer in the State; there must also be difference betweene the parti∣cular cause and the generall State.
Fifthly, It is the strength of a Pollitique State, to haue assured confederacie, & com∣bination
with neighbour Nations, but the wisedome of that state is in nothing more iustified, than in the profitable vse of such confederacie; for therein doth appeare the excellence of wit, when with the onely charge of wit, we can imploy another mans power to our owne purposes.
Sixthly,* 1.75 To resist and vanquish the com∣mon knowne enemies of a vertuous life is a victorie, which morall men haue obtained, and doth assuredly iustifie (for good) the happie composition of such a Nature.
Seuenthly, To maintaine correspon∣dence and indifferent fauour in mutuall so∣cietie, is most necessarie to a mans happie condition; because he that hath the fauour of generall opinion, hath interest in euerie mans estate.
FIRST,* 1.76 the best witnesse of a Christian life is Mercie, and the best demonstration of mercie, is that fauour that men shew to their enemies; for such kindnesse is against the perswasion of flesh, and onely caused by the mouing of Grace. And therefore mercie (euen in an euill man) doth merit ad∣miration at the least,* 1.77 and to be reputed as a beautious ornament in a base subiect. But mercy in the good is a most worthie com∣mendation, and a worthinesse for which God will exchange his best benefits. For
there is nothing wherein God is more de∣lighted then the workes of Mercie in the heauenly exercise, whereof hee himselfe is wonderfully contented, gladding his most sacred diuinity, that in Mercie hee doth tri∣umph, and that his mercie hath the greatest part in all his workings.
Secondly, And as this respect of mercie hath preheminence in the Nature of God,* 1.78 so hath it also in the reformed natures of good men, who desire (principally) to square themselues to this most holy propor∣tion. And in this gratious respect of mercie hath Queene Elizabeth equalled the best Princes that euer were so rarely was this Queene composed of Mercie and Maiestie,* 1.79 as that in Maiestie she may iustly be reputed most excellent, & yet in Mercie more excel∣lent than in Maiestie; the which she would of∣ten declare (euen) to the enemies of her life and soule: For often would she reach her hands of fauour to them whose hands were euer readie to her destruction▪* 1.80 This truth is most euident in the view of her gratious gouernement, who abhorred their death,
who most traiterously sought hers, and suf∣fered such peacefully to enioy their euill consciences, who practised to destroy her for her zeale, and constancie in the Catholike Faith.
Thirdly, For if the Papists in the time of Queene Marie, or if now in such places where that Religion is profest, were or had bene so mercifull in the iudgement of their Lawes,* 1.81 as Queene Elizabeth was the time of her go∣uernement; then had not those times bene stayned with the crying sinnes of Blood and Persecution, neither had the bodies of Saints perished in that abundance at the holy fires of Martyrdome. May it therefore be for euer recorded for the honour of Queene Eliza∣beths name;* 1.82 that her mercie was more to the bad, then theirs to the better sort of people; and that in this most gratious indument, she is most worthie to bee compared with the most mercifull Prince that euer was.
Fourthly, The first yeares of her gouern∣ment may sufficiently proue this her merci∣full disposition, in which time the fauour of her hardest Lawes, were such as that her
greatest enemies (the enemies of her life and Religion) could not but acknowledge them very mercifull,* 1.83 seeking onely to reforme, & not to destroy the estate or life of any one.
Fifthly, Vpon this aduantage the euill spi∣rits of men, practise against her life and dig∣nitie.* 1.84 For it is not possible that the inuete∣rate enuie of men, can be satisfied, by any manner of faire perswasion, or suppressed by any violent meanes, vnlesse seuerity reach to the verie life of one so enuious: for mercie to an euill man maketh him pre∣sumptuous, and seuerity maketh him despe∣rate; So that this disease of enuie is not cura∣ble vnlesse God please to doe it. For in this peacefull time of the Q▪ when mercy was so generally conferd,* 1.85 did the Pope the enemie of Faith & the great Polititian of the world, deuise dangerous proiects against the Q. and the state of Religion in England, the which he prosecuted with much instance, and with∣all the forcible meanes he could deuise The course he tooke was answerable to the pra∣ctise of former Popes, anathemating & ban∣ning the Queene from the hope of saluatiō,* 1.86
interdicting her Kingdomes, and absoluing her subiects from the dutie of their naturall obedience, commanding vpon paine of damnation to doe that, which in the Iudge∣ment of Gods Law is damnation to doe. This instrument Pius Quintus the Pope,* 1.87 sent ouer into England, and according to his vn∣godly command was it diuulged and spread before the generall face of this Kingdome; whereby many of the Queenes people in the North, and in places of least knowledge and ciuility, reconcile themselues to the Popes fa∣uour,* 1.88 and like Calues ran wilde after the lo∣wing of this curst and cursing Bull, sent forth by the impious Pope Pius.
Sixthly, The Queene and State apprehen∣ding the danger of these proceedings, and knowing how hazzardous it might be to her life and state, to suffer this violence to passe without resistance;* 1.89 Call a Parliament, and there agree vpon such Statutes, as in their wisedomes were thought most conuenient, to preuent the mischiefe intended against the Queenes life, her State, and the Catholike Faith.
Seuenthly,* 1.90 The cause then mouing the Queene and State to enact those lawes (which they call seuerity) was themselues, by reason of their turbulent and euill spirits desiring innouation; yea, and inuasion (who) if they could haue bene content with the benefit of peace, which they thē enioyed, & wherewith the holy men of all ages haue bene most gladly contented, they had then preuented those lawes, which they so much condemne; neither had they runne their names, nor their cause of Religion, into that suspition of the State, as by these their treasonable designes they haue most iustly merited.* 1.91 But it is anti∣ent and true, that from euill manners are de∣riued good and wholsome lawes, and they by desire to harme the state, they did arme it with wholsome and prouident lawes, whereby it was made the better able to preuent and resist their harmefull intenti∣ons. And from their euill is this Good oc∣casioned, that by attempting euill, and by fayling in that attempt, they haue curbed their owne power and shortned their owne hornes, wherewith they and their Bulls had
thought to haue pusht the glory of this Na∣tion. And therefore was their Iudgement an effect of their owne cause, and most iustly inflicted on them. For God doth retort the euill purposes of men against the contriuers of them, and they that make snares and traps to catch men, are oftentimes snared in their owne deuises.
Eighthly, But yet those lawes which they call seuerity,* 1.92 were milde and mercifull, and not proportionable to the greatnesse of their offence, neither like in crueltie to the bloo∣die lawes in the time of Queene Maries go∣uernement, against the constant professors of the Protestāt Religion; the purpose of these Statutes being to secure the Queene,* 1.93 and to continue her subiects in their dutifull obe∣dience, not reaching to the life of any of the Queenes Subiects, for their opinion of Re∣ligion onely; insomuch as the most resolute Papist, were he assured in the dutie of his alle∣giance,* 1.94 and not guiltie of any treasonable practise, was not vrged by torture or extre∣mities to abiure his opinion and Faith of Religion, but might continue himselfe in
safety vnder the assured protection of the Q. & her mercifull lawes, it being the purpose of the Q. and state to reclaime the disobedi∣ence of her subiects (in respect of Religion) by faire, and not by forcible meanes, and to effect that by the gratious meanes of mercy, which the Pope & others lesse merciful, haue attempted by the violent meanes of Blood, fire and Persecution.
Ninthly,* 1.95 It is therefore mallice & a verie slander to the Q. princely name, that Gods enemies & hers doe report her a persecutor of Gods Saints, & that her lawes were bloo∣dy & tyrannous, & that many of that Reli∣giō whom they call Saints, haue in this king∣dome suffered Martyrdome for the witnes of their conscience onely,* 1.96 their being no one particular person (I think) in all the Q time that can truly be said thus to suffer death, but either as actors or abettors of Treason, the lawes hauing no authority to iudge them o∣therwise; For though by the law they were rebellious, and disobedient Subiects that would not cōforme themselues, to the refor∣med Religion then established: & though
by the Law they indured some easie punish∣ment, to make a difference betweene the du∣tifull & vndutifull Subiects, yet there was no Law so strict as to giue the sentence of death to any offending onely in Recusancie,* 1.97 nei∣ther was there any law (before this occasion of the Popes Bull) to make any the profes∣sors of that Religion,* 1.98 traytors vnlesse they were actors or abettors of conspiracie or treason in which cases the Protestants themselues were iudged with like seue∣rity.
Tenthly, And vnles the prouidence of the state would haue slept and bene regardlesse of the Q. the state, and state of Religion, there could not haue bene lesse done thē was done for the security of al,* 1.99 the purpose of the state being onely to preuent, and not to reuenge the iniuries of the Pope and his adhe∣rents.
Eleuenthly, It is wonder then, the Papist should condemne that in our state for seue∣rity,* 1.100 which in their own states is a mercie ne∣uer practised; for with them the least suspi∣tion to fauour or affect the Protestant Religi∣on
is persecuted, with much seuerity, & let a man (in other respects) be neuer so deser∣uing, or his place & birth neuer so eminent, if once he be conuict to be a Protestant, it is assured death: it is strange then they iudge vs persecutors,* 1.101 when our iustice hath lesse seueritie then their mercy, we but easily cor∣recting that offence, which they punish with death, and they seuerely punishing that which we most easily pardon.
Twelfthly,* 1.102 For how many with vs dare, and doe fauour those dangerous instruments of state, and how commonly dare men disco∣uer their superstitious affections in common conference, and often with earnest reaso∣nings, defending and damning according to their appetites, whereas with them euery little circumstance is quarrelsome, and pre∣sumptions many times are most seuerely punished.
13. And this seuerity in them, is assu∣redly verie considerable for their Pollitique State of Religion, being one maine prop whereupon they repose their greatnesse, for it is verie necessarie for them to vse
all their forceable violence, to suppresse that truth, which in despight of vio∣lence (like the palme) will sprout and prosper vnder their grieuous oppres∣sions. And considering how the Prote∣stant Religion (notwithstanding their oppressing it) hath spread it selfe into verie spatious limits,* 1.103 they may well vnderstand, how much more it should haue flourished if by their violent hinderances, it had not bene letted in his prosperous growth.* 1.104 But this bloo∣dy pollicie of theirs was not answera∣ble to piety and holy reason, for so could the wise Gamaliell teach them, who withstood the bloody counsell of the Iewes,* 1.105 who would haue persecuted the holy Apostles withall seueritie, with this perswasion, that if their cause were not good, that then GOD would be enemie vnto it, and so of it selfe it would fall, and if it were good, it would bee in vaine to resist it; because GOD would support it against all resi∣stance.
14. The mercie of our English Lawes then (in matters concerning Religion one∣ly) is an assured demonstration,* 1.106 that our Prince our State, and our Religion is mer∣cifull, and these demonstrations of mercie, are no weake proofes that our Religion is most Catholike and Christian, most Catholike because of conformity to the Primitiue Church, and most Christian, because the ex∣ercise of mercie is the best imitation of Christ himselfe,* 1.107 the Lord and true patterne of the Catholike and true Christian beleeuer. And therefore the Queene and the Parliament were both mercifull and prouident in con∣cluding these statutes the which by no other cause but by the Papists themselues were oc∣casioned.
15. The purpose of the Statutes was this principally,* 1.108 first to prohibit the bringing o∣uer of Bulls or interdictions from the Pope. Secondly, to restraine the Runnawaies, and Trauellers beyond the Seas without license, and to prohibit Iesuits and recon∣siled Papists from returning into the Queenes Dominions, vnlesse vpon their returne,
they would submit to such as by the State were authorized to that purpose. Now how needfull it was for the Church and State of England,* 1.109 to haue this prouidence for their se∣curity and peace, I purpose in the next Chapter verie briefly to discouer.
FIRST,* 1.110 Such are (onely and alwaies to be opposed as enemies to a Christian State, as are so iudged by the sentence of Gods Word. For seeing Christ (who is the Word of his Father) is our Generall in all spirituall conflicts, we must onely and al∣waies fight his battailes by his direction.
Secondly,* 1.111 To restraine disorder and dis∣obedience in subiects, the State doth vsually resort to the wisedome of a Parliament; for though the King by his Proclemations may command or restraine his Subiects, he being that one particular in whose person the whole authority of the State consisteth: yet
doe Parliament Statutes the rather satisfie be∣cause they proceed both from the Kings au∣thority, and from the generall wisedome of the Kingdome.
Thirdly,* 1.112 There is no man can liue in that indifferencie of fauour withall, but that hee shall haue cause to make distinction of friend and enemie, or if he be free from all enmity; yet he shall finde difference in his friends, and therefore he must distinguish them.
FIRST, In respect of the Church* 1.113 were they most important for the which they were principal∣ly enacted:* 1.114 they did also much import the State, because the prosperity of the Common-Wealth doth by a necessarie consequence depend vpon the prosperity of the Church, for in all true Christian King∣domes the Church and the Common-Wealth,* 1.115 are Children of one and the same Parent, and though the Church be the older and of better inheritance; yet a Christian Common-Wealth is a Childe of the same Father, and hath a younger brothers portiō, in the partage of Gods blessings, the one in∣heriting
felicity & eternity, the other felicity but not eternall. And therefore whatsoe∣uer doth concerne the Church principally doth concerne the Common-VVealth like∣wise, in a subordinate degree, and those things which aduance a Christian State; cannot derogate from the honour of the Church.* 1.116 And this is true and onely true, in holy and Religious Common-VVealths, but not in such States, where the Church is disinherited of Prioritie and birth-right; and where the chiefe respect is had to Pollicie on∣ly and not to Piety.
Secondly, The importance of these statutes (in respect of the Church) may be conside∣red in this,* 1.117 that the Popes quarrell with the Q. and the State, was for Religion onely, be∣cause the Church of England had cast off that obedience, which formerly it had vnworthi∣ly giuen to the Popes, wherby the Popes great∣nesse and reputation in England, was not on∣ly weakened, but also his other priuate ends of aduantages and reuennewes were ta∣ken from him. And therefore consi∣dering the quarrell was for the Religion
profest in England, the defence of the quarrell on the Churches behalfe must needs very much concerne it.
Thirdly,* 1.118 Againe, many of the particular branches of those statutes, had principall re∣spect to the benefit of the Church, and to re∣moue all such euill meanes, as might any way corrupt and abuse, the consciences of men in the case of Religion; the Church ha∣uing found much inconuenience, by the continuall intercourse of English, Romish pas∣sengers,* 1.119 passing from England to Rome, and from Rome to England; whereby the English Church lay open to all the Popes perswasions; and whereby the ignorant and baser sort of people were withdrawne from their Christi∣an beliefe, & from the dutie of their naturall allegiance. And therefore to preuent this in∣conuenience was a care most considerable for the Church, and which (directly) ten∣ded to the aduancement of true Reli∣gion.
Fourthly, There be also many other re∣spects, which in these Statutes, directly in∣tend the benefit of the Church, all which may
appeare most euident to any iudgement that shall with impartiall eyes peruse them.
Fifthly,* 1.120 And in truth there is nothing in a true Christian Common-Wealth, that can onely direct it selfe to the benefit of State on∣ly; but that Religion must withall be respe∣cted, the care of State being but the bye, and Religion the maine of euery Christian in∣tendment. And therefore oftentimes euen in those things which seeme most properly to concerne the State, is Religion in them most regarded; the care of State in respect of Religion, being like the care of our bo∣dies,* 1.121 or which holy men care, but so onely, as for the houses of their soules, and because of communicating those necessarie serui∣ces, which necessarily depend of each other. These Statutes then were of most impor∣tance for the Church:* 1.122 that being the most respected end, whereto they were principal∣lie directed.
Sixthly, In respect of the Common-Wealth* 1.123 also were these statutes verie consi∣derable and of speciall importance, and namely in these particulars that the enemies
of the State;* 1.124 hauing made dangerous at∣tempts, to innouate, and alter the State, it behooued them, to whose wisedomes the care of State was committed, to vse the best preuentions they could to hinder the like occasions; and therfore were these statutes deuised both to cut off the euill members al∣ready corrupted in the Common-wealth, and also to preuent all such future occasi∣ons.
Seuenthly,* 1.125 Againe, there is no Protestant State, in the world which hath not found the dangerous inconuenience, of Iesuites and Popish Priests nursed in Seminaries beyond the Seas: these men (like so many euill spi∣rits) conueighing their treasonable tempta∣tions to sillie men least able to resist; where∣by many great and dangerous Rebellions, haue bene occasioned, and whereby many damned and most dangerous attempts haue bene made against the liues of Christian Princes.
Eighthly, And for this consideration were the Iesuites banished France* 1.126 for thát memorable villanie of theirs attempted
on the person of the French King; memora∣ble it may be for the horror of the deed, and for circumstance of persons a Franciscan Frier acting,* 1.127 and a Christian Prince suffering it, and memorable for that a Pope in pub∣like Orations, did allowe the deede, and commēd the doer, canonizing him for holy & happie, whose fact (without repentance) was most wicked and damnable; daring to do more then holy K Dauid,* 1.128 to lay his mur∣therous hands vpon the Lords Anointed.
Ninthly,* 1.129 And as this is a respect conside∣rable in all States, so in no place more, then in the English Nation, this Kingdome ha∣uing had many like attempts, and hauing many such attemptors, who haue da∣red to enterprise such treasons, as all the world, nor all the time in the world is not a∣ble to produce the like. And therefore to prohibite these Runnagate Traytors, to re∣turne more dangerous Traytors then they went; and to infect the whole with the Le∣prosie of their vngodly positions, and do∣ctrines, was a care which much regarded the peace & the prosperous estate of this King∣dome.* 1.130
Tenthly, By these statutes the Policie of the Romish Church was preuented.* 1.131 For it hath euer beene and yet is the Politike wise∣dome of that state, to send out these their Intelligencers,* 1.132 their Priests and Iesuites into all nations▪ who (by confessions, & other se∣cret workings) vnderstād almost the secrets of all States, & then like Bees to their Hiue, or Spirits to their hell) send or bring all the vse of their trauells to the Seate of Rome; whereby the Popes haue euer had vnderstan∣ding in the most secret affaires of State, al∣most in all Nations. And this is so behoue∣full for his greatnesse,* 1.133 as with this he may be said to moue the bodie of his greatnes, nei∣ther without this could he support himselfe in such estimation as he is. For when the practise of any Prince is working against him,* 1.134 he hath timely vnderstanding of it, by these his carefull Intelligencers, and by that meanes he is the better able to worke his owne safetie, and to preuent the intend∣ments of his aduersaries.
Eleuenthly, And therefore was this of speciall consideration for the state, to ex∣clude
them the Land, who are the betrayers of our State Secrets, to our greatest enemies. There are these and many other respects, which make it most behoouefull, for the peace and prosperous estate both of the Church and state of England, to banish the land of these vngodly practisers, & to bring them their aydors, abettors, and receiuers, within the compasse of treason;* 1.135 because their practise is treason, and they themselues most dangerous Traytors; dangerous to men, dangerous to the soules of men, dan∣gerous to mens estates, and dangerous to the States of Kingdomes and great States: in the politike practise wherof they are much more learned,* 1.136 then in the iudgement of Diuini∣tie and Christian Religion.
FIRST,* 1.137 Religion doth not deny her spe∣ciall Ministers the Clergy the knowledge of the very secrets of Policie, or rather the Church (in these times) hath a necessity that doth require such knowledge: because there are many enemies, that present them∣selues against the peace and prosperitie of the Church, which could not be resisted (with victorie) but by more then common discre∣tion; yet it is one thing to know and pre∣uent, and another to trauell in vnlawfull Po∣litique designes.
Secondly,* 1.138 The Romane State doth sup∣port the body of her greatnes vpon this par∣ticular Policie, that by her Priests and Iesuites she can discouer all States. This (in the dis∣cretion of State) is such a strength as that she might be thought inuincible, but that God doth fight against her.
Thirdly,* 1.139 hee that intrudes himselfe into
such businesse, wherein both his profession and his particular cause would make him a stranger, is iniurious to himselfe and others, to himselfe, because hee must neglect his owne particular, to others, because he doth vndertake that cause, wherein he is, or should be ignorant.
FIRST,* 1.140 it is euerie ones care to prouide for themselues, and to labour the aduancement of their own prosperous fortunes; but few there be who care for other men, or that labour in the trauell of other mens af∣faires. And among all the sorts of men, these few are the best; for by this demonstration of Charitie they approue themselues to bee good men and Christians;* 1.141 good men by the Law of Nature, and good Christians by the Law of grace. This Charitable commu∣nicating of giftes and benefits, being com∣manded and commended before all earth∣ly regards. And therefore, he that with true
Christian respect loueth his neighbour kee∣peth halfe the Law, and he that loueth God keepeth it all; yet he that made this Lawe, could thus expound it,* 1.142 that no man can ob∣serue all the Lawe, vnlesse he first obserue the halfe, neither can any man giue God his dutie, who first will not giue his Loue to his Neighbour, which is not giuen, vnlesse wee declare it in our exercise of such charitable offices, as we haue power to doe, and as the necessities of our Christian brethren may require them.
Secondly,* 1.143 and this is the dutie of euerie Christian man, of what estate soeuer; it is al∣so the dutie of euerie Christian kingdome, to support one another in their iust quarrels, and to communicate to each other their ge∣nerall commodities.* 1.144 And howsoeuer in many states (of Christian name) this strict∣nesse of conscience is not regarded; yet in the best it is, and in all it ought to be, for the puritie of Christian Religion is of that excel∣lent purenesse,* 1.145 that no staine can be in the vse thereof without dishonourable imputa∣tion. And we all know that in the practise
of heathenish and barbarous Common-Wealths,* 1.146 are many things very commenda∣ble which in a Christian State would appeare most odious, because in those States they respect greatnesse only, and there any thing is allowable that may helpe them forward. But where goodnesse and vertuous name is desired, there men neglect the offer of all euill occasions, and embrace that onely for lawfull and good, which (in the iudgement of good conscience) is approued lawfull and good.
Thirdly, And in these heauenly respects of Christian commiseration, we haue good cause, and so haue many Princes in Chri∣stendome,* 1.147 to remember Queene Elizabeth most mercifull and compassionate; who did euer entertaine the extremities of distres∣sed Christian Princes,* 1.148 and whose hands were euer armed with valour, and victory, to support them in their kingly reputations, & to defend them from the iniuries of their ambitious & powerful enemies. But because the number of her princely deseruings in this kinde were many, and to report them
would require large circumstance. I will therefore make choise onely of some parti∣culars of best memorie, and of most impor∣tance, such as being knowne may reduce to memorie the glory and greatnesse of the Queenes actions. And the honour which the name of England hath got in being gouerned by a Ladie of so matchlesse a reputation.
Fourthly,* 1.149 And as that neerest to vs in re∣spect of weighty consequence. I remember Scotland first, a kingdome which before her time, neuer stood assured to the fauour of England, but what by reason of their naturall discord, and because of the combination be∣tweene the kingdome of France and it; that nation hath euer bene suspected of ours, and we of them; and therefore both of vs haue euer commonly stood in the tearmes of lea∣lousie,* 1.150 and both our Nations haue had re∣gardful eye to the proceeding of each other: yet with such wisedome, could those times order their affaires of State, as that these their disagreements were not hazerdous to the fortunes of either kingdomes; but continued for respects of Pollicie
insomuch as the Warres of Scotland with vs, were rather emulations than VVarres; and ours with them were rather for manly exer∣cise,* 1.151 than any desire to subuert or vtterly ouerthrow the bodie of that State. And in truth it cannot be imagined two Nations so neere as they are (how euer made friends by allyance or other friendly entertaine∣ments) could liue without giuing of offence to one another, nor without many spitefull and hot contentions, these two Kingdomes in one Isle being like two wiues in one house,* 1.152 vnder one and the same husband, euer be∣ing in ciuill displeasure for superiority, nei∣ther could these displeasures be euer ended, but as God hath done it, making of these two Nations one Monarch: the which like one wife without competitor, he hath wed∣ded to one husband the Kings Maiestie that last was,* 1.153 and to his posterity for euer, by whom the emulation & strife of these euer disagreeing natiōs is for euer compounded.
Fifthly,* 1.154 In the glory of which deed Queene Elizabeth hath a greater part than any Prince in the world; because in her life
time she did so much in that Kingdome, for the safetie of the King and that State, as might well declare both her power and her princely care, for that Christian Prince and his Kingdome;* 1.155 defending her Kingly Sonne, (our Kings Maiestie) in the right of his King∣dome, and in the truth of his Christian Reli∣gion, against all the enemies of his life and State: and therefore hath shee the greater glory, in defending a Christian King and his Nation in their best quarrell, and against their greatest enemies, and yet hath shee better deserued, in leauing a Kingdome, bet∣ter then that to the King, and to his posterity for euer.* 1.156 Thus did the power of the Queene defend that Nation, which the power of her predecessors had many times offended; she recompensing (at once) the iniuries and harmes, which (they) the former Kings and Queenes (of England) had many times in∣flicted on that Kingdome. And th••refore haue they good cause to honour her re∣membrance, and to giue her name the best merit of all the rase of her princely pre∣decessors.
Sixthly, But she who was large in the vse of her Christian mercy, could not thus bound her vertues in the limits of an Iland, neither could she content her selfe that she had done well, but delighteth to continue her well-doing. And therefore being inui∣ted by the necessitie of the French Kings* 1.157 oc∣casion, Henrie the Fourth, she reacheth him her hand of fauour to France, and there she witnesseth the greatnesse of her power, and the greatnesse of her mercifull regard; that notwithstanding that Nation had bene the corriuall of this, and had euer enuied the prosperity of our many victories. And though the Queene her selfe was lawfully in∣terested into the title of that Crowne,* 1.158 yet would she not take aduantage of these op∣portunities, but so powerfully she assisted the King; as that by her meanes, he might well say to haue gained the garland, which with∣out the Queenes assistance had either not bene got, or not so gainfully obtained.
Seuenthly,* 1.159 And if any one obiect, the Queene was improuident to conferre her fa∣uours to a nation, which had euer more en∣uied
& opposed the prosperity of her owne kingdome, & whereof she had no assurance, let them remember that the Queene was ne∣uer altogether ruled by the perswasion of State reason and that in this particular,* 1.160* 1.161 shee deuiseth not how to inlarge her owne king∣dome, but how the kingdome of God might by her be any way aduanced. And be∣cause that then the French King did declare himselfe to professe the Protestant Religion. she therfore thought it the office of her high place to defend him in the cause of Religiō,* 1.162 & to defend that christian faith, whereof she was made Defendresse; the which she did so fortunately, that he obtained his kingdome, & she a name of honour that wil liue for euer in al those places of the world, where the ver∣tues & honourable deeds of noble persona∣ges are recorded. And let the French-men for euer remember her name thankefully,* 1.163 as their noble Defendresse: let them remēber al∣so that as our english Kings haue euer bene a terror to their natiō, so this Q. of Englād was their cōfort, & she by whose fauour they ob∣tained that benefit, which presētly they enioy
in their King and in their peaceable State,
Eighthly, Another instance of the Queenes fauorable commiseration was the King and kingdome of Portingall,* 1.164 the poore King Anthonie being executed by Philip King of Spaine, a power that (by much) did ouer∣match Anthonie, and therefore this Portingall made his resort to implore the fauour of Queene Elizabeth, who (after the Nature of her gratious spirit) compassionates his great miserie, and furnisht him very princely to∣wards the reobtaining of his king∣dome.
Ninthly, And though this businesse had not successe answerable to hopefull expecta∣tion; God otherwise disposing it, yet doth not that diminish, the Queenes gratious merit,* 1.165 for it is not in any earthly power to giue victory at pleasure but to attempt one∣ly, and to leaue the successe to the will of God. Againe, we see that the greatest earth∣ly powers haue often failed in the like at∣tempts, because (as I haue said) no Prince can giue victory at his pleasure, but must a∣bide
the fortune of the day which is alway vncertaine.* 1.166 And who can tell but that God (in iudgement to that people) would not suffer the Queenes good purpose to preuaile,* 1.167 neither doe all men agree on the lawfulnesse of Anthonies title, many approuing the right of the King of Spaine to the Crowne of Por∣tingall to be more iust than that of Anthonies: yet the Queene is not to be blamed for taking part with Anthonie against her profest ene∣mie, the King of Spaine then hauing declared himselfe such an enemie to the Queene and her State, as made it behoofull for the Queene to apprehend all occasions to wea∣ken him.
Tenthly The Queene therefore had a double respect in this Portingall voyage:* 1.168 first, to repossesse the wronged king (for so she be∣leeued him:) secondly, to disaduantage the great enemie of her State, whereby to make him the lesse able to offend her. And there∣fore though she failed in finishing, yet was her purpose good, and doth merit to bee ranked among her other honourable deeds,* 1.169 & because it was done principally in fauour
of a distressed Christian Prince to relieue him in the extremities of his hard fortune; it deserueth so much the more of honoura∣ble remembrance, and to bee reputed, as an effect caused by the Queenes most grati∣ous disposition.
Eleuenthly, A fourth instance of the Queenes gratious fauour to forraigne Prin∣ces, is Belgica the States of the Low-Coun∣tries* 1.170 where the Queene hath done so much as hath made her famous in all the world, receiuing those little pettie States into her protection against the King of Spaine (at that time the greatest Prince in Christendome, the which quarrell shee did maintaine with such aduantage, as made the king feare her and the world admire her.
Twelfthly,* 1.171 And howsoeuer there be that obiect, the Queene did iniurie to the Spanish King to assist his rebellious subiects against him (for so they repute the States of the Low-Countries) yet doe I verily beleeue o∣therwise. For though I will not dispute the title of the king of Spaine to these Countries, being impertinent both to me, and to this
Historie,* 1.172 yet may it assuredly be concluded that the Queene a godly and religious Ladie, at that time ordered by as wise and honou∣rable a Counsell as was in Christendome, would not rashly haue entred into any di∣shonourable quarrell, or haue done ought in the generall view of the world, that stood not with the reputation of her princely name. And this doe they well vnderstand, who best vnderstood the Queenes nature,* 1.173 who respected the honour of her princely name as much as any other Prince euer did.
13. And though it be iudged that the states were Rebells to the King of Spaine,* 1.174 yet consi∣dering the full opposition of that time be∣tweene England and Spaine, it may seeme reasonable in the Queene to take this aduan∣tage offered by the Low-Countries, and to protect them for the security of her owne peace, aswell because of their conformity in Religion, as also for the better disinabling of her mortall enemie, who by all contriue∣ment sought the detriment of her state.* 1.175 And besides there is a great difference in them,
who moue Rebellion, and them, who im∣ploy Rebells being moued to opportune purposes, especially considering the enmity of him against whom they Rebell.
14. And this I write to answer the euill rumors of such men, who are most ready to traduce the Queenes most honourable deseruings.* 1.176 For neither do I condemne the States for Rebells, neither do I acquite them of that imputation, but onely answere for the honour of Queene Elizabeth:* 1.177 that how∣soeuer the controuersie stood betweene the Low Countries and Spaine, the offence was so great betweene vs, and the Spaniard, as may seeme to iustifie the Queene in her pro∣ceedings. And therefore they who calum∣niate and bite her name causelesse; doe like Doggs, who barke against the Sunne, which in despight of enuy and them, will for euer shine vpon the face of the earth, and her vertuous name (like Vertue) will appeare more glorious by the vitious opposition of enuie,* 1.178 and from the false slanders of euill men shall arise her commendation.* 1.179
15. Therefore I dare boldly conclude,
that in this particular of the Low Countries the Queen did that was very iustifiable, con∣sidering the circumstance of the Spannish warres, and considering with what honour it hath beene done, shee hath merited the highest honour, that victorie and honoura∣ble armes can deserue.* 1.180 And this truth (no doubt) the States themselues will witnesse with me, who haue often triumphed in the Conquest of her victories: and so will the Spaniards too (whose experience hath made them know her well) vnlesse that enuie, and the remembrance of former quarrels prompt them with false constructions.
16. In these, and in many other particu∣lars, hath the Queen declared her selfe a most noble Defendress of the Catholike Faith,* 1.181 whose cares were euer seruants to the necessities of such Christian States, as would desire them, whereby shee hath with much honourable applause) spent the number of her fortu∣nate daies, and whereby shee hath most no∣bly defended the professors, and the pro∣fession of the Catholike Faith:* 1.182 Whose king∣dome little England hath been a sanctuarie
for holy and religious persons to flie to, from all places of trouble and persecution, and who hath euer bene willing & able to offend the bad & defend the better sort of people.
FIRST,* 1.183 To intend and prosecute our owne good onely, doth not discharge the duty of a Christian conscience; For Piety is like God who hath a generall refe∣rence to all creatures.
Secondly,* 1.184 A Prince that doth support his distressed neighbour States in their righteous quarrells, doth a worke both Religious and Pollitique. Religious because the rules of con∣science command such charitable supporta∣tions; and Pollitique, because his owne di∣stresse may challenge from them the like retribution.
Thirdly,* 1.185 Whatsoeuer is in any mans estate or power, more than may suffice for the wel-being of his owne particular, hee ought to
conferre that with charitable beneuolence vpon common distresses, only he hath liber∣ty in the choise of his particulars.
FIRST, It is most true, that they who defend Gods quarrell, shall in their iust quarrells bee defen∣ded by him, and they who denie him in any seruice, them will he denie the fauour of his protection. For as God is most Iealous of his honour, and hateth to be vn∣regarded of his Creature, so is he wonder∣fully contented in the faithfull seruices of men, abhorring (in his diuine Nature) not to double the recompence of such reward.* 1.186 And therefore when God giueth comman∣dements,
he giueth them with promise to reward the obseruers of them,* 1.187 whereby ho∣ly men haue beene euer comforted with this assurance, that God is most assured in his promises, it being impossible to his diuine Nature, to be either forgetfull or vngrate∣full. Na (rather) so delighted he is with obe∣dience, that (most carefully) he apprehen∣deth euery little seruice of men,* 1.188 to reward it with infinite of benefits.
Secondly, this truth is knowne both by holy examples, and by testimonies most ho∣ly,* 1.189 it is knowne also in the Queenes parti∣cular, whom God did wonderfully protect against all the power of Hell & Earth. For I as∣suredly beleeue there was neuer any Christi∣an Prince in the world, against whom were so many practises,* 1.190 & diuelish proiects attemp∣ted; her enemies cōtinually working against her, either by their power or by their Polli∣cie, either by forraigne, or by ciuill warres; ei∣ther by open or by secret practises;* 1.191 some∣times by inuasion, & sometimes by Rebelli∣on; by poyson often by conspiracie more of∣ten; so that there was no weapon, which in
the wisedome of diuellish art,* 1.192 might destroy her, but it was brandished against her, yet did God stand betweene her & danger, and bare off many times the blow of death, at the in∣stant when the destroyers arme was heaued against her; and such as haue bene solemnly sworne to destroy her, and haue vowed their resolutiō by taking the Sacrament, & though the opportunities of time and place serued them; yet in the very act haue they fainted, being daunted with the Maiesty of her hea∣uenly presence.* 1.193 And though the greatest Princes & Potentates in Christēdome, did com∣bine themselues against her, withall their power whereby there was continual practise on foot to destroy her; yet did the hand of God leade her thorow all those dangers, and made her trauell an honourable length of daies, and then giue vp her soule in peace to his hands who had so wonderfully prote∣cted her.
Thirdly,* 1.194 It was therefore fruitles and vaine to contriue against her whom God would defend, & by whose mighty deliuerance he had declared himself to fauour her; some of
which particulars I will remember, the ge∣nerall being to large an argument to dis∣course on.
Fourthly,* 1.195 The storie of her heauie persecu∣tion, the time of her Sisters gouernement is common to euery mans knowledge; & ther∣fore I need not report the manner of that, nor the manner of her Christian suffering it: yet this is worthy of obseruation that (at that time) God did suffer her enemies to preuaile far,* 1.196 but not to her destruction, and it may seeme wonderful, that considering Q. Marie did rule the State, and Stephen Gardiner the Bishop of Winchester did rule her, & that both of them did most perfectly hate Q Eli∣zabeth: how the Queene could possibly auoid their euill malice.
Fifthly, And though it be obiected that because of Queene Elizabeths innocence,* 1.197 Queene Mary and the Bishop could not haue haue their purpose,* 1.198 it is otherwise: For the displeasure of a Prince disposed to Reuenge, can in the fairest life finde foule occasions. And when authority hateth the person of any one,* 1.199 it is most easie to brand them with
offences. And this could Stephen Gardiner well vnderstand, who had profited as much and more in the learning of pollicie than in piety, and holy wisedome. And therefore though the Queenes innocence was a cause of her safetie,* 1.200 yet was there a greater cause (the fauour of God) which did defend her against the power of Pollicie, which her in∣nocence could not doe.
Sixthly,* 1.201 after she was Queene, when the storme did seeme to be past, did it then be∣gin againe with greater furie, the Pope sen∣ding his turbulent spirits into this Nation to set the kingdome in combustion, who by his interdictions and papall curses, did ban the Queene from heauen,* 1.202 absoluing her sub∣iects from their obedience: deposing the Queene, and disposing of her Kingdomes, as he thought conuenient. And this by reason of the fauour of Romish Religion, did some hurt in the State; the Earles of Westmerland and Northumberland* 1.203 by this incouragement, raise Rebellious Armes against the Queene and the State of Religion. But God the great enemie of Traitors confounds this
practise of the Popes confounds his rebelli∣ous instruments the two Earles,* 1.204 scatters their rebell troopes, and giueth the Queene and ho∣nourable victory.
Seuenthly, The Pope finding these oppo∣sitions to weake, incites a more able enemie against her,* 1.205 Philip King of Spaine, who by rea∣son of his Indian Wealth and his large com∣mand of people, may bee thought the most able Prince in Christendom, between whom and the Queene the Warres were maintained with much resolution and valour; yet by reason of the maine distance betweene their Kingdomes, they were lesse fearefull than o∣therwise they would haue bene, if these two, England and Spaine had bene neighbour Na∣tions.* 1.206 And therefor the common attempts on both parties were to Roue at Sea, and make prey of such Merchants and others, as had not power to resist them, whereof it happened that both of them, both lost and wonne, according as good occasion, and the fortune of VVarre would fauour them.* 1.207
Eighthly, And in these heates and prouo∣cations
did these warres continue whereby both Nations became in the greatest hatred of one another that could be. And the Spa∣nyard naturally proud, and hauing got ma∣ny victories in other parts of the world, thought it much to his dishonour, that little England should be able to resist his greatnes, the rather he being ayded by the Pope, and England vnassisted by any other confede∣rate saue the Low-Countries. Therefore he made great preparation to inuade this king∣dome,* 1.208 that by the Conquest thereof he might declare his greatnesse and (at once) end that warre, which had bene continued (by Sea fights and other pettie grieuances) a long time.* 1.209 And for this end was that huge Nauie of Ships prouded by them; Christe∣ned the inuincible Nauie, which anchoring neere our English Coast, appeared like a Ci∣tie of Ships, or like another England come to inuade England;* 1.210 so confident were they in the trust of this victory, that before hand they would dispose of Earledomes, Lordships, and large Possessions, bringing with them whips and other instruments of tor∣ment,
to afflict the victored English, ouer whom they neuer were victors.
Ninthly,* 1.211 But God who saw this their pre∣sumptuous pride and hated it in the Nature of his Angels, would not flatter in the Na∣ture of the Spanyards, and that men might know that he onely,* 1.212 and not the numbers of men can giue victory, he in a trice dissolues this huge Congregation of Ships; and by the wisedome & Pollicie of one little man onely,* 1.213 did he vtterly ouerthrow this mighty Goliah, this huge hoast by the Spanyards reputed and reported to be inuincible.
Tenthly, And thus did God giue a grati∣ous deliuerance to his seruant Elizabeth; ma∣king her triumph in the spoyle of her ene∣mies, and to ouerthrow that strength, which in iudgement was thought inuincible. And for the Queene her selfe in these weighty af∣faires,* 1.214 she neuer gaue the least demonstrati∣on of feare, but in her owne person and in her greatest hazard, would shee by orations animate and inflame the valour of her people, shewing the greatnesse of her noble Spirit, with such proofes of Ma∣iestie,
as the greatest courage in the world could not do more. By these particulars out of many, may appeare how much Queene Elizabeth was in Gods fauour, and how ad∣mirably hee hath defended this most no∣ble Defendresse of the Catholike Faith.
FIRST, Before our end* 1.215 wee are not certainely knowne what we are, because of the many al∣terations & turnings, whereto all Earthly things are subiect; for wee see that the beginning, and the endings of ma∣ny vtterly disagree, and that many haue
a hopefull beginning, whose ends are despe∣rate; and a man may enterprise well that can∣not finish well. Therefore as euery thing is iudged by the euent, so euery man is iudged by his end, he being most properly said to be such a man, as he shall declare himselfe in his last resolutions.
Secondly,* 1.216 It is then the glory of our life to continue in well doing, and that no con∣sideration moue vs to retire from the vse of vertuous deeds, and to abandon that where∣by we haue gotten a reputation of vertuous liuing.
Thirdly,* 1.217 And this godly constancie hath well appeared in Queene Elizabeth who euer continued her selfe most constant in her Re∣ligious Resolution. For as she was ruled be∣ing vnder gouernement, so shee ruled when she had the gouernement, and so she left the rule when she left the gouernement. she was borne in the Faith of the Protestant Religion, she liued in that Faith,* 1.218 and in that Faith she died; her aduersity in her Sisters time could not weary her, nor her prosperity in her own time varie her,* 1.219 but in both times was she one
without alteration. At her entring the State she tooke vpon her the Defence of the Ca∣tholike Faith; the which she attempted no∣blely, continued constantly, and finished happily; for as she began, so she conti∣nued, and as shee continued so shee ended.
Fourthly,* 1.220 This her Christian constancie is most apparant in the view of her gouerne∣ment, where her hands were euer working for the defence of Faith, defending it at home,* 1.221 defending it abroad, for her selfe de∣fending it, and defending it for others; euer in trauell for this holy businesse, the particu∣lars whereof (if I should report them,) I should ouercharge my poore abilitie with too much businesse, and peraduenture pre∣uent the Labours of some other better able to report them.* 1.222 For it cannot be that the honorable name of this great Queene should euer dye, or that the remembrance of her vertuous and Princely deedes should perish in forgetfulnes, because this Nation which she hath so much honoured, hath many ge∣nerous and sufficient Learned men, whose
honestie will neuer suffer, that England lose the honour of her famous memorie, by whose great Maiesty England it selfe, and the name of English-man is (throughout the world) made very famous.
Fiftly, And I heartily wish, that these my poore vndertakings in this honorable cause, may prouoke (be it by enuie or displeasure) some better sufficiency to report her most Princely deseruings: and it iustly doth moue admiration in many, that among so much sufficient Learning as this Land hath, such a Queene, such a Patronesse of Pietie & Lear∣ning,* 1.223 should not liue in the written monu∣mēts of their best sufficiencie, whose name hath got degrees aboue admiration, with Princes of the greatest commaund in the World. And most excellent Prince (may it please your Grace I may report the loue I will euer owe the liuing name of this dead Queene, and the content I haue that my stu∣dies are, and haue beene imployed in these honourable arguments: For howsoeuer in all other things I am little in the fauour of Fortune. Yet in this I acknowledge her li∣beralitie,
that this great Princesse (by For∣tune) doth liue in the memorie of my wri∣tings.
FIRST,* 1.224 the last act of the Queens defence for the Catholike Faith, was the care shee had at her death to surrender the charge of her high place, to a Prince faithfull and assured, and to such a one, whom (in her Princely iudgement) shee had found fit to mannage a matter of that consequence.* 1.225 And this was a care very Christian in the Queene, and which declared the truth of her Religi∣ous affection. For they that loue and desire the world onely;* 1.226 and that haue no hope in the fauour of God or in the happinesse of heauen; neuer trouble themselues to care
for that which may outliue their life, imagi∣ning that when they die, the care of the world doth perish with them, neither haue such any care to benefit posterity,* 1.227 but con∣tent themselues with the prosperitie of their owne life.* 1.228 But the holy care of Christians is otherwise, and doth reach further than life, euen to the length of all posteritie.
Secondly, for the Queene (in respect of ciuill life) might haue thought it sufficient for her honour, and for the discharge of her high place, that she her selfe had finished her holy course, with so great a commen∣dation: (but in respect of Religious life) she hath a further care,* 1.229 to care to preuent all euil meanes, which might any way ruine that frame which she with so much painefulnesse had erected. And to this end the Queene hath a most Christian care, commending the cause of the Christian & Catholike Faith,* 1.230 to the Faith and truth of the Kings Maiestie our souereigne that was, whom by her last wil she interested, to the title of her Crowne, and to whom she made surrender of her office, to defend the quarrell of the Catholike Faith.
Thirdly,* 1.231 and if any man obiect, that the Queenes nominating the Kings Maiestie at her death to inherit her kingdomes, was of small merit in the Queene, and of no furthe∣rance to the Kings cause, because (of neces∣sity) the inheritance must haue discended to the King, it being his Maiesties in Iustice, and by the right of Law.* 1.232 I answer, that how∣soeuer it is most true of the Kings inheri∣tance, and that it could not rightfully dis∣cend to any other: yet considering the re∣uerence was had to the person of the Queene, and the interest she had in the hearts of all her subiects, it had bene dangerous if she had nominated any other to succeed her; and it was her speciall prouidence, that at that time she named the King to this inheritāce.
Fourthly,* 1.233 againe, there are others who haue blamed the Queene for not publishing this her good purpose to the King in her life time, and haue thought that the open ac∣knowledgement thereof, was necessarie both to further the Kings peaceable en∣trance, and to giue satisfaction to the doubt∣full mindes of the Queenes subiects,* 1.234 the igno∣rant
vnlearned people being the greater part of the body of this Land, and seeing they could not themselues satisfie this doubt, it was needfull they should be instructed, in the Kings lawfull title to the Crowne, and that publike Proclamation should haue bene made (in the Queenes life time) to that end, lest the simplicity of the common people (when occasion might need them) should be abused by false vnderstanding, and drawne from their dutifull seruice, which could not haue bene, if the Queene before hand, had declared the King her Successor, and lawfull heyre.
Fifthly,* 1.235 I answer, these reasons are weake and of little consideration, and that the Queene and her Counsell, had many weigh∣ty reasons to diswade this publique proclai∣ming of the Kings right in the Queenes time. And these reasons haue respect to the safetie of the Queene and her state, and to the King and his title. For by this meanes the King himselfe had care, not to discontent the Queene but to continue his Grace in her fa∣uourable [ 2] estimation. Againe, it preuented
enuie, and the danger of conspiracies of such who haue bene named for competitors. Lastly, it was a meanes to preserue the Queenes reputation among her subiects, a [ 3] great part whereof, would haue bene giuen the King before it was due, if he had bene proclaimed heyre apparant to the Queene and Crowne, which might haue proued dangerous to his person, and dangerous to the state of these kingdomes. For great men and the great spirits of men being intitled to much wealth and great dignities, haue not many times the patience to attend their law∣full times, but preuent time and take it be∣fore hand, the which though it was most false in the kings particular, yet was it needfull the wisedome of State should then regard it. And therefore did Queene Elizabeth that which was most reasonable in it selfe, most considerable for the king and the State of England, and most conscionable for the dis∣charge of her princely place, whose honou∣rable deeds I shall euer most willingly re∣port to whose name I liue a seruant, and whose praise I would not thus niggardly
scant, but that I vnderstand a man of much better ability in respect of all learned suffi∣ciencie; hath vndertaken that taske.
The differēt nature of two Sisters.
The day and night diuide the yeare.
The differēce of good and bad.
The differēce of Natures.
Of King Henries hap∣pinesse.
God is double as much in mercie as in Iudgement.
Queene Eli∣zabeth is helper to cure the wounds her Sister had made in the State.
Wherein we may behold the deserts of Queene Eli∣zabeth.
The highest of her deserts
In respect of greatnesse & goodnesse.
Virgin Ma∣rie.
Queene Eli∣zabeth most excellent in the respects of mercie and Maiesty.
Disparage∣ment.
King Iames.
The Queene matchlesse for Maiestie.
An importāt aduise to all Princes.
A Reason.
Esop in mo∣rall Fables.
The queenes moderation.
Her defence of Faith be∣fore she was Queene.
An euill pra∣ctise to disin∣herit the Queene.
Note.
Her trouble in her Sisters time.
Queene Eli∣zaheths Teares.
Salomon. A good wo∣man.
Pollitique.
Morall.
Her first care for Religion. A loue prin∣cipium.
The queenes care to cure the diseased State.
The practise of bad physi∣sitions.
Her resto∣ring Religion to purity of Doctrine.
Poperie for euer banished from this Iland.
King Ed∣ward ouer∣matched by Queene Eli∣zabeth.
Her desert visible in the face of En∣gland.
The retur∣ning of holy men from banishment to England.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
Experience.
Nothing that is earth∣ly is free from incon∣stancie.
God the one∣ly supporter of mens re∣solution.
The nature of all men.
Queene Eli∣zabeth most constant.
To auoid the miscōceiuing
The Queene neuer fain∣ted in her re∣solution.
Yet much tempted by state conside∣rations.
Religion & Pollicie re∣spect diuers ends.
Religion ought to or∣der state.
Religion is peruerted and Scrip∣ture wrested to maintaine vnlawfulnes.
In Popish states.
Regards of state.
One of the chiefe of Q. Elizabeths honourable deeds.
The victorie she had of her selfe.
The first con∣sideration of State.
The danger of altering Religion.
A Reason.
The Queene made choise of the weaker to assist her against the stronger.
Her holy trust.
The second State consi∣deration was the difficul∣ty in finishing
An argumēt from the or∣der of nature
The impor∣tance of this consideration
Third con∣sideration. The displea∣sure of for∣reigne prin∣ces.
The desires of great per∣sons.
The vse of forreigne regard.
In respect of England.
A Reason.
The Spany∣ard hath now larger Do∣minions than the Duke of Muscouy.
Englād in the midst of ma∣ny disagree∣ing Nations.
The queenes constancie.
God is able to worke with∣out as well as with meanes.
Sampson.
The honour of Queene Elizabeth.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
Mercie.
The reward of Mercie.
Mercie hath preheminēce in the nature of God.
Queene Eli∣zabeth very mercifull.
An admira∣ble degree of Mercie.
The mercy of Popish lawes and Papists.
How much the Queene hath exceeded her Sister in mercie.
The purpose of the queens Lawes.
No meanes to reclaime the inuete∣rate enuie of men.
Proiects de∣uised by the Pope.
Interdictions
Pope Pius Quintus.
The euill effect of the Popes Bull.
A Parlia∣ment.
The cause of the statutes against Re∣cusants.
Exmalis moribus nas∣cuntur bona leges.
The mercy of the queens Lawes.
The purpose of the Sta∣tutes.
A large de∣monstration of the queens mercie.
The slanders of euill and malitious men.
None haue haue suffered in England for their conscience onely.
The mercy of the Law.
The Popes Bull the occasion of more strict Lawes.
The purpose of the state
The diffe∣rence in the practise of these states.
Our iustice more merci∣full then their mercie.
The polli∣tique regard of this seue∣rity in the Romish State
Religion flourisheth vnder ••p∣pression.
This Pollicie not answera∣ble to piety nor holy ex∣ample.
Act. 5. 34.
The mercy of English Lawes con∣cerning Re∣ligion.
Christ the true exam∣ple of Chri∣stians.
The princi∣pall purpose of the sta∣tutes.
The necessity of these Sta∣tutes.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
In respect of the Church.
The prospe¦rity of the state depen∣deth on the prosperity of the Church.
The Church and State Children of one Father.
Respect had to Pollicie and not to piety onely.
The Popes quarrell.
The particu∣lar branches of these Sta∣tutes.
Inconueni∣ence by En∣glish Romish trauellers.
Nothing can respect the state lawfully that respe∣cteth not Re∣ligion also.
A comparisō
Of most im∣portance for the Church.
In respect of the common-Wealth.
The wise∣dome of state
The dange∣rous inconue∣nience of Ie∣suites and Romish Priests.
The Iesuites banished France.
Franciscan Fryer.
King Dauid.
A respect most needfull for the En∣glish Nation.
A prouident car••.
The policie of the Romish Church pre∣uented▪
Iesuites In∣telligencers.
A great means of the Popes great∣nesse.
The vse of Seminarie Priests and Iesuites.
Treason.
Wherein Ie∣suits are best learned.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
Euery mans care.
Charity doth approue vs good men & Children of God.
Loue the fulfilling of Gods Law.
The dutie of euery Chri∣stian.
The care which ought to be regar∣ded in all States.
The purity of Christian Religion.
The diffe∣rence of Christian and heathe∣nish State.
Queene Eli∣zabeth most compassio∣nate.
Distressed Christian Princes.
In respect of Scotland.
The wise∣dome of those times.
Note.
These two Kingdomes in one Isle like two wiues in one house.
King Iames.
The Queene hath the glo∣rie of this deede.
The Queene euer fauora∣ble to Scot∣land.
The Queene defended that nation which her predecessors had much offended.
The French King.
A princely regard.
Obiection.
Answer.
The Queene neuer alto∣gether ruled by the per∣swasion of State.
The queenes reason.
The French∣men owe thankes to the name of Queene Eli∣zabeth.
The King and king∣dome of portingall.
None can giue victory at his plea∣sure.
Gods iudge∣ment.
The doubt of Anthonies title.
The queenes double re∣spect in this voyage.
A reason for the Queenes excuse.
The States of the Low-Countries.
A dangerous Obiection.
The answer.
The queenes nature.
A second reason of the Queenes doings.
Note.
Euill men readie to traduce the Queene.
The offence betweene En∣gland and Spaine a sufficient reason for these pro∣ceedings.
Vertue the better for opposition.
The Queene iustifiable in this quar∣rell.
The Spani∣ards & the States can both report the Queenes victories.
The queenes cares euer seruants to the necessi∣ties of Chri∣stian princes.
The honour of the English Nation.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
God the best recompencer of deserts.
God most as∣sured in his promises.
Gods reward
In the queens particular.
Many pra∣ctises against the Queene.
The diuers sorts of pra∣ctises.
Gods speciall prouidence for the Queenes safetie.
Daunted with her Maiesty.
It is in vaine to resist the power of God.
Her trouble in her Sisters time.
Her enemies could not preuaile to her de∣struction.
An obiection.
The answer.
Note.
The queenes innocence was a cause, but not the onely cause of her safetie.
After she was Queene.
The practise of the Pope against her.
The two Earles, Westmerlād and Northū∣berland.
Gods defence for the queen
The Spanish King.
The common attempts on both sides.
The nature of our En∣glish Warres with Spaine.
The Spanish preparation to inuade England.
The inuinci∣ble Nauie, Anno. 1588.
Their proud confidence.
God hateth pride in all Creatures.
His mighty deliuerance.
Sir Francis Drake.
How the Queene be∣haued her selfe in these weighty af∣faires.
No man cer∣tainly known before his end.
The glory of our life is to continue in well doing.
The queenes godly constā∣cie.
She was an∣swerable to her constant mot.
Semper ea∣dem.
Her constan∣cie apparent.
In the view of her go∣uernement.
The name of Queene Elizabeth cannot pe∣rish in Eng∣land.
A request to the learned of this Land.
The last de∣fence shee made for the Catholike Faith.
A most Chri∣stian care.
A worldly care.
To benefit posterity.
The care of Christians.
The queenes persecution.
King Iames.
Obiection.
Answer.
Another obiection.
Reasons.
The answer.