Doctrinall and morall observations concerning religion vvherein the author declareth the reasons of his late vn-enforced departure from the Church of Rome, and of his incorporation to the present Church of England : teaching, maintaining and defending the true Christian Catholike and apostolike faith, professed by the ancient primitiue church, most conspicuous in the outward vertues and constant sufferings of many holy bishops and other good Christians, glorious in the crowne of martyrdome / by Iohn Copley ...

CHAP. XIX. Containeth the Conclusion to the Reader, with a recapi∣tulation of all the precedent obseruations for the Rea∣ders profit.

WHen I turne backe my memorie (courteous Reader) vpon all the precedent obseruati∣ons contained in this hooke, by the which I see my selfe to haue bin drawne, as it were, with so manie Ropes of Gods bountifull loue and singular mercie from the manifolde errours, no∣uelties, and the most sinnefull Idolatries of the Church of Rome, vnto the true Faith and Religion of Christ Iesus; Mee thinketh I doe feele my selfe possessed with a burning loue of Gods goodnesse, enforced to rancke my selfe as one of the number of those, whome God by the mouth of his holy Prophet Osee promised to drawe vnto him, say∣ing: Traham eos in funiculis Adam in vinculis Charita∣tis; I will draw them in the ropes of Adam, in the chaines

of Charitie. Could God drawe mee by stronger chaines of Charitie than such are, as hee hath drawne mee by from darkenesse to light; from ignoraunce to the know∣ledge of his trueth; when with a true feeling I doe reflect vppon my former obseruations, I beholde mee thinketh our Sauiour Christ Iesus shooting foorth the bright beames of his wisedome vpon my endarkened Soule, by the which hee hath, as it were, drawne me, and guided my wayes, vnto him as comfortably as he did the Sages of the East, to adore and worship him in his Cribbe at Bethlem; which doeth exceedingly replenish my heart with true ioy and comfort in Christ Iesu our Lord and Sauiour. In the serious speculation of which great fauour from heauen I am com∣pelled to call to remembraunce that straunge thing which Saint Augustine in his Booke De Ciuitate Dei, and ninth chapter, vt refert Cornel. Muss. auerreth himselfe to haue seene, seeming to the hearer to bee a great prodigie, and a most wonderfull myracle of Nature; who reporteth, that hee sawe a Loadstone of so great power and efficacie, that it drew manie Rings vnto it, which were one of them be∣hinde the other, placed farre off asunder; first one, then that drew the other, the third the fourth, and so conse∣quently all the rest, vntill that at length by the secret ver∣tue of the Stone, after an inuisible manner adioyning the Rings together, a goodlie entire Chaine was made of them. Euen so (dearely beloued Christian Reader) I finde Christ Iesus to haue beene such a powerfull and attractiue Load∣stone vnto my Soule by the precedent obseruations, linck∣ing the one vnto the other with such infallible truth, that therewith, euen as with a most strong chaine of his exces∣siue loue and charitie, hee hath now at the length drawne mee to the knowledge of his true Faith rightly taught and professed in the Church of England.

2 It is no other than a chaine of Charitie, by which hee hath drawne mee to write this Treatise, for the manife∣station of his truth, to those that are ignorant thereof; It

was a chaine of his prouidence by ministring occasions of times, persons, and places, concurring to my conuer∣sion: It is a chaine of truth that euery mans chiefe busi∣nesse in this life must bee to attaine vnto the end he is crea∣ted vnto by God, or else hee receiueth his soule in vaine: It is a chaine reaching from heauen, that a supernaturall and reuealed knowledge from God is necessarie to saluation. The obseruation also of an absolute necessitie of a super∣naturall Faith, is a strong chaine to draw any man to search diligently after it. The knowledge likewise of the right rule and golden mete-wand of true Faith, consi∣sting of GODS sacred Word, is a most forcible chaine to drawe Christians vnto the right knowledge of GODS truth. The true knowne visible Church of Christ teach∣ing the true sense of Scriptures, is a powerfull chaine to draw men vnto the right faith of CHRIST IESVS. Conformitie of Doctrine with the ancient doctrine of the Primitiue Church, being a proper marke of the true Church of God, is likewise a most attractiue chaine draw∣ing to the true knowledge of right Christianitie. The wonders and supposed miracles which Christ fore-told the Pseudo-Christs, and false Prophets, should doe for the se∣ducing of Gods Elect, if it were possible, are also a strong chaine to draw any man from the Church of Rome. The great hypocrisie of false Teachers fore-spoken of in the holy Scriptures, agreeing chiefly with the Church of Rome, are a chaine of great strength and power to draw any man from that Church. The fruits by which false Prophets are to bee knowne, and discerned, abounding in the Church of Rome, are also a powerfull chaine to draw any man of true iudgement from the abhominiations of that Church. The discouerie of the Sacrifice of the Masse to bee Idola∣trous, which is accompted by the Church of Rome the chie∣fest act of religion that can bee done to God, is a most forcible chaine to draw any man to the knowledge of CHRIST IESVS, once offered for vs, procuring our

Sanctification: Is not the proofe of Transubstantiation also to bee a noueltie, a potent chaine, to draw any man from Rome to the Church of England, where the Sacrament is freed from such disgrace? Is not the Amputation also of the holy Eucharist a powerfull chaine to draw men from the Church of Rome, that they may rightly, according to Christs institution, bee partakers of the Lords Supper else where? Is not also the noueltie of the Popes Pardons and Indul∣gences, which is annexed to Crosses, Graines, and Meddals, a powerfull chaine to draw any man that is not ridiculously childish, a stronge chaine to draw him from the Church of Rome? If the false doctrine of seuen Sacraments be well dis∣couered by any man, bee can not want a strong chaine to draw him to acknowledgement of two true Sacraments in∣stituted by Christ: if the doctrine of the Virgin Maries con∣ception in originall sinne bee doubtfull in the Church of Rome, the truth of Scriptures shewing it certaine may serue for a strong chaine to draw any man from that doubtfulnesse: If the pretended chastitie of the Romish Clergie, doe make the Church of Rome seeme more pure and holy than any other; the prohibition of lawfull marriage to Priests, and the dispensation and permission of vnlawfull marriage to kindred, may bee as a strong chaine to draw deceiued soules from the filth and impurities of her hypocriticall holinesse. By these the mightie strength & power of all those chaines, hath the goodnesse of almightie God deliuered my long estraied soule out of her dangerous waies, & setled me in the happie societie of his true faithfull beleeuers, teaching the true ancient Catholike and Apostolike faith: Oh how truly may I now say with holy Dauid in humble acknowledge∣ment of Gods singular mercies vnto my soule, Mar∣uailous are thy workes, O Lord, and that my soule knoweth right well!

3. Now it is time, O all yee Seminarie Priests in this Land or else where, who labour still in the same blindnesse and errours, wherein hitherto I haue beene my selfe inwrap∣ped

as in a darke cloude, that out of that true charitie and zeale of your soules good and happinesse, wherewith I haue cause to be affected towardes you, I direct my speech a while vnto you, and manifest the sincere candor of my heart and affections, to pittie your case, as I haue had cause to bee sorrie for it heretofore in my selfe; and therefore I can not but admonish you of the perill you liue in, both of body and soule, for looking no better into the doctrines which you teach. You pretend to bee the salt of the earth; and the light of the world; therefore you haue cause to see well that your doctrine bee sound wherewith you season mens soules; and that the example of your vertues and life bee not hypocriticall and superstitious; if your salt bee in∣fatuated with nouelties and corrupt doctrines, all the world will trample vpon you, and you are only fit to bee cast out vnto the dunghills: if your liues giue no true light, but bee a couered vnder the appearance only of vertues, as vnder a bushell where there is no corne, your poore fol∣lowers will bee hunger starued, and runne into darkenesse, and neuer finde the true light of the world CHRIST IE∣SVS, Who illuminateth, as Saint Iohn saith, euery man com∣ming into this world. If it bee true that CHRIST saith, Hee that doeth, and teacheth, shall bee called great in the Kingdome of h••auen; Vnlesse both these duties goe toge∣ther without mixture of falshood, and finne; you can neither bee great in Heauen nor in Earth, but certaine I am your paines will bee great in the deepedungeon of hell. Examine well your owne consciences, both for doctrine, and conuersation, build not vpon other mens bookes only, but examine their doctrines by the infallible rule of Scrip∣tures; send your Disciples vnto Christ, as Saint Iohn Baptist did, not to the Popes, who can and haue erred, both in doctrine and manners; say vnto your Children, as Christ our Lord and Master said: Search the Scriptures, &c. be∣cause they giue testimonie of mee. What good will all your sufferings doe you? what your dangers? what your impri∣sonments,

what your temporall wants, or abundance, what your louing frinds, or well affected kindred towards you, what I say will all this auaile you, if your dectrine bee vnsound, euen in point of Faith? and what a miserable calamitie is it which you bring your followers vnto, who for cleaning to your erroneous doctrines, must hazard their temporall estates and fortunes, must begger their Families, vndoe their Posterities, and which is worst must damne their soules for professing the vsurped authoritie, and tran∣scendencie of an ambitious Pope, and other nouelties through your encouragements. Looke well therefore to the cause of your sufferings and doctrines; for Christ saith: Blessed are they that suffer for iustice sake, for theirs is the Kingdome of heauen; therefore if you suffer for iniustice, as for superstition, for idolatrie, for heresies, for disallea∣geance to God and your Princes as you doe, I may truely say, that not a Kingdome, but the bottomelesse pit of hell will come to your share and lot, since you want the gar∣ment of truth, in doctrine: with handes and feete bound, you will in the end, if you turne not from your wicked waies, bee cast into exteriour darkenesse, where you shall bee vexed with most hideous howling, and gnashing of teeth; my desire I haue of your conuersions, makes mee to say vnto you; State super vias & videte; Stand yee on the waies and see: And to ingeminate the same Counsell; State super vias & videte; Stand yee on the waies and see. For the way of the wicked is darkesome: they know not where they fall, and the Scripture telleth, there is a way which seemeth right vnto a man, but the issues thereof leade vnto death. Out of which it hath pleased the goodnesse of God so to draw mee, that I may say, his holy Spirit hath brought mee into the right Land, and to such a right way of truth to walke in, wherein I finde more comfort than euer I did in my whole life before in the P••pacie, by the Seruice and Sacraments of the Church of England, so that for my per∣seuerance therein from my heart, I pray to God with King

Dauid, O God hold vp my steppes in thy paths, that my foot∣steps slip not.

4. Now it is most behoofefull also that I speake vnto you, all Recusants, falsely styling your selues Catholikes, that as I heartily loue your persons, and wish well vnto your soules, I may giue you good testimonie thereof, by ad∣monishing you not to be blindly led by others, to the ouer∣throw of your states in this world, and eternall damnation of your soules in the next; desiring you, in the tender bow∣els of Christ Iesus, that since God hath made me a specta∣cle vnto you of his singular mercie, not to be so foolishly besotted, and ignorantly seduced, as not to make your ad∣uantage by my obseruations, which (doubtlesse) God hath helped me in, as well for your example and benefit, as for the manifestation of his owne goodnesse. Be not (I beseech you) ouer-credulous in easily beleeuing euery thing that vnaduisedly your Teachers shall suggest vnto you, but exa∣mine their Doctrines, according to the rule Doctor Staple∣ton prescribeth vnto you, spoken of in my eleuenth chapter, num. 3.4.5. that is, by considering the fruits of your Tea∣chers, and whether the doctrine they teach you be confor∣mable to the doctrine of former times, generally receiued and taught in the Primitiue Church: beleeue not all they say of the Preachers of the Church of England, whom they often most notoriously traduce with most false calumniati∣ons: as namely, I heard an auncient Priest in the Vniuersi∣tie of Louaine, some few yeares since, report of the death of Bishop Iuell, affirming, that he trauelling here in Eng∣land, was taken with a suddaine sicknesse, and so compelled to light in a house where Doctor Harding had vsed some∣times to lodge in, and growing worse and worse, hee was forced to betake himselfe to a bed, where his paines encrea∣sing, by the iust iudgement of God, because Master Doctor Harding had often layen there before, he grew into des∣perate fits, crying out, Doctor Harding, Doctor Harding, and wishing he had neuer set penne to paper against him,

and so died as a man in despaire in Doctor Hardings bed. This was told as a remarkable matter against him, for the reproofe of his doctrine, and magnifying of Master Har∣ding; which I am informed by credible men to be most vn∣true and false. Therefore I say vnto you againe (deere Chri∣stians) be not ouer-credulous, but beware of false Pro∣phets, who haue their consciences so seared, that they re∣gard not how falsely they speake, so they may any way tra∣duce the credit and reputation of their aduersaries amongst you, charging both Caluin and Luther, and other true Conuertites of Iesus, with such things as are not to be na∣med, most iniuriously; but no maruell, when otherwise they cannot defend their cause. Againe, let me obtaine so much of you, as to bee frequent in reading the Word of God, which although it haue many difficult things in it, yet for so much as belongs to faith and manners, necessarie for euery man to know, it is easie and facile. If you will haue an infalli∣ble rule, by which you may know the Shepheards, which like good sheepe you ought to follow remember that Christ said, In hoc cognoscent quod discipuli mei sitis si charitatem habueritis ad inuicem. In this men shall knowe that you are my Disciples, if you haue charitie one towards the o∣ther. Now whether you finde this mutuall charitie amongst your or our Clergie, either in doctrine or manners, I leaue to your owne iudgements to consider. And as for my selfe, such as haue beene acquainted with me, if they will say truly, I am sure that my conuersation amongst them hath alwaies, since my Priesthood, beene such, as cannot bee toucht with any kind of disorder; my zeale in the blindnesse of that faith as forward as others, to the small portion of Talent which God hath bestowed vpon me, making me as readie by day and by night to draw men to the Romish faith, as any mans, either by preaching, or other labours, with as great sinceritie as possibly might be. No man can charge me of mercenarie couetousnesse, for making a Mo∣nopole of any of you for mine owne profit, or the wrong

of others, hauing alwaies beene as readie to giue as to take, carrying in minde that of Saint Hierome, saying, Ignominia est omnium sacerdotum proprijs studere diuitiis, It is a reproach of all Priests to studie to enrich themselues. Therefore I haue neuer repined, that others should gaine the profit of my paines, or gather the fruit of my labours. Had I beene of such an auaricious disposition (as is too frequent amongst many) I could haue prouided sufficient meanes to haue supplied my present wants, in the case I now stand in, where∣of I may truly say, Amici mei & proximi mei aduersum me approprinquanerunt & steterunt, My louers and friends haue approached against mee, and haue stood aloofe from mee. Therefore since my carriage amongst you, euen in the er∣rors of that Church, was such, as might beseeme the dutie of a good Shepheard, let this moue you to thinke, that God hath blessed my sinceritie so much, as to accept it in his sight for the greater benefit of my conuersion, vnlesse you see a change and alteration in my life and conuersation, as I thanke God I feele none my selfe, but rather an abettre∣ment by the religion I am come vnto; esteeme it the worke of God, and make your benefit of it, for your owne soules good, through Gods mercie, who draweth vnto him as much by example as by any other meanes. Therefore I be∣seech you consider well these my obseruations, and turne to the true Catholike faith, whereof you are ignorant, but in name and pretended claime.

5. And you (beloued Christians of England) who are right professors of the Gospell, and by it of the true, aunci∣ent, Catholike, and Apostolike Faith, not onely in style, but also in truth, let me be so bold with you as to exhort and en∣courage you in your profession, to shew your selues thanke∣full vnto Almightie God: you haue the Word of God fre∣quently and with great care ministred amongst you; you haue also the Sacraments instituted by Christ himselfe, ac∣cording to his institution applied vnto you, for the comfort of your soules; you are freed by Gods grace from the tre∣ditions

and inuentions of men; you haue the diuine Seruice towards God in your owne Tongues, to your comforts, and not in vnknowne Languages; you are deliuered by Gods grace from the flauish bondage of the Popes gouernment, and are blessed vnder the sweete and milde regiment of a gracious Prince, who purchaseth by his sweete mercifull disposition your loues, and procureth vnto you peace and happinesse, free from ciuile warres and mutuall contenti∣ons. Forget not therefore these sauours and benefits, which by the bountifull hand of God are poured downe most a∣bundantly vpon you, which others want (out of Gods espe∣ciall fauour and mercie.) Be not (I say) vngratefull for such inestimable blessings, least ingratitude to God should sud∣dainely depriue you of them, and bestow them vpon others that will shew themselues more thankfull for them: For in∣gratitude is the onely bane of Christians, which soone be∣reaueth men of all Gods fauors, and therefore rightly Ber∣nard calleth it, Ventus vrens, fontem siccans pietatis, rorem misericordiae, fluenta gratiae, A parching winde, drying vp the fountaine of pietie, the deaw of mercie, the streames of grace. Take heede that your vnthankfulnesse for Gods benefites draw not that exprobation against you, that Moyses iustly vttered against the vnthankfull Iewes, checking them for their foolishnesse, saying; O wicked and peruerse generation, O foolish and vnwise people, doest thou render these things vnto the Lord? Is not he thy Father, who hath possessed, made, and created thee? As though he should say, Are these the thanks thou yeeldest for so many benefites affoorded thee? Thou rendrest euill for good, which is the highest degree and grea∣test kinde of malice. It is a point of equitie to render good for good, it is a part of perfection to render good for euill, but to render euill for good is a part of the greatest per∣uersenesse and ingratitude that can be. Take ye heed there∣fore of this vnthankfulnesse, least yee incurre the iust im∣putation and punishment of a wicked and peruerse genera∣tion. To the end therefore both you and my selfe may enioy

still these blessings of Almightie God, and by our thanke∣fulnesse in this world arriue vnto greater blessings in the next; out of a true desire hereof I will conclude with Saint Paule, a true Conuertite through Gods singular mercie, Bonum autem facientes non deficiamus, tempore enim suo me∣temus, non deficientes; And let vs not be wearie in well do∣ing, for in due season we shall reape if we faint not. These wordes of Saint Paule are fit for vs, who exhorteth the Galathians to the workes of holinesse, the true effects of a iustifying faith: Wherein the Apostle performeth the part of a prudent and wise Husbandman, who to keepe his workemen and labourers from slouth, and to encourage them to goe stoutly forward in their paines without fain∣ting, putteth them in minde of the fruitfull haruest that will follow, that strengthened with the ioyfull hope of gaine, they may willingly continue in the toyle of their worke. For so Saint Paule, knowing all Christians to be labourers and workemen in the field of Gods Church, and that it is as proper for them all to doe the workes of vertue and san∣ctitie, as it is for the birdes to flye; to the end they may not be tyred out with the heate and burden of the day, nor be wearied with the toyle of tribulations and suffe∣rings of any temptations, and so giue ouer good workes, but perseuere to the end and period of their liues, he pro∣poundeth vnto them the great fruit that shall bee reaped at Haruest, after all their vertuous deedes, and all suffe∣rings in any persecutions; when for their teares they shall reape ioy; when for earthly wants they shall enioy store of heauenly treasures; when for all the valiant combats a∣gainst the world, the flesh, and the diuell, in the constant confession of their faith before God and man, Heauen shall be their reward, and glorie their crowne. O happie end, which shall end with endlesse eternitie! Therefore e∣uen so to you all, and to my selfe (with earnest desires of Gods blessing) for my conclusion, I will instate once a∣gaine Saint Paul, saying, Let vs not be wearied in well doing,

for in due season wee shall reape, if wee faint not. By the ex∣pectation of which glorious reward, let vs be encouraged a∣gainst all, either corporall or spirituall oppositions, to stand faithfully in defence of the Gospell of Christ, to the confu∣sion and stopping the mouthes of all that shall contradict vs: Which God graunt wee may doe with true religious hearts, to the glorie of his most holy Name; with loyall affections for the safetie of our dread Soueraigne; and with mutuall charitie for the euerla∣sting combination of our hearts in Christ Iesus. Amen.

Notes

• An acknow∣ledgement of Gods mercie and loue in drawing me to his truth Osee 11. verse 4.
• A briefe reca∣pitulation of the premised obseruations.
• Psal. 139.14.
• To all Semina∣rie Priests.
• Math. 5. vers. 13.
• Ioh. 1. vers. 9.
• Math. 5.19.
• Math. 5. ver. 10.
• Iere. 6. vers. 16.
• Prou. 4. vers. 16. Prou. 14. ver. 12.
• Psal. 142. ver 11
• Psal. 17. v. 5.
• An aduise to all Romish Catholikes.
• Bishop Iuell calumniated.
• Epist. ad Noua∣tianum.
• To all true Catholikes of England.
• Bernard. super Cantic.
• Deut. 32. v. 6.
• Galat. 6. vers. 9.