The new politick lights of modern Romes church-government: or The new Gospel according to Cardinal Palavicini revealed by him in his history of the Council of Trent. Englished out of French.

ARTICLE I. The first means of inriching the Court of of Rome, are the Annates, which be a sort of yearly Tythes, or Pensions. A curious distinction about Simony.

TWo things saith our Cardinal do make the soveraign Power of the Pope ardently desirable, The great Wealth where∣of he is Master, and The great many means, which he hath to oblige men,* 1.1 due beni percui foli appar desiderabile, il principato dell'oro dell'obligo. The Policy of the Roman Court to uphold it self in this possession uses the fol∣lowing means to inrich it self. The first is the Annates or Yearly Pensions, that the Clergy pay to the Pope, but to judge well of the Justice by which they as well as the other means which follow are established, 'tis good we remember the Rule of Pope Paul IV, who to guide his Wisdom had only but this, viz. To use his Spiritual power

in its full extent,* 1.2 s' auvisò che tutta l'ampiez∣za dello spiritual suo potere fosse anche la mi∣sura di saggiamentte esercitarlo. That is to say, That all that a Pope does is done wise∣ly: whosoever hath but any insight into pub∣like affairs, quoth our Cardinal, knows that the government of this is famous, for having been the excellent Model of a rare Pontifical prudence,* 1.3 chiunque ha tintura d'affari pub∣lici sà ch'il suo governo riman famoso per idea di pontificia prudenza. So that the means to get Rich or Great, which have no other Principle, other Reason, nor other mea∣sure, but the all-Puissantness of the Pope, be those which come the neerest to this ex∣cellent Idea of the Pontifical Government,* 1.4 and curious fine and neat Policy, fina pruden∣za. The Annates or Yearly Pensions are one of these means found in this all-Puissant∣ness, so do they suffice without other Proof to make it appear that the Pope is the sole Pa∣triarch of the West, because all the Western Churches pay them and to him only,* 1.5 anzi ricevendo di fatto il Papa da' soli Occidentali bastarrebbe à giustificare eziandio il solo Patri∣arcato dell'Occidente. Besides the Pope hath right to receive Annates or yearly Pensions of all the Churches of Christendom as taken instead of Tenths or Tythes, due by the Bishops and lesser Ecclesiasticks to the so∣veraign Pontife,* 1.6 si riscuotono da' beneficii di tutto la Christianità in luogo di decime dovute per sostentazione del somma sacerdote dagli altri minori Ecclesiastici. For the soveraign Pon∣tife, for the good of Christendom, ought to

keep up his Court full of Nobility. Il quale per bene del Christianesimo dée mantener le sua Corte di molti ufficiali Nobili, besides so many other expences which he is obliged to make, as hath been shewed.

It might seem Simony to give mony for the Bulls to a Benefice, but the Pope does not receive Annates or yearly Pensions, but on∣ly for a temporal thing which is linked to a Spiritual Grace. Now what hurt is it that the suiter who obtains a fat temporality, should give a small part thereof to him which grants it? On the contrary is there any thing more reasonable then this?* 1.7 Qual cosa più rag∣gionevole e più consueta e più soave, che si con∣tribuisca qualche rigaglia al conceditore dall'im∣petratore delluogo, all'oro que questo riceve la nuova grazia, perciò che in un tale acquisto non gli è grave quella piccoila spesa.

Indeed if the Pope gave nothing but Spi∣ritual as the Bishops do when they give Or∣ders, one might finde more appearance of Si∣mony for such a grace,* 1.8 per le ordinazione le quali danno unagrazia meramente spirituale era convenevole qual si fosse temporal pagamento, e pero santamente constituirono i Padri Tridenti∣ni, che i vescovi nulla prendessero. 'Tis ma∣nefest then according to humane equity that the Tax or Impost of Annates, or Yearly Pen∣sions is just,* 1.9 stabilitasi l'equità secundo t'uma∣no discorso. Now it is another Principle, that when the humane equity of a business is once famed to be settled, divine equity as hath been shewen, willeth that the Pope should guide the

Church according to Natural inclinations: So that there can be no divine Reason to for∣bid what humane equity permits, no more than that which is permitted by the Do∣ctrine of Aristotle and forbidden by any o∣ther; but to comprehend yet more neatly, in what, that which is called Simony con∣sists it must be known, that when the Pope takes Money for granting Spiritual Graces, which serve for example unto the Peoples Salvation, this is no Simony to give it unto him,* 1.10 the Pope grants it, in primo del dena∣ro donato à Dio. But if the Pope gave Mo∣ney, or relinquished his temporal interests to win People to their Salvation, this would be Simony in him, thus to buy with Money the Poeples Salvation, and in the People to consent to their Salvation, which is spiritual, to get the Popes Money, or any other temporal benefit,* 1.11 far una specie di Si∣monia vendendo al Papa la ricuperazione dell'anime á prezzo d'entrate e di giuridizioni ritolte della chiesa. Temporal revenues and other rights annexed to the Authority not only of the Pope, but of other Ecclesiasticks, are the best Juice and the most pure to nou∣rish up the Church,* 1.12 miglior sugo: This Au∣thority to suck and drain this Juice from all parts of the Univers is of divine Institution. Jesus Christ hath instituted this power, when he came down upon Earth for the Salvation of the World, ufficio istituito da Dio quando scese in terra per la salute del mondo.* 1.13 So that Jesus Christ hath given power to the Pope,

to take Money, and Milk the People for the Salvation of the World, but not to the People to suck the Popes Temporalities for their Salvation, nor to the Pope to give them his Temporalities for to save them. This would be the utmost Simony, the first is none. Mark ye here how important it is to know well the Rules of right Policy, and how far the Pope's power reaches, for he can do all ex∣cept relinquishing the least part of his power for the sake of Peoples Salvation, because he is but the Guardian of his all-puissantness,* 1.14 and not the master, non essendo egli abitro e padrone della sua maggioranza costituita da Christo, & pero non potendo farle alcun pregiudicio.

The second and third means are Pensions, and Commendams, the Residence of the Commendaries suplied by the good turns of the New Monastical Orders.

Their end who attact Pensions and Com∣mendams is to suppress all benefices that are exempt from residence and by stronger Rea∣son Pensions,* 1.15 fine sarebbe ill torre affatto ogni Beneficio non allaciato à residenza, e mol∣to più le pensioni. This would be to ruine in the Church the Universal Court Royal, whose Courtiers could no longer hope for great recompences, and they would be ob∣liged to confine themselves to scurvy little places, and be reduced to the poor functions of the Altar, and the Quire. In the mean time without Pensions,* 1.16 senza il sussidio delle Pen∣sioni,

the Cardinals could not live, i Cardi∣nali non pottrebbono vivere.* 1.17 Without Abbeys and Commendams, they would not have bread,* 1.18 Senato di Roma privo di quelle badie rimanerebbe privo del vittio. So that it is evi∣dent that the Institution of Pensions cannot be but good, for if this Institution had not been, how many Noblemen which do not make themselves Ecclesiasticks for God's sake, would there have been retained in the ser∣vice of the Church?* 1.19 Harrebbe ritenuti molti no∣bili dalla vita Ecclesiastica. 'Tis true all these Noble men do not reside, and 'tis manifest that non-residence is a great evil. But since this evil begun, let a man consider the swarm of those of the Monastical Orders which God hath sent to labour about the Salvation of Souls, and then see if there be any compari∣son between the good which they do, and what one of these non-resident Noblemen would do,* 1.20 if he should keep resident, fatto parangone all'opera di ciascun residente la quale per una tal mala esecutione sia si tolta al cultiva∣mento dell'anime, Iddio hà restituito centenaia di Regolari che abondano in ogni loco. And without doubt we shall see that the Church profits by Pensions in every respect, both ac∣cording to the flesh, and according to the Spirit.

The fourth and fifth means. Plurality of Benefices, and the absolute disposal of those Benefices.

The disposal of a many Benefices all Chri∣stendome

over being a great means for the Pope to do good is one of the things whereupon the Apostolical principality moves,* 1.21 la disposi∣zione di molti Beneficii in varie parti del Christia∣nesimo, e pur la facoltà di benefacere è un de' due Cardini sopra cui sostiensi la venerazione, ch'è la base del loro imperio.

This power of conferring Benefices be∣ing formerly more extended over more Nations then it is, drew then to the Court of the King of Kings, a world of strangers which posted thither from all Quarters to be known, and to get Benefices,* 1.22 quella frequen∣za che le portava il concorso di tanti stranieri Ecclesiastici i quali dovessero farsi quivi cono∣cere per ottenere i Beneficii.

The Zealous will say that a man is unwor∣thy, that thus crouds in for himself, but these be Ideas which were good in the time of the Churches Infancy,* 1.23 nell'infanzia della Chie∣sa; They will say that these be worldly, and humane considerations for Popes to act by, il risguardo eziando dell'interesse umano: But is not the humane felicity of the Court of Rome of divine Institution, and will not God have his Church governed according to humane inclinations? This is all can be said for Plurality of Benefices, for to look on∣ly upon the divine institution, and setting aside humane interest, this is a business able to confound Ecclesiastick Order, to give to one alone the duties and functions, which cannot be discharged but by diverse. Ecclesiasticus ordo pervertitur. Sess. 24. c. 17.

Sess. 14. c. 9. Conc. Trid. Which made the Council condemn this plurality, here∣in the Fathers of the Council are not quite to blame,* 1.24 ne per tutto ciò si vogliono biasimare i Padri Tridentini. But this kind of Reasoning though Natural and Di∣vine ought to give place according to Re∣ligious Policy, to the interest of the hu∣mane felicity of the Court of Rome, which can't subsist without this Plurality, and the Church must be guided not according as God willeth, but according as corrupt Na∣ture desireth as it hath been shown: Like∣wise the Fathers of the Council have de∣clared that they do not mean to tie up the Popes hands, and though they would have pretended to it, 'tis Policy, that there should be an head in the Church, that may dispence with Canons and even derogate from them, as hath been shewed before, and that there be a Head whose all-puissantness may be the Rule of Wisdom, according to Paul the Fourth's Maxime whose Govern∣ment was the Sampler of Pontifical pru∣dence, and who upon that account was chosen Pope, by an unanimous Election, which could never have come to pass,* 1.25 if a Pope so Elected, had not been of eminent Vertues, il che non può conseguirsi senza un eminente virtù.

The sixth and seventh Means. The cal∣ling back of greater Causes, and the reservation of Cases.

Four Reasons make Popes to reserve certain Cases to themselves, and to retain the greater Causes: The First is ignorance of Bishops, whether it be about regulation of the Conclave for the election of a Pope, in very deed it was not left to the Council of Trent to deliberate thereof,* 1.26 perche ne' Vescovi non era veruna perizia di tal facen∣da; because the Bishops were ignorant of those kind of matters; or whether it be about Reformation of the Cardinals, the Legats in Council found that business was a Gulph where the Bishops would have been lost, having no skill in those affairs, parue à Legati che ciò sarebbe stato eutrare in un nuovo e vasto pelago del quale Pochissimi de' Padri haveano perizia.* 1.27

The Second Reason is, That whatever skill the Bishops may have, they are not refined for the practice of the Court of Rome, as hath been seen here before.

The Third is, That being Secular Prin∣ces Subjects they are liable to act out of fear, hope, or other humane Considerations, as was observed.

The Fourth is, to make the Sovereign Power of the Pope over Bishops be ac∣knowledged; from hence 'tis that the

Popes limit even the Bishops Power, that in such certain Cases falling within their Dioceses, they shall not proceed, but they are referred to the Pope,* 1.28 ed usano di li∣mitar aneche à Vescovi la libertà di riser∣bare.

As to greater Causes they do not leave them to the Cognizance of Bishops, being they are smaller Prelates, to whom they only leave smaller Causes, which would be too troublesom for Suiters to go to Rome about; but of all that be of importance the Popes reserve to themselves the Cogni∣zance, because Justice cannot be better ad∣ministred than by the Sovereign Power. la giustizia non può universalmente proce∣dere,* 1.29 e con vigore e con sincerità se non dove sia tal preeminenza di stato nel superiore sopra à suddito, che nel primo non possa cader nè timore nè competenza; even so much as for nomi∣nating Parish Priests to Parishes, the Bi∣shops are bound to follow the Counsel of Examiners appointed,* 1.30 or agreed on by a Synod of their Clergy, as hath been shewn before.

The Eighth Means. Frequent Jubilees, and Indulgences.

The Council of Trent desires that the usage of Indulgences may be reformed by those ancient and rigorous rules made a∣bout that matter,* 1.31 Che si tornasse all'antica severità. But 'tis not to be understood

that one should quite return to that an∣cient severity;* 1.32 non volle significare che vi si ritornasse in tutto; but that herein one should use prudence according to time and places,* 1.33 fin à quel segno che la condizione de tempi è de luoghi cansiliava, which depends on the Pope's prudence, that is to say, That the account upon which the Pope grants it be such, that the Pope in granting it commits no imprudence, and yet that the reason therefore in it self appear little considerable. As for Example, When the Pope grants a full Indulgence to him that shall visit St. Peter's Church, or stay to take the Pope's Blessing in a publick place; the Cause in it self does not appear so great that it should merit Indulgence or a Par∣don; but in the same thing we must di∣stinguish, what that thing is in it self, and what it is as to its End, for to attend, for Example, the Pope's Blessing in a Publick place is not an Act that appears in it self important, but yet 'tis very much so, when it is considered as to its end: which is thereby to make publick profession of Be∣lief of the Unity of the Church, and the Worship which is due to the Sovereign Pontifice, as Vicar of Jesus Christ,* 1.34 far co'tali opere che fia una professione univer∣sale esibita da Christiani sopra l'unita della chiesa è sopra il culto che rendono al Roma∣no Pontefice come Vicario di Christo. So that to make profession of this Worship is an act that's worth as much as all the ancient se∣verity

of Canonical Penances; and this is the sense that one should understand the Council of Trent in, when it desires that the ancient simplicity should be returned unto; wherefore the least actions being capable to be thus exalted through their End, though it were only to manifest the all-puissant∣ness of the Pope, it would bee rash, if from the small Importance which is found in those actions, one shoulld conclude there∣from a nullity in the grant of Indulgences, saremo temerarii se della tenuita delle azio∣ni conchiuderemo la nullità delle concessioni.* 1.35

Adde to this the vast profit which comes in to the Pope from these Indulgences. As in Pope Leo the tenth's Time, who granted them (when Luther Preached against them) to help build St. Peter's Church, for he wanted for that a vast summe of money, richiedendosi all'opera denaro immenso.* 1.36 Wherefore he had recourse to this efficaci∣ous remedy of Universal Indulgences, ad∣ding Liberty also to it to eat Cheese and Milk on Fasting-days, and to chuse what Confessour one listed.

This was in truth a great scandal to Christendom to see the Revenue of these Indulgences let out to him, that would give most, as temporal Princes do farm out Im∣posts; but it is certain also, as Princes would get little by their taxes, if they were to leavy them themselves, by their own im∣mediate Officers, so the Pope would get as 'twere nothing by Indulgences if he did

not find people to farm them at a Rate and Price,* 1.37 qual Principe non è costretto ad usar il medesimo in tutte le Gabelle che impone.

Its further true, that those Indulgences which were leavied upon the people to build St. Peter's Church, a material Temple, have been the cause of the ruine of a great part of the Churches Spiritual Temple, quel edi∣ficio materiale di San' Pietro rouino in gran' parte il suo edificio spirituale; because that for leavying so many Millions, which the vast work of that admirable Church was to take up, the Pope was constrained to publish those Indulgences, whereof Luther's Here∣sy took beginning, which hath impove∣rished the Church a many more Millions of Souls that are seperated from her Commu∣nion,* 1.38 percioche affin d'adunare tanti milioni quanti ne assorbiva l'immenso lavoro di quella chiesa, convenne far ciò d'onde prese origine l'eresia di Luthero, che à impoverita di molti più milioni d'anime la chiesa.

But yet this hinders not, but the build∣ing of that material Temple, which is the first Temple of the World, and which draws the greatest veneration to the Pope, was a very sufficient cause for granting those Indulgences; because that which is most im∣portant in the Church after the Worship of God, is the Worship of the Pope, and it would be Simony in the Pope to relinquish his Rights under pretence of buying thereby the salvation of Souls.

The ninth Means. Dispensations granted for money.

It is necessary in every Principality well regulated to draw forth some Imposition from the Graces which the Prince accord∣eth,* 1.39 essendo necessario inogni Principato le imposizioni sopra le grazie. 'Tis also one of the sources which nourishes the abun∣dance and lustre of the Court of Rome, and keeps up at the same time the All-pu∣issantness of the Pope who grants the Dis∣pensations both with, and without Cause. This money, which comes thereof in great quantity to the Coffers of his Holiness, is an All-puissant like means to uphold his gran∣deur,* 1.40 Omnipotenza del 'oro. For as our Cardinal saith, Money is all things in ver∣tue and in power; pecunia è ogni cosa ver∣tualmente; and he that hath Money hath all, and may do all with an efficacious Power. By granting Dispensations and Graces for money, the Pope doth thereby punish those who sue them out, and this is an industrious and new means to keep up, as one may say, Discipline and the Ca∣nons, by breaking them.

If the Bishops take Money for Dispen∣sations they be null, quoth the Council of Trent, but when 'tis the Pope that grants them for Money they be good, and which is most admirable that even they would

be null if he did not take money; because they would be given without any cause, as hath been observed: for the money which the Pope takes for them is the great Conside∣ration and a good cause why he grants them, so that there are few things forbidden which the interest of establishing the All puissant∣ness of the Pope to enrich and keep up the splendour of his Court, doe not make law∣full. For this purpose he is not only permit∣ted to take money for dispensations, but to derogate from the Laws of Councils, that he may fulfill them in a more perfect manner, since this is to exercise his all-puissantness, which after God is the principal end whereunto all Councils ought to have re∣gard.

The tenth Means.

Experience teaches every Superiour, that his faithfullest and most obedient Subjects be those which doe immediately subject themselves to his grandure and to his pow∣er without any semblance of going Cheek by Jole with him, l Esperienza dimostra ad ogni superiore che i sudditi più sicuri e più ossequiosi, sono i sudditi immediati non grandi: Hereupon 'tis that the Pope's interest is grounded, when he exempts Chapters in Bishopricks to depend upon him and be be independant from their Bishops: there∣fore the instances that the Bishops made at the Council of Trent, To have their Chap∣ters

again under their yoke, was prejudicial to the Apostolick See,* 1.41 prejudiciale alla sede Apostolica. Besides the Bishops being, as we said before, Ignorants in policy, seditious, interessed, timorous and subject to tempo∣ral powers, they are facil and ready to fall into heresy which the Chapters are not: To this the Council of Trent had respect, as to Germany, where a many Bishops fell into heresy, which no Chapter was found to doe, ponendo in Considerazione quei di Germania,* 1.42 dove avevano mancato molti vescovi mà niun Capitolo. And as for those of France, the Cardinal of Lorrain told it out that there were heretick Bishops who forbid Ca∣tholick Preachers to preach,* 1.43 riferi che alcuni vescovi eretici in Francia havean vie∣tato il predicare á Catolici: Whereupon he went on and said that in case the objection of Prebendaries were to be made according to the Canons, that the Bishops should doe nothing therein without the consent of their Prebendaries,* 1.44 piacerli che i Veseovi nulla po∣tesser fare senza i Capitoli quando i Cano∣nici s'eleggessero come si doveva di raggi∣one.

In the four and thirty Articles of refor∣mation, which the Ambassadour of France brought to the Council, The seaven and twentieth ran, that the Bishops be obliged according to the Canons to treat of all the affaires of their Dioceses according to the advice of their Prebendaries, and for that reason, the Prebendaries be obliged to reside

continually at their Cathedrall,* 1.45 dovendo i i Vescovi secundo i Canonitrattare i negozii col parere del Capitolo, si procurasse che i Ca∣nonici fossere assidui alle Catedrali.

Because that being exempt from the ju∣risdiction of their Bishops and governing the Dioceses with them, their exemption was a bridle which the Pope put upon the Bishops, very fit to keep them from preva∣ricating, whether in regard of faith or of go∣vernment,* 1.46 anzi l'esenzione de Capitoli se ri∣conosceva per un gran freno in bocca à Vesco∣vi di non prevaricare ò nella fede ò nel go∣verno.

This makes the infinite difference to be seen between Episcopacy in the Pope, and that which is by participation in the Bishops. For, I. The Pope is not subject to Ignorances nor heresies as the Bishops are. II. He is not bound to follow the Counsel of his Cardinals, because he is King of the Church and the Bishops are not Kings of their Chapters, no more then of their Dioceses. III. No body can be exempt from the Jurisdiction of the Pope, and there's no need, they should, as there's need Pre∣bendaries should be exempt from the juris∣diction of their Bishops, that the Bishops may be thereby bridled; and though there were no other reason for exemption of Chapters, but to show the Popes Royal So∣vereignty, which is the foundation of the Church: for it appears that it is a most pu∣issant means to establish the Popes power

and the gallantry and riches of the Roman Court.

The eleventh Means. Privileging the Monastical Orders.

One of the Principal advantages which comes to the Church by the exemption of the Regulars is maintaining the authority of the Apostolick See, according to the institu∣tion of Jesus Christ and the general good of the Church,* 1.47 jo non nego che un de profitti che arreca l'Ezenzione de Regolari degli Ordina∣rii sia il mantener l'autorità della sede Aposto∣lica secundo l'istituzione di Christo e'l ben del∣la chiesa.

Because we see that all Monarchical Go∣vernment for the keeping up it self without suffering diminution, had need to have in every Province some powerful Body of Sub∣jects independant from those, who be the ordinary and perpetual Superiours or Ma∣gistrates there,* 1.48 veggendo noi che ogni governo Monarchico per conservarsi illeso hà bisogno d'haver in qualunque provincia qualche nervo prevalente de sudditi independenti da chi è quivi superiore immediato e perpetuo.

Yet as mens opinions be divers, these pri∣viledges to the Monastical Orders, which make the force of the Church and the prin∣cipal sinew of the Pope's Power, did not quite please St. Bernard, questa raggione però, come son' varie le opinioni degli huomini non* 1.49

sodisfece pienamente à San' Bernardo; because he feared that the desire of exemption came from some hidden sentiment of Pride,* 1.50 il quale dubito che il desideriò d'esenzione dal proprio Vescovo potesse nascere da occulto Spirito superbia. But on the other side Nicholas Machiavel remains agreed of the profitable∣ness of these Exemptions, and that t'was in them that the Prophecy was fulfilled which said that the Monks should uphold the Church of St. John of Lateran ready to fall, that is to say the whole Church, non in al∣tro modo i predetti ordini sarebbou valuti à sostenar la crollante basilica di Laterano, cioè la Chiesa Catolica, profezia auvera ta per confessione dello stesso Nicolo Machia∣velli.

Here's then the advantage of the Politick conduct of every well-govern'd Monarchy, to have certain persons in places distant from the Sovereign, which have power without limits, as for example the Romans gave it to their Generals,* 1.51 percio che ad im∣presse grandi e in regioni lontane dal supre∣mo, richiedesi autorità illimitata ed indepen∣dente quale usarone di dare i Romani à lor condottori.

All the religious Orders are every man as it were so many Generals of the Popes Army throughout the Earth, and as so ma∣ny Roman Chieftains, who living above an humane life would not uphold such a Monarchy as the Pope's if it were tyrannical: which makes it appear that this same Mo∣narchical

all-puissantness of the Pope is of Jesus Christ's institution.

But that wherein the religious Orders serves yet further to advance the splendour of the Court of Rome, is; that making pro∣fession of single Life they quit their paternal Estates to their brethren and Kinsfolk, una utilità delle grandi che riceve la Repub∣lica per la felicità civile dell'istituti Reli∣giosi:* 1.52 their kindred becoming rich, by that means they become the Pillars of the Tem∣ple and the Columns of the Church,* 1.53 che per altezza de sangue sono i Pilastri del tempio. Il chiericato mantien la richezza e'l decoro delle stirpi e per conseguente la nobilità è gli spiriti d'onore. One's piety makes t'other get a great Estate, hence comes forth Ab∣beys which are afterwards put in Commen∣dams, and they become great Benefices, whose revenues stream forth even to Rome to be digested in the stomach of St. Peter.

And thus it is that all the members of the Church serve to enrich the Court of Rome, and to uphold its bravery; thus it is that that Court is the Churches soul, and its moving intelligence.

The twelfth Means. The establishment of Colleges of Jesuits, and of the Holy Inquisition.

It hath been seen that Policy is the prime and most excellent vertue of all the moral vertues, because her Object is the happiness of the Common-wealth, not onely according to the spirit but according to the flesh, se∣condo la carne. Now the corruption of the greatest Good produces the greatest Evil, il pessimo esser suol una corruzione de l'ot timo;* 1.54 It follows then that the greatest of all the Churches Evils, is Ignorance of Policy.

It hath been seen that private Bishops doe not skill this excellent virtue, because the excellent school where this Science is learned, is the Roman Court, where a man is refined in this virtue.

That's the shop or workhouse where all the sleights of Policy are learnt, and where cunning prudence may be gotten and sub∣tlety of Wit, sottile ingegno fina prudenza.* 1.55 The privy Counsellours of temporal Prin∣ces Courts are enough refined in temporal affaires, but commonly they do not know what Religion is, nor what is the onely Base which upholds it it, and renders it im∣movable,* 1.56 huomini di stato i quali spesso non ben intendono che cosa sia la Religione e qual sia l'unica Base che possa mantenerla non va∣cillante, that is to say, to speak fine and plain,

They do not know the mystery, nor the Extent of the Pope's onely universal Mo∣narchy, whereof all Kings are subjects, and all Catholick Kingdoms the demean lands, with an all-puissantness to dispose of all things etiam sine causa, as it hath been explai∣ned. It was upon the principles of this Ig∣norance, that the instructions of Monsr. de Lansac the French Ambassadour at the Council of Trent, were framed; these in∣structions were composed of four and thirty Articles all opposite to that which makes for the Popes Royalty in the Church, and his absolute Empire over the whole Uni∣verse, and which in conclusion tended to throw down the Roman Court, both splen∣dour and Empire thereof,* 1.57 tutte contrarie al Pontefice ò puì tosto al Pontificato e contenute nella sua istruzione i quali tutti si riducevano à levar lo splendore e l'imperio della Corte Roma∣na. What specifick remedy for such a disease? doubtless there could not be a better then for all Bishops, yea even for Parish Priests to be educated and refined in the excellent school of the Court of Rome. But that is not done, in default thereof it could be wished that at least all the Heads of Houses in Universities had studyed there, but that's against their Statutes.

In fine, what then is the last Expedient, but that all not being able to goe to Rome to take in the Politick spirit there, Means should be found out to make it come from Rome and disperse it over the world.

'Twas said 100 years agoe that the Holy Ghost was brought from Rome to the Coun∣cil of Trent in a Clokebag,* 1.58 la Spirito Sancto veniva portato nella valigia. This proposition appeared injurious to the Holy Ghost, to the Pope and to the Council; yet our Cardi∣nal Historian expounds it learnedly and makes it out, how it is conformable even to the Doctrine of S. Augustin; and that Pope Innocent X, in effect to condemn Jansenius, thought it not unfit to order the exteriour light of the Holy Ghost to be brought in a Clokebag to Rome from all Quarters of the Church, which he consulted. Leo X did the same when he condemned the heresy of Luther,* 1.59 non hanno s'degnato di procaciar l'∣esterna luce dello Spirito Sancto à se stessi per le vaglie de' corrieri avauci di condannar le opi∣nioni è di Lutero, e di Jansenio. Now the exteriour light is alwaies accompanied with the interiour, which is the Soul thereof, and which is that wich is called sufficient Grace to know the Truth and to follow it, which is not wanting to any one. So that which is called sufficient grace, to condemn Janseni∣us was brought in some sort in a Clokebag to Pope Innocent X, as one may say that the Horse that carries the Body of a living man carries also his Soul; otherwise sufficient grace might fail those which doe all their endeavour to know the Truth, and con∣demn Heresy and they would condemn it blindfold,* 1.60 alla cieca as our Cardinal speaks.

There be none then but Ideots which will let themselves be scared with this Vizard of a Proverb, that the Holy Ghost was carried in a Clokebag, for there's nothing more exactly true according to School Divinity; and look you now the Vizard is for ever taking off which Scared Ideots,* 1.61 Ecco dileg∣nate quelle vanissime larve discoucia apparenza che agli occhi degli Idioti potea recar una cal forma di proverbiare lo Spirito Sancto veniva portato nella valigia.

It being thus, may not one say that the most puissant and yet the most sweet and gentle means to uphold the Universal Mo∣narchy, the Royalty and absolute Empire of the Pope over all the World, which is the Fundamental Point of all the Christian Po∣licy is to make come from Rome in a Cloak∣bag the spirit of this Policy into all Quarters of the World. There remains onely the name∣ing and chusing of the Couriers to goe along with the Males or Clokebags.

1. The Religious, whose Generals reside not at Rome, are not fit for it.

2. The Religious, which doe not teach youth, are unfit for it too, for this Spirit must begin to be administred in tender years.

3. There's none but the Jesuites, to whom this Employ can reasonably be given:

For 1. If to this end there need no more but to be Masters in this Policy by our Car∣dinal Historians Example, who is of their Society, it appears that they talk as if they were the Authors thereof.

2. If for it there needs zeal for the Holy See, there's no body able to dispute with them that their advantage, for all this Father Je∣suite and Cardinal's book is full of protesta∣tions upon that Subject.

3. If there onely needs testimonials of Nuncio's and Ambassadours, see those of the Nuncio Commendon and of the Comte of Lune, related by this our Cardinal,* 1.62 io per certo non hò ritrovato nelle chiese di Germania più fermo ne maggior prefidio della religione che ì Collegii dì costoro;* 1.63 così piacesse à Dio che se ne fossero molti.* 1.64 Onde non è dubio che quando si facessero molti collegii se ne caverebbe fructo in∣credibile.

But above all, the Testimony of Pope Pius IV, and that of S. Charles Borromeo are of ex∣treme advantage for them. They are related by this Cardinal in his XXIV Book, chap∣ter 6, where their Society is called Religion it self and their institution Pious; Religione, e l'istituto pio.

Now their institution is particularly de∣stinated by their founder St. Ignatius to serve in the Missions,* 1.65 istituita per sine speciale delle Missioni, and 'tis for this same subject that they have shunned giving to themselves any of the names, which the other Monastick orders take, as Father Guardians, Correctours, Wardens, Discrets and even shunning the names of Covents, Dortoirs, Chapters, yea and even the habits themselves, though ve∣nerable elsewhere, because those other sorts of habits were not very commodious to car∣ry

the Cloakbag in the Missions,* 1.66 hebbesi risguardo d'astenersi dalle appellazioni e delle vesti di frate benche per altro venerabili e Sa∣crosante.

So that tis manifest that there's nothing more important for the felicity of the Pope and the Roman Court according to the flesh, secundo la carne then the establishment of Jesuites the World throughout, giving them power to set up every where the Sacred Tri∣bunal of the Inquisition, for setting up where∣of Pope Pius IV hath merited, quoth our Cardinal,* 1.67 a Praise which will be Eternal, d'eterna lode lo fà degno, il tribunal dell'in∣quisizione che dal zelo di lui riconosce il pre∣sente suo vigor nel l'Italia, e dal quale l'Italia riconosce la conservata Integrità della sua fede. Because it is to the Inquisition, according to our Cardinal, that Italy and Spain are indeb∣ted for retaining the Faith among them, as to those Articles thereof which have no nea∣rer nor immediater certainty then onely the Popes authority,* 1.68 quella religione, i cui articoli unitamente confiderati non hanno altra certez∣za prossima ed immediata che l'autorità del Pontefice.

Notes

• * 1.1

  l. 4. c. 9.
• * 1.2

  l. 14. c. 9.
• * 1.3

  l. 3. c. 17.
• * 1.4

  l. 13. c. 10.
• * 1.5

  l. 14. c. 9.
• * 1.6

  l. 4. c. 8.
• * 1.7

  l. 19 c. 9.
• * 1.8

  Ibid.
• * 1.9

  Ibid.
• * 1.10

  l. 1. c. 2.
• * 1.11

  l. 2. c. 10.
• * 1.12

  l. 2. c. 10. & l. 6. c. 7.
• * 1.13

  l. 2. c. 10.
• * 1.14

  l. 12. c. 15.
• * 1.15

  l. 17. c. 10.
• * 1.16

  Ibid.
• * 1.17

  l. 23. c. 11.
• * 1.18

  l. 12. c. 13.
• * 1.19

  l. 23. c. 3. & 11.
• * 1.20

  l. 9. c. 9.
• * 1.21

  Intr. c. 6.
• * 1.22

  l. 23. c. 3.
• * 1.23

  Intr. c. 6.
• * 1.24

  l. 23. c. 11.
• * 1.25

  l. 3. c. 17.
• * 1.26

  l. 22. c. 7.
• * 1.27

  l. 23. c. 7.
• * 1.28

  l. 12. c. 11.
• * 1.29

  l. 23. c. 13.
• * 1.30

  l. 23. c. 13.
• * 1.31

  l. 24. c. 12.
• * 1.32

  l. 24. c. 12.
• * 1.33

  Ibid.
• * 1.34

  l. 2. c. 4.
• * 1.35

  l. 2. c. 4.
• * 1.36

  l. 1. c. 2.
• * 1.37

  l. 1. c. 3.
• * 1.38

  l. 1. c. 1.
• * 1.39

  l. 16. c. 17.
• * 1.40

  l. 8. c. 17.
• * 1.41

  l. 8. c. 17.
• * 1.42

  l. 23. c. 3.
• * 1.43

  ibid.
• * 1.44

  ibid.
• * 1.45

  l. 19. c. 11.
• * 1.46

  l. 23. c. 3.
• * 1.47

  l. 12. c. 13.
• * 1.48

  ibid.
• * 1.49

  l. 8. c. 17.
• * 1.50

  l. 8. c. 17.
• * 1.51

  ibid.
• * 1.52

  l. 4. c. 6.
• * 1.53

  l. 9. c. 9. l. 17. c. 9.
• * 1.54

  l. 17. c. 2. & l. 1. 13.
• * 1.55

  l, 13. c. 10.
• * 1.56

  l. 16. c. 10.
• * 1.57

  l. 16. c. 10.
• * 1.58

  l. 16. c. 10.
• * 1.59

  Ibid.
• * 1.60

  Ibid.
• * 1.61

  l. 16. c. 10.
• * 1.62

  l. 20. c. 4. & 11.
• * 1.63

  l. 15. c. 7.
• * 1.64

  l. 20. c. 4.
• * 1.65

  l. 4. c. 11.
• * 1.66

  l. 4, c. 11.
• * 1.67

  l. 14. c. 9.
• * 1.68

  l. 3. c. 15.