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ARe these the Wayes and Methods which the Pope and his Factors have used to propagate their doctrines?
1. Here then we may see how it comes to passe that the Church of Rome hath such a numerous company of Proselytes. There was never Government framed by the wit of man more powerful to attain it•• designed ends, than that of Rome; never any either more wisely contrived, ••••
more diligently observed; insomuch that but for the natural weaknesse of falshood and dishonesty, their external meanes were sufficient to prevail upon the whole world to submit unto it. Whatsoever either wealth can sway with the lovers, or voluntary poverty w••th the despisers of the world; what honour with the am∣bitious, or obedience with the humble; what great employments with active spi∣rits, or perpetual quiet with restive bodies; what satisfaction the pleasant nature can take in sports and pastimes, or the austere mind in discipline and rigour; what love either Chastity can raise in the pure, or voluptuousnesse in the dissolute; what change of vowe; with the rash, or of E∣state with the inconstant; what pardons with the guilty, or supplyes with the in∣digent; what Miracles with the Credu∣lous, and Visions with the Phantastical; what glorious shewes with the Vulgar, and multitude of Ceremonies with the superstitious; in short, whatsoever is congruent and complacential to the vari∣ous tempers and dispositions of men, is to be found in the Church of Rome.
To conclude, never was there a Politie or Government in the world so strangely
compacted of infinite contrarieties, all tending to entertain and gratifie the se∣veral humours of men; and by Conse∣quence more powerful to attain the ends of its institution.
2. Let us then thankfully acknowledge the infinite goodnesse and mercy of God in our signal deliverances from their Plots and Conspiracies, especially that of this day. I know the Anniversarie remem∣b••ance of this eminent Deliverance trou∣bles our Adversaries of Rome: they love not to hear of their impious designes, when not crowned with successe. Some Romanists would gladly have the world believe it to be a m••er cheat, onely a Trick of Salisbury, then Secretary of State; and for proofe they very gravely tell us this Storie, That one lurking under the Council-Table (and upon what jealousy came he there?) conceal'd by the long Car∣pet, heard much of the Contrivance. A Tal•• so ridiculous, that to endeavour its confutation, would argue one more im∣pertinent, than the Tale-teller. If this were a Cheat, and known so to be, would no•• Father Parsons, and others have va∣poured w••th ••t all the world over? Would they have concealed such a thing, that
would have cleared up their innocency, and cast so much filth and dirt upon us? No man (who ha••h seen their Writings) can imagine that they were such Friends to us, and such Enemies to their own C••use and Credit.
That there really was such a Plot, can∣not be deny'd till all Hystories be purged.
And that it was approved and promo∣ted not only by a few inconsiderable per∣sons (as others suggest) is not lesse evi∣dent. Sir William Stanley, Sir Edmund Bainham, Father Parsons Rector of the English Colledge in Rome, William B••ldwin the Leg••er Jesuite in Flanders, Arhur Crefwell Legier for their cause in Spain, Hugh Owen with many others be∣yond the Seas were acquainted with this bloody design, and highly commended it. Nay some of these solicited the King of Spain to have an Armie in ready∣nesse at the water-side to waft over into England, when notice should be given of that fatal blow.
In May 1605. (the Romanists having made an Insurrection in Wales) Father Garnet writ a letter to the Pope, that a command might come from his Holynesse, or from Aquavica General of the Jesuits,
to prevent all commotions of the Catho∣licks here in England, that we might be lull'd asleep by their dissembled quietnesse and conformity. This request was gran∣ted; though his other viz: to have it in∣joyn'd upon Censures, was deny'd, least it might be an impediment to that grand design. Peruse the Relation of the whole proceedings against those barbarous Trai∣tors, where you will find all this, and much more confessed by them.
Again, that the Pope was privie to this * 1.1 Plot, and approved of it, is clear from the voluntary Confession of a Jesuite, who affirm'd, that three Bulls were sent from Rome upon this occasion; and should have been published in three of the chiefest places of England, had their design suc∣ceeded: but that failing, they were sup∣prest.
That the remembrance of this great deliverance may more affect us, let us consider it with all its adjuncts and cir∣cumstances. We say that in Morals, the Circumstance is more then the substance: So many times in deliverances, the ad∣juncts may be more than the matter. The cutting of a Stone may be more precious than the stone it selfe; and the stamp and
workmanship of more value than the Metal. I cannot say so here; but doubt∣lesse these two Adjuncts viz: freenesse and fulnesse, doe adde much to the glory of it.
1. Observe how freely we were deli∣vered from the bloody complotments of our Roman Adversaries. Many signal deliverances hath God wrought for his Church in former Ages, but was there ever any so free as this? God delivered his Church from the barbarous conspiracy of Haman: but what prayers, and teares, and fastings did it cost Esther, and Mor∣decai, and the Jewes ere they could ob∣tain it? 4 Esth: 16. But this deliver∣ance came not upon the wings of our pray∣ers, but Gods free mercy; we were ig∣norant of our danger, and therefore could not make Deliverance the Subject of our prayers. Masses were said in Rome for the good successe of the Catholick Design, but no prayers were made in England for our deliverance from it: and yet deliver∣ed. In a word, we were delivered, before we sought deliverance.
2. Observe how fully we were deli∣vered. The Plot was laid for a full de∣struction, to cut off the King, Queen, and their hopeful Issue, our honourable
Nobility, our reverend Clergies, our grave and learned Judges, the flower of our Gentry, yea the Protestant Religion. No Countrie, nor Age ever brought forth such a Monster of Treason; saith Thuanus, speaking of the Powder-Plot. Histor: lib: 135. p. 1215. No stroke so mortal as that of a Thunder-bolt, no hatred so cruel as that which fetcheth its pretences from Heaven. The losse of a particular person is oft-times, but like the putting out of a Candle, which brings onely darknesse to a roome: but the ruine of a State, is like the Eclipse of the Sunne, which brings a detriment to the whole Hemisphere.
And observe how fully God defeated their bloody design: there was not the least hurt done. This deliverance was like that of the three Children in the fiery furnace 3 Dan: 27, There was not so much as an hair of their head singed, neither were their ••oats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Or like that of Jerusalem from the fury of Sen••cherib, who coming up against that City full of pride and rage, intended nothing lesse than the utter ruine and destruction of it: but faith God, he shall not shoot an arrow there. Even thus were we delivered.
O let us be for ever thankful for this free and full, this eminent and glorious deliverance! not only verbally, but re∣ally; with our lips, and in our lives. It is observable that the Israelites gracious de∣liverance out of Egypt is made the Preface to the ten Commandments. Holynesse of life is the life of thankfulnesse.
How apt we are to fail in the perfor∣mance of this duty is too evident both from sacred Writ▪ and daily experience. How did Gods own people abuse signal and transcendent mercies? not only by entertaining low and mean thoughts of them, but even by sinning against the Author of them. Can there be a greater wickednesse, than for a Pensioner of the Court who receives an ample Stipend from the King, to lay it out in buying poison to destroy him, or in raising, rebellion to dethrone him? And what is it that such men doe lesse, who abuse the mer∣cies of God to the service of their lusts: and turn them, as Israel did the Jewels of the Egyptians, which God had given them, into a cursed Idol, before which bow'd and worshipped?
Such a foul sin it is, that it were to be wished, that no example could ever be
produced of it; or that it had been con∣fin'd to the generations that are long since past: that Jesurun had been the last, that waxed fat and kicked. 32 Deut. 15. or that the Prophet had made the last complaint, that Gods Corne, and Wine, and Oyle, and Silver, and Gold were em∣ploy'd in the Service of Baal. His: 2. 8. But alas its a sin that lives to this day; a sin that England is deeply guilty of. If we compare this Land with other Nations and Churches, we shall find our Portion to be like that of the First born, double to what any of our Brethren in other Kingdomes have enjoyed. What blessing is it, that deserves to be stiled matchlesse, transcendent, glorious, which God hath not conferr'd upon us? If Peace be it, we have had it; if Plenty, we have had it; if Victory, we have had it; if the Gospel, we have have had it. Our im∣placable Enemies of Rome have attempted all wayes, that wit or malice could invent, to deprive us of what is, and ought to be most dear unto us, and bring upon us the heavy Yoke of Popish Tyranny and Super∣stitions, which neither we, nor our Fa∣thers were able to bear.
If cursing could have done it, what a miserable and forlorn People had we been at this day? How often hath Balack sent to Balaam, come curse Israel, come defy England? and how often hath that Balaam cursed our Israel. We have heard of his Anniversarie Anathema's, wherein this Church and State have been struck with the thunder and lightning of his Papal curse. But the curse causlesse (saith Solo∣mon) shall not come. And we may say to England, as Moses did to Israel con∣cerning Balaams curse. Deut: 23. 5. Neverthelesse, the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam: but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.
And if power and policy could have done it, we had been a wretched and ruin'd people long ago; witnesse the Spanish Armado, and the Gun-powder-Plot. These Archers of Rome have sorely grieved us, and shot at us, and hated us. But our Bow hath abode in strength, and the arms of our hands have been made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. Gen: 49: 23, 24.
O but how sadly have we abused these signal mercies and deliverances! How is
that mercy of mercies sleighted by us, nay a burden to us, which should be priz∣ed above all the endearments of this world, I mean, the Gospel of salvation? How have we wasted these mercies, as the Prodigal did his Portion, upon our lusts and filthinesse? we have streng∣then'd our hands by them in rebellion a∣gainst the Author of them. Not onely the banks of Religion, but Cavility too are broken down. Whereas 'tis usually said, that ill manners produce good lawes, we have reverst the Aphorisme, and the good precepts of our Religion have introduced the most corrupt manners. Our holy Faith which, like a foundation should support good works, hath like a Gulfe swal∣lowed them up. And so universal a depra∣vation is there amongst us, that we have scorce any thing left to distinguish us from the most barbarous people, but a better ••ame and worse vices. How many give no other demonstration of their belief of a Deity, than their Oaths and blasphe∣mies? and in stead of calling unto mercy to save them, their ordinary prayer is, God damne them. How many think it a ••iece of gallantry to scoffe at Religion, ••••oll upon God, and make sport with his
lawes? In aword, how many think it an argument of judgment to be above the fol∣lies of Conscience, and the height of courage to defy Heaven, and outdare the Almighty? O tell it not in Gath, nor publish it in the streets of A••kelon, that a people, whom God hath so signally own'd, and miraculously delivered, should thus requite the Lord.
How justly may we expect some remar∣kable judgments as the product of these monstrous impieties? and that if we con∣sider, that sins against mercy are commit∣ted against a darling attribute of God, which of all others he most delights to re∣veal, and make known to the Sons of men, Now the more any sin is injurious to this attribute of mercy, the more black it must needs be. No darknesse is more formi∣dable, than that of an Eclipse, which as∣saults the very Vessels of light; no taste more unsavory, than that of sweet things, when corrupted: even so no sinne more hideous, than that which would darken the brightnesse of Gods love, and corrupt the sweetnesse of his mercy; and there∣fore none more provoking to wrath and jealousie.
To conclude, let us not frantickly de∣fie
that omnipotency, which we are not able to resist, nor despise that goodnesse which is our only refuge: but since it hath pleased God in wrath to remember mer∣cy, let us transcribe his Copy, and be as kinde to our selves, as he hath been to us. O that we may take pattern from Niniveh, cry, and cry mightily unto God, joyn humi∣liation to our prayers, and reformation to both. And could we be perswaded to doe this with the same sincerity and universa∣lity, we might hope with the same successe. Would all who have brought their fire∣brands, bring also their teares, it might secure us such a tranquility here, as may calmly convoy us to that impassible state, where all teares shall be wiped from our eyes. And so much for the second Inference.
3. Think not then of an accommodati∣on with the Church of Rome. It hath been the desire of many, and the endeavour of some to work a reconciliation betwixt our Church and that of Rome: these have at∣tempted an impossibility. No communi∣on between light and darknesse, truth and falshood, Christ and Antichrist. The North and South Poles may sooner meet, than an accommodation with the Church of Rome be effected. Come out of Baby∣lon
is the voice from Heaven; come out in affection, ••nd come out in person: se∣parate far from them. Say with Jacob Gen: 49. 6, 7. O my soul come not thou in∣to their secret: unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united. Cursed be their Principles for they are Damnable, and their Practices for they are cruel.
4. Much lesse then think of returning to Rome. Stand fast in that truly Ancient, Catholick, and Apostolick Faith, which you have received. This Exhortation cannot be adjudg'd unnecessarie, if we consider that Romes Factors, the great Whores Panders are crafty and subtile to se∣duce men to their Religion. See how the Spirit of God describes them, 9 Rev: 1, 2. &c. The Papists confesse that here by the Starre fallen from heaven is meant the Master of some error and heresie, and by the Locusts that arise out of the earth, the Teachers of these heresies.
This Starre (saith our learned King James in his Paraphrase on Revel:) is the Pope of Rome: and the Locusts that in∣fect the aire, are Monks, Fryars, Jesu∣ites &c. They have Crowns of gold, the the faces of men, and hair like Women: all al∣luring, enticing, and tempting. And that
you may stand fast in the truth, and not be seduced to Popery, I wi•••• commend to you (passing by many others) these two directions.
1. Doe not nourish any known sin. The Jewel of faith can never be kept in a crack'd Cabinet, a crazy Conscience He who puts away a good conscience, con∣cerning faith will soon make shipwrack. 1 Tim: 1. 19. P••ophane Gospellers be∣come a prey to those that goe abirding for souls with their corrupt Doctrines. 2 Thes: 2. 10, 11. The Apostle here describes the persons that shall be seduced by Anti∣christ: they are such as walk after their lusts, and will not receive the love of the truth. These like the out-setting Deer are shot, while they within the Pale are safe.
2. Read the Scriptures carefully and constantly. It was the Speech of a dying Arch-Bishop of this place to his Chaplain, that in all the word of God, he could not find the least ground for Poperie. And so much, ••••y more is confessed by certain Bishops in Bononia in their Letter of Advice to the Pope concerning the establishment of the * 1.2 Roman Church: Lastly (which amongst the counsels and directions given to your Holynesse at this time, is chiefest and most weighty)
the greatest care and diligence must be used, that as little of the Gospel as may be (especi∣ally in the Ʋulgar Tongue) be read in these Cities which are within your Dominions. Let that little suffice, which is wont to be read in the Masse: and more than that let no mor∣tal be allow'd to read. For so long as men were content with that little, your affairs succeeded according to desire; but quite o∣therwaies since so much of the Scriptures was publickly read. In short this is the Book, which above all others, hath raised these storms and tempests. And truly, if any one read that Book viz: the Scriptures, and ob∣serve the customes & pract••ses of our Church, will see that there is no agreement betwixt them, and that the Doctrine which we preach is altogether different from, and sometimes contrary to that contained in the Bible.
This Letter or Epistle was first disco∣vered by Vergerius, after the death of Pope Paulus 3. saith Crashaw: and Wolfius gives us a large account of it, Lection: Memorab: Tom: 2. p. 549.
Carefully and conscientiously observe these directions, and I doubt not but you will be preserved from, or enabled to o∣vercome all temptations to Popery. I
will conclude with one of the Collects appointed for this day.
O LORD, Who didst this day dis¦cover the snares of death that were said for us, and didst wonderfully deliver us from the same; Be thou still our mighty Protector, and scatter our Ene∣mies that delight in blood. Infatuate and defeat their counsels, abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices. Strengthen the hands of our gracious King Charles, and all that are put in authority under him, with judg∣ment and justice, to cut off all such work∣ers of iniquity, as turn religion into re∣bellion, and faith into faction; that then may never prevail against us, or triumph in the ruine of thy Church among us: But that our gracious Soveraign and his Realmes, being preserved in thy true Religion, and by thy mercifull goodnesse protected in the same, we may all duly serve thée, and give thee thanks in thy holy Congregation, through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
••. Andrews Respons: ad Apol: Bel∣larm: c. 5. p. 11••.
pag: 6.