Emperours Ambassadours two yeeres since and that still they desired a lawfull Councell as they were sure that all godly men did and that they would goe to it as many times hath beene determined in the Imperiall Diets But for the Councell which the Pope hath appointed to bee in Mantua they hoped that the Emperour would not breake the decrees of the Diet nor his owne promises so often made vnto them that the Councell should bee celebrated in Germany and that they saw not how there could bee any danger there seeing that all the Princes and Cities obey the Emperour and are so well gouerned that all strangers are receiued and entertained with all humanity But that the Pope should prouide for the securitie of those that went to the Councel they could not see how especiall considering what things haue happened in the precedent age That the Christian Commonwealth hath neede of a godly and free Councell and that to such a one they haue appealed And whereas the Nuncio sayd that they ought not to treat of the manner and forme first it signified nothing but that there should bee no libertie and that all should bee referred to the Popes power who already hauing so often condemned their religion the Councell cannot bee free if hee shall bee Iudge That the Councell is not the tribunall of the Pope and Priests onely but of all the orders of the Church not excluding the Seculars That to preferre the Popes power before the authoritie of the whole Church is an vniust and tyrannicall opinion That the Pope defending the opinion of his owne men yea with cruell edicts making himselfe a party to the cause it is iust that the manner and forme of the processe should bee determined by the Princes The Kings of England and France sent Ambassadours to the assembly of The King of England and the French King send Ambassadors to Smalcalda Francis Sforza dieth Smalcalda the French King who had a disseigne to make warre in Italy Francis Sforza Duke of Milan beeing now dead desired them not to accept of any place for the Councel without the aduise of him and of the King of England and that they would accept of none without them The King of England aduised them to be aware that they called not such a Councel where in stead of moderating the abuse they should more establish the Popes authority and desired them to approoue his diuorce On the other side they dealt with him to receiue the Augustan confession Which things being treated of in diuers assemblies had no conclusion at all But Vergerius in the beginning of the yeere 1536. returned to the Pope to 1536 relate the effect of his Ambassage Hee deliuered in summe that the Protestants 1536 PAVL 3. CHARLES 5. HENRY 8. FRANCIS 1. would not receiue any Councell except it were free and in a fitte place within the confines of the Empire grounding themselues vpon the Emperours promise and that of Luther and his complices there was no hope at all nor any other way to be thought of but to oppresse them with warre Vergerius for his reward had the Bishopricke of Capo d'Istria his owne Countrey and was sent by the Pope to Naples to make the same relation to the Vergerius returneth and deliueceth to the Pope the effect of his negotiation He is rewarded and sent to the Emperour Emperour who hauing beene victorious in Africa was passed into the kingdome to settle the affaires thereof The Emperour hearing the narration of the Nuncio went to Rome Hee had priuate conference with the Pope concerning the affaires of Italy and the pacification of Germanie The Pope according to Vergerius counsell said there was no meanes to bee vsed but warre But the Emperor seeing the time not ripe as yet to reape from thence The Emperour goeth to Rome to conferre with the Pope that good fruit as others were perswaded he might and himselfe also intangled in Italy without possibility of being free but by yeelding Milan which he resolued by all meanes to make his owne whither all his actions did principally tend alleaged for a reason to deferre that warre that it was more necessary to defend Milan from the French men On the other side the Pope whose thoughts were wholly bent to make an Italian Lord of that State and therefore proposed the warre of Germanie not so much to suppresse the Lutherans as hee said openly as to diuert Caesar from possessing Milan which was his principall end though secret replyed that himselfe and the Venetians what by armes and what by treaties would more easily make the King desist in case his Imperiall Maiestie did not meddle The Emperour hauing discouered the inward thoughts of the Pope The Pope and Emperor haue contrary ends and dissemble one with another with as much dissimulation made shew hee was perswaded and inclined to the warre of Germanie yet hee said that it was fit to iustifie the cause well that the whole world might not be against him and to shew by intimating a Councell that hee had first vsed all other meanes The Pope was not sory that being necessarily to intimate a Synode it should be done in a time when in regard the French King had inuaded Sauoy and Piemont all Italy would bee set on fire with warre whereby an apparent pretence was giuen him to enuiron the Councell with armes vnder colour of custody and protection He The Emperor is puffed vp with the African victorie shewed himselfe to bee contented so that such conditions were set downe which might not derogate from the authority and reputation of the Apostolique Sea The Emperour who by reason of the victory atchieued in Africa was lifted vp in minde and swollen with vast thoughts beleeued hee should make an end of the warre in Lombardy within two yeeres at the most and that hauing immured the King of France beyond the mountaines hee might apply himselfe to the affaires of Germany without any impediment His meaning was the Councell should serue him for two things First to bridle the Pope in case during the warre of Italy hee should according to the custome of other Popes put himselfe on the French side when that should bee the weaker to counterpoise him that was victorious Secondly to reduce Germany to his obedience which was the marke he shot at But for the Popes obedience hee esteemed it but an accidentall thing For the place Mantua pleased him and for the rest hee cared not what condition the Pope might adde considering that when the Councell were assembled he should be able to change whatsoeuer pleased him not Therefore he concluded that he was contented with any condition so that the Councell might bee celebrated alledging that he hoped to perswade almost all Germanie to consent vnto it Wherefore the resolution was established by the Pope and the whole colledge of Cardinals A resolution established for calling the Councell Therefore the Emperour entering into the publike
fauouring the Colonnesi and therefore spake very often disgracefully of them in the presence of all sorts of persons but most willingly when any Spanish Cardinall was present and at last commanded it should be written vnto them None of these proofes taking effect hee proceeded further and the three and twentieth day of Iuly made the Fiscal and Siluester Aldobrandinus the Consistoriall Aduocate appeare in the Consistory who declared that his Holinesse hauing excommunicated and depriued Marcus Antonius Colonna and prohibited vnder the same censures all sorts of persons to assist or fauour him and it being notorious that the Emperour and King Philip his The Pope maketh shew that he will proceed against the Emperor and his sonne sonne had furnished him with horse foote and money they were fallen into the punishments of the same sentence and had lost their Territories which they held in Fee Therefore they desired that his Holinesse would proceed to a declaratory sentence and giue order for execution The Pope answered that he would aduise of it by the counsell of the Cardinals and giuing them leaue to depart he proposed in Consistory what was fit to bee done in a case of so great importance The French Cardinals spake with much honour of the Emperour and King Philip but so that the Pope was more prouoked The Imperialists vsed words of an ambiguous sence fit to gaine time The Theatini the Popes owne Cardinals spake magnificently of the Papall authoritie and of the worth and wisedome of his Holinesse who onely knew how to finde a remedy for that maladie praising all that he had done and referring themselues vnto him for all the rest The Consistory being dismissed without a resolution the Pope knew that either hee must yeeld or come to a warre from which beeing not auerse in regard of his naturall disposition full of courage and hopes aduice came fitly to him from his Nephew of what was concluded in France So that the discourses of reformation and Councels were turned into parleys of money Souldiers and intelligences of which things as not pertaining to my purpose I will onely say as much as may shew what the Popes minde was and how much he was addicted to a true or at least to a colourable reformation of the Prouideth for warre Church The Pope armed the Citizens and inhabitants of Rome for the most part artisans and strangers to the number of 5000 distributing them vnder the Heads of the Rioni for so they were called hee caused many of his Cities to bee fortified and put garisons in them and the French King sent Wards or precincts him at his instance 3000. Gascons by sea that hee might subsist while the royall Army was prepared In these negotiations and preparations for warre the Pope imprisoned And imprisoneth many Cardinals Barons vpon suspicion and King Philip his Ambassadour many Cardinals Barons and others vpon suspicion as also Carsillasso di Vega Ambassadour of Philip King of England and Ioannes Antonius Tassis the Emperours Post-master And to the Duke of Alua who sent to protest against him for maintaining in Rome the fugitiues of the kingdome of Naples for laying hands on and keeping in prison publique persons without reason for hauing opened the Kings letters all which things hee had done adding that the King for preseruation of his honour and of the right of his people could not choose in case his Holinesse did perseuere in such offensiue actions but seeke reuenge for the iniurie he sent backe an answere that The Duke of Alua protesteth of the wrong done to his Master by the Pope and receueth a proud answere hee was a free Prince and superiour to all others not bound to giue any account but to demaund it of any whosoeuer that hee might entertaine any persons and open any letters which hee thought to bee written against the Church that if Carcillasso had done the office of an Ambassadour nothing should haue been done against him but hauing made treaties mooued seditions 1557 PAVL 4. CHARLES 5. MARY HENRY 2. plotted against the Prince to whom he was sent he had offended as a priuate man and as such should bee punished that no danger should make him bee wanting to the dignity of the Church and defence of that Sea referring all to GOD by whom hee was made shepheard of the flocke of CHRIST And the Pope still continuing to make prouision the Duke of Alua being resolued that it was better to assault then to bee assaulted sent another protestation against him that the King hauing endured so many iniuries knowing that the intention of his Holinesse was to dispossesse him of the kingdome of Naples and beeing assured that to this end hee had made a league with his enemies could not continue in those termes and therefore in regard his Holinesse did desire warre hee did denounce it against him and would begin it quickly protesting that the calamities thereof could not be imputed to him and laying the blame vpon the Pope But if he desired peace he did offer it likewise vnto him with all readinesse The Pope making a shew to desire peace but answering onely in generall termes to gaine time the Duke began to make warre the fourth of September and in the yeere 1556. possessed himselfe of almost all Campania holding it in the For which cause he moueth warre against him name of the next Pope and came so neere to Rome that he put all the Citie in feare and made them strengthen and fortifie it And the Pope to teach the Gouernours of strong places what they ought to doe in such cases compelled all the religious persons of what state or qualitie soeuer to carry earth with a dosser on their shoulders to raise the bulwarkes Amongst other places which had need of Rampards one was neere the gate of the people at the end of the way called Flaminia where there is a Church of our Ladie The Pope armeth the Regulars and purposeth to pull downe a Church of great deuotion of much deuotion which the Pope purposing to pull downe the Duke sent to pray him to let it stand giuing his word and oath that he would make no vse of the opportunitie of that place But the greatnesse of the Citie and other respects and dangers counselled him not assayling Rome to vndertake smaller enterprises It gaue much matter of discourse that this yeere Charles the Emperor The Emperor quitteth the world parted from Flanders and passed into Spaine to betake himselfe to a priuate life in a solitary place so that they made a comparison betweene a Prince trained vp from his infancie in the negotiations and affaires of the world who at the age of little more then fifty yeeres had resolued to quit the world and onely to serue God changed from a mighty Prince to a meane religious person and one who had formerly abandoned the Eiscopal charge to retire into a Monastery and now being at the age
That this happened to the Emperors of the East who hauing abandoned the obedience due to the vniuersall Bishop of Rome lost their forces Kingdoms That the cunning of the Lutherans was manifest who haue proceeded maliciously with his Maiestie and that vnder the colour of establishing their Religion they doe euer procure something else That an example thereof was the Diet of Spira in the yeere 1526 of Noremberg 1532 and of Calano 1534. when the Duke of Wittenberg regained the Dutchie which shewed that those commotions of the Landgraue and the Lutherans were not for religion but to take that state from the King of the Romanes That hee should put him in minde that when hee made an accord with the Lutherans the Catholique Princes would not endure such a disorder that his Maiestie should haue more power ouer them then ouer the Protestants and would thinke vpon new remedies That there are many other lawfull and honest wayes to reduce Germanie the Pope being resolued to afford him all possible ayde according to the proportion of his forces And when his Maiestie shall haue well thought thereon he will finde that these capitulations cannot bee approoued without making all Germany Lutheran which were wholly to depriue himselfe of authority For that Sect excludeth all superiority extolling liberty or rather licence aboue all That he should put into the Emperours head to augment the Catholique League and to take from the Lutherans their adherents as much as hee could and to send as much money as was possible into Germanie to promise and really to giue it to those that follow the Catholique league That it were good also vnder colour of Turkish affaires to send a competent number of Spaniards or Italians into those parts lodging them within the territories of the King of the Romans That the Pope was resolued to send some person to the Catholique Princes with money to gratifie those that shall be fit for his purpose That he should exhort Caesar to make such an Edict as the King of England made in his Kingdome causing a rumour to bee spread cunningly that his Maiestie negotiated with the sayd King to reduce him to the obedience of Rome The Pope gaue commission also to the sayd Montepulciano to complaine to the Emperour that his sister Queene Mary Gouernesse of the low Countries secretly fauoured the Lutherane part that shee purposely sent The Nuncio complaineth against the Emperors sister Gouernesse of the low Countries men vnto them that when the Catholique league was to be established shee wrote to the Elector of Triers that hee should not enter into it and so that good worke was crossed that shee hindered the Lord of Lauaur the French Ambassadour from going into Germanie to consult with the King of the Romanes and the Legate of his Holinesse about religion which hee did beleeue proceeded notfrom her owne will but from the counsell of her bad ministers But because mention is made of the Edict of the King of England in matter The Edict of religion made by K. Henry the 8. of Religion it will not bee amisse to recount heere how Henry the eight in the time of the Diet of Francfort either because he thought to doe God seruice by not permitting innouation of religion within his Kingdome or to shew constancie in what hee had wrote against Luther or to giue the Pope the lie who laid an imputation vpon him in his Bull that hee had published hereticall doctrine in his Kingdome made a publique Edict whereby hee commanded that the reall presence of the true and naturall body and blood of our Lord Iesus Christ vnder the kindes of bread and wine there remaining no substance of those elements was to bee beleeued throughout all England as also that Christ was wholly contained vnder the one and the other kinde that the communion of the Cup was not necessary that it was not lawfull for Priests to marry that religious men after their profession and vowes of chastity were bound alwayes to keepe them and to liue in Monasteries that secret and Auricular confession was not onely profitable but also necessary that the celebration of Masse euen priuate was an holy thing which hee commanded should bee obserued in his Kingdome He prohibited all to doe or teach any thing contrary to these articles vpon paine to be punished as heretiques It is to bee marueiled at how the Pope who a little before thundered against that King was constrained to prayse his actions and to propose him to the Emperour for an ensample to be imitated So a mans proper interest makes him commend and blame the same person But the Pope after hee had dispatched Montepulciano seeing that by calling the Councell and after deferring it though hee entertayned the world yet hee lost reputation thought it necessary to leaue that ambiguous proceeding which howsoeuer it had giuen men satisfaction heeretofore yet in A consultation about the Councel progresse of time it might produce some sinister effect And hee made a secret resolution to declare himselfe and to forsake ambiguities and in the consistory hauing related what had happened and proposed that it was necessary to make a constant and firme resolution hee put the matter in consultation Some of the Cardinals to deliuer themselues from feare which euery other day amazed them did not approoue the suspension but desired an expresse declaration that there should bee no Councell at all because it appeared not how the difficulties could bee ouercome before there was a reconciliation betweene Princes a necessary meanes without which there was no hope it could bee celebrated But the wiser sort were balanced betweene this and another feare that there might bee Nationall Councels or other remedies vsed more offensiue to them then a generall Synode and therefore the maior part gaue consent for the suspension during pleasure thinking that when it should seeme not fit to bring it to effect it might bee continued by pretending the discord betweene Princes or some other thing and that if there happened any danger of a Nationall Councell or of Colloquies or ought else it might bee remooued by promoting the Generall Councell and assigning vnto it place and time and afterwards it might bee called or let alone as time should aduise The match was made and a Bull The Councel intimated is suspended during pleasure was framed the thirteenth of Iune by which the Councell intimated was suspended during pleasure of the Pope and the Apostolicall Sea But Montepulciano the Nuncio who went into Spaine executed his commissions with the Emperour who either for the cause alledged by the Nuncio or for some respects of his owne declared not himselfe whether hee dissented or assented to the Colloquie appointed to be held at Noremberg in August Afterwards by reason of his wiues death and the rebellion of Gant with part of the low Countries hee had occasion by pretending affaires of greater importance to leaue the matter in suspence and so
by Cardinall Dandinus the Popes Minister with himselfe that hee should not part out of Italie so soone saying that as yet an Apostolique Legate could not goe into England with honour But the Letter of Dandinus not taking effect and Poole beeing in his iourney as farre as the Palatinate hee sent Diego Mendoza to stop him by authoritie It seemed strange to the Cardinall and hee complayned that the Popes Legation was hindered with the damage of Christianitie and of the Kingdome of England and ioy of Germanie Therefore the Emperour not to giue so much matter of talke made him goe to Bruxels and entertayned him in Brabant vntill the marriage was ended and all things accommodated as hee would and for colour imployed him to treate a peace betweene himselfe and the French King In the beginning of the yeere 1554. the Emperour sent Ambassadours 1554. into England to make the conclusion and the Queene proceeding to fauour the olde Religion did the fourth of March publish other Lawes restoring the Latine tongue into the Churches forbidding married men to exercise holy Functions and giuing order to the Bishops not to make them sweare who were to bee receiued into the Clergie as Henrie had appointed that the King was supreme Head of the Church of England and that the Pope had no superioritie there but was Bishop onely of the Citie of Rome Shee ordayned also that the forme of Prayer instituted by Henrie where amongst other things God is prayed to deliuer that Kingdome from sedition conspiracie and tyrannie of the Pope should be razed out of all the Bookes of Rites and forbid to bee printed In April another Parliament was held in which consent was giuen to the contract of marriage where the Queene proposed the restitution of the Popes supremacie which shee could not obtaine because the Nobilitie did resist who considered not that they did vainely denie this demaund which was vertually contayned in their assent to the marriage Philip Prince of Spaine arriued The celebration of the marriage in England the eighteenth of Iuly and on Saint Iames day the Nuptials were celebrated and hee receiued the title of the King of Naples and did consummate the Matrimonie In Nouember there was a new Parliament in which Cardinall Poole was restored to his Honour and Countrey and two were sent to inuite and accompany him with whom hee passed into the Island and arriued at London the three and twentieth of Cardinall Poole commeth to London with the crosse carried before him And maketh an Oration in the Parliment Nouember with a siluer Crosse carryed before him At his first entrie into the Parliament hee made a discourse in English before the King Queene and Orders of the Kingdome Hee thanked them very much that hee was restored to his Countrey saying that in exchange he was come to restore them to the Countrey and Court of Heauen of which they were depriued by departing from the Church Hee exh 〈…〉 them to acknowledge the errour and receiue the benefit which God by his Vicar had sent them The discourse was very long and artificiall and the conclusion was that hee had the Keyes to bring them into the Church which they had shutte by making Lawes against the Apostolique Sea which when they did reuoke hee would open the doores vnto them The Cardinals person was well accepted and an apparant assent was giuen to his Proposition though the Maior part did secretly abhorre the qualitie of a Popes Minister and were grieued to come vnder the yoke againe But they had suffered themselues to bee carried so farre that they knew not how to returne The next day the re-vnion with the Church of Rome was decreed in The manner of the re-vnion with the Church of Rome Parliament and the manner was thus set downe That a Supplication should bee made in the Parliaments name wherein it should bee declared that they were very sorrie for hauing denyed obedience to the Apostolique Sea and for hauing consented to the Decrees made against it promising to endeuour heereafter that all those Lawes and Decrees should bee abolished and beseeching the King and Queene to intercede for them that they may bee absolued from the crimes and censures and receiued as penitent children into the bosome of the Church to serue God in obedience of the Pope and Sea of Rome The last of Nouember Saint Andrewes day their Maiestics the Cardinall and whole Parliament beeing assembled the Chancellour asked the generalitie whether they were pleased that pardon should bee demanded of the Legate and whether they would returne to the vnitie of the Church and obedience of the Pope supreme Head thereof and some saying yea and the others holding their peace a Supplication was presented to their Maiesties in the name of the Parliament which beeing publiquely read they rose to desire the Legate who mette them and shewed himselfe willing to giue them satisfaction and causing the authoritie giuen him by the Pope to bee read hee discoursed how acceptable to God the repentance of a sinner was and how the Angels did then reioyce for the conuersion of that Kingdome and all being on their knees imploring the mercie of God hee absolued them which beeing done hee went to the Church with all the multitude to giue thankes to God The next day an Ambassage was destinated to the Pope to render him obedience Ambassadors are appointed to goe to the Pope for which were named Anthony Browne Vicount Mountacute Thomas Thirlby Bishoppe of Ely and Edward Cerne who had formerly beene Ambassadour in Rome for Henrie the eight and was now to bee resident there againe in that charge Aduice heereof came to Rome For which Processions are made in Rome quickly for which many Processions were made not onely in that Citie but thorow out all Italic to giue thankes to God The Pope approoued what his Legate had done and sent a 〈◊〉 the foure and twentieth of December alleadging in the â—â—ll for a cause that like the Father of the familie hauing recouered his prodigall sonne it was meeâ—e that hee should not onely-shew â—othesticall ioy but generally inuite all to the same Iubilie and hee praysed and extolled the action of the King Queene and people of England The Parliament continued vntill the midst of Ianuarie 〈◊〉 and to the ancient Edicts of the Kings to punish heretickes and of the Iurisdiction of Bishops were renewed the Primacie and all prehertinences of the Pop restored all contrary Decrees made within twentie yeeres last past 〈◊〉 would Henrie as by Edward abolished the penall Lawes against heretickes reuiued and many were burned especially Bishops who would perseuere in the reformation abolished It is certaine that one hundred seuentie and sixe persons of qualitie were burned that yeere for Religion besides many of the common sort which gaue but little content to that people who also were displeased that Martin Bucer and Paulus Fagius dead foure yeeres before were cited and condemned as if
not stop the eyes and eares of the world that they should not see and heare their differences and that if they would make shew of vnion where they were at variance they should bee conuinced of vanitie and lying and after many contentions they remained without agreement in that point For the Councell some thought fit to refuse it absolutely and others were of opinion to send Ambassadours to make offer that they would goe to a free and Christian Councell and to propose the exceptions of the suspicion of the Indges of the inconueniencie of that place and others often times proposed to shew they did not refuse the authoritie of a lawfull Councell and that the vnion of the Church was not hindered by them but by the ambition of the Coure of Rome which would make the Germane Catholiques more fauourable 〈◊〉 them And they concluded to make petition to the Emperour in this forme The two Nuncij arriuing in Austria at the same time found the Emperour To which place y e Popes two Nuncij are sent by the Emperor with three Ambasdors of his owne at Vienna who gaue them counsell to go both immediately to Nâ—umburg in Saxenie where the Protestants were assembled in a Diet and to treate as modestly with them as was possible taking care not to exasperate or offend them For if they went to each of them into their owne States they would bee posted from one to another and would neuer haue any certaine answere and when they had both performed this office ioyntly they might diuide themselues and god apart to whom they were sent He put them in mind of the Conditions with which the Protestants did formerly condescend to the Councell that if mention were made thereof againe they might bee prepared to replie in the Popes name what they thought fit The Emperour sent three Ambassadours of his owne to goe with them to the Assembly and the King of Bohemia did recommend them to the Duke of Saxonie that they might goe securely The Emperours Ambassadours hauing had audience at the Diet exhorted the Princes to assist in the Councell and to put an end to the 〈◊〉 of Germanie The Princes after they had consulted together thanked Caser and concerning the Councell said they would not refuse it if the word of GOD were to beiudge if the BB. were released of their oaths made to the Pope and the Sea of Rome and if the Protestant Theologiâ—es might have 〈◊〉 But seeing that the Pope admitteth no Bishops to be in the Councell but such as are sworne vnto him against which they The Protestants answer to the 〈◊〉 Ambassdor haue alwayes protested they could hardly agree vnto it that they were willing presently to represent so much to the Emperour with all respect deferring their absolute answere vntill the Princes then absent were informed Afterwards the Popes Nuncij were brought in who hauing commended the Popes 〈◊〉 and Religion in reuiuing the Councel to extiâ—pate 〈◊〉 in regard there are as many Religions and Gospels as there are Doctors said he had sent â—â—inuite them to helpe forward so laudable an enterprise promising that all should be handled with Christian Charitie and that their voyces shall be freeâ— They presented also the Popes Briefes written to each of them The next day all the Briefes sealed as before were sent backe and the Nuntij called And to the Popes Nuntij to receiue an answere which was to this effect That they did not acknowledge any iurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome that there was no cause to reueale their pleasure concerning the Councell to him who had no power either to call or hold it that they had deliuered their minde and determination to the Emperour their Lord that to the Nuncij who were nobly descended in a Common-wealth which they loued they offered all good office The Protestants doe intimate another assembly to begin in April and would doe more if they had not come from the Pope Thus they did end the assembly and did intimate another to begin in April to finish the 〈◊〉 of vâ—iting themselues together The Nuncio Delphinus deliuered his Ambassage in diuers Cities as he returned The negotiation of Delphinus The Senate of Noremberg answered that they would not forsake the Augustan Confession not accept of the Councell as not hauing the conditions required by the Protestants The Senates of Argentine Francfort Ausburg and Vlma answered in the same manner Comendone parting from the Of Comendone Diet went to Lubec from whence he sent to Frederic King of Denmarke to demand his Safe conduct to come to him to deliuer to him the Popes Ambassage and inuite him to fauour the Councell Hee answered that neither Christian his father nor himselfe had euer any thing to doe with the Pope and therefore hee cared not to receiue any Ambassage from him Both the Nuncij had a fauourable answere from the Prelates Princes and Cities Catholique with promise of deuotion to the Pope but concerning the Councell they sayd they were to treate with the Emperour it being necessary to consult together for feare of the Lutherans Ierolamus Martinengo sent to Of Martinengo the Queene of England for the same cause beeing in Flanders receiued commandement from her not to passe the Sea and although the King of Spaine and Duke of Alua did make earnest entreaty that hee might bee admitted and heard commending the cause of that Legation that is the vnion of all the Christian Church in a generall Councell yet the Queene did perseuere in her first resolution answering that she could not treat with the Bishop of Rome whose authority was excluded out of England by consent of Parliament Canobius when hee had deliuered his Ambassage to the King of Polonia by whom he was well receiued could not goe into Moscouia by reason of the warre betweene that Prince and the King But going into Prussia hee was answered by that Duke that he was of the Augustan Confession and could not consent to a Popish Councell The Suisses assembled in a Diet at Bada heard the Popes Nuncio and receiuing the Briefe one of the Burgomasters of Zuric And of Canobius did kisse it The Pope aduertised hereof could not choose but tell it to all the Ambassadours residing with him with much ioy But hauing consulted The Pope reioyceth that his Bull was kissed by a Burgomaster of Zuric of the businesse concerning the Councell the Catholiques answered that they would send thither and the Euangeliques that they would not accept of it The negotiation of the Nuncij in Neumburg beeing published in Rome there was a whispering against the Pope for sending Ministers to the Diet of the Protestants wherein hee excused himselfe that it was not by his order but by the Emperours to whose direction he did deferre the Nuncij for which hee did not blame him in regard hee did not care for nice points of honour but onely for doing of good The
by the waters side Oh monstrous extraordinarie madnesse Nothing could bee ratified which the Bishops as if they had beene the common people did Decree vnlesse the Pope made himselfe the author of it An Epistle written by IOHN IEWELL Bishop of Sarum vnto one Seign r SCIPIO a Gentleman in Venice in answere of an expostulatory letter of his concerning the Councell of Trent 1 SIr according to that intimate acquaintance Which hath been betweene vs euer since wee liued together at Padua you beeing imployed in the affaires of your Common-weale l in my studies you write vnto me familiarly that your selfe and many others there with you wonder that since a Generall Councell at Trent hath been summoned by the Pope for the setling of Religion and remoouing of Controuersies and seeing alreadie all other Nations from all parts are there assembled The Realme of England alone hath neither sent any Ambassadours thither nor by any message or letter excused their absence but without any Councell hath altered almost all the forme of the old ancient Religion the former whereof as you say argues a proud stubbornnesse the other a pernicious Schisme For it is a superlatiue crime for any man to decline the most Sacred Authoritie of the Pope of Rome or being called by him to a Councell to withdraw himselfe As for the Controuersies about Religion that it is not lawfull to debate them other where then in such Assemblies For there be the Patriarches and Bishops There bee the learnedst men of all sorts from their mouthes the trueth must be required There bee the lights of each Church There is the Holy Ghost That all godly Princes if any doubt had risen concerning Gods worship still referred it to a publique consultation That Moses Ioshua Dauid Ezechias Iosias and other Iudges Kings Priests did not aduise concerning matters of Religion elsewhere then in an assembly of Bishops That Christ's Apostles and the Holy Fathers held Councels That by this meanes the Trueth displayed her beames Heresies were subdued so was Arrius vanquished so Eunomius so Eutiches so Macedonius so Pelagius And that by the same meanes the present distractions of the world may be composed and the breaches of the Church made vp again if contentions and factions layd aside we would come to a Councell without which nothing can lawfully be attempted in Religion 2 This in effect was the summe of your Letter I doe not now take vpon mee to answere you in the behalfe of the Realme of England by what aduice â—â—â—ry thing hath beene done neither doe I thinke that you expect it from mee or desire it The Counsels of Kings are hidden and secret and so ought to bee You know the old saying nor euery where nor to all nor to all sorts of people Yet 〈◊〉 â—ur old and intimate acquaintance because I see you desire it so earnestly I will briefly and freindly shewe you what I thinke but as hee salesâ— as farre as I Knowe and am able and I doubt not but that will satisfie you 3 Wee wonder say you that no Ambassadours from England come to the Councell I pray you Sir doe Englishmen onely not come to this Councell Were you your selfe present at the Councell Did you take a muster of them Did you count them by the Poll Did you see that all other nations were mett from all parts except onely the English If you haue such a mind to wonder why doe not you wonder at this too that neither the three memorable Patriarchs of Constantinople Antioch and Alexandria nor Presbiter Iohn nor the Grecians Armenians Persians Egyptians Mores Ethiopians or Indians come to the Councell For doe not many of these people beleeue in CHRIST Haue they not Bishops Are they not baptized in the name of CHRIST Bee they not Christians and so called Or did there come Ambassadours from all these nations to the Councell Or will you rather say that the Pope did not call them or that your Ecclesiasticall Decrees take no hold of them 4 But wee wonder more at this that the Pope would afterwards call such men to a Councell whom before hand hee had condemned for Hereticks and openly pronounced them excommunicate without hearing either them or their plea. For that men should bee first condemned and punished and afterwards brought to their triall is absurd and as we say The cart before the horse But I would faine bee resolued of this whether the Popes meaning be to aduise in the Councell concerning Religion with vs whom he accounts Heretiques or rather that wee should plead our cause at the Barre and either change our opinion presently or out of hand bee condemned againe The former is without example and denied heretofore by Iulius the third to those of our side The other is ridiculous if hee thinke so that the English will come to the Councell onely to bee indited and to pleade for themselues especially before him who long since is charged with most heynous crimes not onely by our side but also by their owne 5 Now if England onely seeme to you thus stubborne where then bee the Ambassadours of the King of Denmarke of the Princes of Germanie of the King of Sueden of the Suitzers of the Grisons of the Hanse Townes of the Realme of Scotland of the Dukedome of Prussia Seeing so many Christian Nations are wanting in your Councell it is absurd to misse in your reckoning onely the English But why doe I speake of these The Pope himselfe comes not to his owne Councell and why doe you not wonder at that also For what a pride is this for one man for his owne pleasure to assemble together all Christian Kings Princes and Bishops when hee listeth and to require them to bee at his call and himselfe not to come in their presence Surely when the Apostles summoned assemblies at Ierusalem Peter the Apostle of whose Sea and Succession they brag would not be absent But as I conceiue Pius the fourth the present Pope remèmbreth what happened heretofore to Iohn the 22 that hee came not in a very happy houre to the Councell of Constance for hee came Pope but returned Cardinall Therefore since then the Popes haue prouided for themselues in the rere and kept home and haue withstood all Councels and free disputes For aboue fourty yeeres since when Doctor Martin Luther was cursed by the Pope with Bell Booke and Candle because he had begun to preach the Gospell and to reforme Religion out of GOD's word and had humbly requested that his whole cause might bee referred to the cognisance of a Generall Councell hee could haue no audience For Pope Leo the tenth did see well enough if the matter should come to a Councell that his owne state might come in danger and that hee might perchance heare what he would not willingly 6 Indeede the name of a Generall Councell carries a faire shewe so it be assembled as it ought and affections layde aside all things bee referred to the rule of Gods word
and the trueth onely aymed at But if Religion and godlinesse bee openly beaten downe if tyrannie and ambition bee established if men studie faction gluttonie lust there is nothing more pernicious for the Church of God All this I haue spoken hitherto as if this Councell which you call so did subsist somwhere and were indeed a Councell which I thinke absolutely to be none Or if it be one and subsist any where sure it is an obscure one and kept very close For though we are not very farre off yet we can by no meanes learne what is done there what Bishops haue met or rather indeed whether any at all are met Nay besides aboue twentie months since when this Councell was first summoned by Pope Pius the Emperour Ferdinand answered that though all other matters were accommodated yet hee did much dislike the Place which the Pope had made choice of for himselfe For Trent though a prety Citie yet neither was commodiously enough seated for the receipt of so many Nations nor able to receiue so great a multitude of men as were likely in reason to meete at a Generall Councell The same answere was returned from other Christian Princes and from some much sharper Therfore wee beleeued that all these things together with the Councell it selfe had beene vanished away into smoake 7 But I pray you who is he that hath summoned this Councell and called the world together You wil say Pope Pius the fourth And why he rather then the Bishop of Toledo For by what power by what example of the Primitiue Church by what right doth hee this Did Peter Linus Cletus Clemens thus tosse and tumble the world with their Proclamations This was alwayes whilest the Empire flourished the proper right of the Emperours of Rome But now since the power of the Empire is lessened and Kingdomes by succession share part of the Imperiall power that power is communicated to Christian Kings and Princes Search the Annals lay together the memorials of all Antiquitie you shall finde the ancientest Councels the Nicene the Ephesine that of Chalcedon that of Constantinople to haue beene called by the Roman Emperours Constantine Theodosius the first Theodosius the second Martian not by the Popes of Rome 8 Leo the Pope a man otherwise louing enough to himselfe and no way neglectfull of the authority of his Sea did humbly beseech Mauritius the Emperour that hee would summon a Councell to be held in Italie as beeing the fittest place All the Priests sayes hee beseech your Clemencie that you would command a Generall Councell to bee held within Italie But the Emperour caused that Ceuncel to bee assembled not in Italie which the Pope earnestly laboured but at Chalcedon in Bithynia to shew that that was his right and belonged to him onely And when Ruffinus in that bickering which hee had with Ierome had alleadged a certaine Synod Tell mee sayes Ierome what Emperour caused it to bee called Ierome did not thinke the authoritie of a Generall Councell firme enough vnlesse an Emperour had called it I demand not now what Emperor hath commanded the Bishops to be called to Trent at this present But with what Emperor did the Pope that hath taken thus much to himselfe aduise of holding the Councell what Christian King or Prince did hee make priuy to his designe To intrude vpon anothers right by fraude or force and to vsurpe for his owne what belongs to others is iniurious dealing But to abuse the Clemency of Princes and to rule ouer them as his vassalls is an egregious and an intollerable disgrace to them But for vs by our complying to goe about to backe such an iniurie and disgrace were no lesse iniurie Wherefore if wee should onely say thus much that this Trent Councell of yours is not lawfully called that Pope Pius hath done nothing rightly or orderly no man could iustly find fault with our absence 9 I passe ouer the wrongs which the Popes of Rome haue done vs That they haue as often as they pleased armed our People against their Soueraigne That they haue pulld the Scepters out of our Kings hands and the Crownes from off their heades That they would haue the Kingdome of England to bee theirs and held in their name and our Kings to Reigne by their fauour That within these later yeares they haue stirred vp against vs somtimes the French somtimes the Emperor What the intentions of Pius himselfe haue beene towards vs what hee hath done what hee hath spoken what hee hath practised what hee hath threatened t' is needlesse to rehearse For his actions and his words are not so close so concealed but that the aime of both may be discouered By what courses hee was made Pope and by what steps hee mounted to so great a dignity I say nothing I doe not say that he aspired to the Popedome by corrupting of Cardinals buying of voices by price and purchase by vnderminings and ambushes I doe not say that lately beeing not able to quitt skores hee cast Cardinall Caraffa into prison and there murthered him by whose assistance he had compassed the rest of the Cardinals voyces to whom for that seruice he owed a great summe of money These and diuers other things I leaue to you who both behold them at a neerer distance and better vnderstand them And can you wonder then that wecome not to a man of Blood one that purchases voyces that denies to pay his debts to a Simoniacal person to an Heretique Beleeue me it is not the part of a wise man wilfully to runne into a place infected and to consult of Religion with the enemies of Religion My mother sayes one forbade mee the company of infamous persons Iohn the Apostle durst not sit in the same Bath nor wash with Olympius lest he should bee strucke from heauen with the same thunder I haue not sate sayth Dauid in the assembly of Vanitie neither will I walke with the workers of iniquitie 10 But admitte that this is the Popes proper right let it bee in his power to call Councels to gouerne the whole world Let those things bee false and vaine whatsoeuer wee haue spoken concerning the power of the Emperour and the right of Kings Grant that Pope Pius is an honest man that he was duely and lawfully made Pope that he sought no mans life that he did not kill Caraffa in prison yet it is fit that Councels should be free that euery man may be present that will and those with whose conuenience it stands not may bee absent And such was anciently the equitie and moderation of those better men The Princes were not then called together in such a slauish manner that if any one of them had stayed at home or had not sent Ambassadours to the Councell presently euery eye was vpon him euery finger pointing at him In the Nicen Councel in the Ephesine in that of Constantinople what spie obserued who were absent But there was neuer an Ambassadour then neither from
Rome 386 Persecuteth the Protestants 387 Her Ambassadours come to Rome 391 Shee dieth 411 Marquis of Brandenburg sendeth Ambassadours to the Councell 342 Masse is discussed 542 they dispute to prooue it to be a sacrifice 544 545 c. a Portugall Diuine saith it can be prooued by tradition only 546. the doctrine of it 573 the abuses of it 574 Mattheo Langi Archbishop of Salzburg did not dislike the assertions of Luther but scorneth that the world should bee reformed by a Monke 55 Maxime in Councell about the maior part of voyces 576 Maximilian the sonne of Ferdinand passeth by Trent 360 promiseth the Protestants there to labor with his Vncle the Emperour that the Councell may be free 361 is thought to be a Protestant 426 which hee doeth not deny to the Popes nephew 429 is crowned King of Bohemia and elected King of the Romans 641 refuseth to promise obedience to the Pope 723 Merits whether they goe before grace or follow 198 N. NAples doth mutin because of the Inquisition brought in and is cherished by the Pope 271 Nations whether they ought to haue voyces in Councell or particular persons 137 508 Nationall Councell is prepared in France 314 425. Number of the Prelates in the Councell of Trent 317 462 the number of those who subscribed the Decrees of the Synod 813 Nunnes which are called Penitenti or Conuertite haue beene Courtesans 808 O. OAth prescribed to be taken by those who are to be admitted to Bishoprickes Abbacies Benefices c. 732. 733 Octauius Farnese cōducteth the Italian troops into Germany against the Protestants 203 receiueth a French Garison into Parma 311 Oration made in the Councell by the Bishop of Bitonto 132 another made by the French Ambassadour Guido Faber 508 Displeaseth the Fathers 509 And is answered 511 An Oration made by the Bauarian Ambassadour 527 An Oration made in Councell for the Count of Luna 709 Displeaseth all the Ambassadours 710 Oration made by the French Ambassadour de Ferrieres against the reformation of Princes 771 772 773 Is answered 775 Which causeth him to make an Apologie 775 Order is held to be a Sacrament and is discussed 586 Seauen orders and all Sacraments 587 How the holy Ghost is giuen in ordination 592 593 What ceremonies be necessary in conferring orders 593 The number of orders and their seuerall functions 734 The Decree concerning them 738 And the Anathematismes 739 Ordination to the title of the Patrimonie is discoursed on by the Author 490 Diuers opinions concerning it 491 Orientall Christians 572 P. PAlatine of Rhene speaketh brauely in the Diet. 14 Embraceth the reformed religion 148 398 Parishes how they came to be diuided 498 Parma and Placentia are giuen by Pope Paul the 3. to his bastard sonne 121 Whereat the Cardinals doe murmure 128 Parma is restored to Duke Octauius by Pope Iulius the 3. 311 Pasquins made in Rome against the Councell 148. Patriarke of Armenia cōmeth to the Pope 382 Paul the 3. created Pope 71 His chiefest vertue was dissimulation 71 Hee perswadeth the Cardinals to reforme themselues 72 Laboureth to gaine Milan for his family 104 Recalleth his forces out of Germanie and is iealous of the Emperour by reason of his victory 222 Recalleth the whole businesse of Reformation to himselfe of which the Legats durst not make vse 254 He dieth 298 Paul the 4. receiueth the English Ambassadours 391 Commandeth the restitution of the Church goods in England and the Peter pence 392 Is proud and cholericke 394 Createth Cardinals contrary to his oath 396 Pretendeth to make peace betweene the Emperour and French King but intendeth nothing but warre 401 Proceedeth against the Colonnesi 402 Threatneth the Emperour and his sonne and prouideth for warre 403 Imprisoneth many great persons ibid. Createth 10. Cardinals more 404 Persecuteth his owne family and instituteth a new gouernement in Rome 408 He dieth for which the Romans reioyce and shew they did detest him 416 Peace concluded betweene the Pope and Emperour 46. is renewed 64 a peace between the Emp. French K. 109 Peace made betweene the French King and the Hugonots displeaseth the Pope 693 695. The conditions of it 696. Peace is concluded betweene the Emperour and the Protestants 378 a peace of religion is established in the Diet of Ausburg 394 the peace of Cambray betweene the Kings of France and Spaine 412 Penance and the Decree thereof 346 347 c. The censure of the Decree 357 358 Petrus Aloisius the Popes sonne Duke of Placentia was murdered in his owne Palace 273 Philip King of Spaine is in great perill at Sea in his iourney into Spaine 417 He persecuteth the Protestants at his arriuall ibid. is angry with the Pope for countenancing the King of Nauarre 443 and with the French King for making peace with the Húgonots 701 Picards in Bohemia 3 Pius the fourth is created Pope 418 hastneth the Generall Councell in Trent for feare of a nationall in France 425 426 but doeth secretly crosse it 427 433 maketh leuies of souldiers 551 Plotteth to make a maior part in Councell 580 which the Papalins themselues said he did too openly 585 is afraid to be accused of simonie 628 complaineth that hee is suspected to hold the councell in seruitude 595 giueth rewards to those that fauour him in councell 660 resolueth to ioyne with the King of Spaine and to neglect the Emperour and French King 685 falleth very sicke which causeth the Fathers to anticipate the Session and precipitate the Councell 802 803 c. Reserueth power to the Pope onely to interprete the Decrees of the Councell 817 818 Placentia is seised by the gouernour of Milan the Duke being slaine 273 and the restitution is demanded by the Pope 287 Pluralitie of Benefices how it beganne and the progresse of it 250 251 c. A dispute by what law it is forbid 253 Polonian Ambassadour maketh fiue demaunds in Rome all distastfull to the Pope 399 Polonian Ambassadors come to Trent and depart presently 460 463 Polonian Ambassador is receiued 617 Polygamie how it was permitted 671 Popes authority was reserued in Councell by saying Sauing in all things the Popes authoritie but it is not suffered so to passe 260 Popes lawes are more strictly obserued then the lawes of God 488 Laynez saith the Pope is about the Councell 613 Pope dying in time of the Councell whether the successor ought to be created in Rome by the Cardinals or in Trent by Nations 627 The French opinion concerning the Popes authoritie 641 661 How farre hee may dispence 675 The Emperour is of opinion that the Councell is aboue the Pope 683 But Pius the fourth goeth about to prooue the contrary by many quotations which her sendeth to the Emperour 684 Which are examined by the Cardinall of Loraine and the other French Prelates 687 The Popes authoritie is much extolled by Laynez 721 To the great distast of the Frenchmen 722 The point concerning the Popes authoritie is deferred for feare of prolonging the Councell
quite altered in diuers Kingdomes and Countreys of Christendome the Grandies sometimes diuided and armed one against another sometimes ioyned in confederations and leagues the Ecclesiastikes oppressed the Protestants persecuted the Bishops of Rome as it were acting their parts and most liuely deciphered in their naturall colours If learning will content thee marke the disputations of the Theologues and the deepe discourses of the Author himselfe If policie will please thee thou shalt finde it in the consultations and treaties of Princes managed with admirable dexterity by their Ambassadors and Ministers and generally no delight will bee wanting to thee which thy curiositie can desire or any other Historie affoord But consider aboue all in what a strange manner the Conciliarie Acts of this assembly in Trent were caried By reading of those few words of thy Countrey-man Edmond Campian below in this page thou maist perceiue in what repute the Papalins doe hold it and after when thou hast read the Booke thou wilt know how much it is ouer-valued Compare thy iudicious censure with his that is partiall and thou shalt finde them to agree as white with blackenesse darkenesse with light Farewell Verba Edmundi Campiani ratione quarta reddita Academicis TRidentina Synodus quo magis inueterascet eò magis indies ebque perennius efflorescet Bone Deus quae gentium varietas qui delectus Episcoporum totius orbis qui regum rerumpublicarum splendor quae medulla Theologorum quae sanctitas quae lachrymae quae ieiunia qui flores Academici quae linguae quanta subtilitas quantus labor quam infinita lectio quanta virtutum studiorum diuitiae augustum illud Sacrarium impleuerunt The words of Edmond Campian in his fourth reason giuen to the Vniuersities THe Synod of Trent the older it waxeth the more it will flourish Good God what varietie of Nations what choice of Bishops of the whole world what splendor of Kings and Common-wealths what marrow of Theologues what sanctitie what weepings what fasts what Academicall flowres what languages what subtilties what labour what infinite reading what riches of vertues and studies did fill vp that Maiesticall sacred place TO THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD MY SINGVLAR GOOD LORD THE LORD Archbishop of Canterburie his GRACE Primate of all ENGLAND and Metropolitane and one of His MAIESTIES most Honourable Priuie Councell MOst Reuerend in Christ It may seeme strange and I am sure it is without example that of one Councell onely so large an Historie should be written and so full of all varietie of matter For in those of former ages in which the Holy Ghost did really and effectually assist the Fathers howsoeuer more Prelates and Diuines were assembled from places more remote and the actions guided by the greatest Princes of all those times yet nothing was attempted to encrease or maintaine the Heresies and abuses that raigned then nor was any thing remarkeable but the very Doctrines and Decrees themselues But after that the Bishops of Rome scorning to be Ministers and Seruants made themselues Masters and Monarkes of the Church of God the practises and inuentions of worldly men chased away the heauenly inspirations of the blessed Spirit and greater confusions and troubles did arise in handling Diuine Mysteries then did happen at any other time in negotiating the affaires of Kingdomes and of Common-wealths This hath ministred a whole Ocean of occurrences and affoorded a most copious Subiect to this present Treatise And so irresistable is the force of Truth and the Diuine Prouidence so great that howsoeuer the Romanists haue vsed all possible diligence to hinder the finding out of their vnlawfull proceedings in this Councell by suppressing all publique writings and monuments by which their treacheries and abuses might bee discouered more plainely to the eyes of the world the writer of this Historie a man of admirable learning exquisite iudgement indefatigable industrie and integritie scarcely to be matched hath been raised vp by God who out of the Diaries Memorials Registers and other writings made and preserued by the Prelates and Diuines themselues and by the Ambassadours of Princes and Republiques who were assistants herein which are the most infallible grounds that any writer can haue hath reuealed an infinite of intolerable abuses and as the prouerbe saith Cornicum oculos confixit This Booke I haue translated out of Italian into our vulgar language presuming to commend it to the royall protection of his sacred Maiestie for whose sake as some reasons induce me to beleeue it was principally composed And because I vndertooke this worke at your Graces command who haue beene the chiefest cause why the originall crossed the Seas before the iust natiuitie of it and saw the first light within his Maiesties dominions as also in regard of the high place you most deseruedly beare in the Church of God I thought it my dutie to craue your fauour likewise that as the birth of it hath beene happie by your Graces meanes so the growth may accordingly proceed and the fruit of both which is to remooue an erronious opinion of the infallibilitie of this pretended Councell may constantly endure vntill the worlds end In publishing heereof if my Pen hath not merited such praise as others might yet my desire to benefit Gods Church hath not beene wanting and my zeale to serue your Grace in whatsoeuer I am able shall neuer yeeld to any Vnto whom I wish for the publike benefit of Church and Common-wealth and for your owne particular contentment a perfect accomplishment of all your pious and honorable designes Your Grace's most obliged to doe you seruice NATHANAEL BRENT THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE HISTORY OF THE COVNCELL OF TRENT MY purpose 1500 Pope ALEXANDER 6 Emperour MAXIMLLIAN I. HENRY 7. King of England LEVVIS 12. French king is to write the History of the Councell The purpose of the Author of Trent For though many famous Historians of our age haue made mention in their writings of some particular accidents that happened therein and Iohn Sleidam a most diligent author hath related with exquisite industry the causes that went before notwithstanding all these things put together would not suffice for an entire narration For my selfe so soone as I had vnderstanding The meanes he vsed for collection of his matter of the affaires of the world I became exceeding curious to know the whole proceedings therof and after I had diligently read whatsoeuer I found written and the publique instructions whether printed or diuulged by pen I betooke my selfe without sparing either paines or care to search in the remainder of the writings of the Prelates and others who were present in the Councel the Records which they left behinde them and the Suffrages or opinions deliuered in publique preserued by the Authors themselues or by others and the letters of aduice written from that Citie whereby I haue had the fauour to see euen a whole register of Notes and Letters of those persons who had a great part
that Friar Martine Luther endeauoured to staine Germanie with that contagion so that if he were not hindered all that nation would fall into an horrible ruine that Pope Leo had fatherly admonished him and after that the assembly of Cardinals and other excellent men had condemned his writings and declared him an Heretique if within a certaine terme he reuoked not his errours and had sent by Ierom Aleander his Nuncio a copie of that Bull of condemnation to him the Emperour as protectour of the Church desiring him it might bee put in execution in the Empire his Kingdomes Dominions and Prouinces that notwithstanding this Martin amended not himselfe yea multiplied his Bookes daily full not onely of new heresies but euen of those which haue been long since condemned by holy Councels and not only in the Latine tongue but in the German also naming in particular many of his errours he concluded that there was no writing of his where there was not to bee found some contagion or deadly sting so that it might be said that euery word was a poyson that these things being considered by him the Emperour and his Counsellours of all nations subiect vnto him treading in the steps of the Romane Emperours his predecessours hauing conferred in that Diet of Wormes with the Electors and men of other States of the Empire by their counsell and assent though it was not fit to heare a man condemned by the Pope obstinate in his peruersenes and a notorious Heretique notwithstanding to take away all occasion of cauill many saying it was necessary to heare the man before the Popes decree was executed he resolued to send to fetch him by one of his Heraulds not to know and iudge the things that concerne faith which belongeth to the Pope alone but to bring him to the right way with good perswasions Then hee shewed how Martin was brought into the publique assembly and whereof he was interrogated and what he answered as it hath beene declared before and how he had leaue giuen him and departed 44 Afterwards he goeth on concluding that therefore for the honour of God and reuerence of the Pope and for the duty of the Imperiall dignity by the counsell and assent of the Princes Electors and States executing the sentence and condemnation of the Pope he declared that hee holdeth Martin Luther for a notorious Heretique and determineth that hee ought to be so held of men prohibiting euery one to receiue or defend him in any sort commanding both Princes and States vnder all the penalties to apprehend and take him after the terme of twenty dayes and also to prosecute all his complices adherents and fauourers spoyling them of all their goods mooueable and immooueable Hee commandeth also that no man should reade or keepe his books notwithstanding that some thing be good in them giuing order as well to Princes as others that administer Iustice that they burne and destroy them And because books extracted out of his workes are composed and printed in some places and pictures and images spread abroad to the disgrace of many yea euen of the Pope himselfe he commandeth that none should print paint or keep any of them but that they be taken and burned by the Magistrates and the Printers buyers and sellers punished adding a generall law that no writing may be printed where any point of faith is handled though the least of all without consent of the Ordinary 45 In this selfe same time also the Vniuersity of Paris drawing diuers conclusions from the bookes of Luther condemned them partly as renewed out The Vniuersity of Paris condemned the writings of Luther of the doctrine of Wigleffe and Husse and partly as newly deliuered by him against the Catholique Doctrine But all these oppositions effected nothing else but that Luther answering bookes were multiplyed both of the one side and the other and the contentions waxed more sharpe and the curiosity of many was stirred vp who willing to informe themselues of the state of the controuersie came to note the errours reprehended and so withdrew their deuotion from the Pope 46 Amongst the most famous contradictors which the doctrine of Luther found was Henry 8. King of England who not being borne the Kings eldest Henry the 8. King of England writeth against Luther sonne had beene destinated by his father to be Archbishop of Canterbury and therefore in his youth was made to study But the eldest being dead and after him the father also hee succeeded in the Kingdome and esteeming it a great honour to imploy himselfe in so famous a controuersie of learning he wrot a booke of the seuen Sacraments defending also the Popedome and oppugning the Doctrine of Luther a thing so gratefull to the Pope that hauing receiued the Kings booke he honoured him with the vsuall title of Defender of the Faith But Martin suffered not himselfe to bescared with that Gaineth the Title of Defender of the faith most illustrious glittering name of a King but answered his Maiesty with asmuch acrimony vehemencie and as small respect as he had answered the petty Doctors This Kingly tittle being entred into the controuersies made men more curious and as it happeneth in combats that the lookers on are alwayes ready to fauour the weaker and to extoll his actions though they bee but meanes so so heere it stirred vp a generall inclination towards Luther 47 So soone as the Emperours decree of banishment was published thoroughout the same month Hugo Bishop of Constance in whose Diocesse is the The B. of Constance wrot to Zurie against Zuinglius Citty of Zuric wrot to the Colledge of the Canons of that place of which number Zuinglius was one and another letter to the Senate of the same City In those letters he put them in mind of the dammage which the Churches and Common-wealths also endured by innouation of doctrine with much detriment to spirituall well-fare and confusion of publique quiet and tranquility Hee exhorteth them to beware of new Doctours shewing that they are mooued onely by their owne ambition and instigation of the deuil He sent there withall the Decree of Leo and the banishment published by the Emperour exhorting them to receiue and obey both the one and the other and particularly noted the person and doctrine of Zuinglius and his adherents which constrained him to giue an account of whatsoeuer he had taught his Collegues and to satisfie the Senate Hee wrot also to the Bishop insisting principally vpon this that concubinarie Priests were not any more to bee tolerated from whom sprang infamy to the Clergy and bad example to the people and generally corruption of manners in all a thing which could not be taken away but by bringing in of marriage according to the Apostles doctrine Hee wrot also to all the Cantons of the Suisses in his owne defence making particular mention of an Edict made by the Magistrates their predecessors that euery Priest should bee bound to haue
the Spanish and German Cardinals though they were confident because the armie was composed of their nations were not better vsed then the rest The Pope retired into the Castle of Saint Angelo was besieged and constrained to make an accord at the same time yeelding the Castle to the Emperours Captaines and The Pope yeeldeth the Castle and his person consigning his person prisoner therein where hee was kept verie close And beeing in exceeding great affliction for the things past there was added one more in his opinion much greater that the Cardinall of Cortona who gouerned Florence in his name hauing heard the newes retired himselfe from Florence becommeth free againe the Citie and left it free The which hauing suddenly chased out the Medici and regained their libertie reformed their gouernement and the greater part of the Citizens shewed such hatred towards the Pope and his family that they defaced their armes euen in their priuate places and disgraced with many blowes the images of Leo and Clement which were in the Church of the The images of Leo the 10. of Clement the 7. are defaced Nunciata 98 But the Emperour hauing receiued aduice of the sacking of Rome and of the imprisonment of the Pope gaue many signes of infinite griefe and The Emperor maketh a shew of griefe for the Popes calamitie made demonstration thereof by causing the solemnefeasts to cease which were made in Validolid for the birth of his sonne the one and twentieth of the same moneth By which appearances he would haue giuen testimony to the world of his pietie and religion if hee had commanded at the same time that the person of the Pope should bee set at libertie But the world that saw the Pope was prisoner sixe moneths more perceiued what difference there was between truth and appearance 99 They began immediately to treat of the Popes deliuery The Emperour would haue had him conducted into Spaine deeming as was true indeede And is disswaded from causing him to be brought into Spaine that it would haue beene a great reputation to him if in two yeeres there had beene brought out of Italie into Spaine two so great prisoners a French King and a Pope of Rome But because all Spaine and especially the Prelates detested to behold so great an ignominie of Christianitie that he should be brought prisoner thither who represented the person of CHRIST hee changed that opinion considering also it was not good to stirre vp too much enuie against himselfe nor to prouoke the King of England whom he feared much in case he should haue ioyned himselfe more neerely with the French King then he was by the peace published in August who had alreadie sent a potent army into Italie and atchieued diuers victories in Lombardie Wherefore in the ende of the yeere the Emperour graunted that the Pope should be set free with this condition that hee should not be against him in the affaires of Milan and Naples and for securitie thereof should giue into his hands Ostia Ciuita vecchia Ciuita Castellana and the Cittadell of Furli and for hostages The Pope is set at liberty vpon hard conditions his two Nephews Hippolitus and Alexander that he should grant him a Crusado in Spaine and a tenth of the Church reuenues in all his kingdomes The deliuerie being concluded and hauing receiued power to depart out of the Castle the ninth of December he durst not expect so long but went out the night before with a small conuoy in the habit of a Merchant and retired himselfe immediately to Monte Fiascone and after he had taried there a little from thence he passed to Oruieto 100 While the Princes were all busied in war the affaires of religion altered in diuers places in some by publike Decree of the Magistrates in others by popular sedition For Berne making a solemne assembly both of their own The state of religion in the Cantons of the Suisses other places Doctors and of Strangers and hearing a disputation many dayes receiued the doctrine conformable to Zuric and in Basil all the images were ruined and burnt by a popular sedition and the Magistrate depriued and others put in his place and the new religion established And on the other side eight Cantons assembled themselues together and ratified within their territories the doctrine of the Church of Rome and wrote a long exhortation to those of Berne perswading them not to change their Religion which belonged not to one people or one Countrey but onely to a Councel of the whole world But for all that the example of Berne was followed at Geneua Constance and other places thereabout and in Argentina after a publike disputation the Masse was prohibited by a publike Decree vntill the defenders of it could shew that it was a worship acceptable to God notwithstanding that the Chamber of Spira had made a great and a long remonstrance that it was not lawfull not onely for one Citie but not for all the States of the Empire to make innouation of rites and doctrine it belonging onely to a generall or nationall Councell 101 In Italie these two yeares there being neither Pope nor Court of Rome 1528 The reformed religion increaseth in Italie and it seeming that these calamities were an execution of Gods iudgement against that gouernement many men beganne to reforme and in priuate houses in diuers Cities especially in Faenza a Towne belonging to the Pope there was preaching against the Church of Rome and the number of those whom others called Lutherans and themselues Gospellers increased euery day 102 The yeare following 1528 the French army was farre aduanced within The French-men beeing entred into the kingdome of Naples cause the Spanish army to forsake Rome the Kingdome of Naples and had possessed it almost all which constrained the Emperours Captaines to conduct the army out of Rome much diminished partly by reason of those who laden with spoyles meant to put them in a secure place and partly because of the plague which caused great mortalitie among them The confederates instantly desired the Pope that Rome beeing set at liberty by necessity not by the desire of the Emperour hauing no more neede to temporize with him hee would in that occasion declare himselfe to be ioyned with them and proceede against 1529 CLEMENT 7. CHARLES 5. HENRY 8. FRANCIS 1. him with spirituall armes and depriue him of the Kingdome of Naples and of the Empire But the Pope as well for that hee was wearied with troubles as also because in case the confederates had gained the better they would haue maintained the liberty of Florence the gouernment whereof he more desired to recouer then to bee reuenged of the iniuries receiued from Charles hee made a firme resolution not to bee contrary yea to ioyne himselfe The Pope refuseth to ioine with the confederates for the more easie recouery of Florence with him vpon the first occasion to regaine Florence
the Pope and to make the Emperor the principall and the Pope his minister By the obseruation of these beginnings he concluded that there was little hope in the affayres of Germany and that hee was to thinke of a defensiue that the disease might not passe to other parts of the body of the Church And because that which was past could not be yndone hee thought it not wisedome to shew it was done against his will but to make himselfe the author 1531 CLEMENT 7. CHARLES 5. HENRY 8. FRANCIS 1. He writeth to al Princes that he would call a Councell though he neuer meant it of it that he might receiue a lesse blow in his reputation Therefore he gaue an account of the things past to all Kings and Princes dispatching his letters the first of December all of the same tenour that he hoped the Lutheran heresie might be extinguished by the presence of the Emperour and that principally for that cause hee went to Bolonia to intreat him for it though he knew that of himself he was very wel affected that way But hauing receiued aduice from the Emperour and from his Legat Campeggio that the Protestants are become more obstinate hee hath communicated the whole to the Cardinals and together with them seeth cleerely that there remaineth no other remedie but that which hath beene vsed by his Predecessors that is a generall Councell Therefore hee exhorteth them to assist in the Councell that shall be called either in person or by their Ambassadours a thing so holy that hee is resolued to put it in execution so soone as it is possible intimating a generall and free Councell in some fitte place in Italie The Popes letters were knowen to the whole world because his ministers endeuoured in euery place to giue notice of them vnto all not because the Pope or the Court desired to apply their minds to a Councell from which they were most auerse but to entertaine the world that by expectation of the remedie of the abuses and inconueniences they might remaine constant in obedience Yet few were deceiued for it was not hard to discouer that to desire Princes to send Ambassadours to a Councell whereof And his collusion is discouered by many neither time nor place nor manner was resolued on was too much affected preuention But the Protestants also tooke occasion by these letters to write likewise to the Kings and Princes and the next yeere in February they framed 1531 The Protestants doe write likewise to all Princes a letter to euery one vnder a common name of all of this tenour That the old complaint of pious men against the vices of the Clergie noted by Iohn Gerson Nicolas Clemangis and others in France and of Iohn Collet in England and of others elswhere was knowen vnto their Maiesties which also happened in Germanie in these last yeers by occasion of the detestable infamous gaine which some Friars made by publishing Indulgences And passing from this to relate whatsoeuer happened vntill the last Diet they said that their aduersaries endeuoured to incite the Emperor and other Kings against them vsing diuers calumnies which as they haue withstood in Germanie so they will more easily confute in a generall Councel of the whole world wherunto they will referre themselues so that it may be such a one in which preiudices and passion may take no place That amongst the Calumnies laid vpon them this is the principall that they condemne all Magistrates and vilifie the dignitie of Lawes which is not onely not true but as they haue shewed in the Diet of Augusta their doctrine honoureth Magistrates and defendeth the strength of Lawes more then euer hath been done in other ages teaching Magistrates that their state and kinde of life is most acceptable to God and preaching to the people that they are bound by Gods commandement to giue honour and obedience to them and that he wil not leaue vnpunished the disobedient because the Magistrate hath his gouernement by diuine ordination That they haue desired to signifie these things to them Kings and Princes for cleering of themselues before them praying them not to beleeue the calumnies and to suspend their iudgements vntill those that are accused haue place to acquite themselues publiquely And therefore they will desire the Emperour that hee would call a godly and free Councell in Germanie as soone as might bee and not to vse force vntill the matter be disputed and lawfully defined The French King answered with very courteous letters in substance giuing The answere of the French King to the Protestants them thankes for communicating vnto him a businesse of so great weight he shewed them that he was glad to vnderstand of their innocencie and did approoue the instance they made that the vices might bee amended wherein they shall finde his Will to concurre with theirs that their requiring of a Councell was iust and holy yea necessary not onely for the affayres of Germany but of the whole Church that it was not honest to vse Armes where the controuersies may bee ended with treaties The letters of the King of England were of the same Tenour but that hee The answere of the King of England declared in particular that himselfe also desired a Councell and that hee would mediate with Charles to find out a meanes of composition The Emperours Decree being knowen throughout all Germanie they began immediatly to accuse the professors of the new Religion in the chamber Sentences were made in the chamber of Spirae against the Protestants and contemned of Spira some for zeale others for reuenge and some also to possesse the goods of their aduersaries Many sentences were made many declarations and many confiscations against Princes Cities and priuate men and none tooke place but some against priuate men whose goods were within the territories of Catholiques By others the sentences were contemned with great diminution of the honour not onely of the Chamber but of the Emperour also who soone perceiued that the remedie was not fitted to themaladie which increased dayly For the Protestant Princes and Cities besides that they esteemed little the iudgements of the Chamber combined themselues together prepared for their defence and fortified themselues with forraine intelligences so that it appeared that in case things went on a Warre would arise dangerous for both parties and whatsoeuer the issue was pernitious for Germany Wherefore he was willing that some Princes should interpose and find out a way of agreement To this end many heads and conditions of composition were negotiated all this yere 1531 and to giue them some conclusion a Diet at Ratisbon was appointed for the next yeere In the meane space all things remained full of suspitions and the Zuinglius taketh armes and is slaine diffidences betweene the one part and the other rather increased And this yeere also there happened a notable euent among the Suisses which composed the disputes between them For though the
to hinder the desolation of Germany and that not to speake of a Councell was willingly to runne into a ciuill warre In the second place the King treated with them that they would be contented with a Councell in Italie But neither did the Germans agree vnto this for they sayd that this match was worse then the first because that constrained them onely to make warre but this cast them into a seruitude both of body and soule whereunto resistance could not be made but by a Councell in a free place yet condescending for his Maiesties sake to whatsoeuer they were able they would cease to demand to haue it celebrated in Germany so that another free place were appointed out of Italie though it were neere vnto it In the beginning of the yeere 1534. the King gaue the Pope an account 1534 of what hee had done and offered to bring to passe that the Protestants should bee contented with Geneua The Pope hauing receiued the aduise The Pope is displeased with the Propose of Geneua for the 〈◊〉 place of the Councell was vncertaine whether the King though his confederate and kinsman would be glad to see him in troubles or if in this particular hee wanted that discretion which he shewed in other affaires But hee concluded that it was not good to vse him in this matter And writing vnto him thanked him for his paines without answering to the particular of Geneua and hee incouraged many of the Courtiers whose mindes were troubled assuring them that by no meanes he would consent to such a folly But this yeere the Pope in stead of regaining Germanie lost the obedience He looseth the obedience of England of England by proceeding rather with choler and passion then with wisedome necessarie in so great negotiations The accident was of great importance and greater consequence which to declare distinctly it is necessary to begin from the first causes whence it had its originall Catherine Infanta of Spaine sister to the mother of Charles the Emperour was married to Henry the eight King of England and was before the wife of Arthure Prince of Walles Henryes eldest brother after whose death their father gaue her in marriage to Henry who remained successor by the dispensation The cause of Pope Iulio the second This Queene was with child often and alwayes either miscaried or brought foorth a creature of a short life except one only daughter King Henry either for displeasure against the Emperor or for desire of issue male or for some other cause conceiued a scruple in his mind that the mariage was not good and taking counsell of his Bishops separated himselfe from her company The Bishops treated with the Queene that shee would be contented with a diuorce saying that the Popes dispensation was neither good nor true The Queene would not giue eare to them but had recourse to the Pope to whom the King also sent to craue a diuorce The Pope who was still retired in Oruieto and hoped for good conditions in his affaires if the fauours of France and England which still they performed were continued by molesting the Emperour in the kingdome of Naples sent into England the Cardinal Campeggio delegating the cause vnto him and the Cardinall of Yorke From these and from Rome the King had hope giuen him that in the end the sentence should bee on his side Yea to facilitate The Cardinals Campeggio and Wolsie were delegated by the Pope to heare the cause of the Kings diuorce the resolution that the solemnities of the iudgement might not draw the cause in length a briefe was framed in which hee was declared free from that marriage with the most ample clauses that euer were put into any Popes Bull and a Cardinall sent into England with order to present it after some few proofes were past which he was sure would easily be made And The Pope caused his Briefe which he had made in fauour of the diuorce to be burned this happened in the yeere 1524. But Clement iudging it fitter for compassing his designes vpon Florence as hath beene declared in its proper place to ioyne himselfe with the Emperour then to continue in the friendship of France and England in the yeere 1529. hee sent Francis Campana vnto Campeggio with order to burne the Briefe and to proceed slowly in the cause Campeggio began first to draw the cause in length and after to make difficultie of performing the promises made to the King Whereby beeing assured that the Iudge and his aduersaries did collude hee sent to the Vniuersities of Italie France and Germanie for a consultation in his cause where amongst A consultation about the cause of diuorce the Diuines some were contrary and some fauourable to his pretension The greater part of the Parisians were on his side and some beleeued that the Kings giftes more perswaded them then reason But the Pope either to gratifie the Emperour or for feare that in England by meanes of the Cardinall of Yorke something might happen not according The Pope to gratifie the Emperour recalleth Campeggio to his minde as also to giue occasion to Campeggio to part from thence called the cause to himselfe The King impatient of delay either because he knew their cunning or for some other cause published the diuorce with his wife and married Anne Bullen in the yere 1533. yet still the cause depended before the Pope in which he was resolued to proceede slowly to The King in 〈…〉 yeth 〈◊〉 Bulle◠satisfie the Emperour and not offend the King Therefore some by points rather were handled then the merits of the cause And the disputation grew vpon the Article of the Attentats in which the Pope gaue sentence against the King declaring that it was not lawfull for him by his owne authoritie without the Ecclesiasticall Iudge to separate himselfe from his wife For which cause the King in the beginning of this yeere 1534 denied the Pope obedience commanding all his subiects not to carry any money to Rome The King causeth the Peter-pence to be denied the Pope nor to pay the ordinary Peter-pence This infinitely troubled the Court of Rome and dayly they consulted of a remedie They thought to proceede against the King with censures and to interdict all Christian Nations all commerce with England But the moderate Counsell pleased best to temporize with him and to mediate a composition by the French King King Francis accepted the charge and sent the Bishop of Paris to Rome to negotiate a pacification with the Pope where they still proceeded in the cause but gently and with resolution not to come to censures if the Emperour did not proceede first or at the same time with his forces They had diuided the cause into three and twenty Articles and then they handled whether Prince Arthure had had carnall coniunction with Queene Catherine in this they spent time vntill mid-lent was past when the nineteenth of March newes came that a
Libell was published in England against the Pope and the whole Court of Rome and that besides a Comedie had beene made in presence of the King and Court to the great disgrace and shame of the Pope and of euery Cardinall in particular For which cause all being inflamed with choler they ran head-long to giue sentence which was pronounced in the Consistorie the foure and twentieth of the same moneth that the mariage betweene Henry and Queene Catherine was good that he was bound to take her for his wife and that in case he did it not he should be excommunicated The Pope was soone displeased with this precipitation For sixe dayes after the French King his letters came that the King of England was contented to accept the sentence concerning the Attentates and to render obedience with condition that the Cardinals whom hee mistrusted should not meddle in the businesse and that persons not suspected should bee sent to Cambray to take information And the King had sent his Proctors before to assist in the cause at Rome Wherefore the Pope went about to deuise some pretence to suspend the precipitated sentence and againe to set the cause on its feete But Henry so soone as he had seene it sayd it was no matter For the Pope should be Bishop of Rome and himselfe sole Lord of his kingdome and that he would doe according to the ancient fashion of the Eastern Church not leauing to be a good Christian nor suffering the Lutheran heresie or any other to be brought into his kingdome And so he did Hee published an Edict wherein hee declared himselfe head of the Church of England and punished capitally whosoeuer said that the Pope of Rome had any authoritie there he chased out the Collector of the Peter-pence and caused the Parliament to approoue all these things where it was determined that all Bishoprickes of England should bee conferred by the Archbishop of Canterburie without sending to Rome and that the Clergie should pay to the King one hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling yeerely for the defence of the Kingdome against whosoeuer This action of the King was variously expounded Some thought him wise for freeing himselfe from the subiection of Rome without any innouation in Religion and without putting his subiects in danger of sedition How the action of K Henry was expoâ—nded and without referring himselfe to a Councell a thing which they saw hard to be effected and dangerous also for him it being impossible that a Councell composed of Ecclesiasticall persons should not mainetaine the Popes power which is the maine pillar of their order because by the papacie it is aboue all kings and the Emperour but without it is subiect to them there being no Ecclesiasticall person that hath superioritie but the Pope But the Court of Rome maintained that it could not be said that there was no change in Religion the first and principal Article being changed which is the supremacie of the Pope and that seditions would arise as well for this onely as for all the rest Which the euent shewed to be true For the King was faine to proceede seuerely against some of his subiects whom he loued and esteemed It cannot be expressed what griefe was conceiued in Rome and by all the Clergie for the alienation of so great a Kingdome from the Popes subiection and it discouered the imbecillitie of humane affaires wherein for the most part great damages proceed from those things from which the greatest The Popes haue gained much by matrimoniall dispensations benefits were formerly receiued For by matrimonial dispensations and by sentences of diuorce as well granted as denyed the Papacie hath gained much in former times sheltering the Princes with the name of the Vicar of Christ whom it concerned with some incestuous mariage or by dissoluing one to contract another to vnite some other territory to their owne or to drowne the title of diuers pretendants making for this cause straight alliance with them and interesting their power to defend that authoritie without which their actions would be condemned and hindred yea interesting not those Princes onely but all their posteritie to maintaine their legitimation But the misfortune which then arose might be ascribed to the precipitation of Clement who in this case knew not how to manage his authoritie and if it had pleased God to haue giuen him in this fact the vse of his vsuall wisdome he might haue gained much where now his losse was great But the Emperour at his returne into Germany being informed of the negotiation of the Nuncio Rangone concerning the Councell wrote to Rome complaining that himselfe hauing promised a Councell to Germany and treated with the Pope in Bolonia in what sort the Princes should be dealt with in this matter yet the Nuncij of his Holinesse had not proceeded in that manner that was agreed of but had so treated that the Protestants thought themselues deluded praying him in the ende to finde some way to giue Germany satisfaction The eighth of Iune the Emperours letters were read in the Consistorie and because there came aduice a little before that the Landgraue of Hassia had taken the Dukedome of Wittenberg from King Ferdinand by force of armes and restored it to the Duke Vlrick the lawfull Lord of it and that Ferdinand also was inforced to make peace with them many of the Cardinals sayd that the Lutherans hauing atchieued 1534 PAVL 3. CHARLES 〈◊〉 HENRY 8. FRANCIS 1. so great a victorie it was necessarie to giue them some satisfaction and not to proceede any more by Art but to make some demonstration of effects because the Emperour hauing promised a Councell it was necessarie hee should not be deluded and sayd that if the Pope could not finde a way there was danger That his Maiestie would be constrained to yeelde to some other thing of greater preiudice and losse to the Church But the Pope and maior part of the Cardinals seeing it was impossible to make the Lutherans accept such a Counsell as might bee seruiceable to the Court of Rome and being resolute not so much as to hearken to any speach of making it otherwise they resolued to answere the Emperour that they knew very well the importance of the times and what great need there was of a generall Councell which they were most readie to intimate in case it might be so celebrated that it might produce good effects as need requireth but seeing new discords arise betweene him and France diuers open dissentions betweene other Christian Princes it was necessarie they should cease and mindes should bee reconciled before the Councel were called For during the discords it could not produce any good effect and now least of all the Lutherans being in armes and made proud by the victory of Wittenberg But it was necessary to leaue discoursing with the Pope of a Councell For hee fell into a long and mortall infirmitie whereof he dyed in the end Clement the 7. dieth
the Councell was not truely intended and that they had nothing but words and Court holy water And he deliuered his minde with such graue sentences that the whole The Pope sendeth Nunci◠to all Princes to treate with them concerning the Councel auditorie was mooued In that consistorie it was resolued to dispatch Nuncij to the Emperour to the French King and other Christian Princes with commission to declare that the Pope and Colledge had determined absolutely for the benefit of Christendome to celebrate a Councell exhorting them to fauour it and to procure peace and tranquillitie while it shall last but to tell them that for the time and place his Holinesse was not resolued as yet And the most secret instruction was that they should cunningly finde out what the Princes thought concerning the place to the end that all their interests and purposes being knowen hee might hinder them by opposing one against another and so worke his owne will Hee charged also the Nuncij to complaine of the actions of the King of England and when they saw opportunitie to incite them against him and to offer them also that Kingdome for a prey Among these Nuncij Vergerius Vergerius is sent backe into Germanie with speciall instructions was one sent backe into Germanie with more speciall Commissions to penetrate the minde of the Protestants concerning the forme of proceeding in the Councell that hee might draw from thence such conclusions as were necessarie He gaue him also particular charge to treat with Luther and the other principall Preachers of the reformed doctrine vsing all kindes of promises and offers to reduce them to some composition The Pope reprehended in all occasions the rigidnesse of Cardinall Caietan who in the Diet of Ausburg 1518. refused Luthers offer that silence being imposed to his aduersaries hee would also bee contented to hold his peace and hee condemned the acerbitie of that Cardinall who by vrging obstinately a recantation cast that man headlong into despaire which had cost and would cost the Church of Rome as much as the halfe of her authoritie is worth That hee would not imitate Leo in beleeuing that the Friars are good instruments to suppresse the Preachers of Germanie For reason and experience haue declared the vanitie of that cogitation That there were but two meanes force and treaties both which he would vse being readie to agree to any condition so that the Popes authoritie might remaine intire For which end hee said hee had neede of able men fit for negotiation and therefore the one and twentieth of May hee created sixe Cardinals and the seuenth a few dayes after all which were men much esteemed in the Court. Among these was Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester then prisoner in England for refusing to obey the Kings Decree which tooke away the Popes authoritie The Pope in making choice of him considered that hee honoured this promotion The Pope creaseth seuca Cardinals by putting in that number a learned man and well deseruing for the persecution which hée endured and that hauing increased his dignitie hee In which number was Iohn Fisher B. of Rochester would haue more respect with the King and more credit with the people But that Cardinals Cap profited that Prelate in nothing but to hasten his death which was giuen him 43. dayes after by cutting off his head in publike But howsoeuer the Pope made open demonstrations to desire such a Councell as might giue satisfaction and reduce Germanie yet all the Court and the Popes neerest friends who treated most secretly with him of these The Court was of opinion that Mantua was the fittest place for the Councell things said that it could not any where bee celebrated but in Italie because in no other place it could bee free and that in Italie no place could be chosen but Mantua Vergerius at his returne into Germanie deliuered the Popes Ambassage first to Ferdinand and then to those Protestants that came to that King about the present occurrences and at last hee made a iourney to treate with the others also He had no other answere from any of them but that they would consult together and resolue by common consent in their assembly which should bee called in the ende of the yeere The proposition of the The negotiation of Vergerius in Germanie Nuncio contained that that was the time for the Councels so much desired the Pope hauing treated with the Emperour and all the Kings to call it seriously not as formerly in appearance onely and that it may not bee deferred any more hee determined to chuse Mantua for the place according to the resolution taken with the Emperour two yeeres since Which being a Citie of the Emperours vassall placed neere his confines and the Venetians they might holde it for secure besides that the Pope and the Emperour would giue any greater caution whatsoeuer That it was not necessarie to resolue or speake of the manner and forme of treating in the Councell because this would better bee done in the Councell it selfe when it shall bee called That it could not bee celebrated in Germanie which abounded with Anabaptists Sacramentaries and other sects for the most part both foolish and furious Therefore that it would not bee secure for other nations to goe where that multitude is potent and to condemne their doctrine That to the Pope it is all one to call it in any other Country whatsoeuer but hee would not seeme to bee inforced and to haue that authoritie taken from him which he hath inioyed so many ages to prescribe the place of generall Councels In this iourney Vergerius found Luther at Wittenberg and treated with He treateth with Luther him very courteously vpon these tearmes inlarging and amplifying them very much And first hee assured him that the Pope and Colledge of Cardinals esteemed him exceedingly who were infinitely grieued for the losse of one who if he had been employed in the seruice of God and the Apostolicall Sea which are ioyned together might haue brought foo 〈…〉 inestimable fruit and that they would doe whatsoeuer they could to regaine him Hee told that the Pope blamed the rigiditie of Caietan and that the Cardinals did no lesse that hee might expect all fauour from that holy Sea and that the rigor of Leo which hee vsed by the instigation of others not of his owne disposition displeased all men Hee added also that hee would not dispute with him of the controuersies because hee professed not Diuinitie but that by common reason hee could shew him that it was good to reunite himselfe with the head of the Church For considering that his doctrine comming to light and being published within these eighteene yeeres had raysed innumerable sects of which the one detesteth the other and so many popular seditions with the death and banishment of so great multitudes it could not bee concluded that it came from God But one might well assure himselfe that it was pernitious
patience because another was in fault and not himselfe and because hee could not resolue so suddenly vpon a conuenient Citie hee deserred the celebration thereof vntill the first of Nouember the same yeere At that time the King of England published a manifest in his owne name and of his nobilitie against the Popes Conuocation as by a person that had no power in a time when Italie was set a fire with warre and in a place not secure adding that hee much desired a Christian Councell but that to The King of England opposeth the Councel by a publique manifest the Popes he would neither goe nor send Ambassadours hauing nothing to doe with the Bishop of Rome or his Edicts more then with the edicts of any other Bishop That the auncient Councels were called by the authoritie of Kings which custome ought now the rather to be renewed because the defect of the Court of Rome are called into question That it was not vsuall with Popes to breake their faith which himselfe had more cause to consider then others beeing most bitterly hated by him for hauing denyed him authoritie in his Kingdome and the reuenew which was payd him That to blame the Prince of Mantua because hee will not receiue so many people into his Citie without a garrison is to mocke the world as also to prorogue the Councel vnto Nouember not saying in what place it shall be celebrated And if the Pope choose the place without doubt it will be in his owne State or of some Prince that is obliged to him Therefore it being impossible that any man of iudgement should hope for a true Councel the best way was for euery Prince to reforme Religion at home concluding in the end that if any man could giue him better directions hee would not refuse to follow them The care of reforming the Court was committed to 4. Cardinals but nothing was done which made the Italians suspect the Popes actions In Italy also there was a generall disposition to interpret the Popes actions in the worser sense and it was spoken freely that though the Duke of Mantua were blamed yet he was not the cause why the Councell was not called whereof there was a manifest argument because the Pope had published a Bull for reformation of the Court and committed the care thereof to foure Cardinals at the same time which notwithstanding was buried in silence though neither the Duke nor any bodie else hindered it from beeing in his power and hauing proposed it immediately after it was assumed to the Papacie it was not so much as spoken of for three yeeres after The The reformation is set on foot againe Pope to withstand these defamations resolued to set the businesse on foote againe first reforming himselfe the Cardinals and the Court that none might obiect against him nor make bad construction of his actions and he elected foure Cardinals and fiue other Prelates whom he so much esteemed that the yeere following hee made foure of them Cardinals giuing charge to those nine to collect the abuses which deserued amendment and withall to adde the remedies by which they might quickly and easily be remooued and to reduce all to a good reformation The Prelates made the collection as the Pope commanded and committed it to writing The fountainâ— of the abuses of the Court. In the beginning they proposed for the fountaine and source of all the abuses the Popes readinesse in giuing eare to flatterers and his facility in dispensing with Lawes with neglect of the Commandement of Christ not to receiue gaine for spirituall things And descending to particulars they noted twenty foure abuses in the administration of Ecclesiasticall matters and foure in the speciall gouernment of Rome they touched the ordination of The particular abuses Cleargie men Collation of Benefices Pensions Permutations Regresses 1538 PAVL 3. CHARLES 5. HENRY 8. FRANCIS 1. Reseruations Pluralitie of Benefices Commendoes Exemptions deformation of the regular order ignorance of Preachers and Confessors libertie of printing pernicious Bookes the reading of them toleration of Apostates Pardoners And Passing to dispensations first they touched that for mariage of those that are in orders for marriages in degrees forbidden dispensations granted to Symoniacall persons facilitie of graunting Confessionals and Indulgences dispensation of vowes licence to bequeath by will the Church-goods commutation of wils and testaments toleration of harlots negligence of the gouernement of hospitals and such other things which they exactly handled expounding the nature of the abuses the causes and originall of them the consequences of the euils which they carry with them the meanes to redresse them and to keepe hence forward the body of These things are set downe at large in the 12. Booke of Sleidan the Court in Christian life a worke worthy to be read and which deserued to be set downe word by word if it had not beene too long The Pope hauing receiued the relation of these Prelats caused many Cardinals to consider of it and after that he might resolue what to doe proposed it in the Consistory Fryar Nicholas Scomberg a Dominican Cardinall of S. Sistus alias of Capua shewed in a long discourse that that time comported The Cudinall of S. Sistus would haue no reformaton at al made not any reformation at all First hee put them in mind of the malice of man which being stopped in one course findeth a worse and that it is better to tolerate a knowen euill which because it is in vse is not so much marueyled at then by redressing that to fall into another which being new will appeare greater and be more reprehended Hee added that it would giue occasion to the Lutherans to bragge that they had inforced the Pope to make that reformation and aboue all he considered that it would bee a beginning to take away not onely the abuses but the good vses also and to endanger the whole state of religion For by the reformation it would be confessed that the things prouided against were deseruedly reprehended by the Lutherans which would be a great abetting to their whole Cardinall Caraffa desireth the reformation doctrine On the other side Iohn Peter Caraffa Cardinal Theatino shewed that the reformation was necessarie and that it was a great offence to God to leaue it and answered that it was a rule in Christian actions that as euill is not to be done that good may follow so no good of obligation is to be omitted for feare that euill may ensue The opinions deliuered were diuers The Pope comandeth the remonstrance of the Prelats to be concealed but a copie of it is sent into Germany by Cardinall Scomberg The King of Denmarke becommeth a Protestant and the finall conclusion was not to speake any more of it vntill another time and the Pope commanded that the remonstrance of the Prelats should be concealed But Cardinall Scomberg sent a copie thereof into Germanie which some thought was done
by the Popes consent that it might appeare there was some designe in Rome and some paines taken also for reformation The coppy was suddenly printed and published throughout all Germany and many wrote against it both in Dutch and Latine And the number of the Protestants increased dayly in that Countrey the king of Denmarke and some princes of the house of Brandeburg being entred into their league Nouember drawing neere the Pope sent out a Bull for conuocation of The Councell is intimated at Vicenza and three Legates appointed the Councell at Vicenza and alledging the necessitie to prorogue the time because winter was at hand hee did intimate it for the first of May the next yeere 1538. and appoynted three Cardinals Legats for that place Lorenzo Campeggio Legate before for Clement the seuenth in Germanie Iomes Simoneta and Ierom Aleander created Cardinals by himselfe So soone as this Bull went out the King of England published another Manifost against this new conuocation and addressed it to the Emperor Kings Another manifest published by the K 〈…〉 of England and Christian people dated the eight day of April the same yeere 1538. that hauing before declared to the world the manifold causes why hee had resused the Councell which the Bishop of Rome fained hee would celebrate in Mantua prorogued afterwards without assignation of any certaine place it seemed not conuenient to protest as often as hee did excogitate a new way and to refuse that Councell which the Pope 〈…〉 de a colourable shew that he would celebrate Hee said that that declaration desended his and his Kingdomes cause against all the attempts that either Paul or any other Pope could make which he was willing to confirme with this Epistle to excuse himselfe for not going to Vicenza more then hee would haue done to Mantua though no man desired a publike assembly of Christians more then himselfe so that the Councell bee generall free and picus such as hee hath described in his protestation against the Councell of Mantua And as nothing is more holy then a generall Conuocation of Christians so nothing is more preiudiciall and pernicious to religion then a Councell abused for gaine and profit or confirmation of errours That it is called a generall Councell because all Christians may speake their opinions and that it cannot bee called generall where onely they are heard who are resolued to put themselues on the Popes side in all matters and where the same men are plaintifes defendants aduocates and iudges That all may bee sayd of Viconza which in his declaration hath been said of Mantua And briefly repeating a short contents thereof hee sayd if Frederick Duke of Mantua hath not yeelded so much to the Popes authoritie as to grant him his Citie in that manner that he would why should we so much esteeme it as to goe whither hee pleaseth If the Pope hath power from God to call Princes whither hee will why can hee not choose what place hee listeth and make himselfe obeyed If the Duke of Mantua can with reason denie the place which the Pope hath chosen why cannot other Kings and Princes refuse to goe thither And if all Princes should denie him their Cities where would be his power what a thing would it haue beene if all men had put themselues into the iourney and being arriued there should haue beene shut out of doores by the Duke of Mantua That which happened for Mantua may happen likewise for Vicenza The Legats went to Vicenza at the time appointed and the Pope to Nizza The Legates toe to Vicenza in Prouence at the same time to speake personally with the Emperour and French King which hee gaue out was onely to make peace betweene those A conference in Nizza betweene the Pope French K. and King of Spaine two great Princes though his principall ende was to draw the Dukedome of Milan into his house I here the Pope amongst other things desired them both to send their Ambassadours to the Councell and to cause the Prelates which were in their traines to goe also and to giue order that those that were at home in their Kingdomes should begin their voyage thither For gluing the order they both excused and said that first it was fit to informe themselues by the Prelates of the necessities of their Churches and for sending those that wore present that it would bee hard to perswade them to goe before they had consolted with others The Pope was so easily satisfied with the answere that it was doubted whether hee more desired the affirmatiue or the negatiue Therefore this Treatie being vnprofitable as were all his other in that meeting hee went his way and being at Genua in The Councel is defened vnull Easter his returne receiued letters from his Legates who were at Vicenza yet alone without any Prelate wherefore hee recalled them and by his Bull dated the eight of Iulie prolonged the terme of the Councell vntil the next Easter day This yeere the Pope brake the wise patience or rather dissimulation which for foure yeeres together hee had vsed towards England and sent against the King a terrible thundering Bull such as neuer was The Pope thundereth against the K. of England vsed by his predecessours nor imitated by his successours Which fulmination hauing its originall from the Manifests published against the Councel of Mantua and Vicenza my purpose requireth I should make mention thereof Besides for the vnderstanding of many accidents which shall bee related heereafter it is necessary to repeate this euent with the particulars of it The King of England hauing denied his obedience to Rome and declared himselfe head of the English Church the yeere 1534. as hath beene said in its place Pope Paul immediately after his assumption was continually instigated by the Emperour for his owne interests and by the Court which thought by that meanes either to regaine England or set it on fire to fulminate against that King which hee as a man well experienced in the world iudged would bee to little purpose considering that if the thunders of his predecessors neuer had good successe when they were beleeued and feared by all there was lesse hope they could effect any thing after a doctrine was published and receiued by many which did contemne them Hee thought it wisedome to hold a weapon within the scabberd which had no other edge but what was giuen by the opinion of those against whom it was vsed But the beheading of the Cardinall of Rochester happening in the yeere 1535 the other Cardinals were earnest in remonstrating vnto him what a shame and how great a danger it was to the Order which euer was esteemed most sacred and inuiolable if such an example should bee suffered to passe For the Cardinals defend the Popedome boldly with all Princes because they are assured of their liues which assurance when it shall be taken away and made knowen to the Seculars that the Cardinals may bee
laboured to incite the Pope against him and to haue money from him for the warre The Pope seruing himselfe vpon this occasion was wholy set vpon the gaining The Pope seeketh to gaine Milan of Milan for his Nephewes wherein hee was assisted by Margarite bastard daughter to the Emperour married to Octauius Farnese the Popes Nephew and in that respect made Dutchesse of Camerino The Pope promised the Emperour to combine with him against the French King to make many Cardinals of his nomination to pay him for some yeeres 150000. crownes leauing also in his hands the Castles of Milan and Cremona But because the Imperialists required a million of ducats for the present and another million vpon short dayes of payment nothing could bee concluded and in regard the Emperour could not longer tarrie it was agreed to continue the treatie by meanes of the Popes Ministers who should follow the Emperour Caesar shewed he was satisfied with the Councell that by the sending of Legats and assistance of those few Prelats the Catholiques of Germany at the least had knowen his ready mind and because the impediments might be imputed to the French King he concluded that the remedie He mistrustes the Emperour and turneth to the French King was not to be thought vpon vntill it did appeare how the warre proceeded They parted with great demonstrations of mutuall satisfaction yet the Pope mistrusted the Emperour and from that time turned his mind toward the French King But while he was thus doubtfull the league betweene the Emperour and the King of England against France was published which constrained the Pope wholly to alienate himselfe from him For hee saw how much that league preiudiced his authoritie being contracted with one excommunicated anathematized by him cursed destinated to eternall damnation a schismatique depriued of his Kingdome and dominions whose confederation A league betweene the Emperour and King of England made with whom soeuer was void against whom also all Christians Princes were bound by his commandement to take armes and which most imported that still remaining more contumacious and openly despising his authoritie The Pope was much offended with the league this euidently shewed to the world that the Emperour bare no respect vnto him neither spirituall nor temporall and gaue example to all to make no account of his authoritie And the affront seemed to him the greater because Clement who might easily haue temporized in that cause to please the Emperour and for his interests had proceeded against that King who otherwise was well affected and deserued well of the Apostolike Sea To weigh downe these offences the Pope put in the other ballance that the French King had made so many lawes and edicts before named to preserue religion and his authoritie Vnto which was added that the Parisian Diuines the first of August assembling the people by the sound of a Trumpet published fiue and twentie heads of Christian doctrine proposing the bare conclusions and determinations without adding reasons perswasions or grounds but onely prescribing as it were by authoritie what they would haue beleeued which were printed and sent through all France confirmed by the Kings letters vnder most grieuous punishments against whosoeuer spake or taught other wise with another new Decree to make inquisition against the Lutherans These things the rather pleased the Pope because he knew the King did them not so much for the reason related before that is to iustifie himselfe to the world that hee made not warre with the Emperour to fauour the Lutherans doctrine nor to hinder their extirpation but principally to please him and for reuerence of the Apostolicall Sea But the Emperour knowing the Popes complaints answered that the The Emperors answere to the Popes complaints French King hauing made a League with the Turke to the preiudice of Christians as the siege of Nizza in Prouence made by the Ottoman Armie guided by Polinus the Kings Abassadour and the spoiles taken in the riuers of the Kingdome well shewed it was lawfull for him to vse for his defence the helpe of the King of England a Christian though he acknowledge not the Pope as also by the same Popes leaue himselfe and Ferdinand vsed the assistance of the Protestants more auerse from the Apostolike Sea then that King that the Pope vnderstanding the League of the French King with the Turke should haue proceeded against him But hee saw well what difference was made For the Turkisharmie which had so much damnified all the Christians wheresoeuer it went passed friendly by the Popes riuers yea going to Ostia to take in the fresh water on S. Peters day at night for which all Rome was in confusion the Cardinall of Carpi who commanded in the Popes name that was absent put them out of feare being secure by the intelligence which he had with the Turkes The warre and these complaints put to silence the treaties about the 1544 PAVL 3. 〈◊〉 CHARLES 〈◊〉 HENRY 〈…〉 FRANCIS 〈◊〉 councel for this yeere which the next 1544 returned into the field began in the Diet of Spira where the Emperour rehearsing the paines which he formerly took to remedy the discords in religion finally the care diligence vsed in Ratisbon be put them in mind how it not being then possible to compose the controuersies all was finally referred to a general or National Councel 1544. The treaty a 〈…〉 both the Couâ—cell began againe in the Diet of 〈…〉 or a Diet and that afterwardes the Pope at his instance had intimated the Councel where himself resolued to be in person would haue performed it if the war of France had not hundered him But now in regard the discord in religion remaineth the same is accompained with the same inconueniences it is not time to deferre the remedy any longer for which he gaue order they should consider and propose to him what way they thought to be best The businesse of religion was much considered on But because the affayres of the warre pressed them more it was referred to the Diet which was to bee celebrated in December and in the meane space a Decree was made that the Emperour should giue charge to some honest and learned men to write a forme of reformation and that all the Princes should doe the same that all being conferred together that might bee determined in the Diet by common consent which was to be obserued vntil the future generall Councell to be held in Germany or vntill a Nationall In the meane space that all should remaine in peace without raising any tumult for Religion and the Churches of the one and the other should enioy their goods This Recesse did not generally please the Catholikes but some of them because they inclined to the Protestants opinion approoued this middle way Those that were not contented seeing their number to be small resolue to endure it But the warre went on still and the Popes disdaine conceiued for the league with
it was necessary to make vse of that reseruation prolonging the Session now and not celebrating it to morrow The prorogation pleased all the Fathers the Cardinall added that hauing considered much of it they were not able to set downe a certaine day whereon to rest that when they were in Trent thinking to dispatch the Decree of Iustification in fifteene dayes they were faine to sweate in the businesse seuen moneths together oftentimes making two Congregations euery day that where the question is of faith and confounding the heretikes one ought to goe with leaden feete and often to employ much time in discussing a little word that one cannot know whether it will be necessary to celebrate the Session within few dayes or not within many moneths therefore that his opinion was to prorogue it during pleasure of the Councell and that this resolution was vndoubtedly the best And if any say that the prefixed time beeing knowen one might better dispose of his businesse these may assure themselues that it will appeare within few dayes what course and progresse the Synode is like to haue All were content it should be prorogued during the Councels pleasure and so they had leaue to depart The Prelats of Germany assembled in the Diet the very same day wrote The Prelates assembled in the Diet write to the Pope to restore the Synode to Trent to the Pope for so the Emperours pleasure was demanding that the Councell should be brought backe to Trent In the letter was mixture of prayers and threats It expounded the bad estate and danger of Germanie against which prouision might haue been made if the remedy of the Councell had been applyed in time and held in Germany as was desired For hauing ample iurisdictions they could not long remaine in remote places for which cause none went to Mantua or Vicenza and but few to Trent a Citie which belongeth also rather to Italy especially in time of warre Now all things beeing in peace they conceiued great hope that the shippe was safe in the hauen when beyond all expectation they vnderstood the Councell in which all their hope consisted was translated to another place or rather diuided Therefore beeing depriued of this remedy there did nothing remaine but to haue recourse to the Apostolique Church praying his Holynesse for the safetie of Germany to restore the Councell to Trent which if he did there was no seruice which hee might not promise himselfe from them and that otherwise they knew not whither to flee for ayde against the mischiefes and dangers that were imminent that therefore hee would vouchsafe to consider of their demaund and thinke that if hee made not prouision it was very possible they should thinke of other courses to put an end to these difficulties Praying his Holinesse to take their Letter in good part being compelled to write thus by their owne duety and by the condition of the times Moreouer the Emperour vsed all diligence that all should submit to the The Emperor obtaineth of the Princes and Granuel of the Cities a conditionall submission to the Councell Councell vrging praying and desiring them to relie vpon his credit His prayers to the Elector Palatine were a kinde of threats in regard of his former offence lately pardoned Maurice Duke of Saxonie was necessarily to yeeld because of so great benefits newly receiued from his Maiestie and because hee desired the enlargement of the Landgraue his wiues father Therefore the Emperor hauing promised they should haue due satisfaction and desiring them to trust vnto him they finally consented were followed by the Ambassadors of the Elector of Brandeburg and by all the Princes The Cities refused because they thought it very dangerous to submit themselues indifferently to all the Decrees of the Councell Granuel did negotiate very much and very long with their Ambassadors holding them obstinate in refusing what the Princes had approued adding some threats to condemne them in a greater summe then they had already payd Therefore they were compelled in fine to condescend to Caesars will yet with caution of obseruing the promises Being called before the Emperour and demanded if they would conforme themselues to the resolution of the Princes they answered they should be too bold if they went about to correct their answere and withall gaue vp a writing which conteined the conditions with which they would receiue the Councell This was taken but not read and they were commended in the Emperours name by his Chancellour for that they had referred all to Caesar as others had done and relied vpon him and the Emperour himselfe made shew to bee well pleased with it so the one and the other party was willing to be deceiued The Cardinall Sfondrato fayled not of his duety in proposing many aduantages The negotiation of Card. Sfondrato with the Emperour to the Emperour in case hee would consent to the Councell in Bolonia he shewed him in what confusions England was beeing vnder a King who was a childe whose gouernours were at variance and people in distrust one of another because of religion he discouered vnto him the intelligence which the Pope held in that Kingdome all which should bee to his fauour and that hee would assist him in that enterprise with men and ships and would giue him leaue to make vse of the Ecclesiasticall rents of all his States The Emperour knew the Popes aime was to intangle him in a new enterprise and so to trouble him in that which hee had already brought to a conclusion Therefore hee answered that hee would bee vnited with the Pope in religion but in point of warre was resolute to proceede alone and not to be his Captaine who would abandon him in the best time of seruice as he had done in the warre of Germanie And on the other side he proposed diuers aduantages to the Pope in case hee would consent to the returne of the Councell to Trent The Legate hauing answered he had no commission herein the Emperour sent indiligence the Cardinall of Trent to the Pope to negotiate the restitution of the Councell and other particulars which shall bee related The Pope hauing heard him often and not beeing able to discouer his intention did finally answere him that hee should speake hereof in the Consistery The Cardinall hauing the ninth of December in presence of the whole And of the Cardinall of Trent with the Pope Colledge declared what paines and dangers the Emperour had vndergone onely to maintaine the dignity of the Councelll and how finally by this diligence and authority hee had induced all the Princes and States of Germanie to adhere and submit themselues vnto it hee prayed his Holinesse in the name of Caesar Ferdinand and the whole Empire that for the loue of God he would cause the Bishops who were at Bolonia to returne to Trent to finish the necessary worke beginne and would bee pleased to send one or two Legates into Germany with full Pontificall power not
will not giue but receiue lawes referring to the conscience of his Nuncij to remit something of the old discipline if they thinke it may be done without publique scandall giuing them Faculty to absolue fully in both 〈…〉 persons though Kings and Princes Ecclesiastical and Regular Colledges and Communities from all excommunications 〈…〉 and euen from temporall punishments incurred for 〈…〉 though they bee relapsed it and to dispence 〈…〉 for 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 absoluing the◠〈…〉 and homagâ—â— made 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈…〉 s 〈…〉 and to absolâ—◠〈◊〉 the Re 〈…〉 from 〈…〉 giuing 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 bi 〈…〉 〈…〉 fasting dayes by the counsell 〈◊〉 the corporall Physition or spirituall onely or without any if it 〈…〉 and to moderate the number of feastes and for those 〈…〉 the communion of the Chalica if they will humbly de 〈…〉 is 〈…〉 that the Church doth not erre in denying it to the Laitie to grant it vnto them for life or for so long as they shall thinke fit so that it be done neither in the same time nor place with that which is done by decree of the Church Hee granted them power also to vnite Ecclesiasticall Benefices to Studies Schooles or Hospitals and to absolue the vsurpers of Ecclesiasticall mooueable goods after the restitution of the immooueables compounding also for the fruits vsurped and mooueables consumed with authoritie to communicate these Faculties to other persons of note This Bull passed in all places beeing printed vpon the occasion which Which is censured in Germany shall bee related and affoorded matter of discourse First for the proheme where the Pope said that in the troubles of the Church hee was comforted by the remedy left by CHRIST that the Corne of the Church winnowed by Satan should bee preserued by the faith of Peter especially after hee had applyed the remedy of the generall Councell as if the Church had no foundation but vpon him and sixty persons of Trent Then they thought it a great presumption to restore Kings and Princes to honours fame and dignity There was also obserued a contradiction to absolue from vnlawfull oathes which need no absolution and from true oathes no man can absolue And it was thought another contradiction to grant the Chalice onely to him who beleeueth the Church doth not erre in forbidding it to the Laâ—tie For how is it possible to beleeue so and to desire not to be comprehended in the prohibition But they could not forbeare laughing when they read the condition to absolue the Friars who forsooke their cloysters to weare the habite couered as if the kingdome of GOD did consist in a colour or vestment which being not worne in shew yet it was necessary to haue it in secret But though the Nuncij were soone deputed yet their dispatch was deferred vntill the next yeere because the Emperour was not pleased with the manner of it in which no mention was made to assist or authorize the prouisions Why the dispatch of the two Nuncij was deferred made by him neither would the Pope euer bee perswaded that any minister of his should be present The Emperour beeing parted from Ausburg vsed all diligence that the The Emperors Interim doth please neither the Protestants nor the Catholiques Interim might bee receiued by the Protestant Cities but found resistance and difficulty euery where because they did detest it more then the Catholiques They sayd it was a totall establishment of the Papacie Aboue all they found fault with the doctrine of Iustification and that the communion of the Cup and marriage of Priests was questioned Iohn Fredericke Duke of Saxony though prisoner said freely that GOD and his conscience vnto which hee was bound aboue all did not permit him to receiue it Where it was admitted diuers accidents varieties and confusions did succeed so that it was brought into some places diuersly with so many limitations and conditions that one may say it was rather reiected by all then accepted by any Neither did the Catholiques care to helpe forward the businesse because they did not approoue it themselues That which did hinder the emperor most was the modest liberty of a little weake Citie which desired him that being Lord of their goods and life hee would suffer that their conscience might belong to GOD that if the doctrine proposed to them were receiued by himselfe they should haue a great example to follow But if his Maiestie would compel them to accept of and beleeue that which himselfe thought not true they knew not how it could be done In September the Emperor went into low Germany where he found greater difficulties For the Cities of Saxonie vsed many excuses and 〈◊〉 did oppose with a kind of scorne Wherefore it was 〈◊〉 by the Emperour and sustained a long warre that maintained the fire aliue in Germaniâ— which burned his Trophees as in its place shall bee saide By reason of this confusion and to giue order that the flemings should sweare 〈◊〉 to his sonne the Emperour quitting Germany went into Flanders and though he seuerely forbad that the doctrine And 〈…〉 〈◊〉 against by both of the Interim should be impugned by any or written taught or preached against yet many Protestants did write against it And the Pope thinking it fit for his affaires to doe it gaue order to 〈…〉 Generall of the Dominicans that assembling the most learned men of his order by their opinion and paints hee should make a strong and sound confutation Many in France wrote against it also and in a short time there was as it were a whole quodron of Writers against it Catholiques and Protestants especially of the Hanse-townes And that did follow which doth ordinarily happen to him that will reconcile contrary opinions that he maketh them both agree to impugne his and euery one more obstinate in defending his owne There was also some cause of diuision among the Protestants For those A diuision among the Protestants who had in part yeelded to Caesar against their wills and restored the old ceremonies excused themselues and said that the things done by them were indifferent and by consequence that did not concerne their saluation to reproue or receiue them and that it was lawfull yea necessary to tolerate some seruitude when no impiety was ioyned with it and therefore that in these the Emperour was to be obeyed Others whom necessitie had not compelled said it was true that indifferent things concern not saluation yet by meanes of them pernicious things are brought in and going on they framed a generall conclusion that Ceremonies and Rites though by nature indifferent doe become then bad when he that vseth them hath an opinion Which was neuer well reconciled that they are good 〈…〉 And hence arose two Sects and afterwards more differences amongst them which were 〈◊〉 well reconciled And in England there were no lesse 〈◊〉 for Religion For Edward Earle of Harford 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈…〉 King hauing Troubles in
onely in Rome but throughout all Italie of the immense number of the Christians in those parts and how much the lists of the Apostolique Sea were enlarged And particularly they spake of the great number of Churches in the Citie Muzal which they sayd was the old Assur vpon the riuer Tigris from which Niniue renowmed for the preaching of Ionas was not farre distant situated beyond the riuer Vnder this iurisdiction they put Babylon Tauris and Arbela famous for the battaile betweene Darius and Alexander with many Countreys of Assyria and Persia They found also the ancient Cities named in the Scripture and Ecbatan which the stories doe call Seleucia and Nisibi They sayd that this man elected by all the Bishops was sent to the Pope for confirmation accompanied with seuenty persons as farre as Ierusalem and from thence by three of whom one died and another remained sicke in the iourney and the third called Calefi came with him to Rome All these things were printed and very curiously read The Pope receiued another also named Marderius a Iacobite of Assyria sent by the Patriarch of Antioch to acknowledge the Apostolique Sea and giue it obedience and make profession of the Romane faith But the world beeing satiated with the former did not care for this second After these shadowes of obedience which the Sea of Rome gained there succeeded one reall and of great importance which did abundantly recompence The King of England dieth whatsoeuer was lost in Germanie The sixt of Iuly 1553 Edward King of England died of the age of sixteene yeeres Fifteene dayes before he made a Will with approbation of his Councell wherein hauing declared that it did belong to him to name the Successour according to the lawes of the Kingdome he excluded his sisters Mary and Elizabeth because their legitimation was doubted of and all the posterity of Margaret his fathers elder sister as strangers not borne in the kingdome and named her Queene who followed in order that is Iane of Suffolke grand-childe to Mary formerly Q. of France and younger sister to his father Henry 8. by her daughter notwithstanding that the sayd Henry had in his last Will substituted Mary and Elizabeth which substitution hee sayd was pupillary and did not binde him now hee was of age Iane was proclaimed Queene in London and Mary retiring her selfe into Iane is proclaimed Queene Norfolke that shee might commodiously passe into France if there were occasion named her selfe Queene also and was finally accepted by all the kingdome alleadging in her fauour the Testament of Henry and that of a Matrimony contracted bona fide though there bee a nullity in it the issue is legitimate Iane and her adherents were imprisoned and Mary entred into But Mary obtaineth the Crowne London and was receiued with a generall applause and proclaimed Queene of England and France and had the title of Head of the Church Shee presently set the prisoners at liberty which her father had put into the Tower 1553 IVLIVS 3. CHARLES 5. Q. MARY HENRY 2. A sedition in London about Religion partly for Religion and partly for other causes A little after her entry there arose a sedition in London by occasion of one who tooke the boldnesse to preach Popery and of another who did celebrate the Masse To appease this trouble which was very considerable the Queene caused an Edict to be published that she would liue in the Religion of her Ancestors and therefore would not permit that any thing should bee preached to the people but that which formerly had been Afterwards the eleuenth of October shee was crowned with the vsuall ceremonies The Pope aduertized hereof considering that shee was brought vp in the Catholique Religion interrested in the respects of her mother and cousin by blood vnto the Emperour hoped he might make some entrie into the Kingdome and therefore did make Cardinall Poole his Legate thinking because hee was of the blood royall and The Pope maketh Cardinall Poole his Legat for England of an exemplary life he was the onely instrument to reduce that Kingdome to the Church of Rome The Cardinall who had been banished by publique Decree and depriued of his honour thought it not fit to begin the enterprise before he fully vnderstood the state of things beeing assured that the maior part was still deuoted to the memory of Henry Hee therefore sent into England secretly Giouanni Francesco Comendone to enforme him and wrote a Letter to the Queene in which commending her perseuerance in Religion in the times of her troubles hee exhorted her to continue in the times of her happinesse recommended vnto her the saluation of the soules of those people and the restitution of the true worship of GOD. Comendone hauing obserued euery particular and found meanes to speake with the Queene though compassed and garded on euery side perceiued shee had neuer beene auerse from the Romane faith and had promise from her that shee would labour to restore it into the whole Kingdome which the Cardinall vnderstanding put himselfe into the voyage In England after the Coronation a Parliament was held in which the A Parliament is held the diuorce of Henry the 8. declared to be vnlawfull diuorce of the Queenes mother Katherine of Aragon was declared to be vnlawfull the marriage good and the issue legitimate which was obliquely to restore the Popes supremacie in regard it could not be good without the validitie of the dispensation of Iulius the second and by consequence not without the supremacie of the Sea of Rome It was ordained also that all the constitutions in matter of religion made by Edward should be abrogated and Popeâ—y is established that religion obserued which was in vse at the death of Henry In this Parliament they treated of marrying the Queene though shee were aboue fourty yeeres of age and three were named Poole who had not taken holy Orders And the marriage of the Queene is treated on though he was a Cardinall and Courtney both of the blood Royall and first Cousins of Henry the eight in an equall degree this of the white Rose grand child of Edward the fourth by his daughter and that of the red Rose Nephew to Henry the seuenth by his sister both acceptable to the Nobilitie of England Poole for wisedome and sanctifie of life and Courtney for his louing behauiour and carriage But the Queene preferred Philip Prince of Spaine before these aswell for the treaties made by her cousin Charles the Emperour her affection also inclining much more to the mothers side then to the fathers as because shee thought shee might better secure her owne and the Kingdomes peace with that marriage The Emperour who did much 1554 IVLIVS 3. CHARLES 5. MARY HENRY 2. Vntil the coÌ„clusion wherof the Emperour hindreth Poole in going into England desire to effect it fearing that Poole might disturbe it by his presence in England knowing hee was departed Legate made meanes
learned men Inhabitants of Rome whom himselfe did know were named and others put themselues forward to receiue this honour The Court was full of the expectation But dieth be fore anything was effected hauing sat but 22. dayes of many nouities which were all buried in silence because Marcelius first weakened by the paines he tooke in the long great ceremonies as hath bin said afterwards taken with an apoplexie dyed the last day of the month the other astrologicall predictions of his father and his owhe which were extended a yeere after that time being not verefied The Cardinals being assembled againe in the Conclaue hee of Ausburg assisted by Morene made great instance that among the capitulations which the Cardinals were to sweare vnto one should bee that the future Pope should by counsell of the Colledge call an other Synod within Two cap 〈…〉 lations one to cal another S◠councel within two years another not to make aboue 4. Cardinals within two years Iohn Peter Caraffa called Paul the 4 41◠created Pope two yeeres to finish the reformation begun to determine the controuersies of Religion that remained and to finde a meanes to cause the Councell of Trent to bee receiued in Germany And the Colledge of the Cardinals beeing full it was capitulated that the Pope should not create more then foure within two yeeres The three and twentieth day of the next Moneth Iohn Peter Caraffa who called himselfe Paulus Quartus was created the Imperialists resistng as much as they could For he was thought not to be the Emperours friend in regard of the old distastes which he receiued in the King of Spaine his Court where he serued eight yeares in the life time of the Catholique King Ferdinand and because the possession of the Archbishoprique of Naples was denyed him a few yeares before by the common inclination of the Barons of that Kingdome Whereunto was added the seueritio of his manners which made Of whose seueritie the Court is afraid the Court fad and put it in geater feare of reformation then it formerly had in the treaties of the Councell The strictnesse of his life concerning his person and familie he laid aside immediately after his creation For being demaunded by his Steward what diet hee would haue prouided for him hee answered such as befitteth a Prince and would be crowned with greater pompe then was vsuall affecting in all his actions to keepe his degree with magnificence and to appeare stately and sumptuous To his Nephewes and kinsmen hee was as indulgent as any of his Predecessors He affected to hide his seueritie towards others by shewing the greatest humanitie but within a short time hee returned to his owne naturall disposition Hee tooke it for a great glory that the three English Ambassadours The English Ambassadors are receiued in the first cōsistory after the coronation dispatched in the time of Iulius entred Rome the firstday of his Papacie and the first consistorie after the Coronation was publique The Ambassadours were brought into it who prostrating themselues at the Popes feete did in the name of the Kingdome acknowledge the faults committed relating them all in particular for so the Pope would haue it confessing they had beene vngratefull for so many benefits receiued from the Church and humbly crauing pardon for it The Pope did pardon them tooke them vp from the ground and imbraced them and to honour their Maiesties who sent them gaue the title of a Kingdome to Ireland graunting them this dignitie by the authoritie which the Pope hath from God being placed ouer all Kingdomes to supplant those that are contumacious and to build new Men of iudgement who then knew not the true cause of that action thought it a vanitie not seeing The Pope giueth to Ireland the title of a kingdom what profit either of authoritie or honour it might bring to a King to haue many titles in the Countrey which hee possesseth considering that the most Christian King is more honoured by the onely title of King of France then if his State were diuided into as many Kingly titles as hee hath Prouinces Neither did it then seeme a fitte time to say hee had power from God to build vp and ouerthrow Kingdomes But those that knew the true cause did not thinke it vaine but a secret vsually practised a long time Henrie the Eight after his separation from the Pope made Ireland a kingdome and called himselfe King of England France and Ireland which title continued by Edward was assumed by Marie and her Husband The Pope so soone as hee was created entred into a resolution that the title of Ireland should not bee vsed by those Princes affirming constantly that it belonged onely to him to Which was taken before without the consent of any Pope giue the name of a King But it seemed hard to enduce England to quit that which two Kings had vsed and the Queene not thinking much of it had continued Therefore hee found a temper that is to dissemble the knowledge of what Henry had done and himselfe to crect the Island into a Kingdome that so the world might beleeue that the Queene Popes haue often giuen that which they could not take frō the possessors had vsed the Title as giuen by the Pope not as decreed by her Father And the Popes haue often giuen that which they could not take from the possessors and to auoyd contentions some haue receiued their owne goods as gifts and some haue dissembled the knowledge of the gift or of the pretence of the giuer In the priuate discourses betweene the Pope and the Ambassadours hee found fault that the Church goods were not wholly restored saying that by no meanes it was to bee tolerated and that it was necessarie to render all euen to afarthing because the things that belong to God can neuer bee applyed to humane vses and hee that withholdeth the least part of them is in continuall state of damnation That if hee had power to grant them hee would doe it most readily The Pope commandeth the restitutiō of Church goods in England for his Fatherly affection which hee beareth to them and for the experience hee hath of their filiall obedience but his authoritie was not so large as that hee might prophane the things dedicated to GOD and let England bee assured that this would bee an Anathema and an contagion which by the iust reuenge of God would alwayes hold the Kingdome of England in perpetuall infelicitie He charged the Ambassadours to write thereof immediatly and was not content to speake of it once but repeated it as often as there was occasion Hee said also plainely that the Peterperce ought to be payd as soone as might bee and that according to the And the payment of Peter pence custome hee would send a Collector for that purpose that himselfe had exercised that charge three yeeres hauing beene sent into England for that end wherein hee was much edified
of 80. yeeres and made Pope did wholly addict himselfe to pomp and pride and endeauoured to set all Europe on fire with warre In the beginning of the yeere 1557. the Duke of Guise passed into Italy 1557. The Duke of Guise passeth into Italy with an army with his armie in fauour of the Pope who to obserue the promise of his nephew made to the French King made a promotion of 10. Cardinals which not beeing according to the meaning and the end agreed on neither for the number nor qualitie of the persons his excuse was that hee was so The Pope createth ten Cardinals neerely conioyned with his Maiestie that his dependants would bee as seruiceable to the King as the Frenchmen themselues and that he might assure himselfe that they were all for him and that he could not then make a greater promotion seeing the number was so great already arriuing to 70. which would quickely bee diminished by remoouing some rebels and putting honest men in their roomes which hee meant of those who were already in the Castle and others against whom he had a desseigne as well for matter of State as of Religion For hee was not so intent to the warre as that he did The Inquisition is the principal mysterie of the Papacle Card. Morone and the B of Morlena are imprisoned And Card. Poole depriued of his Legation abandon the businesse of the Inquisition which he said was the principall secret and mysterie of the Papacie He had some information against Cardinall Morone that he held intelligence in Germanie and did imprison him in the Castle deputing foure Cardinals to examine him seuerely and Egidius Foscararus Bishop of Modena as confederate with him Hee depriued also Cardinall Poole of his Legation of England and cited him to appeare in the Inquisition at Rome hauing alreadie imprisoned his inward friend as one of his complices Thomas S. Felice Bishop of Caua And that hee might not pretend to stay in England vnder colour of his Legation and the affaires of those Churches hee created Cardinall at Whitsuntide William Peto Bishop of Salisbury and made him Legate in the place of Poole And although the Queene and King testifying what seruice hee had done to the Catholique Faith made earnest intercession for him yet the Pope would neuer remit one iote of his rigour Cardinall Poole obeyed laying aside the administration and ornaments of a Legat sending Ormaneto to Rome to giue an account of his Legation but himselfe parted not out of England alledging the Queenes commandement because neither shee nor the King thinking the Pope was passionate would consent that hee should goe In England many were scandalized for it and aliened from the Pope and many Wherewith many were offended in Rome thought it a calumnie inuented to reuenge himselfe for the truce betweene the two Kings treated by him being Cardinall and Legate without imparting it to him And the opposition which hee made against him in the Conclaue to hinder him from being Pope was thought to haue no better ground The new Legat a man of great integritie had the same conceits who though hee tooke vpon him the name of Legat not to anger the Pope yet in nine moneths that he liued after he had the crosse of the Legation hee did neuer exercise the Charge but bare the same respect towards Poole as before The Duke of Guise being come into Italy made warre in Piemont with purpose to continue it in Lumbardie and so to diuert the armes taken vp against the Pope But the Popes ardent desire to assaile the Kingdome of Naples did not permit him The Frenchmen knew the difficulties and the Duke of Guise with some principall Commanders went to Rome by post to make the Pope vnderstand what the reasons of warre did perswade In whose presence all being consulted on and the Popes resolution not giuing place to any other deliberation it was necessary to yeeld vnto him Yet they did nothing but assault Ciuitella a place situated at the entry into the Prouince The Duke of Guise receiueth a repulse by default of the Caraffi of Abruzzo where the armie had the repulse and Guise complained much that the Caraffi had not made the prouisions which they had promised and were necessary In summe the Popes armes as well his owne as auxiliarie were not much fauoured by God But in the midst of August the army of the Duke of Alua approaching Rome not afraid of the French which 1557 PAVL 4. FERDINAND MARY HENRY 2. The Pope is terrified by the approaching of the Duke of Alua The battell of S. Quintin was entertained in Abruzzo and the Pope vnderstanding the surprize and sacke of Signea the slaughter of many and the danger in which Pagliano was he related all in Consistorie with many teares adding that he did vndauntedly expect martyrdom the Cardinals marueiling that he should paint out the cause to them who vnderstood the trueth as if it had bin of CHRIST whereas it was profane and proceeded from ambition and say it was the principall sinew and mystery of the Papacie When the Popes affaires were in the greatest straits the French Kings Army had such a great ouerthrow neere to S. Quintin that hee was forced to recall the Duke of Guise and his forces for the safety of the Kingdome letting the Pope know his ineuitable necessitie giuing him leaue to take what counsell seemed best for him and sending him backe the hostages The Pope refused to let Guise returne whereupon there beeing a great contestation Maketh the French King recall the D of Guise and his forces Whom the Pope disimsseth with bad tearmes betweene them the Pope not able to keepe him bid him goe seeing hee had done little seruice to the King lesse to the Church and none at all to his owne honour In the end of that moneth the Duke of Alua approached Rome which he had taken but for want of courage His retreat was ascribed to the basenesse of his minde who publikely sayd that hee feared that if Rome had been sacked the Armie would haue been scattered and the Kingdome The Duke of Alua might haue taken Rome and did not exposed to danger without forces or defence But secretly hee said that beeing in the seruice of a King who bare great reuerence to that place hee refrained to doe it because he knew not whether the action would haue been approoued Finally a composition was made the fourteenth of September betweene Alua and the Caraffi the warre hauing continued a whole But made a base composition with the Pope yeere In the capitulations the Pope would not haue Colonna nor any of his subiects comprehended nor any word inserted to shew that hee had offended in imprisoning the Emperours Ministers but maintained most constantly that the Duke of Alua ought to come to Rome to aske pardon and receiue absolution saying plainely that before hee would loose one iore of this due for so
the fifth and in the meane while if hee had commission from his Master to depart he might doe it and protest what he thought fit Therefore the Ambassador hauing made his protestation departed Who hauing made a protestation departeth from Rome And although Charles died the same yeere the 21. of September yet it was impossible to remooue the Pope from this resolution The number of those who call themselues Reformed being now increased in France their courage did increase also and there being a custome amongst the people of Paris in the Summers euenings to goe out of the Suburbes of S. German in great multitudes to take the fresco and to folace themselues with diuers kindes of sportes those of the new Religion in stead of doing so began to sing the Psalmes of Dauid in French verses The multitude first laughed at the nouitie then leauing the sports ioyned themselues vnto the singers And the number of those who came to that place began to increase more then vsually The Popes Nuncio told the King of this nouitie as of a thing pernicious and dangerous because the ministeries of religion vsually celebrated in the Church in the Latin tongue by religious men onely were put into the mouth of the common people in the vulgar language which was an inuention of the Lutherans telling him that if he did not resist the beginnings in a short time all Paris would be Lutheran The King gaue order that the principall authors should bee proceeded against wherein they went not very far hauing found Antony king of Nauar and his wife in that number But for hereafter it was forbid vpon paine of death The Religion in England was also much changed this yeere The Queene 1558 PAVL 4. FERDINAND PHILIP 2. ELIZABETH HENRY 2. Mary Queene of England dieth And Elizabeth is crowned died the seuenteenth day of Nouember and Cardinall Poole the same day which stirred vp many who were not satisfied with the former gouernement to restore the reformation of Edward and to separate themselues wholly from the Spaniards which they did the rather because King Philip to hold a foote in England had treated to marrie Elizabeth sister and successor of Mary to Charles his sonne and when there was little hope of the life of Mary hee had also cast foorth diuers words that hee would take her for his owne wife But the new Queene being wise as shee shewed her selfe to bee in all her gouernement did first secure the Kingdome by oath that she would not marrie a stranger and was crowned by the Bishop of Carlile an adherent to the Church of Rome not making any open declaration what doctrine shee would follow disseigning so soone as shee was setled in her gouernement to establish it by the counsell of the Parliament and of learned and godly men and to make a constant reformation of the state of Religion Therefore shee exhorted the chiefe of the Nobilitie who desired a change to proceede without tumult assuring them that shee would not enforce any Shee caused presently an account to bee giuen to the Pope of her assumption with letters of credence written to Edward Cerne who was Ambassadour to her sister and was not departed from Rome But the Pope proceeding according to his vsuall rigour answered that that Kingdome was held in Fee of the Apostolike Sea that shee could not succeede beeing With whom the Pope doth presently contest illegitimate that hee could not contradict the declarations of Clement the seuenth and Paul the third that it was a great boldnesse to assume the name and gouernement without him that for this shee deserued not to bee heard in any thing yet beeing desirous to shew a fatherly affection if shee will renounce her pretensions and referre her selfe wholly to his free disposition hee will doe whatsoeuer may bee done with the honour of the Apostolike Sea Many did beleeue that as he spake thus by his own inclination so he was incited by the French King who fearing a marriage betweene her and the King of Spaine might be made by the Popes dispensation thought fit to assure himselfe by cutting off the practises in the very beginning But the new Queene vnderstanding the Popes answere and wondring at the mans hastie disposition thought it not profitable either for her or the Kingdome to treate any more with him So that the cause ceasing shee gaue the Nobilitie leaue to consult what was fit to bee done for the seruice of God and quiet of the Kingdome A disputation was held in Westminster in presence of all A disputation is held in Westminster in matter of religion the States betweene learned men chosen on both sides which began the last of March and lasted vntill the thirtieth of April and a Parliament being assembled to this end all the Edicts of Religion made by Mary were abolished those of her brother Edward restored obedience taken away from the Pope the title of the Head of the Church of England giuen to the Queene the reuenues of the Monasteries confiscated and assigned some to the Nobilitie and some to the Crowne the Images taken out of the Churches by the people and the Romane Religion banished Another accident happened also For in the Diet of Ausburg it appearing by the actes of the Colloquie the yeere before dissolued without fruit that there was no hope to doe any good by that meanes Ferdinand tolde them hee would procure the generall Councell to be restored exhorting all to submit themselues to the Decrees thereof as beeing the way to remooue differences The protestants answered that they would consent to a Councell called not by the Pope but by the Emperour to bee held in Germanie in which the Pope should not preside but should submit himselfe to the iudgement thereof and release the Bishops and Diuines of their oath in which also the Protestants Ferdinand promiseth to procure a generall Councell should haue a deciding voyce and all should bee determined according to the holy Scripture and whatsoeuer was concluded in Trent should be reexamined which if it cannot be obtained of the Pope yet the peace of Religion should be confirmed according to the agreement of Passau hauing knowen by too manifest experience that no good can bee drawen from any Popish Councell The Emperour knowing the difficultie to obtaine of the Pope a grant of the things proposed and that now hee had no meanes to negotiate with him in regard of the controuersie about the resignation of Charles and his succession he confirmed the accord of Passau and the Recesses of the Diets And confirmeth the accord of Passau following The Pope hauing cut off all meanes to treate with the Emperour and Germanie knew not what to say to this Yet hee was more displeased with Wherewith the Pope is much displeased their discourse concerning the Councell then with the libertie granted by the Recesse beeing resolute not to call any Councell but in Rome whatsoeuer should happen In
this respect another accident was as grieuous as the former But more with the capitulations of the peace of Cambray that is the peace made at Cambray the third of Aprill betweene the Kings of France and Spaine which was well confirmed by the marriages of the daughter of Henry to the King of Spaine and of his sister to the Duke of Sauoy In which peace amongst other capitulations it was agreed that both the Kings should make a faithfull promise to labour ioyntly that the Councell should bee celebrated the Church reformed and the differences of religion composed The Pope considered how goodly a shew the title of reformation and the name of a Councell did make that England was lost and all Germany also partly by the Protestants and partly by his difference with Ferdinand that these two vnited Kings were much offended by him the Spaniards by deedes and words the French by words at the least there remayning none to whom he might haue refuge that the Cardinals were wearie of his gouernement and his people not well affected in regard of the incommodities of the warre and the taxes layd vpon them These cogitations did so afflict the old Pope that hee was vnfit to rule Hee could not holde the Consistories so often as hee was woont and when hee did holde So that hee became vnfit to rule them hee spent the most part of the time in speaking of the Inquisition and exhorting the Cardinals to fauour it as beeing the onely way to extinguish heresies But the two Kings did not agree to procure the Councell for any ill will or interests which either of them had against the Pope or Papacie but to prouide against the new doctrines which did exceedingly increase being willingly heard and receiued by all men of conscience and which was of more The progresse of the reformed religion and y e meanes vsed to suppresse it importance the male-contented and those who were desirous of innouations put themselues on that side and did dayly vnder pretence of religion make some enterprises as well in the Low Countries as in France in regard those people did loue their libertie and had commerce with Germanie as bordering vpon it In the beginning of the troubles some seedes were sowed which that they might not take roote the Emperour Charles the fifth in the Low Countries and the French King in his Kingdome made many Edicts and commanded diuers executions whereof wee haue spoken in their due places But after that the number of the Protestants did increase in Germanie and the Euangeliques did multiply amongst the Suisses and the separation was made in England by reason of the often warres betweene the Emperour and French King either partie was forced to call Auxiliaries out of these three Nations who publikely professing and preaching the Reformed religion in their quarters by their example and by other meanes diuers of the people became of their opinion It is certaine that this compelled Charles the Emperour to attempt the bringing in of the Spanish Inquisition seeing that other remedies did not preuaile though hee was partly forced to desist for the causes before related And Henry the French King gaue the Bishops authoritie to punish heretiques a thing neuer vsed before in that Kingdome And although in the Low Countries from the first Edict of Charles vntill this time of the peace there were hanged beheaded buried aliue and burned to the number of fifty thousand and very many put to death in France In the Low Countries 50000 were executed for religion in a short time and very many in France yet both places were then in worse case then euer This made the Kings to thinke ioyntly of finding a remedie by the great perswasion of the Cardinall of Loraine for the French and of Granuel Bishop of Arras for the Spaniards who being in Cambray from October vntill Aprill with other Deputies of the two Kings to treate a peace did conferre particularly amongst themselues how that doctrine might be rooted out and were afterwards the chiefe instruments of whatsoeuer did happen in both States The cause they Whereof the Cardinall of Loraine and Granuel Bishop of Arras were causes alledged to be the zeale of religion and the seruice of their Princes but it was vniuersally beleeued that it was rather ambition and a deseigne to enrich themselues by the spoyles of those who were to be condemned The peace beeing made the King of Spaine to begin to giue some order not being able to bring in the Inquisition openly thought to doe it obliquely The King of Spaine erecteth Bishoprickes in the Low Countries that hee might more easily bring in the Inquisition by the Bishops But there beeing but two Bishopricks in the Low Countries Cambray and Vtrect and the residue of the Clergie subiect to the Bishops of Germanie and France and those two Bishoprickes also subiect to forraigne Arch-bishops to whom appeales could not be denied so that he could not worke his will by meanes of them hee thought fit to free all that Clergie from the subiection of Bishops who were not his subiects and to institute three Arch-bishoprickes in those Countries Meclin Cambray and Vtrect and to erect into Bishoprickes Anwerp Balduck Gant Bridges Ipre S. Omar Namur Harlem Middleburgh Lewarden Groninghe Ruremond and Dauenter annexing vnto them for reuenewes some rich Abbies Hee caused the Pope to approoue all this by his Bull dated the ninth of May the same yeere The pretence for doing of this was that formerly those Countries beeing not much inhabited did not neede a greater number of Bishops but now the multitude of people and dignitie of the Cities did require they should bee honoured with Ecclesiasticall titles Yet the Nobilitie and Comminalty did imagine it was an art to bring in the Inquisition in which opinion they were confirmed when they saw the Popes Bull. For according to the vse of Rome to enlarge their power or profit in euery bargaine he alledged for a cause of that new institution that that Countrey was compassed and as it were besieged by Schismatiques who did not obey him the Head of the Church so that the true faith was in great danger by the fraudes and insidiations of the Heretiques if new and good Gardians were not placed ouer them This occurrence made the Nobilitie to adhere together and to thinke how to make resistance before there was meanes to compell them by force of armes Which maketh the Nobility to combine and refuse to pay tribute They resolued therefore not to pay tribute vntill the Spanish Souldiers were remooued out of the Countrey and began to incline more to the new opinion and to fauour it which caused the other troubles which shall bee spoken of But the French King desirous to make prouision that the Lutheran sect The French King entreth into the Mercuriall should not more encrease in the Kingdome vnderstanding that some of the Counsellors of the Parliament were infected with
one should amend himselfe because a good life is a vehement orator to perswade that the names of Lutheranes Hugonots and Papists no lesse factious then those of the Guelphes and Ghibilines were to be taken away and Armes to be taken against those who couer their auarice ambition and desire of innouation with the 〈◊〉 of religion Iohn Angelo aduocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux spake for the third Iohn Angelo speaketh for the third Order Order he spake much against the bad manners and discipline of the Clergy noting their ignorance auarice and luxury as causes of all the euils and did much discourse vpon them in the end hee demanded that all might bee redressed by a sudden celebration of the Councell Iames Earle of Rochfort Iames Earle of Rochfort speaketh for the Nobility spake for the Nobilitie who amongst other things said that all the euill did arise from the large donations made by the King and other Grandies to the Churches especially of iurisdictions a thing much inconuenient that he that ought to giue himselfe wholly to prayer and preaching should exercise power ouer the liues and goods of the Kings subiects and that it was necessary to remedie these inconueniences And in the end hee gaue a petition demaunding in the name of the Nobility to haue publique Churches for their religion Iacobus Quintinus a Burgundian spake for the Clergie He said Iacobus Quintinus speaketh for the Clergie the States were assembled to prouide for the necessities of the Kingdome not to amend the Church which cannot erre which is without blemish or wrinkle and will alwayes remaine without corruption though the discipline in some small part may neede reformation Therefore those are not to bee hearkened vnto who renewing the Sects long since buried demand Churches apart from the Catholiques but are to bee punished as heretiques and doe not deserue that the King should heare them who ought to force all his Subiects to beleeue and liue according to the forme prescribed by the 1561 PIVS 4. FERDINAND ELIZABETH CHARLES 9. Church that those who haue forsaken the Kingdome for Religion ought not to be suffered to returne that those that are infected with hereâ—iâ— ought to be proceeded against capitally that the Ecclesiasticall discipline will easily be reformed if the Clergie be fried from paimene of Tâ—â—lls and elections restored to the Chapters it being obserued that in the yeere 1517 whâ—â—â—by the Concordate the nomination of Ecclesiasticall dignities was giuen to the The opinions of Luther began when the Concordate was made King the heresies of Luther began who was followed by Zainglius and others In the end hee demanded that all immunities and priuiledges of the Clergie should be confirmed and all grieuances remooued The King ordained that the Prelates should put themselues in order to goe to the Councell which was intimated at Trent commanded that all that The Ordinations of the King were in prison for Religion should be set at liberty their Processes 〈◊〉 the void their offences committed vntill that time pardoned and their goods restored He constituted a capitall punishment for those who gaue offence for matter of Religion either in words or deeds He admonished all to follow the rites vsed in the Church without making any innouation The residue was deferred vntill May next when the petition presented by Rotchfort was to bee considered of The Pope vnderstanding of the death of King Francis together with the aduice of the Cardinall Tornon that the Queene was ioyned with Nauar was troubled in minde fearing the raines would be more giuen to the Protestants Therefore hee sent Lorenzo Leutio Bishop of Eermo and caused the King of Spaine to send Io Manriques to condele with the Queene for the death of her sonne and to pray her to bee carefull of the Religion in which The Pope sendeth a NuÌ„cto to the Q. mother and the King of Spaine an ambassadour shee was borne and bred to remember the great benefits receiued from the Apostolique Sea by the meanes of Clement and not to suffer schisme to arise by too much licence nor to seeke remedies elswhere for the euils present and imminent but from the Church of Rome for which end the Councell was intimated that in the meane space she would take care that the Kingdome should not swarue from true piety and that no preiudice should bee done to the Councell intimated The yeere 1560 ended thus leauing some seedes from whence greater troubles did spring The next yeere Manriques came into France and deliuered 1561 his Ambassage Who hauing receiued from the Queene a piouâ— and fauourable answere concerning Religion and the Councell and speaking againe of the same subiect as occasion was offered did continually exhort her to proceed with punishments against the Hugonots adding threats also to his exhortations Nauarre contrary to all the Spanish desseignes did oppose The negotiation of the Spanish Ambassadour in regard of his preâ—ensions to the Kingdome of Nauarre Manriques did combine with the house of Guise and others who had the same desseigne to make him fauour the Catholiques the Pope and the Councell to propose vnto him the patronage of the Catholique Religion in France and that he would bee diuorced from his wife Ioan of Alibert Queene of Nauarre by inheritance and would retaine right to the Kingdome by the Popes authoritie of which shee should bee depriued for heresie by his Holinesse and would take to wife Mary Queene of Scots by whom hee should haue the Kingdome of England Elizabeth being depriued by the Popeâ— For effecting all this the Guisards promised him the Popes authority and the forces of the King of Spaine who for Nauarre would giue him the Kingdome of 〈◊〉 nia These things they continually represented vnto him in 〈◊〉 â—ormes euen vntill his death In Germanie the Princes of the Augustan Confession assembled 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 concerning the Councel especially in regard of the Councell being ashamed that their religion should bee esteemed a confusion for the variety of doctrines amongst the◠〈◊〉 propose that they might first agree in one and then resolue whether they ought refuse refuse or accept the Synode Concerning the first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 said that the difference was not essentiall and that the Papists 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 substantially differ dissenting euen in the very foundations of Religion They laid the Augustan Confession was to bee the ground of their doctrine and if they differed in any point not contained therein it would bee of small 〈◊〉 But there beeing diuers Copies of that Confession which differed in regard of diuers additions made in diuers of them some approouing one and some another many thought they ought to take that onely which was presented to Charles in the yeere 1530. Where vnto 〈◊〉 of the Pulatinate did not consent except it were declared in a Proheme made vnto it that the other edition did agree with it The Duke of Saxonie answered they could
of the Chalice vpon their hands of great importance and difficultie that the things proposed are diuers and concerne diuers subiects which cannot be all digested together that therefore they would communicate to the Prelates as occasions were offered those which had affinitie with the other reformations The Ambassadours knew that they spake this that they might not publish their writing in congregation that by gaining time they might delude the Emperours expectation But yet at that time they said no more Afterwards consulting together they held it expedient to informe the Emperour well as well of this particular as generally of the manner how they proceeded in the Councell And to doe this the Bishop of Prague rode post that The Bishop of Prague goeth by post to informe the Emperor of the State of the Councell hee might returne before the Session The Legats perceiuing that the Councell stood vpon bad termes in many respects but especially for the distaste and suspition of the Pope thought it necessary to informe him fully of all that was past and imminent For this Friar Leonardus Marinus Archbishop of Lanciano was chosen because hee was a man of spirit and acceptable to And the Arch-bishop of Lanciano to informe the Pope the Pope promoted and much fauoured by him and a friend also to Seripando whose instruction was to enforme the Popefully to excuse the Legats and to pacifie his Holinesse Hee carried the common Letters of the Legats for his credence to which Simoneta made much and long difficultie to subscribe nor would haue done it but that they agreed that euery one should write particular letters of his owne Simoneta wrote that hee did thinke to send the Archbishop of Rosano for his particular to giue a more exact information but that being better aduised hee afterwards resolued to expect the euent of Lanciano his iourney The mutual distasts and detractions of the Romans against the Trentines and of these against those did increase at the arriuall of euery Currier In Trent the fauourers of residence did bewayle the miseries of the Church the seruitude of the Councel and the manifest desperation to see the Church reformed in Rome The opposites lamented that a Schisme was plotted in the Councell yea an Apostacie from the Apostolique Sea They sayd that the Vltramontans for malice and enuie against the Italians did aime not so much at the depression as at the abolition of the Papacie which beeing the foundation of the Church because CHRIST hath made it so the totall destruction of the whole building must needes ensue The Pope receiuing new aduices dayly and alwayes worse as euery day some nouity did happen in Trent besides the accidents occurring in Germanie and France contrary to his affayres was still more displeased The opinion of the maior part for residencie did not so much trouble him as the practises which were made especially by the Ambassadours perceiuing that the Princes were interested in it against his authority He saw the Emperor was wholly bent to make his sonne King of the Romans and ready to giue all satisfaction to Germany and therefore had caused these Articles of reformation to be presented to the Legats and called to him the Amb. Prague to find a way how to propose them in Councell and establish them Hee knew the French King was exhausted compassed with infinite difficulties and in danger to be forced to compound with the Hugonots which if it happen the French Prelates may runne to the Councell ioyne with the Spaniards and make themselues authors of other propositions against the Papall authoritie Hee thought to calme the tempest which he saw prepared against him both with deeds and words by leuying foure thousand Suisses and three thousand Dutch horse-men hee sent to Auignion Nicolas Gambaâ—a with fiue hundred foote and an hundred The Pope treateth a common league of all Catholique Princes against the Protestants light-horsemen gaue money to the Duke of Sauoy to put himselfe in armes and oppose if the Hugonots would descend into Italy And to engage al Princes he resolued to treate a league defensiue of all Catholiques against the plots of the Protestants in euery place holding it to be an easie thing to make them condescend if for no other cause yet for this at the least to free themselues from suspicion In Italie hee thought it not hard to induce all For the Duke of Florence was wholly his In Sauoy hee had interest for the succours he sent him and for the danger hee was in the Venetians desired to keepe the Vltramontans out of Italie the King of Spaine had neede of him for Naples and Milan and France for the actuall necessitie in which it was Therefore he made the proposition in Rome to the Emperours Ambassador and the Venetians and sent the Abbat of Saint Saluto for this end into France and the Lord Odescalco into Spaine to whom also hee gaue instruction to complaine to the King that the Spanish Bishops were vnited against his authority and to shew him that the propositions of the Emperour were fit to make a Schisme It was easie to foresee the issue of that proiect to any that did know though but superficially the ends of the Princes The Emperor would by no meanes condescend to any thing that might giue suspicion to the Protestants the French King was so farre from hindering the passage to the Hugonots in Italy that hee would haue beene content to haue seene his whole kingdome rid of them Spaine hauing great possessions in those parts But cannot effect it did more feare and abhorre an vnion of Italian Princes then desire the ruine of the heretiques the Venetians and Duke of Florence could not consent to any thing which might trouble the peace of Italy And so it happened that the proposition of the league was not imbraced by any of the Princes euery one alleadging a particular cause and all one common that it would hinder the progresse of the Councell which many beleeued would not haue displeased his Holinesse and the rather because hee againe proposed in Consistory the declaration of the Continuation and that himselfe would make a declaration concerning Residencie Which things he did not performe in regard of the opinion of Cardinall Carpi followed by the greater part of the other Cardinals that it would not bee good seruice for his Holinesse nor the Apostolique Sea to make himselfe authour of odious things which might aliene the mindes of one party and that it was better to leaue them in the liberty of the Councell for that time Notwithstanding he did not forbeare to complaine in Consistory of all the Ambassadours Of the French hee sayd that Lansac seemed to bee an The Pope complaineth of the Ambassadors Ambassador of the Hugonots by his propositions desiring that the Queene of England the Protestants of Suisserland Saxonie and Wittemberg should bee expected at the Councell who are declared enemies and rebels and haue no other end then to
Actes and that they may not be published without it and a copy thereof giuen vnto him After this the French Ambassadors did protest also that if they should set in any other place then next to the Ambassadors of the Emperour and before the Ambassadors of other Kings which their Predecessors haue alwayes held and namely in the Councell of Constance and the Lateran they should bee wronged and if the new place in which the Ambassador of his Catholike Maiestie did set should bring any preiudice to them or to the Orators the Fathers of the Councell representing the Church vniuersall should reduce them to the ancient order or giue them the Euangelicall admonition But the Fathers holding their peace and the Emperors Ambassadours saying nothing whose interest is common with those of France because they sit next vnto them and so preserue the ancient possession of their King the French Ambassadours in regard of the amity and alliance betweene the Catholike and most Christian Kings demanded nothing but that the Fathers of the Councell would declare that the Count his fact could not preiudice the ancient prerogatiue and perpetuall possession of his most Christian Maiestie and register this in the Actes The Oration was made in the name of the Count by Petrus Fontidonius a Diuine who said in substance That the end of the Councell drawing neere his Catholike Maiestie had sent that Ambassadour to shew himselfe readie to doe for it that which Martianus the Emperour did in the Councell The Oration made in his name of Chalcedon that is to maintaine and defend the trueth declared by the Synode to pacifie the tumults and to conduct to an happie ende that Councel which his Father Charles the fifth Emperour hath protected in its birth and growth for the cause whereof hee hath made most difficult and dangerous warres and which his Vncle the Emperour Ferdinand doeth maintaine that his King hath omitted no office of a Catholike Prince that it might be called and celebrated that he hath sent the Prelats of Spaine and most learned Doctors besides that hee hath preserued religion in Spaine that he hath hindered the entrance of heresie at all the passages of the Pirenies nor suffered it to passe to the Indies whither it hath laboured to penetrate to infect the rootes of Christianitie springing in that new world that by meanes of that King faith and puritie of doctrine doeth flourish in that kingdome so that the holy mother the Church when shee seeth other Prouinces infected with errours taketh great consolation that Spaine is the holy anchor for refuge of all her calamities Hee added would to GOD that other Catholike Princes and Christian common-wealthes would imitate the seueritie of that King in bridling the Heretikes that the Church might bee deliuered from so many miseries and the Fathers of Trent from the care of celebrating the Councell that his King maried with Mary Queene of England for no other ende then to reduce that Island to the true religion Hee repeated the late assistance sent to the King of France adding that by the vertue of his Souldiers though but few sent for defence of religion the victorie inclined to the Catholike partie Hee saide the King desired the establishment of the doctrine of religion and the reformation of manners Hee commended the Fathers because in the handling of these two they would not separate the one from the other howsoeuer great instance was made vnto them to cause them to omit the doctrine and proceed in the reformation only He said the Kings desire was they should examine well the petition more pious then circumspect of those who say that some thing ought to bee graunted to the protestants that being ouercome with kindnesse they may returne to the bosome of the Church saying that they haue to doe with persons who cannot bee bowed neither with benefits nor with pittie Hee exhorted the Fathers in the Kings name to proceede in such sort as to shew they haue a greater care of the Maiestie of the Church then of the desires of those that wander and that the Church hath alwayes vsed this grauitie and constancie in repressing the boldnesse of her enemies not to grant them so much as that which it honestly might He said the King desired that superfluous questions might be omitted and concluded that the Fathers being assembled to doe so good a worke as to cure the diseases which afflict Christendome if this were not effected posteritie would blame none but them and wonder that being able they would not also bee willing to apply the remedie Hee praised the vertues of the Ambassadour and the glorie of his house and so ended Answere was made in the name of the Synode that in their griefe for the common miseries they receiued consolation hearing the pietie of the Catholike K. related and aboue all that his promise to defend the Decrees of the Councell was most acceptable which the Emperor and other Christian Kings and Princes being willing to doe also the Synod was stirred vp to take care that The answere her actions may be answerable to their desires as it hath done already both by their own inclination and by the exhortation of the Pope alwaies imploying themselues in the emendation of maners and in the explication of the Catholike doctrine that it gaue the King many thanks as for his singular affection towards religion and good will towards the Synod so for sending such an Orato from whom they did hope for honour and assistance The Oration displeased all the Ambassadours because it was a manifest reprehension of all Princes for not imitating the Catholike King and they complained thereof to the Count who answered that those wordes did as much displease him yea that he gaue order to the Doctor to leaue them out and not to speake them by any meanes and that he would be sensible of his disobedience The French-men in Rome blamed much those in Trent for The French-men in Rome complaine of the Cardinall of Loraine consenting to the place giuen to the Spanish Ambassador They saide that Loraine for his owne interests and to gratifie the Catholike King had done this great preiudice to the Crowne of France as also because hee had counselled the Pope not to grant the King the alienation of 100000. crownes of Ecclesiasticall goods as he demanded They added that in all things he aymed only at his owne interests and therefore because neither he nor his brother did manage the money he did not care though the King should receiue none at all But the difference for precedence was not as yet well ended For howsoeuer there was a place found for the Spanish Ambassadour in the congregations the same could not bee giuen him in the Sessions Where-vpon the Legates wrote to the Pope to haue order how to gouerne themselues After the Spanish Ambassador was receiued Loraine parted to meet with the Card. of Ferrara who being arriued in Piemont found the affaires
of heresie and others said it was much to bee suspected at the least and others that it was offensiue to godly eares They said hee had taken occasion to doe it in absence of the Cardinall of Loraine who would neuer haue endured those termes and that his end was to dissolue the Councell that hee did attribute to Kings more then belongeth to them that hee inferred that the Popes authority is not necessary for the vsing of Church goods that hee made the French King like to the Queene of England But nothing did so much offend as that hee said that the authority of the French Kings ouer persons and goods Ecclesiasticall was not founded vpon the Pragmatique Concordates and priuiledges giuen by Popes but vpon the law of Nature holy Scripture ancient Councels and lawes of the Christian Emperours The French Ambassadours were reprehended also because they did not follow the steps of the Emperours and Spanish Ambassadors who though they had the same interests made not such a commotion because they knew there was no reason for it De Ferrieres defended himselfe said that the Legates had promised the Cardinall of Loraine that this matter should not bee spoken of but with such moderation as that it should not touch the affaires of France which was not performed that the Kings instruction had beene imparted to the Cardinall who if he had beene present would not onely haue consented to but counselled Protestation that those were great Ignorantes who hauing seene nothing but the Decretals Lawes of foure hundred yeeres did thinke that there were 〈◊〉 Ecclesiasticall lawes before them that if any would reforme the King by the Decretals he would reforme them by the Decrees and lead them also to more ancient times not onely of Saint Austine but of the Apostles also that he did not make the French King as the Queene of England but did oppose them who haue begunne long since to enlarge their owne authority by di 〈…〉 ing the Kings that if those Articles did so much damnifie the Emperour and Catholique King as they doe France they would neuer haue beene proposed and therefore he was not to take example by those who haue not equall interests The Arch-bishop of Sant and the Abbat of Claraual were distasted most of all who went vp and downe saying that the Ambassadours had done ill to protest and that their end was to make a confusion and giue occasion for a Nationall Councel in France that they were men not well affected creatures of the King of Nauarre sent by him to the Councel for his owne deseignes had protested without the Kings commission that it was fit to make them shew their instructions to frame an Inquisition against them as not hauing a good opinion in matter of faith Where in great differences did arise between the Ambassadours and them The next day the Ambassadors gaue the King an account of the causes why they had deferred the protestation vntill then and how they were forced at that time to come vnto it adding that they would deferre the registring of it in the acts of the Councell vntill his Maiesty had seene it and commanded them what they should doe The Legats not hauing a copie of the Oration made a collection of it by the memory of those who had beeene most attentiue to send it to the Pope of which de Ferrieres hauing gotten a copie complained that many things were expressed against his intention and in particular where hee named Ecclesiasticall lawes it was repeated spirituall lawes and that Kings might take Church goods at their pleasure whereas hee had sayd onely for necessary cause By this he was forced to giue foorth his Oration and sent a copie of it to Rome to the Cardinall of Loraine excusing himselfe for not hauing vsed words of such acrimony as he was commanded in the last instructions and in the first which are reconfirmed in those adding also that he thought it necessary to obey the King and was not willing to vndergoe the reprehensions of the Counsellors of Parliament who would haue taxed him if in a Generall Councell matters of so great importance had beene determined against that which hath beene by them so exactly maintained besides the Kings authority which hee defended hauing beene vpheld foure hundred yeeres by the Kingdome of France against the war in opposition of it made by the Court of Rome it was not iust that the Fathers of the Councell the greater part of whom are Courtiers should be Iudges of the ancient differences which the kingdome hath with that Court He gaue a copie of the oration to the Ambassadors also and to as many as did desire it and some saide that he had pronounced it otherwise then it was written Whereunto hee replyed that that could not bee said by any that had any meane vnderstanding of the Latine and that howsoeuer it was the same pronounced and written yet if they thought otherwise they must remember that the stile of the Synod was neuer to iudge of things as they were deliuered in voyce but as they were exhibited in writing and therefore they should moue no controuersie herein or if they would himselfe was to bee beleeued before any other The oration being published it was answered in the name of the Synod And answered by a namelesse man Hee said that the French Ambassadours had reason to compare themselues to the Ambassadours of the Iewes because they had both made an vniust complaint against GOD and that the same answere might be giuen them which the Prophet gaue to that people in the name of GOD that if they had fasted and lamented so many yeeres or ate and drunke all was for their owne interests that the Kings of France were cause of all the abuses of that Kingdome by naming to Bishoprickes vnlearned persons ignorant in Ecclesiasticall discipline and more inclined to a lasciuious then to a religious life that the French-men would not haue a resolution in the controuersies of faith that Christian doctrine might allwayes be vncertaine and place might be giuen to new masters who might rub the itching eares of that vnquiet Nation that they spared not to say in those turbulent times that it belonged to the King though very yong as yet to dispose of all the gouerment of the Church that they had sayd with asseueration that beneficed men had onely the vse of the reuenues whereas in France time out of mind they haue carried themselues for Vsufructuaries making Testaments and receiuing inheritances from their kinsfolke who die intestate that to say the poore are owners of the reuenues was much contrary to another saying in the same oration that the King is Patron of all Ecclesiastical goods and might dispose of them at his pleasure that it was a great absurdity to say that the King might not bee reprehended by a generall Councell seeing that Dauid was reprehended by the Prophet Nathan and tooke it in good part that it did
the Princes who seemed to desire reformation did oppose that decree which did restore vnto them their liberty and iurisdiction necessarie for it The Legates excused themselues and said they must needs giue some satisfaction to the Prelates that the Ambassadours had had time to alleadge their grieuances and to handle the cause with reason and that it was too much violence to oppose onely de facto and to shew that the Councell is onely for reformation of the Clergie and not of the whole Church Newes came at the same time that the Emperour was very sicke and his The Emperors sicknesse troubleth the Fathers Ambassadours said that in case hee should die the Councell would not be secure because the safeduct would bee ended The Legates sent presently to the Pope for order what to doe and the Prelates began to thinke more of paâ—ting from Trent then reforming Princes Therefore a Congregation was holde the seuenth of October to resolue what should bee done with the other Articles of Reformation besides the one and twentie and especially with that which concerneth Princes In which after long discussion it was concluded that the Session should be celebrated with the matter of Matrimonie and the 21. Articles of reformation and that of the Princes should bee deferred The next day the French Ambassadors parted from Trent to Venice according to the Kings order The Pope though well satisfied of Loraine and of the French-men his dependants yet prouoked against that faction from which hee thought the The French Ambassadors goe to Venice motiue of the protestation made in Councell came hee resumed his determination made at the time of the Edict of pacification with the Hugonots to proceede in Trent against the Queene of Nauarre which hee had put off foreseeing that the Emperors Ambassadors would oppose as they did when mention was made of proceeding against the Queene of England resolued to 〈◊〉 it in execution in Rome And the thirteenth of the moneth hee caused The proceeding against fiue Bishops of France and of the Queen of Nauarre a sentence to be published against the fiue French Bishops formerly cited as hath been sayd and a Citation to bee affixed to the gates of Saint Peters Church and in other publique places against Iohan Queene of Nauarre the widow of Antonie that within the terme of sixe moneths shee should appeare to defend her selfe and to shew reasons why she should not bee depriued of all her Dignities States and Dominions and the marriage betweene Antonie of Vandome and her made voyd and the issue illegitimate and that she had not incurred other penalties declared by the Canons against heretiqdes The Cardinall of Loraine before the Pope came to those sentences and processe vsed perswasions to him and put him in minde that the maximes held in France did much differ from those of Rome For it would bee ill taken in that kingdome that the causes of BB. in the first instance should bee iudged in Rome and that the Citation against the Queen as well for the same cause as in regard it was with temporall punishments would giue matter of talke and bad satisfaction to many But those perswasions being vnderstood by the Pope as they were made brought forth no other fruit but that which the Cardinall did secretly desire For the conference which the Queene Mother so much desired by euery Currier that came from her new instance was made to the Pope But newes came from the Emperours Court that hee would not hearken vnto it and out of Spaine though complementall words of the Kings desire to haue it effected yet a resolution that the times and coniunctures did not comport it The Cardinall of Loraine was of opinion that howsoeuer there was no hope yet the Pope should not forbeare to send expresse Nuncij for this purpose as beeing an office whereon many other negotiations for the seruice of the Apostolique Sea might depend and in particular to remooue impediments of the conclusion of the Councell in case any should arise Whereupon Visconte was dispatched into Spaine and Santa Croce into Germanie in shew to treat of this conference but indeede with other particular instructions In Trent the Legates being not willing to giue occasion of any difficultie while the Session was expected did propose Indulgences Purgatory worshipping of Saints and images not to publish the Decrees in the next Session but in the other following adding the manner how the Diuines ought to handle those matters that is to giue their opinion in writing only coÌ„cerning the vse of them and not to speake of the other Articles and giuing order to the fathers to deliuer their voyces in short termes protesting that whosoeuer would delate besides the point should be interrupted Notwithstanding the Diuines made long writings and so diuers that the Fathers knew not what to resolue in that doctrine For the reformation howsoeuer twentie Articles were concluded and the one and twentieth treated on with the Count of Luna the Spanish Prelates complained that the Article of the exemption of Chapters and the last of the first instances and appeales were altered from that which was noted by the Prelats Whereat the Legats and Deputies for making the Decrees disdaining answered that either they should iustifie what they saide or holde their peace And some words of distast passing the Count of Luna appeared in their fauour demanding that the oppositions made by his Prelates against those two Articles might bee considered on Afterwards he desired that in the first Article in which the criminall causes of Bishops were reserued to the Pope a declaration should be made that no preiudice should bee done to the inquisition of Spaine which request the Ambassador of Portugal had first made for his kingdome And the Legates answering that those matters were already decided the Count replyed that if they should be proposed so he would not go into the SessioÌ„ nor suffer any of his Prelats to enter Whereupon Cardinal Morone said that if they would not go into the Session it should be done without them The Count ascribing this rigiditie of the Legats to the Proctor of the Chapters of Spaine he commanded him to depart immediatly from Trent which displeased the Legats But that nothing might hinder the Session the time whereof did draw nigh to please the Ambassador in the Article of the causes of Bishops they caused kingdoms where the Inquisition was to bee excepted For that of the first instances because they would wholly take from the Pope all authoritie to make commissions in Rome the Legats thought it too hard The sixt also did import very much For the Chapters of Spaine are a very principall member and doe more depend on the Apostolike Sea them Bishops doe because these are all by the nomination of Kings whereas more then halfe of the Canonries are of the Popes pure collation Therefore they resolued to deferre this matter vntill the next Session rather then to preiudice the
the assistants in Councell 554 Salmeron the Iesuite proceedeth by faction in matter of faith 555 Laynez Generall of the Iesuites spendeth a whole congregation in a discourse concerning the Institution of Bishops 609 610 611 His suffrage concerning dispensations 721 Fauors done to him in Councel by the Legats 721. 722 The Iesuites doe professe to liue by begging but will not be bound to it 799 They make vse of the negligence of the Fathers in Councell to raise their order to more greatnesse 801 Images and their doctrine 806 Index is disputed on 474 475 502 a Decree made concerning it 480 Indulgences when they began to bring money to the Popes coffers 4 a plenary Indulgence granted by Vrban the second and Leo the tenth 4 the profit of the Indulgences of Saxonie is granted to the Popes sister 5 The doctrine of Indulgences was neuer well vnderstood before Luther wrote against them 6 foure different opinions concerning them and all Catholique 22 The Councell dareth not handle Indulgences exactly 801 The Decree concerning them 812 an Indulgence granted by the Legates in Trent without authority 113 In quisition brought into Naples 271 and into the Low-Countreys 300 the office of Inquisition is mainly promoted by Paul the fourth 409 the Inquisition should haue beene brought into Milan which causeth a great tumult there and in the Councell 757 758 Intention of the Ministers to doe as the Church doeth whether it be necessarie in Baptisme and the other Sacraments 240 241 c. Interim or peace of religion is made in Germanie 62 It displeaseth both Papists and Protestants 294. Is abrogated 379 Iohn Tancherel is condemned in France for maintaining that the Pope may depose kings 463 464 Ireland is made a kingdome by Pope Paul the fourth which title it had long before 392 Ispruc is taken by the Protestants 378 Iubile published in Rome 130 And in Trent 203 Another Iubile celebrated in Rome for ioy of the determination to celebrate the Councell 435 Iulius the 2. Pope was more a souldier then a Clergie man 3 Iulius the 3 created Pope 298 Is more inclined to pleasure then businesse createth a yong Car. of vnknown parents 299 Restoreth the Councell to Trent 302 303 Is aliened from the Emperour 371 Suspendeth the Councell 376 Maintaineth his reputation by the Patriarke of Armenia 382 383 Reioyceth for the restitution of the obedience of England he dieth 389 Iustice by whom it is to be administred in Councell 82 Iustification is discussed in many articles 192 Which did trouble the Prelates and Diuines because it was neuer well discussed by the Schoolemen 194 K KIng of Denmarke embraceth the reformed religion 84 King of Nauarre hath a guard set vpon him 436 Is set at libertie and gouerneth France 437 Writeth to the Protestant Princes in Germanie that hee will preserue Religion in France 480 Was slaine with a Bullet at the siege of Roan 640 His death maketh a great alteration in France 641 Knights of Malta send an ambassadour to the Councell who is receiued in Congregation and maketh an Oration 762 L. LAndgraue of Hassia preuenteth a diuision amongst the Reformatists in the Diet of Spira 47 publisheth a Manifest against the Emp. 190 who setteth forth a Bando against him 201 Landgraue and Saxon had equall authoritie in the warre against the Emperour which was a great disaduantage to them 204 He yeeldeth himselfe prisoner to the Emperour 270 is set at libertie 379 Lateran Councell what aduantage it brought to the Sea of Rome 19 Latin translation of the Bible is discoursed of 155 156 157 c. and is approued 159 it is said that no errors of faith are in it 161 Lawes of Popes are more strictly obserued then the lawes of God 488 League between the Pope and the French King is confirmed by marriage 67 betweene the Pope and the Emperour against the Protestants 188 the League betweene Charles the Emperour and Henry 8. King of England offendeth the Pope 105 a league of all Catholiques against the Protestants is treated by the Pope 515 but cannot be effected 516 a league betweene the Pope the French K. against the Emp. confirmed by mariage 252 another of the Protestants in Germany against the Emperour 312 484 Legates in Trent desire to haue two sorts of letters from the Pope and a cipher 113 Leo 10 Pope his description 3 Lewis 12. French King is excommunicated 3 Libertie of Friars is held dangerous by the Legates and repressed 228 a Friar of Brescia is disgraced for speaking of the Eucharist like Luther 422 Libertie of the Councel violated by the Pope 503 Libertie of the Councell is thought by the Speaker to be too great 533 and by the French Ambassadours to bee none at all 542 as also by the Spaniards 551 The Presidents vse meanes to curbe the Spanish Prelates 620 the Cardinall of Loraine said openly the Councell was not free 635 The Bishop of Veglia quitteth the Councell for feare 644 the Prelates are terrified with the Popes authoritie 645 Martin Guzdalin a Spaniard complaineth that the Councell is not free 661 and the Spanish Ambassadour doth the like who is answered by Cardinall Morone 754 Limbo is the place where children are who die without Baptisme before the vse of reason 178 Luther speaketh against Indulgences 5 And against the Popes authoritie 7 Appealeth to the Councell 8. 12 Passeth to other points of doctrine 9 Burneth the Popes Bull and Decretals in Wittenberg 12 Is called to the Diet of Wormes 13 And an Edict is published against him after his departure 15 Which was neuer executed by the Princes of the Empire 26 27 c. His answere to Vergerius 75 Hee dieth 148 Diuers fables are raised of his death 149 M. MAntua is chosen to hold the Councel in 79 Wherewith the Duke is contented at the first but repenteth afterwards 82 Marcellus the Second created Pope 389 Purposeth to make a seuere reformation of the Court and Clergie and to erect a religious Order of an hundred persons 390 Hee dieth hauing sate but two and twentie dayes 392 Marriage of Priests what inconuenience it bringeth 460 Why it is forbid 680 Matrimonie is proposed to bee disputed 662 665. The inconuenience of secret marriages 665 668 c. Whether Priests may marry 678 679 A marriage is desired and sought by the King of Spaine betweene his sister and his sonne Charles 685 Marriage of children without consent of their parents is spoken against by the French ambassadours 746 747 754 Marriage of Priests is promoted and opposed in councell 747 The abuses of matrimonie are discussed 747 748. A question discussed whether one may be forced to marry 749 750 Diuers opinions concerning clandestine marriage 782 The doctrine of Matrimony is decreed 784 The reformation of the abuses of it is decreed 784 785 The impediments of Matrimony are decreed 785. Mary obtaineth the Crowne of England 383 Establisheth Popery 384 Is married to King Philip. 385 Appointeth ambassadors to go to
731 732 The Decree is read for sauing the Popes authoritie which was neuer mentioned before 812 The Popes authoritie whether it be necessary to confirme the Decrees of the Councell 812 Pope onely must interprete the Decrees of the Councell of Trent 818 Portugal Ambassadour is receiued in Congregation 476 Preaching claymed by the Regulars as belonging to them wich is denied by the Prelats 161 167 Precedence is claimed by Don Diego the Spanish Ambassadour before the Cardinall of Trent 114 117 By the Duke of Florence before the Duke of Ferrara 443 Princes of the blood in France haue precedence of the Cardinals 449 The Prelates in Trent differ about precedence 467 and so doe the Ambassadours of Portugal and Hungarie 480 Likewise the Bauarian and Venetian Ambassadors differ about precedence 501 and so doe the French and Spanish Ambassadors in Trent 663 In Rome 713 and againe in Trent 727 728 729 Predestination is discussed 210 211 c. Presidents sent by the Pope did neuer gouerne Councels before that of Constance 137 They gaue auricular voyces in Trent 616 Presidents named for the second reduction of the Councel in Trent 310 For the third reduction 444 445 The Presidents onely doe giue audience to the Ambassadours 553. Two new Presidents 681 Presidents of Councels what authority they haue 707 Priesthood and the decree concerning it 738 The Anathematisme belonging to it 739 Prince of Conde is imprisoned 436 Prince of Orange marrieth a daughter of the Duke of Saxonie 456 Proctors sent by the Vice-roy of Naples to giue voyce in Councel for all the Cleargie of that kingdome 118 The Pope decreeth that none shall giue voyce by Proctor 118 The Proctors of the Arch-bishop of Mentz are about to leaue the Councel 122 Prohibition of Bookes is discoursed on by the author 472 Protestants make a conditionall submission to the Councell 274 A consultation how they are to be receiued in Councel 367 Protestant Diuines of Wittenberge and Strasburg come to Trent 374 Fifty thousand Protestants were executed in the Low-Countreys within a short space 413 The Protestants assemble in Noremburg and the Pope sendeth Nuncii vnto them 439 Protestations of Doctors that they refer themselues to the Church are but words of complement and of good manners 249 Protestation of the Emperour against the Councell of Bolonia 279 280 Another Protestation in Rome before the Pope 281 Which the Pope saith the ambassadour did make without commission from his master 282 The ambassadour protesteth againe 284 The French K. protesteth against the Councell in Trent 319 The intended protestation of the French ambassadour about precedence 730 731 Prouerbe in Trent very blasphemous about the bringing of the holy Ghost from Rome 497 Another prouerbe in Councell Wee are fallen from the Spanish Scab to the French poxe 640 A kinde of prouerbe made in France concerning the authoritie of the Councell 822 Purgatorie is spoken of 799 Q. QVeene Mary gouernesse of the low Countreys fauoureth the Protestants 89 Queene mother of France refuseth a Spanish armie to assist her against the Hugonots 648 Writeth to the Pope and Cardinall of Loraine 712 Is complained of by the Pathers for being ruled by the Chastillons and other Hugonots in France 776 Queene of Scotland writeth to the Councell of Trent 703 Queene of England should haue beene proceeded against in Councell but the Emperour would not fuffer it 727 Queene of Nauarre is cited to Rome for Lutheranisme 780 And is defended by the French King 794 795 R. REformation made by Cardinall Campeggio in the Diet of Noremberg 32 33 c. A reformation made in Rome vnder Paul the third was suppressed 79 A reformation of the Court of Rome is set on foot and much discussed 83 84 The Emperour would haue Reformation handled before Doctrine 202 It is wholly recalled by the Pope to be handled in Rome but the Prelates will not yeeld 254 255 A reformation of the Clergie published by the Emperour 292 A reformation made in Councell is complained of by the Priests 343 Another is made in Rome of small matters onely 505 Twentie points of reformation are proposed by the Emperours Ambassadours 513 Nine points of reformation 532 538 The chiefe points of reformation are omitted 568 Reformation is mainely promoted in Councell by the Imperialists and Spaniards 588 The free speeches in Councell concerning reformation doe trouble the Legats 595 600 The reformation of Princes how it began 617 Articles of reformation proposed in Councell by the French-men 650 652 The Pope thinketh that a reformation will not reduce the heretickes 700 A reformation of Cardinals is mainely promoted but vanisheth quickely 726 A reformation proposed by the Imperialists 751 752 The reformation of Princes is deferred 760 An hundred Prelates doe combine to promote it 766 It is declared at large 769 770 The Emperour distasteth it and the French ambassadour de Ferrieres maketh an oration against it 771 772 The Decree of the generall reformation 808 809 c. The reformation of Princes 811 812 c. Regulars are complained of by the Prelats and defend themselues 169 They begin to mutine about their exemptions 761 Their reformation 806 Religion is changed in England 295 384 421 Religion is changed in Denmarke 84 Religion is changed in the Palatinate 148 398 Religion is changed in Scotland 426 451 Reputation is the chiefest ground of the Papall greatnesse 29 Residence is treated of 191 216 217 c. Whether it be de iure diuino 218 219 The Cardinall of Monte will not suffer that question to be decided 232 The question is set on foot againe 486 487 c. It causeth great feare in Rome 502 Is disputed on againe 505 510 The disputation of it is diuerted by the Legates 550 Residence is decreed 723 736 The reformation of it is decreed 739 Richard of Vercelli dieth with griefe because he was in disgrace with the Legats for speaking freely in Councell 566 569 Rites of the Roman Church are diuers 548 Rome is taken by the Colonnesi 41 And by the Dutch-men and Duke of Borbon 43 Rota in Rome which is the greatest Court of iustice there reiecteth a cause of the Bishop of Segouia assisting in Councel for suspicion of heresie because he did not second the Popes designes 678 S. SAcraments in generall are handled 234 235 c. How they doe containe and cause grace 237 A decree of reformation is made concerning them 245 and Anathematismes 248 Safe-conduct is required by the Protestants to goe to the Councell 316 The Contents of it 341 It is disliked by the Protestants 343 344 The Councell refuseth to alter it 369 Santa-Croce the Legate is threatned by the Emperour to bee cast into the riuer Adice 202 Schisme in the Councell some remaining in Trent and others being gone to Bolonia 269 274 Scotland shaketh off obedience to the Pope 426 451 Session the first held in Trent Deocin 13. an 1545. 130 The second Ian. 7. 1546. 139 The third Feb. 4. 1546.
England nor Scotland nor Poland nor Spaine nor out of the two Pannonia's nor out of Denmarke nor out of all Germanie See reade reexamine the Subscriptions you shall finde it so as I say And why doe not you maruaile then that the English came not to those Councels beeing so full so famous so renowned so frequented Or that the Popes in those times were so patient as not to condemne them of contumacie But this tyranny of the Popes was not yet growen vp it was lawfull then for holy Bishops and Fathers as it stood with their conuenience to stay at home without preiudice The Apostle Paul would not put himselfe vpon the Councell at Ierusalem but rather appeal'd to Casar Athanasius the Bishop though the Emperour summoned him to the Councell at Cesarea yet hee would not come The same man in the Syrmian Councell when he saw that the Arrians were like to preuaile presently withdrew himselfe and went his wayes and the Westerne Bishops following his example refused to come to that Councell Iohn Chrysostome came not to the Arrian Councell though the Emperour Constantius called him both by letter and also by message At what time the Arrian Bishops assembled in Palestine and drew with them the votes of the maior part old Paphnutius and Maximus Bishop of Ierusalem went out together out of the middest of their assembly Bishop Cyril appealed from the Councell of the Patropassians Paulinus Bishop of Triers would not come to the Councell of Millan because that he saw that by the fauor and power of the Emperor Constantius all ranne of Auxentius the Arrians side The Bishops that had met in a Councell at Constantinople being called to a Councell at Rome refused to come Which notwithstanding turned not to their preiudice though they were called by the Emperors letters In those dayes the excuse seemed reasonable enough that they were to intend the charge and reformation of their owne Churches Though they sawe that the Arrians did play reakes in all Churches and that their presence would haue beene of great importance for the abating of their rage 11 What if our Bishops should now giue the same answere that they can spare no time from their sacred function that they are wholly imployed in setting vp againe their owne Churches that they cannot be absent fiue six seuen yeares especially there where they should bee able to doe no good For our Bishops are not so idle as those at Rome that frolick it in their palaces and daunce attendance vpon the Cardinalls and hunt after liuings Our Churches are so miserably wasted and ruined by them that they cannot bee repaired in a small time or with ordinarie diligence But now wee see plainely that these men seeke to incroach vpon our times that without any necessitie we might be drawen abroade and so disabled to aduance the Gospell at home and in the Councell be hindred by them 12 For the Pope that you may not bee mistaken doeth but make a shewe of a Councell and meanes it not for thinke not that hee doth any thing sincerely or truely Lewis the eleuenth was wont to say to Charles the eighth that Hee that knowes not how to make shewes of what he meanes not kens not Kings-craft But as the times goe now he that knowes not how to make no shewe of what hee meanes and to cloake his designes vnder a disguised countenance is much more ignorant how to play the Pope For that Sea is wholly supported with mere hypocrisie which the lesse naturall strength it hath so much the more colour it needes For if the Popes thought a Generall Councell so effectuall for remouing of Schismes why did they differre a thing so necessarie thus long Why did they sit quiet thirty yeares together and suffered Luthers Doctrine to take roote Why did they not call a Councell with the first Why did they assemble the Trent Councell with such reluctancy and vnwillingnesse more by the instigation of the Emperour Charles then of their owne accord And hauing beene at Trent well nigh tenne yeares with all this deliberation why haue they done iust nothing Why haue they left the matter vndone Who hindred who with stood them Beleeue mee in this Good Brother the Popes are not in hand now to Keepe a solemne Councell or to restore religion which they make a mocke of That which they intend and seeke and labour for is to delude the minds of godly men and the whole world with a pompous expectation of a Generall Councell 13 They see that their wealth hath beene lessening now a pretty while and declining That their tricks doe not find the same credit now as heretofore That an incredible number of men euery day fall from them That men doe not now runne to Rome in such troupes That there is not now a dayes so high an estimation or so deare a price giuen for indulgences interdicts blessings absolutions and empty Bulls That their Mart of Ceremonies and Masses and all their whorish paintings are slighted That a great part of their tiranny and pompe is shruncke That their reuenewes are slenderer then they were wont to bee That they and theirs are laughed at euery where euen by very children That their whole rest lies now at stake And indeede it is no wonder if those things fall which had no rootes to hold them Our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST extinguished all those things not by armes or force of men but by the heauenly blast and breath of his mouth but will consume and abolish them with the brightnesse of his comming This is the force of Gods word this is the power of the Gospell these bee the weapons by which is ouerthrowne euery fortification which is raised against the knowledge of God This doctrine shall bee preached through the whole world in despight of them all the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against it The merit-mongers shopps waxe cold now at Rome their wares as if Porsenna's goods were put to sale are very lowe pric'd and yet can scarce finde a chapman The indulgence-broker trots vp and downe and finds no fooles This is it Hence growes their griefe This vexes the Popes They see that this so great light broke foorth from one sparke What is it like to doe now when so many fires are kindled in all places of the world And so many Christian Kings and Princes acknowledge and professe the Gospell For they serue not CHRIST IESVS but their Bellies They say that Carneades the Philosopher when hee was at Rome and made that memorable speech against Iustice amongst other things he added this that this vertue if it were one would bee lesse profitable to no kinde of men then to the Romans For they by force and robbery had subdued other mens dominions to themselues and had compassed the Empire of the World by high iniustice Now if they would at length obserue Iustice they must restore all those things which they possesse vniustly They must returne to their shepheards