The True Idea of Jansenism Both Historic and Dogmatic, Title page – Preface
THE TRUE IDEA OF Jansenisme, BOTH HISTORICK AND DOGMATICK.
By T. G.
LONDON, Printed, for E. Calvert, at the West End of St. Pauls, and G. Widdows at the Maiden-Head in Aldersgate-Street. 1669.
THE PREFACE.
Christian Reader,
THERE is not any thing, which those of the Roman Church do more commonly and constantly boast of, (as there are many things, which they boast of to little purpose, and with less truth;) than the Vnity and Agreement in Doctrines, which they have among themselves; and the most superlatively duplicate page duplicate page excellent way, that they enjoy, for the preservation and continuance thereof. This Story, wit… a tragical exaggeration of differences amongst Protestants, serves constantly to fill up many Pages in their Writings: and is the principal subject of their Popular Declamations, where they have opportunity to vent them. And they have told this Tale so often, that many of them, especially those of the common sort, seem to believe it. Verùm ad Populum phaleras. Those who are wise amongst them, cannot but know the vanity and falshood of this pretence. It hath been already demonstrated, and may be again if need require, that there is not one point in which they differ from Protestants, wherein they are agreed among themselves. However it cannot be denyed, but that they industriously improve all imaginable artifices to conceal, at least to give a colourable pretence unto their intestine wranglings and debates: being herein, as to their design, wiser than the children of Light; though the means, whereby they pursue it, are remote enough both from wisdom and honesty. Where different Opinions, and contradictory Assertions have already been vented, and have firmed their station in the Writings of the Doctors of their Church; (as multitudes have done, and that in and about Articles of great importance;) they are ready with their Plea, that these differences, as managed by their Catholick Masters, are not of Faith, or do not impugn it, which way soever they are determined. As though the Faith of their Church were comprehensive of gross contradictions, in and about the principal Articles of Religion: and those, some of them, such, as that for Opinions of less importance they are ready to brand others for Hereticks, and to endeavour their extirpation from the face of the earth. This is the whole of what can be pretended for what is past; and therefore remediless. How destitute of truth and modesty their plea herein is, hath been declared by many. If any single Person, or lesser number of Men among them, begin at any time to apprehend and divulge sentiments different from what is generally received, (unless it be to make some advance in the furtherance and promotion of their own Secular Interest and advantages; as all the late inventions and bold attempts of the Jesuits, both in their Mystical and Moral Divinity, openly and plainly do;) they have wayes in readiness to cast them and their Opinions out of all notice and consideration; where they must lye untill the Earth give up its dead, and disclose the bloud that is secretly poured into its womb. They seem indeed, at present, signally resolved to obviate all progression in Opinions, true or false, unless they have a direct tendency to the establishment, or adoreing of their Papal Omnipotency, and the increase of their own Interest in the Consciences, and over the outward concerns of men. And herein are they so blindly zealous, as to endeavour, at this day, to fix and gild the Weather-Cock of Papal Personal Infallibility, yea, in matters of Fact, on the top of that Tower, the visible rottenness of whose Foundations threatens them with a downfall every moment. Some of their present differences, as was observed, they know, are fixed beyond all possibility of reconciliation, or hopes of removal. Such are those contradictory Opinions, which are the inseparable adjuncts of some of their Religious Orders: which as they more and more discover themselves to be irreconcileable, so the relinquishment of any of them by their respective Assertors, is so remote from all expectation, that an Age scarce produceth an Instance of any one individual Person, renouncing the Opinions of his own, and entertaining those of another Order; and if any such should be found, he would be looked upon as a Fugitive, if not an Apostate. The sense, I confess, of these differences seems to be taken from them by their commonness and certainty. It passes for granted amongst them, that in some things, wherein both sides esteem Religion deeply concerned, the Jesuits must be of one Opinion, and the Dominicans must be of another: so must it be, in other matters, between the Dominicans and Franciscans; the Hildebrandine Jesuits and the Sorbonists also. They must believe contradictory assertions and propositions in Religion; and write and preach contradictions, and confute the Opinions of one another: and on that account endlesly pursue mutual feuds and quarrels among themselves; and yet they are all at perfect agreement. But the relief herein is, that these Orders being confirmed and established, all of them, by the Pope, let them differ and contend whilst they please, so they fall not into excesses evidently beyond the tedder of former strifes, their contentions are to pass for agreements, and a part of that unity of Faith, which they boast in. But yet notwithstanding all palliating pretences, and the use of their utmost diligence, their differences sometimes arise to such an height, being animated with strong and vigorous spirits; as, if forcibly shut up too long, may threaten thei… whole Church State with an Earthquake; that they are necessitated t… forego their ordinary Artifices an… Excuses, and to bring their batta… ad Triarios, by venturing to seek fo… relief from the Papal See. This usually is done by one of the Parties litigant; yet not untill they find, o… the one hand, their own weakness… or that of their cause, not to b… maintained against the impression… of their Adversaries: and, on th… other, are sufficiently prepared to manifest, that upon the consideration of the Persons engaged; of th… state of all things in the places where the Controversies are agitated; and the Opinions themselves, whose confirmation they endeavour; that the determination of the points in difference, according to their desire, is not only suitable unto, and compliant with the present Interest of the See and Court of Rome; but lyes also in a handsome tendency to the enlargement of its Authority and Reputation; little or no danger being to be feared from the dis-satisfactions of the Adverse Party. These are the things, which, upon any such address, the Court of Rome doth heedfully and scrupulously enquire into. Nor will it engage towards a decision of any controverted points, untill it hath received full and ample satisfaction, that the determination of them hath an evident consistency with its honour, interest and advantage. Vntill it can come to a Resolution herein, a thousand tergiversations, delayes, pretences of avocation, and diversions by more important occasions, difficulties about the things themselves, shall be pretended and pleaded. In the mean time, by their Agents, Nuncioes, Emissaries and Confidents of all sorts abroad, they of the Court endeavour to sound the minds of the great and the many, where the Controversies are managed; and to take a just measure of the Interests of the several Parties, engaged in the contest depending before his Holiness. If upon search, inquiry and mature deliberation, it appears, that there is any thing looking towards a ballance between the Parties litigant; the managers of the Politicks of the Roman See proceed as warily, as if they feared a Scorpion under every stone in their way; or should tread on deceitful ashes, that might burn, if not consume them. For the most part, in such cases, his Holiness would be glad, on any terms, to be freed from making a decision: and is oftentimes more than half angry with those, whom he most favours, that they should bring him into any straits, by their importunity to have an interposition of his Authority on their behalf. But yet it may be things come at last to that pass, that a continued suspence, or absolute refusal to determine any thing, is judged to be more noxious and dangerous; than a determination against the Interest of that Party, which the Court is fully satisfied to be ruinable, though at present some way considerable. In this case a decision shall be made; not direct, express or absolute, in terms and propositions affirming or denying, with respect unto the controverted Opinions: but in words and terms loose, ambiguous and general; only with a favourable aspect towards them of that Party, to whom the Golden Ball of Conquest is finally intended. The use of this forlorn is only to attempt the waters o… strife, and to try whether they ar… fordable or no. If the Partie supposed the most numerous, and of th… most prevailing Secular Interest be…fore, being now reinforced and en…couraged by the noise of the Bull… which they bring home in triumph… can drive their Adversaries from any of their former Posts, and ge… ground against them: that ground shall be firmed to them speedily by new Briefs, Orders or Decrees from the Court; and so accordingly their whole progress shall be established, untill they arrive at a compleat Conquest and Victory. But if, beyond expectation, the adverse party do make a stand; and either by their number, ability, reputation, popular favour, or Soveraign influence, seem probable to keep their ground: the Court will not in haste engage into …ny further process; but rather …eave the first Bull to be reverently …talled for a further occasion. In the mean time it is not imaginable, with what crafts, subtilties, artifices, false promises, and pretences; by what endless Legal intricacies, Forms, Processes, Orders, Rescripts, those, who have conduct of the Roman Court, do manage themselves, and those, with whom they have to do on such occasions: all which are laid open, and discovered unto the world, by men of their own Party and Profession. And unto such a full evidence and manifestation are these things arrived, that I much question, whether any man, of tolerable Learning and observation amongst them, can be so unhappily and prodigiously stupid, as to look upon the Papal determination of Controversies in Religion, any otherwise, than as a thing utterly forreign to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; or a meer P…litical Engine, introduced by in … rest, managed by fraud, for the pr…servation of such an agreeme… amongst them, as may serve the a…vantage of those that are entrust… with it. Were it not, but that … power and efficacy of prejudice, … love of this present world, wi… other corrupt lusts and affection… do continually manifest themselve… in the wayes of the Children of men … a man could not but be astonished, tha… all rational men should not nause… ate this abominable Pageantry … deciding Controversies in Religio… by the Roman Tripos. An addre… made by crafty interested men, arm…ed with Commendatory Letters from great Men and Princes, provided with money to gratifie or bribe Officers of all sorts; unto an Old Pope, who sometimes is so ingenious as… to confess, that he understands little in Divinity, and knows nothing of the matter proposed to his decision: He, to take care of the interests of the Holy See, which comprehends whatever is desirable to the carnal minds of men, in power, wealth and pleasure, commends the matter to the craftiest of his Cardinals and his Courtiers, so to manage it, as no detriment may arise thereunto: Whatever the experience of Rule, Diligence, Dissimulation, false Promises, spirited by distance and veneration of greatness, pomp and power, can enable them to compass, these men will not fail to effect, so as to secure the concerns of the Court. When this is done, and it appears upon advice, which way they may steer safely and advantagiously for themselves, as to the various Interests of the persons litigant; they advise the Pope what he is to determine in a matter, that neither he, nor they have any tolerable understanding in, or comprehension of. It may be, for the farther solemnity of the business, thre… or four Friers of a side shall be admitted to dispute the matter in con…troversie, before, the Pope himself or some of the Cardinals: wherei… yet it shall be so provided, th… those, on whose side the Conclav… is resolved to determine, shall hav… one way or other, advantage enough to give countenance to the senten… before fixed on. When all is concluded and ready, a devout Bull … drawn up in a due form of La… wherein all these preceding jugling… and deceits, with others innume…rable, are Fathered upon the Inspi…ration and assistance of the Hol… Ghost, given unto the Pope, who ha… the least hand, it may be, in th… matter. I dare not, I will not sa… with that Papal Legat, Quonia… Populus vult decipi, decipiatur. But this I am apt to think; that strong delusion doth assuredly possess the minds of those, who can believe, that such lyes have any footstep or foundation in the Religion of Jesus Christ. And herein consists that great means of agreement amongst themselves, whereof they boast: which how long it will yield them relief in that kind, God only knows: its foundation being in the sin and blindness of the world, its continuance may be long, for ought I know. Now, Reader, that thou maist not suspect thy self imposed on, or any thing in the preceding Discourse to be asserted either partially, or without due evidence of Truth: behold here an Instance in the ensuing Treatise, wherein not only everything, that I have declared, is exemplified to the full; but also sundry other ffects of the old mysterious Iniquity the Roman See are plainly discovered. This is the Instance of Jansenisme; the Rice, Progress, State and condition whereof the ensuing Treatise giveth an Historical account. There are very few, I suppose, amongst us, who so little concern themselves in Religion, especially when it once comes to bear a share in the publick and political transactions of the Nations of the world, who have not taken notice of the discourses and reports concerning Jansenisme from the Neighbour Kingdom of France. To some, it may be, it is a murmur, which they know not well what to make of, nor what is intended by it. Others, in general, conceive it to be an expression of some differences in Religion: but of what nature, importance or tendency; how or by whom agitated or maintained, they know not. But whereas it comes under a double consideration, there are two sorts of Persons, who judge themselves concerned to obtain an acquaintance with it. For it is not only considerable as a Controversie in Religion; on which account contemplative persons, or men of Learning, professing the Truth of the Gospel, esteem themselves obliged to inquire into it to the utmost: but also as it hath an influence into the Civil affairs of that Kingdom, and may have so into those of the whole Papal World; in which respect men that are, or should be Politically wise and Counsellors do suppose, that the knowledge of the true state of it is not to be neglected by them. But certain it is, that hitherto neither of these sorts could, in any competent measure, attain their ends, without such an expence of time, pains and diligence, as very few have either will, leisure or ability to be at. For as the Theological part of this Controversie is, by th… industry of engaged persons, diffuse… through Writings and Books (man of them bulkie and voluminous almost innumerable; the greate… number of them written in the Frenc… Tongue, whereunto the generality … Scholars amongst us are strangers… that very few have been able … make that accurate enquiry in… them, as is necessary to give a ju… comprehension of the whole matte… under debate: so the Political trans…actions, wherein it hath been con…cerned, having been in the Court of Princes forreign and remote from us, in Assemblies of Prelates, in A…cademical Disputations and Processes it is no common or ordinary wor… for any to obtain an acquaintanc… with them. Now I am greatly mi…staken, if both Divines and Politicians will not find themselves muc… relieved, assisted and directed i… their inquest, by the ensuing Historical narration; as well as others, who had hitherto but a slender and uncertain report of this matter, will find themselves brought out into the clear light of such an apprehension of it, as to have in readiness a just measure of those future reports or Discourses concerning it, that they may meet withal. Now whereas any long account of the matter, treated of in this place, would but prevent the Reader in what he will meet withal in the Discourse it self; I shall only add some such remarks upon the whole, as may manifest, what hath been before discoursed concerning the unity of Doctrine in the Papal Church, and their Artifices to preserve a pretence thereof, to be exactly exemplified in this one Instance of Jansenisme. The System of Doctrines concerning the Grace of God, and the wills of men, which now goes under the name of Jansenisme, as it is in general agreeabl… unto the Scripture; so it had firmed it self in the common profession o… Christians, by the Writings of some excellent persons, especially Augustin, and those who followed him, unto such a general acceptation▪ as that the belief and profession of it could never be utterly rooted out from the minds of men in the Roman Church it self. For although it was variously depraved, vitiated, obscured and opposed in and by the Writings of many of the School-Men; yet alwayes, in every Age, some or other Persons of signal Learning and ability stood up, and pleaded for its vindication and confirmation, as to the substance of it. Amongst whom our Renowned Bradwardine, who with singular diligence and scholastick ability opposed the spreading of Pelagianisme in and over the Roman Church, (which by various degrees had been, for a long season, insinuating it self thereinto, and insensibly invading the remaining vitals of its Doctrine;) deserves on all occasions a peculiar mention. Moreover, one whole Order of their Fryers, out of zeal for the Doctrine of Thomas, (who was less averse from the Sentiments of the Antients in this matter, than the most of that litigious crew of Disputers, whom they call Schoolmen;) did retain some of the most material Principles of this Doctrine, however not a little vitiated with various intermixtures of their own. Not a full Age since, as will appear in the ensuing account, after the lesser attempts of some more private persons, Jansenius, a Bishop in Flanders, undertakes the explication and the vindication of the whole Doctrine of the Effectual Grace of God, with the annexed Article… principally out of the works of A…stin. This honest endeavour of h… being well resented, accepted an… approved by very many Learn… Persons in Flanders, and Fran… especially; and looked on by other… as an inroad made into the Kingdo… of Darkness and Error, which mig… open a way to further light an knowledge among the Papists them…selves; was immediately violent… and virulently impugned by the Jesuits, and those of their Party an… Faction. But whereas, in thei… wonted manner, they contented n… themselves to oppose the Opinions … Jansenius and his Followers, (wh… knowing the small Reputation … Truth and the Scripture now in … Papacy, durst not so much as avo… them; but chose to shelter themselve… under the name of Augustin, and … call themselves his Disciples;) in… Theological or Scholastical way; but endeavoured by artifices to reproach their persons, and to render them odious, and greatly to be suspected by the Church and State: they, on the other side, were necessitated, in their own defence, to make a discovery of the Arts, Treacheries, immoralities, Errors, Frauds, Lying, Calumniations, practised and defended by the Fathers of that Society, to the great satisfaction, and indeed benefit of the Christian World. The Jesuits hereby enraged, endeavour yet farther by false insinuations, complaints, Libels and suspicious Tales, managed principally by the Confessors of Kings, Queens, and great Princes, most of their Society, in a manner all of their Party and Faction, to oppress their Adversaries, and to enrage the Powers of the Kingdom against them. This work going slowly on, as being obstructed by some disputations with Conferenc… in and among Assemblies of th… Clergie, the matter was devolved … the Court of Rome. How the who… cause was there transacted, how de…termined, on what motives, grounds… Reasons and considerations the Pop… and Conclave proceeded, with wha… cunning and caution as to the se…curing of their own secular inte… rest, are exactly reported and pub…lished by Monsieur St. Amour th… Jansenist, in the Journal he hat… written of his own and their proceedings in that cause. How th… Jesuits have since pursued their success, by what wayes and stratagem… they have managed their tottering cause and Interest; as also of other things before mentioned, the Reader will have a faithful account in the following Narration, composed by the Judicious Author, (enabled thereunto by all sorts of Advan…ges) and written for his benefit. …his I was desired, and this I thought …eet to acquaint thee withal: be…g one, who in all things desires … direction unto and establishment … that Truth, which is according un… Godliness.
John Owen.