History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600, Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 2 · Chapter 1

History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600 · Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 2 · Chapter 1

p. 36CHAP. I. Of POPES.

HADRIAN. VI. (borne in Utrecht, of Belgia) for his learning and ſagacity of judgement was called from Lovan to be Tutour unto Charls the young King of Spaine: then he became Bishop of Derthuſe, and chief Counſeller unto Charles, and Governour of Spain in the Kings abſence; and at that time being known at Rome by report only, he was choſen Pope January 9. An. 1522. When he was advertiſed of the election, he wrote Letters of thanks unto the Colledge of Cardinals, for the good opinion they had conceived of him; and whereas three Cardinals were appointed to be ſent unto him, he deſired them to ſpare their travell: for as ſoone as it might poſſibly bee, he would come unto Rome. And becauſe the Senate and people of Rome were diſpleaſed, that a ſtranger should have that Dignity, he wrote unto them, promiſing whatſoever favour could be expected from him. He arrived at Rome in Auguſt following. In the mean time Soliman the Turk was beſieging the iſle Rodos. And in the ſeventh monethmonth carryed it by compoſition, to the great shame of Chriſtians. J. Sleidan. Comment. Lib. 3. adfin. It appeares, that from Spain Hadrian wrote unto Eraſmus, to write againſt Luther, and accordingly in an epiſtle dat. Baſileae prid. jd. Julii. An. 1522. ad Jodoc. Preſident of the Senate of Mechline, he ſaith, Here and there partly by word, and partly by epiſtles I have turned away many from the Lutheran faction: and nothing hath diſcouraged the Lutherans minds ſo much, as that I have openly declared my adherence unto the Romane high prieſt, and diſallowing Luthers cauſe. Cheregat was ſent with a Brieve (as they ſpeak) dated Novemb. 25. 1522. from Hadrian unto the Princes of Germany, shewing that it was grievous unto him, that Luther had moved ſuch a ſtirre and ſedition: for it concerneth the loſs of ſouls, and the deſtruction of the flock now committed unto him; and it is hapned to beginne in the ſame Country where he was borne, which Nation was ever furtheſt from all ſupicion of hereſy: wherefore he craves earneſtly, that they would helpe to remedy it, as quickly as might bee, leſt through longer delay, it happen unto Germany, as it did unto Bohem; and he promiſeth that he will ſpare neither mony nor travell here in; beſeeching them, that they will every one according to his power do the like, ſeing ſo many weighty cauſes may move them heerunto; to wit, the Glory of Gods holy Name is by this hereſy chiefly obſcured; the rites of the Church are defaced, and in a manner abolished, and Germany which was wont to have the chief praiſe of religion, now for this revolt, cometh into contempt: for when they might have eaſily diſpatched Luther; and quenched his hereſies, they have not done it, ſo degenerating from their anceſtours, which have left a notable example of their vertue at Conſtance; Is it not a moſt notorious wrong, that Luther doth unto them and their forefathers? for where as they have followed the religion of the Romane Church, now when he condemned p. 37that religion, he condemned them; Let them weigh ſeriouſly, what thoſe fellowes do intend: verily under pretence of Evangelical liberty, to take away all Lawes and Magiſtrates; Albeit firſt he ſeemes only to impugne the rulers of the Church as tyrannicall and wicked; and hitherto they doe craftily hide their intention and traiterouſly, and do flatter Magiſtrates, to the end, they may the more freely utter malice againſt the Clergy; but when the clergy are oppreſt, doubtleſs they will attempt further.....Luther differeth not much from the ſect of Mahomet, which permits men to marry many wifes, and then to forſake them: by which means that wretched hypocrite hath bewitched and allured the greateſt part of the world: albeit Luther permits not this, yet he aduiſeth all men, which have vowed chaſtity, to marry, ſo giving way unto mans luſt, that he may have the more to be of his confederacy, to the utter deſtruction of the Commonwealth, eſpecially of Germany: Therefore it is their part to put in execution the decrees of Pope Leo and of Caeſar......If any will ſay, Luther was condemned ere he was heard; or it is reaſon, the cauſe should be debated; theſe men think amiſſe: for Chriſt had taught us the rule of faith and religion (whoſe authority we muſt follow, and not skan the articles of faith by humane reaſon, nor enquire the cauſe of this or that precept): Indeed he is to be heard, when he is examined, whether he ſpake thus or thus? whether he ſet forth this or that book? but touching the faith and ſacraments we may not permit him to diſpute, nor defend theſe things which he had written thereof: for here we should follow the cuſtom of the Church, and in no way ſwerve from it: and ſeing his doctrine had been already condemned by general Councels, no account should be made thereof again: and there shall be no end of contention, if it be lawfull for every private man to call into queſtion the things, which prudent and learned men with great deliberation have eſtablished.....Nevertheleſs it can not be denied, that God, who is the avenger of all wrong, doth thus plague his Church for the ſins of the Miniſters thereof, as the Scripture ſaith, The iniquity of the people proceeds from the prieſts and Elders: for certainly they have ſinned at Rome theſe many years, full grievouſly and ſundry wayes, even from the higheſt Bishop unto the loweſt clerk: we have all gone out of the way, every one to his own way, nor have any of us done any good: [A good confeſſion, if amendement follow] wherefore we muſt all give glory unto God, and humble ourſelves before him, and conſider from whence we are fallen; As for mee, I will endevoure to redreſſe it, and I will ſee, that the Romane Court, which perhaps hath been the occaſion of all this miſchieff, be firſt reformed sharply, as Chriſt did firſt purge the Temple, that as it hath been the example of vice, ſo it may be the beginning of amendement, and pattern of vertue; and ſo much the rather becauſe all the world crieth for a Reformation...but this muſt be done by degrees, becauſe all ſudden mutation is dangerous, &c. Theſe inſtructions are expreſſed word by word in Faſcic. rer. expetend. and others. The Princes did conveen at Nurembergh in March An. 1523. (the Emperour was not there) and their answer was an humble requeſt; that the Pope would perform his promiſe, and for the only remedy of all abuſes he would call a free Councell within Germany, and not delay it above a yeare. The copy of this Brieve was brought unto Luther: he tranſlateth it unto Dutch, and affixeth his Notes on the margine. But whereas Hadrian ſo plainly confeſſeth the viciouſneſs of the Romane Court, which he thought was none of his fault, as never been there before) and delayeth the amendement, it is the p. 38uſual policy of the Popes, when they can not eſchue ſolicitations otherwiſe, they do promiſe largely, that while men truſt to their promiſes, they may find the means, either by favour of Princes, or by power of arms, to mantain their dignity, which is like to ſtagger by free and Generall Councels Jo. Sleid. Lib. 4. Becauſe of this Brieve, and the conceit that many had of Hadrian's integrity, all men did expect a Reformation. But behold! he becomes ingracious unto all men: for he deprives the beſt men of their Benefices, for his own advantage in beſtowing the ſame Benefices on others: therefore he was called unrighteous and covetous: and when they, which were deprived, did complain, he ſaid, The times wherinto a man falleth, do much vary his fortune: for the golden times of Leo were abundant with plenty and peace: but the broiles and famine and peſtilence in time of the interreigne had laid waſt the eſtate of the Commonwealth, and cauſed theſe evils to be imputed unto him moſt innocently. Onuphr. He ſpake alſo of reforming the diſſolute manners of the City, and ſaid, that according to the lawes he would punnish blaſphemy, ſimony, uſury, unlawfull luſts. Then he was taken away by death, not without ſuſpicion of wrong. He canonized Benno, and Antoninus Bishop of Florence: he conſpired with the Emperour againſt Francis I. King of France: he held that a Pope, even as Pope may be an heretick, and teach hereſy, and that indeed ſome of them had been hereticks. Bellarm. de Ro. Pon. Lih. 4. c. 2. He died at Rome Septemb. 14. An. 1523.

II. CLEMENS, VII. the ſiſter-ſon of Leo X. after contention of two months came into the chair, by paying 20000. Ducats, and giving a ſtately houſe Rome unto his competitour Pompejus Columna. He had been called Julius, and would have retained his name, as Hadrian did: but the Cardinals would not ſuffer him: It was Hadrians deſigne to make the Emperour powerfull in Italy: but Clemens fearing the fortune of Charles, was for the King of France. He had obſerved, that Hadrian was not wary enough in the affaires of Germany, eſpecially in confeſſing the faults of the Court, and in asking their advice concerning the remedies, whereupon he had given them occaſion to petition a Councell, and to propound their 100. Grievances: therefore he took another courſe with the Germanes, as followes here c. 3. Sect. 18. He keept the Jubilee An. 1525. but all that yeare he was perplexed for fear of the Emperour untill he heard that Francis King of France was at liberty in March 1526. immediatly he ſent unto him, and drew up a league againſt the Emperour, which was ſealed in May by him, Francis and ſome Princes of Italy, and he abſolves Francis from his oath, that he had given in Spain. This was called Liga Sanctiſsima. Then as being free, he writes menacingly unto the Emperour. and even the next day he directes another Brieve which was more ſmooth. The Emp. wrote his anſwers accordingly, as in Hiſt. Council. Tr. l. 1. and at the ſame time he writes unto the colledge of the Cardinals. That it was grievous unto him to conſider, how the Pope could ſo forget his dignity, as to diſturbe the common peace; and even at that time when he (the Emperour) having made peace with France, thought that he had ſetled the Chriſtian world, he had received ſuch Letters, as he could never have expected from the Father of the Church: and he thinks, theſe had been writen by advice of them all; this (ſaid he) is the more grievous, that ſuch Letters were brought from the Pope and the Fathers, pillars of the true religion, threatning warr againſt the Empe. defender of the Church, and who had deſerved better of them: for in reſpect unto them; he had shut his eares againſt the juſt complaints of the German-Princes, he had p. 39diſcharged the Diet, which was appointed at Spira.....and now he had ſent the copy of the Popes Letters unto them, to the end, that they after conſideration would aid the Chriſtian commonwealth now fainting, and put the Pope from ſuch dangerous courſes; or if he will not, that they would admonish him of his duty, and exhort him to call a general Councell; or if he refuſe that, or delay it for a longer ſpace than is expedient, he entreates that holy Senate, that they would call a Councell ſo ſoon as may be; but if they alſo will accept his juſt demand with deaf eares, it lieth on him according to his authority, to uſe all juſt and convenient remedies. Thoſe Letters were delivered unto the Colledge Decemb. 12. Before that time, to wit, Septemb. 20. the Columnenſes (the chief Citizens, perceiving that Clemens ſought only his own intereſt) came unawarrs into the Vatican, (none reſiſting, becauſe all men did hate the Pope, ſaid Onuphr.) and plunderd it. The Pope prayed Hugh Moncata (one of thoſe his enemies) and obtaines liberty upon ſuch conditions, as they would demand. When he was free, he could not digeſt ſuch wrongs, and recalled his Army from Millain, under pretext, that then all things were ſetled: but ſo ſoon as the army was arrived, he thundered his curſe againſt the Columnenſes, and interdicted all men of their company, and puts Cardinal Pompejus from the Senate. The Cardinal was then at Naples, and there published his appeall unto a Councell; he shewes not only the iniquity and nullity of the Popes cenſure, but the neceſſity of the Univerſall Church, which is brought ſolow, that it can not be healed, unleſs both head and members be reformed by meanes of a Councell; and he ſummoned Pope Clemens to appeare in the Diet, which the Emperour had appointed at Spira. Then Clemens was full of thoughts: for (ſaith Pet. Soave) he could not endure the name of a Councell; not only for feare of diminishing the Papal authority, and curbing the intereſt of the Court, but more upon contemplation of his perſonall condition: for howbeit, when he was made Cardinal, the Pope Leo, would have proved that there had been a contract of mariage between Julian and his mother, yet all men knew (ſaid he) that his proofes were falſe [and ſome write, that Clemens was the ſonne of Leo] and albeit no law forbids that a baſtard may be Pope; yet it is commonly thought, that ſuch a dignity can not conſiſt with ſuch a defect: likewiſe he was afraid of the Emperour, that he would take part with his enemies; but moſt of all, that the Cardinals knew well, and could eaſily prove by what means he had purchaſed the triple Mitre; and how rigidly Simoniacall elections were diſcharged by Pope Julius II. ſo that he feared the like to befall him as it had hapned unto Pope John XXIII. But as is it ſaid, Inter arma ſilent leges, the next year there was no motion of a councell: becauſe the Vice-Roy of Naples, alledging that the Pope had violated the articles of the late agreement, and at the motion of Pompejus, brought an Army to Rome; and on the other ſide the Duke of Burbone (being exiled out of France, and therefore a fitter) Generall of the Emperours Army in Lombardy, brought about 14000. Germanes (whom they called Lutherans) with a promiſe, that they shall have the plunder of Rome, whether ſo much gold is brought from all Europe. Clemens agreeth with the Vice-Roy in March: he gives him 50000 crowns; he abſolves the Columnenſes, and reſtores the Cardinal Pompejus. Then in May the Duke comes, pretending that he is going into Naples, and craveth refreshment unto his Army. The Generall of the Gwelphes threatneth, that if he go not away quickly, he will ſweep him from his horſe with a bullet. Then the Duke pitcheth his p. 40camp in the field Sancto. he was repulſed two ſeverall dayes, and the third he carrieth it: his thigh-bone being broken in the aſſault, he died: nevertheleſs the ſouldiers enter the City, and ſpare neither prieſt nor prelate, nor had they ſpared the Pope, if he had not eſcaped into Hadrians tower: but they ceaſed not from reviling him. Rome never ſaw ſo doo lefull a day (ſaith Onuphr.) nor did the Goths, Vandals nor Lombards ſo much harme unto it: for they ranged up and down, plundering all, untill the Pope rendred himſelf: they keep him priſoner: becauſe of the peſtilence and ſcarcity of victuals they went to Narnia, and return in September: they threaten to burne the City, if the Pope will not pay them their wages. Guicciardin Lih. 18. ſaith, the Pope redeemed himſelf for 400000. Ducats. In the mean time Letters come from the Emperour, excuſing himſelf of all that was done, and commanding the ſouldiers to let the Pope goe free. Nevertheleſs they will not obey, untill they receive their wages, ſeing their Generall was gone, of whom only they could crave it. The Pope gathereth what ornaments were left in the City, that money may be coined for them: and becauſe that was not enough, three red Capes were profered to be ſold, that who would buy that honour, might bring gold, Onuphr. Then the Pope returns anſwer unto the Emperour, that he never thought but good of his affection. and perſwades himſelf thereof, &c. The next year was a treaty of peace betwixt them two, and An. 1529. Charles was crowned by him. In the year 1528. the confederate Princes dealt earneſtly with Clemens, that then he would demonſtrate the ſincerity of his mind in that league he hath made with them; eſpecially that he would excommunicate the Emperour, and expell him both from Naples and the Empire. But he feareth, if the French, Venetians, and other confederates were Maſters of Italy, they would mantain the liberty of Florence (which in time of theſe broils they had uſurped) and he was more deſirous to regain that City, then to revenge the wrongs, the Emperour had done him: but he ſaid unto them, that for that time he was poore and unable to do any thing; and if he would attempt to take the Empire from Charles, it were but a provocation unto Germany, to take unto themſelves the authority of chooſing the Emperour. And therefore he would lay aſide all thoughts of Seculare affaires; and only ſet himſelf to reſtore the Church, and to convert the Lutherans; and for that end he would go into Germany (for he was very cunning in diſſembling, ſaith Pe. Soave) Some hearing him, ſaid, his afflictions had wrought well for his amendement: but what he did afterwards, begott an other opinion in their mindes. And in the mean time he was treating with the Emperour that he shall bring his brothers ſonne Laurence Medices into poſſeſſion of Florence, and when the Emperour comes to be crowned, they shall accept one another with the former ſolemnities and ceremonies; and that the Emperour shall with arms compell the Lutherans unto the obedience of the Roman Church. This laſt was the greateſt difficulty; but when they had agreed in other things, they conclude this in generall terms, that in reducing the Lutherans unto the Church, the Pope shall uſe all ſpiritual means, and the Emperour shall uſe temporall; but if thoſe be pertinacious, the Pope shall do his beſt, to cauſe other Princes to aide him. On the other ſide the Pope renounceth all pretenſions unto the Kingdom of Naples, for only giving one white horſe in name of fee-farme; and he gives him the patronage of 24. Cathedrall Churches, and paſſage unto his ſouldiers through his Lands. When this treaty was cloſed, the Pope was joyfull, and all men almoſt p. 41did wonder, that he who even now was no body, was ſo ſoon advanced to his former grandure; eſpecially the Courtiers ſaid, It is a miracle, shewing Gods favour toward the Church. Te. Soave. When the Emperour was at Bononia, he was earneſt with the Pope to call a Councell: but the Pope had no liking of it, eſpecially as it was craved, to be free, and beyond the Alpes; and the rather, becauſe he had obſerved, how the Bb. were intending to have in their power the Collation of Benefices, preventions, advocation of pleas, diſpenſations, abſolutions and ſuch other things: all which with a great part of the Eccleſiaſticall jurisdiction the Romane Court had drawn unto themſelves to the prejudice of the Prelates. Therefore he bendeth himſelf to divert Charles from that purpoſe. and ſaith, A councell will be prejudiciall unto his Emperial authority: for there be two ſorts of people infected with that Lutheran peſt, the commons, and the Princes: the Commons are bewitched with the allurements of their teachers: but a Councell is not a mean to deliver them from theſe enchantments, but it will rather open a doore unto them to attempt greater liberty; and they will rather bow under authority, when they are preſſed with your decrees: if they obtain liberty to ſearch into the power of the Church, they will by and by pry into your Secular power: therefore it is eaſier to refuſe their firſt demands, then, if you once yield unto them, to reſiſt their rushing afterwards, with any reaſon. As for the Princes, they make no account of piety or Gods worship, but gape for the Church-goods and abſolute dominion, that when they are quitt of the Pope, they may next shake themſelves free of your yoke: poſſibly as yet they have not ſeen theſe myſteries: but if they shall once ſmell of them, they will aſſuredly aime at this marke. It is true, the Pope shall ſuffer great loſſe, if Germany fall away, but the loſſe of Auſtria shall be more: and therefore while the greater part of the Princes are ſtill at your devotion, you muſt looke to it in time, and no way ſuffer the edge of your authority to be blunted: remedy muſt be ſpeedily applied, before the number of the rebells increaſe, or they underſtand the advantages of their falling away: and nothing is more contrary unto celerity, than a Councell: for it requires a long ſpace of time, in which no thing can be effectuated; and many impediments muſt be removed, ariſing from the manifold pretenſes of men intending to retarde, hinder, or to make the Councell null: and thoſe are many. I know, they ſay, The Popes have no liking of a Councell for fear of curtailing our power: but that reſpect did never enter into my mind: for I know, that our authority is from Chriſt immediatly, according to his promiſe, The gates of hell shall not prevail againſt thee: and I have learned by experience of former times, that Papall authority was never minished by a Councell, but rhe Fathers being obedient unto Chriſts word, did acknowledge, that we are abſolute, or tied no way. Or if any Pope in humility, or modeſty, or upon any other account, have not uſed their juſt power, they have been entreated by the Fathers to reſume their place. If you will read antient records, you will find that when a Councell hath been called againſt hereticks or upon any other occaſion, the Popes have always increaſed in their power. And if we would lay aſide the promiſe of Chriſt, which is the only foundation of our power, and ſpeak only of humane reaſon, ſeing a Councell conſiſts of Bishops, the authority of the Pope is neceſſary unto them, that under it, as a buckler, they may be ſafe from the iniuries of Princes & people. Yea and Kings and Princes, which know the art of ruling, are moſt Zealous of Apoſtolicall authority, becauſe p. 42they have no other way to ſuppreſſe Bishops. And I know as certainly, as if I were a prophet, what shall be the iſſue of a Councell: for they who cry for it, if their opinions be condemned, will deviſe ſome what againſt itsauthority: and ſo your Ceſarean power being weak in other Nations already, shall turn to nothing in Germany: but the Papall power, though it faile in Germany, shall increaſe in other places of the world You may believe mee the rather, that you ſee, I make no account of my own intereſt, but only to ſee Germany reſtored unto the Church, and due obedience rendred unto Caeſar. Nor can this be, unleſs you go quickly into Germany, and by your authority put the Bull of Pope Leo, and the Edict of Worms into execution, &c. It became not the Frier Julius Medices (this was his name ere he was Pope) and farre leſſe Pope Clement to uſe ſuch reaſons [ſaith Pe. Soave: but he meaneth ſuch a heap of lies] but they prevailed with Charles, becauſe he was aiming at a more abſolute power, than his grandfather or his great-grandfather could attain; but eſpecially he was ſo adviſed by his Chancellor Cardinall Mercurius Gattinara, unto whom the Pope had made many large promiſes, namely, a red Cape unto one of his couſines at the next election. And Clemens ſent a Nuntio unto King Ferdinand, with charge to deale earneſtly with him, that there be in the Diet no diſpute nor determination in matters of religion, nor any decree for calling a Councell: and becauſe he knew, that Ferdinand was of greateſt credite in Germany; to have his favour, he gives him power to lay a tribute upon the Church-men in Germany for advancing the warr againſt the Turke, as alſo to apply unto this uſe whatſoever Silver or Gold there is on the ornaments of the churches. Of the Diet at Ausburg, it followes in C. 3. Sect. 27. When Clemens underſtood, what was done there, it vexed him, that the Emperour had ſuffered the Confeſſions to be read publickly, that he had determined any thing in matters of religion; but more, that the Prelates had given way; and it grieved him moſt of all, that the Emperour had promiſed a Councell, and determined the time, which belongeth to the Pope alone; and ſo now the firſt place is given unto the Emperour, and the Pope hath but the ſecond place. And hence he did conclude, that ſeing ſo litle hope was appearing from Germany, he muſt think on another remedy: and ſeing what is done, can not be undone, he reſolves to conceall that it is againſt his will, but will rather commend it as done by his authority. And ſo Decemb. 1. he writes unto Kings & Princes, that he thought to have extinguished the Lutheran hereſy by the preſence of Caeſar in Germany; but ſeing now he underſtands that they are rather hardned, he had reſolved by advice of the Cardinals to call a Councell, as his predeceſſours had done in ſuch caſes; and he exhorts them either to come perſonally or prepare their deputes, when he shall determine of the time and place in Italy. But (ſaith Pe. Soave) few were deceived with this fraud, ſeing all men knew, that ſuch an inuitation to a Councell, whereof neither time nor place was defined, was but an affected impoſture. In proſperity and adverſity this Machivilian ſate 11. years: when he was dead, the Court had no ſmall joy, becauſe of his avarice, auſterity and cruelty, that he had exerced continually, but eſpecially in time of his ſicknes, ſo that he was odious unto many, ſaith Pe. Soaue. When the See is vaking, the Cardinals are wont to preſcribe ſome articles of reforming the Papal power, which they ſweare to obſerve preciſely, if any of them shall be choſen; albeit it is known by experience of all ages, that none of them hath a purpoſe to obſerve that oath: for ſo ſoon as they be inveſted, p. 43they profeſſe, that they could not be tied, and they are abſolved by their aſſumption. So at that time it was one of the articles, that he who shall be choſen, shall call a Councell within a year.

III. PAUL III. Had been Dean of the Colledge of Cardinals many years, and would ſeem, not to be afraid of a Councell (as Clemens was) but to be deſirous of it: and ere he was crowned, he propoundeth in the firſt meeting, that it is neceſſary to hold a Councell, ſeing otherwiſe peace can not ſtand among Chriſtian Princes, nor can hereſies be rooted out: he appointeth three Cardinals to adviſe upon the place, time and other circumſtances, and to give their Overtures in the firſt Conſiſtory after his coronation; and (to lay the blame of oppoſition upon their ſide) he ſaith, Seing a Reformation muſt be of the Church, it were moſt expedient, that the Cardinals from that preſent time begin to reform themſelves rather than be reformed by others; neither can there fruit be expected by a Councell, nor can the decrees have any authority, unleſs they go before by their good example. In the firſt Conſiſtory Novemb. 12. he ſpeaks of this purpoſe again. They thought, he ſpoke ingenuouſly: but ſome did ſmell out his policy, becauſe he had appointed three the moſt unfit men of all the number, to conſult of this. But in December he took away all fear from them: for then he created a Cardinall Alexander Farneſius the ſon of his own baſtard ſon, and another Guido Aſcanius Sforza the ſon of his baſtard Daughter, the one being 14. years old, and the other 15 years. Then the Cardinals had enough to object, to wit, their childhood. January 16. An. 1535. he had a large ſpeach in the Conſiſtory, that the Councell can be delaied no longer, leſt all men think themſelves deceived with words: and he ſent his Nuntio's unto Princes, shewing his reſolution; and that he judgeth Mantua the fitteſt place: he ſayd, There were but two wayes of dealing with the Proteſtants, force, or allurements; he judgeth the later, the better, and he will refuſe no condition of accord, ſaving his Papall dignity. Vergerius goeth into Germany (as followeth in Cha. 3.) and returning the next year, ſaith, There is no hope to winne Luther and his followers: they muſt be oppreſſed by arms. For his ſervice he is made a B. in Iſtria; and immediatly diſpatched unto the Emperour in Naples. Charles heares his report, and haſteneth unto Rome. At this time Lewes Sfortia Duke of Millan was dead without children, and the King of France profeſſeth to recover it with a ſtrong hand. Charles telleth this unto the Pope. who anſwereth. It were better for him to ſubdue the Proteſtants in Germany; and himſelf with the Venetians will perſwade Francis to deſiſt. Pe. Soaveſaith, The Pope profeſſeth the deſtruction of the Lutherans, but his purpoſe was rather that an Italian should be Lord of Millain. But Charles did underſtand what he meant, and intending Cretizare cum Cretenſi, ſaid, he would do ſo: yet thought it not expedient, to raiſe up ſo many enemies at once: and adviſeth the Pope to call a Councell, that ſo the world may ſee, they had uſed all meanes of peace before arms. The Pope ſeemes to be wel pleaſed, becauſe warrs were begun in Pymount, and certainly will come into Italy, and when the Councell is ſummoned, he will have a faire pretence to guard the Councell under shew of cuſtody. So he calleth a Councell to aſſemble at Mantua May 27. in the year 1537. and alſo gives commiſſion unto four Cardinals and ſome bb. to Reforme the Paenitentiaria, Dataria & Court of Rome; threatning his curſe againſt all, that shall diſobey them. But nothing was done; and men of judgement ſaid, No better was to be expected of the Councell called ſo unſeaſonably in time p. 44of warre between the Emperour & France Pe. Soave in Hiſt. Conc. No Nation would conſent unto this Councell; nor the Duke of Mantua, unleſs the Pope would give him money to hire a guard of ſouldiers. The Pope was glad, that others had refuſed, when he had offered it; and to shew his readineſs, he appoints to conveen againſt Novemb. 1. but he nameth no place. Henry VIII. King of England by a published Declaration, shews, that he is deſirous of a Councell, but he will neither go nor ſend unto any called by the Pope, ſeing now he hath no correſpondence with the Pope, and it is not a new thing, that the Pope deceives the world, as now he blameth the Duke of Mantua, but who ſeeth not that it is but to delude men? as alſo that he calleth a Councell, and nameth not the place? and ſeing now there is no hope of a free Councell, he judgeth it beſt, that every Prince reforme Religion with in his own dominion: Or if any will shew a better way, he will not refuſe it. In Italy alſo many ſaid boldly, that albeit the Pope lay the blame on the Duke of Mantua, yet it is the Popes only fault, as appears, by that nothing is done in Reformation of Rome, albeit he had made a shew of it, when the Councell at Mantua was proclaimed; and none other had oppoſed that worke. To wash himſelf of this imputation, he gives a charge again unto four Cardinals and 5. Prelates, to ſearch out the maladies, and apply remedies with all diligence. Now theſe gather the heads of Reformation in write, and do preſent them unto the Pope where in they shew a threefold cauſe of all the maladies, the proneneſs of PP. to heare flatterers, their readineſs to derogate from former lawes; and the neglect of Chriſts command to take no gain for ſpirituall things. Then more particularly they obſerve 24. abuſes in the adminiſtration of Church affaires, and 4. in the Romane Government; In the ordination of Clerks, collation of Benefices, penſions, permutations, regreſſions, reſervations, pluralities, commenda's, non-reſidences, exemptions, deformation of Regulares, ignorance of Preachers and confeſſours....then they came to diſpenſations, firſt of them that were married, then to marry within degrees forbidden; diſpenſations of ſimony, of granting confeſſionals, and indulgences; diſpenſation of vowes, of changing teſtaments, tolerating whoores, neglect of almes-houſes and many more ſuch. The Pope gives theſe Overtures unto the Conſiſtory: where ſomeſaid, it was not a time to reforme theſe things, ſeing the Lutherans would boaſt, that they had cauſed the Pope to enter upon a Reformation, not only of abuſes, but of laudable rites. John Peter Caraffa Cardinall of Theate ſaid, a Reformation is neceſſary, nor can it be omitted without great offence; as evill should not be done, that good may come of it, ſo neceſſary good works should not be omitted for feare of evill, that may follow. The Pope inclineth the firſt way, and commandeth, that all be buried in ſilence. Nevertheleſs the Cardinall of Capuaſent theſe heads into Germany, which, ſome ſay, was done by advice of the Pope, to the end, many might conceive hope of a Reformation in Rome. Pe. Soave ibid. When November was approaching, the Pope by his Bull nameth Vicentia to be the place of the Councell, and becauſe winter is at hand, he nameth the firſt day of May in the year 1538. to be the firſt day of aſſembling. At that time he ſent his Legats to Vincentia, and he went to Nice in Liguria, under shew to make concord between the Emperour and Francis, but as ſome ſaid, to perſuade them both to quit Millain unto his ſon. He dealt with them to ſend Prelats unto the Councell: they had excuſes, and he was eaſily contented. When he could effectuat nothing, he returns, and recals his Legates from p. 45Vicentia, and by his Letters dated July 28. he prorogated the Councell unto Eaſter in the next year. Pope Paul had been oft adviſed by the Cardinals to accurſe King Henry VIII. but he judged it ſafer, to keep up his ſword, than draw it, when he knew it could not pierce, (as certainly it is effectuall according as men do conceive of it) But now King Henry had not only beheaded Cardinal Fisher (this was an eye-ſore to all the Cardinals) and published books twice againſt the Popes authority of calling the Councell, but lately alſo he had ſummoned Saint Thomas archb. of Canterbury (who had ſuffered death in defenſe of Papall authority, and was Canonized by Pope Alexander III. and ſince the year 1171. had been worshipped in the Romane Church) to appeare in Court, had condemned him for treaſon, and in purſuite of the condemnatory Sentence had cauſed the hang-man to take up his reliques, and burn them, and throwe the ashes into the river, and had eſcheated all the treaſure and ornaments, that were dedicated unto S. Thomas; And the Pope (having now ſome hope by conference with the King of France at Nice, that if he had peace with Caeſar, he wold invade England;) Upon Decemb. 17. An. 1538. accurſeth Henry, and ordaines, that all his favourers shall be deprived of all honours and goods; he commandeth all his ſubjects, that they acknowledge him not as their Lord; and all forreiners, that they have not any commerce with English men; and all Princes, to riſe in arms againſt him, and take his King om and goods for their prey. But what place this curſe had, it appeares (ſaith Pe. Soave) by the Leagues, that the Emperour, the French King, and other Princes made with King Henry not long thereafter. When the Pope heard, that the Germanes were ſeeking a Conference of Divines, he propoundeth this unto his Conſiſtory, and ſaid, It was neceſſary to determine ſome thing concerning the Councell. Some Cardinals ſaid, Nothing could be concluded, untill the Princes were reconciled. Others more politick ſaid, There was more danger to be feared from Nationall Conferences than from the Councell; and therefote it is more ſafe not to caſt off a Councell, but to ſuſpend it at the Popes will indefinitely; and ſo if any danger were appearing from any Nationall Councell or Conference, he might prevent it, by appointing time and place. And ſo Juny 11. by a published Bull the Councell was ſuſpended til the Pope should appoint time and place. In the year 1541. he promiſed unto the Emperour to hold a Councell the next year, and he would ſend a Legate unto the Diete at Spira to adviſe of the time and place; and he shewed his opinion to name Vicentia. He acquaintes the Venetians with this purpoſe. They refuſe, becauſe they had lately made peace with the Turke, and if they conſent that the Councell be within their bounds, where they will treat of warr againſt him, he will ſay, that they conſpire againſt him. When the Emperour came into Italy, Paul meets him at Buſſet by Parma, and dealeth with him to give the Dutchy of Millain unto his ſon's ſon, which had married Margarite the Emperours baſe Daughter; and if he would do this, the Pope profered to enter into league with him againſt France; to give 150000. crowns yearly for ſome years, and make ſome Cardinals of his nomination. The Emperour demandeth 1000000. crowns preſently, and as many within a short ſpace. This he refuſeth. The Emperour ſpake not of the Councell, becauſe he had made it cleare, that the ſtay was not his fault, and he thought on other remedies after the warr. They parted in shew of friendship: but from that time he enclined more to aid France. While he is ſo full of doubts, he underſtandes that the Emperour had made a league p. 46with Henry VIII. againſt Francis: then he thinks it neceſſary to joyn with France. The Emperour is informed, how hardly the Pope had taken with his league, & ſent him anſwer, that Francis had made a league with the Turk, and by his aid the Turks Navie had ſpoiled the ſea-townes of Naples; and why may he not then make a league of juſt defence with him, who is a Chriſtian, albeit he deny the Pope to be the head of the Church; yea and with the Popes expreſſe conſent Francis had ſought aid of the Proteſtants, which are more adverſe unto the Pope than the King of England is: The Pope should ex officio have accurſed the French King, when he heard of his league with the Turke: but it is cleare: that he is an accepter of perſons: for when the Turkish Navy did aſſaile and ſpoile other parts of Italy, they did no harme unto the dominions of the Pope: and when they came to Oſtia for fresh water, and the Romans were amazed at the report thereof, the Cardinall of Carpo, who at that time of the Popes abſence was his Vicar, told the Citizens, they needed not to feare. But it did provoke the Pope yet more, that the Emperour would not permit his Legate Cardinall Farneſius to go unto the Diet at Spira; and had decreed concerning religion w…thout his knowledge, yea to the evident contempt of Papall authority. And again more, that when in September An. 1544. Charles and Francis were reconciled, Charles propounded this condition, that they should both reſtore the old religion, and amend the Court of Rome, whence as from the fountain all theſe evills had flowed; and to this effect they should force the Pope to aſſemble the Councell. But the Pope did not feare their purpoſe to reform the Court, becauſe he knew, they had contrary ends, and he knew, how to divide them, when they came to the point and to make his own advantage. Only this did vexe him, that it shall be ſaid, They did force him to aſſemble a Councell. Therefore he reſolves to diſſemble all his offences, and prevented their ſolicitation by proclaming the Councell at Trent againſt March 15 and in the ſame Bull he exhortes the whole Church, to give thanks for the peace between the two Monarchs, whereby they may the more ſafely conveen. He knew the time was short, but he did it purpoſely, that in the beginning his creatures might have the more power, to preſcribe the order of proceeding, &c. How he carried himſelf towards the Councell, I remitt unto that chapter of the Councell. When he could not bring the Proteſtants unto ſubmiſſion, he kindled the warrs in Germany An. 1546. Onuphrius writes, Since the Pope was fallen from hope of purchaſing Millain, he was not a little diſpleaſed with the Emperour, and feared that he aimed at the Empire of Italy; as alſo he and his faction had ſo ſtiffly oppoſed themſelves againſt the Preſidents in the Councell, neither would Charles confirme the Dutchy of Parma and placentia unto the Popes ſon Peter Loiſius: nevertheleſs they kept an outward shew of amity, and covenanted Juny 26 in this manner; For ſo much as Germany hath continued theſe many years in errours, that great danger is thereby to be feared: for eſchuing whereof the Councell was called at Trent, and the Proteſtants do reject it; therefore have the Bishop and Emperour for Gods glory, and ſafety of the common wealth, and namely of Germany, concluded between themſelves, I. that Caeſar shall prepare an Army & all things requiſite unto warre in the monethmonth next following; and thoſe who refuſe the Councell, and maintain theſe errours, he shall reduce them by force of arms to the old religion, and obedience of the Holy See: yet ſo that he shall uſe all means to bring this to paſſe without warre, but make no peace nor compoſition with them, prejudiciall to p. 47the Church or religion. 2. The Pope beſides 100000 Ducats which he hath delivered already, shall lay down ſo much more at Venice, which his Lieutenent shall thereafter employ on the warrs, and no otherwiſe; and if no warr shal bee, he shall receive his money againe: he shall alſo furnish unto theſe warrs 12000 foot men, and 500 horſes, at his own charge for an half year, over which he shal place a Lieutenent, and Captaines: and if it happen, that the warrs be ended before ſix moneths, the benefit shall belong unto the Pope. 3. For preparation and furnishing unto theſe warrs, it shall be lawfull by the Pope of Rome's permiſſion, unto the Emperour to take the one half of the Church-goods in Spain, and to ſell as many lands in Spain, as shall amount to 500000 Ducates, &c. Sleida Comm. lib. 17. The Emperour in all his Diets and at other occaſions profeſſed, that he undertook theſe warrs, only becauſe the Princes denied him civill obedience (which they did never refuſe, if he would have given them liberty to profeſſe the Truth of religion). But the Pope in this league and his Bulls written unto Germany, profeſſed the only cauſe of religion. Thus they made different pretexts; to the end, each of them might bring the other into diſtaſt, and if they could attain ſo much, or overthrow the Proteſtants, they were in part ſatisfied. At the ſame time the Proteſtants, did publish in writt, that they waere advertiſed by men worthy of credite, how that the Antichriſt of Rome an inſtrument of the Devill and authour of this warre, as in former times by his hired ſervants, ſet many towns of Saxony into fire, ſo now he hath ſent others to infect their wells, that he may deſtroy by poiſon, what he can not ſo eaſily bring to paſſe with the ſword: wherefore they admonish all men generally, but eſpecially their own ſubjects, to watch and apprehend ſuch men, &c. Within few days John William, ſon ne to the Electour of Saxony, by letters gives warning, that they take heed unto themſelves diligently; for lately an Italian was taken not farre from Weinmar, upon ſuſpicion, and had confeſſed, that he and ſome others had money given them at Rome in the Bishops name, that with fire and poiſon they shall doe all the harme in Germany, they are able to do, Ibid. lib. 18. When Paul heard, that Charles was prevailing, he recalled his nephew Octavius with his ſouldiers, ere the warre was ended: wherfore Charles was offended; and not long thereafter the Vicount of Millain killed Peter Loiſius, and tooke Parma & Placentia. Then was the Pope ſo over whelmed with grief, that the tooke a feaver, and died on the fourth day, when he had ſatt 15 years. I do omit his moſt vitious and inceſtuous life, as it is written at large by Sleidan from an Italian authour; and that Onuphrius teſtifieth, that he was diffamed for Aſtrology, and of too great affection to his kindred, whom he did enrich without all shame, and againſt the will of his Cardinals: but conſider, how unlike this Paul was unto the Apoſtles Paul and Peter: in all his Bouts with theſe Machivillians Charles & Francis, and in all his Conſiſtories, he never shewes any reſpect unto Chriſt or his Goſpell, but to his private intereſt only. Novemb. 18. An. 1549. the Cardinals went unto the election: but they could not agree before Februar. 22. In time of their contention, Letters were intercepted, which Camillus Oſius the attendant of the Cardinal of Mantua was ſaid to have written unto a friend Annibal Contine, and ſome vulgar verſes of his love to ward him, with ſuch vile words, that they can not vvithout offence be named. Whereupon aroſe a report, that ſome filthy Pope vvas to come out of that conclave. On the forenamed day

IV. JULIUS. III. was conſecrated, who being Cardinall of Bolonia p. 48loved out of meaſure a young man innocentius; and now he cauſed his brother to adopt him, (that after his name he was called Innocentius demonte) and he made him a Cardinall. It was talked at Rome, and ballades went abroad, how Jupiter loved Ganimedes; yea Julius was not ashamed to talke of the ſame with the Cardinals. In the year of his election he keeps the Jubilee. Onuphrius writes of him t…us; Albeit he was 70 years old, yet in all the time of his Papacy he waited more on feaſts and pleaſures, than on the diſcharge of his moſt waighty affaires, to the great dammage of all Chriſtians: for he, who before was moſt vigilant in his charge, and by ſtealth followed his luſts, now being Pope, and attaining the top of his deſires, caſts off the care of all things and too much followed his pleaſures: ſo men are encouraged unto vertue, not with the beauty of vertue, but hope of earthly advantage.... this was alſo reproovable in him, that without reſpect to his place he ſo delighted in idle talke, that his hearers would blush for shame. He died through intemperance rather than by age; after he had ſatt 5 years. Ja. Thuan.

V. MARCELLUS. II. would not change his name, to shew that he was the ſame man as before: he lived but 21 dayes; yet eſcaped not the blame of covetouſneſs, ſaith Onuphrius. He was wont to have hiſtories read unto him at table: once hearing what Pope Urban IV. had ſaid of the miſery of PP. he striketh the table with his hand, and ſaid, I can not ſee, how a Pope can provide for his own ſalvation. Thuan. Lib. 15.

VI. PAUL IV. being 79. years old was crowned, with the grumbling of all men: they feared his ſeverity, ſaith Onuphry: when he knew it, he ſpoke fairly unto the Cardinals and ſtudied by liberality to procure the favour of the people: and when he was ſecured, he shewed himſelf in his colours, and began to performe what he had been deviſing before: therefore was hated of all men, He made a shew of reforming ſome abuſes in the Court, that he might ſome way ſatisfy the exceptions of the Lutherans: but his shewes made him not ſo acceptable, as his deeds made him odious. He deprived many Clerks, becauſe they had entred by ſimony: but it was for his own gain, and the hurt of many. Idem He had moſt arrogant conceits, and thought by his ſole authority to prevent all incommodities without the aid of Princes. When he ſpoke with any Ambaſſadour, he often boaſted, that he was ſuperiour unto all Kings, and would not keep familiarity with any, he had power to change Kingdoms, and was the ſucceſſour of ſuch as had dethroned Kings & Emperours, and ſpared not to ſay in Conſiſtory, at table, and elſewhere, that he acknowledged no Prince to be his companion, but all muſt be ſubject unto his foot Pe. Soave lijſt Lib. 5. When he heard, that liberty of religion was granted in Auſtria, Bavier, Pruſſia, Poland, &c. he thought to overturne all by a generall Councell at Lateran: and did intimate it unto the Emperour and Princes, not for their advice (ſaid he) for they muſt obey, but of courtiſy: (he knew this would not pleaſe them, he would let them ſee what his See could do, when they had a Pope of courage) and if Prelates would not come, he would hold the Councell with the Prelates of Rome: for he knew his own power. Ibid. He gave ſome Priviledges unto the City: for which the Romans would give him Divine honour, untill they found that it was but a deceitfull bait: for he undertook warrs for the Kingdom of Naples, whereby he provoked not only the Romanes, but all the Princes of Europe (except the King of France whom he had perſuaded to break his league with the Emperour) with new factions, and through his fault all Compania and Latium were p. 49brought under the command of the Spaniard (for Duke d'Alva Governour of Naples choſe to invade rather, than to be inuaded, and he might have taken Rome, if he had followed his victory An. 1556) and the treaſury of the Church being emptied, Paul impoſed & ſeverely exacted moſt grievous taxes, whereby he procured more hatred, and was forced at laſt to ſeeke peace. Amongſt his articles of the league with France, it was one, to create more French Cardinals (that ſo a French Pope might be choſen after him) but in the beginning of the year 1557. he created neither ſo many nor ſuch Cardinals as he had promiſed: he excuſed himſelf, that all his clients were no leſſe affected toward France, than the French were, and within few dayes he would create more, becauſe he hath a purpoſe to bring ſome Cardinals into the Inquiſition, and ſo the preſent number shall be diminished. But all that year he was encombred with the warr, and when the French Army was recalled, he thought to ſatisfy the Romanes and the Cardinals by an unexpected conceit, to wit, by degrading his own kindred (whom he had advanced with the male contentment of ſo many) and he was earneſt in the Inquiſition, ſo that many fled into Geneve, and into woods. Onuphrius (an eye-witneſs) teſtifieth, that he tormented many of all eſtates without difference of age, and not without great blame of cruelty. When he lay ſick, he ſent for the Cardinals and exhorted them to be mindfull of the Inquiſition, which is the pillar of Apoſtolicall authority, ſaid he. His breath was no ſooner gone, when the people of the City broke up all the priſons, and ſet them on fire after the priſoners had eſcaped; and the Monaſtery of the Franciſcanes ad Mineruam was hardly ſaved from violence. They had ſet up in the Capitole his portraiture of white marble, when he gave them the liberties; but then they threw it down, and caſt it thorough the ſtreets, till it was defaced and broken; and would have done ſo with his body, if ſome had not kept it by power: Laſtly a proclamation was made that the badges of the Caraffes, (a family in Naples, of which he was deſcended) whither painted or carved, should be demolished within Rome, under no leſſe paine than of treaſon Jac. Thuan. Hist. Lib. 23. He died Auguſt. 18. An. 1559. The Cardinals aſſemble unto the election: capitulation was made, that the Councell of Trent shall be reſtored for the neceſſity of preſerving France and the Nether-lands, together with the open departure of High-Germany, and England. Here unto all the Cardinals did ſweare and ſubſcribe: but all in vain (as followes Ch. 5.) untill other occaſions intervene.

VII. PIUS IV. was not ſooner enſtalled, but he gave out a mandate to burn all books of Lutherans: this command was executed in many places. Oſiand. cent. 16. par. 2. Lib. 3. c. 35. He impriſoned Cardinall Caraffa, and his brother Duke of Pallia (by whoſe aid principally he had attained unto the Papacy) and ſome other Cardinals. He cauſed to hang the Duke in Hadrian's tower (after he had craved liberty to ſay once the ſeven Penitentiall pſalmes) and beheaded the reſt in the new tower. And for filling up the number again, he created new Cardinals of his own kindred: amongſt whom was John the ſon of the great Duke being 14 years old, and Mark de Embs, whom he made Bishop of Conſtance, ſo learned, that when the Emperour Ferdinand ſaid unto him, decet vos eſſe piſcatores hominum: the Bishop underſtood not what he ſaid, and anſwered in Dutch to another purpoſe Ibid c. 44. The Duke of Savoy would have given liberty unto the Waldenſes within his bounds: but Pope Impius would not ſuffer it, and did contribute to take armes againſt them, Hiſtor. Concil. Trid. Lib. 5. In the p. 50year 1561. he shewed more than beaſtly cruelty againſt the profeſſours of Truth: for in Monte alto a towne of Italy he impriſoned 80. men whom they called Lutherans, and cauſed the hang-men cut to their necks, as a cook doeth with a hen, and left then wallowing in their blood. Some ſuffered with immoveable conſtancy: ſome were a little dashed, when they ſaw the bloody knife in the hatkſter's teeth: yet none of them would recant. He practized the like cruelty in two townes of Calabria, to wit, S, Sixti & Guarda: where he hired the Marques of Buciana (and gave a red hatt to his ſonne (to be his executioner. Oſiand ibi. c. 37. & 45. ex Henricpe & Nigrin. He would in time of the Councell have made a Generall league with all the Princes and Eſtates againſt the Proteſtants whereſoever; and this he did intend, to inſnare all the Princes; and thought that none of them durſt refuſe, if upon no other account, yet ro ſave themſelves from ſuſpition. But when he had ſent his Nuntio unto them ſeverally, none of them would conſent; every one had their own excuſe; and a common one, was, the hindering of the Councell: and yet (ſaith Pe. Soave) many thought, the raiſing of the Councell had not been diſpleaſing unto him, ſeing he did alwaies furnish occaſions of fomenting that opinion. Of his relation unto the Councell, more followes, in that place. After the Councell, he published a Bull, which is annexed to the Canons of the Councell: out of it I have extracted theſe words;

The duty of the Apoſtolick ſervice, which is committed unto us, requires, that the things which the almighty Lord hath vouchſafed for provident direction of his Church, to inſpire from above unto the holy Fathers aſſembled in his name, Wee should ſpeedily execute the ſame to his praiſe, and glory [Obſerve, what falſe and hypocriticall pretenſes] Therefore ſeeing according to the diſpoſition of the Tridentine Councell, all who shall hereafter happen to be advanced unto Cathedrall and ſuperiour Churches, or who shall happen to be Overſeers of dignities, chanonries or other Church-Benefices having the cure of ſouls, are obliged to make open profeſſion of the orthodox faith, and to promiſe and ſweare, that they shall continue in obedience unto the Romane Church; Wee willing.....that the tenour it ſelf, which is noted by theſe preſents, be published....and obſerved, and under paines....wee command, that it be framed by Apoſtolick authority....after this and no other forme....to wit, I. N. do with firme faith believe and profeſſe all and every thing contained in the ſumm of faith which the holy Church of Rome uſeth, to wit, [Here is the Confeſſion of Athanaſius, and immediatly it followes] I moſt firmely embrace the Apoſtolicall and eccleſiaſticall traditions and other obſeruances and conſtitutions of the ſame Church; I do admitt the holy Scripture according to that ſenſe, which the holy mother the Church held and holdeth, unto which [Church] it belongeth to judge of the true ſenſe and interpretation of the Scriptures; nor shall I ever accept or expound the Sctiptures, but according to the unanimous conſent of the Fathers; I confeſſe alſo that there be truly and properly ſeven ſacraments of the new law, inſtituted by Jeſus Chriſt for ſalvation of mankind, albeit they be not all neceſſary unto every one: theſe are baptiſme, confirmation, the euchariſt, pennance, extreme unction, orders, and marriage; and that theſe do conferre grace, and of theſe, baptiſme, confirmation & marriage should not be reiterated without ſacriledge; I receive and approve all the received and approoved rites of the Catholick Church in the ſolemn adminiſtration of all the forenamed ſacraments; I embrace all and every thing, that was defined and p. 51declarad concerning originall ſin and juſtification, in the Synode of Trent; I profeſſe alſo, that in the Maſſe is offered unto God a very proper ſacrifice of attonement for the quick and the dead; and that in the moſt holy ſacrament of the Euchatiſt is verily, really and ſubſtantially the body and blood together with the ſoul and Deity of Chriſt Jeſus, and that there is a converſion of the whole ſubſtance of the bread into his body, and of the whole ſubſtance of the wine into his blood, which converſion the Catholick Church calleth Tranſſubſtantiation, I confeſſe alſo, that all and whole Chriſt and the very ſacrament are received under one kind only; I hold conſtantly, that there is a purgatory, and that the ſouls there-in are aided by the prayers of believers, alſo that the Saints reigning with Chriſt are to be worshipped and invocated, and that they offer prayers unto God for us, and that their relicques are to be worshipped; I moſt conſtantly, affirme, that the images of Chriſt and of the mother of God ever a Virgine, and of other Saints, should be had and retained, and that due honour & worship should be given unto them; That the power of indulgences is left by Chriſt in the Church, and that the uſe of them is very profitable to the ſalvation of Chriſtians, I acknowledge that the holy & Catholick and Apoſtolick Church of Rome is the mother and Miſtris of all Churches, and I promiſe and ſwear obedience unto the Romane Pope, the ſucceſſour of bleſſed Peter Prince of the Apoſtles and Vicar of Jeſus Chriſt; And all other things that were delivered, defined and declared by holy canons and Occumenicall Councells, and eſpecially by the moſt holy Synode at Trent, Theſe do I undoubtedly receive and profeſſe; And alſo all contrary things and whatſoever hereſies were condemned, rejected and anathematized, I alſo doe condemne, reject and anathematize; And the ſame true catholicke faith, without which no man can be ſaved, which I do at this preſent willingly profeſſe, and ſincerely hold, I the ſame N. doe vow and ſwear, that I shall have care, ſo farre as lieth in mee, that the ſame faith shall be kept whole and unviolated moſt conſtantly (with the help of God) untill the laſt breath of my life, and that it shall be kept and taught & preached by my ſubjects or by ſuch as I shall have charge of, in my calling. So may God help mee and theſe holy Euangels of God; Wee will that theſe preſent Letters be read in our Apoſtolicall Chancelary......

Given at S. Peters in Rome, An. 1564. Novembr. 13. and fifth year of our Papacy.

Theſe were read and puplished Decembr. 9. Here is a tenure of Epiſcopall profeſſion, and it is a ſumm of Papiſtry. After the Councell the Pope thought himſelf ſecure, and ſpent the reſt of his time in building ſumptuous houſes, and entertaining ſome Princes with Princely feaſts. He built in the Vatican a place like unto the amphitheater for all ſuch games. He was moſt expert in diſſembling, addicted to all pleaſures of meat, wyne and venery, which were thought to have haſtened his death: for he died ex nimia venere, Decembr. 9. An. 1565. Jac. Thuan.