The Life of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford and Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ...the clergy to desist from that foolish, nay rather illiterate and childish, custom of distinction in the Protestant and Puritan doctrine. And, especially, this error is so much the greater when they undertake to prove that Protestantism is a degree nearer to the Catholic faith than the other. For, since both of them be without the verge of the Church, it is needless hypocrisy to speak of it; yea, it begets more malice than it is worth. " That the provincials are required to give a general warning through all orders that no religious person ought to be seduced by any noblemen, either officers of the Crown or the.like, who pretend to be schismatic into a pramunire. For he that dares not follow the truth as his conscience directs him, is not worthy to be sought or followed by any of our faith. But, 1639. on the other side, we give the like command, that who-" soever is thought inclining to God in his heart, let no man be so rash to boast and speak it abroad. " All busy inquiries are forbidden, but especially into arcanas of the State. That none of the Church, whether lay brother or ecclesiastical, contribute so largely as they have done to the society; but dispose their charity that every order may partake alike."0 There is a great deal of common-sense in this letter. The repulsive part of the matter is, that a foreign ruler should take upon himself to issue orders in England. Still it was a good thing that the Catholics were held back from supplying funds for this wicked war. It was also a good thing that money was scarce in every direction. The Council were at their wits' end. Loan after loan was refused, and very cold answers came in from the gentry in answer to a new appeal. " Though they be not direct refusals," said Winde-banke, " they...