How would it be fit, that the _Pope_ should advise with the Senate of Cardinals, if they themselves are his and the Churches greatest enemies, If they have not only promised, but sworn fidelity to the Party of those Princes that give them Pensions and Revenues? How then can they follow the _Pope’s_ directions, or consent to his designs? Certainly they must either cheat the Prince, that they may be true to the Church; or be false to the Church, that they may not be ungrateful to those Princes, whose money they have taken. There are some Cardinals that would not care, if all were lost, so they did but save their Family, which is under the protection of some Prince; and avoid themselves the reproach of ingratitude from their Benefactors. The greatest part of the Cardinals are either of the _French_ or _Spanish_ Faction, and each of them makes it his greatest glory to defend the Pretensions of the Crown he protects, whether just or unjust; so that often between them they neglect and ruine the Interests of the Church and _Pope_. How were it possible then for the _Pope_ either to preserve himself or the Church in its Prerogatives, if he would take and follow the counsel of those whose interest makes them the Enemies to both; though they pretend, that what they do is only out of a tender consideration of the publick good. To this purpose I remember that a certain _Italian_ Cardinal, being weary of holding for many years on the _Spaniards_ side, gave himself to the _French_ by the mediation of a better Pension which they promised him. And indeed the Cardinals, whatsoever they pretend, have no other inclination to either party than what their Interest leads them to; For he that gives highest Pensions, and the best Benefices, is sure to have them. This Cardinal, having thus renounced the _Spaniard_, did go about to take away the imputation of inconstancy and self-interest; and would say in all companies, _That he had no other end in doing so_, _but a desire to be able to serve the Church and_ Pope _the better_. But another Cardinal, of great experience and prudence, hearing him one day discourse after this rate, could not forbear saying these words to him, _I wish to __God that your Eminence_, _that have never been able to do the Church any service while you were a true_ Spaniard, _may do her some now you are a counterfeit_ Frenchman. And this he said in the presence of divers Cardinals and Embassadours. Let us then conclude, that the State and Church can never be well governed, as to the point in hand, if the _Popes_ be without Nephews to relye on, and in whose secrecy they may confide.