law into whose handes they were for a season deliuered c. After these visions Daâ—…iel was shewed how this presumptuous horne was consumed destroied with y â— fiery streame that proceeded from the ancient of daies and how this vnlawfull dominion was taken from the other beasts and giuen to him that came fâ—…om heaueÌ„ and hauing finished the ful redemption of his â—…aints being ascended vp againe and set at the right hand of his Father there was giuen vnto him dominion and glorie and a kingdome that all people nations and tongues should serue him whose dominion is a perpetual dominion that passeth not away his kingdome is â—…euer corrupted Ver. 14. Also Ver 27. What caÌ„ be more diâ—…ect for the perpetuity of the gouernmeÌ„t ordinances that Christ hath left apointed in his new Testament for his châ—…rch which whosoeuer presumeth to againâ—… or violate much more to innouate or change shall he not be vnder the same sinne damnatioÌ„ curse with this presumptuous blasphemous horne The Prophet zachariah also in the eleuenth of his prophecie sheweth that all CHRISTS â—…heep are gouerned and kept vnder our cheif shepeheards pastorall staues Beawtie Bands All other are out of his protection deliuered vp in his wrath to be guided by the instruments of foolish idol shepheards whose right arme shalbe without strength and whithered vp their right eie shalbe vtterlie darkened there shall be no light in them Both these shepheards their flockes euen all such as are misled by with them are giuen vp of the Lord to vtter destructioÌ„ because they cast the Lords coards from them would not be bound in his bands their soule abhorred the Lord they would not haue him to reigne ouer them therfore his soule abhorred them he gaue them vp to their owne lusts insnared them in their owne pollicies For all the wisdome of all flesh without the Lord is madnes their most exquisite plattes of gouernment which they can deuise vnto themselues are but the instruments of foolish sheepheards to their owne perdition of as manie as are gouerned by them These things are so manifest in that Chapter the true shepheard gouernment sheepe as also the false shephearde gouernmet sheepe with the diuers endes of both being there described the one in y e person of our Sauiour his disciples the other in the Priests rulers phariseis people of the Iewes with their verie maner of reiecting betraiâ—…ng him so liuelie set downe as none can cauill at theâ—…e things or mistake them â—…o grosly againe as one of these foolish shepheardes D. SOME hath done taking his chapter to be vnderstood of the estate of the Iewes in zecheriâ—…hs time the 1â—… 13. verse of 〈◊〉 person wages Who if he had but compared this chapter in yt self much more to the discourse of the Prophet precedent subsequent but especially to the euident euent perimplishing in by our Sauiour Christ Math. 21. 23. 24 26. Chapters he would neuer haue iustified tithes by the 12 13 verses of of this eleuenth Chapter of zechariah If any doubt of the interpretatioÌ„ of these two staues 〈◊〉 Bands let him consider the allegorie how shepheards vse their staues hookes or rather let him waigh the 7 ver where he shall find that Christ with these staues fed gouerned and defended those sheepe his Father gaue him as also verse 14 the interpretation end of the staffe Bâ—…ndes how there can be no true coÌ„munion where they are not knit together in the faith order gouernment and loue of Christ. But if he compare this prophecie to the euent fulfilling therof by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles that called al men from the shadowes figures of the Temple vnto the kingdome Church of Christ he shall manifestlie see that this sense in all things accordeth and no other can be made to agree to the words and Argument of this Prophet in this Chapter Noteâ—… might plentifullie be drawen manie waightie Arguments framed from these allegories as also froÌ„ the eâ—…ymologie of these words to shew the excellencie amenitie pleasantnes comlines congruence vtilitie necessity perpetuity of CHRISTS pastorall gouernment of his Church and how disorderly and vnnaturall a thing yt were for the sheepe to disobey especially to controule and teach their shepheard But I hope the iudgments denounced in that chapter for such faultes and the plaine demonstration of the danger error folly horror of all other gouernments and instruments whatsoeuer may suffice to satisfie the godly in this point and to restraine them from such presumption and rebellion either to reiect or to innouate or alter CHRISTS holy gouernment order and ordinances As for the vnperswaded and disobedient I leaue them to their accompt when they shall see him whome they haue perced through come with clowdes and in the meane while will addresse my self to prooue by sundry expresse places of the new Testament y â— the ordinances the Apostles left for the building administration gouernment of the Church are the coÌ„mandements of God perpetual inuiolable to be obserued and not to be willingly neglected or changed vnto the worlds end Our Sauiour CHRIST hauing finiâ—…hed whatsoeuer was needful here vpon earth to be â—…one in his person either for the worke of our redemption or for the remouing abolishing all the legal shadowâ—…s ceremonial worship or for the ratifijng his Gospel the gathering plaÌ„ting establishing his Church hauing chosen apointed and perfectly instructed his Apostles of all things belonging thervnto In the 28 chap. according vnto Mathew Vers. 1â—… 19. 20. he vsed this speach vnto them And â—…esus comming spake vnto them saying all authority in heauen in earth is giuen vnto me Go therfore teach ye all the nations baptising them into the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit teaching them to keep all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you And loe I am with you all daies vntill the consummation of the world Amen Omitting the sundry necessary circumstances and manifold profitable doctrines that might from this scripture be obserued and drawen to hold me to the present purpose we heere may see not only the Apostles personal power and authority but the warrant and dignity of all things they taught or did in this brief of their commission and ministery which we heere see to be deriued from founded vpon our Sauiour CHRISTS sacred person and soueraigne power We heere see whome they were to teach whome to baptise how to baptise how and what to â—…each the baptised and how to leaue such as they had thus taught gathered and instructed In summe we here â—…ee the very maner and order of winning receauing gathering ordering instructing building vp and establishing the Church of CHRIST We heere see all the orders and ordinances which the Apostles practised in and left vnto the Churches by our Sauiouâ—… owne moâ—…th pronounced to be
his Commandements and those per◅etuall such as he will haue to continue and be obserued of all his seruantes vnto the worlds end We see them no◅ onlie commāded vnto his Apostles that they should practise and teach them in their time or in time of per◅ecution but he chargeth his Apostles to teach all churches all Christians to keepe and obserue them at all times vntill the consummation and end of the world giuing vnto al his seruantes and churches the same power to practise and obserue all these his comandementes that he gaue vnto his Apostles plighting vpon such their faith and obedience his presence protection vnto them in these wordes And loe I am with you all daies vntill the consummation of the world sealing the truth both of these his commandemetes and ordinances and also of this his couenant and protection vnto all ages with this his authentike seale with this word of all truth Amen So that me thinkes all the blasphemous reproches and cauils of al sortes of enemies vnto the sacred inviolable gouernment and order of our Sauiour CHRIST deliuered and practised by his Apostles in his churches are vtterlie by this one place of scripture if so be there were no more to the same effect taken out of the way both they that denie the continance or necessitie heerof in all ages and places they that would make these Apostolike ordinances but matters of forme not matters of faith or of substance as they speake they being heere confirmed commanded by that Lord of all truth of all power in heauē and in earth Peraduenture that old Saducee that ◅hus sophisticallie hath propounded these questiōs in that 74 leafe of his answere vnto MARTIN will stūble as he ordinarilie doth at the word of God at these wordes al things whatsoeuer I haue cōmanded you collecting that because the Apostles had not as yet receiued the exp◅esse rules commandments for al the things they afterward taught practised that therfore this commandement cannot be vnderstood or applied to such things as they afterward taught and so nothing or litle serueth to the outward forme of gouernment order of the Church Although yt were not hard from this verie place necessarilie to cōfirme the intendement commandement of all the ordinances and rules which the Apostles after taught prescribed vnto the churches euen by that which is heere expressed concerning the ministerie baptisme c. which heere are commanded al churches to be obserued in that manner as the Apostles taught them which ministers sacramēts ministerie could not in and by these churches be had or practised without the obseruation of these rules ordinances as the election probation of such ministers by the flockes where they are to administer c. which were not al that time set downe by the holy Ghost or practised by the Apostles as yet Although I could also shew that our Sauiour Christ had alreadie instructed his Apostles that he had chosen and set a part to that worke of all things belonging to his kingdome Act. 1. 2. and had giuen thē his holie spirit in abundāt measure to this their ministerie which should teach them al things b◅ing al things to their remembrance Ioh. 20. 22. which he had tould thē Yet mine awnswere heere is y t if our sauiour Christ in these wordes Al whatsoeuer ◅ haue commanded you had respect onlie vnto such precepts as he had then at that time giuē thē not vnto al other things which he should afterward reueale vnto thē by his holy spirit also yt were both cōtrarie to their commission charge they deliuered which as is saied vvas that they should win gather together build order instruct establish his Church according to the rules cōmandements of his wil Testament which could not at al be done by thē if al these lawes rules were not alike cōfirmed of cōmāded by him as also if these words Al whatsoeuer ◅ haue comanded c. should so be restrained yt were to make the other holie lawes ordināces which he afterward shewed to his Apostles they by the same spirit both shewed recorded vnto the churches of Christ of lesse valew and authoritie then those former to make some part of holie scripture more true holy authentical thē other yea yt were vtterlie to abrogate disfrāchize these latter scriptures Furthermore I suppose yt were a hard matter for anie man to dis◅sse set downe what things Christ had at that time taught these Apostles what he had as yet cōcealed So that this cauil can no way put off this most direct and expresse place let me therfore proceed to others The Apostle Paul 1. Tim. 5. 21. chargeth Timothy before God the Lord Iesus Christ the elect Angels that he k◅epe these things without preiudice doing nothing according to inclination c. Also Chap. 6. ver 13. he vseth these wordes vnto him ◅ cōmand thee before God that ◅uickneth al things Christ ◅esus that testified before Pontius Pilate that good confession to keepe the commandement without spot vnrebukeable vnt◅l the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ which in due time that blessed onlie mightie that King of Kings and Lord of Lords shal shew c. Likewise 1 Cor. 14. 37. he hath these wordes If anie mā seeme to be a prophet or spiritua◅ let him acknowledg the th◅ngs I write vnto you because they are the cōmādemētes of God but if anie man be ignorāt let him be ignorāt With what greater authoritie or waight of wordes could the Apostle either confirme or incōmend vnto the Church in all ages these cannons ordināces which he in these epistles hath set downe for the building order gouernment of all churches of al the officers people actions of the same to be religiously inviolably kept as the cōmandemēts of that great dreadfull God as the lawes of that our Lord and King vntill his appearing in glorie Who can anie longer doubt that vvil either rest in the manifest testimonies of the holie Ghost giue credite to the resolute affirmations and eare to the vehement charges of the Apostle or that will duly expend either the general scope of these epistles or dulie weigh the manifold rules in particular and the manner of deliuering them that these cannons and ordinances are the absolute lawes and holie commandements of CHRIST for the building and gouernment of his Church so necessarie inviolable perpetuall as without which or with anie other his Church can neither be built nor kept Are not all these p◅rticular rules for the seueral offi◅es persons qualities for their maner of election probation ordination administration c. set downe in way of cōmandement and law with as great authoritie credite reuerēce as anie other part of Christs Testament or Gods word So that the Apostles whole ministerie may with as much right or reason be called into doubt or question as
were directed from Iehos haphat King of Iuda and from Artaxerxâ—… King of Persia therfore the high Commission of England is no new deuise 2. Chron. 19. Ezra 7. By the first reason it should seeme that M r. SOME supposeth that there is no Antichrist but the Pope of Rome neither any thing to be AntichristiaÌ„ which commeth not from him otherwise â—…here wil be litle sequele of this reason that because the Q Maiestie directeth this coÌ„mission to honorable reuerend men of the clergie temporalty therfore the high CoÌ„mission is not antichristian or vnlawfull Might not by this reason King Dauids Commission or letters mandatory vnto Ioaâ—… for the murthering of Vriah be accompted good because king Dauid was a most godly Prince if so be that the goodnes of any mortal man might make that which is euill good or iustifie any vnlawfull action We heere reason not of the goodnes of any mens personsâ—… so much as of the vnlawfulnes of this CoÌ„mission which by so many reasons being proued such can neither be iustified by the Princes authority that dirâ—…cteth yt nor by the goodnes of any to whome yt is directed but remaineth altogether vnlawful for the one to graunt for the other to accept Yet for the persons of these CoÌ„missioners we haue shewed the ciuil personages magistrates to be vtterly vncapable of any ecclesiastical functioÌ„s whiles they retaine these ciuil offices much more of such vnlawful vngodly authority iurisdiction ouer so many churches as they execute in this CoÌ„mission As for the honorable reuereÌ„d clergie this Doctor speaketh of if we had said nothing concerning their office ministery before yet this his popish teaâ—…me of clergie wherby he segregateth the ministery from the rest of the church or els only would haâ—…e them to be the Lords heritage sufficiently bewraieth froÌ„ what forge they al came plainly sheweth them to haue come from their holy father the Pope begotten and borne vpon their mother of Rome such a Lordly Clergie or clearal Prelacy not being before heard of or râ—…ad in the Teâ—…tameÌ„t of Christ and so by this reason the high CoÌ„mission is like to proue antichristian this honorable reuerend clergie which beare al the rule in this Commission being so immediatly deriued and directly discended from that Antichrist of Rome And as for this popish distinction betwixt the clergie the laitye I refer him to reade with due consideration Act. 26. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 3. There is as litle sequele of his second reason that because this Commission hath some good branches as to purge Gods religioÌ„ of popery anabaptistry to punish to suppresse notable disorders as incests polygamies oppression of ministers therfore this whole high CoÌ„mission is good godly Might not the most vngodly councels y t euer were be thus defended iustified because they decreed not some but many good things Might not any sect or heresy be thus also defended iustified because they hold teach many good things yet iudge we such ecclesiasticall councels assemblies antichristian which haue no warraÌ„t from the word of God where the holy ghost is not both the author ruler Therfore vntill this high CoÌ„mission be approued either by president or rule we must still hold yt antichristiaÌ„ vnlawful And now touching these faire pretexts wherwith this sepulchre of all rottennes is guilded this deepe graue is couered as with flowers greene grasse let euen these fairest sheweâ—… therof be examined and proued by â—…hat which hath bene said touching their seruice-booke ministery what a pure worship holy ministery this CoÌ„mission preserueth and maintaineth Let the coÌ„monnes of inceâ—…ts polygamies adulteries forâ—…ication al vncleannes y t abouÌ„deth in the land shew the great good y t this coÌ„mission doth in the land yea let their profane vngodly order that they take for the suppressing punishing these crimes shew what a holy couÌ„cel this is The Lord coÌ„mandeth odious vnnatural incests al adulteries to be puniâ—…hed with death the high CoÌ„mission punisheth the most hatefull incests poligamies by prisons or by the purse As for such incest as is not in marriage other adulteries they are but peccadilia punished by doing penance in a white sheete or els by some lesse mulct w tout impriâ—…onmeÌ„t Moreouer this coÌ„mission punisheth y e most high execrable idolatries by prisons forfaiturs making yt a pecuniary matter coÌ„trary to the law of God Deut. 1â—… Deut. 7. Now let vs come to Mr. SOMES 3 argumeÌ„t where by scripture he doth approue this high CoÌ„mission to be no new diuiâ—…e King Iehoshaphat and king Arâ—…axerxes directed high CoÌ„missions Iehoshaphâ—…t saith M r. SOME in these words In Ierushalem did Iehoshaphat sâ—…t of the Leuites of the Priests of the chiefe of the families of Israel for the iudgmeÌ„t cause of the Lord. And they returned to Ierushalem and he charged them saying c. How ignorantly if not corruptly D. S. hath inuerted this text both in the words distinctions may appeare to any that wil compare yt to the orginal He hath inuerted the wordes thus in that he saith for the iudgment cause of the Lord where the text is for the iudgmeÌ„t of y â— Lord y â— plea or strife Lemischphat Iehouah velarib He hath inuerted the diâ—…tinctions in these words And they returâ—…ed to 〈◊〉 and â—…e 〈◊〉 them saâ—…ng In which 〈◊〉 he hath put a periode where the tâ—…xt is coÌ„tinued in the verse without distinction and hath made a litle 〈◊〉 where should be an hebrew periode beginning the verse where he â—…hould not reÌ„ding part of the â—… verse giuing yt to the ninth wherby he hath dismâ—…mbred confounded the text as shal by by appeare by misplacing this word IEHOVAH and putting yt after both the iudgment the plea he hath giueÌ„ or rather takeÌ„ occasion to thinke that this was but one entire commission consisting of ecclesiastical ciuil persons ioiâ—…d together and y t this coÌ„mission had authority to handle decide both ecclesiastical ciuil causes whereas in deed â—…he word IEHOVAH is ioined to the word Misâ—… of purpose to put differeÌ„ce betwixt the ecclesiastical politicall iudgments which are expressed in the 10 verse the 11 verse also shewing the distinctioÌ„ both of these iudgments Iudges for ecclesiasticall matters sending to the people Amariah the high Priest to the Temple to the ministers therof the Priests Leuites for pollitike ciuil causes sending the people to Zebadia to those heads of y e families mencioned in y e â—… verse here called Schiâ—… rulers or Iudges which verse he also hath most corruptly deliuered both by misplacing the wordes of the text and conueijng in words of his owne especially in these words the Leuites shal be officers before you where the words lye in the text thus Iudges Leuiâ—…s â—…efore you wherby he craftily would collect that y e Leuites
Church to the priest after this manner I euer tooke marriage for an ordinance action of the second Table and see not why they might not as well set vp the tables of the money changers or bring in any other ciuil busines or chaffaire as this into their church But see what these Balaamites wil not doe for gaine both make God a new diuised worship setting vp and bringing in their owne diuises and Burning incense therunto and holding the people in such blindnes and superstition as they beleeue not themselues to be rightly married except yt be done by a priest after the prescribed manner and the in the due seasons also namely in the forenoone at morning praier whē mattēs is done next before the communion as they call yt this not vpon any forbidden tydes as in the holy time of lent c. when men ought to fast without an especial licence from the sea of Can◅erburie which Popedome hath power both to restraine meates and marriage and ag◅ine to permit them vpon graue waighty considerations to such as wil pay roundly for the same THE PRIEST hath also in this their portuise a prescript forme of visiting the sicke with perfect instructions what to say at the first step into the sick man his house what when he commeth into the sick mans presence how vvithout any questioning of his estate whether he be asleepe or awake aliue or dead vvithout any wordes vnto the sick person the priest must doune vpō his mary bones desire God to forgiue the sick man his sinnes and also to forgiue the sinnes of his forefathers vvith his due number of Lord haue mercie vpon vs Christ haue ◅ercie vpon vs his Pater noster vvith his versicles and response or aides to this masse for the quick and the dead Which being ended he procedeth to his prescript exhortation vvhich because yt is almost a leafe long the priest to make short vvorke if the partie be passing away c. may cut off two partes of yt and say a creede then exhort him to temember his debtes and to make his wil and to giue to the poore which being done then by that special authoritie cōmitted to him by his lord Bishop to absolue the sick person of al his sinnes and so with a special psalme and his certaine of collectes to conclude the matter This is the ordinarie Visitatiō ouer besides that especial housell or Communion of the sick aboue spoken of And heere before we proceed further me thinkes there would be somthing said concerning this power of binding and loosing sinnes which the priestes of the Church of England and also of the Church of Rome challenge vnto themselues as incidēt to their office by vertue of some especial graunt and prerogatiue made vnto them aboue other Christians Which vnlesse they together with their holy Father the Pope should fetch frō the keies giuē to Pe◅er Math. 16. 19. or frō Iob. 20. 23 I neuer could heare of any euidēce they had to shew For y e first place I think they wil not say that the promise was made to Peter only for then yt should be contrarie to the second where the same power is giuen to more Besides that yt is an vsual doctrine in their pulpets to confute the Popes false vnderstāding of that place And for the place of Ihon I trow they cannot prooue this power there giuen only to the Apostles there being many disciples both men womē in the place I hope also that they are not so grosse to suppose this power giuen to the persons of men for then yt must haue died and ceased with the Apostles seing we reade not in al the Testament of any speciel or personal bequest made by them to any degree of men one more thē another and so they challenge yt by an old worthles title so much as to the truth and power of the word of God which word being beleeued and apprehended by faith looseth vs from al our sinnes through that blood of Christ our Lord which word also being reiected or transgressed bindeth our sinnes vnto the iudgment seate of Christ without repentance which word is bound sealed vp amongst Christs disciples Neither is yt giuen or committed vnto the ministe◅s of the Church only for then none could haue faith but ministers none ought to professe publish or stand for the maintenance of the faith but ministers But we see this power the word the faith committed to the whole Church and euerie member therof all being commanded to watch to publish defend and practise the Gospell to the vttermost of their power to admonish reprooue one another c. Now how should this be done but by the power of the word Moreouer our Sauiour Christ in sending forth the 70. gaue y e self same power vnto their word that he did vnto the 12. to such as receaued the Gospel peace with remissiō of sinnes to such as receaued yt not the shaking off the dust of the feet against them But yt wil peradventure be said that in as much as the ministerie of the word is chiefly committed vnto them therfore the power of binding loosing also To this I answere that I haue not learned in the word so to tye the power to the person of the man This power is not of man but of God The least in the Church hath as much power by this word of God to bind the sinne of the Pastor and vpon his repentance to pronounce cōfort peace vnto him as he hath to remit or bind the sinne of the least So that monstrous is their presumption that assume vnto themselues not only the power giuen vnto the whole Church as shall be shewed hereafter but vsurpe I wote not what peculiar power oboue all other to bind or remit sinnes yea to remit for wage the sinnes of euerie prophane glutton and wicked Atheist which will send for the priest at the howre of death to reade his Masse-booke ouer him c. LIKEVVISE ALSO as these Priests visit and houfel their sick by this booke so doe they in like maner burie their dead by the same booke The priest meeting the corps at the Church stile in white aray his ministring vesture with a solemne song or els reading alowde certayne of their fragmentes of scripture so carrie the corps either to the graue made in their holy cemitery hallowed Churchyard or els if he be a rich man carry his bodie into the Church Ech where his dirige trental is read ouer him after they haue takē off the holy couering cloth the linnen crosses wherwith the corps is dressed vntill yt come vnto the Churchyard or Church into that holy ground least sprights in the meane time should carrie yt away the priest there pronounceth that almightie God hath taken the soule of that their brother or sister vnto him be he heretike witch coniurer and desiring to meete
Church as yt proceedeth from the chaire of Antichrist so is yt wholy subiect therunto both the person doctrine of the preacher Their person either to be still approued licenciate or els silenced suspended depriued their doctrine to be allowed or condemned as pleaseth their Lords Ordinaries in whose pontifical brests and handes standeth the whole doctrine of the church of England what they shal receaue what they shal reiect what they shall say what they shal leaue vnsaied c. The word of God Church ministerie preaching and al are wholy in the handes of these lawlesâ—…e Lordes to abrogate establish bring in cast out depose suspend without controlement or accompt A greater power then euer was giueÌ„ vnto or exercised by any of CHRISTS Apostles who alwaies submitted their doctrine practise persons vnto the trial and censure of the word and that by any Christian. They neuer exercised domioÌ„ oâ—…er the faith of any or layd anie other burden vpon the Church theÌ„ what they either read in the word of God or acknowledged to be the will of God But heere in the Church of Englâ—…d yt is held a small thing to haue a strange ministerye worship lawes orders gouernment imposed vpon them to haue a great part of Gods word quite banishâ—…d the Church the rest that is allowed them but by shredds patches at â—…tarts braydes to haue their preaching by stint prescription limitation to haue the whole doctrine subiect not to the wil of God but to the wil of these their Ordinarieâ—… who they may be sure wil allow no more none otherwise then shal agree to their apostatical throne The ministers of this Church may not preach the people beleeue much lesse practise any more of the word of God theÌ„ what is confirmed by these their Ordinaries The poore parish oâ—… congregation where these priestes serue may not meddle or haue to do with the election administration or deposing of these their ministers for why they are lay meÌ„ haue no skil neither ought to intermeddle with ecclesiasticall affaires or with the word of God Be their minister neuer so blind vnsufficient or vile a wretch detected of neuer so horrible sinnes yet may not they remoue him their only help is to complayne to their Lord Ordinarie in the meane while they must ioine to the wretâ—…h in praiers in sacramentes yea still for euer if yt pleasâ—… not their said Lord to giue eare to their complaint Let their minister preach neuer such damnable or hereticall doctrine wrest peruert corrupt falsifie the scriptures neuer so violently and heinously all the Church no though there be all the priests in a countrie as at a Scene hath no authoritie nay is by expresse law forbidden to reproue this doctrine presently or publikely or yet to forbid him to deale with the scriptures their remedy is stil to complaine to their Ordinarie and vntil yt please him to take order therin the whole congregation is stil bound to frequent his heretical sermoÌ„s ministerie yea al the priestes of the land both pontifical and reformistes agree in this point coÌ„clude that the lay people as they terme them ought not to intermedle either with y e deposing their minister or reproof of hiâ—… doctrine The one sort as you haue heard sendeth them to their Lords these Bishops the other referreth them ouer for these manie other cases vndâ—…r hand to a prouincial or classical Synode or permanent councel of priests c. Amongst whome all these affaires must be debated after they are agreed vpon the point then their decrees to be brought forth solemnely published pronounced to the people who must attend vpon awayte receaue these Oracles as most holy canonical They haue no remedie if they also be contrarie to the truth but to appeale to a councel in the meane while still ioyning to such a wretch such an heretike and that in the high profanatioÌ„ of Gods holy name word ordinances But my purpose is not in this place either to refute the popish prelacie of the one sort or the deuilish forgerie of the other hoping to find a more fit place for both so much as to shew that euerie Christian congregation hath power in themselues and of duty ought presently publikly to censure any false or vnsound doctrine that is publikly deliuered or maintained amongst them if yt be knowen discerned vnto them yea anie one member in the Church hath this power whatsoeuer he be Pastor or Prophet that vttereth yt as also to shew how far this their pulpet preaching differeth from that heaueÌ„ly blessed exercise of expounding scriptures or prophecie in the Church of CHâ—…IST The first me thinkes alreadie verie fully proued in all these places where our Sauiour CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church and to euerie particular congregation therof himself his word his power with expresse charge to put in practise whatsoeuer he hath coÌ„manded them and threatned his wrath and displeasure against that whole congregation which neglecteth or breaketh any of his coÌ„mandements or suffreth any seene transgression or error or incorrigible impenitent offendor Also where he commanded all men to informe that Church wherof they are members of fuch transgressions offences enormities as arise amongst them This he in vaine had commanded and they in â—…aine should do this except he had giueÌ„ both absolute authority expresse charge vnto the Church to redresse and take order in the same In as many places alâ—…o as he hath coÌ„manded the whole church euerie member therof to watch to scowte and obserue their teachers to trie the Spirits to marke theÌ„ diligently which cause diuisioÌ„ offences contrarie to the doctrine which they haue learned to seperate themâ—… from â—…uch as teach after an other maner or consent not vnto the wholâ—…ome wordes of our Lord IESVS CHRIST to the doctrine which is according vnto godlines to hold theÌ„ accursed that peâ—…uert the Gospell of CHRIST or preach any thing besides that hath beene taught by CHRIST his Apostles to reiect an hereticke after one the second admonitioÌ„to haue in a readines due vengeance against al disobedieÌ„ce c. In al these and sundrie other places most euidently apeareth that CHRIST hath giueÌ„ ful power absolute authoritie and expresse coÌ„mandement vnto his Church eueÌ„ to euerie particular congregatioÌ„ to cenâ—…ure both the persons doctrines of their ministers of euery member of their said coÌ„gregations He sendeth them not heere â—…o these popish ordinaries neâ—…ther yet to a prouincial Synode or a Classis of priests there are other vses of Synods or councels as shal in due place be declared They can neither ad to nor diminish from the power of the Church or execute alter any part of the Churches dutie ‡ Moreouer sith euerie member hath like interest in CHRIST in his word the publike doctrine
these caÌ„nons ordinances which the Apostle euerie where coÌ„firmeth with the same authoritiâ—… that he doth all his writings 2 Cor. 1. 13. 1 Cor. 11. â—… 2. 2 Thâ—…s 2. 15. Coloâ—…s 2. 5. and sundrie other places which were long to recite Moreouer how carefully and by how many reasons haue the Apostles incommended these orders statutes vnto the whole Church vnto the chief workmen builders therin what perfect lawes hath he set downe in those his epistles vnto Tiâ—…othie and Titus those two excellent workmen his trained exercised children whome he therfore calleth his natural right begotten sonns and especially commendeth them vnto the Churches as to the Corinthians epistle 1. Chap. 4. vers 17. For this causâ—…â—…aue I sent vnto you Timotheus which is my beloued sonne faithfull in the Lord who will put you in remembrance of my waies which in CHRIST as I teach euerie where in euery Church And vnto the Philippians chap. 2. 22. but ye know thâ—… proofe of him because as a sonne vnto his father he hath serued with me vnto the Gospel yet notwithstanding al this their promptnes experience we see what carefull charges the Apostles layd vpon them most precisely exactly to obserue all these rules in al their actions of y e Church towards al meÌ„ that they keepe that expresse patterne of wholsome words that they had heard of him in the faith loue that is in CHRIST IESVS calling these rules the expresse patterne or engraueÌ„ forme or delineation of all things belonging vnto or to be done in the Church charging them of their fidelity and loue both vnto CHRIST IESVS and vnto those whome they are to build to keep and alwaies to haue this true patterne and forme before their eies in all things they doe commending yt for the soundnes wholsomes therof both to the builderâ—… the builded therby For yt being the true patterne forme mould for euerie thing euery part euerie member whervnto they ought to be compared fashioned cast neither can the partes haue anie right shape neither the whole any true forme if they be not framed and built according to this patterne and then how should the building either stand or agree vnto yt self much lesse please the Lord owner of the house wheÌ„ he seeth yt thus spoiled and destroied Therfore yt behooueth both the builders and euerie one that is built to consider diligentlie after what maner order he buildeth and is built For this cause the Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 3. hauing shewed how soundlie the Apostles as wiâ—…e Maister builders had laied the foundation exhorteth all that are to succeed build vpon that foundatioÌ„ to looke well how they build vpoÌ„ yt for this foundatioÌ„ wil beare nothing but gold siluer pretious stones they may not build in this house their hay timber stubble Euerie mans worke heere shalbe made manifest the day shall declare yt because yt shalbe reuealed in the fire which shall trie euery mans worke of what sort yt is Yf vpon this trial by this light yt be fownd answerable to that heauenly patterne of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t yt then abideth to the praise comfort of the workman But wherin any of these builders shal in any part of their worke whether in matter or maner as they vâ—…e to speake to couller their transgressions euen in the least thing be fownd to haue swerued froÌ„ the true patterne by this light if then vpoÌ„ such discouery made vnto them they suffer not these their workes to burne acknowledging forsaking and repenting their such errors and transgressions and withdrawing others from the like they shal not only destroie themselues by this their presumptuous sin but al such as after this discouery reproof made remaine with them and ioine vnto them in this their presumptuous sinne For saith the Apostle these mâ—… corrupt or destroie the TeÌ„ple of God which is holy which Temple ye are and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any maÌ„ corrupt or destroie the Temple of God him shal God destroie c. Wee see with what waightie graue plentiful reasons exhortatioÌ„s proues the Apostle affirmeth and confirmeth these things by euerie verse of that chapter yea almost by euery word of the verse which carry a seuerall consideration and especiall force in themselues but especially from the 8 verse vnto the end He there setteth downe the persons of the Apostles as a perpetuall example vnto all builders vnto the worlds end The practise of the Apostles as the true only foundation thâ—… eâ—…resse patterne for al buildings yea for euerie thing in euery true building vnto the worlds end Which foundation patterne he deriueth not from confirmeth not by the authority of man but by the authority of CHRIST shewing that yt is not in mans power either to laâ—… any other foundation or alter this that is laid calling yt but one the same in all places euen as CHRIST is one the same and calling euerie part of the word they deliuered fundamental as part of the verie foundation of this building and maketh not with the learned Pharisies and schoole Diuines of our age some part of CHRISTS Testament fundamental substantiall other parts therof accidental formal not necessary not of substance or esâ—…ence who thus with the deep learning of Satan abrogate what part of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t they please build their owne stubble diuises destroie the worke of God together with their owne soules y â— soules of as many as are built or led by theÌ„ And therfore the Apostles hâ—…ere calleth al builders buildings to this one only foundation of CHRISTS word TestameÌ„t charging them to make yt of all their actions whatsoeuer the only rule foundation and not as these false builders of the Church of England doe who reiecting the true patterne of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t in al things they do or goe about yet vainly boast that they hould the foundation preach practise the Gospell of Christ sincerly c. although as is said they reiect what part of Christs Teâ—…tament they list as not fundamental substantial 〈◊〉 abrogate the whole patterne of the Apostles practise mowld lay vnto themselues a new patterne a new foundation making not only new rules lawes orders for the gouernment whole administration of the Church but a new ministerie new officers new actions which are not read or heard of in the Testament of Christ yt neuer as â—…et being agreed amongst them what part of Christs Testament they allow hold for the foundation for the Gospel But in deed to say as yt is the foundatioÌ„ gospel of their Church is not yet layed to either side for though they all at this present generally embrace the Popes canons decrees oâ—… the high commission as the foundation certaine allowed writinges and priuiledged bookes for the Gospell of their Church yet keep the Prelates in their hand to coyne forge new lawes new
â— vnto their aduersaries yet wil these graceles Bishops inforce this othe first by way of perswasion by Abrahams Iaacobs exaÌ„ples who caused the one his seâ—…uaÌ„t y e other his sonne to sweare putting their haÌ„d vnder their theigh c. and by the Angels lifting vp his haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ to sweare If vnto the fiâ—…st they be answered that AbrahaÌ„ Iaacob ioyned not this ceremony vnto the othe so much as to exact the fidelitie performance of the othe seijng God himself sware vnto Abraham without this ceremonie Gen 15 17 as also Ishaac sware Iaacob sware without this ceremonie Gen. 26. 31. Gen. 31. 53 so that there caÌ„ be no law drawen or exaÌ„ple made of Abraham Iaacob heerin especially seing this was before the law was giueÌ„ but now we â—…aue an absolute law giuen of God for the forme of othes froÌ„ which law we ought not to swerue Yf vnto the secoÌ„d namely the Angels lifting vp the haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ whiles he sware yt be likewise answered y t no law caÌ„ be inforced froÌ„ heÌ„ce or any new ceremony inioyned in swearing nothing being done heere contrarie to the law of God neither any example giueÌ„ to breake or alter y â— law giueÌ„ of God seing now both al superstitious ceremonies idolatrous othes are forbiddeÌ„ vs by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles Math. 5. 34. 3. 5 Mat. 23. Gal. 4. 9. Col. 2. 20. Their next reason is draweÌ„ froÌ„ the Princes priuiledg y t the Prince hath power to make lawes of indiffereÌ„t things is therin to be obeied this maner of othe is shewed to be no indiffereÌ„t thing but altogether vnlawful prohibited for the reasons aboue alledged But if yt were a thing indiffereÌ„t as they suppose so to sweare or not so to sweare yet were yt not lawfull for any mortal man to bind that by way of law which God hath left in our libertie much lesse to bring in new ceremonies or diuises into the worship of God for so might al the Popes traditioÌ„s be brought in iustified WheÌ„ these reasons wil not serue to perswade oâ—… assure the conscience theÌ„ these holy fathers these teÌ„der hearted christian BBs are driueÌ„ to their last argumeÌ„t wherby they vphold their antichristiaÌ„ throne Viz. the ciuil power authoritie which is committed into their murtherous handes Then are they forthwith committed vnto close prison there to remaine vntil they either yeild or die and this without respect of age sexe or degree especially if they be conveÌ„ted for refusing or speaking against the BBs Popelike authoritie antichristian decrees idolatrous iniunctions c such with mortall hatred they persecute much more â—…hen they doe the most hainous malefactors traiterous Papists such they opeÌ„ly publish to be sectaries scismatikes heretikes Anabaptists disobedient to magistrates seditious conventiclers c. and al because they will not beare Antichristes yoke nor carie the Beastes marke nor bow downe vnto worship his image Such therfore they hunt pursue aâ—…rode by their spiaâ—…s pursyuants and hauing caught theÌ„ vse with al eâ—…quisite tyranny neuer suffring theÌ„ to depart out of theiâ—… haÌ„ds vntil they either deny y e faith or be fetched froÌ„ theÌ„ by the Lords peremptorie messenger Death Long yt were to relate their fine spanish arts to molest these constant witnesses faithfull seruaÌ„ts of Christ when they get them in their prisons by shutting them vp long close by causing them to be produced and indicted at the general sessions vpoÌ„ the statute of recusansy hauing made some of the Iudgâ—…s on their part although this statute was made for Christs and her Ma ties â—…nemies the Papists recusants of all christian veritie When vpon this statute they haue gotten them indicted and vpon the execution therof cast into prisons yet heâ—…re their malice ceaseth not but although they be the Q. prisoners in her execution yet will they contrarie to all law assume them back againe into thâ—…ir handes and by thâ—…ir sole authoritie without anie cause alledged commit them perpetuall close prisoners therby to shorten their liues and to cut off all meanes either of their owne maintenance from them or wherby they might any way satisfie the Queâ—…ne Thus play they with poore Christians as the catte doth with the moâ—…se boldly committing them vnto and taking them fâ—…om the seculer powers at their owne pleasure abusing the Queenes lawes and most faithfull subiâ—…ctes at their owne lust without checke or controulement they being subiect and liable to no lawe To such a heigth is this strange Romish spanish Court now growne vnder colour of â—…eforming â—…cclesiasticall abusâ—…s that yt vsurpeth absolute power ouer al lawâ—…s causâ—…s persons 〈◊〉 yea and becommeth the very fountaine or synke rather from whence flow al errors abuses and disorders into the whole laÌ„d yt being the very bane poyson both of the church and common welth that â—…uer going forge of Sathan wherin he daily mintâ—…th al his antichrâ—…stian new deuises decrees for this monstrous harlot the false Church that Senate wherin all their affaires are consâ—…lted that Councel wherin all their decrees are concluded a Synode wherin all causes are debated a schoole wherin al questions are disputed a fayre wherin all their wares are sould This monstrous Court taketh vtterly away the power and stoppeth the course of Gods word of his Church and of the godly lawes of the land preiudicial yt is to the prerogatiue of the Prince to the iurisdiction of her â—…oyall Courts to the libertie of her free subiects to the great Chaâ—…r of England as their practise euidently sheweth How contrarie yt is vnto God vnto al the rules of his word euen by this summarie recitall insufficient description of their doings at the first reading may appeare to al men that wil bring them to the light So barbarous is thâ—…ir power so odious their proceedings as no apologie caÌ„ be made for them vnlesse by the same they wil also iustifie the authoritie of the Pope and proceedings of the spanish inquisition both vvhich yet heerin they exceed in that this Court hath power to make lawes oâ—…dinaÌ„ces for al churches without their consent which the Pope cannot doe as also in that this Court hath power iurisdiction ouer many almost al ciuil causes which the spanish inquisition hath not Let not my words be wrasted or misconstrued to the reproch of these honorable personages such ciuile magistrates as are of this CoÌ„mission whose ciuil offices persons we from our hearts vnfainedly honour and reuerence yet can the authority of their personages no way iustifie the vnlawfulnes of this Commission or hide the vngodlines of the BBs proceedings therin with whose crafty practises we suppose they are not made acquainted being tised into this CoÌ„mission by the subâ—…ilty of the BBs who suppose to fortifie their antiâ—…hristian power popish regiment by the authority and countenance of the these honorable reuerend men