Authority T. F. Neither but a Parliament being called 29. March 1585. they set up underhand a National Synod who were better discovered by their moving then by their meeting whose practices were more conspicuous then their places some Agents for them were all day at the door of the Parliament House and some part of the night in the Chambers of Parliament men effectually solliciting their business with them Court How did this their diligence appear P. H. In the effects of it this Parliament was observed so extraordinarily busie in Church Affaires about approbation of Ministers about Ecclesiastical Courts Bishops c. that the Arch-Bishop Whitgift was faine to write to the Queen to own her own Lawes Orders and Authority which she did consenting to no Material alteration Court When this way failed them what course took they T. T. They piece the Lions skin with the Foxes tayle and what they could not do by Interest against the Arch-Bishop they attempt by compliance with him L. B. D. How I pray I P. H. Why Mr. Cartwright by Leicesters Mediation gets in with the Arch-Bishop and is so civilly used by him that Leicester writes a Letter of thanks to the Arch-Bishop with a promise that Cartwright shall be at his service L. B. O. But doth the Arch-Bishop trust him T. H. The wary Arch-Bishop is not overfond of his friendship but keepes him at distance and writes to Leicester That he is at peace with him but that he cannot without further tryal of him give him any License to preach Court What doth Travers do all this while P. H. He complaines to his Patron the Lord Burleigh against the Liturgy L B. E. What answer doth that wise Lord make him T. F. He demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof They answered no but only the amendment of what was offensive therein Then said he Do you make a better such as you would have setled instead thereof Court What did they F. F. They divided themselves into four Classes The first whereof framed a new Liturgy after the forme of Geneva The second altered it in 600. particulars The third resolved on another model The fourth dissented from the former And so that wise Statesman put them off for the present untill they should agree Court Then we may observe that it is not so much the Liturgy and Cannons that trouble them as that they have no hand in composing them now we may presume that they are quiet F. F. No for now they endeavour to overthrow the High Commission and the Oath ex Officio the one they perswade the World is against the Law of Liberty none is bound to betray himself the other against the Law of the Land none ought to be disseized of his Liberty or Estate without a tryal by his Peeres Court This was very subtilly done to bring in as many of their party as either were molested in the High Commission Court or troubled with the Oath ex Officio who were the greatest part of the Kingdome Although to avoid the Odium of these things Arch-Bishop Whitgist brought the Nonconformists to the Star-Chamber a Court without dispute and as the High Commission was her Majesties highest Court for Ecclesiastical Causes over which sue was Head so the Oath ex Officio is usually tendred in Chancery in matters not touching life or Limb and there was no man there tyed to betray himself but he that was first betrayed by a common fame from which he was to cleer himself by his Oath according to the Scripture Deut. 21. 7. and the practice of Geneva its self in Camparel and Baltasers case Would none of the Nonconformists when they were indited for a fame of a Conventicle or so clear themselves by an Oath F. F. 1. Some of them would not take this Oath at all but would say If our faults be unknown why are we accused if they are known produce your evidence 2. Some would take the Oath but with a protestation that they would not thereby accuse either themselves or their brethren 3. Others would take the Oath to accuse those that were truely guilty to remove evil from the Land but not to accuse their brethren for those things which are not faulty 4. Others would take the Oath where there were no Witnesses to be had Jo. 17. 21. Court When the Powers in being would not establish them what paines they take to weaken those powers that they might not oppose them but when their Arguments failed them against these Courts did they sit down Cambd. No but in the next Parliament they had such an influence upon the Commons choice that they at their first sitting offered the Lords a Petition of sixteen branches in favour of the Nonconformists 1. That they might be free from the Cannonical Oath 2. That they might not be troubled for some things omitted in the Common Prayer 3. That they might be called before lay Officers 4. That those that were suspended for Non-subscribing might be restored 5. That they might not be troubled at the High Commission but for high offences 6. That they might have in every Arch-Deaconry common conferences among themselves 7. That the high censure of Excommunication might not be denounced for small matters nor by lay-men 8. Non-residency may be removed out of the Church c. And other things against insufficient Ministers in the discussing of these particulars the House fell most fiercely against Non-residence Court Truly Non-residence may be allowed in way of recovering of health by changing of air of study for a time in the University of mortal enmity borne by some of the Parish of prosecution of law or of being employed in publick affaires L. B. Truly I could allow Pluralities as encouragements to learned men so they be in one Diocess L. H. It is fit her Majesty as Head of the Church should confer with the Bishops about these matters T. F. Therefore the Bishops very prudently petition her Majesty to take the case to her own hand to whom it properly belongeth remonstrating the inconveniences ensuing to the State present future to Cathedral Churches to Universities to her Majesty to Religion in case Pluralities were taken away Court Who was it that promoted this cause so far T. F. The Lord Grey seemed the most jealous who wished the Bishops might be turned out of Doores as in the case of premunire in H. 8ths time because they upheld abominable Non-residence and Pluralities against their own consciences and the good of the people Court If the Lord had not been on my side might the Church now say if the Lord had not been on my side they had swallowed me up quick for these were but the pretences under which the adversaries threatned the whole Church for take away encouragements and you take away worth and Parts take away Parts and you overthrow the Church When this most hopeful enterprize that ever the adversary undertook failed him was he satisfied P. H. No for having formerly as
Princes that looked towards Reformation Mr. Hooker Your advice we highly value as esteemed by us the most learned and wise man that ever the French Church did enjoy since the hour it enjoyed you yet you must understand that it did not become you to obtrude upon the Church of England a new way you had found out for the City of Geneva agreeable to the temper of that people and that time so disagreeing with our temper and our time especially since you could not bring that way to Geneva it self without the consent of the people Two things of principal note there are which deservedly procure you honour throughout the Christian World 1. Your exact institutions of Christian Religion 2. Your no less industrious exposition of Scripture according to those institutions in which two things whosoever bestowed their labour after you you gained the advantage of prejudice against them if they gainsaid you or of glory above them if they consented yea that which you did in the establishment of your way was harmless as being necessary but what you have taught for the countenance of it established is blame-worthy because out of love to your own prudent invention you endeavour to perswade the World that what you found out as yesterday was established by God since the beginning of Christianity we take it not well that what you with much ado imposed upon your own people by your own should be imposed upon us as from Divine Authority and that you should to that purpose disparage the antient Rites of the Church as Ineptiae nugae trifles and I know not what O Mr. Calvin Mr. Calvin There will come a time when three words uttered with charity and moderation shall receive a far more blessed reward then three thousand Vollumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit We wonder that you who said That you did highly approve a Forme of Prayer Doctrine and established Administration of Sacraments which it should not be lawful for the Ministers themselves to neglect that Provision might be made for the ignorant and unskilful 2. That the consent of the Churches might be more apparent 3. That Order may be taken against the desultory levity of them who delight in Innovations We wonder that you should encourage some Zelots at home and abroad to procure so many alterations of and enemies to the Common Prayer in the year 1547. and 3. of King Edward the sixth in so much that Reverend Father Latimer was faine to say in a Sermon before King Edward a little before his Death That the Admiral was gone I heard say he was a seditious man a contemner of Common Prayer I would there were no more in England well he is gone I would he had left none behind him Bish. Bancroft Mr. Calvin was not the only man that disturbed the peace of our Church by countenancing these Innovations and practising in Court City Country and Universities by his Agents till he had laid the first Foundation of the Zuinglian faction who laboured nothing more then Innovation in Doctrine and Discipline Court We pray you Sir what was the maine engine that Mr. Calvin used to bring his way into so much credit and esteeme among us Bish. Bancroft By insinuating to some men well affected the practise of the poor reformed Churches who not being able to set up the Primitive were over-ruled by his authority to comply with his way and gaining an improvident Indulgence unto John a Lasco with a mixt multitude of Poles and Germans to have the Priviledge of a Church for him and his distinct in Government and Worship from the Church of England by Letters Pattents in St. Augustine neer Broadstreet to be hereafter called the Church of the Lord Jesus whence we may observe 1. Of what consequence it is totolerate any people though never so inconsiderable in a way of separation Mr. Durel Dr. Basile Whereas it was suggested by several that most Reformed Churches walked in the way of Calvin and that the Church of England must submit to that way to preserve its Communion with other Churches We will make it appear that there is no Rite Ceremony or order of the Church of England but is observed in some of the Reformed Churches and some of them are observed in all Court Thus encouraged from abroad and indulged at home that party began to appear more publickly And you Mr. Bucer and Dr. Peter Martyr must needs seruple at some Ceremonies Vestments the one as Kings professor at Cambridge the other as Margaret professor and Cannon of Christ-Church in Oxford though with such moderation as that we have no more to say to you but that we are sorry the oversight of those times furnished the Universities and filled up the Chaires with men of your Principles to lay up in those nurseries of Religion and Learning the seed of a separation dissent and chisme that may continue as long as this Church stands we are sorry to hear that you Doctor Bucer refused some Ceremonies at Cambridge especially that you would not use a square Cap because forsooth your head was Round We are sorry likewise that you Dr. Martyr should encourage the Nonconformists in your Letter July 1. 1550. by saying that You thought it most expedient to the good of the Church that they and all others of that kind should be taken away when the next opportunity should present it self for say you as we iudge unchariteably Where such Ceremonies are so stiftly contended for as are not warranted and supported by the word of God there commonly men are less sollicitous of the substance of Religion then they were of the cicumstances of it and that you say in your Letter of the 4. Nov. 1559. that you never used the Surplice when you lived in Oxford though you were then a Cannon of Christ-Church and frequently present in the Qaire And for your part John a Lasco you might have been contented with the great indulgence of a gracious Soveraign to set up a Church with an express order to all the Bishops of the Realm not to disturbe you in the free exercise of your Religion and Ecclesiastical Government notwithstanding that you differed from the Government and formes of Worship established in the Church of England and not have abused his Majesties goodness so far as to appear in favour of the several factions which then began more openly to shew themselves against the established orders and laudable Customes of the Church and to write that scandalous Book called Forma Oratio totius Ecclesiastici Ministerij much to their encouragement who impugned all Order and Discipline and you must countenance those that refuse to wear the Cap and Surplice and to write to Dr. Bucer to declare against them for which you were severely reproved by that moderate and Learned man Doctor Martyr Doctor Bucer and John a Lasco Truly we are very sensible of the great favours we
have received from the Church of England and are very sorry that there fell from us any expressions and that there was allowed by us any practice that occasioned the saddest difference that ever happened in the Church of England if we consider the time how long it continued the eminent persous therein engaged and the doleful effects thereby produced and we observe that there have been three degrees of Nonconformists 1. Those in our dayes in King Edwards who scrupled only at some Vestures and Gestures 2. Those in Queen Elizabeths time who excepted against several things in the Common Prayer Cannons and Articles 2. Those since who have laid the Axe to the Root of the Tree and destroyed the Government it self Court After these men had been a while among us two opposite parties plainly appeared I. The Founders of Conformity such as by politick compliance and cautious concealement of themselves in the dayes of King Edward the sixth were possessed of the best preferments in the Church and retained many Ceremonies decent and ancient the Authority of Cranmer and the Activity of Ridley headed these Parties the former being the highest the latter the hotest for Conformity II. The Founders of Nonconformity such exiles as living in States and Cities of popular reformation were well affected to the Discipline of the places they lived in who returning late to England were at a loss for preferment and renounced all Ceremonies practised by the Papists John Rogers Lecturer of Pauls and Vicar of St. Sepulchers and John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Gloucester were the Ringleaders of this party And that these Divisions grew to that heighth that the King with the advice of his Counsel sets out a Proclamation Septem 23. to this purpose Whereas of late by reason of certain Controversies and seditious Preachers his Majesty moved with the tender Zeal and love he had to the quiet of his Subjects hath forbidden any to Preach without Licence from the Lord Protector or the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury upon hope that they whom they Licensed should Preach and set forth only such things as should be to Gods honour and the benefit of the Kings Majesties Subjects Yet seeing such Preachers did still behave themselves irreverently and contrary to good order in Preaching against such good instructions as was given them whereby much contention and disorder might rise and ensue in his Majesties Dominions Wherefore his Highness minding to see shortly one Uniforme Order throughout the Realm and to put an end to all Controversies in Religion for which purpose he hath called together the Learned men of the Realm doth inhibit all publick Preaching wishing all Ministers in the mean time to pray for a blessing on the Convocation and so to endeavour themselves that they may be ready to receive from the Convocation a most Godly quiet and Uniforme order to be had throughout all his Majesties Realmes and Dominions L. A. B. C. I pray who appeared first against the order of the Church and how did they behave themselves L. B. W. To feel the pulse of authority one Dr. Glasier as soon as ever Lent was over 1547. and it was well he had the patience to stay so long affirmes publickly in a Sermon at St. Pauls Cross That Lent was not ordained of God to be fasted on nor the eating of Flesh to be forborn but that the same was a politick Ordinance of men and might therefore be broken by men at their pleasure For which Doctrine as the Preacher was never questioned the temper of the times giving encouragement enough to such extravagancies so did it open such a gap to carnal liberty as the King was faine to shut up by Proclamation on the 16. of Jan. and the Protector by an Army raised under pretence of a Warr with Scotland He knowing very well that all great Counsels tending to Innovation in the publick Government especially where Religion is concerned are either to b 〈…〉 cked by Armes or otherwise prove destructive to the undertakers L. B. L. Who was the next who appeared against the Kings Orders and injunctions L. B. G. Encouraged by Glasiers boldness and impunity several persons began to run out to some excesses which occasioned these Words in a Proclamation of the 8. March 154 7 8. We wish all men with such obedience and conformity to receive our Order that we may be encouraged from time to time further to travel for the Reformation and setting forth of such Godly Orders as may be most to Gods glory the edifying of our Subjects and the advancement of true Religion Willing all our Subjects in the mean time to stay and quiet themselves with this our Direction c. As men contented to follow authority and not rashly to run upon such courses as may hinder what they intend to promote For now there arose persons by the name of Gospellers that dispersed as Bishop Hooper observes in the Preface to his Commandments several Blasphemies and Heresies and some Anabapists who lurking in the late Kings time began to appear publickly and were convicted at St. Pauls before the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and others where being convicted of their errors some of them were dismissed with an admonition some were sentenced to a recantation and others were condemned to bear their Faggots at St. Pauls Cross these persons among the many wild Opinions they vented were notorious for this one as Campneyes Writings one of themselves but coaverted declared That they laid all they did upon the eternal Predestination making God who is of purer eyes then to behold any the Author of their iniquity Court It 's true these wild persons and the Women that were burnt for heresie might disturbe us but who kept up the old cause of Nonconformity Witnesses One Mr. John Hooper a grave and Learned man who had lived a while in Zuricke with Bullinger and returned after Henry the 8s death with very good affections for the way of the Zuinglian and Helvetian Churches and by his frequent preaching and learned Writings having got credit and esteem with the Earle of Warwicke and other great men was preferred Bishop of Gloucester but when he came to be Consecrated he utterly refused the Episcopal Habits wherein he was to appear at his Consecration by the rules of the Church and the Arch-Bishop Cranmer would not Consecrate him without them Court Why do not you my Lord use these innocent and harmless Weedes Hooper I put my self upon the trial of the Searcher of Hearts that no obstinacy but meer Conscience makes me refuse these Ornaments Court These Ornaments are indifferent of themselves and of ancient use in the Church Hooper They are useless being ridiculous and superstitious Court Nay my Lord being enjoyned by lawful authority they become necessary not to Salvation but to Church Unity Hooper Being left indifferent by God it is presumption in man to make them necessary Court By a moderate use of these Ceremonies we may gain Papists into the
a Prayer for the assistance of Gods spirit and the Sermon with the Articles of Belief with another Psalme they should dismiss the people with a blessing 5. That there should be a prayer for all the Church after Sermon Court What strange alterations are these but were they contented to set up this new way among themselves Fuller No but they require those of Zurick to come thither and joyne with them in that new way Declaring the necessity of joyning themselves in one Congregation where they might serve God in purity of Faith and integrity of life having both Doctrine and Discipline free from any mixture of superstition But they of Zurick excused themselves 1. Because they saw no necessity that all the English should repair to one place it being safer to adventure in several Bottoms 2. Because they were peaceably seated and courteously used at Zurick and did not see how they might be all entertained at Francford 4. Because they were resolved not to recede from the Liturgy used in England under the Reign of King Edward the sixth Court How began the trouble at Francford Fuller Mr. Chambers and Mr. Grindal came from Strasburgh with a motion to those of Francford that they might have the substance and effect of the Common Prayer though such Ceremonies and things which the Country would not bear might be omitted Whereupon Mr. Knox the Pastor of Francford and others drew up a Platform of the English Liturgy as used in England under Edward 6. Court I pray what was Mr. Calvins Judgement of it Fuller He in a Letter of 20. Jan. 1555. saith That in the English Liturgie there was not that purity which was desired to be and although these things were at first tolerated yet it behooved the Learned Grave and Godly Ministers of Christ to enterprize further and to set forth something more filed from Rust and purer Court What was the effect of this Letter Fuller This struck such a stroke especially in the Congregation at Francford that some therein who formerly partly approved did afterwards wholly dislike and more who formerly disliked did now detest the English Liturgy Court O sad at first some Garment and Vestures were disliked then some passages in the Liturgy and now the whole Liturgy it self but we entreat you go on Fuller The Learned and Prudent the pions and resolute Dr. Cox coming out of England and arriving at Francford with several other men entred the Congregation Mar 13. behaving themselves according to the Customes Rites Ceremonies of the Church of England which Customes the Pastor Mr. Knox preached against as superstitious impure and imperfect and withal prevailed with Mr. Glauberg so far that he publickly professed that if the reformed order of the Congregation of Francford were not therein observed as he had opened the Church door to them so would he shut it again a. a. a. Court Who was active there against the Church besides Fuller One Will. Wittingham one though of less authority yet of as much affection to the cause as Knox himself who could not endime the great English Book for so he called the Liturgy Court What did these say for themselves Fulier They murmured that Arch-Bishop Cranmer had composed a far more pure Liturgy but the corrupt Clergy they said would not admit of it Court Who else opposed the Church of England Fuller One Ashley who set up the people above the Ministers and occasioned the drawing up of a new Discipline which occasioned new troubles and the choice of new Pastors untill by the mediation of Dr. Sandy's and others they were perswaded to some tolerable agreement Court I pray let the persons concerned answer to their Names Register Mr. Williams Mr. Knox Mr. Wittingham Mr. Fox Mr. Gilby Mr. Goodman Mr. Cole Mr. Wood Mr. Keth Mr. Kelk Mr. Hilton Mr. South-bouse Mr. Purfote Mr. Escot Mr. Grafton Mr. Walton Mr. Kent Mr. Hellingham Mr. Carier c. Court Could neither the love of peace nor compassion of your suffering mother nor the offence of the Reformed Churches nor your own dangers keep you within compass order government Nonconf We aimed at pure Reformation an holy communion with other Churches and the peace of Protestants Court Truly you have layed the foundation of the most dangerous Schisme that ever was in the World and what the issue may be God only knoweth and late Posterity may suffer O why cannot you agree seeing ye are distressed brethren O why cannot the great things wherein you agree unite you rather then the small matters wherein you differ should divide you Greatly doth concerne all of you in your places and orders to put to all your powers prayers and interests for preserving the Unity of the spirit in the bond of peace that in nothing you give offence to the Church of God rather be willing to silence and smother your private judgements and to relinquish your particular liberties and Interests to question and mistrust your singular conceits and fancies then to be in any such thing stiffe and peremptory against the quiet of Gods Church the weak to be humble and tractable the stronge to be meek and merciful you the Pastours to instruct the Ignorant to reclaime the wandering to restore the lapsed to convince the froward with the spirit of meekness and compassion And trouble not your Superiours by ungrounded Scruples uncharitable prejudices or unquiet and in the end uncomfortable singularities If any consolation in Christ if any comfort of Love if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowells and mercies Be ye like minded take heed of strife of vaine glory of pride in your own conceits of censure of your brethren of private respects lay aside your own reputation have such humble judgements as that you may be willing to learn any though unwelcome truths and to unlearn any though a darling errour have such humble lives and purposes as that you may resolve to obey with duty whatsoever you are not able with reason to gainsay to the suppressing of those unhappy differences wherewith by the cunning of Satan the Church of God is like to be too much disquieted Whosoever therefore by pride or faction schism or ambition or novel fancies or arrogance or ignorance or sedition or popularity or vain glory or envy or discontent or correspondence or any other carnal reason shall cause Divisions and offence we shall not need load them with any other guilt then the Apostle doth That they are not the servants of Christ Ro. 16. 17. You that are Governours rule with authority and meekness you that are Teachers teach with wisdom and compassion that you cut off occasion from those that seek occasion and may open a way by peace and holiness to your Native Country CHAP. III. Queen Elizabeths Reign COurt There is a restless party that will never suffer the Church to be quiet who when they could not prevaile by force at Francford endeavour to carry on their design by Policy from Geneva For
they said tried all serious and sober meanes to reclame the Bishops which hitherto proved ineffectual they set up Libelling in these Pamphlets 1. The Epitome 2. the Demonstrance of Discipline 3. the Supplication 4. Diotrephes 5. the Minerals 6. Have you any work for Coopers 7. Martin Marre Prelate sen. and jun. 8. More work for Coopers A new way whereby whom they could not in earnest make odious in jest they would make ridiculous for their garbs gate apparel youth defects and infirmities its strange how secretly these were Printed how speediy dispersed how generally bought how greedily read yea and how firmly believed especially among the Common sort to whom no better Musick then to see theie betters abused Court Such Bookes are altogether unbecoming a pious Spirit to print or publish or with pleasure to peruse which supposed true in matter and measure charity would rather conceal then discover the best of men being so conscious of their own badness that they are more careful to wash their own faces then busie to durty other mens An Archangel thought himself too good to bring and Satan not bad enough to have railing accusations brought against him But what was the Law asleep all this while C. N. The Law fined two Knights Knightly and Wigston for entertaining the Press Gentlemen and discovering the Press which was first set up at Mously in Surrey and removed thence to Faushey in Northampton shire then to Laton thence to Coventry thence to Welstone in Warwick shire thence to Manchester and there found by H. E. of Derby in the Printing of more work for the Cooper they found out Udal Penry Greenwood and Barrow and Condemned them Penry for being the Author of Martin Marre Prelate Udal for being the Author of Demonstration of Discipline who were executed afterwards to the great terrour of evil doers and peace of the Kingdome Court Poena ad unum terror ad omnes L. B. C. L. O the sad condition of the Church which like Rebeccab had Twins of Discipline strugling within her the Hierarchy antient and established the Presbytery newly founded by some Clergy men favoured by many of the Gentry and followed by more of the Common sort who being prompted with that natural principle that the weakest must be the most watchful what they wanted in strength they supplied in activity Court I pray wherein were they active when all these courses failed them L. B. C. L. A Synod of Presbyterians of the Warwick shire Classis was called at Coventry the tenth day of the fourth Moneth as they said that is April where they resolved 1. private Baptisme unlawful 2. Homilies useless 3. the sign of the Cross dangerous 4. not to Communicate with unlearned Ministers yet they may hear Lay-men 5. Bishops are unlawful 6. That they have no power of Ordination or jurisdiction 7. That they will privately bring wise men to the approbation of the holy Discipline and afterwards teach it publickly to the people These and other things necessary at all times were subscribed by all the Classes in England with humiliation for their former Conformity as Mr. Johnson witnessed against them when he revolted from them Court What became of these men P. H. Cartwright was cited to the High Commission on the 1. of Sept. 1590. to answer to these Articles against him 1. that he had renounced his Orders 2. that he was ordained beyond Sea 3. and there had setled a Presbyterian Consistory where he had presumed to ordain others that new way 4. that they had exercised their authority in admonition suspension c. against the Lawes of this Realm 5. that though he had promised not to oppose the Lawes yet he did it in neglecting and opposing the orders of the Church and inveighing against the Governours in publick preaching and private conference 6. that when he should pray for Bishops he used these words Because that they who ought to be Pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set our selves against them and by his perswasions others did the like 7. that he received the Sacrament sometimes sitting sometimes walking 8. that since his suspension by the Bishop of Worcester he had presumed to appeal from him and preach publickly and by his own authority to own a servant of his guilty of fornication a forme of Penance in St. Maries in Warwick 9. that he presumed to ordaine Fasts contrary to the Church of England 10. that he had nourished dissentions between Her Majesties Subjects by distinguishing them into Godly and Profane 11. that he concealed the Authors of some late Libells and said in their behalf That they who would not amend by grave admonitions should be further dealt with to their reproach and shame 12. That he had composed a Book called Disciplina Ecclesiae sacrae verbo Dei descripta allowed at several meetings in Oxford Cambridge Warwick c. and practised in several places where Mr. Cartwright was chief Court What saith Mr. Cartwright to these Articles Cartw. I think I am not bound to answer to them by the Lawes of God Bishop Almer You must then to the Fleet. Cartw. Gods will be done L. B. C. What were the discourses that were abroad of these proceedings T. F. I pray hear Mr. VViggingtons words in a Letter to Mr. Porter of Lancaster Mr. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusal of the Oath as I hear and Mr. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted so that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Court And no wonder that they talked at this rate for they had now by their private Agents procured a Letter from King James to the Queen Not to straiten men for setting forth the Evangel in the simplicity of their Consciences But did they break out into any excesses and extravagancies P. H. Yes for with these encouragements Hacket Arthington c. were animated to kill the Queen the Privy Councel and to speak and do such strange things that they were hanged August the twelfth 1591. Court What was that Hacket A. B. He was so civil by nature that he bit and eat his Mistress Note when a School boy he was at first an informer against Recusants and then by his access to great men so busie that he was the great patron of Non-conformity despising all Ministers and though in their Company yet saying Grace himself alwaies and so in all Ministerial duties so angry he was with the Queen that once he stabbed her Picture c. Court Enough of him Good Lord to see what a Schisme will come to in time Nonconformity was now much improved many State businesses are by turbulent spirits shufled into that cause it were worth the while to have before us a series of their meeting and actions in general Mr. Stone To satisfie my own conscience and for the peace of the Kingdome
I shall informe your Honours what I know in this matter Court Where did they meet Mr. Stone 1. At London in Travers Egertons Gardiners and Barbers House 2. in Cambridge at St. Johns 3. in Northampton at Mr. Johnsons and Snapes house 4. at Kettering in Mr. Dammes and my House Court When did they meet Stone 1. Since the beginning of the last Parliament of which they had great hopes Court Who met Stone Cartwright Travers Egerton Clark Gardiner Brown Barber Somerscales Chatterton Gyfford Allen Edmunds Gellibrand Culverwell Oxenbridge Barbon Flud Snap Johnson Sibthorpe Edwards Spicer Fleshwore Harrison Littleton Williamson Rushbrook Baxter King Proudtome Mastre Bradshaw Dammes Pallison Okes Atkinson and my Self and several Schollars of Oxford and Cambridge Court This is ingenuously done of you Mr. Stone and we look upon you as a man in whom there is no guile Stone I can do nothing against but for the Truth let Truth and Justice take place et ruet Mundus L. B. L. Thus one Linke being slipped out the whole chaine was quickly broken and scattered this one discovery marred all their meetings there being none now that could trust or be trusted Court Yet they were not quiet but being disappointed one way they attempted another for one Travers ordained beyond Sea and of so great repute among that party that with Mr. Cartwright he was invited to be a professor at St. Andrews upon Mr. Melvins motion being setled at the Temple a Lecturer endeavoured to gaine the great Interest of the Law on his side and there opposed Mr. Hooker about predestination the Church of Rome c. with a design as some think to make parties there for other purposes untill he was silenced by the Arch-Bishop 1. because he was not lawfully ordained 2. because he preached without Licence 3. because he had disturbed the peace and that wholsome order of Her Majesties That no Opinions should be publickly refuted but that notice should be given to the Ordinary to hear and determine such cases to prevent publick disturbance L. B. C. It was that he looked for that he might as he did afterwards in a supplication to the Councel set his Patron Cecil and others to revive the Good old Cause which if opposed by others as he knew they would be would be Patrons to that Cause if not for conscience yet for their honour Court He knew that if once great men be inveigled to appear they will go through with It. What became of this Master Travers L. B. W. When he could not prevaile in England he went to try whither he might reforme Ireland and to that purpose very cunningly got to be Priest of Trinity Colledge neer Dublin where he might have the advantage to instill his Principles into the Youth of that Nation and so secure to himself and Part if not this yet the next Generation Court Now it may be presumed that the Church of England had rest round about P. H. Not so for these men finding that people were weary of small diffences about Cap Surplice c. that they might have some just occasion to oppose the Church one Dr. Bound set up Judaisme in a Book asserting that Christians are bound to as strict an observation of the Sabbath as the Jewes by a precise rest from all recreations feasts study and whatsoever but praying hearing reading and holy conference which Doctrine was very taking for its own purity and their piety that owned it Court The cunning of these men while the Bishops are providing for Ecclesiastical authority against their Discipline they leave that as not so considerable among the vulgar and set up extraordinary directions for the Lords day which while the Church opposed it was looked upon as ungodly and prophane and now it was that this party got the opinion of purity and holiness among the people which was no small advantage to their Cause the piety of the persons being a fair way to perswade the world of the truth of their opinions but how were these men maintained when they were suspended P. H. Mr. Cartwright had a Catalogue of sixteen hundred sixty three Patrons who allowed the least of them five pounds a year towards the maintainance of that way and it is observed of him that he was very rich and it s known that Mr. Travers left Zion Colledge an excellent Library with 60 l. worth of Plate Court Some of them gained more by their private conferences then by their publick preaching they could otherwise have expected CHAP. IV. King James Reign COurt But now Queen Elizabeth was dead these men thought they were sure of King James who was alwaies bred under them and frighted to their way in his Mothers belly what was their carriage upon that alteration Sand. One Mr. Pickering a Northamptonshire Gentleman a favourer of that way rid post with the newes of Queen Elizabeths death to King James and no doubt took his occasion to urge something in favour of the Nonconformists but how far and with what answer he moved the King is uncertain But Dr. Tho. Nevill Dean of Canterbury sent by Whitgist brought back a wellcome answer of his Majesties purpose to uphold and maintaine the Government of the late Queen as she left it setled Court King James foresaw the dismal things the World was to look for from those men as appeares by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He knew that a Presbytery as well agreeth with Monarchy as God and the Devil they are his own words He knew no Bishop no King L. B. C. Yet Mr. Cartwright dedicates his Comment on Ecclesiastes to King James and the Presbyterians prepared a Petition before hand against the Parliament sat managed by Mr. Hildersham Mr. Egerton which though called the millenary Petition yet with seven hundred and fifty two Preachers hands was it presented to the King and Parliament Court How did the King like this canvasing for hands L. B. E. His Majesty foreseeing that they were likely to trouble him and the next Parliament granted them a Conference at Hampton Court where Dr. Reynolds Sparkes and Mr. Knewstubs and Chadderton appeared on the one hand Bishops Bancrost Mathew Bilson Babington Rudd Watson Robinson and Dove Dr. Andrews Overall Borlow and Bridges Field and King appeared Court What did they desire Dr. R. 1. That the Doctrine of the Church of England should be kept pure for now to make us more odious they quarelled with our Doctrine 2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to teach the same 3. That Church Government might be sincerely ministred according to Gods Word 4. That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety Court What would they have altered in the Doctrine A. They would have predestination and perseverance more clearly held forth Court By all meanes and the Church must be now looked upon as unsound in Doctrine as it was afore corrupt in Discipline yea the nine Lambeth Articles and all the controversies about them
This cut off all the Orthodox men that were already root and branch but what care did they take of the next Generation A. C They furnished the Universities with active men that might instill their Principles into all the Youth yet lest some honest men as D. H. Dr. S. Dr. G. and others should take care for the succession of true Ministers by encouraging some youth to embrace the antient Catholique and Apostolique way they set up a company of Triers as Manton Caryl Nie c. at Church door as it were who were to take care that every man should be true to their faction before he were admitted to any place bestowed upon him L. O. Yea and least any man that was approved by the Triers should afterwards embrace any of the antient Rites and orders of the Church of England they set up in the several Counties Commitees of Ejection who upon the first discovery of an Orthodox man had power to render him uncapable of any livelyhood in the Church L. W. And that they might be sure of the following age they set up new Ordinations and new associations of Ministers L. I. Yea and rather then fail if they had not the Clergy to serve their turn they were resolved to take away Tythes and all the setled maintenance of Ministers and to let into the Church all persons whatsoever that were well affected to themselves and the good Old Cause in somuch that we were like to be all Teachers and no Hearers yea in a word they intended to destroy all Law Order Civility Learning and pure Religion before God and undefiled they denyed the being of the Church and so began to set up a new Church but that God who seteth in Heaven laughed at their devices and brought their Counsel to nought CHAP. VI. King Charles the Seconds Reign COurt When a miracle restored the Church and a wonder defeated these prosperous Parties to their own and the worlds amazement we presume that they acquiesced in it and thought this is the Lords doing and it is marvelous in our sight stand off from these designes lest we be found fighters against God R. L. Especially when besides a providence that might awe these men there came along with his Majesty so much Clemency mercy and goodness as made him ready to condescend as far as reason honour ' or conscience would give him leave and content to yield them all that seemed to advance true piety he onely desiring to continue what was necessary in point of order maintenance and authority to the Church Government and what he was perswaded was agreeable to the true Principles of Government raised to its full stature and perfection as also to the Primitive and Apostolical pattern and the practice of the universal Church conforme thereto nor were the remaining differences so essential to the peoples happiness or of such consequence as in the least to have hindred the Subjects security or prosperity for the best enjoyed both many years before those demands were made Court But the violence of these men was not so allayed R. L. No as soon as ever the King set foot on English ground Smectymnuus was Re-printed the Covenant maintained the Kings engagement in Scotland was urged and many more pestilent Papers whose common business was by affronting the Law and slattering the rabble to cast all back into a confusion a multitude of persons are dissatisfied to whom his Majesty must either yield or endanger himself and three Kingdomes whereby they extorted from his Majesty an Interim or a Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical assaires which allowed them their own liberty untill his Majesty could with the advice of his Divines take further order Court Where they herewith satisfied L. R. No for I do not well remember where ever that party was ever satisfied with less then all allow these people their askings in what concernes their Discipline will they rest quiet there without further hankering after the Legislative power the Milita or some such thing C. How did they proceed R. L. They endeavoured to settle that temporary indulgence for ever in Parliament and when that would not do they endeavour to confirme the people in what they had taught them formerly and urged his Majesty to a Conference which he granted them at the Savoy between Mr. Baxter Dr. Seaman Mr. Calamy Bishop Reynolds Dr. Jacomb Dr. Manton Dr. Conant Dr. Spurstow and Dr. Gunning Dr. Pearson Dr. Peirce c. C. What was the success of that Conference R. L. The same with all others of that nature whence both parties go away as firme in their several Opinions as they came it was not very likely that a day or two's conference should perswade them out of that way out of which the last hundred years law power and reason could not force them C. It 's strange to see a few people endeavouring to impose upon a whole Nation it's strange that a novel and vulgar imagination should bear down an Apostolical institution that a private opinion should consist with a publick and solemn sanction R. L. Yet what these men could not do by argument they endeavour by policy using all meanes to secure to themselves the next Parliament by the most notorious canvasing that was seen this twenty years elections being carried with much partiality and popular heats in most places by the last endeavour of a gasping faction C. It is well they kept themselves within the compass of private policy and design R. L. Not so for at first all the lesser factions were hid in Presbytery till time and military success discovering to every one his own advantage invited them to part into several parties as Independents Anabaptists Quakers Fifth-Monarchy men who all before the King came drove on their several designes but were united since as against a common enemy C. Then these factions grew to the same excess with them in Germany who were at first an harmless people but at last made havock of all Order Law peace Religion c. and whatsoever is sacred among Mankind But what did they attempt R. L. They contrived a design so comprehensive as might take in the whole stream and strength of discontent and faction in the Nation a design for liberty of Conscience in Religion for ease of all payments as Taxes Tythes c. in estate for recovery of King and Bishops Lands to the thousands that bought them of selling all in common to all the poor people that in quiet times could not live C. O their cunning they knew that they were inconsiderable untill discontents drave men into sidings as ill humours fall to the disaffected part so all who affected any novelties or complained of any grievances adhere to that way as the most remarkable and specious note of difference in point of Religion But did they break out into any violence R. L. Yes they set up a desperate party to break the Ice as Venner c. according to whose success the rest were ready to