ioyning together in the true worship of God And that all such Churches and Congregations communicating after that maner together in divine worship are in all ecclesiasticall matters equall and of the same power and authority and that by the word and will of God they ought to have the same spiritual priviledges prerogatives officers administrations orders and Formes of divine worship 5. That every established Church or Congregation ought to have those spirituall officers and Ministers which are enioyned by Christ in the new Testament and no other 6. That the ground of Church-government is the Kingly function of Christ who is the Head of the Church and whom it properly concernes to make lawes by which to governe the Church 7. That the Scripture hath delivered an exact platforme of Pollicie for the House of God which is the Church And The word of God describeth perfitly vnto vs that form of governing the Church which is lawful the officers that are to execute the same from the which no Christian Church ought to swarve 8. That the forme of Church-governement in England is an Humane ordināce yea the very same by which Antichrist rose vnto his intollerable Tyranny in Gods Church 9. That it robbeth the Church of lawfull Pastors Elders and Deacons 10. That Diocesan Bishops have not any place nor part at all in any true and proper visible Church of Christ. 11. That it is the naturall and immutable office of a Pastor both to Teach and to Governe with the assistance of other Elders his owne flock 12. That the right true Discipline Ecclesiasticall in each proper Visible Church is one mayne part of the ordinarie meanes of salvation appointed by God for every soule and that this in the Church of England is vtterly wanting 13. That Diocesan Bishops c. do by necessarie consequence deny Christ the Saviour to be our intire and perfect Prophet and spirituall King by taking away from him some proper parts of his Propheticall and Kingly Offices impugne the Foundation of saving faith and are contrarie to Gods word 14. That Christ is the onely teacher of his Church and appointer of all meanes whereby we should be taught and admonished of any holy dutie whatsoever he hath thought good to teach his Church and the meanes whereby he hath perfitly set downe in the holy Scriptures so that to acknowledge any other meanes of teaching and admonishing vs of our duty then such as he hath appointed is to receive another teacher into the the Church besides him and to confesse some imperfection in those meanes he hath ordeyned to teach vs by If these Assertions I say be true then is it vnlawfull to have communion with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of England But the foresaid Assertions are true Therefore it is vnlawfull to have communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England The Proposition agreeth with that of the former Argument and addeth weight vnto it For besides that which there is sayd it cannot stand with the Homage due vnto Christ the King and Head of the Church with the sound acknowledgement of the sufficiency of the Scripture word of God with the carefull vsing of the means of salvation appointed by God for every soule with the faithfull renouncing of all humane ordinances in Gods worship and vtter detestation of Antichrist c. to have cōmunion with the Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England seing they are not lawfull Pastors or Ministers having the naturall and immutable Offices appointed by Christ nor performing the worship of God according to the Canon of his word but stand in subiection to Provinciall and Diocesan Bishops receiving their Ministery from them and executing it vnder them who are contrary to Gods word and against the Prophecy Kingdome of Iesus Christ c. So as to heare and communicate with their Ministery were to worship God after an vnlawfull maner and to acknowledge other offices and meanes of teaching and governing the Church then such as Christ hath appointed and consequently to receive an other Teacher King into the Church besides him and to confesse some imperfection in those offices and meanes which he hath ordeyned to teach governe vs by c. The Assumption is their owne acknowledged confirmed by themselves in divers of their books Namely The Removall of certaine Imputations layd vpon the Ministers of Devon and Cornwall pag. 22. 39. T. C. reply 1. Pag. 83. English Puritanisme p. 1. 5. 6. 12. 13. 24. The Demonstrat of Discipl pag 1. Admonit to the Parliam treatise 1. and 2. Sermon on Rom. 12. pag. 36. 37. Mr Iacobs Reasons proving necessity of reforming the Churches in England pag. 33. 35. 51. 52. 53. The Abridgement of the Book delivered to his Maiesty by the Lincolnshire Minist pag. 31. 32. 77. 78. c. And let it here be observed that although the case be thus cleare by their owne writings against their Church and Ministery yet * Mr. Bradsh Argum. 12. London Ministers Protest Mr Iacobs Mr Hilders Mr Stones others writings c. they cease not to impute schisme vnto vs for separating from them in such estate they pretend that the mayne cause of our separation is because of their Ceremonies they hold and plead that the Churches of England as they be established by publik Authority are true visible Churches of Christ and that their Ministers are faithfull Pastors and true Ministers of Christ c. Accusations pretences opinions and pleas that sort very ill with their Propositions and Assertions and are so much the more straunge in them as they have besides all the former Positions many other the like affirmed expressely that they lack both a right Ministerie of God a right governmēt of his Church according to the Scriptures that they have an Antichristian hierarchie a Leiturgy culled picked out of the Popish dunghil the Massebook full of all abominations and that the controversie betwixt the Prelates them is not for a cap a tippet or a surplus but for greater matters concerning a true Ministerie and Regiment of the Church according to the word Which being once established the other melt away of themselves Admon to the Parliam treatise 1. 2. Thus have they written and iudged themselves heretofore Now if their Church and Ministery were altered it would be knowen But seing it is not how is it that they keep not more to the greater matters in controversie but insist so much vpon the lesser which would melt away of themselves if the other were once established And why blame they vs for separating from their false Ministerie vnlawfull worship and Babylonish constitution of their Church Or why consider they not that the extent of their Propositions and Assertions reacheth not onely to their Ceremonies but also to their Ministery Leiturgie and Church it self Now therefore if they can make to accord together their judgement with their practise their writings
CERTAYNE REASONS and Arguments Proving that it is not lawfull to heare or have any spirituall communion with the present Ministerie of the Church of England Ier. 50.14.15 Put your selves in aray against Babel round about all that bend the bow shoot at her spare not arrowes for she hath sinned against the Lord. Cry against her round about she hath given her hand her foundations be fallen her walles be destroyed because it is the vengeance of the Lord take vengeance vpon her as she hath done do vnto her Rev. 18.6 Reward her even as she hath rewarded you and double vnto her doubles according to her workes in the cup wherein she hath mixed mixe her the double Printed In the yeare of our Lord 1608. To the Christian Reader grace and peace in our Lord Iesus Christ THe Reasons following I have published gentle Reader for thy good and for the truthes sake which we witnes to the world The causes of our separation from the Church of England are divers as in other Books already printed may be seen This treatise handleth purposely but one of them which is concerning their present Ministerie and was for the substance of it written long synce in nine Reasons which now I have revised and reduced to seven In the propounding and handling whereof I have both inserted divers things which I met with in some writings of Mr Iohn Penry that faithfull Martyr of Iesus Christ and annexed sundry testimonies and Arguments out of the Books of the forward Preachers now abroad in mens hands The third Reason which is taken out of Rev. 14.9.10.11 hath his weight according to the right vnderstanding of that place Concerning which as Mr Ridley that blessed Martyr of Christ †See hereafter p. 59. did in his time I will commit the judgement thereof and of all the rest to the spirituall man to be tryed and judged by the word of God which is the onely rule of truth and so to be received and approved as they shal be found to beare weight being layd in the skoales of Gods sanctuary not any otherwise or further at all The Reasons are set downe in the forme of Syllogismes And the two first which conteyne in them the grounds of the rest have more specially the confirmation of them also handled after the same manner A course that some have desired for the further tryall of our cause Which now I wish it may help them forward to yeeld vnto the truth And if thy self Christian Reader reapest any fruit by our labours give God praise and pray for vs the vnworthiest of his servants who are every where contemned blasphemed and oppugned for the Name of Christ Ier. 30.17 Mat. 5.12 and 10.25 Heb. 12.2 1 Pet. 4.12 c. As hath ben the lot of the Churches and servants of God in all ages yea and of Christ our Lord himself But it is ynough for the disciple to be as his Maister and the servant as his Lord. Therefore will we beare it with pacience and rejoyce in it wayting till the Lord our God bring forth his truth as the light our judgement as the noone day Great we know is the truth and strong is the Lord that will destroy Babylon and will mainteyne the cause and avenge the blood of his servants Rev. 17. and 18. and 19. chap. with Ier. 50. and 51. ch Now therefore let me exhort all both Preachers and people high and low to compare together the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles concerning the work of God and fall of Babylon past and to come and to take heed vnto themselves that they harden not their hearts but whiles it is called To day to hearken vnto the voice of the Lord who sayth vnto vs concerning the spirituall Babylon all her assemblies and worship Go out of her my people that yee partake not with her sinnes and that ye receive not of her plagues as of old he sayd to the Iewes concerning Babylon in Chaldea Go out of the middes of her my people deliver ye every man his soule frō the fierce wrath of the Lord. Rev. 18.4 with Ier. 51.45 And let there be heard * Ier. 50.28 with Rev. 19 ◠◠the voyce of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babel to declare in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God the vengeance of his Temple For it is written Thus saith the Lord of hosts The thick walles of Babel shal be broken downe and her high gates shal be burnt with fire and the people shall labour in vayne and the folk in the fire and shal be weary Ier. 51.58 Which how true it is wil be found in the Antichristian Babylon as it hath ben in the Chaldean let all that are wise observe make good vse thereof vnto themselves And in speciall as now I have occasion let me intreat the Preachers seeking reformation seriously to mynd the Books which many of them selves have written against their present estate with indifferency to judge whether their owne Arguments howsoever intended or alledged otherwise by themselves rely not vpon such grounds as are in very deed against their Ministery aswell as against their Ceremonies against the executing of the one aswel as against the vsing of the other withall against the keeping of communion with them in such estate albeit they have not hitherto so applyed or acknowledged it thēselves Which God in his tyme give them to do for their owne comfort benefit of others And the Lord guyde vs in these and all other things by his word and spirit in the way of his truth keeping vs from errour and every evill way and preserving vs to his heavenly kingdome by Iesus Christ who is the way the truth and the life Amen Thyne in the Lord Francis Iohnson REASONS and proofes from the Scriptures and other testimonies Shewing that it is not lawful to heare or have any spiritual communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England The first Reason ALl are bound in the worship of God to hear and communicate onely with that Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church for that work But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England is not that which Christ hath given and set in his Church for the work of his Ministery Therfore it is not lawful for any in the worship of God to hear or communicate with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblyes of England The proof and declaration of this Reason in the several parts thereof THe Proposition or first part of the Reason is evident and certayn 1. Because Christ hath given his Ministerie to his Church as a fruit and confirmation of his ascension into heaven whose gift therfore cannot therin be refused without denying or derogating from the truth and benefit of that his ascension Ephe. 4.8 12. with Ps 68.18 1 Cor. 12.4 Rev. 1.13.16.17.18.20 2. Because he hath set his Ministerie in his Church
as Lord and King therof whose appointment therefore may not be altered or disobeyed 1 Cor. 12.5.28 with Heb. 3.5 6. 9.10.11 Mal. 1.6 Luk. 6.46 and 19.27 Col. 4.17 1 Thess 5.12 Rev. 1.5.13.16 22.18.19 3. Because he buildeth and worketh by and in his owne Ministerie as God who is gracious and powerful working all in all to whom therfore in his worship all submission and obedience is to be yeelded in his own Ministerie onely and in no other whatsoever 1. Cor. 12.6.28 with Heb. 3.3.4 1 Thess 4.8 1 Tim. 3.1 15. Rev. 1.8.16.20 and 2.1 3.1.14 4. Because to his owne Ministerie onely he calleth his people and promiseth his presence and blessing so as in rejecting it admitting another men do as much as in them lyeth reject and refuse his blessed presence and deny the obedience which they ow vnto him Mat. 28.20 Luk. 10.16 Ioh. 13.20 1 Tim. 3.1.15 6.3.4.5.13.14 Rev. 2.1 and 3.1 with Lev. 26.11.12.15.16 Deut. 33.10.11 Isa 62.6.7.8 Ier. 3.15 Zach. 14.20.21 2 Thes 2.3.4.10.15.16.17 Rev. 22.18.19.20 THe Assumption or latter part of the Reason is proved thus The Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4.11.12 But the present Ministerie of the Church of England is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore it is not the Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church The Proposition is playn and vndenyable The Assumption is shewed thus The present Ministery of the Church of Engl. is of Prelates Priests and Deacons But neyther the Prelates Priests nor Deacons of that Church be Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors or Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore the present Ministery of that Church is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 The Proposition is manifest by their Law constitution The Law of that Church establisheth not nor admitteth any other Ministery but that of their Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry received among themselves or from the Papists Their constitution is such as al the Ministers of that Church must be Priests or Deacons And these also eyther in a superiour degree as the Prelates the Lordbishops Archbs Suffraganes c. or in an inferiour as the Parsons Vicars Stipendaries Chapleynes c. The Assumption is thus proved And first concerning the three first spoken of Ephe. 4.11 The offices of the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists were extraordinary the chiefest appointed by christ for special imploymēt in laying the foundatiō of the christiā church religiō through the world preaching the Gospel every where erecting the kingdom of God in al nations opening foretelling the things revealed vnto them by the holy Ghost planting the Primitive Churches and setling them in the faith and ordinance of Iesus Christ which should continue to the end of the world c. But such are not the offices of the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 More particularly The Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as every one of them had were to have these properties That with their eyes they had seen the L. Iesus 1 Ioh. 1.1 1 Cor. 9.1 and 15.7.8.9 Act. 10.39.40.41 That by him immediately they were appointed to that office Mat. 28.18.19 Act. 1.2.24 25.26 with Prov. 16.33 Gal. 1.1 That of him and not of man they received the doctrine and commandements which they delivered to the Churches Mat. 28.20 Act. 1.2 4.13 Gal. 1.12 2.6 c. That they were sent into the whole world to preach the Gospel to everie creature to the Iewes and Gentiles of all nations Mat. 28.19.20 Mar. 16.15 Rom. 15.19 Act. 9.15 and 13. and 14 chap. c. That as Maister-builders they layd the foundation which should alway continue to the end Math. 28.19.20 with 1 Cor. 3.10.11 Ephe. 2.20 4.11.12.13 Rev. 21.14 That they should all be of equall authority Mat. 20.25.26.27 2 Cor 12.11 Gal. 2.9 Rev. 21.14 That they were filled with the gifts of the holy Ghost with variety of tongues ability to prophecy power to work miracles and to shew vndoubted argumēts of their Apostleship c. Act. 2. 3. 4. 5. ch c. with Ioh. 16.13 20.21.22 1 Cor. 14.18 2 Cor. 12.11.12 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons in the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 And Paul sayth that God set forth him and Barnabas the last Apostles appointed to death c. 1 Cor. 4.9 If they were the last how shal we now look for any mo after them Or if any wil yet so think of themselves or others we may be sure the tryall of them by the word of God wil evince them to be such as the Church of Ephesus foūd to be lyars which said they were Apostles but were not to in deed Rev. 2.2 The Prophets spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as with the Apostles had the Gospel revealed vnto them by the Spirit and delivered it for the foundation of the Christian Churches and religion and by speciall revelation opened applyed the Scriptures of the former Prophets and in waighty cases foretold things to come as by the holy Ghost was shewed vnto them Ephes 3.5 and 2.20 with 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 Act. 11.28 and 21.10.11 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Prophets spokē of Ephe. 4.11 The Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as having appointment direction by the Spirit or the Apostles preached the Gospel abroad and brought the Churches to a setled estate according to the order prescribed them by the Apostles whose companions and assistants they were going whither they sent them and returning whither they would have them Act. 21.8 with chap. 8.5.12.26 29.30.35.39.40 2 Tim. 4.5.9.10.11 with Rom. 16.21 1 Cor. 4.17 and 16.10 2 Cor. 1.1.19 Phil. 2.19.22 1 Thes 3.2.6 1 Tim. 1.2.3 c. and with Act. 16.1.3 and 17.14.15 and 18.5 and 19.22 and 20.4 Col. 4.10.11 with Act. 15.39.40 Tit. 1.4.5 and 3.12 with 2 Cor. 8.23 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Evangelists spoken of Ephe 4.11 The Propositions of these particular reasons are evident by the scriptures annexed vnto them The Assumptions are so playne as they need no proof at all And if any would deny them they ar bound themselves to shew the contrary by the Scriptures Which none can ever do Now as the Prelates Priests Deacons of the church of England are not Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 so neyther are they Pastors or Teachers there spoken of by the Apostle Which now we wil also prove But first for further clearing of the truth and better discerning of their estate it is to be observed here that albeit themselves take it for granted
ecclesiastical functioÌ„s receiv civil offices callings nor take vnto them princely titles dignityes Ephe. 4.11.12.13 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3.4 Rom. 12.7.8 1 Cor. â—2 5.8.28 1 Tim. 4.13.15.16 2 Tim. 2.4 Luk. 12.14 and 22.25.26 But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are not so but by their own constitution are set in that Church and employed in the Ministerie of the word Sacraments Church government so as they may also together with their ecclesiastical functions receive civill offices and callings as to be Iustices of peace County palatines Lords of the Counsel c. take vnto them Princely titles and dignityes as of Grace Lordship c. Which al men see and know to be thus Therfore they are not true Pastors and Teachers 5. Againe The Ministery of Christian Pastors Teachers standeth by the word and ordinance of Christ so as al Churches vnder heaven are bound to receive submit therevnto and to no other whatsoever Ephes 4.11.12.13 Rom. 12.5.6.7.8 1 Cor. 12.5.28 1 Tim. 3. chap. and 5.17 and 6.13.14 But the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry of the Church of England standeth onely by the authority and Law of man so as other Churches els where neyther ar nor need to be subject therevnto Which even themselves of all sorts have acknowledged For which see Whitgifts Defence in the Preface The Answer to the Abstract pag. 58. The Admon to the Parliam The Defence of godly Minist The Demonstration c. Therfore their Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry is not the Ministery of Christian Pastors and Teachers 6. Furthermore The offices of Pastors and Teachers which Christ hath appointed are such as they which have them must be members of a true visible Church and bound to one particular Congregation for the Ministery governmeÌ„t therof Rom. 12.4.5.6.7.8 1 Cor. 12.5.8.12.18 Act. 14.23 20.28 Col. 4.17 Heb. 13.17 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are such as they which have them need not be neyther in their estate can be members of a true visible Church but of a false nor are bound to one particular Congregation for the Ministerie governement thereof but the Prelates are over whole provinces and Dioceses c. and the other inferiour Priests may have in that estate plurality of benefices ecclesiasticall cures c. Which none can deny Therefore they are not the Pastors Teachers which Christ hath appointed 7. Finally The offices condition and government of Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 are such as no way empaire the authority Supremacy or dignity of Kings or any other civil Magistrates eyther in civil or ecclesiastical causes Ephes 4.11 12. and Rom. 12.7 8. with 13.1 Tit. 1.5 9. with 3.1 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3. with 2.13.14 But the offices condition government of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are such as do many wayes empaire the authoritie supremacy and dignity of Kings and all other Magistrates both in civill ecclesiasticall causes And for an instance take these particulars That the Prelates will have their presence voyce authority to be at Parliaments for enacting of Lawes statutes for the coÌ„mon wealth c. That they are rulers of whole Provinces Dioceses in the ecclesiasticall causes therof That in civill estate and government some of them are above all and all of them above some of the Nobles Iustices and other Magistrates of the land That themselves their Courts and officers handle determine sundry civill causes and affaires pertayning to the civill Magistracy That they inflict civil mulcts and punishments That in their forbidden times they give licences to matry c. That the beneficed Priests sweare Canonical obedience to the Prelates That all the Priests and Deacons are exempt from the Magistrates iurisdiction in divers things apperteyning vnto them and answerable onely or chiefly to the Prelates and their Officers c. Therefore they are not the Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 And to this end might divers other reasons be alledged from particular consideration of these severall offices As for example if any for the Prelates would perswade that their Archbishops have the Pastors office then would it follow that they have but two Pastors in the land because they have but two Archbishops Or if they say the Lordbishops be Pastors then have they but sixe and twenty or thereabout and what office then have the Archbishops above them If others say the Priests whether Parsons Vicars or Stipendaries be Pastors then let them tell vs what office their Archbishops Lordbishops have amoÌ„g them seing Christ hath appointed in his Church no ordinarie ecclesiasticall office for any one person greater then the Pastors nor set the Pastors one of them above another in any respect of Ministery power or government but made them all equall therein Rev. 2.1.8.12.18 and 3.1.7.14 with Ephes 4.11 12 13. Act. 20.17.28 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. and Luk. 22.24.25 26 27. And thus much is acknowledged and published also by some of themselves both heretofore in divers of their books and now of late in an Offer of conference about certayne Propositions which they offer to mainteyne against the Prelates Among which are these namely * Offer of Conference p. â— That the Pastor of a particular Congregation is the highest ordinarie ecclesiasticall Officer in any true constituted visible Church of Christ That it is the office of every true Pastor to teach and to governe spiritually onely one Church or Congregation immediately vnder Christ That it is simply vnlawful for any Pastor vnder the new Testament to be also a civil Magistrate That the Office and calling of Provinciall and Diocesan Prelates is contrary to the word of God c. Furthermore if any would say their Deacons have the Pastors office the same absurdity followeth as in the former and this moreover that the works of the Deacons office are by the Apostles opposed to the work of the Ministery wherein the Pastors office is employed Act. 6.2.3.4 with Ephe. 4.11.12 Rom. 12.8 Likewise if they would say they have the Teachers office it would be knowen whether it be the Archbishops Lordbishops Priests or Deacons Parsons Vicars or Stipendaries that have it among them to whom they are adjoyned for the work of Ministerie as ‖ Ephe. 4.11.12 Rom. 12.7.8 the Teachers are to Pastors seing they have none in the office of Pastors spoken of Ephe. 4.11 as is proved here before and what office of Ministery the rest of their Prelates Priests Deacons have whom themselves account not to have the Teachers office and whether the Teachers spoken of Ephes 4.11 must first be Deacons and then Priests and promise obedience to the Prelates that also as to their Ordinaries and be silenced and deposed at their pleasure c. But of these things we have spoken in other
with their walking it is more then tyme needfull that they did it that they did it soundly from the word of God For as yet what do they els but with one mouth both blesse and curse and with the one hand build vp that which with the other they destroy and so make themselves trespassers Gal. 2.18 The seventh Argument taken out of Mr Bradsh book aforesaid vidz vide licet out of the tenth Argument of that Treatise IT is a sinne against Christ the sole Head of the Church to have spirituall communion with those Ministers which in the administration of Divine things do eyther by word or deed solemnely professe yeeld a spirituall Homage to an vsurped spirituall authority in the Church But the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of England do even in the administration of Divine things by solemne deed professe and yeeld a spirituall Homage to the spirituall authority of Lord Archbishops and Bishops which is vsurped Ergo It is a sinne against Christ the sole head of the Church to have spirituall communion with the Ministers of the Church assemblies of England The Proposition may not be gainesaid For all spirituall power vsurped over the Churches of God is an Antichristian authority and to communicate with those Ministers which professe spirituall homage therevnto is to communicate with such as professe spiritual homage vnto Antichrist which must needs be a sin against Christ the sole head of the Church The Assumption hath two parts 1. That the Ministers of the Church of England do even in the administration of Divine things by solemne deed professe and yeeld a spirituall Homage to the spirituall authoritie of Archbishops and Lord Bishops Which is most evident because they preach the word and administer the Sacraments by vertue of their calling received from the Archbishops and Bishops who give them authority herevnto at their ordination saying to every one of them * Book of ordering Priests fol. 14. Take thou authority to preach the word of God and to Minister the holy Sacraments in the Congregation where thou shalt be so appointed Which things themselves cannot deny to be meer Ecclesiasticall Religious and spirituall Actions injoyned among them to be done by offices callings received from the Prelates Ecclesiasticall and spirituall authority So as the doing of them by vertue thereof must needs be a solemne declaration of spirituall homage yeelded to the same authority 2. The second part of the Assumption is That the authority of their Lord Archbishops and Bishops is an vsurped authority The confirmation whereof Mr Bradsh setteth downe in these words following This is sufficiently proved of late by Mr Iacob in his 1. Assertion by many reasons Onely because the weight of the Argument leaneth vpon it I will vse one Reason Those Officers Rulers in the Church that make claime to be of Divine institution chalenge to themselves Apostolicall authority and iurisdiction as the onely Successours of the Apostles to sit onely in Moses chaire To have sole power of the Keyes To cut from the visible Church and receive againe To have power of creating displacing all other ecclesiasticall officers To be the Vniversall Pastors of whole Dukedomes and Kingdomes vnder whom all other Pastors are as Curates c. And yet for all this are such as stand and are supported onely by humane Traditions Ceremonies such as a civill Magistrate may without sinne put out of the Church and such as the true Churches of God may renounce and yet continue the true Church as Antichristian Vsurpers spirituall Tyrants I say all such Officers and Rulers exercise an vsurped authoritie in the Church But our Archbishops Bishops are such Rulers and Officers as are aforesaid Ergo They execute an Vsurped power over the Church The Proposition may easily be iustified For if inferiour officers vidz vide licet Pastors of particular Congregations have had may have firme continuance in the Church without these humane devises and inventions If the Magistrate cannot without sinn put them out of the Church And if those can be no true Churches that renounce to have particular Pastours and Ministers over them it must much more hold in such Church-officers and Rulers as these are if their authority be lawfull good For whilest the Apostles lived they needed not any humane Traditions and devises to support their authority The Magistrates that sought to put them downe sinned with a high hand And that was no Church that renounced and disclaimed their Office Authoritie and Iurisdiction The Assumption is as easily justified For 1. they make claime Title to all those Prerogatives before rehearsed in the first part of the Proposition and vnto more then that as shal be proved if it be denied 2. It is an Embleme of their owne NO CEREMONIE NO BISHOP Ergo No humane Tradition and Invention no Bishop Ergo The office of a Bishop is supported by them eyther onely or specially 3. Their Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction is derived from the King els it is a flat deniall of his Supremacie Also themselves graunt in their last Tables of Discipline That the King hath power to increase or diminish the Circuit of a Bishoprick That he may make two or more Bishopricks of one one Bishoprick to be two or more Yea what should hinder but that he may divide the Bishoprick of London into 800. For where God hath not defined the number of Parishes that a Bishop is to reign over it must needs be a thing indifferent In which by their owne Doctrines the King hath authority without sinne to dispose If therefore the King may as well notwithstanding any thing in the Law of God give the Keyes of the Church to everie particular Pastour of a Congregation over his owne Congregation as to a Bishop over a Diocesse which taketh away the very Essence of an English Bishop He may without sinne take away the very Office of the Bishop which consists in having jurisdiction over many Congregations c. 4. There is no true sober Christians but will say that the Churches of Scotland Fraunce the low Countries and other places that renounce such Archbishops and Bishops as ours are as Antichristian vsurping Prelates are true Churches of God Which they could not be if the authoritie and prerogatives they claime to themselves were of Christ and not vsurped For if it were the ordinance of Christ Iesus that in every Kingdome that receiveth the Gospel there should be one Archbishop over the whole Kingdome One Bishop over many hundred Pastors in a Kingdome and all they invested with that authority and jurisdiction Apostolicall which they claime iure Divino to be due vnto them and to reside in them by the ordinance of Christ certainely that Church that should renounce and disclaime such an authority ordeyned in the Church cannot be a true Church but a Synagogue of Sathan For they that should renounce and deny such must needs therein renounce and deny
Treatises to which we refer the Reader Refut of Mr. Giff. pag. 104.105.106 c. Answ to Mr Hilders pag. 79 80-87-94 c. Answ to Mr. Iacob pag. 188. c. Now whereas some alledge for warrant of hearing these Ministers that the people were to hearken to the Scribes and Pharisees sitting in Moses seat c. Math. 23.2.3 it is to be noted that they were Levites Priests expounders of the Law and Iudges of the pleas and controversies of Israel And therfore had the true offices ordinances which the Lord by Moses did appoint for teaching and governing of that Church as appeareth both by the phrase it self of sitting on Moses chaire and by conference of these and the like Scriptures Deut. 10.8 17.8 12. and 33.1 8.10 2 Chron. 17.8.9 and 19. 8 11. Nehem. 8.4 8. and 9.3.4 5. with Mat. 22.34.35.41 and 23. chap. Mar. 12.28.32.35 Ioh. 1.19.24 and 3.1.10 Act. 5.34 This then is nothing at all for any false Ministerie never ordeyned by the Lord such as the present Ministerie of the Church of England is proved to be Besides to be a Pharisee was not to have a new kind of Ministerie but to be of a speciall sect among the Iewes that pretended more strict observation of the Law then others did Act. 15.5 and 26.5 And they were of any of their tribes or of the proselyte Gentiles as may be seen in Paul who was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin Phil. 3.5 Act. 23. 6. and in them that were sent to Iohn Baptist who were Pharisees of the tribe of Levi being Priests and Levites Ioh. 1.19.24 and in the Proselyte Gentiles brought so to be by the Scribes and Pharisees spoken of Mat. 23.15 And further although they were verie corrupt and vngodly notwithstanding all the pretence they made so as Christ taught his disciples * Mat. 16.6.12 and 23. chap. Luk 12.1 to take heed of the leven of their doctrine and of their hypocrisy and wickednes in conversation yet did they still hold that every true Ministery must be from heaven and not of men and vrged Iohn the Baptist to warrant his calling and Ministerie by the Scriptures Luk. 20 1-7 with Ioh. 1.19 27. So far were they themselves from admitting any false ministery not appointed by God and approved in his word And this also have the forward preachers acknowledged and proved heretofore against the Prelates as appeareth by their owne words saying ‖ T. C. first reply pag. 83. The ministerie is by the word of God and heavenly and not left to the will of men to devise at their pleasure as appeareth by that which is noted of Iohn where the Pharisees coming to Iohn Baptist after that he had denyed to be eyther Christ or Elias or another Prophet * Ioh. 1.23 conclude If thou be neyther Christ nor Elias nor of the Prophets why baptizest thou Which had bene no good argument if S. Iohn might have ben of some other function then of those which were ordinarie in the Church and instituted of God And therefore he to establish his singular extraordinarie functiō alledgeth the word of God whereby appeareth that as it was not lawfull to bring in any strange dostrine so was it ‖ Note not lawfull to teach the true doctrine vnder the name of any other function then was instituted by God Let the whole practise of the Church vnder the Law be looked vpon and it shall not be found that any other ecclesiasticall ministery was appointed then those orders of hy priests and Levites c. which wer appointed by the law of God And if there were any raised vp extraordinarily the same had their calling confirmed from heaven eyther by signes or miracles or by playn and cleare testimonies of the mouth of God or by extraordinarie exciting movings of the Spirit of God So that it appeareth that the ministerie of the Gospell and the functions thereof ought to be from heaven and of God and not invented by the brayne of men Thus have themselves written heretofore and thus doth their owne testimonie agree with the word of God against their present estate and their woonted allegations for their continuing therein But of these things also we have spoken other where and wil not here further prosecute them Treatise of the Minist of Engl. p. 54.55 c. Answ to Mr. Iacob p. 195. The conclusion of all is this that seing the Lord himself ascending vp on high hath given offices of Ministerie to his Church calling requiring all his people to heare have spirituall communion with them not with any other and seing the present ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England cannot be warranted by the word of God to be that which Christ hath given and set in his Church for the work of his Ministerie we may not therefore in the worship of God heare or communicate therewith vnder any colour whatsoever The second Reason NOne may heare or have any spirituall communion with the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England is the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie Therefore none may heare or have any spirtual communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. THe Propositiō or first part of this Reason is manifest 1. Because all false Ministeries are forbidden by the Lord and stand vnder the denunciation of his curse Exod. 20.4.5 with Deut. 18 9-15 2 Kings 10 19-25 2 Chron. 13.9.10.11 Zach. 13 2-6 2 Thess 2 3-12 Rev. 9. and 17. chap. 2 Iohn ver 7.10 Deut. 7.26 and 27.26 Gal. 1.8.9 Rev. 22.18.19 2. Because we are commanded to go out of Babylon and not to partake with any of her sinns therfore not with the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie Rev. 18.4.5.6 with Ier. 51.6.9.45 2 Cor. 6 14-17 1 Iohn 4 1-6 3. Because by hearing and communicating with such a Ministerie all that do so become the servants of Antichrist as it is written His seruants ye are to whom ye obey thus become subject to the wrath of God Rom. 6.16 2 Pet. 2.19 with Rev. 14.9.10.11 4. Because to heare or joyne with that Ministerie is to honour and conspire with Antichrist against Christ and what in vs vs lyeth to vphold that which the Lord will consume 2 Thes 2.3.4.8 Rev. 13. and 14 9-12 18.4.5.6 5. Because this is not to obey the Gospel and receive the love of the truth that we may be saved but to provoke the Lord to send vs strong delusions to beleev lyes and please our selves in vnrighteousnes being carryed away in the deceitfulnes thereof among them that perish vnto condemnation For thus the scripture speaketh of such as in religion yeeld submission to Antichrist the man of sinne in his apostasie 2 Thes 2.3.9.10.11.12 Rev. 14 6-12 and 22.18.19 THe Assumption or second part of the Reason is proved by divers Arguments as followeth The first Argument I. THe Ministerie of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the
according to their works In the meane tyme let none marveile if they see the estate of things in the world to be such as plainly bewray that Sathan and Antichrist so as they may have their Ministery reteyned chuse rather when they cannot otherwise do withall to have some truths of the Gospell taught by their Officers therein then to have both their Ministery refused and every truth of the Gospell freely taught by the Officers of Christ thinking it to be better for them to continue their constitutions with admission of some truths then that both Christs ordinances should be received and the whole truth yeelded vnto in obedience of faith But let all yet in the feare of God take heed vnto themselves how vnder colour of learning the truth hearing the word enjoying the Sacraments and the like perswasions they be drawen to have any spirituall communion with that Ministery aforesaid seing they derive not their Ministeriall functions and authority from Christ the head of the Church but from Sathan the Prince of the world so as none can heare the word receive the Sacraments or learne the truth from their Ministery in this estate but they shall therein submit themselves to that Ministery which Sathan hath set vp in the kingdome of Antichrist and continueth vnder these and the like pretences among his subjects Fearful to be remembred alway is the verdict of the Apostle * 2 Thes 2.10.11.12 that God wil send them the efficacie of delusion that they shal beleeve lies be damned because they beleeve not nor receive the love of the truth that they might be saved And hitherto of this further declaration of the Assumption Another cōfirmatiō therof is that the Church-assēblies of Engl. whervnto their Ministery belongeth are not true visible Churches of Christ as now they stand Therefore also it cannot be that the Ministers thereof can in such estate derive their Ministery frō Christ for the edificatiō of those Churches as being his body wherof he is the head That their Church-assemblies are not in their estate true visible Churches of Christ hath often ben proved heretofore and may be seen in that they are vnseparated from the world not joyned together in cōmunion of the Gospel by voluntrrie profession of the faith of Christ submission to the government which he hath prescribed to his Church not having the power of Christs Churches for the receiving of any truth or redressing of any evil among them but standing in bondage vnder Antichrist in their Prelacy Preisthood Worship ecclesiastical Courts Canōs Officers proceedings c. The further handling whereof may be had ‡ The Apologie to Oxf. Doctors pag. 44. c. Refut of M Giff. Answ to Mr. Stone Mr Iacob Mr Hild. p. 62. c. Counterpoys to Consid Argum. p. 127. c. in sundry other Treatises to which I refer the Reader entreating all carefully to observe this here that the Ministers of the Church of Engl. not deriving their functions of Ministery from Christ the head for the edification of the Church which is his body it must needs be vnlawfull for any and specially for the members of the body of Christ to hear or otherwise to comunicate with thē in their worship vnder any pretēce whatsoever The fift Reason NOne may heare or have any spiritual communion with those Ministers which minister the holy things of God work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spiritual calling But the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of England minister the holy things of God and work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spiritual calling Therfore none may heare or have any spirituall communion with the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of England The Major or first part of the Reason is proved 1. Because the ministration of the holy things of God is a speciall part of Gods spiritual worship and therfore neyther to be done by any false spirituall calling nor to be received from any so ministring Mat. 28.18.19.20 Act. 20.17.28 Ephes 4. 11.12 1 Cor. 3.8.9 4.1 5.3.4.5 11.23 24. 25. 12.4.5.6.13.18.28 2 Cor. 5.19.20 Col. 4.17 1 Tim. 3.15 and 6.13 16. 2 Tim. 4.3.4.5 Heb. 5.4 with Nū 16.40 Ier. 23.16.21.22 Ezech. 43.8 44.6.7 8. 9. Rev. 2.1.2.7 c. 2. Because the consciences of the people of God are the Temples of the living God wherin he dwelleth by his Spirit ought therfore only to be subiect to the Lord and taught by him in his owne ordinance 1 Cor. 3.16 2 Cor. 6.16.17.18 with 5.20 Ioh. 13.20 Heb. 13.7.17 Rev. 22.16.17.18.19 3. Because the Lord Iesus Christ alone must have this preeminence the Church may not suffer any whomsoever to beare rule over them at their owne pleasure Col. 1.18.19 and 2.18.19 4. Because in submitting the soule to a false spirituall Ministery men defile the Temple of God and withdraw their subjection from Christ and become the subjects of Antichrists as it is written The Temple of God is holy which ye are And No man can serve two maisters for eyther he shall hate the one and love the other or els he shall leane to the one and despise the other And of whomsoever a man is overcome even to the same is he in bondage 1 Cor. 3.16 17.18 and 2 Cor. 6.16.17 with Mat. 6.24 Luk. 6.46 Mal. 1.6 Rom. 6. 16. 2 Thess 2.3.4 2 Pet. 2.19 The Minor or second part of the reason is proved because they minister the holy things of God work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of their Ministery received of the Prelates frō their spiritual authority which is vsurped and Antichristian and therfore by vertue of a false spirituall calling as hath ben shewed before in the second Reason and is proved in * Mr Bradsh Argum. 10. Mr Iacobs Reasons for necess of reform p. 4.44.52 c. divers of their owne writings Yet here is somewhat to be annexed for the clearing of some exceptions specially concerning such as are of greatest forwardnes among them Some there be which say they preach not by vertue of their Ministerie taken from the Prelates but by vertue of some other calling and authority Let such consider and answer 1. Why they would seem to renounce that calling received of the Prelates 2. Secondly if they disclayme that Ministery appointed by Law of the land why they blame vs for doing the like 3. Thirdly if they preach by vertue of another calling then that they have received of the Prelates how then they stand Ministers of that Church where no other is allowed and how they impose themselves vpon any of their parishes or assemblies seing the lawes of the land allow onely the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry aforesaid 4. Fourthly how they can avoyd but needs they must be therein both intruders hypocrites Intruders because they take vpon them exercise a publick office in that Church against the publick lawes and constitutions thereof Hypocrites
for our selves or submitting our selves vnto any office or calling for the administration of the word prayer or Sacraments save onely that Ministery which Christ our Saviour hath appointed in his word Of which sort because these Ministers of the Church of England are not far be it that we should rebell against the Lord our God and turne away frō him in receiving of them in mainteyning or submitting our selves vnto them by hearing of them or communicating with them in their Ministery any other wayes If it be sayd that all that these Ministers do is to the Lord and that the things which they do are such as he hath commaunded as reading the Scriptures teaching the truth praying baptizing c. yet this doth not help them nor covereth their sinne For besides that which hath ben spoken before concerning this poynt we may see here by this example how the Reubenites and the rest confessed that although they had built their Altar for the true God and to serve him by no other sacrifices then he required yet their attempt therein should notwithstanding be rebellion against the Lord and apostasie from their God The same likewise is to be mynded for all false Ministeries devises of men in the worship of God vnder the Gospel For whatsoever things ar written aforetyme they are afore-written for our learning and instruction Rom. 15.4 And hitherto of these Reasons Now the God of all grace give vs to agree and be like mynded in the truth and syncerity of the Gospell of Iesus Christ that wee may set our hearts to receive keep whatsoever the Lord hath commanded and in one accord with one mouth may praise God even the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ To whom be glory and dominion for ever ever Amen OTHER ARGVMENTS and Reasons taken out of divers Books old and new written by the forward Preachers concerning the Ceremonies Ministery and government of the Church of England Tending to the same end and proving the same thing with the Reasons here before alledged vidz vide licet That it is notlawfull to heare or communicate with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of England The first Argument taken out of Mr W. Br. Twelve Arguments made by him against their Ceremonies and thus applyed vnto their Ministery ALl Wil. worship is sinne To heare or communicate with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England in Church Service in maner and forme prescribed is a Wil-worship Ergo To heare or communicate with that Ministerie is sinne The Proposition cannot be denied for the Apostle Paul plainely condemneth Wil worship The Assumption may thus be proved All pars of Divine Service and Worship imposed onely by the will and pleasure of Man vpon the communicants in Divine Service and that of necessity to be done is Wil-worship But to heare or communicate with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of England in Church Service in maner forme prescribed is 1. a part of Divine Service and Worship 2. imposed onely by the pleasure will of Men vpon the Cōmunicants in Divine Service 3. of necessity to be done therin Ergo To heare or communicate with the present Ministerie of the Church assemblies of England in maner and forme prescribed is a Wil-worship The Proposition is as cleare as the Sunne at noone day The Assumption hath three parts 1. The first is That to heare or communicate with the present Ministerie of the Church of England c. is a part of Divine worship and Service Which cannot be denyed 2. The second part of the Assumption is That it is imposed onely vpon the pleasure and will of man Which is evident seing Man imposeth it vpon man God hath not in his word appointed their Offices callings and administration neyther required any to cōmunicate with them in Church service in maner and forme prescribed Towching which besides that we have spoken in the former Reasons see in their owne books what themselves have published a proof whereof in sundry particulars we have given both heretofore and in this present Treatise 3. The third part of the Assumption is That it is of necessity to be done in Divine Service Which is also out of all doubt For the people stand bound to heare cōmunicate with them vpon payne of suspension excōmunication paying twenty pound a moneth c. and God must have no solemne Worship in England except it be in communion with the same Vpon all this it followes That to heare and communicate with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England in maner forme prescribed is to do that which is a part of Divine worship imposed onely by the will of Man c. The second Argument taken out of the same Treatise IT is a sinne against God for Christians to partake with the Ministerie of such as accounting themselves to be servants of Iesus Christ yet do in the execution of their Ministery give speciall Honour to Antichrist and his Officers But the Ministerie of the Church of England is such as the Ministers account themselves to be servants of Iesus Christ and yet in the execution of their Ministerie give speciall Honour to Antichrist and his Officers Ergo It is a sinne against God for Christians to partake with the Ministerie of the Church of England The Proposition is manifest and cleare to any that have an eye of Reason and any light of Divinity shining in it For which see 2 Cor. 6 14-17 Rev. 18.4 The Assumption hath two parts First that the Ministers of the Church of England account themselves to be servants of Iesus Christ Which themselves will freely graunt For here they say that by way of Excellency they are so The second is that they do in the execution of their Ministerie give speciall honour to Antichrist his Officers Which is proved If our adversaries will graunt that the Pope is Antichrist and the Prelates Antichristian officers by this reason Such a conformity to Antichrist and his Officers in the Ministerie as is not onely besides the word of God but in a special maner derogatorie to all reformed Churches that have departed from the Synagogue of Rome is a speciall honour to Antichrist and his Officers But the execution of the Ministery of the Church of England is such a conformity to Antichrist and his Officers Ergo The execuion of that Ministerie in the manner aforesaid is to give speciall honour to Antichrist and his Officers The Proposition is without exception The Assumption is thus proved To execute a Ministerie vnder Antichrists Hierarchie and that also by vertue of a calling received according to the popish ordering of Ministers which is not onely straunge from the word of God and the vse of all well reformed churches in the world but is also drawen out of the Popes pontificall wherein he sheweth himself to be Antichrist most lively that is to have conformity with Antichrist and his Officers as is aforesaid But such
because the Lord hath straitly enjoyned vs to forsake all humane devises in his worship and not at all to partake with any of the sinnes of Babylon Deut. 4. chap. Rev. 18.4 and 22.18.19 Of which sort both they and we have proved that these are as may be seen in their books and ours written hereabout And thus much of the Proposition The Assumption is proved by Mr Bradsh in his Twelve Arguments by the London Ministers in their Exceptions and by the Lincolneshire Ministers in their Abridgement of the Book delivered to his Maiesty pag. 2-70 c. compared with the Canons of Anno 1603. c. The Arguments other Treatises of the Ministers shew the nature and vse of the things enioyned to be of such consequence The Canons of the Convocation and other Lawes and constitutions of their Church shew that the Ministers are bound to such a Ministration And that vpon payne of suspension deprivation degradation excommunication c. Wherevpon some of them have written that * Removal of Imput of Devon Cornwall Minist p. 36. not Paul himself if he were living should be permitted to continue his function if he would not conforme And ‡ Mr Bradsh Argum. 11. the whole Solemne Worship and Ministerie of Iesus must stoupe and yeeld to these And these must not stoupe or yeeld to them Which howsoever they apply most vnto their Ceremonies yet the grounds of their Arguments imply it also vpon their Ministery and vpon the partakers therewith as may appeare by that which hath ben sayd before which hereafter followeth The fourth Argument taken out of the Admonitions to the Parliament written by the Preachers seeking reformation IF the Offices of the Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops Suffraganes Parsons Vicars Parish priests Stipendaries and the rest of that sort in the Church of England be Antichristian contrarie to the Scriptures then the people of God may not heare or otherwise partake with their Ministerie in the worship of God But the Offices of the Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops Suffraganes Parsons Vicars Parish priests Stipendaries and the rest of that sort in the Church of England are Antichristian and contrarie to the Scriptures Therefore the people of God may not heare or otherwise partake with their Ministery in the worship of God The Proposition needs no proof For what communion hath light with darknes And what concord hath Christ with Belial 2 Cor. 6 14-17 Rev. 14 9-12 and 18.4 and 22.18.19 The Assumption is their owne saying and their plea for reformation many yeares since Admonition to the Parliam treatise 1. and 2. section 14.18.20 c. The fift Argument taken out of the Offer of Conference or disputation tendered by some of the silenced deprived Ministers to the Archbishops and Bishops c. IF these Propositions be true 1. That all matters meerly Ecclesiasticall which are lawfully imposed vpon any Church are such as may be concluded necessarily from the written word of God 2. That all humane Ordinances vsed onely or specially in Gods worship wherevnto they are not necessarie of themselves are simply vnlawfull 3. That every true visible Church of Christ is such a spirituall Body politick as is specially instituted by Christ or his Apostles in the New Testament 4. That every true visible Church of Christ or ordinary Assembly of the faithfull hath by Christs ordinance power in it self immediately vnder Christ to elect and ordeyne deprive and depose their Ministers to execute all other Ecclesiasticall Censures 5. That the Pastor of a particular Congregation is the highest ordinary ecclesiasticall Officer in any true constituted visible Church of Christ 6. That it is the Office of every true Pastor to teach and to governe spiritually onely one Church or Congregation immediately vnder Christ 7. That the Office Calling of Provinciall and Diocesan Prelates is contrary to the word of God If I say these Propositions be true then it is not lawfull to hear or have any spirituall communion with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of England But the Propositions aforesaid are true Therefore it is not lawful to heare or have any spirituall communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England The Major is of necessary consequence and not to be denyed 1. Because their Ecclesiasticall matters Constitutions Offices Ministration called into question cannot be concluded from the written word of God but are Humane Ordinances never instituted by Christ or his Apostles And therefore are vnlawfull to be received or bowed vnto in Gods worship Exod. 20.4.5 and 23.13.24 Deut. 12 28-32 2 Cor. 6 14-17 1 Tim. 5.22 and 6.13.14 Iude ver 3. 23. Rev. 22.18.19 2. Because by the consequence of these Propositions they have not in their estate eyther true Churches or true Ministers And with false Churches and false Ministers we may not have any spirituall communion Hos 4.15 Amos. 4.4.5 Ioh. 10.5 Reve. 14 9-12 and 18. 4.5 3. Neyther can it be but that such practise must needs imply in them which do it that eyther they hold the Propositions aforesayd to be false which they averr to be true or at least that they walk corruptly halt between two opinions 1 King 18.21 The Minor is professed and published by themselves and offered to be mainteyned against the Archbishops and Bishops and all their adherents by the late silenced and deprived Ministers in England Offer of Conference pag. 1.2 Where also note how themselves hold it lawfull vpon the Prelates proceedings that * Offer of Conference pag. 39. both the Ministers and people of the Church-assemblies of England may leave their ordinarie standing in those Churches Which if it prove not a lawfull separation like ours it wil be found to be a very schisme among themselves The sixt Argument taken out of divers Treatises written in behalf of the Ministers of Devonshire Cornwall Lincolnshire c. also out of the Admonitions to the Parliamēt out of Mr Cartwrights Mr Vdals Mr Iacobs other of their books written of like argument IF these Assertions be true 1. That that Church-calling for which the Scripture giveth no expresse warrant is meerly vsurped vtterly vnlawfull 2. That as it is not lawful to bring in any straunge doctrine so is it not lawfull to teach the true doctrine vnder the name of any other function then is instituted by God And that God hath not onely ordeyned that the word should be preached but hath ordeyned also in what order and by whom it should be preached 3. That the Word of God conteyned in the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles is of absolute perfection given by Christ the head of the Church to be vnto the same the sole Canon and rule of all matters of Religion and the worship and service of God whatsoever And that whatsoever done in the same service and worship cannot be iustifyed by the said word is vnlawfull 4. That a true visible Church is a company of men ordinarily
Christ himself Thus the Assumption is cleared And thus the cause is yeelded by themselves who in their owne writings speak and reason in such sort as hath ben shewed Which I thought good thus to apply to their present estate further manifestation of the truth And thus much cōcerning these Argumēts Reasons Which now I leave to the consideration of all that are of judgement and conscience exhorting them as they love the truth and their owne good 1 Thes 5.21 Psal 119.59 to try all things by the word of God to consider their wayes and to turn their feet into his testimonies And I pray the Lord God of all glorie and goodnes to discover and consume the apostasie of Antichrist daily more and more to make the light and power of the Gospell of Christ shine forth and prevaile against all enemies and hinderances to give his people of all estates and nations to walk in the light and comfort thereof to the praise of his Name and eternall life by Iesus Christ who is God overall blessed for ever Amen Ier. 50.29 Call together * the mighty many against Babel all that bend the bow besiege her round about let there be no escaping for her recompense her according to her work according to all that she hath done do vnto her for she hath ben proude against the Lord against the holy one of Israel A Table of some principall things conteyned in this Treatise THat it is not lawfull to heare or have any spirituall communion with other Ministerie then that which Christ hath given vnto his Church pag. 1. 17. 51. 63. 70. 78. 87. 93. c. That the Ministery given by Christ is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4. p. 2. 4. 5. 7. 22. c. That the Ministers of the Church of England are none of these p. 3. c. Of the obiection made about hearing the Scribes and Pharisees p. 14. That the Ministery of the Church of Engl. is the Ministery of Antichrists Apostasie p. 18. c. Of the Prelates being spirituall Lords Diocesan and Provinciall Bishops Antichristian vsurpers c. p. 19. c. and p. 70. 71. 101. 102. 110. Of the examples of Timothee and Titus alledged for them p. 22. c. Two Questions about the ordinance of Christ and the apostasie of Antichrist touching the Ministery and governement of the Church p. 26. How the Ministers of the Church of England are made Deacons Priests Bishops and Archbishops And wherevnto they subscribe p. 30. c. That the Ministery of that Church obeyeth not Christ in his ordinance as their Prophet Priest and King p. 39. 105. That it is set against and exalted above the holy things and constitutions of Christ p. 41. That it apperteyneth not properly to any estate civill or ecclesiasticall but onely to the body and religion of Antichrist p. 42. 43. That the King may and ought to suppresse it throughout his Dominions p. 44. That the Lord will abolish it by the light and power of his Gospell with the spirit of his mouth and brightnes of his coming p. 46. That the Ministers with the people in that estate worship the Beasts image and receive his mark in the forehead or hand p. 51. c. That they derive not their power and functions of Ministerie from Christ the head of the Church p. 63. c. That though they be of good gifts and teach many true doctrines yet it is no warrant to communicate with their Ministerie p. 66. 75. 92. That they work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spirituall calling p. 70. 109. 110. Of the Apostles not ceasing to preach in the Name of Iesus at the commandement of the Rulers of Israel p. 73. 74. That the Ministerie of the Church of Engl. is a straunge Ministery p. 78. c. Of the conspiracy of Corah Dathan Abiram c. p. 79. That it is vnlawfull to present our bodies at false worship p. 81. c. Of Naamans example alledged for that purpose p. 82. That the Ministerie of the Church of England is not from heaven but of men p. 87. That it giveth honour to Antichrist and is derogatory to the reformed Churches p. 95. Divers testimonies of their owne and of the Martyrs others against their Ministerie and Church estate p. 6. 13. 15. 21. 30. 33. 36. 41. 44. 59. 65. 73. 76. 79. 88. 93. c. Also the grounds of Mr Bradsh Arguments and of the London Lincolnshire Devonshire and other silenced Ministers their Exceptions Abridgement Answers and Offers applyed against them p. 93. c. Faultes escaped Pag. 63. lin 6. 7. read thus of Engl. is such as deriveth not Pag. 78. lin 22. Num. 15.39 Pag. 85. lin 8. will from the hote Pag. 94. line 29. annex this in such of the books where it is wanting and God must have no solemne Worship in England except it be in communion with the same Pag. 95. lin 19. put in the margent Mr Bradsh Argum. 2. Pag. 110. lin 10. annex this And their owne reasons alledged against the vse of the Ceremonies do also prove it