Mahomet hath as I said lasted above a thousand years The reasons are divers as I have shewed in the former question to which may be added these 1. By this long persecution and tyranny of the Turks God will try and exercise the faith patience constancy and other vertues of his people which would corrupt and purrifie like standing water or Moab â—â—tled upon the Lees not being poured from vessel to vessel How can the courage of a Souldier be known but in a skirmish or the skill of a Mariner but in a storm Marcet sine adversario virtus that tree saith Seneca is most strongly rooted in the ground which is most shaken with the wind Nulla est aâ—or fortis solida nisi in quam venti saepius incursant ipsa enim â—exatiane constringitur adices certius figit 2. God is pleased to continue this tyranny and power of the Mahumetans to the end that Christian Princes may love each other and stick close together against the common enemy that their military discipline might be exercised abroad and not at home For this cause the wisest of the Romans were against the utter destruction of Carthage fearing least the Romans wanting an enemy abroad should exercise their swords against themselves which fell out accordingly For the same cause God would not utterly destroy the Philistines Ammonites Moabites and other neighbouring enemies of the Iewes But such is the madnesse of Christians that though we have so potent an enemy close at our doores ready to devour us yet wee are content to sheath that sword into our owne bowels which we should imploy against the common foe 3. God will have this sword of Mahumetanisme to hang over our heads and this scourge to be still in our eyes that thereby wee may be kept the more in awe and obedience that if at any time we start aside like a broken bow we may returne againe in time considering God hath this whip ready and at hand to correct us Thus God lest the Canaanites among the Jewes to be pricks in their eyes and goads in their sides I will not saith the Lord drive out any from before them of the Nations which Joshua left when he died that through them I might prove Israel whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk tberein c. therefore the Lord left these nations without driving them out hastily See Iudg. 2. 21 22. 3. 1 2 3 c. 4. God is content to continue this Mahumetan Sect so long because justice is exercised among them without which a State or Kingdome can no more stand then a tree without a root or an house without a foundation they are also zealous and devout in their way and great enemies to Idolatry so that they will permit no images to be painted or carved among them knowing that God is not offended so much against any sin as against idolatry which is spiritual adultery most destructive of that matrimonial conjuction between God and us 5. The Lord by the long continuance of Mahumetanism will punish the perfidiousnesse and wickednesse of the Greek Emperours as likewise the multitude of heresies and schisms hatched in that Church 6. This Sect of Mahumeranism is so made up of Christianism Judaism and Gentilism that it abates the edge of any of these nations from any eager desire of its extirpation The Contents of the Seventh Section The Christian Religion propagated 2. The decay thereof in the East by Mahumetanism 3. Persecution and Heresie the two great Enemies thereof 4. Simon Magus the first heretick with his Disciples 5. Menander Saturninus and Basilides Hereticks 6. The Nicholaitans and Gnosticks 7. The Carpocratians 8. Cerinthus Ebion and the Nazarites 9. The Valentinians Secundians and Prolemians 10. The Marcites Colarbassi and Heracleonites 11. The Ophites Cainites and Sethites 12. The Archonticks and Ascothyprae 13. Cerdon and Marcion 14. Apelles Severus and Tacianus 15. The Cataphrygians 16. Pepuzians Quintilians and Artotyrites 17. The Quartidecimani and Alogiani 18. The Adamians Elcesians and Theodocians 19. The Melchisedicians Bardesanists and Noetians 20. The Valesians Catheri Angelici and Apostolici 21. The Sabellians Originians and Originists 22. The Samosatenians and Photinians 23. The Manichaean Religion 24 The Hierachites Melitians and Arians 25. The Audians Semi-arians and Macedonians 26. The Aerians Aetians and Apollinarists 27. The Antidicomarianits Messalians and Metangismonites 28. The Hermians Proclianites and Patricians 29. The Ascites Pattalorinchites Aquarii and Coluthiani 30. The Floriani Aeternales and Nudipidales 31. The Donatists Priscillianists Rhetorians and Feri 32. The Theopaschites Tritheits Aquei Melitonii Ophei Tertullii Liberatores and Nativitarii 33. The Luciferians Jovinianists and Arabicks 34. The Collyridians Paterniani Tertullianists and Abelonites 35. The Pelagians Predestinati and Timotheans 36. The Nestorians Eutychians and their Spawn SECT VII Quest. WHat is the other great Religion professed in Europe A. Christianity which is the Doctrine of Salvation delivered to man by Christ Jesus the Son of God who assuming our nature of a pure Virgin taught the Jewes the true way to happinesse confirming his doctrine by signes and miracles at length sealed it with his blood and so having suffered death for our sins and rose again for our justification he ascended to his Father leaving twelve Apostles behind him to propagate this doctrine through the world which they did accordingly confirming their words with miracles and their own blood and so this light of the Gospel scattered all the fogs and mists of Gentile superstition at the sight of this Ark of the new Covenant the Dagon of idolatry fell to the ground when this Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah did roar all the beasts of the forrest that is the Pagan Idols or Devils rather hid themselves in their dens Apollo complained that his Oracles failed him and that the Hebrew child had stopped his mouth When it was proclaimed at Palotes by Thanas the Egyptian ship-master that the great god Pan was dead all the evil spirits were heard to howl and bewail the overthrow of their Kingdom Porphirie complained that the preaching of Christ had weakened the power of their gods and hindred the gain of their Priests The bones of Babylas so hindered Apollo that he could deliver no Oracle while they were there The Delphick Temple fell down with earthquake and thunder when Iulian sent to consult with the Oracle Such was the irresistible power of the two-edged sword which came out of Christs mouth that nothing was able to withstand it The little stone cut out of the mountain without hands smot the great Image of Nebuchadnezzar and brake it in pieces to the Doctrine of twelve poor weak fishermen did the great Potentates of the world submit their Scepters Thus the stone which the builders refused became the head of the Corner it was the Lords doing and its marveilous in our eyes The terrible beast which with his iron teeth destroyed all the other beasts is destroyed by
also and to communicate The order of Saint Iames of the Sword was instituted Anno 1158. under the reignes of Alphonso the nineth King of Castile and of Ferdinand King of Leon. The Knights wear on their breasts and on the left sidâ—â— Scalloâ—shell About their neck they wear three chains of Gold from which hangs the form of a sword being of red Sattin embroidered and a Scallop shell upon the same sword The red sword signified their victory over the Arabians with whose Blood their swords were dyed The Scallop shell was a mark of their Pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre of Saint Iames these they gather on the Sea shore and fasten them to their hats or hooâ—s who go on Pilgrimage This order took first beginning in Galiciâ— under the homage then of Leon at first these Knights lived in common with the Monks of Saint Helie and shaved their Crowns vowing chastity poverty and obedience but afterward they married they both were of Saint Austins rule This order was also established in Portugal above six hundred Knights were of this order Many Lords of Spain hold it an honour to wear the habit of Saint Iames. The great Mastership of this order was incorporated to the Crown of Castile Anno 1493. by Pope 〈◊〉 the sixth The order of Saint Iulian called of the Pear-Tree was instituted in the Kingdom of Leon Anno 1179. and was approved by Pope Alexander the third Lâ—cius the third and Innocent the third The Knights have the Pear Tree for their 〈◊〉 But after A phâ—â—so the ninth King of Leon becaâ—e Master of the City Alcantara which he took from the Moors and bestowed it on the Great Master of 〈…〉 and this gave it to the Master of the Pear Tree These Knights of the Pear Tree stiled themselves Knights of Alcantâ—ra and forsaking their former Armes were the Green Crosse Flower de 〈◊〉 on their brests they live under the order of Benedict They first professed Chastity but Pope Paul the fourth permitted them to marry The Great Mastership of this order was by Pope Alexander the six 〈◊〉 Spaniarâ— united to the Grown of 〈◊〉 in favour of King 〈◊〉 of Arragon and Queen â—â—abel his wife The order of Calatravs was â—ounded in the Kingdom of Castile-Anno 1158. under the Reign of Sancio the third and sixth King of Castile They were called Calatravâ— from a Castle of that name taken from the Moors and given to the 〈…〉 but they fearing their own weaknesse surrendered it to the King Sancio of Castile who gave it to certain Monks of the Cistertian order who offered themselves to keep this frontiered Castle Hence arose the order of Calatrava They wear a red crosse Flower de luced Pope Alexander the third approved this order at first these Knights wore Scapularies and robes of white but Pope Benedict the third dispensed with them for that Monkish habit and they were permitted by Pope Paul the third to marry once onely At last the Masterships of Saint Iames of Calatrava and of Alcantara were annexed to the Crown of Spain in favour of Charles the fifth Emperour and King of Spain who enjoy the revenues of these three great Masters The order of the Band or Red Scarffe was instituted in Castile by Alphonso the 11th Anno 1330. King of Leon Castile The Knights wore a broad Ribband of red Silk and are bound to accompany the King in his Wars to be valiant sober courteous discreet c. The order of the Dove or Holy Ghost was instituted in Segobia in Castile Anno 13â—â— by Iohn the first of Castile They wore a collaâ— linked with Sun beams whereat hung a Dove of Gold enamelled with white as if it were flying down from Heaven But this order ended with the institutors life to wit the same year of his institution The order of Saint Saviour of Montreal called the order of Arragon was instituted in Arragon Anno 1120. by Alphonso the eighteenth King of Navarre and first of Arragon The Knights wore a white robe and on the breast an anchored red crosse their rule was like that of the Templars to whom they succeeded in Montreal but only that they had power to marry The order of our Lady of Mâ—ntesia or of Valencia was instituted in the Kingdome of Valencia Anno 1317. by Iames the second King of Arragon upon the extirmination of the Templâ—rs The Statutes of this order were answerable to that of Calatrava under the rule of the Cistertians whose cloathing they were dispensed withal to wear Their Crosse was that of Saint George a full red crosse which they wore on their breast The order of the Looking Glasse of the Virgin Mary was instituted by Ferdinand the Infant of Castile Anno. 1410. upon a memorable Victory he had over the Moores The Collar of this order was composed of Bough-pots full of Lillies interlaced with Griffons The order of Iesus Christ was instituted in Portugal An. 1320. by Dionysius the sixth King of Portugal the Knights wear black and upon their breast a red crosse and another white over the red Pope Iohn the twenty second confirmed this order Anno 1320. gave them the rule of Saint Bennet Pope Alexander the sixth gave them leave to marry This order as that of D. Avis was annexed to the Crown of Portugal This order D. Auis was instituted in Portugal under the first King Alphonoso Henriquez Anno 1147. under the rule of Saint Bennet They beare for their Armes the crosse like that of Alcantara with two black birds like Ravens Q. 12. What were the orders of Knight-hood in Germany Hungary Bohemia Poland c. A. The order of the Dragon was instituâ—ed in Germany by the Emperor Sigismund Anno 1418. upon the condemnation of Husse and Hierom of Prâ—gue The Knights did wear on high days a Scarlet cloak a double Golden chaine at the end whereof hung a Dragon overthrown her wings seeming broken and daily they wear a Crosse Flower de Luced with green This order was famous throughout Germany and Hungary The order of Austria and Carinthia or of Saint George was instituted by the Emperor Frederick the third first Arch-Duke of Austria Anno 1470. The Knights wear a white coat and a red crosse they were bound to guard the Frontiers of Germany Hungary Austria Styria and Carinthia against the Turks The order of Poland or of the white Eagle was instituted by King Ladistaus the fifth Anno 13â—5 The Knights wear a triple chaine of Gold whereat hangs an Eagle Crowned The order of Denmark or of the Elephant was instituted by Christierne the first King of Denmark Anno 1478. The Collar which the Knights wear is composed of Elephants with silver Castles on their backs at the end whereof hangeth the picture of the Virgin Mary beset with Sun beams and a Crescent under her feet The order of Sweden or of Iesus or of the Sâ—raphims was instituted
lesser but now the one sits in Persia the other to wiâ— the lesser in Ciliciâ— They are in some sort 〈◊〉 holding a coalition of Christs two natures into one compounded nature but by their late confession ìt seems they have renounced this opinion Their Patriarch they call Catholikes they administer the Sacrament with unleavened bread and will not have Christs body to be really in the Sacrament under the species of bread and wine nor do they mingle water with wine With the Greeks they deny the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Son They give the Eucharist to Infants presently after Baptism they pray for the dead yet deny Purgatory they re-baptise converts from the Latine Church They fast the 25. of December and keep Christmasse day on the Epiphany or rather Christs baptisme They keep the feast of Annunciation the sixt day of April the Purification the fourteenth of February They eat flesh on Fridays betwen Easter and Ascention day In Lent they feed onely on Herbs Rootes Fruits and Pulse they abstain from such beasts they account unclean they hold that the souls of good men obtain not felicity till the Resurrection They admit none to be secular Priests till they are married but must not marry the second time They will not have the Sacraments to confer grace They administer the cup to all and celebrate no Masse without distributing the Sacrament They invocate Saints and insert divers words into the Creed which are neither Greek nor Latine Q. 10. What other Sects are there of the Greek Religion A. The Melchites so called from Melech a King because they have always followed the faith of the Emperors of Constantinople according as it was established by the Councel of Chalcedon against Eutyches and Dioscorus They are also called Syrians from the country where they inhabit These are altogether of the Greek Religion and Communion but not of the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople but of the Arch-Bishop of Damascus under the title of Patriarch of Antiochia for this City where Christianity had its first residence and name and where Peter sat seven years Bishop being wasted and forsaken the Patriarchs seat was translated to Damascus where it remaineth 2. The Georgians are also of the Greek Religion but are not subâ—ect to the Patriarch of Constantinople having a Metropolitan of their own whose residence is in the Monastery of Saint Katharine in Mount Sinâ—i a great way from Iberia lying between the Euxin and Caspian Seas where the 〈◊〉 inhabit who are so called from Saint George as some think who converted them to Christianity and whose picture they carry yet in 〈…〉 but doubtlesse they were called 〈◊〉 before Saint George was born for Mela speake of them in the first Book of his Geography who lived in the time of Claudius the Emperor and Vadianus on that place thinks they were called Georgians from their Husbandry to which they were much addicted 3. The Georgians next Neighbours to wit the Mengrelians called of old Colchi and the ancient Zychi now called Circassians whence the Sultan had his 〈◊〉 are also of the Greek Communion and subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople but they baptise not their Children till they be eight years old In other points they are of the Greek Religion being converted to Christianity by Cyrillus and Methedius the Apostles or Ministers of the Patriarch of Constantinople Q. 11. What is the Religion of the Nestorians Christians of Saint Thomas and Jacobites A. 1. The Nestorians so called from Nestorius the Heretick whose opinion concerning two Persons in Christ they held a long time and spread themselves through a great part of Asia by reason of Cosroes the Persian King who in hatred to Heraâ—â—ius the Emperor caused all Christians within his Dominions to become Nestorians these were subject to the Patriarch of Musal which some think to be Bagded or Babyloâ— others Seleucia and others a part of old 〈◊〉 but at this day most of them are subject to the Pope both in jurisdiction and partly in Religion and have renounced their old errors concerning the two 〈◊〉 in Christ that Mary should not be called the 〈◊〉 of God that the Councel of Ephesus and all other Councels after it are to be rejected these errors I say they have renounced but they administer the 〈◊〉 with leavened bread and in both kindes 〈◊〉 permit their Priests to marry the third or fourth 〈◊〉 they have Crosses but not 〈◊〉 nor Crucifixes nor 〈◊〉 confession 2. The Christians 〈…〉 or of Saint 〈◊〉 so called because converted by him They were heretofore Nestorians and subject to the 〈◊〉 of Masal but now are subordinate to the Pope both in profession and jurisdiction They did use to give the Eucharist in both kindes to season the bread with salt instead of Wine to drink the â—oyce of Raisons to baptise their children when fourty days old to reject all Images except the cross the Popes supremacy extream â—uction and second marriages of their Priests but now they are of the Roman Religion 3. The Iacobites so called from Iacobus the Syrian a great Eucychian are spread through many Kingdomes in the East They are named also Dioscorians from Dioscorus Patriarch of Alexandria a great Patron of Eutyches They belonged anciently before the Councel of Chalcedon to the jurisdiction of Antiochia but since they yeild obedience to a Patriarch of their own whose residence is in Caramit the Old Metropolis of Mesopotamia but yet retains the name of Patriarch of Antiochia They held there was in Christ but one nature will and operation and therefore in signing with the Crosse they used but one singer whereas the other Eastern Christians used two Before baptisme they imprinted on their children the sign of the Crosse with a hot Iron They deny Purgatory and prayers for the dead and say that the Angels are made of fire and light They hold that just mens souls remain in the earth till the Resurrection their Priests are married they deny 〈◊〉 confession give the Eucharist in both kindes and the bread 〈◊〉 They circumcise both Sexes they condemn Eutyches as an Heretick and yet honour Dioscorus and Iacob the Syrâ—an as Saints but now they have utterly rejected the Heresie of one nature in Christ and with the Latine Church acknowledge two distinct natures with their distinct properties as may be seen by the Iacobites confessions Q. 12. What is the Religion of the Maronites A. The Maronites are so called from Maron a holy man their chiefe residence is in Mount Libanus though some inhabit Aleppo Damascus Tripoli of Syria and Cyprus Their Patriarch is a Monk of Saint Anthony having nine Bishops under him he is alwayes called Peter and will be stiled Patriarch of Antiochia which title is claimed by the Iacobite Patriarch who is alwayes named Ignatius The Maronites were Monothelites and with the Greeks denyed the Procession of the holy Ghost
remember that God doth sometimes permit Satan to buffet us as he did Paul that he might try our patience and obedience that we may be the more watchfull of our selves against that roaring Lyon which compasseth the earth to and fro seeking whom he may devour that we may be the more earnest in prayer that we may adhere the closer to God and that we may acknowledge his fatherly care and goodnesse who will not suffer us to be tempted above measure comforting our selves in this that his grace is sufficient for us 5. We must remember that God hath given his Angels charge over us to hold us up in their hands least we dash our foot against a stone Christ was no sooner tempted by Satan but the Angels came and ministred to him When Iacob was persecuted by his brother Esau God sent a multitude of Angels to guard him The Prophet Elisha was encompassed with fiery Chariots or Angels in that shape from the Syrian Souldiers Let us not then fear so long as we know that the Angels of God are round about those that fear him and delivereth them and that the same Angels will be ready at our death to convey our souls as they did Lazarus into Abrahams bosome 6. Let us support our selves against Satan by the assurance of Christs death and the remission of our sins for blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven him therefore let us not be afraid for there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Iesus It is God that justifieth who can condemn if Satan objects against us that sin hath abounded let us answer him in the Apostles words grace hath much more abounded 7. Let us as our Saviour counselleth us watch and pray continually our spirituall enemies are many vigilant malicious and powerful nothing will give them advantage over us but security and neglect of prayer vigilancy and prayer are Armour of proofe against all tentations with these Saint Paul armed himself when he was buffeted by the Angel of Satan therefore saith Saint Hierom When thou walkest abroad let prayers arm thee when thou returnest home let prayers meet thee Egredientes domo armet oratio regredientibus de platea occurrat oratio Lastly let us take heed we do not countenance or approve or have any commerce with Necromancers or such as take upon them to raise Spirits for God often times punisheth such vain curiosity let us beware of too much retirednesse for Satan is most ready to tempt us when we are alone so he tempted Eve when she was alone in the Garden and assaulted Christ when he was alone in the Desart Let us take heed also of too much sadnesse and melancholy for though this be a natural infirmitie yet Satan by it takes occasion to work mischief as we see in Saul who is said to have an evil spirit when he was in his melancholy fit and we know that in the Gospel mad men Phreneticks and Lunaticks are called Demoniacks because the Devil took occasion by their madnesse to advance his kingdom of darknesse And let us chiefly endeavour to have a good conscience which is a continual feast to live a holy life and to be just in all our wayes and so we shall not need to feare Satans Stratagems or illusions for the righteous man is bold as a Lyon Q. Of What Religion were the Chinois A. They were alwaies and still are Idolaters except as few gained to Christianity by the Jesuits and a few Tartars that are Mahumetans That vast Dominion is full of Temples and Monasteries replenished with multitudes of Idols which their cunning Priests feed with the smoak of meats but they eat the meat themselves The Priests here have so much power over their gods that they may beate and whip them when they do not answer their expectation They have one Idol with three heads which they much reverence These represent their three great Philosophers Confusius Xequiam aud Tanzu Their chiefe gods are the Sun Moon and Stars They worship also the devil not out of love but feare that he may do them no hurt therefore they place his picture in the fore Castle of their ships They are Pythagoreans in the opinion of Transahimation therefore some of them will not kill any living thing For this cause at Quinsay in a walled Parke belonging to a Monastery the Monks feed 4000 living creatures of divers kinds out of their charity to the souls of Noble men which were entred into the bodies of these creatures Their Monks are shaven are bound to weare beads to be present at burials to maintain Celibate whilst they are Monks to pray two hours together before day Of these religious Orders there be four sorts distinguished by their colours black white yellow and russet These have their Priors Provincials and Generall he is carryed on mens shoulders in an Ivory Chaite and is cloathed in silke Their maintainance is not onely the Kings allowance but also the benevolence of devout people which they procure by begging and praying for them They have their Nuns also and Hermits and consecrated Hills to which the people make divers Pilgrimages There are many Colledges for learning which is of high esteem among them Their Secular Priests weare long hair and black cloath their Regulares are shaven but neither must marry They are bound to observe all Feastivall days such as the New and Full Moons the Kings birth-day but chiefly New-years day which is the first day of the New Moon in February The people here are very Superstitious in obâ—rving their birth-day and in performing the Funâ—al Obsequies of their Parents whom they adore and bury in the fields with all solemnity and excessive charges No man is tyed to any particular worship among them but he may be of what Sect he will They have abundance of Hospitals for the poor and no beggers to be seen among them But for any knowledge of heavenly joyes or hell torments they have very little or none at all They are very much afraid when there is any Eclipse of the Sun or Moon which they hold to be man and wife for then they think that these two gods are angry with them Of their many superstitious Ceremonies and vain opinions in Divinity see the Discourse of China Boterus Ortelius Maffaeus Linschoten and the Jesuits Epistles Q What was the Religion of the ancient Indians A. They worshipped their own gods till Bacchus and Alexander subdued them and then the Grecian deities were honoured amongst them chiefly Iupiter Iuno Neptune and Berecynthia Hercuses also they honoured in the forme and bigness of a Gyant The River Ganges and their tallest trees were honoured as Gods among them therefore it was death to cut down any of them Dancing to their Idols was held a part of Divine worship but the Brachmans among them worshipped no Images nor any living creature were very temperate in in their dyet and gave themselves to contemplation of divine things They abstain
was not Head of the Church nor Vicar of Christ nor successor of Peter that Bishops were murtherers in delivering over to the secular power such as did not obey them that canonical obedience was a humane invention that Priests though excommunicate ought to preach that Excommunications Suspensions and Interdicts were invented to maintain the Clergies pride These and such like points did he defend for which he was condemned in the councel of Constance These same opinions were maintained by Hierom of Prague for which also he was by the same Councel condemned the next year One Pickard of Fâ—anders renewed in Bâ—hemâ—a the Heresie of the Ad mâ—tes The Hussites divided themselves into thrâ—e Sects to wit the Pragenseâ— the Thabo iteâ— so called from mount Thabor where Christ was transfigurrd which name Zisca their Captain gave them calling the Castle where they used to meet Thabor as if they had seen there Christs transfiguratâ—on The third Sect were called Orphans after Zisca's death as having lost their Faâ—her and Patron all these used barbarous cruelty against Priests Monks Churches Images Reliques and such as professed the Roman Catholick Religion The Mosâ—ovites or Russians fell off to the Greek Religion and held that the Pope was not the chief Pastor of the Church that the Roman Church was nor head of the rest They rejected also the Latine Fathers the definitions canons and decrees of the general Councels and used leavened bread in their Eucharist One Rissuich a Hollander taught that the Angels were not created that the soule perished with the body that there was no Hell that the matter of the Elements was coeternal with God He blasphemed Christ as a Seducer and not the Son of God He held that Moses never saw God nor received his Law from him that Scriptures were but Fables that the Gospel was false and such like blasphemous stuffe did he spue out for which he was burned Q. 10. What opinions did the Sixteenth Century hâ—ld A. Martin Luther an Augustin Frier â—aught thaâ— Indulgences were unlawful that the Epistle to the Hebrews the Epistle of Iames the second of Pâ—ter the two last of Iohn the Epistle of Iude and the Apecalyâ—e were not canonical He opposed invâ—cation of Saints Image wâ—rship Free-wâ—ll the Popes Supremacy Excommunication teâ—poral posseâ—â—ions of â—he Clergy merit of Works possibility of tuâ—filing the Law the Monastical life caelibaâ— canonical obâ—dience distinction of Meats Transubstantiation communion under one kinde the Masse auricular confession Absolution Purgatory extream Unction and five of the Sacraments He held also that General Councels might erre that 〈◊〉 was not a particular person that Faith onely justified that a faithfull man may be assured of his salvation that to the faithful sin is not imputed that the first motions are sin that Sacraments did not confer grace Divers other opinions are fathered upon him by his adversaries as may be seen in the above named Authors The Anabaptists so called from Re-baptizing had for their author one Nicolas Storke who pretended familiarity with God by an Angel promising him a Kingdom if he would reform the Church and destroy the Princes that should hinder him His Scholar Muncer raised an army of 4000. Bores and Tradesmen in Suevia and Franconia to maintaine his Masters dreams but they were overthrown by Count Mansfield Iohn of Leyden a Taylor renewed the said dreams and made himself King in Munster of the Anabaptists whose Viceroy was Knipherdoâ—ing but this phantastical Monarchy was soon destroyed the Town taken after 13. moneths Siege where the King and his Viceroy with their chief Officers were put to death Their Tenets were that Christ was not the Son of Mary nor true God that we were righteous not by faith in Christ but by our own merits and sufferings They rejected original sin baptisme of Infants communion with other Churches Magisâ—â—acy among Christians Oaths and punishments of Malefactors They refused to swear allegeance to Princes and held that a Christian may have many wives and that he may put away his wife if she be of another Religion and marry another That no man must possesse any thing in proper that re-baptization may be used that before the day of judgement the godly should enjoy a Monarchy here on Earth that man had free-will in spiritual things and that any man may Preach and give the Sacraments Q. 11. What are the Anabaptists of Moravia A. These at first called themselves Apostolicall because they did imitate the Apostles in going bare-foot and in washing one anothers feet in having also all things in common amongst them But though this custom be now left yet at this day in Moraviae they have a common Steward who doth distribute equally things necessary to all They will admit none into their Society but such as have some trade and by their handy worke can get their livings As they have a common Steward for their temporals so they have a common Father for their spirituals who instructs them in their Religion and prayeth with them every morning before they goe abroad to worke These publike prayers are to them instead of Sermons They have a generall governour or head of their church whom none knoweth but themselves for they are bound not to reveal him They communicate twice in the year the men and women sit promiscuously together On the Lords day they walk two and two through the Towns and Villages being clothed in black and having slaves in their hands They are much given to silence at table for a quarter of an houre before they eat they sit and meditate covering their faces with their hands the like devotion they shew after meat All the while their governour stands by to observe their gesture that if any thing be unbeseeming he may tell them of it When they come to any place they discourse of the last judgement of the eternall paines of hell of the crueltie of Divels tormenting mens bodies and souls that so they may afright simple people into their religion then they comfort them by shewing them a way to escape all those torments if they will be but rebaptized and embrace their religion They observe no festival days nor will they admit of any disputations Q. 12. What Sects are spâ—ung out of Lutheranism A. Besides the Anabaptists already mentioned there be Adiaphorists of which Melancthon is thought to be author these hold the customs and constitutions of the church of Rome to be things indifferent and that they may be professed or not professed without scruple 2. Vbiquitaries These hold that Christs humanity as well as his divinity is every where even in hell Breâ—tius is thought to be father of this opinion But if Christs humanity be every where then we must deny the articles of his Resurrection Ascention and comming again to judge the Quick and the dead for what needs there such motions if he be everywhere 3. Majorists so called from one
the Guardian struck on the shoulder three times with the Sword saying Iordain thee Knight of the holy Sepulchre of our Lord Iesus Christ in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost This he repeats three times and crosseth him three times then kisseth him and puts a Golden Chain about his neck with a double red Crosse hanging at it at last the Knight having kissed the Sepulchre the Monks present sing Te Deum and after a short prayer he is dismissed This order was by Pope Innocent the eighth Anno 1485. made one with the Knights of Rhodes The order of Gladiators began in Livonia much about the time that the Tutonicks began in Ierusalem Anno 1204. They were called Gladiatores from carrying on their cloak two red Swords acrosse Albert Bishop of Riga begâ—n this order and allowed the third part of his Chutohes revenues towards the maintenance thereof Their habit was white on which were woven two bloody Swords in manner of a Crosse as is said to signifie their innocency and warfare against the Pagans whom they converted to Christianity not onely in Riga the Metropolis but in most places of Livonia Pope Innocent gave them all the Lands they could subdue there The rule they professed was the same with that of the Templars but by the Popes perswasion both the Cruciferi and Gladiators incorporated themselves into the Teutonick order Q. 17. What were the Knights of Saint Mary of Redemption of Montesia and the order of Vallis Scholarium and Canons Regular of Saint Mark A. The Knights of Saint Mary de Mercede or of Redemption because their charge was to redeem Captives was instituted by Iames King of Arragon who in the year 1212. subdued the Isles Baleares This order began about the year 1232. and is confirmed by Gregory the nineth They wear a white garment with a black crosse They are of the Cistertian order The Knights of Montesia are so called from that place in the Kingdom of Valentia They were iustituted much about the time of the former Knights of Saint Mary by the same King Iames and confirmed by the same Pope Gregory the nineth the badge of this order is a red crosse and are also Cistertians The order of Vallis Scholarium began Anno 1217. by one Guilelmus Richardus a Scholar of Paris who with Edward and Manasses professors of Divinity betook themselves to the Desare in Champanie where they set up a new order but after the rule of Saint Austiâ— They borrowed also some things of the Cistertians that the Prior should visit all the Churches of his order without exacting any temporalties that they hold a general Chapter every year that they wear no linnen shirts nor sleep on feather-beds that none eat flesh but such as are sick and weak The place where they first resided in was called Vallis Scholarium This order was confirmed by Pope Honorius the third The order or Congregation of Saint Marks Canon Regulars began in Mantua about the year 1231. Q. 18. What was the order of Saint Clara Saint Pauls Eremites and Boni-homines A. Clara was of the same Town Assisium with Francis and his intimate acquaintance she was Daughter to Ortulana who undertook Pilgrimages both to Rome and to the holy Sepulchre in her Childhood she wore sackcloath next her skin and would never hear of marriage She stole away from her Parents cut off her hair and could not be drawn away by any perswasions from her intended course of life About the year 1225. at the Church of Saint Damianus she instituted the order of Poor Ladies called from her name Clarissae and from the place the Nuns of Saint Damian Neer this Church in a Cottage she lived two and forty years afflicting her body with fasting watchings and all kind of hardnesse Next her flesh she wore the brisley side of a Hogs skin lay on hard boords went bare-footed In Lent and other fasting times she used only bread and water she tasted wine onely upon Sundaies her rule was that of the Franciscans Pope Innocent the third or as others say Honorius the third confirmed this order She could not be perswaded by Pope Gregory the nineth to reserve any of her possessions but forsook all for Christ as she thought Saint Pauls Eremites in Huugary were instituted in the year 1215. after the rule of Saint Austin by Eusebius of Strigonia and was confirmed by Gentilis the Popes Legat Anno 1308. They came into England and seated themselves in Colchester Anno 1310. The order called Boni Homâ—â—es or Boni Viri that is good men was instituted by Edmund sonne to Richard Earle of Cornwall who had been elected Emperor These did follow Saint Austins rule and wear a skie-coloured garment Q 19. What were the Servants of Saint Mary the Caelestini and Jesuati A. One Philip Tudert a Florentine by birth and a Physician by profession instituted this order of Saint Maries Servants they follow the rule of Saint Austin they wear a short black coar and over that a long black cloak pleated about the shoulders They were confirmed by Pope Bennet the eleventh and seven other Popes after him They are permitted to carry a Satchel or Bag to put the almes in which they beg In Italy there he eight and forty Monasteries of these Servants This order was instituted Anno. 1282. or as others say 1285. The Caelestini were so called from Pope Caelestine the fifth who having before his Popedom lived an Eremiticall life in divers Desarts at last erected this order after the rule of Saint Bennet and procured it to be confirmed by Pope Gregory the tenth in the Generall Councell of Lyons Their habit is of skie-colour without a hood Caelestin their Author being elected Pope and cheated out of it by Boniface the eight who by a Cane and a hole in the Wall speak to him to relinquish his Popedom which he did thinking an Angel had spoken to him I say Caelestine returned again to his Eremiticall life which he could not long enjoy for Pope Boniface put him in prison upon jealousie where he died These Monks came into England Anno 1414. The Iesuati began at Senae by Iohn Columbanus and Francis Vincent Anno 1365. they were called Iesuati from using the name of Iesus often in their mouthes Pope Vrban the fifth approved them and enjoyned them to wear a white garment a white cover for their head a leathern girdle and to go bare-footed using onely wooden soles These Monks were afterward called Apostolici Q. 20. What was the Order of Saint Briget A. Briget not that of Scotland who lived about the year 530. but a Princess of Sweden Anno 1360. obtained a confirmation of her order which she received immediately from Christ as she said by Pope Vrban the fifth Her rule was according to that of Saint Basils The Monks and Nus may have their Covents contiguous and the
Leyden their King reigned who taught that he had a commission from heaven to take many wives 18 Libertines who make God the author of sin and deny the Resurrection 19. Deo relicti who rejected all meanes and relied onely upon God 20. Semper Orantes who with the old Euchytes are still praying thinking they are tyed to no other duty Q. 2. What are the Tenets of the Brownists A. These being so called from their author Master Robert Brown of Northamptonshire sometimes a School-Master in Southwark hold there is no other pure Church in the world but among them so did the Donatists of old 2. They reject the Lords Prayer in this they are Iewes and agree with the old Hereticks called Prodiciani 3. They will not serve God in consecrated Churches nor will communicate with those they called wicked in this they follow the old Cathari 4. They reject tythes and affect parity in this they are Anabaptists 5. They hold all the Church Ceremonies to be Popish 6. That the love which is in God is not Essential 7. That Ordination of Ministers by Bishops is Antichristian 8. That the Word preached and Sacraments administred by scandalous Ministers are altogethers ineffectual 9. That Church-musick is unlawful 10. That Lay-men and Mechanicks may preach and expound Scripture 11. That set forms of prayers are aboninable in the sight of God whereas notwithstanding we have diverts set forms both in the Old and New Testament at which they quarrel and chiefly at the Lords Prayer 12. There be divers sorts of this profession some Brownists of which we have spoken some Barrowists so called from Barrow their first Martyr He called the Church of England Sodom Babylon and Egypt Some are called Wilkinsonians from Wilkinson their Master who thought that he and his followers were truly Apostles and therefore denyed communion with such as did not give them that title A fourth sort there is of Anabaptistical Brownists who hold themselves the onely true Church and condemn the other Brownists for Pedobaptisme therefore they re baptise such as come to them They that would see more of this Sect let them read the Book called The profane Schisme of the Brownists another called The foundation of Brownisme Master Whites Discovery of Brownisme Doctor Halls Apology against the Brownists Giffords Declaration against the Brownists Pagits Heresiography c. Q. 3. What are the Familists A. The Familists or Family of love are so called from the love they bear to all men though never so wicked and their obedience to all Magistrates though never so tyrannical be they Iewes Gentiles or Turks Their first Founder was one David George of Delfe who called himself the true David that should restore the Kingdom to Israel He held 1. That neither Moses nor the Prophets nor Christ could by their Doctrine save the people but his Doctrine was the onely meanes of salvation 2. That whosoever spoke against his Doctrine should never be forgiven neither in this life nor in the life to come 3. That he would set up the true house of David and raise the Tabernacle of God not by suffering but through love and meeknesse 4. That he was the right Messiah the beloved son of the Father 5. That he should not die or if he did he should rise again His Successor Henry Nicholas of Amsterdam maintained the same Doctrine but in his own name calling himself The Restorer of the World and the Prophet sent of God To the former Tenets he added 1. That there is no other Christ but holinesse and no other Antichrist but sin 2. That the Family of love hath attained the same perfection that Adam had before he fell 3. That there is no resurrection of the flesh 4. That the day of judgement is already come and that this Nicholas is the Judge of the world 5. That there hath been eight great Lights in the world whereof Christ was the seventh but himself the eight and greatest of all 6. That none should be baptized till the thirtieth year of their age 7. That the joyes of Heaven shall be onely here on the Earth and so likewise Hell 8. That they ought not to bury the dead not to give almes to such as are not of their profession 9. That Angels are born of women 10. That every day of the week should be a Sabbath 11. That the Law may be fulfilled in this life 12. That there was a world before Adam was made 13. That there is no other Deity but what man partakes of in this world 14. That such wives as are not of their belief may be rejected for whores 15. That in H. Nicholas dwelleth all perfection holinesse and knowledge and that their illunâ—inated Elders are deified in this life and cannot sin There be also divers sorts of Familists as Castalians Grindletonians of the Mountains of the Vallies of the scattered 〈◊〉 c. which hold with these former opinions that the Scriptures are but for Novices that we ought not to pray for pardon of sin after we are assured of Gods love that wicked men sin necessarily and such more stuff Q. 4. What be the Adamites and Antinomians A. Of the Adamites in Saint Austins time we have already spoken as also of the Bohemian Adamites Of late years there were some of them in Amsterdam where the men and women did pray in their meetings and perform other divine services naked This posture they called the state of innocency and their meetings Paradise In their opinions they were Anabaptists The Antinomians are so called from their opposing and rejecting of the Law which they say is of no use at all under the Gospel neither in regard of direction nor correction and therefore ought not to be read or taught in the Church 2. They say that good works do neither further nor evill workes hinder salvation 3. That the child of God can no more sin then Christ could and therefore it is sin in him to aske pardon for sin 4. That God never chastiseth his children for sin not is it for their sins that any Land is punished 5. That murther adultery drunknesse are sins in the wicked but not in the children of grace nor doth God look upon them as sinners and consequently that Abrahams lying and dessembling was no sin in him 6. That the child of grace never doubteth after â—e is once assured of salvation 7. That no man should be troubled in his conscience for any sin 8. That no Christian should be exhorted to performe the duties of Christianity 9. That an Hypocrite may have all the graces that were in Adam before his fall and yet be without Christ. 10. That Christ is the onely subject of all graces and that no Christian believeth or worketh any good but Christ onely believeth and worketh 11. God doth not love any man for his holinesse 12. Sanctification is no evidence of a mans Justification Of this and such like stuff you may read in
Arnhem Answer They hold that Independency is a beginning of Christs temporall Kingdome here on earth that within five years but these are already expired Christ was to come in the flesh and with an iron sword to kill most of his enemies and then that he should reign here on earth with his Saints a thousand years in all carnal delights 2. That God is not onely the author of sin but also of the sinfulnesse or Ataxie thereof 3. That all men are bound to know God in abstracto without Christ without Grace or Scripture 4. They held extreme unction to be a Sacrament and necessary for the sick and of divine institution so they held the holy kisse of peace a religious and needfull Ceremonie 5. They put down singing Psalmes and set up in lieu thereof singing prophets who are to chant out alone in the Congregation their own hymnes 6. They teach that the soul is mortall 7. That just mens souls go not into heaven till the last day but remain in the upper element of fire whither Enoch and Eliah with the Soul of Christ before his resurrection and the soul of the good thief went and no higher they teach also that the Souls of the wicked go not before the last judgement into hel but remain in the lower region of the air or in the bottom of the sea 8. They say that after the day of judgement all the world shall be hell except that part of heaven where God resides with his Angels 9. In preaching they will have their Ministers covered and the people bare but in administring the Sacrament they will have the people covered and the Minister bare Q. 8. Vpon what grounds do these Millenaries build Christs temporall Kingdome here on earth for a thousand years An. Upon that place of the Revilation 19. 4 5 6. I saw the Souls of them who were beheaded for the witnesse of Iesus and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years but this place proves no such Kingdome for it is mysticall and symbolicall Divinity not argumentative Again in this place there is no mention at all of any earthly presence of Christ nor of any earthly reign with him besides the Kingdome of Christ is everlasting for of his Kingdome saith the Angel there shall be no end therefore here is put a definite number for an indefinite Christ saith his Kingdome is not of this world the Kingdome of Christ is spirituall and within us and if we speak of Christs Kingdome as he is Mediator reigning in his Church by his word sacraments and discipline we must conclude that he hath reigned already above 1600. years and how long more he shall reign here on earth we know not 2. They build their opinion upon Dan. 12. 2. Many of them who sleep in the dust shall arise c. hence they inferre two resurrections in the first many shall rise to reign with Christ here on earth in the second they say all shall rise to Judgement but this interpretations is ridiculous for the first Resurrection mentioned in Scripture is spirituall to wit a rising from the death of sinne of which the Apostle if you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above for as sin is called death you were dead in sinnes and trespasses so the forsaking of sinne is called a resurrection this is the rising of the mind the other of the body Agaiâ— in Scripture many and all are promiscuously taken for the same as here many shall rise that is all So Matth. 4. Christ healed all Diseases that is many Besides the words of Daniel are directly spoken of the second Resurrection to Iudgement and not to a temporary Kingdome for he saith that some of those shall rise to life eternall not to a temporary of a thousand years and others to everlasting shame which yet the Millenaries deny in saying the wicked shall not rise till the expiration of the thousand years and where they say that the Saints shall shine as starres or the Firmament in the first Resurrection but as the sun in the second it is vain for in the second Resurrection shall be degrees of glory as the Apostle sheweth 1 Cor. 15. For as one Star differeth from another star in glory so is the Resurrection of the dead some shall shine as the Sun who is the brightest of all the starres and some shall be lesser starres an glory they do also vainly call their first Resurrection a hidden mystery whereas indeed it is the second Resurrection that is a mesterie and so hidden that the wisest Philosophers understood iâ— not and thought Paul had been 〈◊〉 when 〈◊〉 preached this mystery as Athens that which cannot be apprehended by reason but by faith 〈…〉 â—e truly called a hidden mystery 3. They misapply divers places of Scripture to prove this imaginary reign of Christ here on earth as Psalm 102. 16. when the Lord shall build up Sion he shall appear in his glory This Scripture was fulfilled when Ierusalem was rebuilt after the captivity So they alledge Acts 3. 20. 21. The Heavens shall receive Christ till the times of restitution of all things but this is spoken of the second Resurrection for then shall be a restitution of all things and not before in their thousand years reign for they confesse that then all the Jews shall not rise nor all Christians it must then follow that there shall not be a restitution of all things at that time That place of Rom. 11. 12. concerning the calling of the Jews is impertinent for we deny not but they shall be called to the faith of Christ but that they shall return to build Ierusalem and be under Christs earthly reign 1000. years is not at all spoken in that place no lesse impertinent is that place of 2. Pet. 3. 13. We look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse for this is spoken of the last Judgement wherein all things shall be renewed by fire and not before as the circumstances of the Scripture do shew and all Jnterpreters do agree so without any sense or reason they apply the 65. chapter of Isa. to their Millenary reign which is plainly spoken of the calling of the Gentiles and of Christs first coming to preach the Gospell and to gather a Church which there and elsewhere is called Ierusalem and the Prophets usually under the terms of planting building eating and drinking new heavens and new earth the joy of hills forrests and trees c. do expresse the happy estate of the Church of Christ under the Gospel When the mountain of the Lords House shall be coealted on the top of the mountains and all nations shall flock to it then Jerusalem that is the Church shall be the throne of the Lord. Then out of Sion shall go forth a Law and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem then shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdome which shall never be destroyed Christ shall reign over
Church of Rome yet was called extraordinarily to preach the Gospel in purity Q. In whom is the power of Election and Ordination of Presbyters or Bishops A. Election was anciently in the Laity and Clergy till the Clergy shook off the Laity And the Popâ— excluded the Emperour from whom both he and other Bishops were wont to receive their Investiture by the Ring and crosier-Staffe not in reference to their spirituall Function but to their temporall means which they injoyed by the munificence of Princes but Ordination is onely from the Clergy the Bishop was wonâ— to ordain alone but that was thought rather out of Ecclasiastick custome than out of divine institution For apparently ordination did belong to the whole Presbytery 1. Tim 4. 14. as may be seen also in divers Canons and Councels Q. May any preach now without Calling or Ordination A. No for if every one that pretends to have the spirit should be suffered to preach preaching would grew contemptible Heresies and Sects would multiply Now the Church is established therefore Ordination and an ordinary calling must be expected Indeed in the infancy of Christianity before the Church was setled private men in times of persecution dispersed themselves and preached as we see Acts 8. â— and so the men of Cyprâ—s and cyrene preached the word at Antiâ—ch Acts 11 20. So Apollos a private man who onely knew the Baptisme of Iohn and stood in need of more perfect instructions by Aquila and Priscilla yet he taught the word of God Acts 18. 25 26. but such examples were extraordinary in a time when no preachers were found no ordinary calling to be had no Church at all settled Q. Are the names of Apostle Presbyter and Bishop of equal extent A. No for Apostles are called Presbyters 1. Pet. 5. 1. but Presbyters are not Apostles the higher dignity includes the lesser but not on the contrary so Apostles are Bishops Iudas his Apostleship is called his Bishoprick Acts 1. 10. but all Bishops are not Apostles Q. Because an Elder must be apt to teach will it therefore follow that there ought to be none but preaching Elders An. No for a Ruling Elder should also be apt to teach his Children and Family and likewise apt to teach that is to advise and give Counsel in the Consistory though he preach not in the Pulpit Q. Is a Pastor and Doctor all one A. No For all Pastors are Doctors or Teachers but all Doctors are not Pastors Paul in the Synagogue at Antiâ—ch did the part of a Doctor or Teacher when he uttered words of exhortation yet he was not their Pastor The Prophets Christ and Iohn Baptist were Doctours or Teachers but not Pastors Q. Should there be any superiority of Presbyters ever their fellows A. Yes of order or at sometimes as when they meet in Synods to determine matters there ought to be Moderators or Speakers as we know there were among the Apostles sometimes Peter sometimes Iames see Acts 15. and perhaps such was the superiority that Samuel had over the Prophets in Naioth in Rama 1. Sam. 19. 20. Such Authority had Eliah and Elisha over the other Prophets in their time The superiority of the High Priest over the inferior Priests was typicall as it had relation to Christ the High-Priest of our profession the Prince of Pastors and B shop of our souls Quest. Is it a novelty to have Lay-Elders in the Church A. No for such were in the Church of the Iews Ier. 19. 1. Elders of the people as well as Elders of the Priests which the Apostle means 1 Cor. 12. 28. for besides Apostles Prophets Teachers c. he speaks of Rulers under the abstract word of Governments for having mentioned before in the same Chapter the diversity of gifts Now in this verse he speaks of the diversity of Functions in the Church Q. Are Lay-men excluded from Church government because they are Lay-men A. No For though they be no part of the Clergy yet they are a part of the Church and Members of Christs mysticall body as well as the Clergy And it is for the Clergies advantage that there be Lay-Rulers for by these means the Ministers are eased of much trouble and they are backed with the greater power besides they are lesse obnoxious to envy and opposition which the Remish Clergy hath brought upon themselves by excluding the Laity from Church Government proudly monopolizing all to themselves Lastly many Clergy men though good Scholars yet are indiscreet in their carriage and unskilfull in matter of government Question May a Lay Elder with a safe Conscience leave his Function at the years end seeing it is not lawfull to put the hand to the plough and look back Luke 9. 62. A. If there were not choice of such Elders he could not leave the Church destitute of Government with a safe conscience 2. He may not our of dislike to the Function or of his own head leave it but by order and authority he may where there be others to supply his place 3. That Plough in Luke is not meant of the Plough of Ruling but of preaching which no man called thereto may leave off seeing it is of such necessity for the erecting of Christs Kingdome Q. Is the Function of a Lay-elder unlawfull because he is not called to preach and baptise A. No for preaching and administring the Sacraments do not belong to the ruling but to the preaching Presbyter neither is ruling necessarily annexed to preaching and baptising but that it may be separated from them yea it is fit they should be separated for the reasons above alledged Ministers shall have more time to study and to follow their preaching better if they be taken off from the trouble of ruling and God who giveth to divers men divers gifs and not the same to all men hath made some fitter for preaching others fitter for ruling And it is fit that some of the Laity should have place in the Consistory that nothing may be there concluded partially or prejudiciall to the Laity for so they shall avoid all suspition of tyranny Q. Of what Elders doth Ambrose speak in his Exposition of the fifth Chapter of 1. Tim. A. Both of Elders by age and of Elders by office for having shewed that old age is honourable among all Nations from thence he inferres that both the Synagogue and Church of Christ had Elders without whose advise nothing was done in the Church which Office in his time as he there complains was grown out of date by reason of the pride of the Teachers that they alone might seem to be somewhat Q. Can ruling Elders be proved out of that fifth Chapter of 1. Tim. v. 17. A. Yes for the Apostle wills that the Elders who ruse well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine in which words there is no opposition made between the reaching Presbyters as if they who teach and preach were worthy of double honour
Pontanus his Catalogue of Heresies who makes one Iohn Agricola the author of this Sect Anno 1535. Q. 5. What is the Religion of the Socinians A. Faustus Socinus an Italian of Siena placed all Religion in these old condemned Heresies so greedily embraced by his Disciples 1. That man before his fall was naturally mortal 2. That no man by the light of nature can have any knowledge of God 3. That man before his fall had not original righteousnesse 4. That there is no original sin in us as it imports concupiscence or deformity of nature 5. That there is a free-will to goodnesse in us and that we may here fulfil the Law 6. That God hath no foreknowledge of contingencies determinately but alternatively 7. That the causes of predestination are not in God but in us and that he doth not predestinatâ— to salvation any particular or certain person and that predestination may be frustrated 8. That God could justly pardon our sins without any satisfaction 9. That Christ by his death did not satisfie for us but onely obtained power for us to satisfie for our selves by our faith and obedience 10 That Christ died for himselfe that is not for his sins for he was without sin but for the mortality and infirmities of our nature which he assumed 11. That Christ became not our High Priest nor immortal nor impassible before he ascended into Heaven 12. That Death Eternal is nothing else but a perpetual continuance in death or anniâ—ilation 13. That everlasting fire is so called from its effect which is the eternal extinction or annihilation of the wicked which shall be found alive in the last day 14. That Christs incarnation is against reason and cannot be proved out of Scripture 15. That Christ is not truly God 16. That the Holy Ghost is not God that there is not a Trinity of Persons in one God 17. That the Old Testament is needlesse for a Christian man These opinions are but renovations of old Hâ—resies broched by Eâ—ian Photinus Arrius Samosatenus Sabellicus Servetus Anâ—â—triniâ—arians and others Q. 6. What be the Armimans Tenets A. Iames Arminius Divinity Reader in Leyden Anno 1605. published and taught five Articles which have occasioned great troubles in Holland being eagerly maintained by his Followers called Remonstrantes They hold 1. that election to life is the will of God to save such as will believe and persevere in obedience that men may be elected to faith and yet not elected to salvation that election is sometimes absolute sometimes conditional that the act of faith is chosen as a condition to salvation and that in election to faith the condition of using the light of reason is required That faith and obedience are foreseen by God as already performed by those who are to be chosen peremptorily and compleatly That election sometimes is changible and some elect may finally perish and consequently no certainty of our elections immutability That God hath not decreed to leave any man in the state of sin and damnation meerly out of his will and pleasure and consequently it is not Gods meer will that one Nation should receive the Gospel and not another but a fore-sight of the goodnesse and worth of one Nation above another 2. They teach that God so ordained his son to dye that he did not determin to save any particular man expresly so that Christs death was powerful and sufficient in respect of impertation though there had been no actuall application thereof to any particular man that Christ did not establish a new Covenant of grace by his blood but onely procured a right to his Father to make with men any Covenant whatsoever that Christ by his satisfaction did not merit faith and salvation to any man in respect of effectual application but onely obtained power that the Father might make what conditions he pleased with man the performance whereof depends upon his free will that the Covenant of grace consisteth not in being justified and saved by faith in Christ but in this that God esteemeth our imperfect faith and obedience as meritorious of life eternal as if we had fulfilled the Law that all men are received into the Covenant of grace and all freed from original sin that Christ died not for those whom God elected and highly loved seeing such stood in no need of Christs death 3. They teach that original sin of it self was not sufficient to condemn man kind to temporal or eternal punishment that an unregenerate man is not totally dead in sin nor destitute of all strength to spiritual good things but that he may hunger and thirst after righteousnesse and life that a natural man can by using the gifts of nature rightly obtain saving grace and salvation and that God affordeth sufficient means to bring men to the knowledge of Christ. 4. They teach that holinesse and righteousnesse could not be seated in mans will when he was created and therefore in his fall could not be separated from it that in spirituall death spiritual gifts were not separated from the will of man seeing the will of it self was never corrupted but intangled by the darknesse of the intellect and unrulinesse of the affection that in mans conversion no new gifts are infused and therefore the faith by which we are converted is not a quality infused but onely an act of man that the grace by which we are converted is onely a gentle perswasion so that Morall grace makes naturall men become spiritual and that God by moral reason produceth the consent of the will that God in mans conversion doth not use his omnipotent power to bend the will infallibly so that man may and doth oftentimes resist and hinder his own conversion that grace and free will are comperating causes in our conversion so that grace in order of causality doth not precede the action of the will 5. They teach that perseverance is not the effect of election but a condition of the new Covenant to be performed on mans part before his peremptory election and that by his own free-will that God furnisheth the faithfull man with sufficient means to persevere yet it is in the choice of mans will to persevere or not to persevere that regenerate men may and do fall totally and finally from grace and salvation and that they may sin against the Holy Ghost that no assurance of perseverance can be had in this life without speciall revelation that the Doctrine of assurance is hurtfull to all holy exercises and a means of presumption and security whereas doubting is commendable that temporary and true justifying faith differ onely in continuance that it is no absurdity if man be oftentimes regenerated his former regeneration being extinct that Christ never prayed for the faithfuls infallible perseverance in faith These are the five Articles of Arminianisme as they are set down in the Book called The Iudgement of the Synod of Doâ—t Q. 7. What are the opinions of the new Church of