in the day of Christ I commend to you in particular a glittering pearl of Mr Olevian out of the premised Hist 115. The late extream corruption of this generation saith he moveth me and my Colleagues not a little to have some conference with you about the best way of Governing the Church for we would so build that our Fabrick may stand firm unto posterity We see what great differences and how sudden changes are made in those Churches which their Right and Priviledges being taken away are wholly at the devotion of the Civil Polities Unless provision be timely made for the stopping of these evils many of the godly even the greatest part will conclude they have run in vain and so on there many golden sentences following most deserving not only reading but our serious considerations And here even you also may take notice of some excellent pearls worth your observation 1. That in the design which you also now drive whether of Reformation or Confirmation you should be fixed and resolved that what you do may be firm and durable for the generation to come 2. To tremble at that word what differences what sudden changes are made where the Churches are deprived of their Right and Power 3. That unless some timely course be taken to withstand these evils as indeed we did not timely obviate them in Germany the godly will think c. Ah! they do think and feel it and Luther while he was yet living felt it that they that were under the grace of the Gospel were become worse then they that were under the rigour of the Papacy as if the unclean spirit were returned with seven spirits worse then himself c. And how could it be otherwise no bounds of Order and Discipline being set for preservation and the keyes of Christ being more perniciously curtailed then the Eucharist in the Papacy 4. As to which matter we ingeniously acknowledge what God hath conferred upon you and desire still more fully to acknowledge it c. and that in things of such concern counsels are by no means to be precipitated but exquisitely laid together and God from heaven is to be called upon for counsel with greater vehemency then in any other thing that can be named As for that question which is chiefly controverted amongst you concerning the best way and Form of Governing the Church I will say no more having in the Tractate of Independency said what ever I thought could be said in this case for accommodation and peace Only thus much That that golden rule of Christ of a Reformation in Life first rather than in faith and outward Ceremonies John 7. v. 17. is of golden use in this business for that man who-ever he be which seeks not himself and his own Interest but Christ only and in him salvation his own and another's will more easily discern what tends more or less hereunto being taught by that anointing within himself which he hath from the holy Ghost 1 John 7.20 27. But yet I query Whether or no if a Civil Society be well and rightful preserved in one place by Monarchical Government where the people commit their safety to some one person as the ablest and the wisest In another place by Aristocratical Government where the care is committed to some few of their own as able and wise In another by Democratical Government where the people govern themselves by turns Religious Society may not be in like manner so provided for i. e. whether Episcopal Government may not as well be endured where it hath long been as Consistorial where that obtains and Presbyterial or Classical where that is in use It seems probable it may be so for as much as every one of these Governments hath some good in it conducing unto the publick good so it be guarded from abuse v.g. The goodness of Monarchy is an uniting vertue preventing the ruine that may quickly arise from differences by reason of the multitude of counsels The goodness of Democracy is a diffusive vertue suffering no member to be easily overslipt in the dispensation of the common Cause or Interest The goodness of Aristocracy is a collective vertue knitting together Superiours with Inferiours and Inferiours with Superiours and causing many Members to keep themselves under one and one to diffuse himself unto many .. Hence some Nations have pleased themselves with one others with this or that and so it is at this day and they all keep up themselves in their several Forms of Government the one and the other which is an argument that there is in each one of them a proper and peculiar vertue to contain humane Society within its due bounds by the bonds thereof Only indeed through abuse admitted Monarchy easily degenerated into Tyranny Aristocracy into Oligarchy and Democracy into Anarchy which is worse than any Tyranny But againe of all these 3 kinds of Government may there not be a contemperation or temperature which may make for the improving of that which is good in each of them and correcting of that which is evill It may seem possible by the Rule of Christ This doe and leave not the other And that of the Apostle Try all things and hold fast that which is good Viz by holding in each of these Governments that which is excellent that of a threefold good may be made one very good v. g. of Monarchy and Episcopacy the uniting good of Aristocracy and Church-Sâ—nat the Collective vertue of Democracy and Presbitery the diffusive good Of such a kind of temper was the Common-wealth of the Lacedemonians having one King but to whom they put their Ephori as the Overseers of Actions and the power of chusing residing in the common-Common-people So in the Roman Empire which was of great strength the power and strength was in the peoples hands the counsel in the Senate and the executive part or execution belonged to the two Consuls The like prudent temperation is at this day to be seen in the Venetian Commonwealth and in some Kingdoms especially that of England and Polonia There is a King for Majesty yet therewithal a Senate consisting of the Optimates or the Nobles and there is also the very Commonwealth it self by the Commons their Legates or Representers suffering nothing to be enacted touching themselves without themselves And this course seems to excel all others for stability having remedies alwayes in readiness in reference to all grievances whatsoever Now whether or no we may not see such a temperature also in the Ecclesiastical State under the Apostles when as there were for the management of businesses and deciding of controversies 1. Apostles 2. Seniors 3. The Church Acts 15.22 And whether or no it be any where more evident in our Age then in the Churches of the Bohemian Fraternal Unity under Bishops Consistories Synods I leave it to the Churches to judge It is queried further Whether or no those inconveniences and hazards which have been found in this and the other
the neighbouring Kingdoms Moreover by reason of the continuance of our Banishment we are come to that pass that near all the Pastors of the Churches all indeed withâ—ut exception of the Presidents Bishops Superintendents Deacons and Archdeacons are perished from among the living Saving onely my self alone who for the hope of a Restauration being in the year 1632. chosen according to the will and votes of the Church assembled in a Synod by the Presidents then yet alive even now but one onely with a few Ministers my Brethren and one onely Colleague out of Polonia do survive alone during the good pleasure of the Author of life For howbeit upon our laâ—t dispersion in Polonia not full four years since I endeavoured by all means my utmost to prevent my being left alone the last of all yet it pleased not God to give success to the counsels hereunto given for since that time those of the chief which might have succeeded are perished from among the living 16. But yet I would not have these things to be so taken as if in my solitude and by my departure hence I feared or foretold the final end of the Church in my Countrey I know that the Church being founded upon the Rock of Eternity cannot fail viz. the Catholick And yet examples testifie that particular Churches are sometimes overthrown by the hand of an angry God that according to his good pleasure others may be planted or else the same otherwise Yea God himself attesteth The end is come upon my people Israel I will not again pass by or spare them any more Amos 8.2 and again when the destruction threatned was now come to Baruch Thou saidst wo is me now for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow Thus saith the Lord that which I have built I will pull down and that which I have planted I will pluck up c. Jer. 45.3 4. Finally the Church her self being overthrown speaking concerning her self thus Our end draweth near our days are fulfilled our end is come Lam. 4.18 17. Nor yet is it to be thought that Elias offended when complaining that he was left alone he was afraid as concerning the Church for in this his solitude and carefulness he was raised up with Divine Consolation and also instructed with counsel for the appointing of his Successor 1 Kings 19.14 c. which I also with full trust expecting from the same everlasting goodness if notwithstanding God should call me to depart out of this life without present comfort yet will say with the last of those seven Maccabean Brethran Martyrs Let the anger of the Omnipotent which is come upon our generation for ouâ— sins rest upon me and my Brethren 2 Mac. 7.38 but if neither by this prayer I may obtain that the anger of God should conclude in me but at last our Mother must also dye as there ver 41. What shall I do 18. It is a cuâ—tom in use among the Heathen that they which dye without an Heir transfer their fortunes to strangers even whom they please insomuch as some of their Kings being the last of their line have made the people of Rome heir of their Kingdoms so Attalus King of Pergame Ptolomie of Cyrene Egypt and others Why may not I also so provide for the making good of my trust if it should be the will of God that I should be taken away without any one such as should succeed me a Successor 19. But then to whom shall I transfer our goods or what are those goods for all are lost Nay but by the Grace of God there is yet something left to be beâ—ueathed neither are they all wanting to whom it may be disposed both friends and foes Now then to foes we leave those things which are or else may yet be taken away viz. outward good things as Churches Lands Schools c. yea the lives also of thâ—se few of us which are yet escaped if it so please the World-disposing God even as he was pleased tâ— deal with Christ who being crucified had not onely his garments but his very life given to the Souldiers for a prey 20. But to you friends after the example of our eternal Master we commend better treasures even our well-belâ—ved Mother the Church take you now the care hereof in our rooms whatever it shall please God to do unto her whether to restâ—re her amongst us or when she is deceased at home to â—â—se her to life elsewhere You have just cause indeed to love heâ— even when dead who whileâ—t yet living went before you in her goâ—d examples of Faith and Patience even now unto the third Generation 21. But how shall I commend to you that which now is nâ—t to be found what charge can be given or taken of that which is not I answer it is no unusual thing to erect Grave-stones for deceased friends that their memory may not easily wear away Yea and if in their lives they shined in acts of vertue we pourtray the countenance of those very vertues for a mirrour to posterity Moreover also God himself when he took away and laid waste his peoples Land City Temple because of their unthankefulness for his blessings he would still have the Basis of the Altar to be left in its place upon which after ages when they should be returned to themselves and to God might build again Ezra 3. ver 3. If then by the grace of God there hath been found in us as wise men and godly have sometimes thought as will after in its proper place be made to appear any thing true any thing honourable any thing just any thing pure any thing to be loved and of good report and if any vertue and any praise care must be taken that it may not dye with us when we dye and at least that the very foundations be not buried in the rubbish of present ruines so that the generation to come should not be able to tell where to finde them and indeed this care is taken and provision is made on this behalf by this our trust entrusted in your hands 22. Indeed I reckoned this as already done having some while since presented you with the History of Johannes Lasitius a noble man of Polonia lately printed at Amsterdam containing as his words are memorable passages of the Ecclesiastical Discipline Customs Decrees of the Brethren of Bohemia Which present though they tâ— whom it was commended did testifie by their loving aspect and friendly speech that it was not unacceptable to them yet they did acquaint me that they in England judged it expedient that there should be another peice written about the same matters having a plainer title viz. The way of the Discipline and Ecclesiastical Order in the Accord of the Brethren of Bohemia I answered that that was published by our Fathers which use not to commend their own and that this would rather be performed more fully and exactly by some person of another Countrey who upon that account
knowledge especially John Wickliff Whose letter to John Huss being then a young man written in the year 1387. being the year before he dyed I finde yet extant in some ancient Records and here insert as followeth Happiness and what ever can be thought of which is dear and desirable in the bowels of Iesus Christ MOst dear Brethren in the Lord whom I love in the Truth and not I â—nely but also all which have known the tâ—uth That truth I mean which by the grace of God is and abideth and shall be in you for ever I joyed very much in the Bâ—ethren which came from you and produced a testim ny of your fa thfulness and that y u walk in the Truth I hear Brethren how Antichrist dâ—th vex you brinâ—ing many and various Tribulations upon them which believe in â—hrist It is no strange thing it should be so with you in as much as the Word of Christ is oppressed by the adversaries in all the World and that great red and many headed Dragâ—n mentioned by John in his Revelation hath sent out of his mouth a great flood upon the Woman to overwhelm her But the faithful Lord will certainly deliver his one onely loyal Spouse Let us be stâ—engthened in the Lord our God and in his immense goodness firmly believing that he will not suffer his dear ones to fall away from their godly purpose onely let us love him as we ought with our whole hearts Afflictions should never prâ—ss us if iniquity prevail not Let no distress or pressure therefore for Christs sake cast us down seeing we know that the Lord chasteneth whomsoever he receiveth for his sons For the Father of mercies is pleased to exercise us with many troubles in this present life that he may spare us hereafter Thâ— Gold which this Supreme Artificer choâ—seth he will here have it purified by fire that hereafter he may lay it up amongst his most pure everlasting Treasures We see our time here is short and swiftly passing away but the life which we expect then is blessed and eternal Let us labour then while we have time that we may be counted worthy to enter into his rest What else I pray do we behâ—ld here but grief vexation weariness and which should affect the faithful most the contempt and treading under foot of the Divine Law Let us then strive to our utmost abridging our senses of those transitory fading vain things to attain those things which abide for ever Let us observe the conversation of our Fathers of old see the Saints in both the Testaments what stâ—rms and tempeâ—ts they endured in the Sea of this World what Prisons what bonds how they were stoned sawn asunder and slain with the edâ—e of the Sword how they went about in Sheep skins and Goats skins c. as the Epistle to the Hebrews records at large They all going the strait way in the steps of Christ who hath said Where I am there shall my servant be We theâ—efore having such a clâ—ud of witnesses of the Saints of all former ages to compass us about let us lay aâ—ide whatever weight there is in us and the sin which round besets us and run with patience the appointed race looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the Cross and despised the shame Let us remember him which suffered such contradiction of sinners against himself that we faint not in our hearts and fall away but let us with our whole heart seek help of the Lord and fight manfully against Antichrist his Enemy Let us love his law in our hearts and not he unthankeful in his work But in all things carry our selves with assurance according to the measure of faith which the Lord giveth us and be strong in the cause of God and the hope of the Eternal Reward Therefore thou Huss my dear Brother in Christ unknown indeed unto me by face but not in faith and love for the uttermost ends of the earth cannot set them asunder which the love of Christ hath knit together be strong in the grace which is given to thee fight as a good Souldier of Jesus Christ both by word and work Doctrine and conversation and gain whom you can to return to the way of the truth Inasmuch as the truth of the Gospel ought not to be suppressed in silence for the erroneous lying decrees and defections of Antichrist do you therefore rather notwithstanding the designs of Satan comfort and establish the members of Christ for that Antichrist shall shortly by the will of God be finished I am very much rejoyced that in your Kingdom and other parts God hath so strengthened the hearts of some that they suffer Prisons Banishment yea death it self for the Word of God and that with joy too Dearly Beloved I have little else to write I must needs assure you That I would gladly do any thing to strengthen you and all the lovers of Christs Government In the love of the Law of God remember my most affectionate salutation to them from the bottom of my heart especially to your partner in the Gospel of Christ entreating your prayers for me and for the whole Church of Christ Now the God of Peace which brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eveâ—lasting Covenant make you ready to every good work that you may do his will working in you that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen 25. Huss being as now Professor of the University and afterward Anno 1400. made Preacher of Bethlehem the University Church he took heart very daringly to inveigh against those now overflowing Abominations and weild openâ—y against them the Sword of the Divine Word with great applause among the people not onely at Prague but through the whole Kingdom It very much revived his spirit that the same year Jerome of Prague being returned out of England and bringing over Wickliffs books with him rooted up the present prevailing errors with the like boldness in the Schools as Huss did in the Church Against these pious designs to clear the Church of the infection of Superstition the Academicks which were Foreigners overnumbering yet and overvoting the rest opposed themselves all they could and passed a Censure upon Wickliffs Articles But the Bohemians debated the Prerogative of Elections with the Popes Abettors making it good that it did belong to themselves as Natives and not to them being strangers The debate being referred to King Wenceslaus son to Charls he gave sentence on the Bohemians side Hereupon the Germans being angry went away from Prague by Troops which occasioned the erecting of the Universities of Lipsia and Erfurd and the Bohemians chose and created Mr. Huss Head of the University in the year 1409. 26. The Monks being cast off by the King and the University stir up the Archbishop
and prevailed with him July 16. Anno 1410. again to damn Wickliffs Positions and that his books should be burned This abuse the â—cademicks reflected upon them with another For the next year 1411. Pope John preclaiming waâ—s against the King of Naples sent Indulgences abroad to be distributed to them which would take vp arms for the Church party And one of those Trash-merchants being come to Prague caused the Monks to do their office in pronouncing the said Bulls Whereupon not onely did many of the godly of the common people publiquely remonstrate against these doings but the next day Mr. Huss also exhibited Propositions against the superstitious Indulgences and openly shewed the vanity of the Authors of them And when nevertheless that Popish Trifler persisted the whole throng of Studients rushing upon him forced away h s Bulls from him and taking one of that gang out from among the rest of his company and dressing him up in a Harlots attiâ—e with his breast all stuck with Bulls they tie him to a cart and carry him about with shouting acclamations This old Wizard all the while alluring to himself with enticing words and gestures the rout that flocked about him and distributing his cursed Pardons to them At length in the midst of the Market-place they burned all the said Bulls together with the Letters of the Papists and Prelates 27. The Pope being enraged by all these doings summons John Huss to Rome and because he refused being disswaded by the University and Nobles to make his appearance Pope John the 23. prohibited by an Edict the Celebration of the Sacrament at Prague for that John Huss that excommunicated Heretick and Impostor was there Hereupon Huss seeing the Magistrate incensed the common people divided and all things in a hurry and confusion of himself withdraws from Prague and preached the Word of God from house to house until such time as he was cited to Constance to give an account of his doctrine he obtaining the Kings Letters for his safe conduct thither but how he with Jerome of Prague was there treated by the Council of the Roman Synagogue the story tells us viz. they both were burned Huss in the year 1415 July 6. and Jerome 1416. May 30. c. See their Martyrologie 28. After this Husses Works were put out in the Latine Tongue in Folio and Otho Brunsfels havâ—ng by him some other Manuscripts of his printed them also in Quarto dedicating them to Mr. Luther viz. 1. The Anatomy of Antichrist Book 1. 2. Antichrists Mysteries of Iniquity 3. The Revelations of Christ and Antichrist 4. The abolishing of Sects and Traditions of men 5. The Vnity of the Church and avoiding Schism 6. Evangelical Perfection 7. The Mischief of Humane Traditions 8. The Kingdom People Life Manners of Antichrist Some other Fragments viz. 1. Of avoiding Contention in Dispute 2. That the Apostles wrought with their hands being contented with little 3. What it is to depart from the Faith 4. Explanation of Gen 49. Dan shall be c. 5. The Abomination of Desolation 6. The Mysterie of Joseph and Pharaoh 7. The Comparison of Vnchaste Women with Antichrist There is extant also in the Bohemian Dialect which are not found in Latine as the Postils upon the Dominical Gospels full of Spirit and zeal against all manner of corruptions in the Church of Christ c. 29. The Nobles of Bohemia and Moravia hainously resenting the blood and execution of their Doctors by the Pope contrary to the faith of his Engagement in the name of their whole body send Letters subscribed signed and sealed with all their hands and seals to the Council charging it upon them that they had unjustly condemned their Pastor an innocent person and a pious holy faithful Preacher of the Truth Given at Prague Decemb. 21. 1416. the Authentick Copy of which Letters as I am assured by faithful witnesses are kept in the â—ibrary of the University of Aberdeen The Synod returns no answer hereunto but writ to some which they knew were still inâ—oxicated with the Roman Superstition and set in places of preheminence viz. John of Michelsberg Alseus Skopek of Dubba Albert of Koldits c requesting and adjuring them to do the commendation of the Roman Catholick Church to them and to the â—egat of the Council John Litomislene a Bishop and that they would assist them in beating down heresie Given at Constance March 22. in the year 1417. 30. Thus the Bohemians being alarmed by the Council unto mutual discords strifes brawlâ— and animosities were exaspered every day more and more and the Mass-Priests from their seats denounced the sentence of Excommunication against the Hussites and doomed them with curses persecuting them and spoiling their Churches where ever they could Hereupon in the year 1419. July 30. there was so great a tumult at Prague that the popular rage prevailing there were twelve ancient Senators of Pâ—ague with the Governor of the City thrown out of the windows of the Governors House to fall upon the spears point 31. Not long after Wenceslaus the King being deceased without Heir Sigismond his Brother King of the Hungarians and Romans took the Kingdom and by Delegates for himself came not there till afterward with an Army enacted many things to the prejudice of their Consciences By this means it came to pass that the Hussity now so called chose for their Captain John of Trutnow Nobly descended educated at the Court expert in War whom because he had lost an eye they called Zisca or one-eyed which performed dreadful exploits as is known in story This man pitching down with an Army in a stony Mountain place ten miles from Prague built a wall about him and so founded a City which would bear a battery if need were as indeed there was need and they called it Tabor i. e a Castle 32. For howbeit the new Pope named Martin the fifth chosen by the Council of Constance inticed the Bohemians by charming Letters sent to them 1418. to renounce the errours of the Wicklegians and Hussites yet afterward 1420. Excommunication being denounced against them at Florence he invited and animated to Arms against them Caesar the Kings Princes Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons Governours Cities and Commonwealths and adjures them by the Wounds of Christ and the happiness of every one of them that with joyned forces they would set upon them and utterly root out such a Sacrilegious cursed people 33. Sigismond the King being inflamed with this Incentive together with all Germany and the adjacent Kingdoms prostitutes himself to be as Agitator on the behalf of the Antichristian Tyranny and a little after that same year enters Bohemia with a puissant Army and infected it with war for ten years This is called the Hussian or Hussites war Of which Aeneas Sylvius afterward proving Pope Pius the eleventh writes that it would gain more admiration then credit with Posterity for designs were managed on their part without any success Zisca the Captain of the
Batchelors and Masters betake themselves others both Commons and Nobles learned and unlearned elsewhere thereabout in great numbers giving themselves diligently to the reading of the Scriptures prayer and works of piety Their Pastors were of the Calixtines which renounced the superstitions and addressed themselves after the form of the Apostolical simplicity among which Micael Bradacius Pastor of Zamberg a pious and devout old man was the chiefest These all called one another mutually by the common and to the godly dear name of Brethren and Sisters by which means it was that the title of the Brethren of Bohemia is given to them by way of eminency even to this day 51. They began indeed to call themselves The Brethren of the Law of Christ as well to distinguish themselves from the orders of the Papists as also from the Benedictines Franciscans c. as to insist upon the foundation of Mr. Huss viz. That the Law of Christ is sufficient for the Government of the Church Militant c. But afterward when they observed it was drawn into a calumny the adversaries crying that they founded a new Order of Monks they left it off saluting one another not amiss with the title of THE BROTHERLY VNITED CHVRCHES or the VNITY OF THE BRETHREN For as the Church is the company of them which are called out of the world to partake of salvation by Faith in Christ knit together by the Laws of mutual charity even so Vnity Ecclesiastical is with us the company of Churches knit together in the Laws of mutual love for the mutual edification of one another in the common salvation fully according to the mind of the holy Ghost Psal 133. and Ephes 4. and elsewhere set down in the Scriptures 52. But Satan was wroth with those beginnings of the Church undertaking a Reformation according to the Laws of the Gospel he therefore raised a new and horrible tempest to overwhelm it for the fame of this flying all abroad the Priests every where stirred up the people to hate them Choak they cried choak the spark least it grow into a flame Rokysan himself who one would think strange puts on the disposition of an enemy and accuses them of headstrong impiety for there was no want of such as would traduce them to the King and Consistory with variety of imputations 53. Hereupon it came to pass in the year 1461. that our Brother Gregory with some others visiting the Brethren at Prague they being assembled together in a certain house were betrayed and taken Where take notice of this remark of providence The Governor entring stayed at the door of the room where they were met and bespake them in these words of Scripture All you that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution You therefore that are here follow me to prison for he was a good man and meant well to the business of the Brethren but could not do otherwise because of the command of his betters 54. The King by reason of the complaints the wicked made of them to him was perswaded that the Brethren of the Taborites as they called them had some plot in hand therefore he commanded that that holy man Gregory should be put upon the rack but he falling into a deep Trance or extasie felt no pain and so they left him upon the rack by the tormentors for dead Rokyzan his Unkle coming in to him and finding him dead on the wrack lamented over him with many tears redoubling it I would I were in thy place O my Gregory but he afterward coming to himself related the vision which in this wheel he had seen That he was carried into a most pleasant meadow in the midst of which stood a tree loaden with fruit and many kinds of birds sitting on the leaves feeding on it there standing in the middle a youth governing the birds with a cane so that none of them durst get away out of order In which sight without doubt God intended to give the picture of that Church whereof he was as the Patriarch He saw also other three men keeping the same tree which six years after when they were in very deed chosen by vote to be the Superintendents he remembred and assured us that they were the very same by the very lineaments of their faces in that vision 55. So Gregory by the mediation of Rokyzan was dismissed but then Patents came forth by the Kings order inhibiting all the Pastors the ministration of the holy Ordinances without the ceremonies and threatning the punishment of death to any that should dare to adminster without the said ceremonâ—es to the Brethren known by the now odious name of Piccardi The Brethren therefore being reduced to great streights and as sheep bereaved of their shepherd run to Rokyzan beseeching him by the glory of God and his own salvation that he would not desert that cause which he knew to be Gods nor hinder the turning away of many from the way of error which they were earnestly providing for and that he would not by any means with-hold the known truth in unrighteousness That even the chief of all the Clergy in the Kingdom must give an account of all both things and persons wherewith they are intrusted and the like But when they saw he was hardned at length they took their leaves of him inserting these words in their last letter Rokyzan thou art of the world and wilt perish with the world 56. At which words being vexed he exasperated the King again against them and out comes new Patents in the name of thâ— King and Consistory That those execrable persons should not be tolerated in any place of Bohemia or Moravia But howbeit they were not wanting which would have them taken and put to death yet Jodocus Rosenbergius Bishop of Wâ—atislavia disswaded them from it giving this reason that Martyrdom was as half-raw-rosting which easily breeds worms meaning that the faithful multiplied by being diminished by martyrdoms and that they would be better reduced if they were banished in all parts For when they are come to that pass saith he that they know not which way to turn themselves they will return to their sound mind 57. Upon this a sore Inquisition was resolved and executed upon the Brethren and so hot it was that most of them especially the chief being dispersed into the Mountains and woods dwelt in caves or dens neither yet there being sufficiently safe therefore they dared not to make any fire for kitchin use save only in the night least the smoak going forth should betray them and then sitting about the fire in the sharp cold air they would spend their time in reading the Scriptures and holy conferences and as oft as they came forth in the deep snow to provide them necessaries least they should be traced they trod all in the same foot-prints the last man drawing after him a Turpentine bough to cover all that it might seem to be only the track of some Countryman
Christendome and at last asking of Crato which of all those Sects he thought came nearest the Apostolical simplicity he answered I know not unless if that be not to be yielded to the Brethren which they call the Piccards Saith Caesar again Even I think so too Whereupon Crato was bold to perswade the Brethren to dedicate their new Edition of the German salter which he knew they were in haâ—d withal to Casar And so they did Anno 1566. whereas first they insert in the Dedicatory Epistle to him that there was life in that and all good men hoped that his August Majestie would promoâ—e the general Reformation of the Church and hereunto they quicken him by the example of David Jehosaphat Josiah Constantine Theodosius and so after that they doubted not for the furtherance of so publique a good work to present His Majestie this mite with all their whole talent according to that measure which God had been pleased to distribute any gift unto them as it plainly appears in the preface it self being still prefixed to all the those Books of Psalters printed ever since It is very likely this pious Prince wanted not a good will hereunto if by the leave of their arts that beleagure the Scepters of Kings and tie their hands he could have done any thing 109. In the third year indeed of his Reign 1565. the haters of the Truth work out a new Persecution against the Brethren abusing to that purpose the Authority of the Chancellour of Bohemia Lord Joachim of New-house who going to Vienna made means by various importunate sollicitations that Caesar should be constrained though it were much against his minde to agree to the putting in execution of the Wladislavian Edict against the Piccards with a new Mandat But the goodness of God watched on the behalf of his own and would not suffer this most excelâ—ent Prince either to be defiled with the blood of the innocent or to be sunk by the sighs of the oppressed For as the Chancellour returned back prepared or furnished with the Broad-Seal he was scarce yet out of the gates of Vienna but as he was going over the bridge of the River Danubium so it was that the pillars giving way the bridge fell asunder and delivered him to the waters to be ingulfed so that he and his Retinue was drowned six horsemen onely swiming out and a young man of the Nobility whom God preserved even to decrepit old age to be a lasting witness of this dreadful judgement who also professed the Religion of the Brethren for the Vindication of which he had found God by experience at that time so vigilant This man as he was swiming in the waters spying his Lord wrought up from the deep and scrabling in the waters ready to sink again got hold of his gold chain about his neck and held till the fishermen which he saw were coming that way in a boat came and helped him out So the Baron was gotten out howbeit dead but for the Cabinet or Trunk wherein the Inâ—truments of the bloody cruelty were laid up that was utterly lost in the waters so that never man saw it after neither durst any man ever attempt the like mischief again Thuanus also relates this story in his 36 Book and calculates this very case to be the fourth Id. of Decemb. 100. When the Copies of the Confession of the Brethren even of the last Edition at Tubinga were so dispersed that there were none to be had it was printed again at Witteberg 1573. better then the former Editions with the ancient Preface of Luther and the Epistle of Professors then yet living Wherein these words were inserted We commend you and your Churches for bearing so good a minde that after the example of your Fathers you place your care and diligence especially in this that you may make proficiency in the knowledge of Christ daily and faithfully transmitting the precious trust of the Word wherewith you are charged both to them that are about you and them that come after you We approve also well of your holding up the strictness of Church Disciplâ—ne which is after the example of the ancient Church without superstition or any snares imposed on the conscience c. Witteberg Feb. 8. 1573. 111. Mr. Zanchy now living at Heidelberg having this Confession sent him by Mr. Crato returned in answer these words Having heedfully and with great content of Spirit perused the Brethrens Confession that you sent me not onely I perceive that your whole Doctrine is agreeable to the holy Scriptures but methinks I apprehend in you that sincere and true Christian piety which is from the very heart inasmuch as you seem to make it your drift not as some utterly to subvert and root out without making any difference even to the very foundations whatever is found in the Church of Rome but to constitute Churches after the true Apostolical and by consequence Salvifical Square of Piety rejecting what is to be rejected correcting what is to be corrected and retaining what is to be retained which indeed is the true and legitimate way of Reforming Churches And I would all Churches in imitation of those our very good Brethren would diligently take the same course so without doubt there would be more Piety Peace Concord Charity whereby God is glorified and the Kingdom of Christ advanced felt in our selves and seen in others And to what end I pray is the whole holy Scripture the preaching of the Gospel the administration of the Sacraments the Institution of Discipline save onely that by these outward helps we being sustained held up assisted through the operation of the holy Spirit in us may profit more and more daily both in faith and charity in the endeavouring of good works and an holy life And as the Apostle saith That the man of God may be perfect being furnished unto every good work Therefore howbeit I grant you in part that which you write that in those there is more conscience then knowledge yet absolutely I do not for those Weaklings seem to me to be wiser in their ignorance then many wise men with their multiplied knowledge c. 112. Lasitius subjoyns as touching the same Confession of the Brethren the testimony of Stanislaus Sarnicius reckned by Starovolscius one of the Century of Polonian Writers but he was a Minister of the Word of God of the Helvetian Confession and afterwards the Superintendent of the Diocess of Cracovia which is after this manner If any man asks me what the Bohemian Confession differs from the Augustan and Helvetian I can make it out that all the Confessions of Germany and France do design this especially to refute and condemn the Popish abuses onely the Confession of the Successors of Huss the Martyr doth not onely pull down what is contrary to but also repairs and restores that building of the new man by Regeneration and of the Church well qualified 113. Not much unlike was the judgement of the Divines of
Tower called Namest This noble Lord bountifully maintained all those persons and preparations at his own proper cost and charges and God blessed it so that we now if any part of Europe again have the Prophets and Apostles speaking in our langauge and yet most purely and properly They were about this work preparing the Translation pure explaining it with Commentaries and writing it out in six Tomes fair for the Press the full space of fourteen years The first part namely the Pentateuch coming out anno 1679. The second part viz. The Historical Books 1580. The third part viz. the Hagiography i. e. the Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Canticles 1583. The Books of the Prophets 1587. The Apocrypha 1588. then the sixth and last part containing the New Testament 1593. out of which afterward other Editions were taken 118. In the year 1575. Maximilian held a Convention at Prague and he gives his allowance that the Estates of the Kingdom which were for the Sacrament in both kinds should enter into a mutual engagement of fidelity to each other under the common seal or token of one confession The Jesuits notwithstanding and the Pseudo pretended Hussites acting to their utmost strength to hinder it but yet they could not For whereas they in their Petitions and Remonstrances amongst other things clamoured to this purpose That the Estates for both kinds were not unanimous in the Faith but nourished amongst themselves the Piccards Calvinists Lutherans The estates that they might testifie their consent agreed together to draw up a Common Confession To this end making choyce of certain Divines and appointing also some of the Barons Nobles and City Officers to overlook the business To these therefore the Masters of Prague presented the Books of Mr. Huss and the Synodical and Parliament Acts for the Religion of the antient Bohemians but those which imbraced the Augustan Confession which were a great part of the Estates offered that same Confession as they that were of the Brethren offered theirs They compare both the sense and the form of speech or phrase of both parts in every Article of Faith and put it into such a form as both parties were able and willing to subscribe it not too much descending to particular subtile Scholastick differences of Questions Which Christian moderation and prudence of theirs did not only profit themselves but also highly swayed many great persons in Germany and elsewhere For Cesar ratified that Confession that was offered him and took all which did subscribe it into his royal Protection onely what they petitioned for power to constitute the Consistory and the University he put off till another time graciously promising them withal in the mean time that he himself or his Son which they had assigned to be his Successor would not be wanting to promote the Petition of the Estates 119. Note That this Confession of the Estates was written in the Bohemian language not translated into Latin nor printed till the year 1619. at which time it was presented to King Frederick by the University and Consistory of Prague therefore it is not extant in the Catalogue of Confessions but that which is found there under the title of the Bohemian Confession is the peculiar Confession of the Brethren of Bohemia not this common one of the Estates There was care taken that they should be put down only in the German tongue and then submitted by the Council to the censure of the Divines of Wittenberg 1575 by the Lord Bohustaus Felix of Lobkowitz and Hassenstein chosen by the Estates to overlook that business It was well approved of by the Wittenberg Divines who in their answer to this Baron in the German tongue among others have these words Although this Confession be brief and we easily observe that the main design in drawing it up was that the chief Articles of Faith should be briefly plainly and properly expressed to avoid all superfluous prelixness and jangling contention about doubtful questions which haply sâ—me contentious spirits in our Germany if this Confession come forth in the German dialect will find fault with all But as for us we cannot but approve your Christian prudence and moderation and plainly we would warn you that though in other places they should be of another opinion yet that you would not suffer your selves to be lead away from this holy and pure simplicity forasmuch as it is certain that the Churches are herein best provided for and such are more edified reformed and kept in unity where the pure Doctrine of the Gospel is commended to Christians in simplicity without any curious affectation of subtilties and the contentions arising thereupon As also David prayeth Psal 25. Thou shalt keep me in simplicity and uprightness c. Given at Wittenburg 3. November Anno 1575. 120. Most excellent Maximilian being laid in the grave 1576. his Son Rudolph succeeded him and treading in his Fathers steps until the year 1602. he reigned in quietness no man being troubled upon any account of Religion but this year by the secret machinations of the Jesuites managed by their Agents things were brought to that pass that Rudolph subscribed the Edict by them drawn up to reinforce Wladislaus Act against the Piccards and commanded it to be published but it effected no further mischief then to shut up the Churches of the Brethren for a time for the Patrons of the Brethren the Nobles protesting against it as not belonging to them inasmuch as the Piccards were not such as were therein described easily obtained of Rudolph graciously to connive at the slack observation and execution of his Edicts neither was it so lawful for the adversaries to urge them by the activity of the other Estates of the Evangelici It is also reported by credible Authors that when in the evening that very day 22 July a messenger bringing tidings that Alba Regalis the chief City of Hungary was taken by the Turks Rudolphe being very much troubled said I lookâ— for some such sad blow ever since I began to usurp Gods Dominion which he hath over the Consciences of men alluding herein to a saying of his Father 121. And that it was never his intent but that the promises of his most pious Father should be performed and the libâ—rty of Conscience established he sufficiently declared afâ—erwards when as Anno 1609. he assigned the Estates of the Kingdom which stood for the Sacrament in both kinds notwithstanding the contraveâ—sings of the Pope and the Spanish Faction as also of many of his own Councel to reform the new Consistory and the University as they should see meet adding moreover hereto his Royal Letters under his broad Seal to confirm his grant hereof giving moreover his allowance that the Churches and Schools which yet the Evangelici had should be continâ—ed in their possession and that others should be built where there was need forbidding that any of his Subjects whether temporal or spiritual should be punished upon the account of Religion And took
grace in common If I had scope I might write a large Commentary how Christ founded that spiritual Kingdom of his which he is pleased to have in the World indeed but not of the World and how it was administred by the Apostle the easier to let you see the enormities of those Christians which dis-figure this spiritual and celestial Kingdom by trans-figuring of it into so many worldly earthly corporeal and carnal Forms and what good hath at any time to this day been done or not done by so many new transformations and reformations but I may not dilate my self I therefore bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that for the riches of his glory he would give you to be strengthened with might in the inner man by his Spirit that being rooted in love you may comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and heighth and to know the Love of Christ which passeth knowledge that you may be filled even unto all the fulness of God Ephes 3.14 Some may say by so much extolling the state of your affairs what would you have would you perswade us to them I answer If these things be good surely they are communicative of themselves and that they should be made common ought not to be matter of displeasure but desire and if it be well with my soul I cannot but say with Paul I would to God you were all as I am excepting these bonds of my Affliction Acts 29.29 I seek nothing herein for my Church which now is not nor for my self which am entring upon my grave But for thee O Catholick Church the Mother of us all whom I so love and reverence that I cannot but wish it were still better with thee whereever however and in what part soever it may be better I was not born to be factious nor have I lived such nor will I dye such but will adhere to Christ only together with them which he hath given to be my guides or whereof he hath made me guide I would it were given to all that call on the name of Christ to perswade the same thing that having Christ only Christ bare Christ for their leader they may not know Paul Apollo Cephas or any whomsoever and fixing to themselves the mark of that one salvation and eternal glory they may supersede other vanities contentions about Primacy Predominancy Titles Revenues as worldly impertinent vile rubbish But dare you so mean a Person move such things I answ Give me leave to indulge my grief which consumes my bones for the ruine of my Church and the Fear of yours I say the ruine of the Church both mine which is now already in its rubbish and yours which is in great danger unless the tender mercies of God prevent you O Christians the love of Christ and the desire of the common salvation compels me thus to speak unto you I do that which Job did when cast on the dunghill saying to his friends about him I teach you being exercised by the stroke of God upon me Job 27.11 If I take the boldness so to exhort you I adventure upon no more then is enjoyned a duty to all Christians 1 Cor. 14.31 2.13 11. Heb. 3.13 should I give counsel too yea by the same Law with that very poor Citizen and of no account who yet his countrey being in danger was bound if he knew any thing to bring relief thereunto by counsell Eccles 9.17 and with that Maid-servant which durst counsel her Lord the General 2 Kings 5.3 Hear ye me which fear God my words shall not be wind but substance they shall not utter any private matter but that of the common salvation I well know the Genius of humane nature how incident it is to every one of us to please himself in his own and to despise others in comparison with himself The Cedars will admire their heigth the Oakes their strength the Palm their handsomness the Figs and Vines their fruit but the Whin is contemned for its shrubbedness that even the beasts of the field can tread it under their feet Judg. 9. Be it then that the Bohemian Nation were the least of Nations the Bohemian Church the least of Churches and the Bohemian Church of the Brethren the least part of that Country what then will follow that he that is great can learn nothing of a little man hear Christ that Eternal Wisdom what did he when the great Apostles contended for the Prerogative of greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven he takes a little child and setting him in the midst said Verily I say unto you unless you be converted and become as a little child you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18.1 2 3. Make application thereof and you shall be your own teachers O ye great Doctors I hope you all believe that Christ is still with us and will be to the end of the World to behold our behaviour and to hear our contentions about greatness yet continuing Nor must there be wanting some little ones to be set in the midst of the Great ones and appointed to be their pattern Contend then O Great Churches among your selves if you please about the Preheminence whether the Grecian or the Roman the French or the English the German or Helvetian be the greater Church strive about the notion of faith for Ceremonies or Hierarchy as fiercely as you can Behold Christ presents you in the midst with a little child and as Zanchy hath it an Infant stript of all pomp and dressing considerate for nothing but simplicity knows not any thing of preferring it self to others quarrelling with any coveting wealâ—h and honours only skill to keep at home to do its own business not to intermeddle in other mens matters to serve God in spirit and truth to look up to Heaven to renounce trust in the Earth and to fear and take heed of nothing so much as not to offend God or man by neglect of any duty and being taken up with these things hath learned to brook privacy of life and to bare contempt In this manner if any man humble himself the Lord promiseth him a majority in the Kingdom of Heaven ver 4. and saith whosoever receives such a little one in the name of Christ Christ will receive him ver 5. but on the contrary if any offend such an one he threatens him with a burdensome stone and the bottom of the sea ver 6. and with all at once denounceth an eternal woe to all which avoid not scandals when they can ver 7. And what else did the Apostle inculcate on his factious Corinthians striving about fading to yes and that even before Infidels If we have saith he any cases of things pertaining to this life to judge why set you not them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church I speak it to your shame 1 Cor 6.4 What if the same Apostle to our shame should say even
enamoured me with the love 1. Of Unity especially that of the Church 2. Of Order especially in the Church 3. Of Settlement especially of the Church 4. Life and Vigour especially of the Church cannot but be in pursuit of those things with all my desires and having lost the less our Unity Order Bands Life I cannot but pray for the greater even the Unity Order Bands and Life of the whole people of Christendome in as much as Unity in the Community is far better then community in paucity I would some greater and more famous Church which is as a City set upon an hill Mat. 5.14 yea lifted up above the Hills Jos 2.2 would begin and set an example to the rest I mean of perfect co-implantation perfect Co-ordination perfect connexion and perfect reformation after the life of Christ as much as may be on this side heaven for in these doth the perfection beauty and salvation of the Church consist We ought to pray for the Unity of the Church because he which could not desire but that which was best even he who is our Saviour sanctifying himself to be a Sacrifice for us prayed for this and that with tears Father I sanctifie my self for these that they also may be sanctified in thy Truth Joh. 17.19 even all that shall believe in me 20. That they all may be One as thou Father art in me and I in thee and that they may be One in Vs 21. I have given them the glory which thou gavest to me that they may be One even as also We are One 22. I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One and the world may know that thou hast sent me 23. Alas Christians be afraid having lost Unity we have lost that whereby the world should know that we are God's people and that Christ was sent of the Father to be the Saviour of the world had we kept this we might have gained a thousand worlds O then that yet yet we may return unto Unity that the world may know c. But what Unity do you desire Even that which the Apostles began by the Command and Example of Christ under whom the Church was one Heart and one Soul Acts 4.32 i. e. there was no study to make and maintain parties but the same sentiment and consent in all and the same designe of common edification as among the members of the same body O that God would please so to give to us one heart and one soul that all the Pastors with their several Flocks and all the Flocks with their several Pastors the whole Clergie among themselves and the people among themselves all the Rulers with their subjects and subjects with their Rulers and every Church with it self and all the Churches of the same Kingdom and Province within themselves may all be but one body and one soul Open but your eyes O Christians how without Unity there is in the very foundation of the whole Fabrick of the Church no strength at all but all to tumble and running to ruine In all things Natural Artificial and Moral the only Base of Peace and Prosperity is Unity unto which all things first and last above and below on the right and left hand must be so reduced that if one goes all go In such a frame hath God made the world and all and every thing in the world to wit the body of every living creature yea and every Plant too hanging together still with certain ligaments in every part To the like form of necessity must all humane Society and the Church also be reduced because where ever multitude is there is confusion unless that multitude by vertue of Order be brought to an Unity break but Unity it 's unpossible but that the multitude should fall in pieces and so to ruine For it cannot be otherwise but that plurality not united together with the band of Union must come to division and from division to contention and from contention to confusion 2. But Unity is not enough for the full safety of the Church and therefore Order must be added because the Church is not a Body made up of Similar parts all of like nature and name with themselves and the whole as an heap of Sand or a stack of Wood or a flock of Sheep or the body of a Snail where 't is not enough that the parts are together but such as consists of divers members of distinct places scituations forms and offices as we see in a House City Army and the Humane body where every thing the top and the bottome the end and the end the middle and the middle according to their degree contains it self in its own place and acts what it hath in special charge in its own sphere and it must be thus or else all is in a despairing case But what Order do we wish in the Churches Such again as Christ hath instituted and the Apostles observed viz. That there should be some to govern and go before and some to follow and obey in a legitimate subordination of the lowest to the highest and especially that every one abide in the Calling wherewith he is called not forsaking his station nor intrenching upon anothers 1 Cor. 7 17. Christ hath set us an example herein who executing the Office of a Prophet in his life of a Priest in his death and of a King in heaven whilst he was yet in the exercise of his Prophetical Office and they would make him a King he declined it John 6.15 they would have him take upon him to distribute outward possessions he refused it Luke 12.14 and he commanded the like to his Apostles not to intermeddle with secular affairs Luke 22.26 It is then confusion in the Church when persons called to Ecclesiastical Offices shall entangle themselves in Civil Ministrations Possessions Dominions Judgments Wars or contrariwise hereto Of the former way of confusion all see a plain instance in the Papacy where Church-men having gotten into their hands the power of both swords exercise Spiritual and Secular Government Of the latter they which are any thing well-sighted may see it true in part of the Reformed Churches where those of the Civil Power have forced away the power of the Spiritual Sword out of the hands of the Pastors of the Church and do not indulge them the exercise hereof To this purpose Olevian that godly Divine hath an observation which gives me occasion to give a seasonable and useful warning to the Church of God and indeed such is the abominableness and mischief of the danger I would give warning of that a kinde of necessity is laid upon me so that I must speak Thus Olevian as before Hist Ps 53. § 115. When I behold the sad face of the Reformed Churches in Germany plainly I am all over set in a trembling I perceive Secular Powers have been the Accommodations of the Church but now in many places they are turned into Dominations and they Lord
it securely at their pleasure over the Churches and so over the heavenly Doctrine c. What this means John Valentine of Andreas a choice Divine of the Lutherans in his Auguration Sermon or Speech at Tubinga in the year 1642. tells us in these words The impotent Usurped Power of the Pope over Emperours Kings and all power of State and Magistracy which one may call by an unusually but not an unfitly name Papal-Magistracy with a Divine Spirit of Power set at liberty their Rights Dignities Crowns and Scepters and being restored upheld them by the Authority of the Divine Word Now Satan easily perceived what an incurable wound was given him and how the very foundations of his Kingdom were shaken by this liberty of the Magistrate restored therefore superseding all force and violence he takes to his Arts and Stratagems and attempting that which no man suspected an unworthy return indeed for so great a benefit instead of Papal-Magistracy the Tables being turned he institutes Magistratical-Papacy and foisted it into the Church scarce as yet gotten out of the Roman dungeon Would you know what this word means 'T is sad indeed and that which is very prejudicial to the proceedings of the Church affairs I had rather you should have it in the words of Conrad Schlisselberg formerly an excellent Divine of Ours than in mine own Imperial-Papacy saith he is the confounding of the Church and Civil Power wherein the Secular Lords in Courts and Cities under pretence of keeping both the Tables snatch to themselves the Spiritual Sword and make themselves Lords over the Church and the Ministery of the Word Prescribing Forms of Obligation and of Teaching Praying making Sermons Honouring the Magistrate Taxing offences and Errors Administring the Sacraments and Keyes and setting up Ceremonies in the Church such as are now dangerous doubtful and contrary to the Word of God and they will have to be in their own and their Courtiers and Senates hands the Supreme and Dictator-like power of hearing taking cognizance of and determining all Ecclesiastical causes and of chusing and calling Ministers and dis-officiating the same whom and when they please whether the Church will or no consent hereunto or dissent and all to this end that themselves may not be reproved and admonished by the faithful Preachers from the Spirit of God and that the Civil Peace as they account it may be preserved Thus Schlisselburg And John Valen. of Andreas Printing on purpose a little Book entituled Apap i. e Papa inverted to shew the prodigious abominations and fatal effects of that new Monster Imperial-Papacy That it is the most desperate crafty stratagem of the Devil to frame for himself of Ministers of the Gospel Masters of State and transform the Servants of Christ into Servants of men and to hang fetters upon the Prophets to make them either dumb or fearful to speak lest they should be Reprovers Ezek. 3.25 26. Chrysostome was in the right This is the cause of all evils that the Authority of the Governours of the Church is lost and they be not had in Reverence Honour and Fear Hom. 2. on the 2. of Tim. for verily when the Magistrate will not be reproved neither will the people For Let 's but see th' Mode Royal And who 'll not be Loyal And then the Church becomes such as it was in the time of the Prophets Licentious Contumacious and impatient of all Controul Let no man strive and reprove another for this people is as they that strive with the Priest Hos 4.4 Whence it comes to pass that in those Churches where Imperial Papacy rules one of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven is neglected despised lost I did not know it the Omniscient is my witness and to this very day for what hath an incurious man to do in another man's charge for ought I know I might have been ignorant of it but that some 14 yeers ago by chance I came to the knowledge of it Excuse me as to the name of place and person and I 'le relate it to you in few words It hapned that in the chief City of Germany I had some speech with the chief Pastor of the Church in that place He told me he had a good while longed for an occasion to know whether a Book which he had read viz. The way of the Discipline and Order of the Churches of the Brethren in Bohemia did contain the true story of that Church or only a Model how a Church should be constituted I asked why he doubted it He answered because I cannot imagine any such Church should or can at this day be found in the world I answered 't was an History not a Fiction there related and that indeed there was really such Orders and Constitutions though they were not enough observed and therefore now we that would not be governed thereby are under the chastisements of the Discipline of heaven Saith he O happy you that had both the Keys we have lost one of them that is the binding Key We are appointed to be such Stewards in the House of God as are bound as it were to set open the Barns Cellars Chests and all Treasuries and not at all to shut them so that we cannot but give holy things to dogs and cast pearls before swine I have known saith he some persons in my Congregation very prophane covetous extortioners drunkards adulterers admitted to Confession and the Supper which must be by me absolved to day and for certain would be found to morrow returning to wallow in the mire I told him they were not to be admitted unless they would engage to reform He answered I tryed that but could not carry it on they defame me as some new Papist or Calvinist my life is bitter to me c. and so began to sigh and weep I tell you a true story before God who is a most faithful witness if haply even by this the enormity and deadly mischief as well of the Imperial-Papacy as the Papal-Empire may be made manifest for by the one as much as by the other is the Order of the Church shaken even in the very foundation fin and judgment being filled up to the measure by such breach of Order Is there not some likeness between the Papal Empire of the Evangelici and that Micah of Mount Ephraim making himself a new God for his House and having a Priest to perform the Service as should be by him prescribed Judg. 17. Doth it not resemble the Policy of Jeroboam setting up Calves to be his Gods and Calvish Priests to be Ministers because forsooth the reason of State so required Mark I beseech you the Founders of the old and new Church and the many Reformers and Transformers their divers and even contrary wayes God will not be mocked that which any man sowes that he shall also reap Aaron the Priest with Miriam the Prophetess go about to shake off the Authority of Moses their Prince and they are punished by God with