then the Apostles or do they disdayne to tread in the Apostles steps as Isaac did in Abrahams Agayn let them tell vs why they keep the name of the popish priesthood if they have not still the same office Have they not heard of the promise made by the Lord to his Church and people when he bringeth them from Idolatrous wayes that he will take away the names of Baalim out of theyr mouth and that they shall no more be remembred by theyr names Hath the Lord said it and shall he not do it or hath he promised and shall he not accomplish it Now is it then that these men have the same name if they have not the same office with the popish priesthood Is it because they would manifest to the world that as yet in theyr estate that promise belongeth not vnto them Then certainely as yet they are not the true ministers and Churches of Christ. Or is it because they would have all meÌ„ know that as yet they worship the Beast and receive his mark and the print of his name Then suerly as yet they are false Ministers and Churches of Antichrist Or finally is it because they can well like of the names of blasphemy written in the whores forehead neyther are afrayd to partake in her sinnes Then needs must they look to receyv also of her plagues whose end is damnation as the Scripture witnesseth This therefore first is a matter of great waight and consequence howsoever they regard it that in name they both agree with the Priests of Antichrist and disagree with the Pastors of IEsus Christ. But we will proceed to compare them together in other things which themselves account of greater moment as in these which follow 2 The office of the popish priesthood is such as before any 〈◊〉 it they must first be made Deacons by some Prelate Such also is the office of Priesthood receyved and vsed in England But such is not the Pastors office appoynted by Christ Eph. 4. 8. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 1â— 28. Act. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Rom. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 3. The popish priests are capable of the offices of Archbishops Lordshops Archdeacons Suffraganes Deanes etc. retayning still theyr office of priesthood withall So are the Priests of England But so are not Pastors whom Christ hath given to his Church 2. Cor. 6. 15. 16. 17. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 12. Gal. 2. 18. Rom. 12. 7. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 18. 28. 4. The popish priests may in theyr constitution notwithstanding theyr ecclesiasticall office take vpon them civill offices and callings as to be Iustices of peace County Palatyne Lord President Lord Chauncelor etc and be honored likewise with the titles of Kings and Nobles as Grace Lord Honour Metropolitan Primate etc So is it also with the Priests of England in theyr constitution But so is it not with the Pastors ordeyned by Christ in his Church Luk. 12. 14. and 22. 25. 26. 1 Pet. 5. 3. Ioh. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 7. 2. Tim. 2. 4. 5. The popish priests in theyr constitution are inferior offices to Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons etc. So are also the Priests of England But so are not Pastors in the constitution and Churches of Christ. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28. 6. The popish priests must be ordeyned to theyr office by a Lordbishop or his Suffragane So must also the Priests of England But so may not the Pastors of the Churches of Christ but eyther by the Eldership or at the Churches first growing into order when yet they have not Elders by some of the fittest members in the Churches name and by the Churches authority appoynted therevnto 1 Tim. 4. 14. Num. 8. 10. 7. The popish priests at theyr ordination must be presented to the Lordbishop by an Archdeacon or his deputy vsing also these words of presentation Reverend father I present these men vnto you to be admitted to the order of Priesthood So likewise must the Priests of England be presented But so may not the Pastors appoynted by Christ Rev. 14. 9. 11. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17. 8. The popish priests must be ordeyned to theyr office according to theyr pontificall devised by themselves In like maner must the priests of England be ordeyned to theyr office according to theyr pontificall that is according to theyr book of ordering Priests and Deacons of which themselves say It is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall wherein he showeth himself to be Antichrist most lively But so may not any be ordeyned to the Pastors office but onely according to the Testament of Christ. Ioh. 10. 1. 2. 7. Act. 14. 23. 1 Tim 3. 10 15. and 4. 14. Hebr. 5. 4. Rev. 22. 18. 19. 9 The popish priests at theyr ordination must kneel vpon theyr knees at the feet of the Lordbishop that ordeyneth them and he must say vnto them though blasphemously Receyve the â—oly Ghost whose sinnes you forgive they are forgiven and whose sinnes you retayne they are retayned So must the Priests of England likewise be ordeyned humbly kneeling at the Prelates feet and with the same blasphemous words spoken vnto them by the Prelate But so may not the Pasâ—ors of Christ be ordeyned Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 1 Coâ— 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. c. Ioh. 20 22. 23. Esa. 42. 8. with a Thes. 2. 3. 4. 10 The popish priests are not ordeyned in and before the Conâ—regatioÌ„ where they are to have charge aÌ„d minister but in Metropolitane or Cathredrall cittâ—es or at some of the Prelates pallaces or where els he pleaseth to give orders as they call 〈◊〉 sometymes 40. or 50. or 60. myles from the place where they arâ— to minister So are the Priests of England But not the Pastors of the Churches of Christ For they are and must â—e ordeyned in the face and presenâ—e of the Congregation wheâ—eof they are chosen Pastors Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. 6. and 1. 15. Numb 8. 9. 10. 11 The popish priests are taken and ordeyned without fasting and praâ—er of the Congregation where they are to ministâ—â— So are the Priests of England But Pastors not so Act. 14. 23. and 13. 3. 12 The popish priests taking charge of soules are not elected by the Congregation whereof they are to take charge but are presented by a Patrone to the Lordbischop to be instituted aÌ„d inducted into a benifice being Deacons or Priest before so made by the Prelates Thus also are the Priests of EnglaÌ„d Whereas contrarywise the Pastors of Christ are elected by free and voluntary châ—yse of the Church whereof they are to be overseers Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. â— Cor. 8. 19. Numb 8. 9. Ezech. 33. 2. 13 The refusall of the whole parish cannot debar a popish priest from having charge of theyr soules
when he is presented by the Patrone and instituted by the Prelate Neyther can 〈◊〉 the Priests in the parishes of England But so it is not with the Pastors and Churches of Christ. Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 8. 19. 14 The popish priests may at theyr pleasure without câ—nsent of the people reâ—igne or give over theyr benefices and comâ—â—nly betake themselves to some other of greater value So may also the Priests of England But Pafâ—ors may not give over or leav the flock over which the holy Ghost by the Churches calling hath made them overseers except it be with consent of the Church and for such cause as is warranted by the sayd holy Ghost in the written word Act. 20. 28. with 14. 23. Col. 4. 17. Rom. 12. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. Esa. 62. 6. 7. Ezech. 3. 26. 27. with 33. 22. Numb 8. 25. 15. One popish priest in theyr constitution may and doth â—ake the charge and commodity of many parishes and benefices at once So also may the Priests of England Wherâ—as Pastors have but one onely flock depending vpon them wherevnto they must attend with all faithfull diligence 1 Petr. 5. 2. 3. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 28. Rom. 12. 3 7. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 13. 14. Hebr. 13. 17. Ezech. 34. Cap. 16. The popish priests wait not the Churches calling to â—he ministery but seek and make suite to some Prelate to be ordeyned Priests giving money also for theyr letters of orders So do also the Priests of England But so do not Pastors but stay till the Lord by his Church call them to that office Hebr. 5. 4. Act. 20. 28. with 14. 23. Esa. 62. 6. 7. Ezech. 33. 2. with ler. 23. 21. and 2 Chron. 13. 9. 17 The popish priests are ordeyned to theyr office though they have no flock to attend vpon Yea commonly 20. or 30. of them are ordeyned at once whereof no one is called to any particular congregation but they must afterward like masterles men seek and sue for places where to be employed So is it also with the Priests of England Whereas Pastors are alwayes ordeyned to the attendance of a certayne particular Church for the work of the Ministery thereyn Act. 14. 23. and â—0 28. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Peâ— 5. 2. Rev. 1. 20. 18. Such be popish priests aÌ„d have â—ure of soules amoÌ„ng them as are not at all able to preach the word Such be also Priesâ—s and have charge of soules in England But none such be Pastors but they onely that being apt to teach are lawfully called to that office 1 Tim. 3. 2. Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 12. Tit. 1. 7. 9. Ioh. 10. 1 5. Num 1â— 5. 40. 19. Of the popish priests that can preach it is required that besides ordination to theyr office they have speciall liâ—ence from the Prelates to preach So is it also required of the Priests of England But not of the Pastors of Christ. Act. 20. 28. 1 Cor. 7. 23. and 9. 16. and 12. 5. 28. Ephes. 4. 1â— Rev. 14. 9 1â— 20 The popish priests are subject to be silenced suspended deprived degraded by the Prelates So are also the Priests of England But not Pastors Rev. 2. 1. and 14. 9. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. Esa. 62. 1 6. 7. Zach. 11. 17. Ier. 48. 10. 1 Cor. 9. 16. and 12. 28. Act. 4. 19. 20. and 20 28. 21. The popish priests at theyr institution must sweare to performe Canonicall obedience to the Prelates theyr Ordinaryes So must the Priests of England But not Pastors 1 Cor. 12. 5. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. Rev. 2. 1. and 14. 9. 12. Act. 5. 29. 31. Ioh. 15. 14. Rom. 6. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 22. The popish priests are tyed to a book of sâ—inted prayers and a prescript order devised by man for theyr worship and ministration So likewise are the Priests of England bound to a prescript order of service and book of Common prayer taken out of the Popes portuis Whereas the Pastors of the Churches of Christ are free to vse theyr gifts receyed from Christ for the work of his Ministery being â—yed thereyn to no inventions of men but onely to the rule and order which Christ in his word hath appoynted â—herevnto â—phes 4. 8. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. Exod. 30. 9. vvith Psal. 141. 2. Rev. 8. â— Esa. 29. 13. Mat. 15. 9. 1 Pet. 4. 10. 11. 2 Tim. 1. 6. 7. Rom. 8 26. Ioh. 4. 24. â— Tim. 3. 15. and 6. 13. 14. vvith Gal. 3. 15. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Rev. 22. 18. 19. 23 The popish priests are bound in that office to performe such actioÌ„s as Christ never appoynted for the work of his ministery as to Church women to bury the dead to solemnize mariages etc. So are the Priests of England But so are not Pastors Eph. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 15. and 5. 17. and 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. Rev. 22. 18. 19. 24 The popish priests be not of like aÌ„d equall power degree and authority amoÌ„g themselves but are some of them inferior to other hereyn as Parsons to Archdeacons Archdeacons to Lordishops Lordbishops to Archbishops So is it with the Priests of England But not with Pastors For they have all of them like and equall power degree and authority vnder Christ the onely Archbishop and great shepeard of the sheep 1. Pet. 5. 3. 4. and 2. 25. Luk. 22. 24. 25. 26. Rev. 1. 20. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Act. 20. 28. Heb. 13. 17. 20. 25 The popish priests together with theyr people stand subject to the ecclesiasticall courts Canons citations excommunications absolutions and other the like jurisdiction of the Prelates and theyr Officials So stand also the priests of England and theyr people But so stand not the Pastors and Churches of Christ Rev. 14. 4. 9. 12. Mat. 6. 24. and 28. 20. Ioh. 3 35. 36. and 10. 4. 5. Gâ— 49. 10. Esa. 33. 22. Iam. 4. 12. Heb. 3. 1. 2. 3. 26 The popish priests have ioyned with them in theyr â—harâ—e Churchwardens and Sidemen which are sworne to present to the Ordinaryes court as also to his Chauncelors aÌ„d Commissaryes courts all such offences faults and defaults as be committed among them against the Prelates Articles aÌ„d Iniunctions So is it also with the Priests of England But not with the Pastors of the Churches of Christ Wherein they are not onely freed from all Antichristian bondage but have also ioyned with them Teachers and Elders for the instruction oversight and guydance of the Church according to the ordiâ—ances of Iesus Christ and no other 1 Tim. 5. 17. and 6. 13. â—4 Rom. 12. 7. 8. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 28. and 14. 37. Act. 15. 2. 4. 6. 22 23. and 20. 17. 28. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. Matt. 28. 20. 27 The popish priests with theyr Churchwardens and people have not the power of Christ to cast out any
perhaps they never saw nor heard of afore and it may be never after Let him also tell vs if the Prelates do not oftē tymes make priests in theyr private chappels yea ād in theyr closets too ād whether these be not Priests by the Law aswell as the rest among them Now then where is the solemne assembly ād Congregation he speaketh of vnles he vnderstand it of the Prelates officers ād servitors who commonly are as wicked and irreligious as theyr Lord and Master Doth Mr H. write this as of syncerity as of God in the sight of God as he professed in the entrance of his letter Or doth he not rather go about to deceyv the Reader and darken the truth when thus colourably he would beare vs in hand that the Law of God which prescribeth that the Church and flock should approve and choose their own Minister is observed among them And yet further let◠him aunswer whether they be not commonly made Priests at theyr own suite without any people to attend vpon much lesse to approve and choose them Yea whether often it be not so as the people where they are to minister never saw them before till they come vpon them with the Patrones presentation and the Prelates induction to the benifice Which when they bring the people are most that can do least even iust nothing at all For priests they must and will be there whether the people will or not Is this to have the Churches choyse and approbation Is this to follow the Law of GOD and to have that in substance which the word prescribeth as here Mr H. pretendeth they have But above all it is most straunge that he would perswade vs theyr law requireth theyr Ministers to be ordeyned by imposition of hands of the Eldership when all the world knoweth that they imprison banish and persecute to death the poore Christians in the Land which follow that rule of God in theyr iudgment and practise Yea and Mr H. himself afterward in this letter confesseth both that the power of ordination among them is by law committed to the Prelates and that by the Law of God the Prelates are not capable of it How then possibly can this be true which here he saith that theyr Law requireth ordination to be done by imposition of the hāds of the Eldership as the law of God doth These must needs be contradictory the one to the other But to proceed if it were so as here he pretendeth why then hath he with the rest of the forward preachers and people so often sued to the Parliament for an Eldership consisting of Pastors Teachers and Elders in every Church if already they enioy it Do they sue for that they have that were a mockery Or doth not the Law expresly requier that imposition of hāds among them be done by a Lordbishop or his Suffragane with the Archdeacon and other Priests present And are these now of late come to be an Eldership How is it then that the Prelates and theyr followers have heretofore written that in the Apostles tyme there were Elders in every Church but now it ought not so to be And that the seekers of Reformation have published that not onely the office of Elders but theyr Name also is out of this English Church vtterly removed and that in stead of them in every Church the Pope hath brought in and they in England yet mainteyne the Lordship of one man over many Churches yea over sundry shires Which Lordbishops being not able as the Elders to execute theyr offices in theyr own persons without substitutes have therefore theyr vnder officers as Suffraganes Chauncelors Archdeacons Officials Commissaryes and such like Also that they with theyr Canons and Courts are drawen out of the Popes shop and take vpon them which is most horrible the rule of GOds Church thrusting away most sacrilegiously that order which Christ hath left in his Church and which the Primitive Church hath vsed yea robbing the Church of lavvfull Pastors Elders and Deacons Thus and much more have themselves written heretofore Yet see how now Mr H. would perswade vs they have the Eldership prescribed in the word And that vvhereas there is vvant of due execution of such things in theyr Church as the Lavv of God commaundeth that is the fault of the men not of the calling As if the limmes of Antichrist were now become the Eldership ordeyned by Christ And the Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons with theyr other priests and Officers whom the Apostles never knew were to be accounted those Elders whom the Apostles planted in the Primitive Churches Those Elders had a lawfull calling of a true Church to a true office ordeyned by Christ which also they were bound to administer according to the word of God in the Church whereof and whereto they were called These Prelates and Priests as hath ben proved have an vnlawfull calling in a false Church to a false office never set by Christ in his Church which also they are bound to administer according to theyr popish Canons Articles and Iniunctions besides that many of them have Lordship ouer many Churches and sundry shires Those Elders performed theyr office in theyr own persons These Prelates and Priests have theyr substitutes Vicars and vnder officers Those Elders were in no office belonging to Antichrist These Prelates and Priests have the very offices without which no Church of Antichrist pretending to be Christs can be absolute and complete in all the Canonicall functions of Antichrists ministery and government Those Elders had offices which must continew to the end of the world yea even then when Antichrist in all the partes offices and power of his Ministery and religion shalbe consumed by the Gospell of IEsus Christ These Prelates and Priests have such offices as till they be abolished all the offices of Antichrists Hierarchy are not destroyed Which the Scripture testifyeth shall come to passe by the Spirit of the Lords mouth in the light and power of his Gospell To coclude then these Prelates and Priests are as vnlike to those Elders as darknes is to light and the forgeryes of Antichrist to the ordinances of IEsus Christ. Where then is the imposition of hands of the Eldership which Mr H. would make vs beleev theyr Ministers have Or is the want now among them not of the offices of Elders but onely of vpright Dealers therein as here he would perswade Thus then you see that theyr Ministers having no other office nor calling then the Law alloweth have not at all the substance of the office or calling of Ministers which the vvord prescribeth whatsoever colour he pretend to the contrary And yet I pray you what hath he said more for the maner of calling to theyr Priesthood then may be alledged for the popish priests For the Popes pontificall out of which theyr book is drawen requireth the same things at the entrance to the priesthood which Mr
read that Moses â—ezekiah Nehemiah Annah and others have so prayed and ben accepted of God 13. Christ hath given an expresse commaundement VVhen ye pray say Our father c. wherevpon I reason thus The commaundements of Christ are to be kept otherwise it is sinne therefore if Christ have here commaunded to vse these words in that number and order then whosoever pray at any tyme and vse not these words they sinne But already we have seen that the Apostles prayed and vsed not these words and yet sinned not And so no doubt do other the servants of God daily according to theyr divers occasions and conditions Not to speak here of the prayers which the preachers vse before and after theyr sermons neyther of theyr collects and other prayers besides this prescribed in theyr books Otherwise also every man that blesseth his table or sayth to another God be with you God blesse you God recover you good morrow good night or the like should sinne in this because he prayeth and yet saith not Our father etc. 14. Yet I doubt not but we may vse any of these aswell as other words applying them to our speciall case and necessity As we see that Christ prayed saying Father glorify thy Name And agayn O my Father if this cup can not passe from me but that I must drink it thy vvill be done Where we may learne by Christ who gave the rule how to vse it to witt not in a superstitious saying over these words but in praying according to this rule as our special necessities shall be whether we vse any of these words or other or pray with sighs that cannot be expressed 15. Finally therefore all such as have framed or receyved any other forme of Prayer but this onely which Christ hath taught offend against this rule and commaundement of Christ. And thus not we but they who have devised and follow other formes and books of prayer are those which deny and as much as lyeth in them disanull the Lords prayer â—EVEN QVESTIONS which have ben propounded to divers of the Mâ—inisters of these assemblyes with request that they would aunswer them directly and sâ—ncerely from the Scriptures Which also still is desired at theyr hands â— WHether the Lord Iesus Christ have by his last Testament given vnto and set in his Church sufficient ordinary offices with theyr calling vvorks and maintenance for the administration of his â—oly things and for the sufficient ordinary insâ—ruction guydance and service of his Châ—rch to the end of the world or no 2. Whether the offices of Pastors Teachers Elders Deacons and Helpers be those offices appoynted by Christ in his Testament as aforesaid Or whether the present ecclesiasticall offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Suâ—â—raganes Deanes Subdeanes Prebendaryes Channcelors Priests Deacons or half Priests Archdeacons Subdeacons Commissaâ—yes Officials Doctors Proâ—tors â—egisters Scribes Apparitors Parsons Vicars Curates Stipendaryes Dagrant preachers Chapleynes or howse priests Canons Petticanons Gospellers Epistlers Chaunters Virgerers Queristers Organ-players Churchwardens Sidemen Collectors Clerks Sertans and the rest now had in these Cathedrall and parishionall assemblyes be those offices appoynted by Christ in his Testament as is aforesayd or no 3. Whether the calling and entrance into these ecclesiasticall offices last aforesayd theyr administration and maintenance now had and reteyned in England be the maner of calling administration and maintenance which Christ hath appoynted for the offices of his Church aboue named or no 4. Whethere very true visible Church be not a company of people called and separated out from the world and the false worship and wayes thereof by the word of God and ioyned together in fellowship of the Gospell by voluntary profession of the faith and obedience of Christ And whether the ecclesiasticall assemblyes of this land be such or no 5. Whether the Sacraments being seales of rightuoesnes which is by faith may be administred to any other then the faithfull and theyr seed or in any other Ministery and maner theÌ„ is prescribed by Iesus Christ the Aposâ—le and high Priest of our profession And whether they be not otherwise administred in the Cathedrall and parishionall assemblyes of England at this day 6. Whether the book of common prayer with the feasts fasts holy dayes 〈◊〉 prayers and leiturgy prescribed therein and vsed in these assemblyes be the true worship of God commaunded in his word or the devise and inâ—ention of Man for Gods worship and service 7 Whether all Churches and people without exception be not bound in religion onely to receyv aÌ„d submit vnto that 〈◊〉 vvorship and order which Christ as Lord and King hath given aÌ„d appoynted to his Church Or whether any man receyv and joyne vnto another devised by man for the service of God And consequently whether they which ioyne to the present ecclesiasticall Ministery vvorship and order of these Cathedrall and parshionall assemblyes can be assured by the word of God they ioyne to the formeâ— ordeyned by Christ and not to the latter 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉 and service of God ¶ Let him that readeth consider A table of some principall things conteyned in this treatise THe written word of GOD onely is to be the rule of our life and â—â—â—gion pag. 1. 4. How God accounteth the mixture of mans inventions with his ordinances in his worship pag. 115. The ordinances of Christ are to be kept notwithstanding the prohibition of Princes or any persecution to the contrary pag. 32. 71. 133. 136. Magistrates are to be obeyed in the lord not against the Lord. pag. 49. 71. 133. 136. Of the Christian Magistrates allowance or prohibition inreligion p. 1â— 133. No Prince Church or Nation can make that lawfull which Gods word maketh vnlawfull pag. 126. 133. Princes ought to abolish all false worship and ministeryes pag. 25. 105. 134. The worship Prelaâ—â— and other ministery of the Church of England is against the Prphecy Priesthood and Kingdome of Christ. p. 30 34. Christs person and office p. 28. 42. Whether the Church of Engl. in theyr constitution held Christ the onelâ— lawgiver to the conscience p. 15. False doctrines taught and allowed in the Church of Engl. p. 10. 11. 12. 13. Of the profession of the Church of Engl. p. 19. Antichristian corruptioâ—s yet remayning in the Church of Engl. p. 19. 75. Antichrists religion a mystery of iniquity p. 7. 19. 37. 115. The description of Antichrist out of 2 Thes. 2. p. â— and out of 1 Ioh. 4. 3. p. 28 35. Of Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons etc. p. 10. 52. 68. 75. 86. 88. 100. 108. 113. 117. 130 131. 136. 141. Of the Priests office in the Church of Eng. Sect. 7. 8. and p. 11. 33. 87. 105. The maner of entrance into it Sect. 9. and pag. 10. 100. 109. 119. Of the name Priests pag. 81. 94 99. The Priesthood of England compared with the popish and both of them with the Pastors office p. 98 105. The Deacons office in the Church of Engl.
this is the Antichrist which denyeth the Father and the Sonne 1 Ioâ— 2. 23. By this shall ye know the Spirit of God Every spirit that confesseth Iesus Christ come in the flesh is of God And every spirit which confesseth not Iesus Christ come in the flesh is not of God but this is the spirit of Antichrist 1. Ioh 4. 2. 3. Many deceyvers are entred into the world vvhich confesse not Iesus Christ come in the flesh He that is such one is a deceyveâ— and an Antichrist 2. Ioh. 7. HEre in few words is comprised a most notable direction how to know Antichrist and declared also by the contrary in the fourth chapter as is here noted down Where the Apostle teacheth vs to trye and know the spirits of all men by the confession they make concerning Christ to witt by theyr acknowledging or derogating from his person or office For vnto these two heads he bringeth the whole matter the one concerning the person the other concerning the office of the Lord Iesus Towching his person that he is God and Man in one and the same person His Godhead he noteth out in these words Iesus Christ is come to witt the Sonne of God from heaven his manhood in those words in the flesh the vniting and knitting together of these two natures in one person when speaking of one and the same Iesus Christ he saith he is come in the flesh Towching his office that this Iesus is the CHRIST that is the annoynted of God that should come into the vvorld to be the onely and sufficient Mediator betwixt God and man Now as in the tyme of the law they were woont to annoynt the Prophets Priests and kings so these being but types of the Lord Iesus here spoken of the Apostle would teachus the he is in deed and so is to be acknowledged the annointed of God with the oyle of gladnes above his fellowes even with the Spirit of God without measure being called and consecrated by the Father to be the onely eternall Prophet Priest and king vnto and for his Church This have I shortly noted for the better vnderstanding of these Scriptures and deciding of the controversy between vs and these assemblyes And this to be the true meaning of these Scriptures appeareth not onely by the Argument and circumstances of the places themselues but also by the conference of other Scriptures here quoted in the margent and infinite such like in the Book of God Now before I proceed to any further application of them let me here again call to powr mynd that which hath before ben noted that even the Papists themselves whom these men acknowledg to be of Antichrist affirme in generall words and will dy in it against the Iewes and Turks that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh the Prophet Priest and king of his Church Yet will not Mr. H. or any of good knowledg say to the contrary but the Papists notwithstanding are by these Scriptures convinced to be of Antichrist because that although they professe thus much in generall termes yet when as theyr estate and practise is examined by the Scriptures in particular they are found to professe that in word which in truth and in deed they do not acknowledg And why then may not we so reason from these Scriptures agaynst these assemblyes which in theyr constitution and practise do likewise in deed deny that in particular which in generall they do professe concerning Christs prophecy priesthood and Kingdome Mr. Beza in his notes vpon these Scriptures sayth thus The Apostle here giveth a sure and perpetuall rule to discerne Antichrists and Antichristian Doctrine by to vvitt if the diuine or humane nature of Christ or the true vnitiug of them together be denyed or if never so litle be derogated from the office of that our everlasting high Priest Prophet and King Math this well Thus doth Mr. Beza vnderstand these Scriptures and thus he gathereth from them as you may see in his notes vpon the new Testament which are printed in English And these Scriptures themselues we see do not poynt at the Papists alone as if they onely were culpable herein but they concerne all others whosoever they be that come within compasse of these rules Now to show in particulars how the Papists offend in this behalf denying that in deed concerning Christ which in word they do acknowledg is altogether needles at this tyme it being graunted on both parts I meane both of vs and of them which yet stand in these assemblyes It shalbe sufficient therefore to show that these assemblyes of England as now they stand do not in this theyr constitution of Church ministery worship and order receyv and obey Iesus Christ in his own ordinance as theyr Prophet Priest and King And therefore howsoever in word generally they professe yet in truth do not in this theyr constitution acknowledg Iesus Christ come in the flesh And consequently by the rule and sentence of the Apostle in these Scriptures are not of God but of Antichrist First therefore concerning Christs Prophecey that they do not receyv and hearken vnto him in his own ordinaÌ„ce as their Prophett is to lamentably evident by this that they do not receyv and submitt vnto that ecclesiasticall order ministery and government which Christ Iesus that Prophet of his Church hath revealed from God the Father in his word and prescribed to his Church to be kept to the end of the world This I show two wayes First by theyr Church constitution then by theyr own confession The present constitutioÌ„ of their Church assemblyes throughout the land is such as they stand every one of them subâ—ect to the ministery and government of another Archbishop and Lord bishop then Iesus Christ of an Archdeacon and a parson vitar or stipendery being eyther priest or deacon so maâ—â— by the Prelates also to their devised â—â—â—ted book worship and administration to theyr ceclesiasticall courts canons excommunications absolutions and such other theyr procedings Which are not onely not found in the Testament of Christ appoynted by that Prophet but were derived from Antichrist that lyar and deceyver of the world Theyr confession is manifest in theyr books and writings wherein they have published to the view of the world 〈◊〉 there is no certayne and perfitt kind of government prescribed in the Scriptures to the Church of Christ vvhich must oâ— necessity be perpetually obserued Agayne that the exteâ—â—â— government of the Church vnder a Christian magistrate must be according to the kind and forme of the government vsed in thâ— common vvealth Moreover that the Apostles neyther 〈◊〉 vvriting nor practise did ever establish an vniformity of extemaâ— Church discipline and that perpetually to hold This they â—â—te and thus they walk Which is directly contrary to the 〈◊〉 fice of Christs Prophecey and highly derogatory to his faitâ—full performance thereof As is evident by these Scriptuâ—â— compared together Deut.
18. 18. 19. and Act. 3. 22. 23. 24. 〈◊〉 Hebr. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mat. 17. 5 and Ioh. 15. 15. Math. 28. 〈◊〉 Ephes. 4. 11 12. 13. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1. Cor. 4. 17. and 9. 14. and 1â— 5. 18. â—8 and 14. 33. 37. and 16. 1. 2. 1. Tim. 3. 14. 15. and 4. 13. 14. and 5. 3. 9. 10. 17. 19. 21. 22. Tit. 1. 5. Act. 6. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. and 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28. 2. Cor. 6. 17. 18 Rev. 18. 4. and 14. 12. with 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. But it will be sayd here that some among them are otherwise mynded hereyn and have published that Christ is that Prophet like vnto Moses vvho hath plainely and perfitly declared vnto us from God as all other things vvhich belong vnto our dutyes so also vvhatsoeuer is needfull for the government of the Church vvhom vve ought to heare and obey And that if they should not acknovvledg thus they should â—ob him of some part of his propheticall office or prefer a servant before the onely begotten Sonne Which they do vvho think that Moses left all things perfitt but Christ eyther began them not or did not finish that he began Thus I graunt some others of the better sort among them have written aud published But these theyr books and writings are not allowed among them but cald in and repressed by publik authority And that which is more in this case such â—â—â—fession and writing doth not onely affoord them no help in â—heyr estate but doth rather make theyr sinne the more grieâ—ous inasmuch as professing they know these things they reâ—use nothwithstaÌ„ding to walk accordingly whereas the Lord Iesus that Prophet is not onely in word to be acknowledged 〈◊〉 have left a perfitt order vnto his Church but is also in deed 〈◊〉 be hearkned vnto and obeyed thereyn and in no other For a spake the Lord vnto Moses concerning Iesus Christ â—ying I vvill rayse them vp a Prophett from among theyr breâ—ten like vnto thee and vvill put my vvords in his mouth and 〈◊〉 shall speak vnto them all that I shall commaund him And â—â—hosoeuer vvill not hearken vnto my vvords vvhich he shall â—eak in my Name I vvill requier it of him Iohn Baptist liâ—â—wise testifyed concerning Christ thus He that beleeveth 〈◊〉 the sonne bath everlasting life and he that obeyeth not the â—onne shall not see life but the vvrath of God abideth on him â—here is to be observed how the Spirit of God describeth saâ—â—ng faith by the obedience of Christ teaching us that they â—hich obey not the Sonne in deed whatsoever profession they â—ake of him in word cannot assure themselues they beleev in 〈◊〉 to eternall life The same is taught in the Epistle to the â—â—â—ewes Where it is sayd of Christ the Sonne that being â—â—secrate he vvas made author of eternall salvation to all that 〈◊〉 him To which purpose we may also observ in the Scriptures the often joyning of these two together faith and the obedience of faith But this being noted by the way concerning that testimony of Iohn I proceed yet further to show that Christ that Prophet requireth not onely acknowledgment in word but obedience indeed to all his ordinaÌ„ces given to his Church This we learne both of Christ himself and of his Apostles Of Christ himself in his last and great commission given to his Apostles when he sent them into the world to publish his faith and plant his Churches therein In which he straitly charged them to teach all his people baptized in his name not to acknowledg onely but to keep and observ vvhatsoever he had commaunded them and that even to the end of the vvorld not making any exception of Christian or heathen Magistrates of theyr allowance or disallowance or of any other worldly respects whatsoever The Apostles also as they were commaunded so they performed both plaÌ„ting the Churches in that faith aÌ„d order which Christ prescribed them aÌ„d requiring of the Churches so planted and of all other after them to the end of the world to keep that faith and order wherein they were sett and to admitt of no other whatsoever but to keep that vvithout spot aÌ„d vnrebukeable vntill the appearing of ovvr Lord Iesus Christ. And thus much concerning this matter Onely I will now adde the confession and testimony of these men themselues concerning this poynt in hand This have they written and published From that forme of governing the Church vvhich together vvith the offices that are to execute the same the vvord of God perfitly descubeth vnto vs no Christian Church ought to svvarue Now herewith compare their estate and practise and you shall fynd that they do not onely swarue from that forme of government appoynted by Christ to his Church and so hearken not vnto him as their Prophet but do also receyv and submitt vnto another even a false one derived from Antichrist as themselves have taught and therefore have sued to the Parliament to have it removed Thus we see how theyr sinne is made far the greater and more fearfull whiles contrary to theyr knowledâ— they wittingly persist in disobedience against Iesus Christ that Prophet of his Church as if he were not come in the flesh or as if not he but man yea the man of sinne weâ—â— to be hearkned vnto And hitherto concerning Christâ— Prophecy Next for his Priesthood that towching it they do likewise will thus appeare The office of the Priesthood of Christ consisteth in two things first the Redemption he hath made for the world in the blood of his crosse appearing once to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himself secondly the Intercession he maketh with the father being entred intâ— heaven to appeare now before the face of God for vs. Now towching the first that is the work of Redemption as if they counted the blood of the Testaâ—ent an vnholy thing they profane â—â—in administring and receyving the word aÌ„d SacrameÌ„ts of that reconcilation in and from an Antichristian ministery and more particularly in the Sacraments they prostitute that precious blood of the crosse of Christ even of that Lamb vndefiled vnto Atheists Idolaters persecuters whoremongers drunkards sorterers witches and the most profane of the land and theyr seed That it is thus with them may be seen not onely in theyr vngodly continuall practise but even by theyr own confession and writings Towching theyr ministery thus they write We have an Antichristianhierarchy and a popish ordering of ministers straunge from the word of God never heard of in the Primitive Churches but taken out of the Popes shop to the destruction of Gods kingdome Yet in and from this ministery they minister and receyv the word and Sacraments Towching the other also thus they write of themselves and theyr estate whereas in the holy Communion of the Lords supper Christ the true Paschall lambe ought to be
communicated onely to such as far as men can â—udge by theyr outward profession to whom Christ himself belongeth among vs the holy Sacraments are communicated with the Papists the holy mysteryes of God profaned the Gentiles enter into the Temple of God the holy things are indiffereÌ„tly communicated with cleane aÌ„d vncleane circumcised and vncircvmcised And as another among them sticketh not to affirme and mainteyne that now the Church is full of drunkerds whooremougers Idolaters superstitious persons papists Atheists and such like This is theyr own confession besides theyr estate concerning the first Towching the second that is Christs Intercession with the father they profane it likewise two wayes first by retaining a priesthood as an office of ministery to offer by theyr publick prayers and other service vnto God which now can be nothing els but eyther a continuing of the Iewish priesthood abolished by Christ who enduring for ever 〈◊〉 a priesthood that can not passe from one to another or els a retayning of the popish priesthood devised by Antichrist Of which sort indeed it is as hereafter will appeare aÌ„d as theÌ„selves have heretofore writteÌ„ aÌ„d acknowleged Neyther will it any white make for them that now all the faithfull are by Christ made Priests to offer vp spirituall sacrifices vnto God For eveÌ„ by this it appeareth that now the ministery aÌ„d priesthood differ betweeÌ„ themselves the one to witt the priesthood being commoÌ„ to all the faithfull the other that is the ministery being proper to such as are according to the word of God sett apart therevnto The second way whereby they profane Christ his Intercession is by offring vp in Christs name aÌ„d mediatioÌ„ their devised stinted popish worship aÌ„d ministratioÌ„ Which being never appoynted by Christ but devised by man is abominatioÌ„ vnto God whereas on the contrary Iesus Christ that everlasting Priest maketh his people an holy prâ—esthood to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable vnto God through himself This also have the forward preachers and people among them heretofore avowched affirming to the Parliament that their book of Common prayer wherein theyr publik worship aÌ„d ministration is set down is culled aÌ„d picked out of that popish dunghill the masse book full of abominations Yet do they still offer it vp to God in the mediation of Christ as is manifest both by the book it self and in theyr continuall practise And thus have we seen with what iâ—piety they carry themselves also towching the Priesthood of Iesus Christ. Lasily concerning his kingdome howsoever they speak of the guydance of his Spirit yet in deed and in truth they refuse to be subiect to him as Lord and King of his Church And this they manifest to all men in that they refuse to submite to the offices lawes and order of government which he as Lord and king of his Church hath appoyâ—ted therevnto and not that onely but do also subiect themselves to the ministery disorder and constitutions which Antichrist that sonne of perdition hath invented and brought into the false Church The proof hereof is evident first in theyr constitutions and practise then by theyr own confession and writings Concerning both which first I refer you to that which was said before towching Christs Prâ—phery as also to that which is spoken of this matter every where throughout this treaâ—ise And then I pray you consider both the Scriptures quoted in the margent and these sayings of theyrs in theyr own writings which directly concerne the poynt we have in hand and see if they witnes not as much themselves as they are charged withall by vs. On the one hand thus they write that they must eyther confesse that Christ hath left vs an order to live by or els spoyle him of his Kingly office That Christ the King and governour of his Church must rule it by his oâ—n offices and by his own lawes till his comming at the last day That Christ is a king who hath prescribed lawes vnto his Church for the government of the same and will have them tyed to no other neyther to disobey them which he hath sett down Yet on the other hand as towching theyr 〈◊〉 estate they write thus of themselves That theyr worâ—â— and works are divorced That they do not in deed obey his precepts and lawes whom in words they acknowledg to be theyr King That they do not onely want the offices appoynted by Christ to witt Pastors Teachers Elders Deacons Attenders vpon the poore but also remayne in and vnder the confusions and Antichristian offices of Archbishops Bishops Dâ—anes Archdeacons Deacons Chauncelours Commissaryes Officials vvhich be rather members and parts of the whore and strumpett of Rome then of the pure virgin and spouse of the immaculate Lamb That the government of theyr Church is not taken out of Gods word but out of the Canon lavves and decrees of Popes Finally that they reiect Christs yoke and retayne that popish hierarchy first coyned in the midst of the mystery of iniquity and that filthy sinke of the Canon law vvhich vvas invented and patched together for the confirming and increasing of the kingdome of Antichrist Wherein as great indignity is offred vnto Iesus Christ in committing his Church vnto the government of the same as caÌ„ be by meane vnderlings vnto a king in committing his beloved spouse vnto the direction of the Mistres of the Stevves and enforcing her to live after the orders of a brothel hovvse These are their own sayings And therefore even by theyr own confession it is to true among them in this respect which one of themselves said that turning out the orders vvhich Christ hath prescribed in his vvord for the ruling of his Church they give him the title of a King but deny him the authority belonging to the same and so in truth make him an Idoll making him to carry a shovv of that he is not and vvith the crucifyers of him putting a reed in his hand in stead of his yron rod and crovvning him vvith thorneâ— in stead of the crovvn of greatest glory Thus have we showed that in theyr constitution of Christ ministery worship and government they do not receyv and â—bey Iesus Christ in his own ordinance as theyr Prophet Priest and king And therefore as they say of the papists so let them look it be not verifyed of themselves in this respect that howsoever in words generally they professe yet in deed and verity they do not acknowledg Iesus Christ come in the flesh that Prophet Priest and king of the Church and consequently by the rule and judgment of the Apostle sett down in the Scriptures here alledged by â—r H. are in this behalf not of God but of Antichrist The next Scripture Mr H. citeth is from the book of RebelatioÌ„ The words be these speaking of the beast here described There was given vnto him a mouth speaking great things and
onely as hath ben ordeâ—â—ed by CHRIST owr Lord the king of his Church whâ— being the Sonne is worthy of more honour then Moses the servant So as first we see here his own testimony condemneth their present ministery which is such as was never prescribed by CHrist to his Church But it may be M r. H. meant by this Scripture to insinuate vnto vs that there were two hypriests at that tyme whereas by the ordinance of God there should be but 〈◊〉 Wherevnto I aunswer first that it was no new thing but an aâ—â—â—cyent approved order among the Iewes to have two chief priests over the rest Yet so as the oâ—e of them was principall and the other the second or next vnto him Thus we read that Zadok of the sonnes of Eleazâ—r and Ahimâ—lech of the sonnes of Ithamar were together the chief priests in Davids tyme. And afterward when the Iewes were led captive to Babylon Seraiah was the chief priest and Zephaniah the second Where it may be observed both that there was two principall priests ouer the rest and yet the one chief and the other the second Secondly we fynd that Annas and Cayaphas here mentioned in Luke were hy priests the one after the other to witt Caiaphas at the tyme when CHrist was crucifyed and before and Annas afterward when the Apostles Peter and Iohn were brought afore him As also after this we read agayne of one Ananias to be hy priest alone Act. 23. 2. and 24. 1. and 25. 2. Thirdly it is to be mynded that the word here vsed signifyeth chief priests and is spoken oftentymes of others that were chief among the priests as well as of the hy priest and that even then when there was but one by priest As in Mat. 14. 53. Mat. 26. 57. Act. 25. 2. 15. and 24. 1. Luk. 22. 52. 54. Finally the having of the hy priesthood then by course interchaungeably and but for a yeare and such like were in deed corruptions crept in among them in the ordinance of GOD. Yet doth not this give any warrant of the present Antichristian constitution of these assemblyes For even then we see they had no new ministeryes but the priesthood appoynted by God yea and but one hy priest at once Which also according to the law kept in the kinred wherevpon it is sayd they that vvere of the chief priests kinred Act. 4. 6. Besides that in this often chaunge of it there seemeth to ly a mystery God having so disposed to declare that now that Leviticall priesthood drew to an end and another Priest was to rise vp after the order of Melchisedech who because he endureth ever should have a priesthood that can not passe from him to any other So then from this Scripture can be gathered no defence at all of the present estate of these assemblyes but rather many arguments agaynst it forasmuch as now among them they have no other but straunge ministeryes inveÌ„ted by man and then there was no such new ministery at all eyther ordinary or extraordinary receyved among the Iewes And this hath Mr. â—artwright heretofore avowched when proving the vnlawfulnes of the offices of Archbishops and Archdeacons he wrote as followeth First of all saith he the ministery is by the vvord of God and heavenly and not left to the vvill of men to devise at theyr pleasure as appeareth by that vvhich is noted of Iohn vvhere the Pharisees coming to Iohn Baptist after that he had denyed to he eyther CHRIST or Elias or another Prophet conclude If thou be neyther Christ nor Elias nor of the Prophets why baptizest thou Which had beÌ„ no good argument if Iohn might have ben of some other function then of those which were ordinary in the Church and instituted of God And therefore Iohn to establish his singular aÌ„d extraordinary function alledgeth the word of God whereby appeareth that as it was not lawfull to bring in any straunge doctrine so vvas it not lavvfull to teach the true doctrine vnder the name of any other function then vvas instituted by God Let the vvhole practise of the Church vnder the Lavv be looked vpon and it shall not be found that any other ecclesiasticall ministery vvas appoynted then those orders of hy priests and Levites etc. vvhich vvere appoynted by the lavv of God And if there vvere any raysed vp extraordinarily the same had theyr calling confirmed from heaven eyther by signes or miracles or by playne aÌ„d cleare testimonyes of the mouth of God or by extaordinary exciting and movings of the Spirit of God So that it appeareth that the ministery of the Gospell aÌ„d the functions thereof ought to be from heaven and of God and not invented by the brayne of men From heaven I say and heavenly because although it be executed by earthly men and the ministers also are chosen by men like vnto themselves yet because it is done by the vvord and institution of God that hath not onely ordeyned that the vvord should be preached but hath ordeyned also in vvhat order and by vvhom it should be preached it may vvell be accounted to come from heaven and from God Seing therefore that these functions of the Archbishop and ArchdeacoÌ„ are not in the vvord of God it follovveth that they are of the earth and so can do no good but much harme in the Church And a litle after he hath also these words Tell me saith he in the vvhole volume of the Testament is there any kind or degree of ministery vvhereof God is not the certayne and expresse author Was there ever any man I except Ieroboam and all such profane men eyther so holy or so vvise or of such great knovvledg that ever did so much as dreame of instituting of a nevv ministery After the long vvandring of the Arke in the vvildernes vvhen it came to be placed in lerusalem tell me if any besides the Levites and priests the ordinary ministers and the Prophets vvhich vvere immediately sâ—irred vp of God vvere found to have ordeyned any office or title vvhich vvas not commaunded or vvhether therevvas at any tyme any thing added or enioyned to those offices of priesthood and Leviteship vvhich vvas not by the lavv prescribed These are M. Cartwrights words in the places here quoted By which it is cleare themselves also graunt that in the tyme of the law in the true Church there was no new ministery erected and that there neyther might nor may be any eyther ordinary or extraordinary but such as have expresse appoyntment and warrant from God himself Whereupon is followeth that the present ministery of these assemblyes having no such warrant these and the like Scriptures give not any defence of it but condemne and make against it Thus much concerning the testimony alledged out of Luk 3. 2. Next is alledged Luk. 2. 22. 27. and Mat. 8. 4. where it is thus written first in the second of Luke coÌ„cerning Christ When the
with Babels cup if the people of God should not at his commaundment depart out of Babylon without staying till there were some Churches to lay open her abominations before her face and to censure her for them Every one of Gods people ought in such case aÌ„d estate to deliver theyr own soule and to be as an hee-goat before the rest to lead them the way out of Babel So far ought we to be from bringing balme to cure her or abiding in her vnder any pretence least if we should still take part in her sinnes we should in the ende drinck also of the cup of her sorrowes When Israel stood in defection should Eliah have committed like transgression with them pretending they had not ben censured by other Churches When Iudah stood in apostasy should the disciples of God among whom the Law was sealed vp have walked in the way of the rest of the people till by some Churches they had ben censured Finally when Antichrist that man of sinne hath made deparâ—ure from the faith aÌ„d obedience of Christ should the people of God beleev his lyes and please themselves in the decâ—ivablenes of his vnrighteousnes till he be censured by others Suerly the Scripture teacheth and the people of God in all ages have taken another course as we also must do at this day vnles we set light both of obeying Gods commaundment which chargeth vs to depart out of every false Church aÌ„d of vndergoing his wrath which he will powre vpon all that have spirituall communion with any such Hos. 4. 15. Amos. 4. 4. 5. 6. and 5. 5. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11 and 18. 4. 5. Let them therefore eyther prove the constitution of theyr Church to be a true one according to the TestameÌ„t of Christ or els let them know that we must depart from theÌ„ aÌ„d every false Church though they had never ben putt in mynd by any other Churches or Christians of theyr Antichristian estate This might suffice though there were no more to be said in this matter But now what will Mr H. say to the multitude of Christians in our own countrey that have testifyed against theyr Antichristian constitution even to imprsonment banishment and death it self Or because the testimâ—ny of our own countreymen is litle regarded with them what will he say to the publik profession and practise of the reformed Churches abroad who thereby have sufficiently advertised England and all other people so walking of theyr fearfull estate And because he saith here the best reformed Churches have not onely not ceÌ„sured theÌ„ but also account theyr Church a Sister and give her the right hand of fellovvship it will be good in this place to consider what the publik confession and estate of those Churches is thereby to see whether they and the Church of England be in deed sisters of one Mother and ioyned together in the fellowship of one faith and obedience of Christ as Mr H. and others generally would beare vs in hand First therefore on the one hand we fynd that the reformed Churches do hold and publikly professe that it is the part and duty of every faithfull man to separate himself according to Gods vvord from all those vvhich are vvithout the Church aÌ„d to couple himself to the company of the faithfull whom they describe to be such as submit theÌ„selves to the doctrine aÌ„d discipline of the Church appointed by Christ vvheresoever God hath placed it yea though the coÌ„trary edicts of Princes aÌ„d Magistrates do forbid them vpoÌ„ payne of death Now on the other hand when we look at the estate of the Church of England first we can not fynd it to consist of a company of faithfull people so separated according to the word of God and the vse of the reformed Churches but to stand in confusion of all sorts of people good and bad even of the greatest persecuters and most profane of the land after the maner of Antichrist and his Babylonish assemblyes secondly we cannot see that notwithstanding the prohibition of Princes and Magistrates they submitt themselves to the doctrine and discipline of the Church appoynted by Christ but that they stand in subiection to the ministery aÌ„d discipline of Antichrist Wherevpon it followeth that in this constitution they cannot iustly be deemed a Sister of the reformed Churches abroad but of the daughters of the great Babylon spoken of in the book of the Revelation chap. 17. Next towching the Ministery and government which Christ hath given to his Church the reformed Churches beleeve and professe that the true CHVRCH ought to be governed by that regiment or discipline which our Lord Iesus hath established to witt so that there be in it Pastors Elders and Deacons That all true Pastors in what place soever they be placed have the same and aequall authority among them selves given vnto them vnder Iesus Christ the onely head and the chief and alone vniversall Bishop And that the Ministers Elders and deacons ought to be called to those theyr functions aÌ„d by the lawfull election of the Church to be advaunced into those roomes earnest prayer being made vnto God and after the order and maner which is sett down vnto vs in the word of God And on the other side towching the new ministeryes brought into the Church and devised by men as Patriarks Archbishops Suffraganes Metropolitanes Archpriests Deacons Subdeacons and the rest of that sort higher and lower towching all these say they we passe not a rush what they have ben in tymes past or what they are now the Apostles doctrine concerning Ministers sufficeth vs. And no man can by any right forbid vs to returne to the auncient constitution of the Church of God and rather to receyv it then the custome of man And moreover in the Church of Geneva they professe that they detest the Hierarchy as a divolish confusion stablished as it were in despire of God and to the mocking and reproch of all Christian religion Thus we see what the reformed Churches professe to be theyr faith iudgment and practise in these things With which if we compare the present constitution of the ecclesiasticall assemblyes of this land wherein are not onely wanting the aforesaid true offices of Pastors Elders Deacons together with the calling and administration appoynted by Christ and acknowledged by the reformed Churches but are also remayning the false offices and vsurped authority of Archbishoâ—s Lordbishops Deanes Archdeacons Commissaryes Parsons â—icars Priests and the rest of that rable for which these reformed Churches professe they passe not at all and which they have reiected as AntichristiaÌ„ together with theyr popish canons and constitutions if I say we compare these together who cannot see that the reformed Churches are in these things so far from giving to these assemblyes the right hand of fellowship as they do rather with the left hand put them over to Antichrist with whom they communicate and vnto whom
it brought before the whole Church whose voyce if he despise he is cast out from among them least by q retayning of such a litle leaven should leaven the whole lumpeeven them that are within least also the name of God which is called vpon vs should be blasphemed among them that are without aÌ„d to the â—nd that the sinners themselves which are thus cast out of the Church should be ashamed aÌ„d repent Which â— if they do theÌ„ is the Church agayne ready to receyv them and to confirme theyr love to them as before in the Lord o 1 Thes 5. 11. Iude ver 20. 21. 22. 23. p Mat. 18. 15. 16. 17. Lev. 19. 17. 2 Cor. 13. 1 2. Gal. 5. 12. and 6. 1. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 5. q 1 Cor. 5. 5. 6. Rom. 2. 24. 2 Thes. 3. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 20. r 2 Cor 2. 7. 8. Mat. 18. 18. 19. And this is that order wherein by the mercy of God we have receyved to walk though we do it with much weaknes through owr own coruption that hangeth so fast vpon vs. Now if Mr H. or any other will needs account this to be confusion yet may not we therefore be likewise mynded any more then Shadrach Meshach and Abednegâ— were when then were charged with disorder because they kept the way of God and would not fall down before the Idoll of Nebuchadnezar but we must rather with the Apostle reioyce beholding such an order and stedfast faith in Christ. Yet do I not deny but there have ben and still may be among vs many hypocrites vngodly men creping in vnder pretence of religion This hath ben the lott and estate of the Church of God in all ages as vpon other occasion hath ben declared before And if it were not so what vse should there be of that power and of those rules which Christ hath giuen to his Church for the casting out of such from among them when they burst out into manifest vngodlynes Therefore are we not to look that the Church shall wholy be free from such whiles it is vpon earth Onely this howsoever with glosing words and showes such hide themselves from the knowledg of men yet God knoweth theyr hearts and wayes and in his day will cast them all out of his kingdome In the meane tyme Whensoever the impiety of any such is discoverâ—d and certainely knowen the Church hath power and is to vse it for the purging of such leaven from among them that they may be an holy people to the Lord. And this still is order not confusion in the Church Now here on the other side might I put Mr. H. in mynd of the extreem confusion which is to be seen in theyr assemblyes in theyr constrayning of all though never so wicked together with theyr seed to stand members of theyr Church in theyr false Antichristian ministery of Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Priests Parsons Uicars and the rest of that crew in theyr stinted popish Leyturgy according to which they offer vp theyr prayers administer theyr Sacraments viâ—it the sick bury the dead marry etc. in theyr ordering also and making of priests and deacons together with theyr degradations suspensions excommunications absolutions dispensations licences to marry without the parents consent and all these by the Prelates according to theyr popish canons and pontificall with infinite other such like confusions But it may be with the Papists out of whose cup these were drawen they take them to be an heaveÌ„ly order Yet the Scripture witnesseth they are no other but the abominations of Babel that is of confusion And so the Church of Geneva professeth that they detest the whole order of papistry called the Hierarchy as a divelish confusion These things whensoever Mr. H. shall duly consider and examine by the Scriptures he shall fynd true among themselves that which vntruly he obiecteth against vs that extream confusion is to be seen in theyr best reformed assemblyes His third and mayne proof whereby he would show that nothing is practised among them so contrary to the discipline as there is amongst vs he saith is that vvhich hath ben already mentioned and of this he saith also it may suffice thinking belike that it is a very sound proof Which whether it be so I leave to every indifferent reader to iudge by that which hath ben already aunswered to whatsoever he hath before mentioned And of Mr. H. himself I desier eyther yeelding to the truth or sounder proof of the accusations he chargeth vs withall After this he laboreth to prove that we should account them brethren and a true Church by the example of Peter vvho called those levves that had crucifyed Christ brethren Act. â— 29 and 3. 17. and of Paul vvho accounted the Galatians a true Church vvhen the errors they vvere fallen into vvere in matters fundamentall Gal. 1. 2. and 5. 2. But Mr. H. should have considered for the first that Peter might call the levves his brethren as Paul doth for that they were his kinsmen according to the flesh Rom. 9. 3. and children of the generation of Abraham Act. 13. 26. Secondly because the Iewes were the Church and people of God vnto whom the covenaÌ„ts and promises belonged who also were sett in that order of ministery worship and ministration which God prescribed In respect whereof Peter was to account them as brethren till they had wilfully reiected the Gospell of Christ whom through ignorance they put to death But what is this to prove that Christians should account such for brethreÌ„ as staÌ„d in apostasy from the way of Iesus Christ and in respect thereof be children of the fornications of Babylon Or whâ— should not Iohn Wickleff Martin Luther and the rest in former ages by this reason have accounted the Papists as brethren till they had ben convinced and reiected by the iudgment of the Church For the second that is Pauls accounting of the Galatians to be a true Church notvvithstanding some of them erred in matters that vvere fundamentall Mr H. should also have remembred first that it was but some of them that did so erre and not the whole Church secondly that they were a Church established in the order of Christ howsoever walking therein some of them declyned and fell into heynous errors So as now in regard of the ordinance of Christ wherein they stood they were to be accounted a true Church and first to be admonished and convinced before they could be reiected as already hath ben showed at large But how doth this prove the assemblyes which stand in Antichristian defection should likewise be accounted true Churches and admonished and ceÌ„sured by others afore any may forsake them Is there not a divers account to be made and a divers maner of cariage and proceding to be vsed toward the Churches of Christ falling into corruptions aÌ„d toward the assemblyes of Antichrist standing in defection from the way of Christ Because the Churches of
be judges The other is that he would a litle pawse and take view of that themselves have published towching theyr Priests heretofore for whom now he pleadeth As for example to give him a tast they write that theyr Parsons Vicars Parish Priests Stypendaryes with the rest came from the Pope as out of the Trojane horses belly to the destruction of Gods kingdome Also that the Church of God never knevv them but that they are the Prelates new creatures Yet see how now all of a sodepne Mr. H. would perswade us they are become Pastors those auncyent officers whâ—m Christ appoynted and the Apostles planted in the Primitive Churches of old Are these things sutable one with another Doth not theyr contradiction discover it self And do not themselves proclayme to the world theyr deceytfull dawbing theyr halting and vnfaythfulnes The Lord give them to lay it to hart and to amend Now to proceed it followeth in his writing thus ¶ Mr. H. his letter Section 8. Tâ—ll vs not then that the same name is given to our office as to the popish sacrificers Do you think the vvorse of your self because you are called Brovvâ—ists And shall the holy office and calling vvhich is so agreable to the vvord be misliked because it is called a Priesthood coâ—sidering that though it agree in name yet it differeth in nature and substaâ—ce as much from the popish priesthood as light doth from darknes Aunswer to Section 8. YEs sure we must tell them agayn and agayn that they are Priests both in name and office But be it that they were not Priests by office yet seing the very name of Priests being applyed to a Ministery of the Gospell among men is eyther a calling back of the Leviticall priesthoâ—d which were to deny Christ to be come in the flesh or els a monument and remembraÌ„ce of that priesthood of Antichrist which is odious to Christ and all good Christians with what conscience can they still retayne or plead for so vnchristian and abominable a name Have they forgotten or do they not regard that among the marks of that great whore the Romish Babylon this is one that she is full of names of blasphemy And among these names of hers is not this of Priest being spoken of an office of Ministery among men vnder the Gospell one of them that is most blasphemous for the reasons before alledged Hath not God also threatned that they shall drink of the cup of his wrath and have no rest day nor might not onely which worship the beast and his image but even whosoever receyveth the print of his name Let them therefore make as light account hereof as they please Yet dare not we but mislike and abhorre this and the rest of the Names of blaâ—phemy retayned among them And yet to we neyther do neyther need think the worse of our selves because we are called Brownists It is one thing to be rayled vpon and miscalled by the adversaryes of the truth another to borrow from them and retayne with them theyr names of blasphemy It is one thing to be reviled by nickâ—â—mes and sclaunders another to be called by fitt and proper names It is one thing to be falsely and vnjustly termed this or that another to be truly and justly so termed â—e are reviled and termed Brownists by the enemyes of the truth falsely and vnjustly therefore there is no cause why it should mâ—ve vs. The Apostles themselves and the Christians with them in the Prâ—â—itive Churches were likewise called a sect of Nazarites and every where spoken against And at this day by the sclaunderous papists are the names of Calvinists Lutherans Zwinglians and the like attributed to them that consent to the doctrine of truth taught by Calvin Luther Zwinglius etc. God knoweth we hold not this truth we professe of Brown or any man whatsoever but because it is the â—octrine and commaundement of Christ revealed in his word and given to his Church We blesse God for any instruments he vseth to manifest his truth to the world but we rejoyce not in men neyther theyr persons nor names We are baptized into the â—ame of Christ and are called Christians as were the Disciples in the Primitive Churches The slaundâ—rous names given to them in that age or to vs or any other Disciples of Christ in this or any other age we acknowledg not It is the malice and subtilty of Sathan and his instruments by such sclaunders and nicknames to make the truth and servants of God odious and abhorred of the world Therefore regard we 〈◊〉 not but with the Apostle we do freely confesse that after the way which they call Heresy so worship we God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ beleving all things that are written in the Law in the Prophets and Apostles and endevoring our selves to have alway a cleare conscience toward God and toward men Let men therefore call vs Brownists or what they please it troubleth not vs seing we are so termed vntruly and vnjustly But for theyr name of Priests it is far otherwise They are truly and justly so called and that for these causes following First for that the Law whereto Mr. H. appealeth for theyr defence alloweth no other orders of Ministery in the land but of Deacons which is the way to the priesthood and of Priests so made and ordeyned by the Prelates Secondly because at theyr ordination the Archdeacon presenting them to the Lordbishop vseth these words Reverend father I present these men vnto you to be admitted to the order of Priesthood Thirdly for that the Prelates by whom they are ordeyned admitt them to no other office For after the Archdeacon hath presented them as is aforesaid then the Prelate speaking to the people sayth thus Good people these be they whom we purpose God willing to receyve this day vnto the holy office of Priesthood Fourthly because theyr book of ordination both in the title of it and els where throughout the book showeth they receyv no other office And therefore calleâ—h and accounteth them priests As doth also theyr book of common prayer and theyr other books of Articles and Iniâ—â—ctions almost iâ— every page Lastly because the most popish priests whether they have ben so made hereâ—ofore in England in â— Maryes dayes or els be so made at Rhemes or Rome or any sucâ— place in these daâ—es yet if they renounce onely those poynts of popery that this land hath reiected are receyved and retayned for priests without any new ordination to administer in these asemblyes to offer vp theyr prayers to deliver theyr SacrmeÌ„ts to them to preach to enter vpon any benâ—fice in the land to enioy the commodityes thereof and to performe the dutyes therevnto belonging Proof hereof we have seen not onely in â— Mary priests so retayned from the begining of her Maiestyes raigne vnto this day but also in divers popish priests of this age as Tirell Tither Nichols
Aunswer to Section 9. RAther by that which hath ben said we have seen such an agreement of theyr Priesthood and Law thereof with the popish Law and priesthood and such a disagreement of them both from the Law of God and Pastors office prescribed theyrin as it can not but be discerned of all whose eyes are not blynded that both the Pastors office differeth as much from theyr priesthood as light doth from darknes and that theyr Priesthood in nature and substance agreeth with the popish as daughters of one mother and fethers of one aÌ„d the same wing Now whereas in the next place Mr H. cometh to their ouward calling to that office of Priesthood and therein refereth vs to theyr book of ordering Priests aÌ„d Deacons that we might peruse and so compare together theyr law with the Law of God it is straunge to see how they do theÌ„selves discover theyr own shame even when they labour most to hide it For if any would go about to lay open the filthynes of theyr abominations which in the calling to theyr ministery they have taken out of the whores cup of Babylon it can no way better be done then by comparing that book of theyrs whereto he referreth vs with the book and Law of God on the one hand and with the Popes pontificall on the other Evidence whereof we have seen sufficient in the comparison handled before and need not repeat it Yea theyr own consciences are so convinced herein as themselves have confessed and publisht it in admonition to the Parliament that theyr Pontificall thus they call theyr book whereby they conserate Bishops and make Ministers and Deacons is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall wherein he showeth himself to be Antâ—christ most lively And moreouer that they haue an Antichristian Hierarchy and popish ordering of Ministers straunge from the word of God and the vse of all vvel reformed Churches in the world Let these things then be layd together aÌ„d well weighed Now they would perswade vs that theyr calling to the Ministery is according to the Law of God Heretofore they published as the truth is that they have a popish ordering of ministers straunge from the word of God Now they would beare vs inhand that they have the substance of a true calling according to the ordinance of Christ Heretofore they said and truly that theyr making of Ministâ—rs is taken out of the Popes pontificall wherein he showes himself to be Aâ—tichrist most lively Is it not lamentaâ—le to see these men thus turne the truth of God into aly as if Antichrists apostasy were now sodenly become Gods ordinance or the Popes pontificall were all one with the Testament of Iesus Christ Besides this is it not straunge that in this very letter Mr H. should so forget aÌ„d contradict himself as here to say theyr Law agreeth with the Law of God as tovvching the substance of a true calling to the Ministery aÌ„d yet afterward accounting right ordination to be a substantiall part of true calling to affirme that the povver of ordination is by act of Parliament committed to the Prelates and that by the Lavv of God the Prelates are not capable of that povver and authority Is it possible to make these things accord together But because they feare not to deale thus doubly in the matters of God Let vs besides that which hath ben sayd yet a litle more examine theyr maner of calling to the Ministery even by that book of theyrs which he would have vs peruse as being agreable to the Law of God and see if God do not by themselves vncover theyr nakednes and make his truth which they would hinder yet more abound through theyr vntruth vnto his glory It were long to stand vpon all the particulars which out of that book to this end might be alledged and this writing is already much langer then at first I purposed I will therefore but give a tast of some by which you may perceyv what smack the rest have And first the very title of the book as a mark in the forehead evidently showeth the vnlawfulnes both of theyr office and of theyr entrance into it It is called thus The forme and maner of making and consecrating Bishops Priests and Deacons Now if these offices and this maner of entrance were appoynted in the Testament of Christ what need or vse were there of this book and forme of theyrs But because they follow not the book of God aÌ„d the forme prescribed by Christ therefore have they framed to themselves this book and forme out of the Popes pontificall and termed it as aforesayd Now as is the title so be also the contents of that book By it as likewise by theyr practise it appeareth that theyr first office of Ministery is the Deaconship not that auncient office of Deacons appoynted by Christ but a meer invention of mans brayne and Antichristian For first that office is not imployed according to Christs ordinance in gathering and distributing the Churches benevolence but contrary to the word of God in reading theyr books of common prayer and Homilyes in administring Baptisme assisting the Priest in divine service and with the Prelates licence in preaching the word Secondly at theyr entrance and calling into that office they must be presented by an Archdeacon an Antichristion officer or his deputy Thirdly they must promise reverend obedience to theyr Ordinary and other chief Ministers of the Church that is to the Lordbishop of the Dioces to the Archbishop Archdeacon Chauncelor Commissary and the rest of that sort whose offices also are Antichristian Fourthly they must be ordeyned by a Lordbishop or his Suffragane whose office likewise is of Antichrist Fiftly they must receyv the Communion with the Lordbishop that day they are ordered And thus must they testify that they arâ— of the same â—aith and body with the Prelates who are knowen to be deadly enemyes of the truth and persecuters of the people of God Sixtly in stead of true prayer there must be sayd or sung the Letany and Suffrages with the Communion of the Day and a number of Collects and stinted prayers borrowed from the Papists Finally there must be read a Gospell and Epistle as they call theyr shredding of the Scripture in which they abuse and pervert the word of God falsely fathering vpon the Apostles an office of Deaconship which they never ordeyned that is a Deacoâ—ry whose dutyes they assigne to be to read publike prayer to baptize to assist the Priest in divine service and to preach being licensed therevnto Whereas neyther in the Apostles example nor doctrine any such dutyes are layd vpon the Deacons but such as are directly opposed to the Ministery of the word and prayer that is the having charge of the poore and Church treasure Besides that into that office of Deacons prescribed by the Apostles there is no such entrance as is aforesayd but a
the Name of God Herevpon it is that all the prayers recorded in the Scriptures which the men of God vpon â—o many severall occasions have offred vp vnto him are comprised in and may be reduced to this forme of prayer although they did not vse the very syllables and frame of words here set down By which also may be gathered both that this is a most absolute forme and â—â—le of prayer and that the right vse of it is to conceyve and frame all our prayers according to this rule and not to be bound to vse this number of words as many now a dayes in theyr ignorance and superstition do imagine If it be obiected that Christ said VVhen ye pray say Our Father c. and therefore that we ought in prayer to repeat these words I aunswer first that the Scripture showeth his meaning was not at all to bynd vs to the vse of these syllables but that in prayer and thanks giving we should follow this direction and patterne which he gave So we read in Mathew that Christ said After this maner pray ye and not as men now would habeit Say ouer these vvords 2. Secondly seing this is an absolute forme of prayer wherein is no want or vayne repetition if Christs meaning were to bynd vs to the vse of these vvords why then should we vse any other why should we not allway vse these and these onely Yea what els were it but vayne bavling and intolerable presumption to put other prayers in stead of this which is so absolute and perfit 3. Thirdly it is to be mynded that this forme of prayer being recoâ—ded in two places of the Scripture there neyther is all the same worde nor the same number of words mentioned in both places Now then according to which of these two must we say it If according to Luke his recording of it then shall we offend against that of Mathevv and contraily if we 〈◊〉 tâ—ed to the number and order of the words as they are set down 4. As God in giving the Morall law albeit he did fully and shortly â—eclare his will in those ten Commaundements yet did not dynd the Prophets and Priests in theyr Ministery to vse those very words but as occasion required according vnto them to show the people what then ought to do or leave vndone so Christ also giving this foune of prayer aâ—beit therein he hath fully and shortly taught vs all things needfull for prayer yet hath not bound vs in calling vpon GOD to vse these vvords but in all things according to this rule to make our requests vnto God with giving of thanks 5. It is without question that the Apostles vnto whom this rule first was given were carefull to keep it according to the true meaning of Christ But they neyther tyed themselves to the sevvords but alway prayed as they had severall occasions according to this rule neyther wheÌ„ they wrote vnto others concerning prayer did they ever teach them to say over the Lords prayer which doubtles they would have done if they had so taken the will of Christ to be but they taught and exhorted them still according to theyr necessityes and occasions in all things to show theyr requests vnto God in all maner prayer aÌ„d supplication in the spirit with giving of thanks and herevnto to watch with all perseverance because this is the vvill of God in Christ Iesus 6. If the Apostles had ben bound or might have tyed themselves to these or any other set forme of words then had they not given a sufficient reason who in this respect with other it was not meet they should attend vnto the Deacons office because they would give themselves as to the ministration of the word so also vnto Prayer For it had ben easy for them eyther to have said by rote or to have red oâ—t of a book this or any other set forme of prayer 7. They which think Christ hath tyed vs to say these vvords and that such saying of the words is true prayer must reconcile herewith the Apostles speach when he saith VVe knovv not vvhat to pray as vve ought but the spirit it self maketh request for vs vvith grones that can not be expressed These men it seemeth would aunswer Yes we know what to pray to witt the Lords prayer which conteyneth whatsoever we need to aske And what then need the Spirit to teach vs what to pray as we ought 8. The Apostle speaking of prayer in a straâ—nge tongue saith thus VVhen thou blessest hovv shall he that occupyeth the roome of the vnlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks seing he knovveth not vvhat thou speakest Now if they had beÌ„ tyed to the vse of the words of the Lords prayer or to any other set sunted words they might have aunswered Yes we know what he saith when he prayeth or giveth thanks It is the Lords prayer or some stinted prescribed prayer which we know aforehand and therefore vnto it though it 〈◊〉 spoken in a straunge tongâ—e we can say Amen 9 If the saying over of these or of any friend words were true prayer then might a man have his prayers by rote or carry them in his pocket or â—â—y them at the book bynders shop etc. Which were straunge to imagine of true prayer which is the work of Gods spirit in our hearts teaching and enabling vs to powre out our soules vnto God in all necessityes and occasions and so to offer vp spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God through Iesus Christ. 10. Whenas Christ promiseth that our heavenly father will give the holy Ghost to them that aske it of him And els where speaking of the destruction of Ierusalem saith Pray that your slight be not in the 〈◊〉 and the like these things being to be prayed for aâ—d yet these words not set down in that forme of prayer showeth that Christ hath not tyed vâ— to repeat over those words but to pray after that rule according to our wants and occasions 11 The words are so generall as vnles they be some way opened and particularlâ— applyed divers men will diversly vnderstand them For example if these words Thy kingdome come be vsed onely in generall without any explication the Papist vnderstandeth them of the advauncement of Gods kingdome in and by theyr religion the Protestant vnderstandeth and intendeth them of the cleane contrary And so in the rest Neyther can any man for himself vse them aright without some speciall application to his particular estate and occasion because no one mans faith and vnderstanding can atteyne vnto all things needfull for all occasioins tymes and persons as those words do comprehend 12. If these words Say yee c must be taken and pressed according to the letter then would follow that in prayer we should alway speak with the tongue Whereas there is prayer often in the spirit alone without any words or disâ—inet voyce at all As we
by the Apostles 1 Cor. 4. 17. with 1 Tim. 5. 17. and 1 Cor. 14. 33. The severall functions and Ministeryes aforesaid hath CHRIST appoynted and set in the Church as Lord and King thereof Vnto them he giveth by his SPIRIT sufficient diversity of gifts aÌ„d ablility for the ordinary works of teaching exhorting governing distributing etc And being GOD he worketh by and in them all to the prayse of his Name and salvation of his elect 1 Cor 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 18. 28. and 14. 37. Rom. 12. 7. 8. Mat 18. 17-20 and 28. 18. 19. 20. Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. and in the other Scriptures noted before Let like evidence and warrant from the Scriptures be showed for the severall offices and functions now had and exercised in the Church of England Otherwise all men may know they are not from heaven but of men A few positions briefly conteyning the summe of the cause and treatise following 1 THat Iesus Christ is King and Lord of his Church and that all which look for salvation by him are bound to yeeld obedience to him as in all other things which he hath commaunded so also in his ordinance of Ministery Worship and Government prescribed in his Testament and no other Mat. 28. 19. 20 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. 15 16. vvith Heb. 5. 9. and 12. 28. 19. 29. Ioh. 3. 36. Gal. 1. 8. 9. and 3. 15. 1 Cor. 12. 5. and 14. 37. 38. Act. 3. 22. 23. and 5. 31. Esa. 60. 12. Rev. 22. 18. 19. 2. That Christ as head and â—ord of his Church hath given vnto it for the instruction guydance and service thereof the offices of Pastors Teachers Elders â—eacons and Helpers together with rules for theyr entrance administration and maintenance Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 15. 16. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1. Cor. 9. 14. and 12. 28. Act. 6. 2 6 and 14. 23. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. The epistles to Timothy and Titus 3. That the Primitiue Churches were by the Apostles planted in this way and order as being the onely true way and order appoynted by Christ and to be observed to the end of the world Rom. 12. 7. 8 1 Cor. 12. 28. and 14. 37. Act. 6. 2. 6. and 11. 30. and 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28. Phil. 1. 1. Col. 2. 5. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. Iam. 5. 14. Tit. 1. 5. c. 1 Tim. 3. and. 5. and 6. 13. 14. vvith Rev. 22. 18. 19. Mat. 28. 20. 4. That synce the tyme of the Primitive Churches thus planted Antichrist that man of sinne as was foretold hath made departure from this way and order of Christ not onely in other poynts of doctrine but also in the Ministery â—orship and Government of the Church Wherevpon is come to passe that in stead of the former offices appoynted by Christ haue crept in the Locusts of Antichrist Archbishops Lordbishops ArchdeaeoÌ„s Chauncelors Commissaryes Parsons Vicars Priests and the rest of that â—ort together with theyr new and straunge entrance administration and maintenance 2 Thes. 2. 3. 4. 7 12. Rev. 9. 1 11. and 13. 11 18. and 14. 9. 10. 11. and 18. cap. 1. Tim. 4. 1. 2. 3. compared vvith the Scriptures alledged in the former positions 5. That the Nations of the earth and this among the rest have ben made drunk with this cup of Babels fornications Whereof whosoever drunketh God hath threatned they shall also drink of the cup of his wrath Rev. 17. 1 5. and 18. 3. 4. 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 6. That this nation hath to the prayse of God and honour of her Maiesty ben purged from many of the abominations and false doctrines of Babylon aforesaid but not from the Prelacy and other Ministery worship and government of the Church by Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Commissaryes Priests Parsons Deanes Prebendaryes Canons etc. 〈◊〉 is evident by theyr present estate and by these reasons follovving First if all the false ministery worship and tyranny of Antichrist wers in all other places of the world abolished yet so long as this Prelacy and other Clergy and worship aforesaid remayneth in this land Antichrist that sonne of perdition were not vtterly consumed As the Scripture testifyeth he shalbe by the light of the Gospell before Christs comming at the great day 2 Thes. 2. 3. 8. vvith Rev. 14. 6. 7. 8. and 18. 19. and Ierem. 50. and 51. cap. Secondly the Churches of Antichrist cannot be compleet in all the Canonicall functions Prelacy and Ministery of Antichrist if they have not the functions Prelacy and Ministery of Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Priests and the rest now had and retayned in the Land This is proved by the Popes Canons and Pontificall and by theyr Church constitution Thirdly the Churches of Christ may be compleet in the whole ministery worship and government appoynted by Christ to his Church and yet be alway and altogether without the present ministery worship and goverment by Archbshops Lordbishops Archdeacons Priests etc. now had and retayned in this Land This is proved by the constitution of the Primitiue Churches planted by the Apostles Which the Scripture showeth were compleet in the former and yet never had nor knew these latter Rom. 12. 7. 8. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 13. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28. 1. Cor. 12. 28. Col. 2. 5. Phil. 1. 1. Tit. 1. 5 9. 1 Tim. 3. and 5. cap. and 6. 13. 14. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 12. Fourthly if that which is had in this Land were the true Ministery worship and government ordeyned by Christ in his Church then ought all the Churches of Christ vpon earth to vse the same Mat. 28. 18. 19. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 13. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 17. and 12. 5. and 14. 37. Iude. ver 3. Rev. 22. 16. 17. 18. 19. But even the Prelates themselves and theyr Proctors confesse it is and may be otherwise VVhitg in the preface of his last book against T. C. Also the Aunsvver to the Abstâ—act pag. 58. Finally if that which is had in this Land were the true Ministery worship and government appoynted by Christ to his Church then might it be found in the word of God But that can it not If any be otherwise mynded let them show the severall offices entrance administration and maintenance of the Prelacy and other Ministery of these assemblyes out of the Scriptures and Testament of Christ. If they speak not according to this vvord it is because there is no light in them Esa. 8. 20. The treatise following conteyned in two letters is divided into ten Sections The first section beginneth pag. 1. The second pag. 5. The third pag. 17. The fourth pag. 44. The fift pag. 59. The sixt pag. 79. The seventh pag. 86. The eight pag. 94. The ninth pag. 106. The tenth pag. 116. ¶ ERRATA Pag. 4. lin 7. for dare read deare Pag. 28. lin 30. for the he is read that he is Pag. 111. lin 43. for what the people read what know
base a conceit of others who advise them better Secondly for yourself well may you think as we all ought that it is no disgrace vnto vs that our knowledg is imperfect and our judgment weak seing the Apostle saith even off himself as of all others now we know but in part and now we see through a glasse darkely Yet also would I desier Mr. H. remember and you to note it for your comfort that God so disposeth for his glory as euen the private members of the true Church yea women are found walking in the truth as we have receyved a commaundement from the Father when many deceyvers though men and in publick office are abroad in the world and false Church which confesse not in truth and in deed Iesus Christ come in the flesh that onely Prophett Priest and king whom God hath giuen to his Church forever Thirdly towching them whom God vsed as his instruments to draw you out off the bypaâ—â—s of these assemblyes into the way of truth wherein you now walk as you have iust cause to blesse God for them so I pray you also regard not so much who they be as what they say And in any case take heed that you never have the faith of our glorious Lord Iesus Christ in respect of persons neyther of Princes nor prelates nor any other though otherwise learned rich or famous any maner way Neyther let the heat of the adversaryes persecution nor the coldnes of the tyme servers swallowing vp all the abominations yet abiding among them nor the love of this present world nor the colourable perswasion of any though never so dare vnto you neyther any other thing whatsoever ensnare you to be wrapped in like errour with them but remember alway as is here well noted vnto you that the written word of God onely is to be the rule of our Life and Religion Lastly concerning Mr. H. who wrote this letter vnto you as you shall do well to take it that he erreth of ignorance and not of malice etc. as he desireth to be taken so of him I would desier for the taking away of this vayle from his eyes that he do heedfully look into the perfitt law of liberty not onely the better to see the filthynes of theyr corruptions that he may avoyd them but to behold also what orders and offices Christ Iesus hath sett in his Church to keep and observ them To which end he shall do well himself to Consider that which here he hath sett down vnto you concerning the writteÌ„ word of God According to which if he shall examine the particulars of theyr Church-constitution of which more God willing hereafter I hope he will no more say in this case that as of syncerity as of God in the sight of God so writeth he of these things but will rather acknowledg that whosoever go about to bring colour out of the Scriptures for them they do therein no other but make marchandize of the word of God And therefore will eyther stay his talâ—â— and lay his hand on his mouth or if he speak will speak to his own soule aÌ„d say Wilt thou plead Antichrists cause or wilt thou save him If he be of Christ let him plead for himself against them that by the word of theyr testimony destroy his ordinaÌ„ces Thus much to the entrance of this letter The rest of it is spent in laboring to disprove the writing which it seemeth you gaue him in defence of your separation from the ministery of these assemblyes Which after he hath well propounded in forme of reasoning he then bringeth some show of answer therevnto and of defence of theyr Ministery Wherein although I might in few lynes shortly have noted the subtilty and vnsoundnes of his answers yet have I chosen rather to write somewhat largely both for your sake and his own and for others also into whose hands these writings may coâ—â— And this haue I thought to be the more needfull because he doth here so earnestly both protest the syncerity of his affection and make promise that nothing shalbe brought to perswade you but the word of God Now of the syncerity of his affection I make no doubt but do vertly thinck that he writeth and walketh as he is perswaded Onely where he promiseth and pretendeth to bring the word of God for the perswasion of your soule and performeth it not in deed and yet hath such obiections and pretence off Scripture and reason as greater in this case I thinck neyther have ben neyther can well be brought thereâ—ore have I thought it best for better clearing of the truth to prosecute his annswers from poynt to poyut And although it wil be the more tedious yet to take this course therein first to sett down in his own words his aunswers to the reason you gaue him and then to examine and take them away by the light of the Scriptures For your self it shalbe your part as he desireth you to lay apart all sinister affection and with meeknes to receyv the word of truth grafted in you and able to save your soule Consider therefore well what is said and the Lord give you vnderstanding in all things Now to proceed it followeth in his letter to you thus Mr. H. his letter Section 2. The summe of the vvhole vvriting you gaue me is a reason to prove the lavvfulnes of your separation from our assemblyes because vve have no such minissters as you may lavvfully ioyne vvhithall and for plainenes it may fitly be coÌ„cluded in this forme Whosoever he be that dealeth with the holy things of God and worketh vpon the Consciences of men by vertue of an Antichristian power office and calling him the people of God ought not to receyv or ioyne themselves vnto 2 Thes. 2. 4 10. But all the ministers that stand ouer the Church assemblyes in England deale with the holy things of God and work vpon mens consciences by vertue of an Antichristian power office calling Therefore the people of God ought not to receyv them or ioyne themselves vnto them The first part of this reason as I am not vnvvilling to yeeld vnto so do I affirme that the vvords of the Apostle vvritten 2. Thes. 2. 4. 10. are for the proof thereof vvâ—ested and perverted from the right sence For the Apostle there describeth Antichrist nor by his unlavvfull onâ—vvard calling or office that he should exercise in the Church but first by the false doctrine he should teach as appeareth plainely by the 10 and 11 verses and secondly by the authority he should vsurpe to give lavves vnto mens consciences and to rule in the harts of men as God as you may see in the 4. verse VVhich tvvo maâ—ks of Antichrist as they may evidently be discerned in the papacy so admitt all the outvvard calling and offices in the Church of England exercised vvere faulty and vnvvarrantable by the vvord yet you in your ovvn Conscience knovv that these marks
canons Wherevpon also to note it by the way it followeth that they are not a true Church of Christ. For Christs Church hath alwayes Christs power to excommunicate Whereas these assenblyes have no other power to excommunicate but by the Archdeacon or Lordbischop whose offices be Antichristian And herevpon it is that the more religious any is among them the more he contemneth theyr excommunication Which were a fearefull sinne if theyr Church were a true Church whose bynding on earth were such as bound also in heaven Thirdly I aunswer if theyr ministery and worship of God were according to the word aÌ„d law of God then ought all vpon payne of damnation to submit aÌ„d ioyne vnto it Now if they do not so vrge it themselves do thereby acknowledg that it is not of God If they do so â—rgeit then they vrge vpon payne of damnation that which is contrary to the word and law of God as hath ben and shall more be showed hereafter Now it followeth in his letter thus Mr. H. his letter Section 3. TO vvhich purpose also I besech you to consider that althoug there is not the least part of Christs ordinances that can be neglected vvithout grievous sinne yet the vvant or neglect of some of these ordinances of Christ vvhich concerne the discipline of his Church and the outvvard calling of the ministers is no such sinne as can make eyther the ministers and governours of our Church Antichrists or our Church an Antichristian and false Church And although divers corruptions remayne in our Church vvhich vvere derived to vs from the Papiâ—es the least vvhereof I vvill not take vpon me to defendt yet are they not of that nature that can make vs an Antichristian Church For first no one place of Scripture can be found vvherein he is called aâ— Antichrist or Antichristian vvho holding the truth of doctrine and professing those articles of religion that are fundameÌ„tall as you knovv vve do doth 〈◊〉 eyther in iudgment or practise from that rule that Christ hath given for the Discipline of his Church In the prophecy of Daniel Antichrist is described by his Doctrine Dan. 7. 8. 25. So is he in the epistle to the Thessalonians 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. And in the epistle to Timothy 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. 3. And in the Epistles of Iohn 1 Ioh. 2. 22. and 4. 3. and 2 Ioh. 7. And in the book of Revelation chap 13. 5. 6. Neyther can you fynd any Antichrist mentioned in the Scripture vvhose doctrine vvas sound Our Saviour Christ calleth him a true Pastour and no hiâ—â—ling vvho leadeth the sheep in at the doore Ioh. 10. 2. that is vvho teacheth no other meanes of salvation but Christ onely vvho is the doore of the sheep Ioh. 10. 7. 9. He affirmeth also that vvhosoever beleveth in his heart and confesseth vvith his mouth that he is that Christ and Messiah promised is a true member of his Church and built vpon a rock against vvhich the gates of hell shall not prevaile If then the doctrine of our Church be sound vvhat vvarrant have you to callâ—s Antichrists If our pastours offer to lead you vnto salvation through no other doore then Christ hovy dare you that say you are Christs refuse to be guyded by them If our asseâ—blyes be built vpon that rock hovâ— can you deny them to be true Churches Aunswer to Section 3. IT is to be noted here first that Mr. H. denyeth not but they stand in grievous sinne by neglecting Christs ordinaÌ„ces secondly that he graunteth they retayne divers corruptions in theyr Church which were derived to them from the Papists How theyr case standing thus by his own confession how can he peswade you or any other to partake with them in such sinnes vnles he would have you also to receiv of theyr plagnes Agayn it is to be observed that â—r H. faith here he will not take vpon him to defend the least of theyr popish corruptions And yet doth cleane otherwise throughout this letter chiefly in his aunswer to the second part of the reason But to omitt this I would desier to have noted down in particular the corruptions remayning in theyr Church which he confesseth were derived to them from the Papists And then let it be iudged whether they be Antichristian Here also it is to be mynded that the ministery and constitution of theyr Church is not charged to be Antichristian because of this that they want or neglect some of Christs ordinances as here he may seem to insinuate but because they have and submitt vnto Antichrists as will appeare in the discussing of them In the meane tyme to omitt many other let him consider first that theyr forcing and confounding in the body of their Church all maner people though never so wicked to stand members thereof is meerly Antichristian and directly contrary to the order of Iesus Christ who hath commanded his people to separate willingly from the world and all false wayes Secondly that the offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons and theyr Officials in whom resteth the chief ecclesiasticall power among them are also Antichristian and were never sett by Christ in his Church Thirdly that the offices of the Priests Deacons Dicars sâ—ipendaryes and the rest of the inferiour ministery among them theyr entrance also into theyr offices theyr administration of them and maintenance in them are not found in the Testament of Christ nor in the Primitive Churches planted by the Apostles but derived from and belonging to the apostaâ—y of Antichrist and found in his popish pontifiâ—all and assemblyes even vnto this day Next towching theyr profession he speaketh of I aunswer first that the verball profession of the articles of religion that are fundamentall will no more help them then it doth the Papists who do also verbally and daily repeat and professe in generall the articles of faith called the Apostles treed and the Creed of Athanasius of Nice and Calcedon wherein are briefly and generally conteyned the fudamentall poynts of Christian religion But what avayleth this eyther the one or the other when otherwise in particular all of them in practise and some in judgment deny Christ to be that eternall Prophet Priest and king of his Church howsoeuer in word and generall they both do professe it Secondly I aunswer that the very strength of delusion aÌ„d depth of the subtilty of Antichrist by which he deceyveth staÌ„deth in this that he pretendeth to be for aÌ„d with Christ aÌ„d teacheth many exceleÌ„t truths otherwise he would soone be espyed and forsaken whereas now it is a mystery as the Scripture saith hardly discerned and hardlyer avoyded Hereupon it is that among the Papists so many of them are deluded whiâ—â—â— the Pope professeth he is not against Christ but for him even his vicaâ— and Peters successor that his Church is the Catholik Church out of which there is no salvation and such like And among these in England likewise whiles theyr
ministers pretend to be the ministers of Christ and professe to bring his Gospell with them when as in deed they revile and persecute the true and syâ—cexe practise of it even vnto death Thirdly I aske whether the ministery worship and government appoynted by Christ for his Church vnder the gospell be not asmuch of the foundation as the ministery worship and government appoynted by Moses for the tyme of the law And if they be whether they are not as faithfully sett down by Christ as the other were by Moses and as carefully to be observed by vs as the other were by the Iewes or rather much more in asmuch as Christ the Sonne is worâ—â—â—y of more glory and honour then Moses the servant Fourthly I aske what fundamentall articles of religion Moses and Aar on with the rest of the Iewes ioyning with them held that Corah Dathan Abiramâ— and theyr company held not differing onely from them concerning the office of Priesthood and Ministery thereof a matter of the Discipline as these menâ—call it Yet were they with all that departed not from theyr tents destroyed by the iust iudgment of God The like may be seen in other poynts of the Discipline of the Church in the examples of Nadab and Abihu of â—zziah the priest and of â—zziah the king Which examples of all sorts are written for our learning that people of all estates might know and remember that to obey the temmaundements of God in whatsoever thing he hath enioyned is better then sacrifice and to hearâ—en better then the faâ—â— of rammes whereas disobedience and rebellion against the commaundements of God is as the sinne of witchcraft vnder what pretence soever it be and transgression is wickednes and Idolatry how lightly soever men account thereof Fifthly whereas Mr H. saith there is no Antichrist whose Doctrine is sound I willingly graunt it and have already showed their case to be such Yet with all I wish Mr H. to marke that even Antichrist that man of â—inne professeth many notable truths and foundamentall articles of religion as that there is a God one in essence three in persons the Father Sonne and holy Ghost that Christ is God and Man Prophet Priest and king of his Church that the holy Ghost is present with the Church of Christ to the end of the world that there shall be a resurectioÌ„ of iust and vniust etc. And yet notwithstanding standeth he with all his followers in defection from the truth and obedience of Christ even to destruction By all which is manifest that the verball profession helpeth litle when men in practise and particulars deny that which inword in generall they 〈◊〉 to hold and thereby deâ—â—ive the world as if they held the truth when indeed they fight against it Finally therefore on the one hand vnderstanding by the Discipline of the Church as we ought the auncyent and holy order and ordinances which Christ Iesus by his last Testament hath given to his Church for the administration of his holy things and for the keeping of his people in the obedience of faith and considering on the other hand that Antichrist hath perverted that holy order and made apostasy from those holy lawes advauncing himself and his own constitutions above them and that also in the ministery worship and government of the Church aswell as in other parts thereof it doth and must needs follow herevpon that whosoever do not onely not keep that holy order and appointement of Christ but also bow down to the confusion and false Ministery of Antichrist they stand in Antichrian estate notwithstanding any truths they teach professe or mainteyne So as then the Ministery of the Church of England being never ordeyned by Christ but derived from Antichrist that man of 〈◊〉 it helps them not in this behalf that they teach and receiv much truth therein as we see it helpeth not the papists that theyr priests teach there is a God a Christ an holy Spirit Church a resurrection and many other fundamentall 〈◊〉 of Christian religion as before hath ben said But now let vs come to examine whether in the Scriptures here alledged by Mr H. Antichrist be not described to be against Iesus Christ even in that which they call the discipline of the Church as in other things also agreing to them in theyr estate The first Scripture he alledgeth is out of the prophecy of Daniel The words are these I considered the hornes and behold another home a litle one came vp among them and three of the first hornes were pluckt away before it And loe eyes like the eyes of a man were in that home and a mouth speaking presumptuous things Dan. 7. 8. And he shall speak words against the most High and consume the Saints of the most High and think to alter the tymes and law and they shalbe given into his hand for a tyme and tymes and half a tyme Dan. 7. 25. Now although this Scripture seem first to be vnderstood of Antiochus Epâ—hanes and of his pride and tyranny against the truth and people of God yet may it also fiâ—ly be applyed further and compared with the description of the beast in the RevelatioÌ„ and so with the Antichristian prelacy and priâ—â—â—hood from tyme to tyme. For to omitt other things that might here be observed and to note onely such things as art most evident we see here that horne of the beast described to have eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking presumtuous things Even so the ministers of Antichrist who will needs be the eyes of the people and light of the world pretend to be the ministers of Christ and not that onely but haue also aswell as that horne a mouth speaking presumptuous things even against the most High See it in these particulars following and such like which are rise among them that the true ministery and syncere practise of the Gospell of Christ is schisme heresy fancy rebellion insurrection sedition subversion of the State and what not that Christ the Sonne hath ben lesse faithfull then Moses the servant in setting down any prescript ministery and order for the Church vnder the Gospell perpetually to be kept that Christ who hath all power iâ— heaven and in â—arth is not to be submitted vnto in that ministery order and discipline which he hath given to his Church if Princes on earth forbid or refuse to establish it that the ministery of Antichrist is to be receyved and ioyned vnto being appointed by Christian Princes for the service of God that it is lawfull for others to be Archbishops and Lordbishops over the Church and ministers of the Gospell besides Iesus Christ that a priesthood a stinted number of words and prayers tithes and such like are appointed for the ministery of the Gospell of Christ that Christ shall not reigne over them by his offices and ordinances prescribed in his word that Christ in his soule went down into hell
whiles his body remayned in the grave wherevnto may be added the blasphemous speach of theyr prelates to such as they make priests when they say vnto them Receyv the holy Ghost as if the holy Ghost were in theyr power to give to whom and when they please Now let all men that have any spark of knowledg or feare of God in theyr hearts iudge whether these and such like among them be not presumptuous speaches even against the most High and consequently whether this Scripture be not verifyed of them that they have a mouth speaking presumptuous things But besides theyr speaches to come also to theyr actions noted in this Scripture do they not consume the Saints of the most High in theyr prisons at theyr gallowes by tossing them vp and down keeping them from theyr trades driving them into banishment and infinite such calamityes Do they not think they may chaunge the tymes and Law as Daniel here speaketh Els whence are come theyr chaunging of working dayes into holy dayâ—s theyr fasting daâ—es also and forbidding of Mariage in Lent Advent and other seasons of the yeare Whence likewise have proceeded theyr chaunging and refusing of the Lawes of Christ appoynted in his word for the ministery and order of his Church and the receyving and practising of other lawes offices canons constitutions facultyes dispensations and a thousand such like never appoynted by God Thus we see the testimony of Damel here alledged by Mr H. maketh altogether against themselves and in a few words effectually describeth theyr most scarefull estate Wherevnto vpon this occasion we may fitly adde other like prophecyes of Daniel and apply them also in like maner to this purpose as for example their growth and tyranny against the army of heaven that is the true Church and people of God theyr casting down to the gâ—ound some of the army and of the starres that is some of the true Church and ministers thereof theyr stamping vpon them in all pride and cruelty the exaltation of the preary and other Clergy above the Prince of the army even the Lord Iesus Christ and his holy ordinances theyr polluting and casting down of the Sanctuary of strength even of the true Church and temple of God their taking away of the true spirituall worship of God sweet in the nosâ—râ—is of God and acceptable to him as the daily sacrifice their setting vp of theyr own abominable inâ—enâ—ions even the Desolation of Gods true service and finally theyr in the Prelacy and other ministery of this age notwithstanding that few now dare or will acknowledg it Hitherto of the testimony alledged out of the Prophet Daniel which as hath ben showed is wholy against themselves In the epistle to the Thessaloâ—ans which is next alledged the Apostle among other propertyes and works of Antichrist describeth his coming to be by the vvorking of Sathan In all deceiveablenes of vnâ—ighteousnes among them that perish because they receyved not the love of the truth that they might be saved And therefore God vvill send vpon them the effectuall working of delusion that they should beleevâ—lyes 2 Thes. 2. 10. 11. Of this testimony is spoken before sufficiently Wherevnto now I adde onely these particulars concerning this Scripture and theyr estate to be duly weighed of them First whether their Prelacy ministery courts and proceedings ecclesiasticall be not deceits of vnrighteousnes Secondly whether theyr obiections â—avils and apposition against the truth be not also of the same nature Thirdly whether they receyv the love of the truth that they might be saved when as they receyv not that ministery worship and governmeÌ„t of the Church which Christ hath appoynted therevnto who is made author of eternall salvation onely vnto them that obey him Fourthly whether they be not strongly deluded to beleev lyes to damnation when as in religion they receyv and submitt vnto the Prelacy ministery worship and constitutions of men yea of that beastly man of sinne here spoken of the print of whose ordinances whosoever receiveth maketh himself subiect to drinâ—k of the cup of Gods wrath for evermore The next place he citeth is out of the first epistle to Timothey The words are these Novv the Spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter tymes some shall depart from the faith giving heed vnto spirits of erâ—our and doctrines of divels Speaking lyes through hypâ—crisy and having the consciences burned vvith an â—â—teyron Forbidding to marry commaunding to absteyne from meaâ—s vvhich God hath created to be receyved vvith thaÌ„ks giving of them vvhich beleev and acknovvledg the truth 1. Tim. 4. 1. 2. 3. Here we see it was foretold first that Antichrist should make departure from the faith Which bring done by him aswell in the ministery and worship appoynted by Christ as in other poynts and doctrines of the Gospell it can not be avoyded but that the ministery and worship of these assemblyes being derived from that apostasy they are also within compasse of this Scripture notwithstanding they teach and professe many excellent poynts of the faith as do also the Papists themselves not a few Secondly it was foretold that the followers of Antichrist should give heed to spirits of errour and Doctrines of divels and speak lyes through hypocrisy having theyr consciences feared with an hott yron Which to be verifyed of them in theyr constitution and practise may sufficiently be seen both in their false doctrines before mentioned to which they give heed and in that which hath ben said before concerning Dan. 7. and 2 Thes. 2. To which I refer you Thirdly it is here foretold that Antichrist and his followers should forbid mariage and meats towching which two this onely will I say at this tyme. For the first that as it excuseth not the Papists from being deciphered in this Scripture because they suffer mariage to the lay people as they call them when as they forbid it to theyr priests so it will but litle a vayle these that they permitt it to their ministers and yet forbid it to fellowes of Colledges in the universityes and to others mo among them Besides that they forbid it to all peole whatsoever in Lent Rogation week and such like popish seasons And when they do permitt it suffer it onely to be solemnized by a priest and according to theyr book Which is meerly popish and never appoynted by God For the second that is the forbidding of meats let them coÌ„sider well with themselves theyr absteyning from flesch on Saints eves Ember dayes Fridayes and Saterdayes more then vpon of her dayes and in Lent more then other seasons of the yeare let them I say consider these things wel and see whether they more agree with the rule of the Apostle here set down or with the defection of Antichrist here foretold Next he alledgeth divers testimonyes out of the epistles of Iohn The words be these Who is a lyer if not he that denyeth that Iesus is the Christ
found in those Churches vnto vvhich the holy Ghost in the Scriptures hath given notable testimony 2. King 12. 23. and 14. 3. 4. 2 Chron. 20. 31. Matth. 15. 5. 6. Luk. 3. 2. and 2. 22. 27. Mat. 8. 4. and 23. 2. 3. 2 Cot. 11. 21. 22. and 15. 12. â—â—vel 2. 14. 15. 20. 21. ¶ Aunswer to section 4. WE aunswer they must first probe theyr assemblyes to be true Churches sett in the way of Iesus Christ afore these or any Scriptures which show true Churches subject to corruptions can any way help to defend theyr present Church estate Otherwise they do but still begge that which they should prove For what though the Churches established in the order of Christ have had and still shall have divers corruptions arising among them Doth this therefore give any warrant or allowance of such assemblyes whose constitution is Antichristian Was Israel in her defection a true Church because Iudah being the Church of God had some enormityes in her Or shall the assemblyes in Italy England and such like standing in apostasy he true Churches of God because in the Churches of Corinth Pergamus Thyatira established in the order of Christ there were found divers corrupâ—ions If this reason were strong might not Rome at this day iustify most of her abominations But what saith the Scripture Israel in her defection was no wife no true Church but an harlott and not to be joyned vnto notwithstanding that Iudah being a spouse and true Church had not yet the 〈◊〉 places taken away In like maner shall that vvhore of Babel staÌ„ding in apostasy together with all the assemblyes wheresoever made drunk with the cup of her formications be harlots and to be departed from notwithstanding that the Church of Christ being his spouse falleth daily into many sinnes and transgressions whiles it is militant here on earth For these two are of a far divers nature and consideration I meane on the one side a Church sett in the way and order of Christ but walking therein weakly and corruptly and on the other side a company of people standing in the defection aÌ„d disorder of Antichrist howsoever perhaps they may walk ther in with some show of piety and religion The former are true Churches notwithstanding the corruptions arising among them the redresse of which is duly to be sought The latter are false Churches and to be forsaken whatsoever show of holynes they do or can pretend Now theÌ„ forasmuch as neyther Mr H. nor any other of them hath proved theyr assemblyes to stand in any other Church-constitution but such as is Antichristian it is evident that the Scriptures here alledged which speak onely of Churches sett in Christs order and of corruptions in them cannot any way fitly belong to these assemblyes to give allowance of theyr Antichristian estate This being first sett down generally concerning all these Scriptures ioyntly together for the better vnderstanding of the controversy let vs now come to consider them more particularly and see whether as Mr H. hath vnder taken to prove so he have indeed performed that is have showed greater corruptions in those Churches vnto which the Scriptures give notable testimony then be in theyrs at this day The first three Scriptures here cited are of one sort These are the words Iehoash did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord all his dayes that Ieholadab the Priest taught him Notwithstanding the hy places were not taken away as yet the people offred and burnt incense in the hy places 2. King 12. 2. 3. And Amaziah did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord yet not as David his Father he did according to all that Ioash his Father had done Notwithstanding the hy places were not taken away as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense in the hy places 2. King 14. 3. 4. And Iehoschaphat reigned over Iudah and he walked in the way of Asa his Father and departed not there from doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. Howbeit the hy places were not taken away for as yet the people had not prepared theyr heart vnto the God of theyr Fathers 2. Chron. 20. 31. 32. 33. All these Scriptures show vnto vs one thing which is that in the dayes of Iehoash Amaziah and Iehoschaphat kings of Iudah who did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord yet the hy places were not taken away but the people did sacrifice and burnt incense therein This in deed was a corruption among those people concerning which ynough is spoken before in that hath beÌ„ said towching these Scriptures generally Yet this I adde further first that in those tymes all the false ministeryes and kinds of worship before tyme vsed were abolished and this defect onely of worshipping God in the hy places as yet remayning Now what comparison then is there between this case and theyrs who have not abolished but still retayne aÌ„d ioyne vnto a false ministery and worship Who knoweth not that in those dayes they might not forme to themselves or receyv from others any other altar or fashion thereof for sacrifice then God had appoynted much lesse any new devised ministery Yea the sonnes of Aaron though in a true aÌ„d lawfull office might not offer with strauÌ„ge fyer much lesse might they have received or exercised a false uÌ„lawfull ministery Corah likewise though a Levite DathaÌ„ aÌ„d Abâ—ram though heads of the CoÌ„gregation Dzziah though a king might not offer vp the incense which God had appoynted to be offred being straungers from the priesthood much lesse might they have offred a false worship in a false ministery etc. Which is the case of these assemblyes These men therefore should compare like things with like aÌ„d not vnder colour of the hy places in Iudah seke to retayne and defend what Antichristian corruptions they please in theyr Church Otherwise why might they not also vnder the same colour still have kept the other popish abominations which already by the mercy of God are abolished out of the land Secondly I take it the fault of retayning the hy places in Iudah for the true service of GOD which at first were made for false worship and service of Idols was such as if now the false ministry worship and other abominations of Antichrist were abolished out of the land and yet these Idoll temples they call them Churches reserved and vsed for the true worship of God by a true ministery For these two may in divers respects seem to be like I meane those hy places and these Idoll temples Both which I take to be with in compasse of that morall commaundement of God which enioyneth the abolishing of the places aswell as of all the other monuments of Idolatry eyther by rasing them quite downor by defacing and converting them to civill vse and not to tourne them to be places for the publick worship of God though it were by
out of the RevelatioÌ„ Which because they are of one sort towching the question in hand therefore will I speak of them together The words be these first in the epistle to the Corinthians where the Apostle reproving theyr abuses about the Lords supper saith thus vnto them Every one when they should eat taketh his ovvn supper afore and one is hungry and another drunken Have ye not houses to eat and drink in despiâ—e ye the Church of God and shame them that have not What shall I say to you shall I prayse you in this I prayse not 1 Cor. 11. 21. 22. And agayne to the â—orinthians among whom some denyed the resurrection of the body thinking that the soule onely should live for ever in the world to come the Apostle writeth thus concerning that matter in the place alledged If Christ be preached that he is risen from the dead hovv say some among you that there is not a resurrection of the dead 1. Cor. 15. 12. And in the second of the Revelation first to the Angell of the Church of Pergainus Christ thus writeth I have against thee a fevv things because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam vvhich taught Balac to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel that they should eat of the things sacrificed to Idols and commit fornication So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans vvhich thing I hare Rev. 2. 14. 15. Then to the Angell of the Church of Thyatira thus he saith I have against thee a fevv things that thou suffrest the vvoman Iezabel vvhich calleth herself a Propheresse to teach and to deceyve my servants that they should committ fornication and eat of the things sacrificed to Idols And I gave her tyme that she should repent of her fornication but she repented not Rev. 2. 20. 21. These Scriptures show errors and corruptions in such Churches as were planted in the faith and order of Christ. Which nothing helpeth to mainteyne the Antichristian â—state of these â—ssemblyes as is before declared at large in the generall aunswer concerning all these testimonyes We neuer doubted but the best Churches on earth have fallen and still are subiect to fall into corruptions and transgressions of the Law of God And how can it be otherwise when as they consist of sinfull and mortall men who both know but in part and in the knowledg we have walk with much weaknes aÌ„d imperfection But what is this to iustify Antichrists apostasy or to encourage any to partake in his sinnes We must alway remember that as it is one thing when a true Christian is overtaken with a sinne and another when such as pretend to be Christians live as the heathen and sell themselves to work wickednes so also towching a Church it is one thing wheÌ„ a people are setled in the order of Christ but through weaknes fall into divers enormityes and another when a people stand in the defection of Antichrist aÌ„d receyve the print of his ordinances in theyr hands and foreheads Eyther therefore must they prove the constitution of theyr Church to be of Christ and not Antichristian or els these examples in theyr estate will give them no succour at all For it will nothing avayle BabyloÌ„ or such as commâ—â— fornicatioÌ„ with her to show that Zion hath her breaches or her children theyr infirmityes SecoÌ„dly in these Scriptures is to be mynded that but some of the Corinthians and some of them of Pergamus and Thyatira were infected with the errors and corruptions here recorded and not the whole Churches generally And this is the lot and tryall of the Church of God in all ages that unto it do creep men of corrupt mynds who vnder a show of holynes often breed schismes and errors in the Church and in theyr lives turâ—â—e the grace of God into waÌ„tonnes through hypocrisy Thus it pleaseth God to try and exercise his Church from tyme to tyme that they which are approved might be knowen Henre it is that in the Church of Corinth spring vp schismes and heresyes that in the Church of Ephesus arise men speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them that in the Churches of Pergamus and Thyatira be found such as hold the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicoiaitans teaching the people to eat things sacrificed to Idols and to committ fornication And such also in these dayes have crept in among vs vnder pretence of godlynes who after a while vpon one occasion or other have manifested theyr vngodly contentious and fantasticall spirits and that commonly with great trouble of the Church being authors of grievous schismes and other impietyes for which the truth and Church have ben and still are evill spokeÌ„ of But these being but the personal sinnes of some particular men not the publik estate and constitution of the whole Churches what comparison is there between them and these assemblyes whose very constitution is Antichristian and out of which God hath absolutely commaunded all that will be saved to depart Whereas from the other separation may not be made but first redresse is duly to be sought that such old leaven being purged out they may still be a new lampe vnto the Lord. Thirdly here is to be observed that it is said these Churches suffred such amoÌ„g them Which as it manifesteth what was theyr sinne so it showeth also they had power aÌ„d should vse it for the reclayming or casting out of such from among them Whereas these assemblyes have not power to redresse any abominations or to excommunicate any persons though never so wicked but the whole ecclesiasticall power and iurisdiction among them is committed onely to the Ordinary that is to an Antichristian Prelate and to his Chauncelour and Archdeacon So as by this also appeareth there is no comparison between them Fynally it is to be remembred that even in these and the like Churches where they do not repent and amend but continew in corruption and iniquity Christ hath threatned to remove his caÌ„delstick aÌ„d to take his kingdome from among them And if God thus deale with his own Churches stablished in his faith and order when they come obstinately to persist in sinne aÌ„d impiety what shall be the end of the Synagognes of Antichrist which staÌ„d in emnity against Iesus Christ and in apostasy from his truth and will not be reclaymed If God will not spare but come against Corinth Pergamus aÌ„d Thyatira will he let Babylon that mother of whoredomes or any of her daughters escape If Ierusalem for her sinne be made to drink the cup of Gods wrath shall Edom Moaâ— or Ammon go free They shall not saith the Lord of hostes Iere. 25. 15. 18. 21. 29. And thus much to M r. H. his second exception Now followeth his third in these words M r. H. his letter Section 5. THirdly if it be a sinne for an vvhole Church to account any private
man for an heathen or publicane though he be knovven to have grievously sinned Mat. 18 till such tyme as by despising all lavvfâ—ll meanes that can be vsed for reclayming him he shall be found to sinne of obstinacy then must it needs be a sinne for any private members such as you are to account an vvhole Church and so many famous assemblyes to be all as heathens and publicanes and Antichrists before theyr sinne hath ben manifested vnto them and they proceeded against according to the rule of Christ. Novv this hath not ben done vnto vs for many there are of the ministers in England that are not yet in theyr iudgement persvvaded of the discipline and many that do yeeld vnto it in iudgment and desier hartily the establishment of it aÌ„d the removall of all corruptioÌ„s caÌ„not yet see hovv they may vvith a good conscience forsake the callings and roomes they occupy for the vvant of the discipline If these sinne they sinne but of ignorance and therefore may not for this sinne be accounted for heathens and publicanes But admitt our sinne had ben manifested vnto vs by vvhom have vve ben ensured for it A private member may not be cast out till he have despised the censure of the Church though he have despised the admonition and counsell of sundry private Christians Then suerly an vvhole nation may not be cast out of the Church though it have not hearkned to the reproof of many private Christians till it shalbe found to have despised the censure of other more famous Churches professing the Gospell And vvhat such Church is there in the vvorld that â—ath censured vs Nay it is most evident that all those Churches in Christendome that have in most syncerity receyved and mainteyned the doctrine and discipline of Christ have alvvayes accounted our Church for a sister and given vnto her the right hand of fellovvship I deny not but a private Christian may â—â—islike the corruptions that are allovved and practised by an vvhole Church he may refuse to subscribe or yeeld his consent vnto them he may by prayer and all other good meanes seek the reformation of them but that any one private Christian or some fevv severall assemblyes vvhereyn also there are some learned men may account all the Churches â—â—at are in an vvhole nation to be either as heathens that is such as are destituâ—e of the vvord and Sacraments and service of God or as publicanes that is such as vvith vvhom they may not lavvfully commanicate and ioyne in the said service of God that do I vtterly deny And vvhereas the chief thing vvhereof you boast your selves against vs is that you have Christs discipline practised among you vvhich vve vvant I affirme and date bynd my self to prove it that there is nothing practised amongst vs so contrary to the discipline as there is amongst you For proof vvhereof to omitt sundry of your practises and the extream confusion that is to be seen in your best reformed assemblyes let this suffice that hath ben already mentioned S. Peter calleth those Ievves that had crucified Christ brethâ—en Act. 2. 29. and 3. 17. And Paul accounteth the Galathians a true Church vvhen the errours that they vvere fallen into vvere matters fundamentall Gal. 1. 2. and 5. 2. And this account did these tvvo holy Apostles make of them because they had not ben yet convinced and reiected by the iudgment of the Church And vvhy should you or any of your company vvho for authority you knovv are not to be compared vvith those holy Apostles disdayne to call vs brethren and to account vs a Church till such tyme as vve have ben convinced of error and reiected by the iudgment of other Churches VVhen there grevv controversy in the Church of Antiochia the brethren thought it not fitt to proceed in iudgment against them of the circumcision though theyr errors vvere far greater then any are in our Church and though the belevers there vvere more in number and of greater graces then ever those vvere of your company Act. 11. 21. 26. and 15. 23. and so might vvith more coÌ„sent and authority have ended the matter at home vvithout seeking further to other Churches yea though they had Paul and Barnabas men better able to decide and determine the matter then ever you had any in your assemblyes yet vvould they not I say proceed till they had made other Churches and naâ—ely that famous Church of Ierusalem acquainted vvith the matter and required theyr advise and authority to decide and overrule it Act. 15. 2. 4. And might it not asvvell have beseemed those of your company that first entended a separation from our Church a matter of so great vvaight and consequence to have sought the advise of the Churches of Geneva and Fraunce and Germany and Helvetia and Scotland in the matter and to have stayed theyr separation till such tyme as those Churches had proceeded against vs according to the rule of Christs discipline May I not vvell say as the Apostle doth to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 14. 36. Came the vvord of God our from you eyther came it vnto you onely And this I hope may be sufficient to shovv hovv vntrue that is vvhich is affirmed in the first part of the reason vsed in your vvriting viz Whosoever worketh vpon the consriences of men by vertue of an Antichristian office aÌ„d calling he is an AntichristiaÌ„ Minister whatsoever truth he bringeth with him Aunswer to Section 5. IN this third exception according to theyr vsuall maner Mr H. taketh for graunted that which he should prove to witt that theyr ecclesiasticall assemblyes be the Churches of Christ sett in his order and constitution Which thing we deny And till they prove it themselves may see they can not thus reason from this Scripture of Mat. 18. as here he doth For although from thence it may be gathered that the Churches of Christ are not for corruptions arising in them to be forsaken but first theyr redresse is by all good meanes to be sought yet it followeth not therevpoÌ„ that the Synagogues of Antichrist are in like maner to be proceeded withall and not forthwith to be avoyded This I say followeth not of the other any more then if one should reason thus A brother being knowen to have sinned is not to be accounted as an heathen or publicane till being duly proceded with he have contemned the voyce of the Church Therefore also one that is an heathen or publicane yet notwithstanding is not so to be accounted till he have ben likewise admonished and proceded withall As there is no consequence in this so neyther is there in the other The same Scripture which saith Do ye not iudge them that are vvithin saith it not also What have I to do to judge them that are vvithout Now then as we are to carry our selves after one maner towards particular men that are within and after another towards them that are without
so have we also different rules and courses prescribed by God aÌ„d to be followed by vs how to walk after one maner towards the Churches of Christ when corruptions be found among them and after another towards the Synagogues of Antichrist which are fallen into defection from the way of Iesus Christ. If you aske what these rules be that are given to be observed when errors and enormityes are espyed in a true Church I aunswer these and the like that they which espy them are not therevpon to forsake the Church but must first give the Church knowledg thereof out of the word of God and that also according to due order as first to make it knowen vnto them to whom the oversight of the Church is committed who if they be perswaded are then by duty bound to advertise the Church thereof and to see it redressed in all good maner If they be not perswaded then having taken some others with them and not prevayling they are afterward to bring it before the whole Church and to show them theyr estate wherein it swarveth from the rules of Gods Law who fynding it so to be are bound to acknowledg and amend it Yet if this way they prevayle not then are they to vse if they may the help of other Churches to advise of the matter and to admouish that Church of theyr estate out of the Scriptutes Now these things being done as they ought we may hope by the blessing of God that issue will follow which the Scriptures show hath followed vpon such proceeding heretofore that is that they will not now wilfully stand in knowen transgression convinced vnto them out of the word of God by so many witnesses but will rather sorrow for theyr sinne and reioyce for the consolation they shall fynd by receyving the truth and walking in the way thereof showed vnto them out of the Scriptures But if they will not amend the Lord Iesus Christ who walketh in the nuddes of the golden candelsticks and hath all power given him in heaven and in earth hath threatned to remove the candelstick out of his place and to take the kingdome of God from them and to give it to such as will bring forth the fruits thereof And then to such as are willing to obey the truth he hath in such cases given direct commaundement to save themselves from such a froward generation and to bynd vp the testimony and seale vp the Law among his disciples And these are the rules so far as I have observed given vs for our walking in and toward the Churches of Christ when errors and corruptions be found among them Now towching such assemblyes as stand in false constitution or apostasy from the way of Christ the former rules are not given vs to be vsed in aÌ„d with them but concerning such there is one onely rule prescribed by God for our carriage towards them which is with all speed to separate and depart from them and in no case to partake in theyr sinnes but to witnes against them even vnto death Forasmuch then as these assemblyes how famous so ever he account them stand in a false constitution even in apostasy from that true ministery and from those holy ordinaÌ„ces appoynted by Christ to his Church it is clâ—are as the sunne that the golden rules of such proceding as is before described belong not vnto them in this estate but that all men ought vpon payne of damnation without delay to depart out of them least if they still partake in theyr sinnes they receyv also of theyr plagues By which also appeareth how the reason here vsed by Mr H. out of Mat. 18. belongeth not to theyr assemblyes as now they stand and therefore in this case helpeth them nothing at all Nay furthermore I dare affirme and bynd my self to prove by this Scripture that there is not in theyr constitution any ecclesiasticall assembly in this land that can be accounted a true Church whereyn this rule here given by Christ can be practised And thus I prove it Every true Church of Christ hath Christs power here spoken of to cast out obstinate sinners from among them But no ecclesiasticall assembly in this land hath in their constitution this power of Christ here spoken of to cast out obstinate sinners from among them Therefore no ecclesiasticall assembly in this land can in their constitution be accounted a true Church of Christ. The proposition or first part of the reason is proved by this place of Scripture as also by 1 Cor. 5. 4. 5. and Mat. 28. 20. The assumption or latter part of the reason I prove thus First the power of excommunication among them resteth in the Lordbishop and in his Chauncelor aÌ„d Archdeacon whose offices and authority Christ never ordeyned in his Church therefore can not they in theyr constitution have the power of Christ here spoken of Secondly the offices aÌ„d authority of the Prelates aforesaid are Antichristian therefore also caÌ„ they not in such estate have this power of Christ For what fellowship can there be between Christ and Antichrist Thirdly let vs suppose that some of theyr Church committeth a sinne aÌ„d is admonished to repent of it by another of them the sinner repenteth not the other taketh with him one or two to admonish and witnes against him the sinner notwithstanding still persisteth Now what shall the other do or whither shall they go If to the Prelates and theyr Officials who among them have the power of excommunication in theyr hands that is not to follow this rule of Christ but to show theyr subiection to Antichrist If to that parish whereof the party is a member as for example let vs suppose the best among them as Blackfryers or Mary Overyes in London or Ashby de la zouch in Lepcester shire or Maldon in Essex or Coventry in warwick shire or any other alas what are they the nearer Though they would yet in theyr constitution can they do nothing but eyther go themselves or bid the other go and complayne to the Lordbishop theyr Ordinary or to his Chauncelor or Archdeacon who have the government of the Church committed vnto them Or if they should offer to proceed other wise to excommunication of the party they are so far from having power to do it as neyther were such a one by the Law of theyr Church to be accounted excommunicate and they also whosoever should attempt so to do were subiect for this cause to be excommunicate themselves yea and to be imprisoned aÌ„d further punished by theyr Lords the Prelates Lo here how these assemblyes even the best of them in theyr constitution can not practise this rule of Christ which he hath given vnto and may be practised by every true Church of his The Lord give them eyes to see it and hearts to depart from the tents of such vngodlynes Thus having showed that there is no more strength of proof in this
third exception then was in the former I might proceed to that which followeth in his letter save that a few things which he hath here inserted by the way seem needfull first to be to wched As first where speaking of vs he termeth a Church sett in the order of Christ to be private members Towching which this I thought to note that a company of faithfull people though considered apart by themselves they be private men yet being gathered together in the Name of Christ and joyned together in fellowship of his Gospell they are a publik body a Church a citty a kingdome and that of Iesus Christ who is present among them to guyde blesse and confirme what they do on earth in his Name and by his power So that like as in a Citty the citizens considered apart are commonly private members yet ioyntly together are the corporation and publik body of that town so is it also in the Church of Christ whether it consist of mo or of fewer yea though they be but two or three so as they be joyned together in communion of the Gospell and gathered together in the Name of Iesus Christ as before is said Secondly where he accounteth themselves a true Church having many famous assemblyes and to be proceeded against by the rule of Christ Mat. 18. I have already aunswered and showed that first he must prove theyr assemblyes to be sett in the way of Christ afore these sayings can be verifyed of them or applyed to them Many there are in deed amoÌ„g them famous for theyr gifts learning wisdome sobriery etc. but they also stand subject to the same Antichristian disorder and confusion that the rest do Neyther doubt I but in the most popish assemblyes there be also many famous for theyr gifts and otherwise which yet can no way justify theyr Antichristian estate The Lord in mercy graunt that such as belong to him may bring themselves and theyr gifts vnto Zion for the help and beauty thereof and no more employ them as they have done to the adorning of Babel that whoore and strumpett appoynted to destruction with all her ordinances and constitutions wheresoever Thirdly where he saith there be many of the Ministers in England that are not yet in theyr judgment perswaded of the discipline I aske whether he think not also there be many of the Ministers in Rome Spayne and els where that likewise are not in theyr judgmeÌ„t perswaded of sundry other most excellent doctrines of the Gospell And whether therefore all other that see them must stay from acknowledging and observing them vntill such also be perswaded of them If Iohn wickleff William Swinderby Walter Brute Iohn Claydon Martin Luther Iohn Hus Ierome of Prage William Tyndall Iohn Frith Robert Barnes Iohn Rogers Hugh Latymer Iohn Bradford Rowland Taylour Iohn Philpott and other the faithfull servants and Martyrs of Iesus Christ should in theyr severall ages have stayed from obeying the Gospell so far as God revealed vnto them out of his word vpon this and such like pretences of the ignorance and error of others I would know whether in so doing they had ben faithfull to God as they ought But besides these I would also aske whether it might not with as great colour if not greater in some respect have ben said to the Apostles and Primitive Churches that the Priests and Levites of the Iewes were not perswaded in iudgment that Iesus was the Christ To conclude is it not straunge that in so great alight they should still labour with such figge tree leaves to cover the nakednes of theyr filthy abominations The next exception he taketh when he saith that other of theyr ministers do yeeld vnto the discipline in iudgment and desier hartely the establishment of it and the removall of all corruptions yet cannot see how they may with a good conscience forsake the callings and roomes they occupy for the want of the discipline This exception I say which also might be alledged for the papists is of like nature with the former or rather much worse inasmuch as he graunteth they yeeld to the truth in iudgment and deny it in practise They know by his graunt that Christ hath appoynted an order of Ministery and government to his Church for the administration of his holy things and for keping his people in the obedience of faith with commaundment to observe it to the end of the world for this they do and must vnderstand by the discipline Yet in theyr practise they yeeld not vnto it for himself saith here they want it And not that onely but they submitt also to another ministery worship and government here called theyr corruptions Which seing it caÌ„ not be Christs which they want whose can it be but the Romish Antichrists with whose cup of abominations this land as the other nations of the earth hath ben made drunck God give them in tyme to make conscience of retayning such Antichristian callings and roomes that they may cast of theyr rough garments and false offices wherein they have so long tyme deceyved the people and may throughly see and consider in theyr hearts how wittingly they stand in disobedience against Christ whiles he graunteth they vvant that holy order of ministery and government here called the discipline which Christ hath straitly charged to be kept inviolable vntill his appearing and whilest they think there shalbe taken from Babel a stone for a corner or for a foundation in Zion Whether this now be a sinne of ignorance in them let themselves examine Yet if it were they must remember that even that servant that knoweth not his masters will and yet committeth things worthy of stripes shalbe beat though in deed with fewer â—â—â—pes then he which knoweth it and prepareth not himself neyther doth according therevnto Let them therefore look to it and take heed they neyther refuse knowledge nor forgett with knowledg to ioyne obedience least in the end they feel that which is written that God will render vengeaunce both to them that knovv him not and to such as obey not the Gospell of our Lord Iesus Christ. Fourthly where he excepteth that they havve not ben censured by other Churches and therefore are not thus to be refused besides that which hath ben aunswered before towching their Antichristian estate in respect whereof they are to be departed from without any other censuring Besides this I say I would know by what Churches the assemblyes in Rome Germany Fraunce and England were censured when Arnoldus de villa nova Ierome of Prage Martin Luther Iohn Calvin William Tyndall the Baldenses and the Bohemians with many other the servants of God in former ages left and forsook them Or whether they should still have remayned in Babylon till by some Churches she had ben censured Yea and how there could ever be a true visible Church agayne vpon the earth after the generall apostasy wherein all nations were made drunken
they belong in this behalf Finally for the whole worship of God the reformed Churches professe that the whole maner of worshipping God which God requireth at the hands of the faithfull is in the written word of God most exquisitly and at large set dovvn and that therefore it is not lawfull for any man or Angel to teach otherwise to adde or to detract therefrom it being perfit and absolute in all poynts and parcels thereof So as no other vvritings of men although never so holy no custome no multitude no maÌ„s vvisdome no antiquity no prescription of tyme no personall succession no counsels visions miracles and to conclude no decrees statutes or ordinances of men are to matched vvith or opposed vnto the holy Scriptures and bare truth of God but that all things ought to be examined and tryed by the rule and square thereof For all men are by nature lyâ—rs and more vayne then vanity it self Thus do the reformed Churches hold and professe Whereas on the contrary in England the maner of worship and administration is not according to the word of God but according to theyr book of common prayer taken out of the Papists Masse book together with other theyr Canons Articles and Constitutions which God hath neyther himself appoynted in his word nor therein given authority to any other so to prescribe And thus have I showed by the publik confessions and iudgment of the reformed Churches themselves that it is far otherwise then as these men would beare the world in hand and that in deed the Church-assemblyes in England in this constitution can not rightly be counted sisters of the reformed Churches abroad but rather daughters of Babylon that mother of whoredomes and abominations of the earth Next where Mr H. showeth how a private Christian should carry himself towardan whole Church towching corruptioÌ„s I have before spokeÌ„ of that matter aÌ„d noted two maners of proceding to be appoynted by God one toward such Churches as be set in the order of Christ but walk in it corruptly another toward such as staÌ„d in the apostasy of Antichrist though with some show of holynes This therefore being before haÌ„dled shal not need to be repeated By it may appeare how vnsound a directioÌ„ he hath here prescribed besides that what he sayth may with like colour be alledged for abiding in any the most popish assemblyes wheresoever For might not such alledge for themselves that they mislike the corruptions in those Churches that they refuse to subscribe or yeeld consent vnto them that by prayer and all other good meanes they seek the reformation of them Yet that being private Christians or a fevv severall assemblyes they may not account the Churches that are in an vvhole nation to be as beathens or publicanes aÌ„d that therefore they will abide in them still If this be a sufficient rule then suerly the Martyrs were deceyved in former ages and the godly Christians at this day in Spayne Italy and such places which content not themselves with misliking and seeking redresse of the corruptions in theyr popish assemblyes but refuse altogether to have any spirituall fellowship with them and chuse rather to suffer affliction for bearing witnes agaynst them Secondly how can they be sayd to mislike the corruptions wherevnto many of them subscribe with theyr hands and all of them joyne in theyr practise Or how do they refuse to yeeld consent to the corruptions which by word and deed they receyv allow and vphold Thirdly where he insinuateth that by prayer and other good meanes they seek a reformation I would aske with what comfort they can come before God in prayer when they do not onely stand subject to Antichrist in respect whereof theyr sacrifices of prayer must needs be abominable but by their continuall practise seem to deale like those Iewes of whom we read in Ieremy the Prophet that by theyr requests they made show as if they would know the will of God to obey it and yet when they knew it would not observ it If by other good meanes he vnderstand theyr suits to the Parliament as it is an happy thing and greatly to be desired that the Magistrates would abolish this false ecclesiasticall Ministery worship and government so yet if they do it not we must notwithstaÌ„ding at the commaundement of God leave all false wicked and Antichristian wayes and peaceably yeeld obedieÌ„ce to Christ in his own ordinaÌ„ce though we be for this cause reviled imprisoned banished aÌ„d killed all day long being counted as sheep for the slaughter 1. For in this case must alway be remeÌ„bred that we must obey God rather then Man aÌ„d that the coÌ„maundement or permissioÌ„ of the Magistrate maketh not the way of God any whit more lawful but onely more free from trouble 2. Agayn if the lawes of men do once enact aÌ„d establish the true ministery aÌ„d ordinaÌ„ces of Christ then must all be forced to submit thereuÌ„to whether it were Christs or not So as to withold our obedience from Christ till the Law enact it is nothing els but to stay till we be forced by man to the obedience of God 3. Furthermore what if the Magistrates would never establish that ministery aÌ„d order which Christ hath appoynted to his Church should we therefore never observ and submitt vnto it To what end then hath Christ enioyned vs without any exceptioÌ„ of the Magistrates Law to keep whatsoever he hath coÌ„maunded to the end of the world And why hath the Apostle so straitly charged Timothy aÌ„d in him all others before God aÌ„d Iesus Christ to keep the coÌ„maundments which he hath giveÌ„ towching the Ministery order and governmeÌ„t of the Church without spot and vnblameable vntill the appearing of our Lord Iesus 4. To coÌ„clude this poynt if without the Magistrates allowaÌ„ce we might not observ whatsoever Christ hath coÌ„maunded what were this els but to have the faith of our glorious Lord Iesus Christ in respect of persons Which Mr H. before in the beginning of his leter according to the Apostles counsell wisheth in any case to be avoyded And thus much by the way towching the obedience which all Christians are bound themselves to yeeld vnto Christ leaving the generall reformatioÌ„ of the LaÌ„d to the Magistrates to whom it beloÌ„geth Now to proceed where he expoundeth accounting as Publicanes to be ment accounting them such as with whom communion may not lawfully be had in the service of God he seemeth to mistake the meaning thereof For we read that the Publicane went into the Temple to pray aswell as the Phaâ—isee and that the speciall thing wherein the Iewes absteyned from company of the Publicanes was raiher in civill â—onversation then in spirituall worship As may be gatheâ—ed by this that the Pharisees blamed Christ for eating with Publicanes and yet both themselves admitted them â—nto the Temple and found not any fault with Iohn Baptist for
receyving them to his Baptisme though he bed them not leav theyr calling but deale faithfully in it How well this was done of the Iewes to absteyne from the Publicanes in theyr civill conversation whom they admitted to theyr publik worship I stand not here to enquyer Onely this would I show that whereas Christs speach when he saith Let him be to thee as an heathen and publicane is taken from the custome and practise of the Iewes who had no spirituall fellowship with the heathen nor civill with the Publicanâ—s therefore the meaning of these words Let him be to thee as a publicane is that with such as contemne the Churches voyce we should have no familiar civill converâ—ation Which the Apostle also teacheth when he requireth that with such as are cast out of the Church we should not eat or company together So as then Christs speach being taken from the costome of the Iewes which his disciples could not but know the meaning of his words when he said Let him be to thee as an heathen with whom the Iewes had no spirituall communion and as a publicane with whom they had no civill conversation must needs be this that they should neyther have spirituall nor civill fellowship with such as despising the voyce of the Church where Christ is present to ratify what is done according to his word were therefore iustly put away from amongst them This I thought good and needfull to note concerning the true meaning of Christs words in this place both because they are here by M r H. some what mistaken and others among them namely Bilson of Winchester to the eÌ„d thei might with ani colour hide the truth from the eyes of the simple have most absurdli aÌ„d in deed very wickedly interpreted them as I doubt not will appeare vnto any that fearing God shall compare together this explication of Christs words which I have here noted from the Scriptures and Bilsons sundry expositions of them mentioned in his book which are such as if Christ had eyther in that one speach had three or fower meanings or had sent his disciples at that tyme to the Romane Magistrates for help to reclaime one another from sinne aÌ„d had not giveÌ„ a perpetual rule to his Church for the casting out of obstinate sinners from among them neyther made a promise of his continuall presence with his Church to confirme in heaven that which they should do on earth in his Name But this by the way Next after this M r. H. affirmeth and byndeth himself to prove it that there is nothing practised amongst them so conâ—ary to the discipline as there is amongst vs. For proof whereof having belike good store he is content first to omit sundry of our practises which it may be if he had named he perceyveth they would have ben so many witnesses against himself and for us Secondly he is content likewise to omit the extreem confusion which he saith is to be seen in our best reformed assemblyes He saith it I say but proveth it not which in so greaâ— an accusation should not have ben omitted specially when he byndeth himself to make proof of that which he affirmeth It may be he perceyved also in this that if he had noted that down which he calleth extreem confusion it might have ben found to be that holy order which Christ hath sett in his Church and therefore chose rather to omit then to expresse it Yet that the truth in this behalf may better be knowen I will vpoÌ„ this occasion show the order of our assemblyes wherein we walk and then let the godly mynded judge whether it be an extreem confusion or not First according to the ordinance of Christ our assemblyes consist of i a company of faithfull people called out and separated from the world and all the false wayes of Antichrist k gathered and joyned together in an holy covenant and fellowship of the Gospell of Christ by l voluntary publik profession of our â—aith and purpose to live and walk together in the obedience of Christ according to his word to the prayse and glory of his name i 1 Cor. 1. 2. and 5. 12. and 2 Cor. 6. 17. Rev. 18. 4. Ioh. 15. 19. and 17. 6. Act. 2. 40. and 19. 9. k Esa. 60. 4. Phil. 1. 5. Act. 2. 41. and 17. 4. Neh. 8. 39. Col. 1. 2. l Psal. 110. 3. 2 Cor. 9. 13. Esa. 44. 5. Neh. 10. 28. 29. Act. 2. 41. Col. 2. 5. Rom 16. 26. Mat. 18. 17. 20. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Col. 3. 15. 16. 17. Secondly being thus ioyned together we do m according to the appoyntment of Christ by a free and voluntary election of the Church sett apart from amongst our selves some to the n offices of Pastors and Teachers for the work of the ministery some to be Elders for the oversight and guydance of the Church together with the Pastors and Teachers aforesaid and others to be Deacons for gathering and distributing the benevolence of the Church according to the ability and necessity of the Saints specially taking care that the poore sick and needy be relieved and holpen according to the Churches ability and theyr severall occasions and necessityes In respect whereof we purpose when God shall give vs such as for theyr yeares and otherwise are fitt to be Widovves and Helpers of the Church in this behalf to designe and employ them herevnto m Mat. 28. 20. Heb. 5. 4. Act. 6. 3. 5. and 14. 23. and 15. 22. 2 Cor. 8. 19. 1 Tim. 3. 10. 15. and 6. 13. 14. n Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. and 16. 1. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Per. 5. 1. 2. 3. Act. 6. 5. and 15. 2. and 20. 17. 28. and 21. 18. 1 Tim. 3. Cap. and 4. 14. and 5. 9. 10. 17. Thirdly our prayers preaching of the word administring of the Sacraments exercise of prophecy vse of the Censures etc. is not according to the inventions book worship canons or constitutions of any men whatsoever but onely according to the Testament of Christ as he hath dealt to vs the measure of grace Ephes. 4. 7. 8. 11. 12. Iude ver 20. Rom 8. 26. 27. and 12 6. 7. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 2. and 3. 15. 1 Cor. 4. 17. and 5. 4. and 11. 23. c. and 14. Chap. 1 Pet. 4. 10. 11. Mat. 18. 15. 16. 17. and 28. 18. 19. 20. Finally we o all of vs labour to build vp one another in our most holy faith and when p any of vs fall eyther into error in iudgment or offence in practise against any article of faith commaundement of God or publick good order of the Church or Common-wealth if the sinne be private the party is admonished thereof by such as are privy vnto 〈◊〉 whom if he heare not then taking one or two witnesses they admonish him agayn and seek to draw him from his sinne If he heare not them as also if the sinne be publick then is
Christ are to be admonished and redresse of theyr â—ormityes duly to be sought must therefore the Synagogues of Antichrist make clayme to the same priviledges and maner of proceding Or because the members of true Churches are to be accounted brethren till having wilfully refused to repent they eyther be cast out or having leavened the whole lumpe the candelstick be removed from them all must therefore the members of Antichristian assemblyes be had in the same account who never yet were ioyned to any true visible Church in fellowship of the Gospell but stand in confusion with the world and subiection to the Beast howsoever in such estate they teach and professe some poynts of the truth and Christian religion Then sure let the Papists also be accounted brethren and no longer the children of the whores fornications But to conclude did not the Apostle in that epistle to the Galatians charge them to stand fast in theyr liberty and not to be entangled agayne with the yoke of bondage but to abhorre all such and count them accursed who should preach or lead them otherwise then he had preached and they had receyved towching theyr liberty and freedome by the Gospell from the ceremonyes of the Law Now if they must abhorre and 〈◊〉 of all such as would bring in agayne the abolished ceremonyes of the Law which once were commaunded by God how should such be accounted as brethren which retayne and inforce the ordinances of Antichrist never appoynted by God but invented by Sathan that Prince of the children of disobedience That which Mr. H. next obiecteth about the handling of the controversy in the Church of Antiochea hoth the same aunswer with the former Onely where he saith that the errors in that Church were far greater then any be in theyrs let him well consider with himself whether the error of vrging and receyving circuâ—cision and other ceremonyes of the Law before tyme the holy ordinances of God and now but newly abolished was greater then the vrging aÌ„d receyving of the Apostasy of Antichrist that great enemy of Iesus Christ in his ministery worship and government of the Church which is such as God never ordeyned but straitly forbiddeth vpon payne of eternall condemnation Lastly for our separation from them which he so earnestly obiecteth against vs and contrary to GOds word sendeth vs beyond the sea to enguyre his will therâ—about we have not onely if need were that which he so much requireth the approbation of the reformed Churches of Geneva Fraunce Belgia Helvetia and the rest as before hath ben showed by theyr own publick confessions but we have also that which is much more and which alone were sufficient I meane the warrant of the Scriptures and the like practise of the Churches and people of God in all ages first before the stood and then after the flood both in the tyme of the Law and afterward vnder the Gospell and that also first in the Primative Churches planted by the Apostles themselves and now agayne in all the Churches and people which synce the apostasy of the man of sinne have made departure out of the spirituall Babylon as it is written Go out of her my people that ye be not partakers in her sinnes and that ye receyv not of her plagues Now therefore to omitt M r H. his vnseasonable vse of Pauls reproof in this place may not we well say of these things as the Apostle doth to the Corinthians in the words immediately following those which are here vsed If any man think himself to be a Prophet or spirituall let him acknowledg that these things are the commaundements of the Lord And if any beignorant let him beignorant And thus much in defence of the first parâ— of the reason which was this Whosoever he be that dealeth with the holy things of God and worketh vpon the consciences of men by vertue of an Antichristian power office and calling him the people of God ought not to receyv or joyâ—e themselues vnto or as M H. hath here sett it down to like effect he is an Antichristian minister whatsoever truth he bringeth with him Now it remayneth likewise to defend the second part of the reaâ—on which was this But all the ministers that staÌ„d over the Church-assemblyes in England deale with the holy things of God and work vpon mens consciences by vertue of an Antichristian power office and calling Concerning which and the proof thereof first let vs see how M r. H. setteth them down and aunswereth vnto them generally then let vs come to the particulars by which he endevoreth to approve theyr office and calling of ministery from the word of God It followeth therefore in his letter thus ¶ M r. H. his letter Section 6. THe second part of the reason is this But all the ministers in England work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of an Antichristian office and calling Hovv is this proved First they have no other office in the Church then that which the lawes of the land allow and they allow none but the Prelaâ—p Priesthood and â—eaconry which are all Antichristiaâ— offices Secondly they all enter vpon theyr office by the Ordinary the Bishop whose office is also Antichristian To the first of these reasons I aunsvver that although the name of Priests belong not to the true ministers of the Gospell because it hath ben generally in our language given to the popish Sacrificers and although there be sundry circumstances and ceremonyes appoynted by the lavv to be vsed at they ordination vvhich I cannot iustify and many of those good orders neglected vvhich the Scripture prescribeth in this case yet is that office vvhich the lavves of our land call the office of the Priesthood the very same in substance vvith the Pastors office described in the vvord and the maner of outvvard calling vnto that office vvhich the Lavv allovveth is the very same in substance vvith that vvhich is sett dovvn in the vvord Aunswer to Section 6. THis is M r H. his generall aunswer to the secoÌ„d part of the reason which is needfull first to be considered before we come to the particulars which follow that so both the streÌ„gth of the truth aÌ„d the subtilty of his aunswer may better appeare First he yeeldeth as needs he must that they have no other office in the Church then that which the Lawes of the land allow For this is alledged in the proof of the second part of the reason and is not at all gaynesayed by him Yet most of them which are of the better sort among them when they are somewhat pressed about theyr ministery disclayme their offices and callings receyved from and by the Prelates which onely are allowed by the Lawes of the land and fly to I know not what office and calling receyved from some of theyr forward Ministers and people as himself also doth in this his writing afterward where he saith that many ministers in
the land have and all may if they will have these substantiall parts of a true calling examination of theyr gifts by the godly and learned choyse of the people and a right ordination for I would aske why he saith many and not all the Ministers in the Land have these if it be not because he would fly from the calling by the Prelates to that other devised calling by theyr Ministers and people Otherwise if he affirme these things of the calling and ordination by the Prelates then all and not onely many of theyr Ministers have and must have it seing the lawes of the Land allow no other And then also should he have shewed these particulars to be had in that calling of the Prelates which cannot be done as will more appeare hereafter Thus is he driven to fight not onely against other of his fellowes but even against himself whilest he fighteth against the truth for which I am sory on his behalf Secondly it is to be noted that he yeeldeth as also needs he must that the lawes of the land allow no other office in the Church but the Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry of which it was and is still affirmed that they are all Antichristian offices Which if he would have taken away then should he have proved that they are not such but are by Christ in his Testament appoynted to his Church But seing this neyther is neyther can be avowched by the word of GOD we must needs account of them as they be in deed even the brood of Antichrist never knowen nor heard of in the Church of Iesus Christ. Thirdly it is to be observed that whereas theyr Prelacy Priesthood aÌ„d Deaconry were all and every of them charged to be Antichristian he speaketh onely in behalf of theyr Priesthood and helpeth not the Prelacy or Deaconry at all no not so much as with any show of defence but leaveth them on the playne field to shift for themselves aswell as they may It seemeth theyr cause is very bad that is so quite forsaken when it is so deeply charged and that fyndeth no succor at his hands who hath himself beÌ„ Deacon after theyr maner and receyved from that Prelacy which thus he forsaketh that office of Priesthood which yet he retayneth Fourthly it can but seem straunge that he should by this meanes graunt the Prelacy and Deconry to be Antichristian aÌ„d yet plead for the Priesthood as if it were not of the same nature when as it is no other office but such as is derived from the Prelacy and wherevnto theyr Deaconry is a step As if we could bring a cleane thing out of filthynes Or as if we could gather grapes of thornes or figs of thistles Eyther therefore as Christ sayd make the tree good and his fruite good or els make the tree evill and his fruit evill Eyther let them prove theyr Prelacy and Deaconry to be good according to the Testament of Christ or els they cannot plead for the Priesthood which ariseth from them Or if they confesse the Prelacy and Deaconry to be evill and Antichristian then must they also acknowledg the same of the priesthood which yssueth from them Fiftly it is to be marked likewise that Mr. H. graunteth the name of Priests doth not belong to the true Ministers of the Gospell wherevpon I would aske whether the office of Priests belong vnto them any more then the name If he aunswer no as in deed he must then will follow that seing neyther the Name nor office of Priests belongeth to the true Ministers of the Gospell and yet himself with the rest of them all have the name and office of Priests and by vertue thereof preach aÌ„d administer the Sacraments therefore they are not true Ministers of the Gospell Now whereas he assigneth this to be the reason why the name of Priests belongeth not to the Ministers of the Gospell because it hath ben generally in our language given to the popish sacrificers this semeth not to be the reason but rather these which follow First because the Leviticall priesthood being ceased Christ hath not now instituted any office of Priests for ministery vnto his Church but remayneth himself a priest for ever after the order of Melâ—hisedec having a priesthood that can not passe from one vnto another Secondly because in all the New Testament it is not read that the name of Priest doth note out any of those offices which Christ hath instituted for the instruction and government of his Church vnder the Gospell Otherwise if Christ had eyther ordeyned an office of Priests for the ministery of his Gospell or if the name Priest were vsed in the new TestameÌ„t to note out the Ministers of Christ vnder the Gospell it were no sufficient cause why the name might and ought not still belong vnto them because it hath ben generally in our language given to the popish sacrificers The name of Bisshops Deacons Baptisme Euâ—harist Excommunication and such like have ben and are generally in our language given to the false offices sacraments and censures of the Church of Antichrist Yet do they notwithstanding belong to the true offices Sacraments and censures of the Church of Christ Even as in the tyme of the Law the name of Priests Altars sacrifices feasts and such like did still belong vnto and were retayned in the true Church of the Iewes notwithstanding those names were generally in theyr language given at that tyme to the Priests Altars sacrifices and feasts of the Heathen and of Israel also in her defection But the case standeth otherwise now for attributing the name of Priests to the Ministers of the Gospell as hath ben showed before and is agayn vpon other occasion more to be towched hereafter Sixtly it is here to be noted that he sayth there be sundry circumstances and ceremonyes appoynted by the Law to be vsed at theyr ordination of Priests vvhich he cannot justify Yea and that many of those good orders be neglected vvhich the Scripture prescribeth in this case and yet both afterward toward the end of his writing he confesseth heâ— sought and receyved his calling from the Prelates and before in the aunswer of the first part of the reason he acknowledged that the least part of Christs ordinaÌ„ces cannot be neglected without grievous sinne Now lay together these things which this writing of his and theyr continuall practise witnesseth of themselves and then see in what wofull case they stand and mourne for theyr misery Theyr sinne is grievous in theyr own eyes yet by theyr own confession they do wittingly seek after it and persist in it They know aforehand that the Prelates ordering them will commit grievous sinne and so provoke the Lords wrath yet do they seek to be ordeyned by them and plead in defence thereof what they can Is not this to have eyes and not to see or to make the best of it is it not to do evill that good may
lawfull choyse and calling of a true Church according to the word of God as is recorded in the election of Deacons mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and in other Scriptures And thus for theyr first office of Ministery it is manifest that neyther the office nor entrance into it is agreable to the Law of God Which themselves also have seen and publisht heretofore Affirming that theyr Deaconship is a meer humane institution a degree to the Priesthood and nothing like the ordinance of God that though the Name of Deacons be remayning among them yet the office is fowly perverted and turned vpside down finally that it is manifestly contrary to the word of God Neyther is theyr calling and entrance to theyr next office of Ministery that is to theyr Priesthood any better For as appeareth both by theyr book and practise afore they can be Priests they must first be Deacons or half Priests that is they must be ordeyned by a Prelate according to theyr book to the false Antichristian office aforesayd For by theyr Law it is the first step to the Ministery or rather a meer order of Priâ—â—â—hood as themselves also have coÌ„fessed heretofore 2 Then in this DeacoÌ„ship they must serve a yeare vnles iâ— seem otherwise to theyr Ordinary 3 After a yeares prentiship thereyn when the Prelate theyr Ordinary giveth Orders agayne they may be made full Priests but it must be of a Lordbishop or his Suffragane which are Antichristian offices 4 They must be presented to the Prelate by an Archdeacon or his â—â—puâ—y to be admitted to the Order of Priesthood 5. They must promise as before the Deacons did reverently to obey theyr Ordinary and other chief Ministers of the Church that is the Prelates and theyr Officers 6. At theyr Ordination must be read ouer a certayne of words of exhortation of colleâ—â—â— and stinteâ— prayers with a Gospell and Epistle prescribed in the book wherein againe they abuse aÌ„d pervert the Scriptures as before they did about the Deaconship Yea they are so blynd as they then read such Scriptures for theyr Gospels and Epistles as most plainely condemne this theyr maner of entrance and calling 7. After this there must be said or sung Come holy Ghost c. And sure they had need desire the holy Ghost to come vpon them and show them a better way For now doubtles he is not present with them at such profanaâ—ion of Gods name word and ordinance as is among them 8. When all is said and sung that is appoynted till it come to the Ordering of the new priests then must they that are to be made Priests humbly kneel vpon theyr knees at the feet of the Lordbishop 9. And he with the Priests present lay theyr hands severally vpon the head of every one that receyveth Orders 10. And then the Lordbishop saith to every of them but not without blasphemy Receyve the holy Ghost vvhose sinnes thou doest forgive they as forgiven and vvhose sinnes thou doest retayne they are retayned Wherevpon some of themselves seing the impiety hereof have publisht that the Prelates take vpon them blasphemously having neyther promise nor commaundement to say to theyr nevv creatures so they call them Receyve the holy Ghost as though the holy Ghost vvere in theyr povver to give vvithout vvarrant at theyr pleasure 11. Being thus made Priests when they enter into a benefice it must be by presentation of the patrone of the benefice and by institution of the Lordbishop of the Dioces 12. And then moreover must they sweare to yeeld Canoâ—icall obedience to the Lordbishop theyr ordinary and the rest of that rable Thus do themselues and theyr ministery stand subiect to the Prelates and to theyr Antichristian courts aÌ„d iâ—cisdiction divers particulars whereof have before often ben mentioned And this is theyr maner of outvvard calling vnto theyr office of ministery called the Priesthood Yet have I not here related all the straunge ridiculous and abhominable things vsed at theyr entrance into these offices neyther have I spoken at all of theyr consecration of Archbishops and Lordbishops prescribed also in that book wherevnto Mr H. referreth vs. It would griev any Christian heart to wade through such filthy myer And these few things are ynow yea to many to show how contrary that theyr book and maner of outvvard calling to the Ministery is to the Book and Law of God Now further it is to be mynded that Mr H. tels you not a word of these and such like abominations vsed at theyr intrance to the ministery but with much colourable perswasion laboreth to cast a mist before your eyes that you might not perceyv the Antichristian wickednes of theyr estate Markethe particulars he noteth here aÌ„d see how subtilly he would â—arry away the matter not onely passing over the impyetyes aforesayd and such like wherewith theyr book and practise aboundeth but in those things also which he mentioneth vnder the colour of this that he sayth theyr book requireth men of vnblameable life and aptnes to teach to be examined and admitted in a solemne assembly would cover and hide theyr receyving and retayning of men in the Ministery which be of most wicked and shameles life others also that are no more able to preach then Idols which have a mouth and speak not whose examination it may be is soone posted over if they can bring with them a dish of apples well fild with gold angels or some such ready aunswer to satisfy the Prelate and his Lordships Examiner and other hungry officers And commonly in theyr examination of the best learned it is but to know if he can aunswer a question or two in the Latin toungue and to see for such and the rest theyr letters testimoniall which it may be are from some that are as ignorant and prophane as any of themselves Is this to follow the rule of the Apostles Let them first be proved then let them minister if they be found blameles Is this to make tryall of his gifts and life so as behoveth them to do that committ theyr soules to his watch and instructioÌ„ Or is this like the testimony that the Church gave to Barsabas Silas aÌ„d Timothy Or is it like to the diligent search and consideration enioyned by the Apostles and practised by the Church in the choyse of the Deacons Hâ—w much more of the Bishopâ— aÌ„d Elders But theyr Law he saith commaundeth that none should be admitted to the office but in a solemne assembly and that liberty should be graunted to any in Congregation to obiect vvhatsoever iust impediment they knovv against him Well yet let him tell vs what the people of Norwich when they staÌ„d gazing vpoÌ„ the Prelate aÌ„d his ArchdeacoÌ„ at his giving Orders what the conversation is of those that be ordered wherof one comes out of Sufolk another out of Lincolneshire a third from Cambridge another from Oxford others from Surrey KeÌ„t etc. whom
H. alledgeth theyr book doth As that they be of vnblameable life apt to teach examined allowed ordered in a solemne assembly and such like Yet I trow Mr H. will not coÌ„clude that the popish priests have therefore the substance eyther of a true office or of a true calling to the Ministery Or if he should yet will the consequeÌ„ce never be proved eyther for those Priests or for theyr own Neyther let any think it straunge that theyr book and pontificall should have some things that the Law of GOd hath and yet that this should nothing help them for having a true calling to the Ministâ—ry In the prophecy of Daniel we read that when king Beâ—shazar made a great feast to his Princes he commaunded that the golden and siluer vessels that were taken out of the Temple of the Lords house at Ierusalem should be brought and the king and his Princes his wines and his concubynes drank therein Now although they had there the vessels of the Lords house and drank in them yet was it not therefore a feast of the Lord but a feast of Babylon notwithstanding Even so it fareth with the Ministery and entrance into it vsed in England and among the Papists Towching which although theyr book and pontificall have taken some things out of the scripture as it were some of the Lords vessels out of his Temple yet inasmuch as they are applyed by them to a false office ordination and ministration never appoynted by Christ but invented by Antichrist even as it were in a Caldean banket they do no more make theyr Priesthood or calling vnto it to be the Ministery and calling ordeyned by Christ then those vessels taken out of the LOrds house made that banquet of Babylon to be one of the Lords feasts Likewise in the prophecy of Ezechiel we are taught that albeit men set theyr thresholds by Gods thresholds aÌ„d their posts by Gods posts that is theyr inventions by Gods ordinances yet it maketh them not therefore to be the house and Temple of God and to have his true worship and ministery among them but as the Lord there testifyeth by his Prophet by this meanes they set a wall between God and themselues and defile his holy Name with theyr abominations This is the account the Lord maketh of the ioyning of his ordinances with mans inventions And what then will it help the Priests of England or Rome that theyr book and Law requier some things that the word of God prescribeth seing they ioyne and apply them to a false ministery devised by maÌ„ It may in deed make the mist which through theyr delusions they cast before the eyes of the people to be far the greater but it can no way iustify theyr standing or lessen theyr sinne Nay rather it doth increase it because thus they prohaue the word of God and defile his holy Name and cause them to â—rre that are led by them And thus against themselves they verify the Scripture which calleth the apostasy of Antichrist and the working thereof a mystery of iniquity But yet further if theyr Law agree in deed with the Law of God as it should what need Mr H. coyâ—e so many excuses for the authority of theyr Lordbishops and the calling receyved from them as afterward he doth For if it agree with Gods Law it need no excuse If it do not which in deed is theyr case no excuses will help no figge tree leaves wil cover the nakednes of such deformity Specially now when by the light of Gods word it is so discovered as themselves have seeÌ„ it aÌ„d laid it opeÌ„ to the view of others howsoever now they winâ— with theyr eyes that they might not see and would also blyndfold others by theyr pleading to the contrary Therefore will I conclude this poynt with theyr own testimony wherein they confesse as the truth is that theyr pontifical whereby they make ministers is taken out of the Popes pontificall that theyr ordering of Ministers is straunge from the word of God that theyr entrance is not by Christ but by a popish and vnlavvfull vocation that vvhen the Bishops have made them Ministers eyther they may tary in their Colledges and lead the lives of loytering losels as long as they live or els go abroad with the Bishops Buls like to Circumcellions to preach in other mens charges vvhere they list or els get benefices by frendship or money or flattery where they can catch them or to conclude if all these fayle that they may go vp and down like beggars and fall to many follyes or els as many have done set vp bils at Paules or at the Royall exchaunge and in such publick places to see if they can heare of some good Masters to entertayne them into service This is theyr own confession towching theyr entrance to the Ministery aÌ„d this is the testimony which themselves have heretofore given vnto the truth though now as you see they labour by all meanes they can to obscure it even wearying themselves in vayne whiles they would cure Babel aÌ„d lay plaisters on her sore which can not be healed To which end besides all that hath ben brought hitherto yet see what more balme Mr H. bringeth now also in the conclusion of his matter Which is thus as followeth being the last words of his letter ¶ Mr H his letter Section 10. BVt you vvill say vvhich of you all have such a calling as hath ben said is prescribed by Lavv I aunsvver that many Ministers in the land have and all may if they vvill have these substantiall parts of a true calling theyr gifts may be examined and approved by such as are learned and godly vpon vvhose iudgment they may safely rely themselves iâ— that 〈◊〉 they may be chosen and approved by the people that they are to be set over they may be rightly ordeyned and as it vvere invested into theyr office But your vvriting affirmeth they come in by the Bishops who are the limmes of Antichrist VVhatsoever is vnlavvfull in theyr callings I vvill not go about to mainteyne Onely I vvill simply and plainely set dovvn vvhat hath moved me to seek a calling from them and vvhat persvvadeth me to think that the calling I have receyved from them is not vvicked and vnlavvfull First being persvvaded in my conscience that the Lord had a true Church in this Realme even at the beginning of her Maiestyes raigne vvhich being assembled out of all the parts of the Land in Parliament did commit this authority to ordeyne Ministers vnto the Bishops and knovving out of the vvord of God that euery true Church hath this povver and authority to ordeyne Ministers I considered vvith my self that though the Church offended in committin-this povver and authority vnto them that by the Lavv of God vvere not capable of it yet I might vvithout sinne seek and take the Churches ordination at theyr hands as I may reverence and take the benefit of the
whether he speak of invisible or of a visible Church of God If he speak of invisible he speaketh not to the poynt in question besides that they could not be counted an invisible Church and yet be knowen to be assembled together in Parliament If he speak of a visible Church as he must if he will speak to the purpose and as it seemeth he meaneth because he sayth they were then assembled together then how doth he prove this to be so In deed we deny not but God had his flock and Church even a true visible Church in this Land at the beginning of her Majestyes raigne For we have heard and read that in Queen Maryes dayes there was here a Congregation of faythfull people separated from the rest of the Land and gathered into fellowship together to serve the LORD according to his word and to keep themselves pure from the abominations of Antichrist That this Congregation also chuse them Ministers Elders and Deacons to instruct guyde and serve them in the Lord and that they had theyr holy meetings and showed notable testimonyes of their faith and love So long then as they kept communioÌ„ in this way we deny not but they were a true visible Church though it may be in some defects through want of further light and instruction The like we think also of our countreymen that were then at Frankford Geneva and other where beyond seas But when Queen Mary dyed and Queen Elizabeth whom God long preserve came to the Crown then the Masse and some other superstitions of popery being abolished agaynst which these Congregations had witnessed the truth in much affliction they herevpon dissolved and the severall members scattered themselves to theyr parishes here and there throughout the Land commingling themselves in confusion with the rest of the land that were Idolaters and repented not and submitting theyr soules to the Prelates and to the Ministery receyved from and executed vnder them as also to theyr courts canons excommunications and other Antichristian jurisdiction retayned in the Land And so have continued in apostasy from the way of Christ vnto this day Now these Congregations being thus dissolved and the members there of thus standing they were not now any loÌ„ger true visible Churches in the order of Christ but fallen into confusion with the world and into spirituall bondage to the Prelates and other Clergy the limmes of Antichrist So as from hence for the poynt in hand M r H. can derive no help for himself But be it that they had remayned still visible Churches in true constitution and had assembled together and committed this authority of ordination to the Prelates Yet this being not warrantable by the word of God it had bound no mans conscience neyther ben sufficient warrant for any to partake in theyr sinnes For the sinfull actions of the Church do not bynd or warrant vs any more then the sinfull actions of the world Neyther can all Churches or Nations vnder heaveÌ„ make that lawfull which God by his word maketh vnlawfull Though all the people of Israel being the true Church of God enjoyne and commit vnto Aaron to make a molten calfe to go before them Yet was not Aaron therefore bound or warranted therevnto but sinned in so doing as they also did that tooke part thereyn Agayne for example sake let vs suppose that which in deed was not to wit that Moses and Aaron and all that were famous in the CongregatioÌ„ yea that the whole CoÌ„gregation of Israel being the true Church should have committed to Corah Dathan Abiram aÌ„d theyr company power to take censers and burne incense thereyn before the LOrd yet they being not capable of that power by the Law of GOD neyther might have taken it neyther might any other have communicated with them thereyn but all that would not perish in theyr sinne should have departed from them and theyr tents When Achaz King of Iudah appoynted and Altar to be made after the fashion of the altar of Damascus though the disciples and people of God which at that tyme were in Iudah should have consented thereyn and committed power to Vryah and the other Priests to offer vpon it burnt offrings and peace offrings aÌ„d that to no other but the true God Yet should not â—riah or any other therefore eyther have done it or partaken thereyn When Ieroboam King of Israeel toke counsell with his Princes and people and made Priests of the lawest of the people which were not of the sonnes of Levi aÌ„d therefore not capable of the Priests office though the ten tribes having ben til this tyme the Church and people of God consented therevnto Yet did not this therefore bynd or warraÌ„t any of them eyther to receyv that office or to joyne vnto them in the worship of God To come nearer our own dayes let vs suppose that which himself will think is as likely if not more theÌ„ that he alledgeth to wiâ— that in this Land was a true Church at the end of King Edwards dayes vvhich being assembled out of all parts of the LaÌ„d in Parliament in the beginning of Q Maryes raigne did commit this povver aÌ„d authority of ordination to the Prelates vvhereof by the Lavv of God they vvere not capable Yet will not M r H. say but it was vnlawfull notwithstanding for any to seek or receyve ordination from then Otherwise what impiety is there that by this meanes might not be made at least some what tolerable as may appeare by the examples and instaÌ„ces before mentioned and infinite other that might be alledged The same Parliament whereof he speaketh authorising the book of common prayer did thereyn he knoweth commit power and authority vnto weomeÌ„ in cases of necessity to baptize whereof by the Law of God they are altogether vncapable will he therefore say it is lawfull eyther for women to administer Baptisme or for any to yeeld their children to be baptized of them because they may reverence and take benefit of the Princes povver aÌ„d authority vvhich is of God though it be committed vnto and exercised by such as by the Lavv of God are not capable of it Many mo particulars might be alledged of like nature both out of the Scriptures and Lawes of this and other Nations but for the matter in hand the former allegations may suffice 2. Next where Mr H. sayth that at the beginning of her Maiestyes raigne the Parliament committed this authority to ordeyne Ministers to the Bishops he mistaketh the matter if he think that then first they receyved it For the authority of ordination was not then first committed vnto the Prelates but continued to them from former tymes aÌ„d ratifyed vnto them both at that tyme and afterward agayne in the eyght yeare of her Highnes raigne as may appeare by the statuâ—es then enacted Which it seemeth the Prelates and Priests of the LaÌ„d desired because theyr offices and authority being called into question they were not
and head of his Church but Lords themselves over the Ministers aÌ„d people vnder them Will it not then seem to Mr H. that the ordination receyved from them cannot otherwise be deemed but meerly vnlawfull But such have they ben proved to be both in this and other writings heretofore to which it shall suffice to refer you and him towching this matter Or if for ani preiudice against vs he will not heare this of vs let him yet heare and consider what themselves have written aÌ„d professed heretofore in this behalf And let the controversy in this poynt be debated between him and M r Travers M r Cartwright M r Fenner M r Chaderton and all other that have sought Reformation M r Travers in his book against D. Bridges proveth by divers good and sufficient reasons that theyr Bishops are neyther Pastors nor Teachers And what ordinari Ministery of the Gospell then do they execute As for extraordinary the Prelates were not knowen when they were in the world besides that they are as vnlike them as darknes is to light M r Cartwright striking at the chief and strength of theyr Ministery that is at the Archbishops and Archdeacons vnder whom the other Bishops and Ministers execute theyr offices proveth that theyr functions are not in the vvord of God but of the earth nevv devised ministeryes and such as caÌ„ do no good Yea that the Archbishops office is the neck of the popish Hierarchy come out of the bottomles pit of hell M r Fenner hath published that if St Paul vvere novv in England and no greater man then he vvas made by Christ he might not be equall vvith these Bishops For they are spirituall Lords he vvas never so they might send for him by a pursevant lay him in the Counter or commaund him to the Fleet so could not Paul do the least Minister of the Gospell Agayn he saith speaking of theyr offices Our kind of Bishops the Commissaryes the Archdeacons and such like we account them no natural members of the body of Christs Church because they are of humane addition not borne with her nor growen vp with her from the cradle M r Chaderton writeth that the callings of Archbishops Bishops Archdeacons Deacons Chauncelors and all such be rather members and parts of the vvhore aÌ„d strumpet of Rome then of the pure virgin and spouse of the immaculate Lamb. And that they have no title nor interest in the Church as publik members but by the length of theyr vnlavvfull svvords keep out lavvfull members of the body Finally all the seekers of Reformation have in the Admonition to the Parliament professed that the Names and offices of Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops c. are together vvith theyr government dravven out of the Popes shop Antichristian divelish and contrary to the Scriptures That the Parsons Vicars Parish priests Stypendaryes c. be birds of the same fether And in a word as hath ben noted before that they have an Antichristian Hierarchy and popish ordering of Ministers straunge from the vvord of God and the vse of all vvell reformed Churches in the vvorld Thus have they thought and thus have they publisshed heretofore Let M r H. therefore dispute the controversy with them And if he or any other cannot with pacyence heare the truth of vs let them yet be content to heare and take it in good part at the hands of these men of whom they have no such prejudice And then see whether it have or can have so much as any colour of truth that the Prelates should be Ministers of the Gospell or that ordination may be receyved from them who are not members much lesse officers of the body of Christs Church these men themselves beyng witnesses Not to speak here of the testimony of former tymes For which see the hystoryes of Iohn Wickleff William Swinderby the Lord Cobham Iohn Claydon etc. 2. Secondly let it herevpon agayne be noted how wavering and vnstable these men are in all theyr wayes as if IEsus Christ were Yea and Nay and not one and the same yesterday to day and for ever Heretofore they published that the Prelates vvere not Pastors not Teachers nor members of the body of CHRISTS CHVRCH but that theyr offices callings and government vvere Antichristian divelish and contrary to the Scriptures But now behold they account the PRELATES to be MINISTERS of the GOSPELL Is it not piteous to see them thus halt between two opinions and to vse such lightnes in the matmatters of God as that theyr word should thus be Yea and Nay and themselves like reeds shaken with every wynd and clouds caryed about with every tempest Let them take heed least whiles thus they dally with the Lord he take them in theyr own craftyâ—es and bring vpon them that which is written The evill men and deceyvers shall wax worse and worse deceyving and being deceyved 3. Thirdly see here agayn how they take for graunted that which they should prove to wete that the Prelates are Ministers of the Gospell For this is the poynt in controversy they being charged not onely not to be such but to be limmes of Antichrist standing in apostasy from the way and Gospell of Christ yea adversaryes against and exalted above the Lord and his holy ordinances 4. Fourthly if they were true Ministers yet it were an endles work and without all rule or example in the Scripture for a man entring into the Ministery to seek the approbation of all and every one of the Ministers of an whole land And yet if this were to be had it would make the more against Mr H. who would onely seek for the approbation of some one as here he reasonath d passe by all the rest of the Land who notwithstaÌ„ding by this meanes should have as much interest therein as the other 5 Lastly it is to be mynded here how he turneth away from the question and matter in hand telling vs of approbation when he should speak of ordination 〈◊〉 â—rdination cary with it also an approbation of partly 〈…〉 yet every approbation is not ordination as Mr H. 〈…〉 very well And hitherto of his second 〈…〉 of it Now followeth his third and last 〈…〉 there be any more strength then in the former The 〈…〉 fare these Thirdly saith Mr. H. the authority of the Christian Magistrate vvithout vvhose liking and allovvaâ—ce a Minister cannot be admitted to the 〈◊〉 in peace coming to the Bishop by Act of Parliament I may more boldly come to him for his approbation in regard of the Lavv not looking so much vnto the Man as regarding vvith reverence the povver of the Lavv and Christian Magistrate THis is Mr H. his third and last reason as also the last words of his letter that came to my hands For aunswer whereof let it be remembred how before in his first reason he confessed as the truth is that the Pâ—â—lates by the Lavv of God are not
that is to the Bishop as being a Minister and preacher of the Gospell as there he alledgeth Thus still he forgetteth himself 2. Another is that having before in his first reason confessed that the Prelates by the Lavv of GOD are not capable of this povver to ordeyne Ministers vvhich is committed vnto them by Act of Parliament yet here he saith he came vnto them for it regarding vvith reverence the Lavv and Christian Magistrate Now how will he ever perswade this that he could regard vvith reverence the Lavv and Christian Magistrate when by his own confession it seemeth he regard not with reverence the Lavv of GOD and Christ himself The due reverence and obedience of the Magistrate doth and caÌ„not but depend vpon the reverence aÌ„d obedience of God by whom Princes raigne aÌ„d for whom they are to be obeyed not for wrath onely but for conscience sake Where this therefore is wanting how can the other rightly be had that dependeth vpon it But of this ynough hath ben sayd already Onely mark still his forgetfulnes and contradiction of himself 3. Thirdly where he graunteth the Prelates have theyr power and authority by Act of Parliament Yea such power and authority as by the Lavv of God they are not capable of it may appeare that themselves see this Prelacy and authority thereof to be no ordinance of Iesus Christ but an humane treature the ordinance and constitution of Man Let them therefore as long as they will plead for it and for theyr Ministery receyved from and executed vnder it Yet in the end will be verifyed of it as of all other the inventions of men in Gods worship that which Christ hath long synce foretold concerning them all saying Alplanting vvhich my heavenly Father hath not planted shalbe rooted vp 4. Finally where he sayth that vvithout the Magistrates liking and allovvance they cannot be admitted to the Ministery in peace he now at length plainely bewrayeth what it is indeed that moveth them to receyv and joyne vnto another Ministery and worship then the Lord Iesus hath ordeyned and so to stand in transgression against him and his holy ordinances even the same thing that moved the 〈◊〉 teachers to 〈◊〉 circumcision among the Gentiles that had receyved the Gospell which the Apostle sayth was onely because they vvould not suffer persecution for the crosse Christ but would rather have the peace of the world though with breaâ—h of Christs ordinance then the afflictions of the Gospell by yeelding obedience therevnto against the liking and allowaÌ„â—e of men Moses was otherwise mynded who chuse rather to beare the rebuke of Christ aÌ„d to suffer adversity with the people of God then to enioy the treasures of Egypt or pleasures of sinne for a season And the Apostles likewise who refusing to obey the rulers of Ierusalem that commaunded them not to preach in the Name of Iesus and being therefore beat and â—courged yet were glad and rejoyced that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name Yea and Christ himself who being Prince of our salvation was consecrate through afflictions and requireth likewise of all that will be followers of him saying Whosoever will follow me let him forshake himself and take vp his crosse and follow me And thus have the servants of GOD through his grace and power ben mynded and walked in all ages howsoever these men now would seem to have found a nearer and more easy way to the Kingdome of heaven But let them not deceyv themselves Whatsoever they do or may think to the contrary certayne it is as Christ hath said that the gate is strait and the vvay narrovv that leadeth vnto life and fevv there be that fynd it Yet do we not deny neyther but it is to be accounted an happy benefit and greatly to be desired that the Church and people of God may have rest aÌ„d be suffred to lead a godly life in peace and quyetnes keping the faith order commaundements and statutes which our Lord Iesus hath given and appoynted to his Church But if this cannot be had in peace without persecution yet must we not therefore refuse or turne from the way and commaundement of Christ but set our feet therein notwithstanding and alway be ready to walk through the midst of afflictions with ioy in the holy Ghost by the grace and assistance of Christ our Lord Knowing that if we suffer vvith him vve shall also raigne vvith him For the momentane lightnes of our affliction causeth vnto vs a far most excellent eternall waight of glory while we look not on the things which are seen but on the things which are not seen for the things which are seen be teÌ„porary but the things which are not seen be eternall 2 Cor. 4. 17. 18. To God be prayse and glory for ever Amen 1595. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 12. If any man worship the beast and his image and receyv his mark in his forehead or on his hand the same shall drink of the wyne of the wrath of God c. Here is the pacience of the Saints here are they that keep the commaundements of God and the faith of IEsus Some notes towching that formé of prayer commonly called the Lords prayer FIrst it is certayne that the treasures of wisdome and knowledg being him in Iesus Christ who set it down it is a most perfit forme and rule of 〈◊〉 vnto which nothing can be added and from which nothing can be taken away Col. 2. 3. Mat. 6. 9. 13. Rev 22. 18. 19. 2. Therefore also no Angels or Men who whatsoever they have receive it of his fulnes are ever able to atteyne to the setting down of the like Ioh. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 13. 9. Heb. 1. 6. 7. 3. If they do or shall set down any other forme we must not regard or follow it but keep our selves onely to this rule which Christ our Lord hath prescribed Mat. 6. 9 13. and 15. 9. and 28. 20. vvith Gal 1. 8. 9. 4. In this Christ hath taught vs 1. to vvhom to pray that is to God onely and not to any Angell or Saint whatsoever 2. with vvhat affection that is with faith and confidence of his willingnes to heare and help vs as being our Father and of his ability therevnto together with due regard of his Maiesty as being in heauen and therefore full of glory and able to do whatsoever he will 3. For vvhat things whether they concerne Gods glory or ourown benefit according to the severall occasions aÌ„d necessityes which God ministreth and layeth vpon vs 4. VVhat difference we should make of the things and of our desier after them according to theyr severall natures 5. The end of all that God in and over all may be glorifyed All which directions are here comprised in few words but such as fulls and plainely teach and comprehend them all even whatsoever is needfull to be knowen and observed in calling vpon
and maner of â—ntrance into it pag. 108. The word and Sacraments administred aÌ„d receyved in the Church of Engl. in and from a false ministery Sect. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. and p. 33. 89. 90. 91. 141. Manifold abuses in their administration of the Sacraments p. 12. 13. 87. 91. Of excommunication in the Church of Eng. how coÌ„trary it is to that which Christ hath ordeyned in his Church p. 10. 17. 62. 104. Of a prescript leiturgy aÌ„d the Book of common prayer vsed in the Church of Engl. p. 12. 69. 97. 103. 141. Of the Apocrypha books vsed in theyr publick worship pag. 11. Of the holy dayes in the Church of Engl. pag. 13. Of Idoll temples pag. 46. The â—ath er officio pag. 13. The forbidding of mariage and meats at certayne seasons pag. 12. 23. 27. The Prelacy and theyr vsurped authority was in Engl. long before the raigne or birth of her Maiesty p. 127. The Prelates by the Law of God not capable of that which is committed vnto them by the Parliament pag. 117. 〈◊〉 false ministery not to be heard though the truth be taught in it Sect. 2. 3. 4. 5. and pag. 19. 39. 52. 89. Separation from the Ministery and worship of the Church of Engl. pag. 5. 16. 66. 78. 105. 122. 126. Of the name Brownists p. 94. The order of our Church who are falsely called Brownisâ—s pag. â—3 Though others be not perswaded or be ignorant of the truth of Christ yet must we obey it p. 64. What is substantiall in the Ministery p. 83. What is substantiall in the calling to it p. 116. etc. Of Elders and the Eldership p. 11. 113. 114. The ordinary offices appoynted by Christ for the administration of his holy things p. 9. 68. The tryall choyse aÌ„d ordination pag. 40 84. 100. 105. 106. 111. 112. 113. 116. 123 Their administration p. 12. 13. 85. 103. etc. Theyr maintenance p. 11. 104. Difference to be put between an office and the actions thereof p. 87. Difference to be put between true Churches having corruptions and betweeÌ„ false Churches making show of religion As also a divers maner of walking to be vsed towards them p. 45. 57. 61. Of two hy priests at once or by course etc. p. 50. What is vnderstood by this word Discipline pag. 21. Of the Lords prayer p. 138. Testimonyes of the Prelates and Formalists against themselves pag. 15. 30. 33. 88. 93. 113. Testimonyes of the forward preachers and people against themselves p. 14. 15. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 40. 51. 52. 88. 89. 93. 97. 107. 109. 110. 113. 116 130. 131. Theyr prayers and suites for â—eformation pag. 70. 113. Theyr own testimonyes which they alledg out of the Scripture for theyr defence against them Sect. 3. 4. 5. pag. 21. 63. Testimonyes of former tymes against them pag. 24. 25. 64. 66. 70. 131. For which see further in the Acts and Monuments in the hystories of Iohn VVicleff VVilliam Svvinderby Syr Iohn Old cattle Lord Cobham Iohn Claydon and other the servants of God and Martyrs of Iesus Who held aÌ„d professed that Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons c. be the disciples of Antichrist yea very Antichrists themselues That the possessions aÌ„d Lordships of the clergy are the venime of Iudas shed into the Church That the Bishops licence for a man to preach the vvord of God is the true character of the beast that is Antichrist Act and Monum edition 4. pag. 150 a. 468. b. 562. b. 563. a. 639. b. Testimonyes of the reformed Churches at this day against them pag. 67. 68. 69. We would have cured Babel but she could not be healed forsake her and deliver ye every man his soule from the fierce wrath of the Lord. Ier. 51. 9. 45. with Rev. 18. 4. 5. * Iam. 1. 19. 20. 21. Iam. 2. 1. a Iam. 1. 19. 20. 21. b Voâ— 22. c 1. Cor. 1â— 9. 12. d 2. Ioh. ver 4. and 7. e Iam. 2. â—2 f 2. Cor. 2. 17. g Iudg. 6. 31. The Reason alledged for separation from the Church ministry of England a In sectioÌ„ 5. in the end of it b 2. Thes. 2. 4. c. l 2. Thes. 2. 3. m Vers. 3. n Ver. 3. and 7. o Ver. 4. compared vvith Ver. 3. 6. 7. 8. p Ver. 4. cempared vvith Rev. 1â— 11. q Ver. 8. anomos that is savâ—les or lavvbreakes r Ver. 9. compared vvith Mat. 24. 24. s Ver. 3. and 8. compard vvith Rev. 14. 6. 7. 8. t ver 10. 11. 12. compared vvith Rev. 14. 9. 10 11. v 2. Thes. 2. 3. vv Ver. 4. x Ver. 8. y ver 10. 11 z 1. Coâ— 12. 5. 28. Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. vvith 1. Tim. 3. cap. and 5. cap. and 6. 13. 14. 15. x 1. Coâ— 3. 16. 17. and 2. Cor. 6 16. 17. 18. compared vvith 2. Thes 2. 4. 10. a 2. Machab 12. 44. 45. and 14. 41. 42. Eccles siastiâ—us 46 20. vvisdoÌ„ 19. 11. b 2 Esdras 14. 21. 22. 23. 2. Machab. 2 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. To bit 5. 11. 12. 13. vvith 12 15. Iudith 8. 33. and 10. 9. vvith 10. 12. and 11. 6. 12. 13. 14. 15. aÌ„d 14. 3. 4. 1 Machab. 9. 3 18. vvith â— Mach. 1. 10. also 1 Machab 6. 4. 8. 9 16. vvith 2 Machab. 1. 13 14. 15. 16. and vvith 9. 1. 5. 7. 9. 28. 29. c Tobit 12. 1â— 15. compared vvith Rom. 8. 34. 1 Tim. 2. 5 Rev. 8. 3 4. d Tobit 6. 6. 7. 8. and 9. 2. 3. vvith 3. 7. 8. also 11. 10. 11. 12. 13. vvith 2. 9. 10. e Iudith 9. 2. 3. 4. coÌ„pared vvith GeÌ„ 49. 5. 6. 7. Ester Apocâ—â—pha 12. 5. vvith Ester Canonical 6. 3. also Ester Apoâ—â— 15. 9. 10. vvith Ester canon 5. 2. Ecclesiasticus 46. 20. vvith Esa. 57. 2. aÌ„d Eccles. 12. 7. f Second admon to the Parliam pag. 6 aÌ„d 7. g Lev. â—0 1. 2. h Ephes. 2. 20. i Sutclifs English treatise of eccles discipline pag. 7. k Esa. 33. 22. and 42 4. Gen. 49. 10. Act. 5. 31. Gal. 6. 2 Ier. 31. 33. vvith Heb. 8. 10. Iam. 4. 12. l Tit. 1. 16. m Demâ—stra in the preface to the Reader also Declar of eccses discip n Gods arrovv against A therists Papists etc. cap. 5. o I am 4. 12. p Ezech. 16. 44. vvith Rev. 17. 5. q T. C. first reply pag. 177. Declar. of â—ccles disipline etc. r Act. 2. 40. and 19. 9. 2 Cor. 6. 17. 18. Rev. 18. 4. 1. Tim. 6. 3. 4. 5. s Ad salutem animae that is to the salvation of the soâ—le t 1 Cor. 5. 4. 6. Mat. 18. 17. 18. 19. 20. And this Mr H. graunteth aftervvardrin section 5. v Rev. 18. 4. and 14. 9. 20. vv Rev. 13. 16. and 18 2 x Ad. 2. 40 41. Rev. 18. 4. 2. Cor. 6. 1â— Eâ—ra 6. 21. and 9. 14. Psal. 119. 113 128. y 2. Thes. 2. 4. Rev. 9. 3. vvith 1. Cor. 12 5. Ephe. 4. 5. 11 1. Pet. 5. 3. 4. z Rev. 18. 11. and