Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
religion_n	catholic_a	church_n	doctrine_n	2,797	4	6.6121	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A41016	Sacra nemesis, the Levites scourge, or, Mercurius Britan. disciplin'd, [Mercurius] civicvs [disciplin'd] also deverse remarkable disputes and resolvs in the Assembly of Divines related, episcopacy asserted, truth righted, innocency vindicated against detraction.	Featley, Daniel, 1582-1645.	1644 (1644)	Wing F593; ESTC R2806	73,187	105

Super-indendents in Germanie Presidents in the reformed Synods in France and Masters Provosts and Heads of Colledges and Halls in our Universities who have a kind of prelacie and authoritie over the fellows and students whereof the major part are Divines and in holy orders Here I conceive it will be said that none of these are aimed at but only Diocesan Bishops alreadie banished out of Scotland and prelates indeed they are in a more eminent degree and if prelacie be restrained to them it is Episcopacie that is principally shot at to the extirpation whereof I dare not yeeld my vote or suffrage lest this new Oath intangle me in perjurie For both my self and all who have received orders in this Kingdom by the imposition of Episcopall hands have freely engaged our selves by oath to obey our Ordinarie and to submit to his godly judgement and in all things lawfull and honest to receive his commands if then we now swear to endeavour the abolishing of Epscopacy we swear to renounce our canonicall obedience that is as I apprehend we swear to forswear our selves It is true that the Dr was furnished with many other reasons for episcopacy besides these and of some he gave a hint in the assembly it self upon other occasions as namely SECT. VIII Sixteen reasons for episcopall government THat the name of episcopacy even as it signifieth a degree of eminency in the Church is a sacred and venerable title first in holy scripture ascribed to our blessed Redeemer who as he is dominus dominantium lord of lords so also episcopus episcoporum bishop of bishops the shepheard and bishop of all our souls next to the Apostles whose office in the Church is stiled by the holy Ghost Episcope a bishoprick let another take his bishoprick though it be translated let another take his office yet the originall signifies not an office at large but an episcopall function that office which Iuda● lost and Matthias was elected into which was the office and dignitie of an Apostle * lastly to those whom the Apostles set over the Churches as namely to Timothy and Titus who in the subscription of the Apostles letters divinely inspired are stiled Bishops in the restrained sense of the word 2 Tim. 4. written from Rome to Timoth●us the first bishop elected of the church of Ephesus and to Titus the first elect Bishop of the church of the Cretians how ancient these subscriptions are it is not certain among the learned if they bear not the same date with the Epistles themselves the contrary wherof neither is nor can be demonstrated yet they are undoubtedly very ancient and of great authority and in them the word bishop cannot be taken at large for any minister or presbyter but for a singular person in place and dignitie above other pastors for there were many other presbyters in Ephesus both before and besides Timothy Acts 20.27.18 and in the Island of Creet or Candie there must of necessity be more then one pastor or minister Besides S. Paul investeth Timothy in episcopall power making him a judge of presbyters both to rebuke them 1 Tim. 5.1 and to prefer and reward them ver. 17. and to censure them ver. 19. Against an elder receive no accusation but under two or three witnesses and he giveth to Titus expressely both potestatem ordinis jurisdictionis of order and jurisdiction of order in those words c. 1.5 That thou shouldst ordain elders in every citie and of jurisdiction I left thee in Creet that thou shouldst continue {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} to correct or redresse the things that remained or those things which the Apostle before intended to amend but had not redressed 2. The Angels of the seven churches Apoc. 10.20 were no other in the judgement of the best learned * commentators both ancient and later then the bishops of those sees for in those provinces or territories there cannot be conceived to be lesse then many hundred ordinary preachers and pastors yet there were but seven precisely answering to the seven golden candlesticks seven candlesticks seven lights burning in them these can be no other then seven prime pastors who had the oversight of the rest for the errors and abuses in all those churches are imputed to them and they reproved for not redressing them c. 2.14 Thou hast them that maintain the doctrine of Baalam and v. 20. Thou sufferest the * woman Iezebel to teach c. 3. It is confessed by Molinaeus and other learned patrons of presbyteriall government themselves that episcopacy is a plant either set in the church by the Apostles themselves or their immediate successors in the first and best ages of the Church and is it agreeable to piety to swear the extirpation of such a plant 4. It cannot be denyed that when the Church most flourished and was of far larger extent then now it is over the face of the christian world there was no * other government then episcopacy regulated by divine precepts and ecclesiasticall canons and shall we swear to extirpate that government under the which the church most thrived and flourished Shall we swear against our prayers viz. for the rooting out of that upon which we are enjoyned to pray God to pour down the dew of his blessing surely the dew of heaven burns not the root of any plant upon earth but waters it and makes it grow 5. They were bishops who had the chiefest hand first in the plantation of christian religion in the dayes of Lucius king of Britain and after in the ●estitution in the days of Etheldred King of Kent and in the reformation of it in the reign of Edward the 〈◊〉 and Queen Elizabeth and is it a religiou● act to e●adicate tha● government and power which both planted and pr●ned religion it 〈◊〉 6. Christ died not intestate he made his last Will and Testament and by it bequeathed many legacies ●o his Church and among them not onely catholike doctrine but di●cipline also thi● discipline if it be not Episcopall government moderated by Evangelicall and Apostolicall rules the whole Church is guiltie of the losse of a sacred and precious jewell for certain it is out of records of all ages of the Church that no other wa● ever retained or can be found save thi● before the religious reformer and magistrates of Geneva having banished their Popish Bishops were after a sort necessitated to draw a new plat-forme of Ecclesiasticall discipline by Lay-Elders Christ as the Apostle teacheth us was faithfull in the house of God as Moses and if Moses after his fortie dayes speech with God on the mount received a pattern from God and delivered it to the Iewes not only of doctrine but of discipline also which continued till Christs comming in the flesh it cannot be conceived but that Christ lest a pattern of government to his Church to continue till the end of the world and doubtlesse his Apostles with whom he conversed forty

Creed that whichis commonly called the Apostles Creed ought thorowly to be received and beleeved for they may be proved by most certain warrants of holy Scripture Concerning this eighth Article vide 2 speeches pag. 13. ARTICLE 11. Of the Justification of MAN WE are accompted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ by faith and not for our own works or deservings Wherefore that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Iustification Concerning this eleventh Article vide 5 speeches pag. 20. The two first clauses of the Covenant as they were offered to the Assembly licensed and entred into the Hall book according to Order September 4. 1643. and Printed at London for Philip Lane 1. THat we shall all and each one of us sincerely readily and constantly through the Grace of God endeavour in on● severall places and callings the preservation of the true Reformed Protestant Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the reformation of Religion in the Church of England this Explication to be at the end of the Covenant as far as we doe or shall in our consciences conceive to be according to the Word of God according to the same holy Word the Example of the last Reformed Churches and as may b●ing the Church of God in both Nations to the neerest conjunction and Uniformity in Religion confession of Faith Forme of Church● government directory for Worship and Catechizing that we and our Posterity after us may as Brethren live in Faith and Love 2. That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the Extirpation of Popery Prelacie Superstition Heresie Schisme and Prophanenesse and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of Godlinesse in both Nation● lest we partake in other mens sins and thereby be endangered to receive of their plagues that the Lord may be one and his Name one in both Kingdoms To which first printed copie the Doctors speech delivered in the Assembly relateth pag. 48. The two clauses of the Covenant as they were altered and Printed by Order of the House of COMMONS 1. THat we shall sincerely really and constantly through the Grace of God endeavour in our severall places and callings the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government agai●st our common Enemies the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the Example of the best Reformed Churches and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdomes to the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion Confession of Faith Form of Church-Government Directory for Worship and Catechizing that wee and our Posterity after us may as Brethren live in Faith and Love and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us II. That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the extirpation of Poperie Prelacie that is Church-Government by Arch-Bishops Bishops their Chancellours Commissaries Deans Deans and Chapters Arch-deacons and all other Ecclesiasticall Officers depending on the Hierarchie Superstition Heresie Schism Prophanenesse and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of Godlinesse lest we partake in other mens sins and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues and that the Lord may be one and his Name one in the three Kingdoms Errata Epist. to the reader l. 19. in r. to p. 12. l. 23. dazled r. so dazled p. 15. in marg. Vos de 36. r. Vos de tribus symbo p. 40. l. 1. 2. Cor. 1.30 r. 1. Cor. 1.30 p. 43. l. 13. speciei r. specie p. 52. l. 24. Acts. 3.1 r. 1.3 p. 61. adde in marg. Aug. de civit Dei l. 19. c. 19. l. ult. p. 66. l. 22. thought r. sought p. 69. l. 25. there r. then p. 87. l. 14. dele his owne Nation for Primate of Armagh r. Primate of Ireland SECTION I. The Character of Britanicus DIego writeth That Barcaeus meeting with the Devill sitting at his ease upon a Chaire bid him rise up and give place to his better The tale Britanicus is morallized in thee thou mayst very well chalenge the precedencie of Satan and thrust him out of his Chaire The seat of the scornfull wherein thou hast sate for these many moneths and out-railest all the Shimie's and Rabsekehs and out-Lyest all the Simmeasses and Pseudolusses that ever sate in that Chaire And although Tacitus whispers me in the eare Maledicta si irascaris agnita videntur spreta exolescunt Contumelious speeches if they put thee into a chafe seeme to argue guilt Yet because a wiser then he adviseth in some case to answer a foole according to his folli● lest he be wise in his owne conceit And because it is rather an argument of stupiditie then innocencie to be altogether unsensible when our integritie or the reputation of our friend is touched though it be but with the scratch of a goose quill I though fit potius vexatum castiga●um quam despectum dimitt●re Vatinium rather to dismisse Vatinius well cudgelled then slighted I meane that scorne of all the learned and hate of all good men Britanicus or rather Brutanicus not from Brutus but Brutum For he is no better then one of Cerberus whelpes at which Hercules would not vouchsafe to give a Kick in his returne from Hell yet because since he hath lickt cleane the Expraetors trencher he never leaveth barking at all who adore not the cap of maintenance nor canonize the synagogue of orbicular independents I was desired to strike him baculo pastorali and teach him from henceforth sua potius lambere ulcera quam aliorum famam arrodere rather to use his tongue in licking his owne sores then his teeth in biting them upon whom heretofore he basely fawned The best is he to whose appologie I have consecrated my Pen is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} out of the danger of this haile shot above these nebulas nebulonum his reputation is safe both from the tongue of detraction and teeth of envie being treasured up in the hearts of all that sincerely love the truth Anthonie proscribed Cicero for the space onely that the Triumvirate in Rome lasted but Cicero proscribed Anthonie to all ages The more Camomile is trod upon the sweeter smell it gives and the black aspersions of malice serve but as a dark foyle to set off the lustre of eminent vertue For thee Britanicus seeing thou knowest not thy selfe I will send thee to S. Ierome for thy Character under the name of the Else Helvidius Loquacitatem facundiam existimat maledicere omnibus bonae conscientiae signum arbitratur he accounts

upon record Lastly why was no cause expressed in the Warrant for committing him to Prison If the latter i. e. if the letter be so far from containing in it any matter subject to exception that it rather deserved approbation as expressing much loyaltie to his Majestie zeal of the true orthodox religion and a reverend regard and respect to the Assemblie of Divines with a desire to continue still among them with his Majesties leave 1. Why then is this letter made the only ground of all the proceedings against the Doctor 2. Why for writing this letter unsealed not to a stranger but to a member of the Assemblie was he voted out of both his Benefices all his estate both personall and reall sequestred his ●ooks in which lay his chiefest treasure taken from him his familie turned out of house and home his servants and friends examined upon oath concerning any plate money rents or arrerages bills or bonds belonging to him and all that could be found seized upon 3. Why is he suspended from the exercise of his Ecclesiasticall function 4. Why hath he been so long detained in prison and there put to a great charge without any allowance at all out of his sequestred estate worth above 400 pound per annum 5. Why is such a severe hand kept over him that in the space of eight moneths and more he can by no means obtain a most humble and conscionable petition to be rendered in his behalf to the house Thou whosoever readest these things and hast with Philip of Macedon reserved one eare for the defendant consider of all things impartially si quam opinionem animo conceperis si eam ratio conv●llit si ratio labefactabit si verita● extorquebit ne repugnes ●amque animo aut libenti aut aequo remittas Est eni●● haec norma forma judiciorum aequorum ut culpa sine invidiâ plectatur invidia sine culpâ ponatur whatsoever prejudicate opinion thou mayst have taken of the Doctor if reason convince it if reason overthrow it if truth it self pluck it from thee give over thy hold for this is the rule and pattern of all righteous judgements that guilt be censured without envie or spleen and envie and spleen without guilt be abandoned Post-script to the Reader COurteous Reader I know thou expectest that here the Doctors whole letter should be added But for the avoyding of ta●toligies because all the substantiall contents so far as in the Diurnall● and Mecurie they have been heretofore objected to the Doctor they are in in the Gentle Lash and in this Treatise related in severall sections and fully answered I shall intreat thee to be contented with the remainder thereof faithfully transcribed out of the originall sent to the Primate of Ireland Doctor Featley having written a letter to the Lord Arch-bishop of Armagh Mercurius Aulicus 41. week 1643. to give his Grace an account of his demeanour in the businesse of the Scottish Covenant was committed Prisoner to the Lord Peters house both his Livings given away to others and his Books bestowed upon that old instrument of sedition White of Dorchester But it was the Doctors reasons against their Covenant which raised all this stirre which the originall Letter being now in my hands I shall here impart and the pretended Houses who got a copie of it can testifie it to be true First the Doctor excepted against those words Wee will endeavour the true Reformed Protestants Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Discipline Worship and Government according to the Word of God These words said the Doctor imply that the Worship Discipline and Government of the Church of Scotland is according to the Word of God which said he is more then I dare subscribe much lesse confirme by an Oath For first I am not perswaded that any platforme of Government in each particular circumstance is jure divino 2. Admit some were yet I doubt whether the Scots Presbytery be that 3. Although somewhat may seeme to be urged out of Scripture for the Scots Government with some shew of probabilitie yet far from such evidence as may convince a mans conscience to sweare it is agreeable to Gods Word Next the Doctor excepted against that passage I shal endeavour the extirpation of Prelacy in the Church of England c. I saith he dare not 〈◊〉 that First in regard that I beleeve Episcopacie is an Apostolicall Institution 2. That the Church never so flourished as within 500 years after Christ when it was governed by Bishops 3. That our English Episcopacy is justified by the prime Divines of the Reformed Churches beyond the Seas 4. that our English Bishops now ever since the Reformation have disclaimed all Papall dependency 5. That the foure Generall Councels confirmed in England by Act of Parliament 1 Eliza. assert Episcopacy And 6. which all men had need consider the Ministers of the Church of England ordained according to a forme confirmed by Act of Parliament at their Ordination take an Oath that they will reverently obey their Ordinary and other chiefe Minister of the Church and them to whom the Government and charge is committed over them This Oath I and all Clergy-men have taken and if we shall sweare the extirpation of Prelacy we shall sweare to for sweare our selves Lastly he excepted against that passage I will defend the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament and defend His Majesties Person and Authority in defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdome Here said he the Members are put before the Head the Parliaments Priviledges before the Kings Prerogative and the restraint of defending the King only in such such cases 〈◊〉 to imply something which I fear may be drawne to ●ll consequence FINIS Esay 51.19 Acts 28.4 11.36 Herman leomel Spong ex lit. urb 8. catenae marty●um sunt monilia religionis Humphredus in vita Iuelli nebula est transib●t P●●s sat 1. Eras. adag. Andabatarum ritu Liv. dec Foedior in orbe trucidatio cum turba foeminarum puerorum que in succensum ignem se Conjicerent rivique sanguinis flammam orientem restinguerent Diego Tornis edit. Venet. 1604. Barcaeus vester Diabolo venit obviam petiitque ut cathedram ejus occuparet quia erit dignior Psal. 1. Prov. 26.5 Alderm. P. Vell. Paters l. 2. Divin Instit. l. ult. Scalig. contra Lyid In locis nitidissimis olidum ponit * The one was hanged on a Gallowes fifty cubits high the other in a Cage on the highest Tower in Munster Civicus Scoticus C●elicus Merc. Brit. pag. 47. Annal. Tacit. lib. 12. Agrippina Statilium Taurum hortis ejus inhians pervertit Iustin. lib. 1. Persae festum celebrant ob necem Magorum dictum {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Armiger Warner 1643. (a) M W●ite of Dorchest (b) M. Nye (c) M. Ben (d) M Cooke (e) Andrew Ke●win Brit. p. 45. Ans. The name of a Mood in the