Bosnians Croatians c. which contributed much assistance to Cyril and Methudius they being Grecian Bishops but ready and expert in the Slavonick Tongue These passing on and about the year 861 entring into Moravia then by the Germans called Marcomannia there also they converted unto Christ Suatoplucus their King and a little after that Borivoius a Duke of the Bohemians From thence the brightness of the Gospel darted into Polonia in the year of Christs 65. the 71 year after the conversion of the Bohemians of the Moravians the 104. of the Bulgarians the 120. Fifteen years after this in the year 980. the Russi and the Mosci and the Slavonian Counties turned wholly to the Christian Religion Anna Basil the Emperours sister being given in marriage to Wlodimire a Kyoviensian Duke 17. From hence it appears that all these Countreys converted by the means of the Eastern Church even the Bohemian too were Christianized with the Grecian Rites and Forms But the Pope of Rome which even at this time lay in wait to make a prey of all the Churches in the World let slip no opportunity whereby he might bring them under the yoke of his jurisdiction What opportunities were given I must in brief relate were it onely for the sake of Bohemia 18. Satan the Enemy of our Redemption raging at the beginnings of Salvation in Bohemia suborned secretly plied his Incendiaries by which that part those of the Nobility and Commons which stifly adhered to Gentilisms being incensed and hurried into a Dog-like madness presently banish Borivoius and then his Nephew Wenceslaus with his Grandmother Ludomilla being dispatched by Martyrdom substitutes Boleslaus a sworn Slave to Heathenish Superstitions By whom many of the Noblemen and even all their Sacerdotes or Ministers were either slain or taken captive and so imprisoned or banished and driven into the neighbouring Provinces of Germany until the year 940. when Otto the Emperour coming upon them with an Army cooled their courage restraining their fury making Boleslaus restore the Temples and call home the banished and take order that Children be initiated with Christian Rites i. e. baptized Thus the Bohemians were first brought again under the power of the Roman Emperour and then presently fell into the snares of the Roman Bishop upon the next occasion which was in this manner 19. Good Bolestaus son of the Tyrant of that name being desirous very much to propagate the Christian Religion founded a Bishoprick at Prague and endeavouring â—o procure a person of great experience for the Pastor of that late scattered Church there was one Ditmar a Saxon Canon of the Archbishops See of Magdeburgh lately founded commended and chosen At the inaugurating of this Saxon was present the Archbishop of Moguntia by the French called Mentz But he prescribed to the new Bishop of that new people such Laws enjoyning and giving him in charge by express command from the Pope the Roman Liturgy in the Latine Tongue as offended the Bohemians and they not enduring that Divine Service should be celebrated in an unknown Tongue were fain to seek at Rome by certain Agents Bolehest Mislebor c. the wonted use of their Mother Tongue in the holy things in the year 977. and they obtained it But that one generation passing Gregory the seventh called Hilderbrand took it away again by an inhibitory Edict sent to Wratislaus Duke of Bohemia in the year 1079. Which Edict in the very terms thereof is extant in the History of the Preservation of the Bohemian Church chap. 5. Since that time there hath always been a contest between the Bohemian and the Roman Church the one always putting on the other always shaking off the yoke of their Superstitions even to this unhappy age of ours wherein she is fain to couch under her burden which especially as to the chief passage hereof it will not be amiss briefly to relate 20. The next age Coelestinus the Pope going about to obtrude on the Bohemians the command concerning the single life of the Clergie his â—egate viz. Peter Cardinal of Lalavie very narrowly escaped stoning by the Ministers and Prelates of Prague an 1197. this is attested by Hagâ—eius a Pontificial Writer 21. After this that generation passing there began to be obâ—ruded on the Churches the opinion of Transubstantiation together with the Sacrilegious communion of the Eucharist in but one kinde But in Bohemia this was not imposed till the year 13â—1 when Charls the fourth King of Bohemia and Emperour of the Romans changing the Bishoprick into an Archbishoprick and founding an University at Prague sent over for Masters and Doctors out of Germany Fâ—ance and Italy So these being abroad trained up in the custom of Communicating in one kinde began vehemently to urge it here the Bohemians on the other side not enduring this innovation but stoutly setting themselves against it 22. Amongst and above all the rest of the zealots there was a certain person descended of a noble Family by name John Milicius Canon of Prague and Preacher in the Cathedral Church Which with his Collegue Conrad Stickna vehemently thundered against the encroaching abuses which were so apparently and notoriously contrary to the Word of God Notice of this being given to Pope Gregory the eleventh he dispatches a Bull whereby Milicius with his hearers were excommunicated he also being given over to the new Archbishop Ernest of Pardubitz to be corrected Who presently committed Milicius to Prison but because of the fear of the people he was set free again and then banished in the year 1366. 23. To be Successor to him there was appointed Matthias Janovius of Prague Confessor to Charls the fourth But he nothing daunted at the hard measure of his banished Predecessor perfiâ—s shotly to assert the Communion in both kindes Also he sollicited and perswaded Caesar to call a Council for the abolishing of the many growing abuses But then when Caesar began to negotiate this busineâ—s with the Pope the Pope was anygry and so instantly urged the compelling and suppressing of he busie Hereticks that Charls being infatuated by the Authority of the Pope banished his Confessor out of his Kingdom howbeit he had much place in his affection Afterward he returned indeed but passed the remainder of his life in private unto the year 1304. wherein he dyed It is testified that a little before he dyed he uttered these words to the comfort of his friends The fury of the Enemies of the Truth hath hitherto prevailed against us but it shall not always be so for there shall arise a mean people without sword or power which they shall not be able to deal withal 24. It is worth the noting that the Bohemians were not onely acted by the S. Spirit within but also put on with the concurrence of the godly every where observing and detesting the Abomination of Desolation viz. from the University of Paris and Oxford where they travelled for the advancement of Learning and came away enriched with the light of sounder
AN EXHORTATION OF THE Churches of Bohemia TO THE Church of England Wherein is set forth The good of Unity Order Discipline and Obedience in Churches rightly now or to be CONSTITUTED WITH A Description premised of the Order and Discipline used in the Churches of the BRETHREN of BOHEMIA Written in Latin and Dedicated to his most Excellent Majesty CHARLS the Second in Holland at his Returning into England If possible it may be for an Accommodation amongst the Churches of Christ By J. AMOS COMMENIVS the onely surviving Bishop of the Remains of those Churches LONDON Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Three Crowns over-against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheap-side 1661. The Second CHARLES Heire to the Royall Martyr Who for Religion and his Subiects Charter Spent the best blood that unjust sword ere dy'de Since the rude Souldier peircd our Saviours side Who such a Father hadst art such a Son Redeeme thy People and assum thy Owne C R II TO THE High and Mighty Great Monarch of GREAT BRITAIN CHARLES II. All Happiness from above Most Serene King AS there is no such happy estate to be found in the affairs of men wherein there is not some thing wanting even so that Happiness of your Britany with which your return to your ancient Kingdom through the procurement of the right hand of the most High hath blest it is somewhat defaced as by the overcast of a cloud which yet through the mercy of God and your wise and pacifick Solomon-like moderation there is life in our hopes may be dispelled the Cloud I mean upon the Church of Christ amongst you now by the blessing of God in a very flourishing condition to which the sole controversie viz. of the best Form of Church Government vexatiously agitated for the space of one whole generation doth even yet although unanimous in the rest threaten some distraction unless both the Governors of the Churches among themselves and your Self superintending in Gods stead the affairs of your World together with the great Senate of your great Council do prudently by moderate Counsels dispose all things unto peace We Foraigners in reverence to your Church which the Everlasting Bridegroom hath decked for himself with most excellent gifts beyond many others are onely able to pray for you though yet we cannot but feel our selves obliged unto more real offices of communion of Saints also if any thing lay in our power which might conduce thereunto And indeed some excellent Persons of your own of both parts have requested of me who am the least in the House of God yet amongst the Petitioners unto God on your behalf not the last some such thing viz. To Communicate of what kinde the Government of our Churches hath been ever since it hath been if any thing may be received from thence which may be of use unto peace and edification I have done it communicated and sent it dedicated to your Church of Britain But because it is not convenient that matters which concern the publique good be attempted by private persons and the Great God hath appointed you Great King the Head of the Nations of your World and the Umpire of differences as also the Defender of his Church and Faith I lay down this small Essay whatever it is at your Majesties Royal Footstool most humbly beseeching that you would be pleased to comend this endeavor in my name to the busie sticklers of the said Controversie among you that they may peruse it and see if any thing may be gathered even from thence to the asswaging of animosities and the enlarging of good affections But in the publique name of the Churches and for the sake of Christ I entreat that your Majestie would not suffer this one onely remaining difference in your Churches to burst out into a new Schism for the glory of God for the salvation of the Church for your Kingdoms and your own peace for good example to the Churches of the whole world So shall the King of Kings establish your Royal Throne and bless your self with your Family and Kingdoms to flourish and endure To whose Eternal Protection he with most earnest prayers commendeth your Majestie who is An Exile of Christs but Your Majesties most humble Servant Iohan. Amos Comenius The unworthy and onely surviving Bishop of the Remnants of the Church of the Brethren of Bohemia TO THE READER Good Reader IF thou art a Son of the Church indeed here is a Legacy fallen to thee viz. A Copy of a real Reformation A Legacy you 'll say that occasions an enquiry for Funeral Lamentation who then is dead or dying alas alas one of the ancientest soundest purest Churches in the World This is saith our Author Contra Haeres l. â— c. 3. and Reginvolcius and Aeneas Sylvius who proved afterward P. Pius and differ but little from him that Illyricum planted by the great Dr. of the Gentiles Rom. 15.19 this is that Dalmatia watered by his Son and Evangelist Titus 2 Tim. 4.10 This is that people which Ireneus their neighbour commends with this Elogy that they never did either believe or teach otherwise then as the Apostles and Disciples This is that afterward called Slavonick Church where Hieronym was born and where he and some of the Greek Fathers Cyril and Methodius bestowed their pious labours in the service of the Gospel Of this came those oriental Churches out from which by the means of the said Worthies the Gospel was transmitted into Croatia Bosnia Moravia Polonia and Bohemia where this Church took root most till in the year 1450. it ran up to an head and fruit and was formed into the unity of the Brethren of Bohemia by Wickliff Jerome of Prague and especially John Huss from whom they were called Hussites One of them in the name of the rest calls J. Huss Father in these words Hussi Sancte cinis gaude gaude inter arenas Per sobolem toto vivis in orbe tuam Vivis ostendis tandem hostibus ignea Verum Tollere quod nequeat flamma minaxque rogus Dust of St. Huss rejoyce in thine urn In us thy Seed thou dost to life return Thou livest to shew to th' world that thou canst burn Nor can dire flames truth or thy zeal adjourn As for their severe Orthodoxy simplicity purity in the truth as also withal their unity and integrity in the bond of peace and love I refer thee to the Testimonies of Bucer Luther Calvin P. Martyr Musculus Zanchy Beza Lasitius Olevian Vergerius c. wherewith thou wilt finde this Author as it were adorning this Churches Herse page 32 33 37 49 50 52 c. even Maximilian the Emperour though induced by such as in the Courts of Princes have the arts to tie their hands and sway their Scepters for them to afflict this people by some Edicts yet page 49. acknowledgeth them before all other the nearest conforming to the Apostolical Church They were branded by the mouth of prophaness and
malice which never speaks well with the odious name of Piccards upon the account of their correspondence with those famous Christians of the Valtoline but we may truly say of them in reference to their obedience to the Gospel as our Saviour said of such Behold my Mother Sister and Brother Read through and you will say as much This is the lamentation thou enquirest after a Church such a Church so rooted so spread is fallen as to the world but as to God taken up into Paradise and at her transplanting hath let fall as the Prophet his cloak on his Successor some of her fruit of Gospel-order among us O! if thou hast any bowels as the Elect of God pity her ancient seat tremble at the judgements of God which are like to come on that place which could not bear her precious fruit from which Luther and our Author made a Prognostication of her fall page 35. sure Germany must drive heavily deprived of such Chariots and Horsemen If we have any pity to our selves let us lament our loss and fear to miscarry upon the like rock of inveterat opposition to a real reformation Either we are beter or worse if worse as we have just cause to think then what will become of the dry tree if this be done to the green If better or nearer the pattern then we must smart worse if we answer not our greater priviledges For he which knows his Masters will c. O! that the tears and blood of this noble part of Gods vine might cure the leprosie of that part which is yet amongst us that the light which is put out there may shine in our candlestick that a Church dying at home may live here with us nor indeed can any Church dye or be put out the Kingdom of God must needs be above the prevailing assaults of the Kingdoms of this world but is onely removed Mat. 21.43 Rev. 2.5 O! God forbid that that which cost this Church so much care and sweat treasure and blood to set before us may not be onely in testimonium for a witness against us If you ask what that is I answer that 's the Legacy it self viz. a Copy of a real Reformation A copy I say and so no wonder if it answers not to the original adequately and exactly it is rather matter of commendation that it is drawn so near to the life of Religion as it is What this Brethren-Church would have done appears in J. Huss their first Bishops Apologie of which we read in the reverend Authors preface viz. the Law of Christ sufficeth for the Government of the Church without the additaments of humane Ordinances but what generation is that that contracts not some soil in running through the puddle of this world we give them therefore allowance according to Tertullian Unusquisque Patrum ex consuetudine sui seculi contraxit suam labem We consider the malignant influence the Pope hath had even upon them by reason of their nearness of scituation to them and their frequent assaults upon them and wonder not that they were overawed as they have been with the prevailing of custom confirmed and enacted by Constantines zealous affecting and asserting the Episcopal Dignity which yet our Author strenuously invalidates in the latter end of his Exhortation and that Canon of the false Apostles cited Anno. pag. 90. which of what authority it is it being against even those Apochryphal Canon of Greg. and Gratian as also of what validity the Scriptures they bring for that kinde of Episcopacy are I leave to the impartial Reader to judge Not to say that Zepperus speaks somewhat otherwise of the German Episcopacy lib. 2. cap. 10. But be it so that in some Ministrations of their Presbyterian Senate they were something more Episcopal then the rule will bear wherein we assert them not I would our Episcopacy were as much Presbyterian as theirs and our Presbytery as much in exercise as theirs which yet might be were all our Bishops well-affected as they ought to be to that which is our Soveraigns glory and strength in the midst of his Subjects the Royal Proclamation Indemnity and Indulgence We indeed for soundness of Doctrine saving some Papaturient Laudensian Prelates are as they and for gifts perhaps as our Author modestly acknowledges Exhortation pag. 140. beyond them especially since the Episcopal gag hath been by Act of Act of Parliament taken out of the Churches mouth whereby blessed be God we have been for these last twenty years exempted from that fatal disaster which our Author piously inveighs against under the notion of Imperial Papacy and Papal Empire Exhort page 28. but for union and confirmation in the reality of Reformation Personal or Ecclesiastical multa desiderantur which yet we finde did obtain among them and have been happily as covenanted so endeavoured in these Realms our gracious Soveraign also graciously condescending hereunto We have here a Copy not of Grotian Cassandrianism viz. as Erastianism or Congregational Brownism nor yet of Lordly Prelatism our Author condemns this Exhort page 29. wherein he inveighs against the factious or made-Religion of scandalous Forms Liturgies and Ceremonies imposed ib. alibi and against secular Dominion in Prelacy which he saith is one of those things which Solomon saith the earth groans under and cannot long bear pag. 19. and indeed against the root of this plant or number of a man the Divine ax and hand hath been especially of late years stretched out nor can we believe the wound to be cured though we see it skin'd over considering that notwithstanding all the Divine dreadful visitations yet the worm both in its fruit and root doth yet again so revive with it self giving life to nothing but that which is against his Majesties Royal Proclamation Indempnity and Indulgence Surely they cannot have far to go under the load of the guilt of former persecutions and notorious corruptions they having passed through so much fire and yet being not purged but binding all mischief upon themselves by self-invented Altar-worship under which so many souls are fallen and crying out How long Lord how long for with such sacrifices not required the jealous God will not long be well pleased See whether thou findest a copy of such an Episcopacy and Ministration here No you 'll finde our Reverend Author as a faithful Physician prescribing well to mollifie and take down this crusted excrescence of the Church if possibly the Poyson and that which was not in the beginning viz. all self-invented embasing mixtures in the Ordinances Offices Ministrations Institutions of Christ in his Church may be purged out If his operations be painful we must thank our selves an intemperate Patient makes a rugged Physitian and well it is if any way we may be healed and restored to the life of Religion soundness of Doctrine health of Discipline strength of Vnion beauty of Order vigor of the Spirit heat of Zeal in the power of godliness In order to which behold
custom if you would not be offensive to them nor have them so to you Which judgement of Ambrose Augustine saith he always looked on Tanquam coeleste Oraculum As for the state and pomp of that pretended Order which is as the Alder in our Garden I 'll tell you a story There was a Garrison of Souldiers and divers Commanders over them amongst the rest there was one a true Veteran that had been trained up in the School of War under most of the Princes of Christendom This Captain instead of those soft delights other Gentlemen and Commanders wasted their time in spent his inconversing with and training his Souldiers would be upon the Guard when his turn came himself no weather could prevent it his house instead of being furnished with silken beds rare looking-glasses curious pictures was stored with barrels of meal rice pease so placed low that they served instead of chairs and stools his rooms hung with flitches and gammons of Westphaly bacon dried beef fish c. materials with which he kept a constant table and welcomed all his Souldiers in the Sum was always in fight or service and he had these Souldiers close to him they would go through fire and water with him what men soever failed of their duty his never did but were all of a knot and unanimous in their attendance upon him in any service I 'll only apply it thus that would our reverend Fathers of the Church be more upon the guard themselves be employed in the Churches duty and not commit that Solecism in Government which the learned Bacon thinks one of the insolubilia to do their work by deputation of a Chancellor would they instead of keeping distance converse more familiarly with their flocks and step in now and then to a Countrey Minister on a sudden whom it may be they may finde standing sentinel and encourage him in his duty would they instead of giving and forcing on the people Quelchechoses of Forms and Ceremonies give them solid meat and nourishment the pure Word of God in the institutions of Christ suffer that only to be read expunded urged in the Church would they instead of making their houses Lordly Courts to fright poor people and Ministers from coming at them make them Oratories for Prayer and expounding Scripture of Gods institution setting up catechistical and expository Lectures so many days in the week either by themselves or their Chaplains or calling in the assistance of some learned and pious Presbyters would they enquire in their Visitations after prophaneness and censure that more deeply then some have done non-conformity to self-invented will-worship and encourage painful conscientious Ministers more then their Predecessors have done lazy idle drones I durst become their bondman if one or both of thâ—se two things did not follow that all the godly sober religious people in the Land would become their fast friends and strive who should do them most honour or else the Devil and all his Instruments would be as mad against them as they are now again already against the Puritans 3. Once again we see what it is that makes the Church glorious and unanimous viz. living up to the noble principles of Religion in self-denial humility piety in all ranks of people For till the love of the Lord Jesus and the desire of the salvation of souls hath taken more root in the hearts of Pastors and Christians we cannot expect any Settlement Beauty or Order in the Church 'T is not the priding of a mans self in the name of a Son of the Church can advantage Religion no more then the Jews boasting they had Abraham to their Father did promote it among them For our Saviour tells them when that cry was loudest the state of Religion was at the lowest among them No the Church the Spouse of Christ is meek-hearted and lowly full of tenderness and goodness and her children indeed are like her But they which instead of this spirit fall a beating their Brethren or scoffing or envying at them may indeed be in the Church but yet as Cain in Adams and Ishmael in Abrahams family onely the spots and blemishes thereof 4. Yet again I observe the ligaments and soder of these Churches to be their mutual consent in Discipline which we see required not onely of Ministers but of all Christians how necessary this is experience doth demonstrate For the first primitive Church had no other bond nor have the Reformed Churches abroad in many places any other not but that the Patronage of Princes and Magistrates is a great Strength and Bulwark to Religion and that people are bound to bless God exceedingly when he raiseth up such Nursing Fathers for the Church to be over it in the Lord. Yet we see that meer Politique bands do snap asunder and make way for schism and division especially when the Prudential superior Order of the Clergie do ride and the inferior grind for then they are apt to take the first opportunity to unyoke themselves But if a superiority among Ministers in the Church on a prudential account be thought necessary for Humanum institutum episcopatus non damnamus sed tantum negamus a Christo esse Imperatum as we say with Junius let it be set up by the mutual consent and choice of the rest or the Body of the Ministry and their obedience will be more constant in the Lord and more fixed then by any subscription of oaths of Canonical obedience whatsoever In a word let the poyson and what was not from the beginning be taken out of the Ordinances and offices of Christ in the Church and the power of godliness in good earnest endeavoured and this Church which is otherwise giving up the ghost will yet through the blessing of God recover and do well and we shall have great cause to bless God for this true Protestant Bishop Comenius his pious Endeavours in laying this Book at his Majesties feet as an expedient for an Accommodation not with the Romish but the Reformed Churches Which that it may effect is the earnest prayer of him how is Thy Servant in the Work of the Lord JOSHVA TYMARCHVS Books printed for and sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Three Crowns over against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheap-side Folio's THe History of the Evangelical Churches of the Valleys of Piedmont containing a most exact Geographical description of the place also a relation of the bloody Massacre 1655 and a Narrative of all Transactions to 1658. Justified partly by divers ancient Manuscripts written many hundred years before Calvin or Luther By Samuel Morland A Commentary upon the holy Writings of Job David and Solomon viz. Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs Being part of those which by the ancients were called Hagiographa Wherein the diverse Translations and Expositions of all the most famous Commentators are propounded examined and censured By John Mayor D.D. To the Church of England Hitherto tossed with divers tempests
of Christ until we all come in the Vnity of the Faith and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the full stature of Christ that we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the slight of men c. but carrying it sincerely in charity may grow up into him which is the head even Christ From whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compact by all the joynts contributing from the inward working-power according to the measure of every part obtaineth encrease suitable to the body unto the building up of its self in love Eph. 4.3 c. 8. Whereof seeing we are in expectation from Divine goodness why should we not be rationally enquiring out the way of that Union and Order on which there is laid so great adress for the salvation of the Church and mutually afford one another participation and improvement both of Light and Order It is pious and praise-worthy not to be found slack in this matter 9. As for me into whose haâ—d is now come an opportunity of bringing forth to light in a new edition the Order of the Church of the Brethren of Bohemia I apprehend it much to the business to set before your eyes in the example of this very Church by what steps God is wont to lead on and perfect his people which whosoever of the godly readeth will easily finde occasion seriously to consider the admirable method of Divine Providence about himself as well as about the Church 10. God hath done all things well and made every thing beautiful in its season saith Solomon Eccles 3.11 implying that the works of God do always proceed in a certain order and step by step from less to more even the work of Creation the work of Redemption the work of Sanctification and the whole course of Divine Providence about all things teach us this very thing and especially the wonderful wisdom hereof in enlarging the Tents of his Church which we have now in particular taken under consideration evermore either unto greater bulk or beauty 11. The Son of God could indeed being come into the world in Humane flesh have made his Gospel known by himself to the whole world in the full and compleat mysterie of Redemption but he was not pleased to do so but ordained some certain men Apostles which going through the world did publish among the Nations those Treasures of Divine Grace and they committed the same Office to others to succeed them and they again to others and so to the end of the world Mat. 28.20 2 Tim. 2.7 Tit. 1.1 12. For howbeit the light of the Gospel was even then by the very Apostles sprinkled throughout the world even to the ends of the earth as Scripture and Histories report yet that light in some of those first ages may seem to have been rather as sparks catching upon some persons and families here and there then the full enlightning of the Nations In the fourth Age indeed in Constantine the Greats time whole Nations began to Convert and renouncing Paganism openly to profess the Christian Religion and then afterward the Faith having been first received in the Empire of Rome and other places went on constantly for twelve Generations one Nation after another giving up their names to Christ in Baptism throughout Europe Asia Africa and America 13. The succesful work of Divine Providence was very evident and remarkable in founding the Churches of the Slavonick Counties scituate all along on the Eastern parts of Europe Among whom the plantation of the Gospel being planted in the Apostles times proved a fair crop in the fourth Century by degrees extended it self in those parts making the Churches there sometimes bigger sometimes better it faring also with them now and then as with the Moon still to have their light impaired by wainings spots and misty overcastings Let me briefly summe up the whole evidence hereof as may serve to quicken us even at this time to go forward from good to better till we take up at length with some attainment worth the acquiescing in 14. That the Gospel was planted in those Countreys in the Apostles times we have the Apostle of the Gentiles for a witness who writes thus to the Romans c. 15. v. 19. I have filled all places with the Gospel even from Jerusalem to Illyricum round about And he tells Timothy 2 Tim. 4.10 that Crescens went into Galatia Titus into Dalmatia Now both Illyricum and Dalmatia are parts of the Slavonick Countrey to this day and that that Plantation did not come to nothing it is evident in that Jerome being born at Strido a City in Illyricum to advance the success of the faith received in his own Countrey translated the Books of the Divine Scriptures into their Mother tongue by means whereof the Slavonians were the first of all the parts of Europe that were intrusted with the Oracles of God in their Mother Tongue At this very day do these Countreys glory in that Translation and will use no other although the language of that people be so much altered that the common sort of them in many things do not understand that ancient form of speech Therefore their Priests the Ruttenians and the Moscians are fain to study that ancient Language as we do the Latine 15. That the Churches in these Countreys did very much encrease we may easily gather from the sixth Synod of Constantinople held in the year of Christ 680. making very remarkable mention of the Slavonians in these words This Council being at the best but low and obscure expected the help of all neither ought that which one part doth be hid from the other especially for that it is well known that in the heart of the Countreys we have very many Fellow-servants both Longobards and Slavonians which are still busily scrupulous and inquisitive about this matter c. Whence it is plain the Slavonians were at this time Christians and also such as abhorred Image-worship in as much as they durst not joyn with that Synod which stickled for Images 16. Moreover in the Age next following God opened the Door of the Gospel to whole Countreys of the Slavonians and the occasion was this The Bulgarians a Countrey of Slavonia infested the neighbouring Empire of Constantinople with continual wars till Michael the third being Emperour made a peace with them in the year 845. restoring to the King of the Bulgarians his Sister which the Gâ—ecians had taken in battel Now this Lady being in her Captivity seasoned with the Christian Religion prevailed with her Brother to renounce Heathenism and turn Christian Hereupon his subjects following his example embraced the same faith By this means the Bulgarians became the first fruits of the Slavonian Nations unto Christ Other people in those Coasts or Regions about Danubium Greece and Italy of the same Language presently treading in their steps viz. the Moesians Rascians Servians
as also they were to be ever after in the same manner chosen and ordained even as Pastors also and Deacons or â—atechists and Acoluthi or Readers besides they had in every Church their Political Seniors or Lay-Elders and Synods Districtual five Provincial one to be held every year Which example the Churches of the great Dutchy of Lithuania followed dividing themselves into six Diocesses and under so many Seniors and Conseniors And because there yet remained some difference in rituals all the Churches among themselves at last came to that moderation even in these things that there seemed nothing to be wanting unto full Brotherly concord 104. Because yet nevertheless the Jesuits in their clamoring and traducing the Evangelici to the King laid to their charge a chaos of Errors and Schisms They as they had professed turned away from those open bare-faced Hereticks the Arrians named afterward Socinians from Socinus a new Imposter so now for the better uniting themselves within themselves they yet more fully engage to one another a Syncretism or mutual holding together there being then called about that time by the indulgence of the most pious King Sigismund Augustus unto Sendomiria all the Churches of the Evangelici in a general Synod 1570. wherein consent in Faith and Christian Religion was established between all the Churches of the Augustan Bohemian and Helvetian Confession The thing is notoriously known by the books of that consent so often printed in Poland and Germany and yet the Augustans afterward being at appointed Disputations divers ways tempted by some of their own party in Germany seemed to step back 105. To this issue did the moderate Councils of these Brethren of Bohemia come at that time in Poland with the applause of all good men It doth me good to remember one John Lasitsky a Nobleman of Poland and a learned which being then young about four year before the agreement for consent abovesaid was made turned from the Papists to the Evangelici and hearing that besides the Helvetian or Switzerland Confession already received in his own Countrey there were others of the Evangelici in Poland the great of the Augustan and Bohemian Confession resolves upon a journey to thosâ— Churches to have personal knowledge of them in all matters that he might see what difference there was between one and th' other He takes down with him into Germany and France some great Noblemens sons and taking his journey as he had appointed visits the Brethren in Bohemia making there a through enquiry and setting down all the memorable things which he observed Whereupon afterward he compiled the History of them entituled Eight Books of the Original and Transactions of the Brethren of Bohemia wherein in the seventh Book he ascribed the consent of the Churches agreed at the Sendomirian Synod especially to the Brethrens moderation 106. And of himself Lasitius reports thus Taking a journey for the advantage of my studies unto Heidleberg and afterward 1571. returning from Strasberg home I turned a little out of my way in unto the Brethren at Prague and Bolestavia At which time their Superintendent in Bohemia was Calephus a grave and strict Christian as they are all but good God with what great joy was my heart ravished to see these things which are now here written and fâ—ithfully related in the eighth book Verily surveying every thing diligently and enquiring into all things fully methought I was in the Church of Ephesus or of Thessalonica or some other of the Apostles own planting beholding and hearing those very things which we read in the Apostolical writings in the Epistles of Ignatius the Martyr in Justins Apology or Tertullians Apologelick Indeed they are very unjust and injurious to the Brethren whoever they be they are acted by that malignant and envious one that detract from the holiness of their Conversation or derogate from their faith so productive of good works or whosoever any ways prejudices so good so harmless so peaceable men Bohemia is not aware Moravia knows not what kinde of inhabitants they have If they did they would have more respect and affection for them then they have Absolutely they are of that worth that the Government of the whole Church if we would look to have it holy and pure returning to that flower and vigor of the Apostolical age should be committed to them But all these wishes are in vain the Churches beautified with right Bishops will never give in Nor again will those sheep of Christ that are now turned into goats endure any Pastors but like themselves Babylon will be jovial and fear nothing till in one hour be come upon her her appointed plagues which yet shall never touch Noah Lot Daniel Tobias God being their protection Thus this Defendor of that time proceeds with too much art haply yet as may serve to quicken us to carry our selves more warily and look into things more narrowly attending not onely outward appearance but weighing all Possibly there may lie a most precious jewel under a shabid fordid clod it being usual with God to choose the foolish things of this world the feeble the base those of no account and indeed which are as if they were not 1 Cor. 1. v. 26.29 107. Lasitius sends this History as soon as ever it was finished from out of Germany to the Geneva Divines to have their judgement upon it as also to John Laurence the Brethrens Antistes in Poland writing thus concerning it I writ to Mr. Beza a relation of your affairs that if he advises to it they may be published and why not Christ commanded that light should shine out c. perhaps they may pass the press till there may come forth something better for in the mean time the improved revenue of those talents which God hath bestowed upon you will abound amongst many people to the glory of God And Beza to Lasitius thus At last I return your Manuscript of the Churches of the Waldensian Brethren which you sent me to read and give you my opinion of There be many excellent things in it which I plainly admire and I would we had any hope to be able to introduce them into the Church But there be some other things I judge that must not be be propounded for imitation because we must therein have regard to the present time and circumstances 108. But let us return to the Brethren and see how it is them at home in Bohemia and Moravia and truly their affairs are much mended under Maximilian a peaceable quiet Prince of a moderate judgement of himself if he have a moderate Council Amongst whose Privy Council those which were most great gracious with him was John Crato his chief Physician a friend of the Brethren He at one time being alone with the King which took him into his Coach with himself going to take the aire of the fields for his health and pleasures sake and Caesar dolefully relating the many and great divisions that were in
Tower called Namest This noble Lord bountifully maintained all those persons and preparations at his own proper cost and charges and God blessed it so that we now if any part of Europe again have the Prophets and Apostles speaking in our langauge and yet most purely and properly They were about this work preparing the Translation pure explaining it with Commentaries and writing it out in six Tomes fair for the Press the full space of fourteen years The first part namely the Pentateuch coming out anno 1679. The second part viz. The Historical Books 1580. The third part viz. the Hagiography i. e. the Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Canticles 1583. The Books of the Prophets 1587. The Apocrypha 1588. then the sixth and last part containing the New Testament 1593. out of which afterward other Editions were taken 118. In the year 1575. Maximilian held a Convention at Prague and he gives his allowance that the Estates of the Kingdom which were for the Sacrament in both kinds should enter into a mutual engagement of fidelity to each other under the common seal or token of one confession The Jesuits notwithstanding and the Pseudo pretended Hussites acting to their utmost strength to hinder it but yet they could not For whereas they in their Petitions and Remonstrances amongst other things clamoured to this purpose That the Estates for both kinds were not unanimous in the Faith but nourished amongst themselves the Piccards Calvinists Lutherans The estates that they might testifie their consent agreed together to draw up a Common Confession To this end making choyce of certain Divines and appointing also some of the Barons Nobles and City Officers to overlook the business To these therefore the Masters of Prague presented the Books of Mr. Huss and the Synodical and Parliament Acts for the Religion of the antient Bohemians but those which imbraced the Augustan Confession which were a great part of the Estates offered that same Confession as they that were of the Brethren offered theirs They compare both the sense and the form of speech or phrase of both parts in every Article of Faith and put it into such a form as both parties were able and willing to subscribe it not too much descending to particular subtile Scholastick differences of Questions Which Christian moderation and prudence of theirs did not only profit themselves but also highly swayed many great persons in Germany and elsewhere For Cesar ratified that Confession that was offered him and took all which did subscribe it into his royal Protection onely what they petitioned for power to constitute the Consistory and the University he put off till another time graciously promising them withal in the mean time that he himself or his Son which they had assigned to be his Successor would not be wanting to promote the Petition of the Estates 119. Note That this Confession of the Estates was written in the Bohemian language not translated into Latin nor printed till the year 1619. at which time it was presented to King Frederick by the University and Consistory of Prague therefore it is not extant in the Catalogue of Confessions but that which is found there under the title of the Bohemian Confession is the peculiar Confession of the Brethren of Bohemia not this common one of the Estates There was care taken that they should be put down only in the German tongue and then submitted by the Council to the censure of the Divines of Wittenberg 1575 by the Lord Bohustaus Felix of Lobkowitz and Hassenstein chosen by the Estates to overlook that business It was well approved of by the Wittenberg Divines who in their answer to this Baron in the German tongue among others have these words Although this Confession be brief and we easily observe that the main design in drawing it up was that the chief Articles of Faith should be briefly plainly and properly expressed to avoid all superfluous prelixness and jangling contention about doubtful questions which haply sâ—me contentious spirits in our Germany if this Confession come forth in the German dialect will find fault with all But as for us we cannot but approve your Christian prudence and moderation and plainly we would warn you that though in other places they should be of another opinion yet that you would not suffer your selves to be lead away from this holy and pure simplicity forasmuch as it is certain that the Churches are herein best provided for and such are more edified reformed and kept in unity where the pure Doctrine of the Gospel is commended to Christians in simplicity without any curious affectation of subtilties and the contentions arising thereupon As also David prayeth Psal 25. Thou shalt keep me in simplicity and uprightness c. Given at Wittenburg 3. November Anno 1575. 120. Most excellent Maximilian being laid in the grave 1576. his Son Rudolph succeeded him and treading in his Fathers steps until the year 1602. he reigned in quietness no man being troubled upon any account of Religion but this year by the secret machinations of the Jesuites managed by their Agents things were brought to that pass that Rudolph subscribed the Edict by them drawn up to reinforce Wladislaus Act against the Piccards and commanded it to be published but it effected no further mischief then to shut up the Churches of the Brethren for a time for the Patrons of the Brethren the Nobles protesting against it as not belonging to them inasmuch as the Piccards were not such as were therein described easily obtained of Rudolph graciously to connive at the slack observation and execution of his Edicts neither was it so lawful for the adversaries to urge them by the activity of the other Estates of the Evangelici It is also reported by credible Authors that when in the evening that very day 22 July a messenger bringing tidings that Alba Regalis the chief City of Hungary was taken by the Turks Rudolphe being very much troubled said I lookâ— for some such sad blow ever since I began to usurp Gods Dominion which he hath over the Consciences of men alluding herein to a saying of his Father 121. And that it was never his intent but that the promises of his most pious Father should be performed and the libâ—rty of Conscience established he sufficiently declared afâ—erwards when as Anno 1609. he assigned the Estates of the Kingdom which stood for the Sacrament in both kinds notwithstanding the contraveâ—sings of the Pope and the Spanish Faction as also of many of his own Councel to reform the new Consistory and the University as they should see meet adding moreover hereto his Royal Letters under his broad Seal to confirm his grant hereof giving moreover his allowance that the Churches and Schools which yet the Evangelici had should be continâ—ed in their possession and that others should be built where there was need forbidding that any of his Subjects whether temporal or spiritual should be punished upon the account of Religion And took
order that the Kings wich should succeed him in the Throne should be bound to the pious observation of those things Finally he restored the power of the Estates to chuse from amongst them certain Patrons to be keepers of this Liberty 122. The Estates then reform the Consistory and for unanimities sake they make choyce of some certain Ministers by suffrage viz. Three of the Hussites three of the Brethren and as many of the other Evangelici and adjoyned to them three Professors of the University and enjoyn to these Twelve select persons the whole care of Ecclesiastical matters in all the Kingdom and inasmuch as it was now agreed on all hands that the things formerly agreed called the Compactata should be abrogated and that the Churches should be governed according to the rule of the Divine Law only There was chosen to be cheif Administrator for the Hussites Elias Scuda de Semanin afterward to be also chosen by the General Assembly of the Deacons As for the Brethren to whom was permitted their way of Discipline for the better accord it was resolved that they should have the Administrator's next Colleague for their Senior yet with their good leave and consent as long as the distinction of that order should last To whom also as being genuine issue of Huss the Church called Bethleem and famous for Husses pâ—eaching there was granted by the University All which things were done to the publick satisfaction and joy of all good men and all places were filled with divine praises It being generally written upon the Church doors Gods House stands open the Lions play whilst Ralph Blest Maximilian pays this truth to th' Faith 123. After this Religion grew more pure false Hussitism being by degrees removed throughout the whole Kingdom that there was found scarce one of an hundred but made profession of the Evangelical Doctrine But alas with the liberty of Religion as it uses to be there thrust up also under it by little and little licentiousness of life and the bonds of Discipline even where before it had been in force to good purpose were now loosed in a wonderful manner whereupon the godly most what did not like that liberty which drew with it carnal security and some began to presage evil hereupon and so it was for that horrible tempest under Ferdinando overwhelmed us and that prophesie was fulfilled The bitterest bitterness is found in the sweetest Peace 124. For the Enemies of the Gospel being filled with rancor turned to their accustomed stratagems and treacheries making and placing an Engine in secret which breaking forth we were utterly overthrown even that whole Church of Bohemia which had so many generations grappled with that Nimrod the Pope so that she must now take up her lamentation with the discomfited Daughter of Sion My Enemies hunted me as a bird they have cast my life into the pit and covered me with stones they have drowned me in the deep and I am gone Lam 3.52 c. for Rudolph the Assertor of our liberty being taken away and counsels being on foot for the bringing about of the Council of Trent that they must begin with the Bohemians they so handle the matter as by extreme vexations in incroaching upon their sacred Laws and Priviledges they might be provoked to impatience and so to arms that so if they could bring them to that they might have a just colour to come upon them and suppress them with all the forces of the whole Catholick League as Rebels against his Supreme Majestie And so it was our sins prevailing against the righteousness of our cause and God permitting the Enemies at last to fill up their whole measure of cruelty against his Saints among us 125. For a victory being obtained anno 1620. the choice of the Nobility were partly put to death and partly dispersed the Pastors of the Churches as the Authors of Rebellion by a general Edict all banished they then attempt first by glozing to charm the people unto a change of their Religion and after it by sundry terrors and torments they force them at length when they had for full six years handled a few in this manner in the year 1627. they banish out their Countrey the whole Nobility of the Evangelici and go about to compel the people by prisons and tortures to renounce the Cup and promise obedience to the Pope at which time indeed there were very many ready and also desirous rather to spill their blood then their souls but they derided this resolution and purpose of theirs those new Sword-bearing Apostles crying out Caesar thirsteth not after your blood but the salvation of your souls For it was concluded at Rome that inasmuch as by the experience of an whole age it was apparent that letting blood to cure the feavor of the Lutheran Heresie hath done no good another course is now to be taken by the means or benefit of a Diet i. e. by exile prisons and lingering distresses of all kindes 126. By this Diet in the space of forty years it was come to that pass that in all Bohemia and Moravia there was left to the Evangelici neither Church nor School nor any private exercise of Religion nor the Holy Bible their holy Books being all burned and all other Books helpful to promote the service of God where ever they could be found and for those that for the keeping of the Faith of their Covenant with God inviolable were fled out of their Countrey and scattered through the Neighbouring Kingdoms being many thousands either through the calamities of a banished condition had their hearts broken so that they superseded their constant minde or by reason of the continuance of their distress were so wasted away that the remainder of us here and there are very small as two or three bunches after the vintage is done or two or three berries on the uppermost top bough after the shaking of the Olive Jer. 17.5 6. All our lovers forsaking us and not enquiring after us yea even when we enquired after them they hardned their hearts against us Jer. 30.4 127. And we indeed endure the wrath of the Omnipotent which we have justly brought upon our Nation 2 Mal. 7. but shall they justifie their actions before God which forgetting the common cause of the Gospel and their former ancient Covenants do not onely not help them which perish for the common cause but also stir up and encourage the Babylonians against their Brethren and Neighbours and crying out as the Idumeans of old Psal 173.7 Raze them raze them to the very Foundation Neither do others which promise and procure to themselves peace remember that the Bohemians having both first and for so many ages hitherto constantly maintained the common cause against Antichrist are such as whose cause in like manner at this time ought to be pleaded by common joynt help so far at least as that the light of the Gospel where it was first lighted and held forth in a
and the third Government and the abuses and scandals of each of them hereupon may be taken away I answer Physitians will not think that there be any diseases of the body incurable if there be a skilful Physitian at hand timely to relieve Nature therefore neither let Christians despair as to the diseases of the Church provided only that the counsel of the heavenly Arch-Physitian be hearkned to and taken they advise to care and caution that the disease get not a head by long continuance crying withstand the Beginnings but our High-all-Healer is able to cure even the most inveterate by reducing things to their beginnings Matth. 19.8 by vertue of which Rule Let that be taken away from Episcopacy which was not in the beginning and the Disease is cured But what is that 1. Secular Domination 2. Earthly Riches 3. Pomp of Ceremonies for Christ hath said 1. Kings exercise Lordship c. But you shall not be so Luk. 22.25 2. Possess not you gold nor silver nor money in your purses nor have you two coats Matth. 19.9 As also God forbad earthly Possessions should be assigned to the Priests in the old Testament giving the reason also I will be their portion and inheritance Numb 18.20 Deut. 10.9 18.2 3. Christ also taught them to serve God in Spirit and Truth not in Ceremonies John 4.23 which thing the Apostles very much pressed But they assert themselves in respect of their Wealth and Domination by the Donation of Constantine He adorned the Church with such splendour for the honour of Christ and therein set a good example of holy zeal for other Christian Kings to follow But the answer hereunto is manifold 1. Do they not know can they not tell the story of a voice which as at this time was heard This day is poyson poured out into the Church What-ever any may make of the voice the thing is certain That those endowments being given and accepted beside the Will of God turned unto poyson Let the poyson then be taken out and the Church will be well again 2. Again Grant it were Constantine's pious zeal yet 't is evident that it was not according to knowledge for it was not lawful for him to dispense with the Interdict of God much less ought the Servants of Christ to admit such things against their Lord's Will Naaman the Syrian in pious zeal offered Elizeus money but with better zeal he refused this Lumber Gehezi took it but it turned unto Leprosie upon him 2 Kin. 5. I would the servants not of Elizeus but of Christ would at this time but understand what a foolish choice they have made of an earthly instead of an heavenly inheritance and would begin to think of some course to cleanse the Church of this Leprosie 3. I answer Constantine could not foresee the abuse of this Donation and the mischief that thereby would fall upon the Church Now the whole world sees it and if he were risen again and should see it undoubtedly his desire to restore the Church to her integrity would put him upon it to retract what he gave with a better good will then ever he gave it As haply Moses himself would have broken the Brazen Serpent if he had seen how it would be abused as when he saw the Idolatry of the people he brake the two Tables of the Law written with God's own hand and in as much as Hezekiah coming after him did it piously as it were for him 2 King 18.4 why may not godly Kings at this day piously also retract the liberal donations of their pious Ancestors now perverted by abominable abuses and improve them to better purposes As for the pomp of Church Ceremonies God indeed in the old way of Worship ordained such a thing therein by shaddows to set forth the spiritual mysteries of salvation which Christ at his coming was to disclose but seeing that since the coming of Christ they have been demolished and levelled by so many Apostolical strains as claps of thunder and flashes of lightning directed against them why should we bring them up again still to make use of them Under the Papacy perhaps where the light of the Gospel is once obscured by and in the barbarous generations they may have seemed or seem to be of some use at least with some colourable pretence but in a Reformed Church I beseech you what use can be made of them Those which have been hitherto retained in England under the Reformed Bishops have not the very Pontificians themselves laughed at them unto scorn and derision It is plain to be seen in that Edward Weston's Theater of Life Civil and Sacred Printed at Antwerp 1626. p. 564. c. where having said that the Religion of the Protestants is without all Religion because they have no Sacrifice Priesthood nor Sacred Ceremonies he adds Some Protestants indeed that they may not appear absolutely impious and irreligious use our Missal and Breviary selecting what they please thereof for the Rubrick of their Liturgie and to make the Form of their worship appear the more goodly they have their Canonical persons forsooth and their Arch-DeaconS and so after the mode and custome of the Church of Rome their Caps and Hoods and Holidayes and such like stuff and lumber which they say they found in the Synagogue of Antichrist By which very thing it is apparent that the Religion of the Protestants stands guilty of stealth and robbery by which it first came into the world or if they will not be taken for thieves let them still go for our Apes and Antichrists c. and so he goes on These with all their whole service are derided and scorned not only by ours but also by their own c. at last he set down the judgement of one to this purpose The English seem to have driven the Pope out of their Kingdom in such haste that they compelled him to leave his clothes behinde him which they as fools in a play put on with a kinde of pompous Ceremony of triumph and so lead their Quite O how we are abused by their dallying and colloguing they being Reformed but not to any purpose A goodly Reformation it is that they dare not carry it through It will therefore be a glorious thing for the Reformed Churches to come back to the practise of Christ and his Apostles leaving off the baubles of earthly riches honours and pomp both Ecclesiastical and Civil to be taken up look after and busie themselves about matters of an higher nature Seek the things that are above saith the Apostle where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God Set your affections upon and let your care be for things above not things on the earth for you are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.1 2 3. which if it be enjoyned all Christians much more them which are set next under Christ to be leaders unto others from earth to heaven and to whom the King of