opinions or trouble some errors or vaine superstitions or with corrupt wicked life brought publiklie any great offence to the Church of God and which might not come without prophaning the Lords supper did put back such from the communion and reiected them and did not admitte them againe till they had with publike penaunce satisfied the Church And these words he doeth grounde vpon the same Scriptures which wee alleadge placing them in his margine And that yee may perceiue that his iudgement was directlie as ours is he saieth a little after thus But when by the iudgement of the Elders and of the Pastour both the punishment of him that sinned and the exaÌ„ple of other is satisfied theÌ„ he that had ben excommunicate was wont to be receiued againe to the communion of the Church And that there were such Elders Pag. 638. the reuerend Father answering the admonition in his replie to M. Carthwright doth seeme to confesse saying I know that in the primitiue Church they had in euery Church certaine Seniors to whome the gouernement of the congregation was committed but that was before there was anie Christian Magistrate c. Of the Presbyterie of the preaching ministrie thus speaketh that worthie writer defender of the English Church M. D. Fulke Defence of English trans Cap. â—5 Pag. â—00 But it is out of doubt that to an office none was chosen or admitted by the Apostle the rest of the Presbyterie of Ephesus but such as had sufficient giftes to answer that office And Mr. D. Suttlife although he denie Elders calling theÌ„ Aldermen yet against the Chauncellers Commissaries and officiales being lay men to administer excommunication is verie earnest saying Nothing can be more vnreasonable Eccles disciplin Cap. 4 sect 7. then to giue the power of the ministrie of the worde into the hands of those that are no Ministers and to make them iudges whose lipes preserue no knowledge to giue them power to shut all out of the Church that call none into the Church Anno. 1591. Cap. Cane comisc offie c. And I can not iudge but that it is the conscience of this matter that causeth the Bishops in their Canons to reserue the sentence of excommunication to the Bishop onlie to bee renounced by him or some Minister A confut of W. Allen power of Popish Priest Cap. 9 Pag. 29 Of the Lordship of Ministers the same Maister D. Fulke to my vnderstanding speaketh as we doe where he saieth It is a ministerie and not a Lordship that we must exercise not as a temporall Princes who althogh they may bee saide after a sorte to serue the common wealth yet they are so seruantes as they are also Lords But the Ministers in the Church in the spirituall gouernement are seruants and not Lords as Saint Peter testifieth c. And the equall power of euerie Minister with the Bishop in the administration of the Keies of discipline he hath these plaine words For the Keies of the Kingdome of heauen whatsoeuer they are The second part of the treatise of Popes pard Cap. 3. Pag. 381. be committed to the whole Church and not to one person onlie as Cyprian August Chrys Ierom and all the ancient Doctors agreeablie to the Scriptures doe confesse And God hath made all the Pastors of the Church stewards of his houshold and dispensers of his misteries And if euerie Pastor ouer his charge bee a steward a dispeÌ„ser of Gods mysteries as you seeme to graunt why hath hee not authoritie to release the penance by him selfe enioyned or the punishment due for sinne remitted as wel as the Bishop or the Pope why hath bee not the Keye of iurisdiction ouer his parish in as ample maner as the Bishop hath ouer his Dioces or the Pope ouer all men Seeing the Keyes are not giuen to one but to the vnitie as the auncient Fathers teach Why shoulde the Bishop the Pope haue two Keyes and they but one resolue vs these matters out of holy Scripture and you shall come somwhat neere to your purpose of pardons The third demaund Agreeing hereunto in the booke of orders the priest is made to promise That hee will giue faithful diligence alwaies so to minister the doctrine Sacraments the discipline of Christ as the Lord hath commanded Of which matter also the reuerend Father Maister Doctor Bilson affirmeth constantly The true difference beetweene Christian subiects c. Part 2 Pag 233. That the title and authoritie of Archbishop and Patriarks was not erected by Christ but by consent of Bishoppes And out of Hierom he addeth That Bishoppes be greater then Ministers and Elders rather by custome then by anie trueth of the Lords appointment that they ought to gouerne the Church in common So the reuerend Bishop Maister Iewell alledgeth diuers Fathers with Saint Paule to that verie purpose Defence of Apol part 2 Pag 198 Of ciuill authoritie in Bishoppes saieth the saide reuerend Father Maister D. Bilson The soldiers of Christ must not entangell themselues with secular affaires The true difference beetween Christian subiects Part. 2. Pag. 253. much lesse make themselues Lords and Iudges of earthly matters which office properlie belongeth to the sweard and must bee sustained of all those which beare the sweard And that it is a sinne to tolerate the vn-preaching ministrie heare the same Doctor Fulke Experience sheweth that he which is void of giftes Defence of trans Cap. 15 pag. 401. before he was ordered Priest is as verie an asse and dogbolt as he was before for any increase of grace or gratious gifts although he haue authoritie committed to him if he be ordained in the Church though vnworthy and with great sinne both of him that ordaineth of him that is ordained Therefore saieth Maister Calfill Ans to the treat of the crosse in the preface I lament that there are not as many good Preachers as parishes I am sory that some to vnskilfull be preferred Of non-resideÌ„ce our English Canons speake thus Absentia Pasteris à dominico grege c. The absence of the Pastour from the Lords flock that carelesse negligence which we se in many Anno 1571. Cap. resid Pastoris and the leauing of the ministerie is a thing both in it selfe dishonest and hatefull to the people and pernicious to the Church of God And therefore in the ordination hee taketh authoritie to preach to this congregation of pluralities aduowsons election of people saith good Maister Fox speakeing of the time of 830 years after christ Act. mon. print 1576. pag. 5. Likewise advowsons and pluralities of benefices were things then as much vnknowne as nowe they are pernicious to the Church takeing away all true elections from the flock of Christ And it were no hard matter out of him to shew all the points we holde partlie to bee his iudgement in the traced steppes of the primitiue Church
THE PLEA OF THE INNOCENT Wherein is auerred That the Ministers people falslie termed Puritanes are iniuriouslie slaundered for enemies or troublers of the State Published for the common good of the Church and common wealth of this Realme of England AS A COVNTERMVRE Against all Sycophantising Papsts Statising Priestes Neutralising Atheistes and Satanising scorners of all godlinesse trueth and honestie Written By Iosias Nichols a faithfull Minister of the Ghospell of Christ and an humble seruaunt of the English Church Micah 7. vers 8.9 Reioyce not against me O mine enemie though I fall I shall rise when I shall sit in darknes the Lord shall be a light vnto mee I will beare the wrath of the Lorde because I haue sinned against him vntill he pleade my cause and execute iudgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall see his righteousnes 1602. The contentes of this Booke Chapter 1. Wherein is shewed 1 They bee not Puritanes in deede who nowe in Englande are so called Pag. 1. 2 That name is verie fit and proper for all Papistes pag. 4. 3 What are the causes that some of her Maiesties moste faithfull and obedient subiectes are termed Puritanes pag. 5. c. 4 The true state of their cause pag. 12. Capit. 2. Wherein is declared 1 That the Ministers and people which haue desâ—â—d sought reformation of some thinge in the Ecclesiasticall state of this lande are warranted in their doâ—ings by the principall rule and Canon of our Church namelie the holy scriptures pag. 13. 14. c. 2 Martine Marprelate the Brownistes Hacket stirred vp by Satan to hinder their good cause pag. 32. 33. 34. 3 Preaching against Non residentes and the vnpreaching ministerie and all the exercises of the people aggree to holy Scrip. Pag. 35. Cap. 3. That the Ministers and people who haue desired reformation in some church matters haue therein followed the Christian lawes and godlie proceedings of the ecclesiasticall state Pag. 38. 39. c. Chapter 4. Wherein is prooued 1 That it can not bee that the Ministers and people desiring reformation should bee enemies to the state pag. 58. 2 They can not but vnfainedlie loue the Queenes most gracious Maiestie Pag. 60. 3 They doe heartilie reuerence and thankefullie obserue the Lordes of her most honorable priuie Counsell Pag. 65. 4 They reioyce to liue vnder the coÌ„mon lawes and ciuill coÌ„munitie of this Realme Pag. 69. 5 And in all their doeing maintaine the faith and promote the good proceedinge of the state of the Church Pag. 71. 72. c. Chap. 5. This teacheth that the Reuerende Bishoppes and other Prelates of the Church of Englande standing for conformitie such as indeede vnfainedlie doe fauor the present state of the Church and doe faithfully holde and beleeue the true religion and faith of Christ maintayned by publicke authoritie among vs are one and the same with the godlie Ministers and people which desire reformation of some thinges in the Ecclesiasticall state 1 Beeause they doe disagree in some things yet be faithfull brethren Pag. 83. 2 This life affoordeth not absolute and vnchaungeable vnitie Pag. 85. 3 They agree in all substantiall pointes of our Church as it aggreeth with holy Scripture Pag. 90. 4 God by persecution can make them in deed to appeare to be one Pag. 95. Cap 6. Wherein is plainely opened That there can no good reason be shewed that the godlie Ministers seekeing reformation are enemies to the present state 1 Because their consciences is cleare in Gods sight Pag. 99. 2 They defende no euill actions in them selues Pag. 100. 3 They can not bee charged with the faultes of straungers Anabaptistes foolish Martine or of frantick Hacket Pag. 102. 4 Nor with vnthankefull obscuring of Gods mercie for their fansies c. Nor with innouation or schisme Pag. 113. c. 5 They can not bee charged with anie thinge againste her Maiesties Person Crowne or Dignitie Pag. 132. 6 Or that they are againste all Superioritie in Ministers or the true power and honour of the ministerie Pag. 140 Cap. 7. Wherein is proued that the Ministers seeking reformation falsely called Puritanes are not in any sort to bee compared to Papistes in euill much lesse to bee equalized with traitors Seminarie priestes or Iesuites 1 By their contradictorie doctrine Pag. 145. 2 By their contrarie actes doeings Pag. 149. Cap. 8. The Ministers vvhich desire reformation in some thinges of our Church matters can not feare but euer loue her Maiestie and all the godlie wise Magistrates vnder her But the Papistes cleane contrarie Pag. 151.152 c. Cap. 9. Wherein is plainelie shewed 1 That it is most profitable to the present state and gouernement and greatlie for her Maiesties safetie to heare the petitions of the godlie Ministers seeking reformation and to tolerate them in their ministerie Pag. 162. c. 2 To harken to Papistes and to tolerate them is most exceeding daungerous and pernicious Pag. 170.171 c. Cap. 10. Wherein is demonstrated 1 That the vnpreaching Ministrie Non-residencie and subscription are troublers of the state Pag. 184.185 c. 2 They are breeders of Atheisme and Poperie and so ouerthrowers of the whole lande if their be no remedie in time Pag. 212. c. 3 At which the Atheistes laugh to their own confusion Pag. 208. c. Cap. 11. Wherein is discried that neither the reuerend Fathers and learned Prelates standing for conformitie neither the godlie Ministers desiring reformation are the onelie and proper causes of these troublesome dissensions and euils following the same But their are some other thinges more specially to be looked into which may and ought to induce both parties vnto peace and to ioyne louinglie in the building of Gods house and that all English people doe humble themselues by prayer vnto God and carefullie conforme them selues to the Ghospell of Christ Pag. 224.225 c. God saue our most gratious and Christian Queene ELIZABETH To all the Reverend Fathers the Bishops of this lande to all the godly learned Ministers of Iesus Christ to all the true and faithful favourers of the holie faith and religion now publikelie professed and maintayned in Englande IOSIAS NICHOLS the least of the least of all Gods Saintes wisheth all grace peace and ioye in beleeuing A Good name sayeth Salomon is to be chosen aboue greate riches Prou. 22.1 and louing fauour is aboue siluer aboue gold Which then is most excellent when it is founde in the feare of God A good report namely of a minister is a precius thing and our light shineth to the glorie and praise of God But the name of a Minister is yet of more regarde by whose standing and falling many are drawne and the reproach of such men reacheth nerest to the heauens and God is most dishonoured by their dishonour for he hath said I vvill be sanctified in theÌ„ that come neere me Leuit. 10.3 and before all the people
synagogue of Rome wherein we haue established an order of Ecclesiasticall ministrie and of liturgie and a confession of faith in articles as neere as wee could for the time to the Canon of holy Scripture Which thing is confirmed and ratified by lawes and actes of Parliament Anno 1 and 13 of the Queene Ordered executed expounded explained and defended by iniunctions Canons and apologeticall writinges Wherein and whereby we haue iustlie separated our selues from the erring sea of Rome because they are fallen from the true faith and doctrine of the primitiue Church as it was taught and planted by Christ and his Apostles according to the Scriptures of the old new Testament And we are vnited into the fellowship of the true Church of God whereof Christ onlie is the head and his word and holy writings the only law Canon and rule Now concerning all these things The Minister and people desiring reformation be louers of the Ecclesiasticall state the Ministers and people which desire reformation doe glorifie God on our behalfe And with all godly quietnes are glade to enioye the benefit and comfort of these things and labour to make the most profit to their soules they can by the vse of the same desiring and labouring onlie for the perfection thereof namelie that such remnants of poperie that remaine thogh in comparison of the other they be not so great altogether might also be abolished The Ministers they doe enioy and execute their ministrie according to the order heereof they accept and acknowledge no other faith and doctrine and vse in their ministrie no other liturgie And that which they doe in requiring reformation in some things is not opposite to any of these things in generall but only tendeth to the further building vp beautifying of our Ecclesiasticall state in particular According to that which is saith let vs follow the truth in loue Ephes 4 15. and in all things grow vp into him which is the head that is Christ In tymes of reformation especiallie when ignorance apostasie and superstition hath raigned so many hundred yeares It is hard to reforme all thinges at the first it is harde and rare that euerie thing shoulde be reformed at the first instant and he that commendeth that which is well done at the first wisheth that men shoulde goe forwarde to doe more more in like sort is he an enemie to the first doeings or a friende Doubtlesse an vpright man voide of a cauilling minde will say he is a friend When the inhabitantes of Iudah and Hierusalem Ezra 3◠first came out of Babylon in the first yeare of Cyria King of Persia built the Altar of God for burnt offeringes they were in state of saluation being entred againe into the couenant of God yet are not they to be called enemies to the state which in the second yeare after laid the foundation of the Temple And in the verie laying of the foundations whereas many shouted for ioy many of the Priests Leuites and the chiefe Fathers auncient men which had seene the first house when the foundation of this house was laid before their eies wept with a loud voice no doubt because it appeared not vnto them so glorious as the other shall they therefore bee reputed enemies to this last house Cap. 47.24 because they desire it were better Which being hindred in the time of Artabshaste by malicious men vntill the second yeare of Darius King of Persia Cap. 3◠at which time Zachariah the Prophet and Haggai called vpon the people and encouraged them to goe forwarde in the building of the Temple and after Ezrah came and taught them the lawe yea euen the Priestes Cap. 7. 9. and caused them to put a way their strange wiues shall wee say that these latter comming manie yeares after were enemies to the state because they endeuoured to bring them to further perfection according to Gods word Lastlie Nehemiah Nehem. 1. and 2. and 3. when they had the Temple and as it should seeme the full and whole worshippe of God yet is he not content but mourned when he hard that the walles of Hierusalem the gates thereof were not built Although he came after and went a bout a thing not done before not onlie in building the wales of Hierusalem but also in taking order for the carefull obseruation of the Sabbath and diuers other things yet is he not called a Puritane which was not content when things were well but his storie is commended to the Church and his example to be imitated of the people of God according to euerie mans calling and place throughout all ages And if wee with the Prophet Haggai doe reprooue the people which say Hag. 1.2.3 The time is not yet come that the Lords house should be builded are we by and by enemies and troublers of the state God forbid If we subscribe that the preaching of the pure word of God is a mark of the true Church of God here vpon desire that all things in the Church euen all our actions should be squared according to the same pure word and nothing left contrarie to the same are we by and by enemies If we be sworne to her Maiesties most lawful supremacie ouer all persons and espie in our Church a Lordelie prelacie a thing brought into the Church by humane inuention by meanes whereof it is apparant that the Pope of Rome hath climed aboue all estates both Ecclesiasticall and ciuill so the Crowne and royall dignitie of this Realme hath in time past bene in bondage to a forraine Potentate euen a proud and vsurping Prelate If now our desire extende it selfe so farre that our Lordlie dignities and power of our Bishoppes might be examined by holy Scripture and brought back a degree or twaine neerer to the Apostolicall practise and Christs institution that so all occasions might be cut of hereafter that this climing vsurpation might neuer take holde vpon England any more are we troublers of the state I protest vnto you before God it hath bene a griefe vnto me when in a simple mind I haue according to the Queenes iniunctions preached and declared the right of her Maiesties authoritie and against the vsurped presumption of the Pope of Rome vsing verilie such arguments as the Apologeticall writings of our learned men haue done agreeing to holie Scriptures I haue bene reprooued as preaching against law and against the reuerend Fathers and Bishopes of our Church Surely if I were an Archbishop or a Lord Bishop I would cast my selfe downe at her Maiesties feet and craue humblie begge of her Highnes that by her Christian wisedome and godlie moderation some meane-way might be foūd profitable for the Church that might in no manner hinder the free course of the preaching of her Maiesties most lawfull authoritie neither euer hereafter leaue such a power in the Ecclesiasticall state as might bee made preiudiciall to the royall preheminēce
bloodie Spaniards In all which she is as vvorthie and renoomed a Prince as any this day in Europe shevving her selfe to be a true vvorshipper of God and a carefull obseruer of his vvord If vve should offer anye further matter then that is heare shevved to bee her meaning and doeing vve might iustlie haue this accusation laid against vs but that you see hath as easie a denyall as it is a most manifest slaunder But as for the diminishing of her prerogatiue by Elders or that the Pastour should be a Pope I vvonder at the skantling they take should either of these take vpon him any thing diuers from the Scriptures and which he might dare to doe beeing not authorized thereunto by publike order of the Church and confirmed by her Maiesties authoritie And how can a poore Minister bee a Popâ— when his authority should reach butteâ— one parish and that therein he shoulâ— not doe his own mind but be measured by a law and superior authoritie This they know well or may know that obiect these things against vs I merueill they dare hazard their credite to publish such kinde of vncharitable inuentions But we are not to good to come vnder such vniust imputations seeing our Sauiour Christ dranke of the same cupp but our grief is the more to haue such measure from our reuerende Fathers deare brethren The next besitting this kind is that we affect popularitie to bring al to a popular state Thirdly touching populâ—ritie This slaunder seemeth to mee to haue tvvo forckes First in regairde of the peoples choosing of their Pastour and second that vve should bee enemies to Magistrates or Monarchicall gouernement I ansvver in the first vvee leaue not all to the people but onlye vvee vvoulde not haue the people left out but as Act. 6. and 14.23 The Bishopes and Ministers should order and guide the people and both ioyning together the choise might bee free and most for the benefit of the Church Novv vvhen the Bishops of our Church in England before they ordaine a Minister vvill haue him to nominate a place and as I haue seene in practise send their letters to that place to see if any coulde except against him and lastly ordaine him with these words Take authoritie to preach to this congregation meaning as I take it the Parishe which had chosen him alas what popularitie is this This obiection Maister D. Fulke answereth against the Papistes by those words And as for the popular election if you haue red those bookes you make mention of Defen of English transl cap 15. pag. 797. you might perceaue that neither of both partes allow a meere popular election And that Maister Whitgift doth not so much contend what forme of election was vsed in the time of the Apostles c. The other forcke is a meer deuise a deuilish quarell and calumniation against all Protestantes for Bristow saieth Motiue 40 Protestantes be malignoures of the hier powers and hath no colour in the world in any of our doeings writings or practise whatsoeuer therefore I think it not worthie to be answered 6 The other arguments obiections are not of so great a prayse Obiections of more equitie yet wil I answer some few of them that if it be possible the chiefe heads vnto which all other may be referred being found light and vaine all the rest might bee accounted no better then they are First our friends say vnto vs if their be no superior how can there be any good order We answer that we meruil they vnderstand not that wee meane that the lawe and authoritie of the Prince shal be superiour to all the Magistrates and Commissioners as signed by her to see all her good lawes executed And as Maister Fulke saieth wee graunt among the Ministers themselues An ouerthrewe ' of the answ to M. Chark prefaâ— pag. 112. a primacie of order as it was among the Apostles namely according to which Iames was president of the councill at Hierusalem Act. 15. But it is further vrged that the honour of Bd. is more for the protection of the Ministers for their reputation I will not heere for reuerence sake answer all that I can and which miserable experience afordeth only I would such to consider that our armour is spirituall and that the Apostles subdued all the worlde without this earthly honour which this obiection pretendeth But a Christian Magistrate being friend wee haue now lesse cause to feare our reputation if we doe well then they being base and poore fishermen of low estate at that time had when all the power and glorie of the world was against them Therefore the Psalme speakes another maner of conquest Namely that Christ shoulde prosper with his glorie Psal 45 4â— and ride vpon no other pompeous chariot but that of Gods word all laid ouer with golde of trueth and drawne with no other horses but meeknes and righteousnes So am I perswaded that although this great dignitie of our Prelats were takeÌ„ a way yet if we did diligently and faithfully in humble vpright maner teach the people Gods word of truth and saluation it woulde procure vs honour and reputation sufficientlye beseeming Gods Ministers finding that ielous word of God true Them that honour me 1. Sam. 2.30 I will honor c. And lastlie Of sufficient Ministers and maintenance for them it is demaunded where wee will find sufficient Ministers to bee preachers liuing for such worthie men This obiection with many other might be left out for there be God be thanked ynough worthie men if they were sought after both in the Vniuersities other where but while men are suffered to runne and ride and ketch before they fall manye worthie men are passed ouer and not knowne some are faine to be scholemaisters some because of these troubles change their studies Manie are afearde to set their sonnes to schoole seing Ministers so little regarded Littleton Galen and the godly houses of Noble men and Gentlemen woulde helpe to make vp the number And this wee see dailie that there can not be a place void but there be many schollers of reasonable competent giftes to fullfill the same As for maintenaunce God bee praised this Realme aboue all other is to bee commended only the ioyning of smaler liuings and Parishes into one with redeeming of impropriations woulde quickly fill vp that gappe that no man of a moderate gouernement and desire if euerie one be placed after his giftes should haue iust cause to complaine These thinges beeing considered I hope it will appeare to all reasonable men that it can be proued by any good reason that the godlye Ministers desiring reformation are enemies to the state or causes of these troubles which are among vs. But yet there remaineth one imputation which I can not passe ouer Because although it haue not so much as a shadowe of truth The last great flaunder touching Papists and Ieusites
before God and the Lord Iesus Christ 2. Tim. 4.1 which shal iudge the quick and dead at his appearing in his kingdome preach the word bee instant in season and out of season improoue rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine Feede the flocke of God which dependeth vpon you 1. Pet 5. â— careing for it not by constraint but willinglie not for filthie lucre but of a readie minde Nowe if you my brethren liue from your charge and seldome see the same and enrich your selues with the Church liuings can you answer God that you feede not your selues but the flocke that you haue a readie mind to feede the flocke and not desirous of filthie lucre Can you say in Gods sight that you are instant in season and out of season in teaching preaching the worde by improouing rebuking exhorting and that you care take heed to all the flock of God ouer which you are ouer-seers and which dependeth vppon you when you so seldome see them so rarelie teach them If these Scriptures doe prooue a dispensation to be committed vnto you and a necessitie laid vpon to feede those people which you haue vndertaken for your flock consider whether you come not vnder that woe which saieth Woebec vnto me if I preach not the Ghospell 1. Cor. 9. â— And whether that bee not a generall iudgment reaching euen vnto you which the Prophet denounceth Cursed bee hee which doth the worke of the Lord negligentlie Hier. 48.10 And say vnto your soules whether you can auow vnto God that you Studie to shew your selues approoued vnto God workmen that needeth not to be ashamed 2. Tim. 12.15 Consider also how the example of S. Paule may trie your conscience who admonisheth the Elders of Ephesus to watch ouer their flocks Act. 20.31.271 20. remembring that for three yeares space he ceased not to warne euerie one both night and day with tears that he kept nothing back that was profitable but shewed them all the counsell of God and taught them not onlie openlie but thorow euerie house Waigh with yourselues whether this partaineth not to you remember the greate instance of Christ vnto Peter three times saying If he loued him he should feede his sheepe Adde heerevnto your promise made vnto your ordination Ioh. 21. â—5 and that your authoritie is giuen you by these words Take thou authoritie to preach in this Congregation Your presentation institution induction tye you to one certaine Congregation and that Congregation payeth you tithes because you are their Pastour to feede them with doctrine therefore you are called Rector or Vicarius of such a Parishe Last of all thinke with your selues whether it bee aiest or a true saying of the reuerende Fathers Absentia Pastoris à Dominico grege Canon Residen Anno. 1571. secura illa negligentia quam videmus in multis distitutio ministerij est res inse foeda odiosa invulgus perniciosa Ecclesiae Dei Where they affirme Non residencie to bee an vnhonest thing in it selfe odious to the people and pernicious to the Church of God If you can not answer these things with a good conscience in the fight of God as I verilye thinke you can not then weigh with your selues whether your sinnes be not great and then being obstinatelie and with an high hande maintayned whether you doe not cause the wrath of God against vs. And so non-residence is a troubler of the state Concerning subscription I will endeuour to bee somewhat briefe forreuerence to their Fatherhoodes Subscription is sinne which I am perswaded would not so vehementlie vrge it vpon vs if they thought it to be sinne I will therefore shew onlie some two or three argumentes for this purpose And I humblie pray them and all men to waigh my reasons with patience equitie and truth and shewe me no fauour but as the honestie of my cause deserueth First therefore I say Euerie action which maketh a man a false witnes of God is sinne 1. Cor. 15.15 For if to beare false witnesse against a man bee sinne Iob. 13.7.8 1. Ioh. 3.9 Hier. 23. as precept 9. much more to report vntruthes concerning God For God is greater then man And he hath said that he will be against thâ—se Prophetes which speake vnto his people out of their owne heart that which hee commanded not But subscription causeth a man to testifie of God that hee hath done that which he neuer did As namelie in the booke of common prâ—yer That by the Baptisme of his welbeloued sonne God did sanctifie the flood Iordane and all other waters In the first prayer of Baptisme to the mysticall washing away of sinne And that Imposition of handes in confirmation of children is a signe of the fauour and gracious goodnesse of God toward them And that In the last prayer in confirmation In the last prayer saue one in matrimony God hath consecrated the state of Matrimonie to such an excellent mysterie that in it is signified and represented the spirituall mariage vn tie betweene Christ and his Church Nowe these three testimonies concerning God are not to be found in his holy word therefore if we should subscribe vnto them we should bee false witnesses of God Againe Euerie action by which a man doth approue and allow such a speach which no man hath authoritie to speak and such affirmations as hee doth not know or such promises as thou canst not performe or regardest not euerie such action is sinne for we must keepe the coÌ„mandements of the Lord Deut. 4.2 1. Pet. 4.11 without adding or diminishing and Peter biddeth theÌ„ which speak in the Church to speake the words of God and therefore Paule auoucheth the authoritie of his sayings affirming that the thinges he wrote 1. Cor 14.37 were the commandements of the Lord. And the wise Preacher chargeth vs in the case of speaking promising saying Suffer not thy mouth to make thy flesh to sinne Eccle 5.5 And they are reprooued by Gods spirit Colos 2.18 which aduaunce them selues in those things which they haue not seen But by subscriptioÌ„ we allow such speech c. For in the booke of orders the Bishop without any authority from God doeth say to the Priest receaue the holie Ghost And the booke of common praier the Godfathers and Godmothers doe say affirme in the childes name that hee beleeueth all the articles of the Christian faith and they knowe not that the childe doth so beleeue they doe there also promise that the childe shall forsake the Deuill all his works and constantlie belecue Gods holye word c. Which promise they can not performe And the vnpreaching Minister doth promise in their ordination to preach and administer discipline which promise they can not and regard not to doe and the non-resident doth promise to preach to this coÌ„gregation which he neuer looketh after but
schollers of the Cathari Nouatus Papistes are in deed Puritanes Pelagius and of the Ebionites Donatistes and of all such like Puritane heretickes maye iustlie very fitlie be called Puritanes For they hold that in their regenerate men after Baptisme Concil Trid. less 6. ses 5 there is nothing that maye bee saide to haue the reason of sinne and that they are able to fulfill all the commaundements of God and they affirme that they haue an inherent righteousnesse which they keepe as a pure and immaculate robe to the obtayning of saluation and that they are righteous iustified deserue saluation by their workes that they haue among them deuout and holye men whome they call religious Moncks Test Rhem vpon Luc. 10. Friers Nunnes Iesuits Seminaries Ven. 42. and 2 cor 2. vers 10. and ca. 8. vers 14. Wil. Allen of pardons cap. 11. and 1◠vvho in their religious order liue as they say a Seraphicall and angelicall life being virgins voide of all seculare affayres as pure and chaste votaries in contemplation seruing God day night are able to merit not only for them selues but also for others and of the superaboundancie of their vvorkes of Supererogation they maye communicate to others and the Pope maye by indulgence applie their merites for the reliefe of others out of purgatorie and such like These vndoubtedlie may are properlie to be called Puritanes because they indeed arrogate vnto them selues puritie and holines and despise all others vvhich the true children of God though thus belyed slaundered dare not in any case to doe but contrarilie they crie out vvith the Psalmist vnto God Enter not into iudgement Psal 143 2. Luc. 18.13 And vvith the Publicane Haue mercie vppon mee a sinner 3 But the cause originall and order whereby these reproachful termes vvere giuen to good Christians Howe the name of putitanes came vp in England I finde to bee this In the beginning of her Maiesties most happie raigne whome I humblie pray our God to prolong as long as Sun and Moone endure the Ghospell being published and Preachers ordained to teach the people Manie people vvithin a vvhile feeling some taste of the heauenlye comfort began to delight in hearing of Sermons singing of Psalmes in reading and godlie talke of holye Scriptures vvhich they vvere taught And therevvithal did somwhat refrain prophane and vnprofitable customes and sometime they admonished their neighbours if they did sweare pray them to goe with them to the Sermon The greater sort of the people beeing olde barrels vvhich coulde holde no newe vvine addicted partlie to Poperie partlie to licentiousnesse hauing many of them no other God but their bellie vvoulde deride and scoffe at them and called them holye brethren and holye sisterne saying Hee is one of the pure and vnspotted brethren Godlie excercise scorned by the wicked Diuers Ministers also entring vpō that waightie charge when they beeing learned came to the practise of the communion booke founde them selues troubled in some things some certaine ceremonies were a scruple vnto thē And as it is saide in the preface of the saide booke it was not thought fit at the first to take away all those things which seemed to be superstitious but to take the middle waye to abandon some and to retaine some So by this occasion the Papistes other people not well affected to religion and godlines after a while began to find holes in the Ministers coates Papistes and Atheists pick quarrels with good men and deuised diuers wayes of molestation troubled them not a little They open their cause to the reuerend Bishopes of those times and found great kindnes at their hands at the first they were a good and comfortable shadow vnto them for a season But about the tenth year of her Maiesties raigne the Papists as men which began to shake of the feare wherewith the mightie God protecting blessing her Maiesties most godlie and Christian proceedings had strocken them the Papistes I say began to come foorth of their dennes and as it is well knowne to the state practised diuers treacherous attemptes but amōg other they preferred such greeuous accusations againste the godlie and faithfull Ministers that then and from thence forth they were left naked a great storme fell vpon them and so it continued now and then sharper some time their was a calme men breathed returned to the Lords worke About anno 1571. Subscription came foorth first Anno 1571. as I take it Subscription was first enforced vpon the ministrie for which cause in that time certaine men wrote and admonition to the parlament opening diuers things worthie reformatiō Wherupon arose greate volumes of prouing and defending which are famouslie knowne to all men that vnderstand of these cause But how flesh and blood did in these writings ouer-sway the Christian moderation and mildnes which brethren shuld haue ben verie careful of in contending for trueth by the hote pursuite of either side I reioyce not to rehearse and I am sorie as ofte as I thinke vppon the lamentable effectes hurte of the Church in those times How be it our mercifull God whose vnchaungeable loue doeth swallow vp manye of our infirmities and follies graunted vnto vs in the midst of these fierie contentions a goodlie space of quietnesse about the time that the reuerend father Maister Grindall was Archbishoppe of Canturburie In which time in al the south partes of Englande there was greate concorde among the Ministers and they ioyned in great loue and ioy one with another in the Lords worke So that in the space of 4. or 5. yeares as I remember there were infinit soules brought to the knowledge of Christ the people reioysed for the consolation seing beholding how greatly they were bound to praise God for her Maiesties most christian gouernement vnder whose moste godly proceedings they had sucked and tasted the sweet and vndeceaueble milke of Gods trueth euen the holye faith of Gods elect the doctrine of saluation It was a goldē time full of godly fruit great honour to the Ghospell greate loue and kinde fellowship among all the Ministers preaching the faith the people vnited in the true feare of God and cheerefull reuerence to her Maiestie But this life not affoording constant prosperitie to heauenly loue and growth of godlines After the said Archbishops decease there came foorth a newe and fresh assault of subscription vniuersallie imposed Anno Dom. 1584. the wofull year of subscription and againe enforced vppon all the Ministers in three articles First of the Queenes Maiesties Soueraigne authoritie ouer all persons c. Seconde that the booke of common prayer and of or dayninge Bishoppes Priestes and Deacons containe in it nothing contrarie to the woorde of God c. Thirde to allowe and approue all the articles of religion agreed vpon by the Archbishops and Bishops c. 1562. and to beleeue all
therein contayned to bee agreeable to God When in the visitations and publike meetinges the Ministers were called to subscribe they offered very freely and willingly to subscribe the first article of her Maiesties most lawfull authoritie And for the other two they refused to doe anye further thē by law they were bound name lie according to the statute made for that purpose anno 13. Herevpon manie in diuers Shires were suspended from the execution of their Ministerie and some depriued And great diuision arose in the Church the one suing for reformation and to be eased of such burdens and the other vrging verie straightly the former things punishing such as woulde not be conformable Then came there forth a newe cloude of writing and mennes affections waxing vvhote drawing to the worse it was a verye common name to all these Ministers to be called Puritanes As men which made conscience of many things which the reuerend Fathers and many learned men affirmed to be lawfull In all this time there was much preaching in the Vniuersities aboute nonresidents and vnpreaching ministers and there should you see a plain diuision one sorte called youths and the other sorte which tooke not such libertie were called Precisians And this is growne both in the Vniuersitie in the countrie town and citie that who so feareth an oth or is an ordinary resorter to sermons earnest against excesse ryot poperie or any disorder they are called in the vniuersitie precisians and in other places Puritans 4 And thus as faithfully as I can I haue shewed how this name came vp and whereupon honest godly men haue beene and ar called puritans or precisians here it foloweth to bee considered out these thinges what is their offence and the state of their cause For fower thinges men are called puritanes which may be referred to foure heads 1 scruple in the vse of certaine ceremonies 2 scruple in subscribing beyond the state 3 seeking for reformation of some ceremonies and of some parte of the ecclesiasticall discipline 4 the people do heare sermons talke of the Scriptures singe Psalmes together in priuate houses c. Nowe whether for these causes they be iustlie called puritans troublers of the state c. it remaineth to be examined and discussed For the plaine opening whereof I will first shewe such honest reasons as make for their lawfull excuse proouing manifestlie that they are to be holden as good and faithfull subiectes honest Christians and godlie ministers Secondlie I will open the vanitie of the principall imputations which are vrged against them and thirdlie propound some other such considerations as are necessarilie annexed to both Cap. 2. Wherein is declared 1. That the ministers people which haue desired and sought for reformation of some things in the ecclesiastical state of this land are warranted in their doings by the principall rule and Canon of our Church namely the holy Scriptures 2. Martin Marprelate the Brownistes Hacket stirred vp by Satan to hinder their good cause 3. Preaching against nonresidence and vnpreaching ministers and all the Christian exercises of the people agreeth to the holie Scriptures THe greatest glorie of the militant church is the presence of God Gods presēce the glory of the Church and if GOD forsake them their glorie is departed therefore when hee honoureth his Church he saieth This is my rest for euer here will I dwell Psal 132.14 And this is the glorious renowne of Gods people The Lorde his God is with him and the ioyfull shout of a King is among them Num. 24.21 Cap. 52.7 For which cause as saieth the Prophet Esay The feete of his messen gers bee beautifull vpon the mountaines when they preach these glade tyding saying to the Church Thy God raigneth And there indeede God raigneth where his worde beareth the preheminence For his worde is his Scepter and the rodde of his mouth And this is the great priuiledge of his Church Rom. 3.2 Psal 147 19. that to them be committed the oracles of God He sheweth his worde vnto Iacob his statutes and his iudgmentes vnto Israell hee hath not dealt so with euerie nation c. Heere is my ioy and the precious comfort of all Gods children in this land Queene Elizabeth the ioye of the godlie that the Lord our mercifull and louing God of his rich grace and free fauour hath giuen vs such a vertuous and religious Princes who beeing stirred vp by his spirit and guided by his holie hande in the midst of so many enemies and thorow so many wonderfull daugers hath cheerefullie bouldly and with the Maiestie of the Lordes annoynted proclaimed Gods trueth and aduauncing Gods holye Testamēt hath banished the beggarlie rudiments of this world the traditions and vnwritten falshoodes of men and as a true faithfull Noursemother hath fostered his Church nowe these three fourtie yeares in great plentie and peace vnder his blessed presence and glorious protection So that our enemies beeing Iudges it must needes be confessed that God is with vs of a trueth Therefore as it becommeth the true people and Congregation of GOD the Church of England humblie submitting it selfe to his lawe doth meekelie and constantlie confesse that It is not lawfull for the Church to ordaine any thing that is contrarie to Gods written worde Artic. 20. And for this cause they describe the visible Church of Christ to be A Congregation of faithfull men in the which the pure word of God is preached dutifully trulie affirme Artic. 19. that In our doings that the will of God is to be followed which we haue expreslie declared vnto vs in the worde of God Artic. 17. Now my deare brethren and fathers if I shall shewe that the things we haue done doe answer to his holy Canon of Gods written worde The godlie Ministers guided by the Canon of holy scripture I hope it shall appeare that wee haue not bene against the Church but for the Church And first for the ceremonies they are reputed verie small things and therefore we ought not to trouble the church about them Consider therefore with me Of ceremonies I beseech you that as a verie small thing troubleth the eye of a mans body so is the conscience and faith of a true Christian and especiallie of a faithfull Minister Exod. 10.26 Therefore Moses when he was in greatest danger of life woulde not yeeld that one hoofe should be left behind of that which God had commanded to goe out of Egypt Dan. 6 10. And Daniel when he knew that there was a lawe sealed against him of present death yet would hee not shut his window or leaue of praying to God anye one time of thrise in the day to saue his life Gal. 2.3.4.5 And the Apostle Paule in a matter of Christian libertie woulde not giue place by subiection for the space of one hower And of this precisenes god himself is the