this coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of Artaxerxes who no doubt vsed such words in this coÌ„mission as agreed to the lawes iudgmentes of Persiâ—… rather then of knowledg in Gods law be made either ecclesiastical censures or any way be executed in any Christian pollitike regiment otherwise theÌ„ they are found to accord with the lawes iudgments of God prescribed in his word But this new diuised high ecclesiastical Commission doth not only ceÌ„sure punish al faultes of their churches by these iudgmeÌ„ts penalties but doth inflict theÌ„ in what measure manner they lust vpon al persons for al cawses whatsoeuer whether cawses of religion as opeÌ„ idolatrie popish masse c. or contempt of their iniunctions decrees in not resorting to their worship sacraments or administring them after any other maÌ„ner theÌ„ they haue prescribed c. whither for ciuil offences be they neuer so hainous abhominable as most odious incests adulteries polygamies c. Al these by this commission are punished by the purse by the prison for the law of God for idolatours adulterers were al to sharpe therfore this holy councel guided belike by some better wiser spirit haue found out this more mitigate course repressing these sinnes But if any vpon faith and conscience towards God refraine their idolatrous deuises there can for such be found out no kind of hostility confiscation perpetual close imprisonment sufficient for their faultes Thus no way can this high CoÌ„mission of the church of England be iustified by these examples of 〈◊〉 Artaxerâ—…es neither hath yt any more defence in the new Testament where is no mention of any such councel or Court set ouer all churches ouer euery méber minister cause affaire ceÌ„sure therof to impose depose determine iudge censure punish at their pleasure whome what they lust without coÌ„tradiction or controlement We reade in the practise of the Apostles of a synode or councell of â—…undry churches for the deciding of controuersies doubtes where certaine chosen Elders of the churches are thervnto assembled together with such faithfull of any church as will be present without shutting out of any of them neither are these Elders here gathered in any such stagelike or pontisicall maner as these our Prelates are in this CoÌ„mission but in this christiaÌ„ councel or assembly ech one hath free liberty and place to relate or debate his owne cause without interruption or preiudice neither is any thing heere decreâ—…d by the wil of any man but only by the wil of God that vpon euident demonstratioÌ„ of the word otherwise no credite or obedience giuen to any thing they set downe or determine During y e time of which couÌ„cel at any time after w tout any preiudice any christiaÌ„ hath freedome and liberty in due time place not disturbing the peaceable order of ChristiaÌ„ assemblies to speake according to the word of God either in approbatioÌ„ or reproofe of any thing to be done or done in y t councel Which councel or synode as yt hath not power to erect or bring in any new decrees or ordinaÌ„ces into the church besides those which are prescribed in y e booke of God which are alsufficieÌ„t for al times occasions vnto the worlds end so hath not this councel any power or authority ouer any church or any member of the church to censure excoÌ„municate erect or depose any This councel or assembly is only ordained for the helpe quiet of churches to discusse questioÌ„s to decide doubtes as they fall out arise that so all churches in all places might walke by one rule in the vnitie of the spirit This couÌ„cel is not permanent or alwaies setled in one place but to be vsed by any Churches at any time or place vpoÌ„ due occasions Neither is this councel so subsisting of the presbitery ortied to the persons of any that the least meÌ„ber of Christ is therby shut out not suffred to heare or to speake or any way preiudiced neither is any Church by this councell either depriued of their high power authority which Christ hath giueÌ„ to euery seuerall congregatioÌ„ alike or forestalled froÌ„ the due execution therof towards any member of their congregation or cause that ariseth amongst theÌ„ But as is said this councel is only a brothâ—…rly peaceable meeting of sundry churches for the better more asâ—…ured deciding discussing of doubtes and questions that arise leauing the whole practise due execution of al things to euery particular congregation in that order maner that Christ hath prescribed in his Testament These occasions rules and proceedings of Synodes councels or meetings of diuers Churcheâ—… we find left vnto vs in that holy patterne Act. 15. where though the chiefe builders y â— Apostles themselues were yet euen there were al things handled with this order modesty sobriety freedome c. But now if we compare their high ecclesiastical Commission vnto this holy councell and meeting how vnlike in al their orders proceedings and actions shall yt be found Their Commission being made a continuall setled permanent Court hauing strange Iudges aduocates officers iuriâ—…diction pleas processe c. vsurping and exercising supreme power absolute authority ouer al churcheâ—… ministers persons lawes doctrines to ratifie or disanull to establish or reiect to erect or depose whome what they lust executing al the censures offices of the Church changing bringing in and setting vp what they please shutting out the sentence of all Churches Christians allowing them neither interest electioÌ„ voice or presence in this their councell thrusting their decrees and constitutions as most holy vpon all Churches the consciences of all men with an high strong hand to be receiued without contradiction or question adiuring examâ—…ning suspending deposing fining emprisoning persecuting with all hostility all such as receaue not their constitutions submit not vnto their power Now let any christian iudge whether this Commission be not more like vnto the high court of the Beast then vnto an holy peaceable orderly assembly of christiaÌ„s met in the feare of God and guided by his Spirit to enquire search out Gods wil and humbly to rest in the same The ciuill magistrats power or presence can no way iâ—…stifie this CoÌ„mission or their proceedings being found so directly contrary to the TestameÌ„t of CHRIST vnto which yt is now lawfull for no man or Angel to superordeine alter or pluck away any thing without hainouâ—… sacrilege This monstrous coÌ„mixture then of these distinct powers in one court or person together with this confuse practise barbarous hauock tyranny they make exercise ouer Gods heritage Christâ—… poore seruants doe euidently denote and as by the very steppes trase out vnto all men the person throne and power of that Antichrist that aduersary that beast accordingly as they are described foreshewed vnto vs in the scriptures Math. 24. 15. 2 Thess. 2. how Antichrist should presume into the very
place and office of CHRIST shewing himself in the Church of God as God by changing the lawes and Testament of CHRIST and by bringing in new ordinances new ministery worship c. Reuel 13. Reu. 17. 12. 13. 14. 17. how Antichrist being thus exalted the Dragon should giue him his power his throne his great authority as also the Kings of the earth yea such Kings as had before burnt the whore with fire should giue vnto the Beast their power authority wherwith he should fight with the Lamb make wa◅ with the Saints opening his mouth vnto blasphemy against God and his tabernacle and them that d◅ell therin setting vp his blasphemous image in all pl◅ces c. Now as we haue by the light of Gods word in this litle y t hath beene s◅ied euidently found seene these Bi◅hops their courtes gouernment to be wholy antichristian vtterly vnlawfull but especially this their high court of Cōmissiō to be most blasphemous y e very throne of the Beast vtterly cōmingling cōfounding subuerting al Gods ord◅nances all estates and offices both of Church cōmon welth the whole liberty of Christians the power duties of the church so likewise if we by the same rules but as lightly examine measure the secret classes the ordinary set Synodes councels of ministers as they terme them selues which these Reformists now priuily bring in and would openly set vp they shall no doubt be found as new strange and antichristiā as preiudicial to the liberty of the Saints to the power right and duties of the whole Church and as contrary to the Gospell of our Lord IESVS CHRIST as these other what shew soeuer of former antiquity or of present necessity they may pretend And this if they be compared in the persons assembled and causes for which they are assembled and which they handle in the se◅ continued times place of their meeting in their order maner of proceeding iudgment in t◅eir decrees power vnto that perfect patterne of all christian councelles Act. 15. will forthwith appeare The persons assembled in these councels are only ministers al other Christians being shut out and allowed neither place voice or consent among them The causes for which they are assembled and which they handle not being doubtes or questions which arise in the Churches but al the affaires offices and duties of the Church that without making the Churches priuy wherfore they assemble or what they will t◅ere handle The time place of these councels they without the wil priuity of the Churches make setled continual permanent not leauing to the Church either the liberty when and where to keepe these councels or whome to vse in these councels The order maner of their proceeding and iudgment is first to choose erect amongst thē a Prolocutor Moderator or Iudg to gouerne order this action who whē they shall speake and when they shall cease c. where the matters being debated the greater part preuaileth and carri◅th the iudgment Their decrees are per◅mptory irreuocable most holy inviolable to be receaued embraced of all Churches without contradiction or scruple no power left to any Church to examine refuse or reuerse the same be they found neu◅r so contrary to Gods word but only either by the same councell or by act of Parliament in the meane while they all must practise obey these decrees The power of these councels is ouer all Churches persons causes doctrines to giue the right hād of fellowship as they terme yt or to send the bill of diuorce to ratifie or rei◅ct whome what they will This councel also executeth al the censures duties of the church as to make or depose ministers to censure excōmunicate c. To conclude as all these councels haue exercise power iurisdiction ouer the ch◅rch so are they in authority one aboue an other as the Synode aboue the Classes the Councell aboue the Synode to confirme abrogate or disanul whatsoeuer constitutions or actions the other ha◅h made Yea as some report vpon the e◅ormities abuse◅ y t did arise in these coūcels assemblies of Bishops were deuised erected these new strange orders degrees of Bishops Arch-bishops Patriarches Popes and all their substitutes courtes From which strange councels offices ministery courtes haue flowed forth and daily spring all these strange popish ◅ntichristian orders decrees innumerable diuises traditions daily innouations continuall changes in the worship of God all the proceedings of the Church of the whole Testament of CHRIST whiles men re◅t not in the wisdome councels of God but presume to be wise aboue that they ought to be wise some attributing vnto their Clergye as they call them others to the Prince others to the Church more then inough none yeilding vnto CHRIST that which is his due namely to suffer him to gouerne his whole Church by such officers and lawes as he hath in his Testament prescribed but rather in the presumption of their owne hearts they will set ouer him his Church such lawes officers or at the least assigne vnto him such lawes offi◅ers as they thinke best to accord and iudg most meet for their pollicie as though CHRIST could be a minister or mediatour of any other Testament thē of his owne or that any mortal men may alter change neglect or re◅ect CHRIS◅S Testament without his fearfull wrath heauy indignation for the same Wherfore seeing the whole church al the proceedings therof must be built vpon CHRISTS Testament seing euery ◅oule and euery action shalbe iudged by CHRISTS Testament seing nothing is pleasing vnto God or wil stand before the face of CHRIST that is found disagreeing to CHRISTS Testament seing also euē by this litle search superficiall view we haue takē of the present estate and pretended reformation of this their church of England all things appeare to be out of frame stil in the olde corruption and at the best but enclining to the primitiue ancient defections from CHRISTS Testament nothing being aright or according to the will of God amongst them seing we find all those scriptures that haue foreshewed of An◅ichrist his proceedings liuely fulfilled amongst them al the markes of that painted deccitful harlot the false malignant Church to be fownde vpon them as also all t◅e vials of Gods wrathfull iudgments to be powred forth vpon them and al their doings Finally seing God vouch◅afeth both to discouer and to call al men forth out of Babilon by proclaiming of his glorious Gospel and yet offr◅th more grace before he let fal the heauy milstone of his finall indignation vpon them al to grind them to dust and to presse them to the bottome of hel b◅ing ready to receaue all that come forth vnto him to esteeme guide and defend them as his deare children It behooueth al such in whome in any care of their owne saluation
sinnes c. So then we see how â—…sting is vpon especial present occasions to be vsed those or such like occasions â—…asing not to be continued without end or vse for that were not only to make positiue lawes to bind that which God hath left at libertie but also to put holines in the verie action of fasting without right end or true vse Further the practise vse of fasting in the church of Christ vnder the Gospel sheweth that there can be no permanent lawes of the time day made therof For they not only vpoÌ„ such present publike occasions of calamitie are to vse yt but also in some especial waightie actions wherof dependeth the good or euil estate of that church or congregation as vpon the choice of the Officers Elders of the Church That peculiar Congregation in such actions at such â—…imes is to humble themselues with fasting praier and yet this fast â—…either to be enioined to others which haue not that occasioÌ„ of such â—…ike action neither to be annually monethly c. coÌ„tinued of theÌ„ after that action performed Therfore we may conclude that neither the magistrate nor the whole church may set positiue lawes of publike â—…astes to be holdeÌ„ vpoÌ„ such a day or such a moneth froÌ„ yeare to yeare â—…eing they are vpoÌ„ present vrgent especial occasions to be vsed And as for priuate fastes seing they are wholy put in euerie Christians liâ—…ertie and the occasions neither concerning others nor publikely knowne of them there can much lesse be any positiue lawes made to â—…ast this or that day of necessitie what gaineth then this learned Docâ—…or by this euasion THAT THE PRINCE commandeth these yearly monethly and weekly fastes vnles yt be to lay that blame blasphemie which before was due vnto the Pope their Founder now vpoÌ„ the Prince Do not these priestes an high piece of seruice vnto her Maiesty â—…eerin But this profound Diuine hath yet one trick in his budget to â—…alue al this matter that is the Prince doth not coÌ„mand theÌ„ to fast â—…ut only vpon such daies to abstaime from flesh How false this is by â—…heir especial deuotioâ—…s vpon such daies the priestes solemne bidding â—…heÌ„ in open church c. hath beene sully already coÌ„uinced Moreouer â—… would know of him if he can tel me if the action should be meerly â—…iuil as he would haue yt what the church hath to doe with yt to puâ—…lish them to assemble pray c. on those daies Also why the very â—…aues daies in time nomber as the Pope vsed left them are stil â—…y them so reteined vsed were not this to offend the consciences of â—…he faithful to nourish others in their foreconceiued superstition and â—…dolatrie Is not this the verie cause that maketh so manie papistes in â—…hat so manie popish relikes stil remaine And now further I would know of Mr. Doctor how he can prooue by the law of God that the Prince may forbid his subiectes to eate â—…lesh vpon such daies such times c. I demaund not now any polliâ—…ike reasons for then he would smite me downe with these two for â—…he sparing the yong increase of beastes for the maintenance of the Nauie but my conscience caÌ„not rest vpon theÌ„ I had rather haue one â—…ule or example out of the word of God where I can find no such preâ—…ident vnles yt be king Sauleâ—… who indâ—…ed by solemne curse forbad the â—…sraelites to tast food but for one day that vpoÌ„ as vâ—…gent occasion as I suppose possibly caÌ„ be alledged namly during the battel prusuiâ—…e of the Philistines but he was reproued for yt both by the holy Ghost in the mouth of Iâ—…athan when he said My Father hath troubled the land see now how mine eies are made eleere by tasting a title of this hony also by Lâ—…t from God himself the matter comming to be tried beâ—…wixt him and his sonne who had made the default when the Lord answered not by Vrim as he had couenanted and accustomed the hypocrite Saule desired the Lord to giue the perâ—… or vpright so 〈◊〉 was taken denounced by Gods owne iudgment innoceÌ„t not guiltie the wretch left as the author and cheefe in the trespasse by making that vngodly law So then if yt were not lawful for him vpon such a waightie occasion by way of law to restreine the vse of Gods creatures for one day I cannot see how vpon any pollitike cause such râ—…straintes may be made throughout from yeaâ—…e to yeare My reasons are first God hath created these creatures not man giuen to man soueraignty ouer theÌ„ to vse them to food freely therfore they which by law restraine the sober and free vse of them 1 both calback the Lords liberal gâ—…aÌ„t 2 depriue the Creator of honour praise in for the vse of them 3 make a law of that the Lord hath left in libertie 4 then the Apostle calleth such lawes as in this maner command to abstaine from meates the doctrines of diuels â—… to conclude the Apostle often chargeth vs to stand fast in our libertie not to be brought in boÌ„dage of any thing which is by God put in our powre But by such lawes our free vse of such creatures is for these times takeÌ„ away c. For which reasons I am as yet in conscieÌ„ce perswaded y â— the ciuil magistrate ought not to make permaneÌ„t lawes of y t the Lord hath left in our libertie neither by way of law to restrainâ—… theÌ„ one day for any ciuil or pollitike causes whatsoeuer I would not now be vnderstood of ecclesiastical religious fastes we haue both lawes pleÌ„tiful examples in the scriptures that the Prince church may proclaine such general fastes vpon occasions c. Neither would I heere be suspected to goe about to diminish or pluck away y â— high sacred power authoritie the Lord hath giueÌ„ to the ciuil magistrate as to his Liefâ—…enaÌ„t ouer both body life goodes â—…o much as to sheâ—… that the Princes or Magistrates power is yet by God himself limited circumâ—…cribed for the transgression wherof they shal as any other men accompt vnto the Lord in whome they are to command as we also readily in the same Lord to obey The excesse or abuse of these creatures the Magestrate may ought to punish represse because that is sinne and therfore is the law and sword of God committed vnto him but by a law of his owne wherof is no warrant in the word of God to restraine them for these or these times I thinke there he exceedeth his commission though vpon never so great colour of pollicie and that the action were purged of all this romish superstition and idolatrie wherwith nowe yt is refersed The Prince is to gouerne ouersee prouide for the common welth administring
the Bishops iniunctions and decrees of the high commission by which your Church is wholy oâ—…erruled vnto which your king Câ—…rist himself whiles he is amoÌ„gst you must be subiect or els there is no place for him CHRIST giueth lawes vnto his seruants ordereth al things in his Church according to his owne will but you giue lawes to your CHRIST set strange ordinances ouer his Church yea you haue not anie one thing there either in order or administratioÌ„ according to his Testament Againe CHRIST hath giuen ful power libertie to all and euerie one of his seruantes to put in pâ—…actise whatsoeuer he commandeth as also to reforme to reproue censure and cast out whatsoeuer is found to be coÌ„trarie repugnant vnto his word though al the powers in the earth or in hell withstand yt But the CHRIST these men preach you is vtterly without power to put any thing of his owne will in practise but is sold as a bondslaue to these antichristian Bishops and preachers his enemies He cannot by vertue of his owne word authoritie redresse any thing be yt neuer so heinous or enormous neither can he establish or bring in any thing that is wanting be yt neuer so necessarie important without humble sute and attendance vnto the high Court of parliament or vpon the high Court of commission Yf they reiect his sute though yt be by 30 yeâ—…es together and that in these two reasonable requests that they would remoue their heinous blasphemous idolatries from before his face and giue him leaue to rule them by his owne officâ—…rs lawes yet must this poore CHRIST with all his seruants euen the whole Church stil surcease the practise of the Gospel and continue vnder these abhominations yea if he anger his Lords the Bishops much he shalbe whipped with scorpions with new rods and this by the vniuersal consent of all his learned preachers in the laÌ„d who are at a ful point haue set yt downe as a resolute decree not to stir a foot forward vntil they haue the princes power the consent of parliament Then they will bring him in with horsemen and charets with belles bonefires How like you this your worthy King trow you that euer PILATE araied him worse when they clad him in purple put a scepter of a râ—…d in his hand a crowne of thornes vpoÌ„ his head bowed the knee before him hailed him a King yea wrytt him one in three languages Hebrew Greek 〈◊〉 or the chief priestes and phariseis when they bâ—…indfolded him buffâ—…d scourged him spatt in his face blasphemed him or the people that with one consent demanded him vnto the death preferred the seditious murtherer BARRABAS before him haled him to the crosse despighted reuiled him vpon the crosse A King he is without power a King without lawes a King without officers a King without subiectes yea a slaue he is made to euerie slaue He hath strange officers straunge lawes that he is not acquainted with set ouer him imposed vpon him whether he wil or â—…o which not only rule his heritage but ouerrule him aâ—…ter their owne lustes He is fashoned to the common welth not the coÌ„mon welth vnto him and in the Church he is but an idol king an idol Christ and hath not there so much honour giuen him as the players doe vnto their kinges vpon the stage And as for the priestly office he should execute amoÌ„gst theÌ„ therein they abuse him yet worse for a new ministerie they erect in stead of his parsons or mercenarie rouing preachers in stead of Pastors and faithful Teachers As for the other rable that serue in stead of Elders with their multitudes of attendants as also their other inferiour new found officers would fill a booke but to describe theÌ„ their offices Thus make they him a minister after an other order theÌ„ that which he hath set downe in his Testament then that wherunto he was annointed of his Father that with an othe that for euer They impose also vpon him a new ministration strange worship more displeasing vnto God then Nadabs fire theÌ„ Vzzahs altar euen al that idolatrous booke of that coÌ„mon seruice which he must wil he nil he administer in maner forme abouesaid Thus make they him a minifter of al their idolatries abhomination by him they offer vp vnto God all this their wil worship poperie superstition Moreouer they make him a mediatour of an other Testament then that of his owne binding him to this english masse booke and to al the iniunctions of the BB s. the high commission convocatioÌ„ house Finally they make him a priest a mediatour a sauiour to all the prophane atheistes idolators miscreantes wicked persons coniurers witches heretikes who not al being receaued into the bozome of their Church whomâ—… they blesse in his name with his peace to whome for mony they sell deliuer their sacraments and thus by al these waies they most impiously deny sacrilegiously defile y â— holy priesthood of Christ. What kind of prophecie he exerciseth amongst them may appeare by that which is already said They make him takâ—… vpon him the ministerie of Antichrist euen that the Pope left in the Land they wil not suffer nor receaue his ministerie which he hath in his Testament apointed for his Church They set lawes not only ouer him in this ministerie they apoint him but also ouer the Gospell yt self both by aportionating how much of his word shalbe read in what oder and time c. And this order being through the yeere and permanent they therby abrogate no small part of the Bible and take yt cleane away from the Church in that by their law they apoint what shalbe read for euer casting the rest quite out of the Church allowing yt no time or place to be publikely read They bring in also in stead therof diuers apocrypha writings and reade them in their Church in the place of canonical scriptures They reade also as part of their publike ministerie of their Church not only their abhominable seruice booke but the blasphemous iniunctions of their Bishops and are not ashamed to preach and publikely to expound in the Church their fond Apocripha Catâ—…chismes To coÌ„clude they mussell bridle vp their Christs mouth by publike law power forbidding him to teach any thing coÌ„trarie vnto or to find fault with any thing by publike authoritie established or to be established swearing him dayly to execute their iniunctioÌ„s thus ioining the Gospel to al the idolatrie abhominatioÌ„ blasphemie as you see to all the sinne iniquitie mischief of the land wherby they make Christ a false prophet an idolater a blasphemer and guiltie yea a ringleader to al this ill Thus you see what kind of Christ they teach you without poweâ—… holines truth what kind of Gospel
Church as yt proceedeth from the chaire of Antichrist so is yt wholy subiect therunto both the person doctrine of the preacher Their person either to be still approued licenciate or els silenced suspended depriued their doctrine to be allowed or condemned as pleaseth their Lords Ordinaries in whose pontifical brests and handes standeth the whole doctrine of the church of England what they shal receaue what they shal reiect what they shall say what they shal leaue vnsaied c. The word of God Church ministerie preaching and al are wholy in the handes of these lawlesâ—…e Lordes to abrogate establish bring in cast out depose suspend without controlement or accompt A greater power then euer was giueÌ„ vnto or exercised by any of CHRISTS Apostles who alwaies submitted their doctrine practise persons vnto the trial and censure of the word and that by any Christian. They neuer exercised domioÌ„ oâ—…er the faith of any or layd anie other burden vpon the Church theÌ„ what they either read in the word of God or acknowledged to be the will of God But heere in the Church of Englâ—…d yt is held a small thing to haue a strange ministerye worship lawes orders gouernment imposed vpon them to haue a great part of Gods word quite banishâ—…d the Church the rest that is allowed them but by shredds patches at â—…tarts braydes to haue their preaching by stint prescription limitation to haue the whole doctrine subiect not to the wil of God but to the wil of these their Ordinarieâ—… who they may be sure wil allow no more none otherwise then shal agree to their apostatical throne The ministers of this Church may not preach the people beleeue much lesse practise any more of the word of God theÌ„ what is confirmed by these their Ordinaries The poore parish oâ—… congregation where these priestes serue may not meddle or haue to do with the election administration or deposing of these their ministers for why they are lay meÌ„ haue no skil neither ought to intermeddle with ecclesiasticall affaires or with the word of God Be their minister neuer so blind vnsufficient or vile a wretch detected of neuer so horrible sinnes yet may not they remoue him their only help is to complayne to their Lord Ordinarie in the meane while they must ioine to the wretâ—…h in praiers in sacramentes yea still for euer if yt pleasâ—… not their said Lord to giue eare to their complaint Let their minister preach neuer such damnable or hereticall doctrine wrest peruert corrupt falsifie the scriptures neuer so violently and heinously all the Church no though there be all the priests in a countrie as at a Scene hath no authoritie nay is by expresse law forbidden to reproue this doctrine presently or publikely or yet to forbid him to deale with the scriptures their remedy is stil to complaine to their Ordinarie and vntil yt please him to take order therin the whole congregation is stil bound to frequent his heretical sermoÌ„s ministerie yea al the priestes of the land both pontifical and reformistes agree in this point coÌ„clude that the lay people as they terme them ought not to intermedle either with y e deposing their minister or reproof of hiâ—… doctrine The one sort as you haue heard sendeth them to their Lords these Bishops the other referreth them ouer for these manie other cases vndâ—…r hand to a prouincial or classical Synode or permanent councel of priests c. Amongst whome all these affaires must be debated after they are agreed vpon the point then their decrees to be brought forth solemnely published pronounced to the people who must attend vpon awayte receaue these Oracles as most holy canonical They haue no remedie if they also be contrarie to the truth but to appeale to a councel in the meane while still ioyning to such a wretch such an heretike and that in the high profanatioÌ„ of Gods holy name word ordinances But my purpose is not in this place either to refute the popish prelacie of the one sort or the deuilish forgerie of the other hoping to find a more fit place for both so much as to shew that euerie Christian congregation hath power in themselues and of duty ought presently publikly to censure any false or vnsound doctrine that is publikly deliuered or maintained amongst them if yt be knowen discerned vnto them yea anie one member in the Church hath this power whatsoeuer he be Pastor or Prophet that vttereth yt as also to shew how far this their pulpet preaching differeth from that heaueÌ„ly blessed exercise of expounding scriptures or prophecie in the Church of CHâ—…IST The first me thinkes alreadie verie fully proued in all these places where our Sauiour CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church and to euerie particular congregation therof himself his word his power with expresse charge to put in practise whatsoeuer he hath coÌ„manded them and threatned his wrath and displeasure against that whole congregation which neglecteth or breaketh any of his coÌ„mandements or suffreth any seene transgression or error or incorrigible impenitent offendor Also where he commanded all men to informe that Church wherof they are members of fuch transgressions offences enormities as arise amongst them This he in vaine had commanded and they in â—…aine should do this except he had giueÌ„ both absolute authority expresse charge vnto the Church to redresse and take order in the same In as many places alâ—…o as he hath coÌ„manded the whole church euerie member therof to watch to scowte and obserue their teachers to trie the Spirits to marke theÌ„ diligently which cause diuisioÌ„ offences contrarie to the doctrine which they haue learned to seperate themâ—… from â—…uch as teach after an other maner or consent not vnto the wholâ—…ome wordes of our Lord IESVS CHRIST to the doctrine which is according vnto godlines to hold theÌ„ accursed that peâ—…uert the Gospell of CHRIST or preach any thing besides that hath beene taught by CHRIST his Apostles to reiect an hereticke after one the second admonitioÌ„to haue in a readines due vengeance against al disobedieÌ„ce c. In al these and sundrie other places most euidently apeareth that CHRIST hath giueÌ„ ful power absolute authoritie and expresse coÌ„mandement vnto his Church eueÌ„ to euerie particular congregatioÌ„ to cenâ—…ure both the persons doctrines of their ministers of euery member of their said coÌ„gregations He sendeth them not heere â—…o these popish ordinaries neâ—…ther yet to a prouincial Synode or a Classis of priests there are other vses of Synods or councels as shal in due place be declared They can neither ad to nor diminish from the power of the Church or execute alter any part of the Churches dutie ‡ Moreouer sith euerie member hath like interest in CHRIST in his word the publike doctrine
Should our infirmitie sinne oâ—… default take away the stabilitie or truth of Gods ordinances This would as wel follow of this their reason as the other that because the Church of CHRIST may at sometimes be without this established order of CHRIST and yet be held the true Church therfore that prescribed order of CHRIST is not perpetuall alwaies necessarie or conuenient thus laijng the default vpon CHRISTS sacred ordinances as though they were notalwaies holy necessarie conuenient which in deed is due to vs anâ—… our infirmitie and inhabilitie to receaue or exercise such a gratious blessed ministerie or to walke in this heauenly order Nothing is more sure then this the true Church can be established into no other order yt can receaue none other officers or lawes then are in CHRISTS Testament prescribed This hath beene already manifestly proued yet further might be by as many places of scriptures as either the true or false Church is spoken of the true of false ministerie the true or false ministration as either CHRISTS kingdome or anie of his offices are spoken of or Antichrists presumption and forgerie as yt hath beene proued by the true patterne of the house wherby euery part therof ought to be â—…ramed and put together according to the will of the Lord of the house otherwise the house will neuer hang together or be to the owners liking or the builders praise Likewise yt hath by the necessitie congruence coherence of the true and natural partes and members of the bodie beene proued how that no other can be added without making yt a monstrous bodie neither the true members be otherwise knit together placed disposed vsed without the destruction of the whole bodie and this much more of that spiritual house and bodie of CHRISTS Church which being so perfect pretious comely excellent cannot admit to be shaped fashioned framed disposed after the faâ—…sies of earthly men who the best of them that euer was alwaies excepting the head of the Church in his best consideration was but a member of the Church Neither was there euer power giuen to anie of them whether Prince or Prophet whosoeuer or authoritie to alter neglect or bring in anâ—…e pinne or hooke eueÌ„ the least thing or so much as the place therof in the Tabernacle Temple or Church of God How often doth the Church in the song of Solomon say My beloâ—…ed is miâ—… I am his how often doth she charge all her freinds to stay w tout not to stir vp her welbeloued vntil he please how ofteÌ„ doth she vow to keepe her self wholy vnto him how often doth he againe repeate the amiablenes comlines beawty congruence feaâ—…ures frâ—…itefulnes pleaâ—…antnes of all her partes euen from top to toe how greatly he is delighted in her and how the Kings of the earth should be tyed in her raâ—…ters c. Doth not he say that Solomon earthly Princes may put or let out their vineyeards not being able themselues to till and dresse them to be dressed trimmed to their seruants reseruing to themselues a rent c. But his vineyard is alwaies before him he is able to til dresse and keepe yt euery whit himself he neither letteth yt out to hire nor suffreth anie to part or possesse the fruite therof with him How many Arguments then might be drawen either from the perfection diuine order c. of the partes of the Church from the faith loue chastitie obedience vnto CHRIST as to her husband Lord King Likewise how many from his absolute power authority possessioÌ„ ouer her wholly by the right of an husband Lord King How many reasons might be draweÌ„ from the absolutnes wisdome of his lawes the graciousnes peace of his heauenly gouernment order which cannot be willingly infringed or broken without rebellion nor changed altered without presumptuous treason to proue the perpetuity necessity and fit congrueÌ„ce of those officers ordinances that he 〈◊〉 his Testament hath prescribed for the building ministery and gouernmeÌ„t of his Church and of euery member therof whither Prince or minister ouer whome CHRIST reigneth by equal right and euen the â—…ame iurisdiction that he doth ouer the least There is no exception or acceptation of persons with God That nation that kingdome that will not serâ—…e him shall perish and those nations shalbe vtterly destroied He that obeieth not the Sonne shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth vpon him Those that will not haue him to reigne ouer them he iudgeth and destroieth as enemies CHRIST reigneth by his owne officers which yt is lawfull at no hand for his true subiects either to disobey alter or reiect Subiects and seruants are not to giue but to take lawes at their King Lord God hath made his Sonne Lord and hâ—…ire of al things and hath giuen him a name aboue euery name that at the name of IESVS euery knee should bow both of hâ—…auenly things earthly things and things vnder the earth and euery tongue should confesse that IESVS CHRIST is the Lord vnto the glorie of God his Father because all men should honour the Sonne as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Sonne honoureth not the Father that sent him O how great then is their wickednes how pernitious their councell who for filthy lucre sake perswade Princes that they are not only not subiect themselues in person to the lawes spiritual censures of Christ in his Church but that they are not bownd to admit that order of gouernment prescribed in his Testament which they shuffle off with the terme of outward discipline in their landes May not yea doe not Princes by this meanes bouldly breake all Gods lawes and disanull anie of them at their pleasures breake that they may follow their owne hearts lusts fulfilling the inordinate appetites therof wallowing glutting themselues in all fleshlie pleasure vanitie exceâ—…e committing what wickednes they wil without admonition censure or reproofe I would heere still be vnderstood of the ecclesiastical spiritual censures by the word May they not yet proceed further and disanul which of Gods lawes they list either in common welth or Church In the common welth when they both abrogate all Gods iudicial lawes cut them off at one blow as made belonging to the coÌ„moÌ„ welth of the Iewes onlie as though God had no regard of the conversation of other Christians his seruantes also or els had left some other peculiar lawes for the manners of the Gentiles or had left them in greater libertie to be and to make lawes customes vnto themselues Heervpon yt commeth to passe that so manie wicked vngodlie lawes and customes are decreed that the whole order course of iudgment iustice is constuprate peruerted that so manie capital mischeifes as God punished by death as blaspheming the name of God open idolatrie disobedience to parents are not by law punished at al incest adulterie either
violated reiected and blasphemed That in this estate to shew him the treasures and ordinances of this spirituall Temple is vtterly forbidden and vnlawfull appeareth Ezek. 43. 10. 11. in these words Thow Sonne of maÌ„ shew vnto the howse of Israel this 〈◊〉 wheÌ„ they shal be ashamed of their wickednes that they may measure the patterne when I say they shalbe ashamed of all they haue done make knowen vnto them the forme of the howse and the constitution therof the goings out therof and the coÌ„ming in therof and the whole forme therof and all the statuâ—…es therof and all the figures therof and all the lawes therof describe them before their eies that they may keep the whole faâ—…hion therof and al the ordinances therof and do them Therfore vntil he haue repented and forsaken his antichristiaÌ„ ministery vnlawfull Lordship iurisdictioÌ„ I hold it not lawfull whilest he reâ—…aineth in and will not come out oâ—… Babel to reason or iangle with him concerning the heauenly most holy ordinances of Sion which he doth but blaspheme reproch with his vngodly mouth that is opâ—…ned to all impietie That yt is not expedient vntill he haue yeilded vnto the former question to answere this is manifest For to what purpoâ—…e were yt to reason with him how these officers of Christâ—… Church ought to administer gouerne when he vtterly denieth that in the Church of England such offices iurisdiction were tollerable So that yt could no way edifie him but rather minister matter of cauil vnto his blasphemous mouth who seeketh nothing els in this captious yet with al most ignorant fond vaine questioÌ„ We ought not to cast our pearles before swine or to expose the Lords holy truth to reproch This is my answere to him concâ—…rning his second question Yet to remoue these stumbling blockes out of the way of others to rid them out of the snarâ—…s which this Spider hath wouen I will through Gods grace briefly â—…hew them the errors follie of this cauilling question cheifly in these 3 pointes therof First in that he requireth some particular Churches by name wherin this whole gouernment of the Church was practised c. 2 wheÌ„ yt was practised by Doctors Elders Pastors DeacoÌ„s only none other 3 where these practised yt in an equalitie without superioritie in one aboue an other In the first point he stumbleth cauilleth at this because in deed no church that euer was or shalbe vpon earth hath or can fully execute this gouernment of CHRIST but haue beene and shalbe subiâ—…ct to many defâ—…lts many transgressions taking here the gouernment of CHRIST for his whole reuealed will in his word and Testament to the faithfull obseruation of euery title wherof the Church is by couenant bound where by the way must be noted that this carping Pharisey knoweth in his corrupt festered conscience what CHRISTS true gouâ—…rnment is which he so mainly impugneth namely that righteous Scepter of his holy word which in deed bâ—…cause none of the primitiue Churchâ—…s that the Apostlâ—…s planted gouerned could euer fully keep but haue beene subiect to manie faltes and reproofes therfore this man would conclude this gouernment of CHRIST to be an vnnecessarie impossible thing which God neither would command nor we caÌ„ performe Wherin his wickâ—…dnes and impietie yet proceedeth a degree â—…urther then that of the â—…ollerating Priâ—…sts who would excuse defend their most hainous transgressioÌ„s by y e sinnes dâ—…faltes of other Churchâ—…s this man therby would vtterlie abrogate and disanull thâ—… whole law of God and Testament of Christ by which the Church ought to be gouerned vnto the faithfull practise and obseruation wherof the whole â—…hurch is bownd Can the infirmity sin â—…f any mortal creaturâ—…s taâ—…e away the truth and stâ—…bilitie of Gods lawes of Christs Testament might he not as wel concluâ—…e no Church or member of the Church hath at any time put in practise al Gods lawes aâ—…d to saâ—… as yt is are not able to keepe anie one of them tâ—…erfore the lawes of God are not pâ—…rmanent necessarie nor now commanded because no Church can keepe them all such reasons are not worthie the refuting The second part of his questioÌ„ where he demandeth to know where this gouernment of CHRIST was practised by Doctors Pastors Elders Deacons only none other is so full oâ—… vanitie follie as yt deserueth none answere For my part I neuer read nor heard of any such Church I euer thought that euerie member of the Church without exception or exemption of anie one person had beene all alike bound to the obedience of Gods word the practise of CHRISTS gouernment to be instructed ruled by him in all things euery one walking within the bounds of his calling I neuer thought that the practise of Christs gouernment belonged only to these officers I rather thought yt had beene their dutie office to haue sâ—…ene this gouernment faithfully orderly practised by all the members of the Church Why we â—…ee Christs ecclesiastical gouernment is not only tied to the publike actions of the whole congregatioÌ„ but extendâ—…th to euerie action of euery Christian wherof CHRIST is the beholder and Iudg yea and for euerie knowne transgression and disobedience hath due vengeance ready whither by reproof or excoÌ„munication I euer thought that the execution of Christs gouernment and iudgments had belonged to the whole bodie of the Church which assigneth the publike ordering therof as the ministery c. to the proper and fit members ech one in their due functions not hereby resigning vp her power authority gouernment wholy into their hands but still reseruing the right in the wholâ—… body together in euery member apart So that if these officers or anie of them transgresse the church reserueth power to euery member freely â—…ccording to the quality of the offence the rules of the word to admonish and reproue the whole to censure excoÌ„municaâ—…e such officers so offending Which officers in executâ—…oÌ„ of their office functâ—…oÌ„ do rather reserue this liberty and power to the whole Church and euerie member therof in due order theÌ„ any way diminish or pluâ—…k away the same froÌ„ the least It were a disorderly part against nâ—…ture for any member to arrogate the power of the whole body vnto yt self Such presumption was not heard of in the church of CHRIST vntill Antichrist sprong vp neither wil yt be remoued vntil he be aboliâ—…hed Elders are apointed to see the gouernment order of CHRIST obserued not to take yt al into their hands One other grosse error and ignorance in this branch is to be obseruâ—…d that is he numbreth the Dâ—…acons amongst the gouerning officers of the Church this he neuer leâ—…rned in Christs Testament well may yt be the practise of the Church of Rome England where are such iolly archdeacons and ruffling Deanes The Deacons office in the Church is to gather
member of Christ a Saint or admit him as a brother amongst them in their praiers ministery contribution This is very strange diuinity to shut him out and yet to hold him in to cut him o◅f from the body yet to hold him of the body this may by logick be proued but yt neuer can be proued by Christs Testament Yet is there an other as strange a mysterie in the matter which I neuer learned in Christs Testament and that is ho◅ a member that is publikly cōuicted of and remaineth obstinate in opē sin should be shut out from the Table of y e Lord yet be receaued admitted as a member vnto the other ministe◅ie of the Church as to praiers contribution c. belike the other ministery praiers of the Church are not so holy as this supper y t such an offendor is held vnworthy to cōmunicate in therfore is shut out from the one but he is worthy inough for therfore is admitted vnto the other this is a strange censure a strange case as euer I heard of I had thought y t after the sin grew once publike being knowne dealt with by the Church if then such offenders remaine obstinate they had beene forthwith to be cut off cast out as dead withered branches not to be thus halfe shut out halfe kept in halfe cut off halfe remaine seperate frō the supper admitted to the ministery of the word praiers This is to make him halfe a brother halfe no brother halfe a christian halfe no christian But yet further seing this suspension is a publike censure of the Church for publike sin a seperation from publike exercises actions c. how chance yt is thus put in one mās power who by his absolute authoritie may keep back any one of the ◅locke from the Table of the Lord without the cōmandemēt yea the ◅riuitie of the whole church yet this me thinkes is the strāgest of al neuer heard of in y e church Testament of Christ. Christ hath giuen and committed his power to censure fault◅s persons as also the interest possession and gouernment of all officers actions to the whole Chur◅h I meane to euery such particular congregation and not vnto one particular special man aboue the rest or more then the rest Euery particular member of the Church hath like interest in the publike actions and ministery of the Church like power to censure the offences of the whole Church o◅ the greatest minister therof in due order and time as hath already in this treatise beene often plentifully proued and therfore cannot in this maner be kept backe by any one man as of his sole authority any more then they may keep back that man whatsoeuer he be I ◅peake not this to raise contentiō betwixt these where there ought to be loue and reuerence so much as to note out the popish pride of these pharisaicall Reformers that take vpon them to be Lords ouer the Church and this feast wherof if they were as good as they would be taken to be they were but seruants and guests at the best The Church yt self can neither receaue nor cast out a member as of themselues they doe yt by the power and commandement of Christ they must see faith profession therof before they receaue they must see sin obstinacie before they cut off vntil these be seene the whole Church nor all the men of the world haue not power to receaue or put by any one yf they doe the actiō is voide and the iudgment wrath of God resteth vpon them for that sin vntil they repent therof Likewise also when this profession of faith or this obstinacie in sinn is found in any then cannot the whole Church or all the men of the world keep out or keep in such without incurring the iudgment wrath abouesaid How great then is the sin iudgment of these popish Priests that not only pluck away the power of the Church from them but euen the power office of Christ from him and assume yt into their owne hands who thus dare innouate and abrogate Christs Testament reiect his wholsome excommunication as too rough bring in their deadly suspēsion in place therof and with that idol toole of that foolish shepheard smite keep out whome yt pleaseth them and as long as they list Their olde popish reason y t they bring from the power of the keies hath beene aboue refuted in y e discouery of their absolutiō proue◅ to be tied neither to the person or office of any man more thē to euery faithfull member seruant of Christ by the power of Gods word c. Yet haue I also sometimes read in some of their bookes of Church discipline as they tearme yt some other reasons for yt namely from y e law of seperation for vncleannes such as were defiled by y e dead by creeping vncleane things by issues c. were to absta◅e frō the Tabernacle for a season yea the Priest also vpon suspicion of leprie or other fowle disease might seclude such a one for certayne daies as we read in the bookes of the law plentifully frō whence they deriue both this power of the Pastor the censure of suspension I haue there read also or els my memorie greatly faileth me drawē frō Mat. 5. 23. 24. verses because he that had iniuried or offēded his brother was taught by our Sauiour Christ first to make satisfaction be reconciled thē to offer his gift c. that therfore such as had done wrong vnto or were not in charity with their neighbours are by the Priests to be kept from the Altar whervpon they inchanted offred their breaden God and now they popishly apply to the cōmunion table from hence draw their suspēsion But because I haue not their bookes with me would be loth any way to iniurie them or charge them falsly I will briefly shew the insufficiencie of these reasons and so proceed ◅asting to an end From those Leuitical lawes wherby the Priests secluded such as they suspected of vncleane diseases vntill proofe were made one way or other may no conclusion be drawen that therfore the Pastor now may suspend such as he suspecteth or rather knoweth to be infected with incurable deadly ◅bstinate sin from the communion board c. In the Leuiticall tabernacle y e priest◅ did nothing without prescript lawes there was nothing left to his discretion he had his certaine signes set him downe whervpon to seclude whervp on to pronounce cleane as also whervpon to pronounce vncleane But now vnder the Gospell where that priesthood and those lawes are quite taken away we haue now no such cōmandements of suspecting or suspending The causes heere of seperation are not bodily but spirituall not diseases of the bodie but diseases of the soule sinne which sinne when yt publikely appeareth obstinacy be added to the
personages are wholy exempt from them The other sect of these Priests the counterfait Reformists they also would exclude the Church from this al other ecclesiastical ceÌ„sures assuming theÌ„ wholy into their owne haÌ„ds either into the Priests haÌ„ds with his silly presbitery or eldership which he ouerruleth at his pleasure in euerie particular congregation or els into their synodes and councels which haue power ouer al churches euery meÌ„ber actioÌ„ theâ—…of to excommunicate absolue to make and depose to ordeine abrogate without the pâ—…iuitie coÌ„sent of the Churches other theÌ„ of their Preachers or Priests Thus both sides subuert the libertie of the Church peruert the ordinance of Christ the one sort by corrupting the other by vtterlie reiecting the vnpartial vse of true excoÌ„municatioÌ„ by euerie ChristiaÌ„ coÌ„gregation according to the rules of Chriâ—…s Testament as intollerable a mischiefe to this common welth We haue aboue larglie prooued the necessitie stabilitie perpetuitie of that order and gouernment which Chriâ—… in his Testament hath set downe for the building direction of his Church By manie places of scripture reasons we haue shewed how that order gouernmeÌ„t onlie best accordeth and fitteth to the Church of Christ in al places times whatsoeuer and how the Church can neither receaue other orders and lawes or change these which Christ hath giueÌ„ without casâ—…ing off CHRISTS yoke disanâ—…lling his Testament CHRISTS Testament and Church being for euer in all places one and the same We haue also 〈◊〉 places of this preseÌ„t writing shewed how CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church his spirituall power and authoritie with the sharpe two edged sword that proceedeth out of his mouth to cut off all transgrâ—…ssion and error as also all trespassers and heretikes that remaine obstinate and impenitent in their sinne and hath giuen them straight coÌ„mandement vigilantly vnpaâ—…tially to vse the same sword and power vnto the worldes end The necessitie of which power though yt were not confirmed by so manie direct and expresse places of scripture yet might yt to aâ—… men appeare in that without the same they caÌ„ neither receaue CHRIST who is neuer seuered froÌ„ his power neither can they keepe sound anie communion when they hâ—…ue not the power to â—…ast out seperate the plaguy leprous from amongst them Moreouer we haue shewed how this power of excoÌ„munication election ordination c. is not committed into the hands of one particular person as the Pope and his natural children our Lord Bâ—…hops now vse yt nor yet into the hands of the eldership only or of the Pastors of many particular congregations as the reforming preachers would haue yt so much as yt is giuen committed to the whole Church euen to euery particular congregation and to euery member therof alike To which holy spiritual power of CHRIST euery member of the Church seruant of Christ must be subiect alike without exception or exemption of person How contrary then vnto God preiudiciall vnto his Church is the blasphemy pride of those meÌ„ which thus presumpâ—…uously opeÌ„ their mouthes against heaueÌ„ all the ordinances of God pronouncing this spiritual heauenly censure of excoÌ„municatioÌ„ duly executed by the church according to the wil coÌ„mandement of Christ as the only meanes for the preseruation of the whole Church and of the parties so excommunicate to be intollerable in a christian realme preiudiciall to Princes and Magistrates yea that popiâ—…hly assume this sword of CHRIST this power of his Church into their owne hands and therwith of their owne sole authority smite some exempt others as they lust themselues whose monstrous enormous abuse of this heauenly ordinance caÌ„not by the pen or mouth of any be so liuely discribed as yt is with great letters to the view of all men ingraued and exposed in the daily practise of their Commissaries courtes the court of high coÌ„mission c. But that all the pretextes of this their odious blasphemy and pride may at once be plucked from them let me in a word or two by expresse scriptures shew what true excommunication is by whome vpon whome and how yt is to be executed We reade 1 Cor. 5. Titus 3. 10. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Excommunication to be an vtter disfranchizing and publike cuâ—…ting off of all conuinced obstinate offendors from all interest in CHRIST all coÌ„munion with his Church in the open congregation We reade in the said 1 Cor. 5. as also Math. 18. 17. Math. 28. 20. Rom. 16. â—…7 2 Thess. 3 6. 14. the power execution of this censure of excoÌ„munication to be coÌ„mitted to the whole Church else why should the Apostle charge blame the whole Church for y â— neglect therof and command the whole Church to execute yt why should our Sauiour CHRIST command his disciples to admonish their brâ—…thteÌ„ wheÌ„ they offend and if they repent not to complaine vnto the church He sendeth them not heere vnto the Pastor to complaine vnto him nor vnto the Bishop high commission Presbutry Synode or Councel to coÌ„plaine vnto them for redresse neither yet comitteth he here or in any other place of scripture this action vnto them or commandeth them as by vertue of their office to do yt But as may euidently appeare in these and sundry other places of scripture both this publike casting out receauing in of any member is committed and belongeth vnto the whole Church euerie member therof iointly together is not especiallie or solely committed to anie one or anie some of them anie more then vnto al the rest We see also the Pastor al the teachers other members of the Church subiect vnto this censure yea the church where these members make such offence is to proceed against them to auoide them to excommunicate them Read for further proofe of this Gal 1. 8. 9. 2 Ioh. 9. â—… 1 Tim. 6. 3. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 17. 3. 5. Coloss. 4. 17. Phillip 3. 2. 17. 18. 19. So that although y e church performe this action by the Pastor as a member most fiâ—… thâ—…r vnto yet neither the Pastor gayneth nor the Church looseth anie right or interest in this action heerby because we see euidently the church hath power to doe this action without a Pastor yea against their Pastor The maner of thiâ—… excommunication we in the said 5 of y e 1 Corinth find to be done in the publike congregation where the whole church is assembled not in anie courtes or Bishops howses in the name power of our Lord Iesus Christ not in the name and power of a Lord Bishop or arch Bishop in the vsuall tongue of that congregation as yt may best edifie and not in the romane tongue after their popish maner in forme of a writ This ceÌ„sure is not done before y e fault be publikely knowne either in the first committing of yt or els by processe for contemning admonition neither
whome they perswade that they shal do much good herein before whome they bring none but the most heinous fowle causes as incest plurality of wiues papistry c. neuer suffring them to looke into the secrets mysteries of their kingdome or to heare the iust complaints of the Q. oppressed subiects by their tyranny These as is aboue said they wil not suffer so much as to expose their griefes vtter their wrongs or to plead defend their owne cause before these câ—…uil magistrates no not in this their owne courte where the Archbishop is in his exaltation and their chiefe aduersaries are Iudges so fearful are they least the light should breake forth and all their packing and wickednes be bewâ—…aied But he that discloseth all secrets will I doubt not shortly reueale all their doings and make them as odious as they are now honorable At which time such as now ioine to them and vphold them shall stand far off for feare of their torments when the wrath of God shalbe reueled from heauen against all the impiety and iniustice of these men that withhold the truth in vnrighteousnes For sure if the Prince Magistrats but knew the vnlawfulnes of this CoÌ„mission â—…ither in the persons power or practise therof they would â—…oone withdraw their power fâ—…om the beast and would not in this maner vphold or 〈◊〉 vnto the throne of Antichrist that forgeth wrong besâ—…des law The ecclesiasticall persons of this Commission we haâ—…e by expressâ—… scriptures shewed neither to be true ministers of the Gospell neitheâ—… true members of the Church of Christ. Both which though they were yet could they not receaue or exercise such antichristian power inordinate authority ouer all or any one congregation of Christ much lesse in the estate they stand For the ciuiil magistrates that are of this Commission though they may as members together with those congregations whervnto they are ioined iointly with the whole Church exercise such spiritual power to censure faltes discusse matters and determine of such affaires as belong vnto arise in their congregations c. yet can they not as by vertue of their ciuil office exercise these spirituall censures power which Christ hath giueÌ„ belongeth vnto the whole Church much lesse assume into their owne hands and plucke from the whole Church this power which Christ hath giuen them So then all the persons of this Commission both ecclesiastical ciuil are â—…tterly vncapable of this inordinaâ—…e power iurisdictioÌ„ which being so monâ—…trous heinouâ—… ouer al churches al 〈◊〉 causes persons doctrines to ratifie or diâ—…anul erect or pull downe bring in or cast out of the Church handle hold plea of many ciuile causes also and that after so blasphemous vnchristian a maner by administring enforcing their idolatrous booke othe by prohibiting somuch as to speake for themselues or in their owne causes by inflicting penalties fines by incarcerating whome for what they list and there deteining them as close as long as they list and that without bayle mainprise or trial which monstrous confused power belongeth rather vnto is more fit for y t Antichrist that Beast and vnto the false church then vnto any member of CHRIST or of his church God hath pur difference though no disagreement betwixt thâ—…â—…hurch and the coÌ„mon welth betwixt the ministers iurisdictioÌ„ censures of ech of them hauing set vnto ech sort their due bounds officers and limits which they ought not after this maner to transgresse or confound making I know not what coÌ„mixture of persons offices causes in this monstrous Commission where the ciuil magistrate is made a Iudg minister of ecclesiastical causes their church ministers of ciuill coÌ„moÌ„ welth matters al vnder pretext of the coÌ„mission of y e Prince who because he hath power ouer all causes persons both of the Church coÌ„mon welth â—…herfore these meÌ„ suppose that he may make what new lawes decrees orders for both Church common welth that he list change the ordinances decrees of God at his pleasure especially if he be a christian Prince for then he is no way bownd to the lawes of God or limits of his calling But against such deuilish doctrines we haue ofteÌ„ in this treatise proued that though the Prince be placed of God in the most high authority both oâ—…er y e church coÌ„mon welth here vpon earth yet he is but â—…he seruaÌ„t of God circumscribed with lawes as one that shal render an â—…ccompt be iudged before the Lord of all his doings as any other Though the Prince haue the booke of God â—…oÌ„mitted vnto him with charge to see yt duly executed by euery one in his calling yet hath he â—…t to keepe obserue not to breake or chaÌ„ge We haue also proued all the lawes of God to be most holy inuiolable and al sufficient both for the church coÌ„mon welth the perfect instruction of euery officer member of the same in their seueral duties callings so that nothing is now left vnto aâ—… mortal man of what high dignity calling soeuer but to fulfil execute the will of God in his word in their places callings which word being now perfected in y e heauenly ministery of Christ nothing may be added to or takeÌ„ from the same without most high sacriledg impiety the vtter abrogating of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t no new deuise how holy or necessary â—…oeuer to our earthly seeming is now to be brought in or required at our hands our obedience being more acceptable vnto God then our sacrifice Which way â—…en can this strange monstrous CoÌ„mission neuer read nor heard of in the new Testament of Christ or whole word of God so vnlawfull in the persons y t are y e CoÌ„missioners in the power authority they exercise in al their proceedings so pernicious to y â— whole church so dirâ—…ctly contrary to y â— word of God to y â— vtter subuersioÌ„ taking out of the way y â— whole TestameÌ„t ordinaÌ„ces of Christ how may this coÌ„missioÌ„ I say be set oâ—…er y â— whole church or be iustified by y e Princes authority But to proue y t this ecclesiastical high CoÌ„mission is no antichristian vngodly or new diuise Mr. SOME hath taken some paines bestowed vpon vs a few reasons such as they are Saith he this CoÌ„mission is deriued from our gracious soueraigne Q. ELISABETH to whome the Antichrist of Rome is a professed enemy and is directed to honorable reuerend wise men of the clergie temporalty therfore yt is not antichristian Againe sundry branches of this CoÌ„mission are godly as to preserue Gods religion whole sound from popery Anabaptistry c. to meete with suppresse notable disorders as incests polygamies oppressioÌ„ of the ministers c. and to giue defence countenance to the good therfore this CoÌ„mission is very godly Thirdly high Commissions
al the land both great and small rich and poore priest and people in most seruile subiectioÌ„ therfore in this estate cannot be held or numbred among Christes faithful seruantes vvhich are fully redeemed by the price of his pretious blood from al these bondages and intanglementes vvhich they by a shew of volunâ—…arie religion and counterfeit holines vvould impose vpon mens consciences Neither may such be held the seruaÌ„tes of CHRIST vvhich stand subiect vnto his enimie Antichrist beare his yoke receaue his ministerie vvares c. or vvhich contend not for the maintenance of the true faith for the sincere practise of the Gospel with freedome in al patieÌ„t maner vnto the death suffring rather anie thing then themselues to be defiled with his abhominations How then should this people as they generally stand in the publique estate of this land in this subiection to Antichrist in this idolatry sacriledg al kind of excesse and sinne euen in al degrees without repentance faith obedience knowledg be receaued held or esteemed the redeemed called faithful free obedient louing subiects and people of the Lord or how may CHRISTES true faithful seruantes haue any spirituall communion or fellowship with them in thys estate vvithout open sacriledg most hainous impietie and high profanation of the holy things of God For if into the material temple no profane or polluted person might enter and osfer vntill he had imbraced the faith and beene clensed from his filthines how much more ought this profane ignorant vnholy wicked disobedient rowte be kept out of the Church of CHRIST froÌ„ al intermedling with the holy things of GOD which in this estate belong not vnto them But as these vngodly priestes of these times haue entred and do administer vnto this profane people for the lucre of their goodes tithes wages hire so waÌ„t not these Balaams sundrie diuelish shiftes and cauils for the maintenance of their doinges least by this doctrine their portion should be reprooued their vantage for diuining cease as also their sinne and shame be made manifest Amongst an heape of their forged excuses they set this for doctrine in the fore â—…ront THAT vvhere â—… Christian Prince is vvhich maiâ—…taineth the Gospel and â—…he whole land or estate not resisting this commandement reueâ—…enceth the word sacrameÌ„tes there the whole multitude of such â—… land or state are without doubt to be esteemed and iudged a true Church This reason they confirme not with any proofes of the â—…cripture but by M r. CALVINS authoritie who giueth these reasons â—…herof because saith he yâ—… is certaine the word and sacramentes â—…re not without fruit and that by this meanes vnitie is preserued to â—…he vniuersall Church Touching the person of the Author alledged I gladly acknowledg â—…im a painful and profitable instrument in the thinges he saw and â—…imes he serued in yet not without his manie errors ignorances â—…specially touching the planting gouernment and ordering of the Church of CHRIST And no meruaile for being so newly escaped out of the smoky fornace of poperie he could not so sodeinly see or attaine vnto the perfect beawtie of Sion But seeing my hope is GOD hath pardoned all his errors c. my purpose is not with these wicked men to reuiue and broach them a fresh or make them preâ—…identes and by them take boldnes to commit the like or worse ofâ—…ences nor yet to discouer NOAH his shame and nakednes So also concerning matters of faith would I be loth to build vpon or be â—…ressed by the doctrines and examples of men the best wherof we â—…ee to be subiect to their errors and faults For as faith only beleeueth and resteth vpon the holy word of God so are we by the same to examine al the doctrines and doinges of men yea of the vvhole Church and accordingly to approue or refuse the same Touching this doctrine then that a Christian Prince which publisheth and maintaineth the Gospell doth forthwith make all that realme which with open force resisteth not his proceedinges to be held a Church to whome an holy ministerie and sacramentes belong without further more particular and personal trial examination confession c. This doctrine we find by the word of God to be most false corrupt vncleane dangerous pernicious doctrine contrarie to the whole course practise and lawes both of the old newe Testament breaking at once al Christian order corrupting poisoning al Christian communion fellowship sacrilegiously profaning the holy thinges of God First we know that no Prince or mortal man caÌ„ make any a member of the Church they may by their godly gouernment greatly help further the Church greatly comfort the faithful aduance the gospel c. But to chuse or refuse to cal or hardeÌ„ that the eternal and almightie ruler of heauen and earth keepeth in his owne handes and giueth not this power vnto any other This also vve know that whome the Lord hath before al worldes chosen them â—…e wil in his due time and meanes cal by his word and whome he â—…alleth them he sealeth with this seale to depart from iniquitie to beleeue and lay hold of CHRIST IESVS as their alone sauiour to honour and obâ—…y him as their annointed King Priest Prophet to submit théselues vnto him in all thinges to be reformed corrected gouerned directed by his most holy vvord vowing their faithful obedience vnto the same as yt shalbe reuealed vnto them By this faith confession profession euerie member of CHRIST from the greatest vnto the least without respect of persons entereth into standeth in the Church In this faith haue all the faithfull congregations in the world and true members of the same bodie fellowship communion each with other and out of this faith haue the true seruantes of GOD no fellowship no communion with any congregation or member how florishing titles or faire shewes soeuer they make heere in the flesh None as hath beene prooued vncircumcised or polluted in flesh might enter into the temple or tast of the passouer or other sacrifices how neere soeuer they were in consanguinitie affinitie or subiection In King DAVIDS time the Edomites Moabites Ammonites Philistims were brought vnder obedience subiection yet were none of them admitted into the temple c. but such as imbraced the faith King HEZEKIAS and IOSIAH two famous godly Kings after they had rightly reformed the corrupt estate admitted none to the passouer but such as purified sanctified themselues according to the law The like we reade of the children of the captiuitie after they had finished the temple set the priests in their order thâ—… Leuites in their courses c. they keâ—…t the passouer together with all such as had seperated themselueâ—… vnto them from the fiilthines of the heathen of the land to seeke the Lord GOD of Israel These
〈◊〉 of the lampe and also eâ—…chued in ciuil meates But such prophane 〈◊〉 wicked which haue not yet imbraced the faith such are to be kept 〈◊〉 of the Church and from the Table of the Lord though otherwise 〈◊〉 are not so to abhortheir ciuil conuersation seeing we may haue so â—…any occasions thervnro whiles we remayne in this world Whether 〈◊〉 â—…hall vve beleeue M r. CALVINE or the Apostle they being so diâ—…ctly coâ—…trarie For the other point of forsaking the Table of the â—…rd I iâ—…sist in that which is already said still saying they ought in â—…erie true Church to be kept from yt especially vpon obstinacie â—…ter admonition BVT YET M r. CALVINE thus giueth not ouer the matter but indeuoreth to proue that the godly may ought to coÌ„municate with the open wickeâ—… and yet shall not be defiled therby by the examples of the Prophets in the corrupt times before the captiuity of our sauiour CHRIST while he liued heere who in the most corrupt times refrained not the sacrifices prayers or publike ministery of the Temple for the wickednes either of priestes or people but nauing regard to the vnitie of the Church vnto the ordinances of GOD they held vp pure hands in a wicked assembly â—…irst I cannot perceaue that in all this M r. CALVINE hath proued â—…at the Prophets or our Sauiour CHRIST haue at any time ioined â—…to or with any vnlawfull or pulluted priestes or pâ—…ople such as by 〈◊〉 law of God ought not to administer or offer in y â— Temple neither 〈◊〉 to any vnlawful praiers or sacrifices which ought not to be offered â—…ere And so all these examples are to no purpose alledged make â—…thing for him For we still by the rules of CHRISTS Testament hold 〈◊〉 vtterly vnlawfull to receaue or reteine any profane or wicked perâ—…n to administer vnto or coÌ„municate with such in the sacramentes 〈◊〉 that all whosoeuer so doth most heinously breake Gods law 〈◊〉 all guiltie of high sacriledg c. Into which manifâ—…st wilfull transâ—…essions neither the vaine titles of the Church neither the false flag 〈◊〉 the gospel sacramentes ought to draw or allure vs. As for these times vnder thâ—… law wherof he speaketh the worship 〈◊〉 God then consisted in outward legall ceremonies concerning the â—…me place priestes people sacrifices Altar c. with prescript lawes 〈◊〉 euâ—…rie thing which outward ordinances if they diligenrly kept 〈◊〉 obserued there was then no cause why such sacrifices should be left insomuch as they were in that outward worshipp altogeather vnrâ—…proueable Other faultes of maners except such as ouâ—…wardly defiled the bodie or were contrarie to the lawes of the Temple as bastardy whordome idolatrie c. the priestes or ecclesiastical estate then medled not with They belonged to the ciuil magistrates whose office yt was then both to censure punish such offendors accordiâ—…g to the law Whiles then the ecclesiasticall lawes which God in that estate apointed were duly obserued there was no cause why the Prophets or any should refraine that worship yet were the Prophets which were apointed of God to instruâ—…t both the eccsesiastical ciuil estate to admonish and reproue the ciuil magistrates and to cry out against them to denounce Gods iudgmentes against the one the other to shew theÌ„ that neither Temple nor sacrifice neither fathers nor couenant could excuse or deliuer them froÌ„ the wrath curse of God whiles they continued in these sinnes deferred to repent But now vnder the gospel where al things are become new spiritual where CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church vnto all his faithfull seruantes his poweâ—… authoritie spiritually to censure al manner of sinne sinners he hath giuen them his holy word made them all Kings Priestes thervnto he hath coÌ„manded them to watch and diligently to take heed that no profane or wicked impenitent person be admitted vnto or kept in his church but diligently to watch both without within that the one sort be kept out the other cast out of his Church The legal pollutions leprosies vlcers running issues infections vncleane diseases for which then the people were seperated from the Temple the Congregation are now in this Church all maner knowen sinnes obstinatly held maintained which are far more infectious contagious vnto the soules of the whole Church then those filthy diseases were vnto the bodie Neither is the Lord our God lesse ielous or will be lesse offended for keeping such in his Church admitting them vnto his table now then he was in those daies when the leprous plaguy or polluted were kept in the Congregation admitted to the altar especially seing he hath now giuen as great charge as prescript lawes both whome when and how to cast out as he did then So that as abhominable should our worship and offring now be vnto the Lord all we in as great blame seing vnto all his seruantes this charge this watch this power these lawes are giuen as they in the former times for the transgressions aforesaid But now peraduenture these disciples of M r. CALVINE will from their maisters mouth affirme for so in deed his wordes and writings apparantly import els as we haueÌ„ shewed these examples are brought to no purpose that the Prophetes our sauiour Christ in those most sinful times where al estates persons were throughly wholy corrupt al the lawes of God both concerning the Church and common welth the worship of God ciual conuersation boldly broken by al without any regard or coÌ„science that yet in these times the Prophets and our Sauiour CHRIT coÌ„municated with these priestâ—…s people in these sinnes and were not defiled with their sinnes but held vp pure handes amongst them Before I shew the mâ—…nifest vntruth the pestilent errors vnsufferable blasphemie of these doctrines I demaund of them how they proue that the Prophets and our Sauiour CHRIT communicated in these times with these priestes people thus defiled and corrupted thus openly breaking Gods lawes ordinances both concerning his worship in the Temple the gouernment of the commoÌ„ welth I see no proof alledged except yt be this they built not other Churches they erected not other Altars where they might haue their seueral sacrifices What of all this They built not other Temples Altars therfore they coÌ„municated with the abhominatioÌ„s in the Temple they had no priuate sacrifices therfore they resorted vnto the polluâ—…ed and corrupt sacrifices vsed at these times in the Temple Are these â—…heir best reasons that because they did not one sinne therfore they did â—…n other Can these men find no meane course What if the Prophets in these times did neither of both shall not the ignorance falshood boldnes of these men then apeare which thus slander the Prophetes â—…alsifie peruert the scriptures to maintaine these damnable errors wicked dealinge The first
these miserable guides both towardes God and man that would hazard and commit his soule and body to the conduct of such blind and deceitful guydes as either cannot or will not leade them right who would commit the Citie to such blind watch mē as either cannot discerne the enemie or vnto such trecherous watchmen as wil not blow the trumpet and giue warning vnto all men to be in a readines but on the cōtrarie are in compact with the enemie hane betraied the whole Church into their handes yeilded vnto them absolute authoritie takē their lawes their peace their marke and stand now the sworne waged ma◅ked sould◅ors of Antichrist guarding his verie throne person setting vp burning ince◅se to his image gylding the harlot the false Church and araying her with all the titles ornaments euē the gold siluer precious stones pearles fine linnen purple scarlet c. that belong to the true tabernacle In her doe they offer the meat flowre wine oile honie that God hath giuen In her burne they their frankincense and sweetest perfumes In her they prepare a feast furnish a Table to the multitudes These are her chamberlaines her tapsters that stand at the doore of her house of euerie high place in the land and inuite toule in their guests which flow in vn◅o them at the sownd of their bell These cal allure such as passe by their way go right on their way to take a bay◅e at their i◅ne promising their peace offrings wisdome great cheare and verie great and good companie of the noble the rich the learned who will all be readie vpon the first blush of faire weather as soone as euer yt holdeth vp ouer head these stormes and clowdes are blowen away to go with them on that iournay whether they are trauailing for thither also are they bent and as soone as euer God shall incline the Princes heart then they wil al forsake Antichrist goe vnto CHRIST In the meane time they haue all with one consent determined not to guide forward one step Also these that go before them in the way and will not stay for this good companie ◅uch they say marre all their course and hinder the discipline they seeke And therfore they assay by all meanes to turne them out of their way which if yt wil not be then they denounce proclaime them as most bitter enemies Brownestes Schismatikes prowd and ignorant persons disobedient to Magistrates whome they in their pulpets stir vp to send out their horsemen chariors after them to bring them by force back againe into EGIPT and to hold their bodies in moist noisome vile and streight prisons except they will come to these fowlers vnto their high places For these good men would not haue CHRIST brought in in y ◠base maner by faith repentance leauing all such thinges as are contrari◅ to his will and seeking to doe the thinges that he hath commanded whosoeuer say nay to yt and whatsoeuer yt cost whether imprisonment confiscation or death bearing his crosse in all patient meek and humble maner with cheerfulnes and ioy Fie this is al too base they would bring him in with sownd of trumpet by an armie and strength by act of parliament by consent of all estates of the realme Prince Nobles Priestes people and that into these famous synagogues high places gorgeously decked for his maiestie and not in this abiect maner to runne to him into vpper chambers hooles in woodes prisons c. and that a few poore d◅spised vnlearned wretches and that not with the Magistrates leaue good will c. Thus see you how far these guides are from leading you forward in the straight waies of the Lord that with this their preaching they keep you bring you backward you see how far these watchmen are from ringing the alarme and sounding the trumpet against the enemie against any sinne in any person against Antichrist As you see they promise peace blessing to the most wicked dare not giue warning of or denounce against any si◅n either in the state I meane cōmon welth or Church or any great person in the same be the sinne neu◅r so heinous against the first or second Table but rather dawbe vp all these abhominations and all the land in their sinne keeping and houlding them ◅herin bownd as in chaines and fetters vnto the Lords fearful iudgment yea by these their sermons keeping all the people in ignorance vnfurnished of their christian armour and weapons Neither in deed need they any for you see in the happy realme of England there are no enemies ex◅ept Sathan draw mē to the◅t or murther or treason Yf they can keepe thēselues frō these faults or keep them secret why then al is well there are no other faultes or enemies Sathan hath no instruments dare not stir in this estate vnder a Christian Prince where there is such preaching of the Gospell c. you see how these your learned preachers your good men haue not with al their sermons preaching withdrawne one soule all this while from the false Chu◅ch or the abhominable idolatries therin but on the contrarie administer in the false Church dawbing her vp retaining al their auditorie in her hindering drawing back by their vttermost artes and indeuors al that seeke to walke in the straight peaceable waies of the Lord. These with the infinite enormities that ensue heerof were inough to dis◅ouer vnto you what manner of ministers these are and ministery they exercise how they prcach the Gospel But yet I must ad this vnto y e rest how with all this their preaching they haue not all this while giuē any increase to y e bodie not leading their hearers one step towardes perf◅ction but as they stood 30 yeres agoe in the self same estate are they still in the same confusion idolatrie disorder in their synagogues as appeareth by their present estate And as for other knowledg of God or his word they haue none touching the secōd table as y e innumerable multitudes of their sutes wrongs complaintes in al their courtes of plea declare which neuer were so fraught not euen vnder the most grosse poperie as they are vnder this light of their Gospell all these being members of their Church Neither is it possible that such idolaters as both priestes and people are should haue anie sound knowledg or iudgment of Gods word and truth for they that know not God aright how should they know his word aright Now the Apostle teacheth vs our common sense confirmeth that yt is vnsound milke that giueth no increase to the bodie in 30 yeres space we haue to suspect such milke to be vnholsome I trow nei◅her would any of vs in whome is any wit or loue put out our children to such nourses much lesse their
of election only inioyning them to choose some vniuersitie clarke one of these colledg birds of their owne brood or els comes a Synode in the necke of them and â—…dnihilats the election whatsoeueâ—…â—…t be They haue also a trick to stoppe yt before yt come so far namely in the ordinatioÌ„ which must forsooth needes be done by other Priâ—…sts for the Church that chooseth him hath no power to ordeyne him And this makes the mother Church of Geneuâ—… and the Duch classes I dare not say the secrete classes in England to make ministers for vs in England And these ministers when they are come ouer are receaued and esteemed as Angels in hell shine as bright starrs in these smoky Egyptian fornaces wherin the miserable people of the land are kept in most harde seruitude daily new taskes layd vpoÌ„ them by this spiritual 〈◊〉 Antichrist so far are these new guides whome they trust froÌ„ leading them freely with the Lordes banner of the Gospell displaied before them as you see they would be glad of anie of Pharaohs coÌ„ditions their suite at the best intendement and vttermost course being but to worship God in Egipt to haue these tyrannous taske-maisters their Lord Bishops their attendants takeÌ„ from them Most willing they are with al their people to remaine in spiritual bondage to the ciuil magistrate I would not heere be misvnderstood of that lawful bodily obedience which al Christians owe in al lawful things vnto the ciuil magistrate But these vncleane spirites are gone out vnto the Kinges of y e earth to gather them into battell against God his Christ to make thâ—…m not only to cast Christs bandes from them but to tie him in their bâ—…ndes keeping awaie vpon their regal authoritie what part of Christs lawes they lyst from the Church and laying what lawes of their owne they lyst vpoÌ„ the Church Alas what a dangerous fearful abuse of their authoritie is this they are not made Kinges to reigne ouer Christ or to giuâ—… him lawes but to honour and worship the sonne to cast downe their Scepters at his feete not to disturbe or hinder his saintes from the free and sincere practise of his Testament but to incourage them and goe before them therin as king Dauid did dauncing recoicing before the Arke Princes are equally bound to the keeping of all Godes lawes as the meanest or any other shal for the breaâ—…h therof not escape the iudgment of that Lion of the tribe of Iudâ—… whâ—… wil tread vpon Princes as the prophet saith as clay when he treadeth the great winepresse without the citie This is the portioÌ„ of al the Lordes enemies to this banket doe these false Prophets with their perfidie and â—…latterie bring them that they cannot endure to be reprooued of God himself by his word to which they can at no hand endure to be made subiect Therfore they hate persecute him that rebukerh in the gate they abhor him that speaketh vprightly and rule all thinges after their owne lustes And sure eueÌ„ this incorrigible pride wickednes of Princes magistrates which would by no meanes be brought to the obedience of the Gospel first draue the Anabaptistes into their deuili h conceits of theÌ„ that no Prince or magistrate could be saued afterward thâ—…t theiâ—… veriâ—… office functioÌ„ are vtterlie vnlawful in the kingdome of Christ which wicked heresies as they haue no ground in y â— word of God the ciuil magistracie being the blessed ordinance of God for the defence of Christs Gospel Sainctes therfore al humble obedieÌ„ce therunto coÌ„maÌ„ded as vnto the Lord himself this both by our Sauiour Christâ—… owne exaÌ„ple the continual exhortations coÌ„maÌ„demeÌ„ts of his Apostles in al their epistles vnto the churches so caÌ„ these Anabâ—…ptistical heresies no way be better refuted takeÌ„ out of the hearts of al meÌ„ at once theÌ„ by the humble submissioÌ„ of Princes magistrates vnto the Throne Scâ—…pter of Christ theÌ„ by bringing their glorie honour vnto y e church according to the coÌ„fortable prophecies of the scriptures O what â—… coÌ„fort were this to Christs poore laÌ„bes to â—…ee the LioÌ„ so humbled as to eate hay together with theÌ„ in the mountaine of the Lord not to liue of y e rauine spoile of y â— poore sheepe so as they dare not come aneere theÌ„ for their fiercenes What a ioy were yt to see Gods ordinaÌ„ces thus vnited to see Moses Aaroâ—… brethren this in the glorious spirituall Temple of God where Christ shalbe Hhimmanuel God with vs rule guide feed sanctifie vs euery one in their callings O what a heauenlie communion should this be what a beautie what a ioy to the whole earth But ô how far are we from this coÌ„fort our magistrates froÌ„ this happines whiles they giue their eare to the serpent speaking out of the mouth of the false prophet that blasphemeth Christ his ordinances accuseth his saints vnto theÌ„ whiles they giue their power vnto the Beast y t traÌ„pleth Christs Testamet vnder their feete couÌ„teth y â— blood therof as a coÌ„moÌ„ thing y â— setteth vp the image of his owne deuises causeth al meÌ„ of al degrees to worship the same al such as in feare faith vnto God refuse so to doe those in al hostile maÌ„ner they confiscate persecute imprison inclose make away without aniâ—… equal hearing of their cause or once bringing yt to light This their blasphemous writings sermoÌ„s y e publike worship estate of their church their prisons generally through London the land declare They haue published in their writings That the orders ordinances which Christ hath inâ—…is Testament left vnto â—…is Church were but temporarie whiles â—…he Church â—…as vnder heathen tyrants and that where the Gospel is embraced by a Christian Prince they are not onliâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but inconvenient yea intollerable as bringing the vtter subuersioÌ„ of the land 〈◊〉 vp tumulâ—… 〈◊〉 withdrawing the people from obedience vnto their magiâ—… a nuÌ„ber of such like execrable mandible blasphemies Reade that most blasphemous Pareâ—…thesis of T. C. esteemed the Bishop of Winchester beginning at y e73 page vnto y â— 84 of y t his Booke which he writ against the Libeller MARTIN MARPRELATE The wickednes falshood of whose deuilish calumniations y â— they may eueÌ„ sodenly appeare I wil adresse my self to prooue vnto him by the vndoubted euideÌ„ce of Gods word yâ—…strange PropositioÌ„ which he so coÌ„fidently coÌ„deÌ„neth in way of reprochful chaleÌ„ge to al Christs seruaÌ„tes propouÌ„deth namelie That there ought throughout alâ—…ges estates of y â— world in al places to be one y â— same forme of outward gouernmet in al true churches of Christ vnto the worlds end Scilicet thaâ—… Apostolike priminue patterne lefâ—… vnto 〈◊〉 in Christs new Testament none other And this through the assistance of Gods spirit
by direct scriptures without anie wrasting or peruerting the same Which being done by that time I hope the innocencie of such as seeke this Christian order and communion in sinceritie as also the blasphemie of them that depraue the order accuse the seekers therof shalbe euident to al men I am not ignorant in what a sophistical Saducaical manner this horned Bishop hath propounded his questions quite from the state of the controuersie and drift of his reproches subsequeÌ„t The deceit error wherof may be more fitly laid open after this difficult proposition which he and his associates with such tyrannie impugne is prooued God we reade wheÌ„ he first erected his tabernacle amongst the Israâ—… set downe in the mountaine the perfect patterne of al things eueÌ„ to the least instrument hooke or tape vsed therin as also the whole composition and vse of euerie thing belonging therunto with all the ordinances therof He left nothing to the wil or discretion of Moses whose commendation was that he was found faithful in al his house as a seruant for a testimonie of thinges to be spoken The like vve reade of David in the distribution of the orders and functions of the Priests and Leuites Of Solomon and Zerubabel in the building the material Temple We see I say how perfectlie the Lord set downe y e matter and forme the number assize place order and vse of euerie thing belonging to his Tabernacle and Temple We see vvhat absolute lawes he set downe for euerie thing there to be done how iâ—…lous he was ouer his sanctuarie and what seuere iudgmâ—…ntes he shewed vpon them that transgressed the least of his ordinances as the exaÌ„ples of Nadab Abihu Corath Ely and his sonnes vzza sundrie others the deportation of both the kingdomes with the destruction of the Temple and at length the vtter desolation therof shew And may we suppose that God is lesse carefull prouident absolute ielous ouer this his glorious Temple vvhich consisteth of the bodies and soules of his deare 〈◊〉 Saintes for the structure instrumeÌ„tes forme order ordinances of this which abideth for euer theÌ„ he was of that other vvhich consisted but of stone and wood vvhich was to abide but a time was but a type and shadow of this If we so thinke let the new Testament of our Sauiour CHRIST conuince vs wherin is left vnto vs a most liuelie and expresse patterne for all things with the fit mould wherin euerie thing ought to be formed cast most perfect direct lawes ordinances for the number place order vse direction of al things belonging vnto CHRISTS Church Can anie imagine vnto themselues that God is lesse louing vnto delighted in or ielous ouer this Temple wherof his owne only deere sonne is builder minister head then he was ouer that base earthen Temple for so in respect of the incomparable glorie of this I may call yt wherof MOSES was the builder c. Can anie imagine the ministrie orders ordinances of CHRISTS Church deliuered by the sonne himself ratified coÌ„firmed by the voice of God from heauen by manie miracles and wonders on earth of lesse congruence necessitie or accompt then those of that TeÌ„ple deliuered by Angels or that God hath giueÌ„ now greater power or priuiledg to anie mortal creature Prince or minister in this church to neglect alter violate or innouate any of Christs lawes or bring in set vp anie of their owne in this Church then he did then to MOSES DAVID SOLOMON in that Temple If these lawes be of greater force estimation perpetuitie both in regard of the dignitie preeminence of Christ the minister of the things administred of the place I meane the spiritual Temple yet if the word spoken by Angels was sure and euerie transgression disobedience receaued iust recompence of reward If that word might at no hand either in the building reformation or administration euen in the least vilest things as the ashes of the Altar which had their apointed place iâ—…struments ministers be neglected brokeÌ„ or innouate by no mortall man of what estate or degree soeuer vpon what occasion or pollitike respect soeuer without some warrant from Gods owne mouth that gaue the Law how shall they escape or where shal they stand that not only neglect violate but despise reproch and innouate the whole established order ordinaÌ„ces that Christ hath set downe in his TestameÌ„t for this his church Shal not this be to make God more louing gracious prouident careful ielous ouer that material Temple that shadow theÌ„ he is now ouer this his Church the substance and to prefer the shadow to the substance that Temple to this Church Should not this be to prefer the person Testament of MOSES to the person TestameÌ„t of Christ inasmuch as they make the one to be deliuered and confirmed with a great deale more authoritie maiestie power then the other were yt not to make MOSES more absolute faithfull in his house then Christ in his Church inasmuch as MOSES left a perfect Tabernacle Testament and did see gaue charge that al the ordinances therof should be most precisely kept obserued But Christ belike hath left an vnperfect Church and Testament in as much as he hath not taken full order for the ministerie gouernment orders and ordinances therof yea though he haue in his Testament set downe orders lawes for all these things yet they are not so authentike or irrefragable as those of Moses Princes States may according to their pollicies receaue reiect or innouate these c. Were not this to prefer the ministerie of Leuy those outward ordinances and beggerlie rudiments in dignitie to the sacred ministerie and ordinances of Christ inasmuch as they are made more holie congruent necessarie inuiolable then Christs But the holie Ghost throughout the whole epistle to the Hebrewes handeling this verie subiect conuinceth instructeth and exhorteth the Iewes to leaue al superstitious foreconceaued opinions of their Temple ministerie ordinaÌ„ces wholy with reuerence to embrace behaue themselues in the Church ministerie ordinances of Christ. Herevnto he perswadeth by the incomparable excellencie glorie prâ—…eminence perpeâ—…uitie of Christs person Church ministerie Testament which can neuer be shakeÌ„ or remoued compared vnto the weakenes basenes impotencie vanitie of MOSES person that Temple ministerie TestameÌ„t which were temporarie caduke to be abolished and to giue place vnto these which they but prefigured wherevnto they led and serued this being the beginning the end of their erection Manie most graue exhortations and weightie charges doth the holie Ghost there giue vnto vs concerning the reuerence feare faithfull holie obedient diligent orderlie constant walking behauiour that we ought to shew in the Church of Christ vnto his word TestameÌ„â—… drawing Argumentes both from the vnspeakeable glorie maiestie excellencie beawtie ioy of Christs church aâ—… also from the terror
law into whose handes they were for a season deliuered c. After these visions Daâ—…iel was shewed how this presumptuous horne was consumed destroied with y â— fiery streame that proceeded from the ancient of daies and how this vnlawfull dominion was taken from the other beasts and giuen to him that came fâ—…om heaueÌ„ and hauing finished the ful redemption of his â—…aints being ascended vp againe and set at the right hand of his Father there was giuen vnto him dominion and glorie and a kingdome that all people nations and tongues should serue him whose dominion is a perpetual dominion that passeth not away his kingdome is â—…euer corrupted Ver. 14. Also Ver 27. What caÌ„ be more diâ—…ect for the perpetuity of the gouernmeÌ„t ordinances that Christ hath left apointed in his new Testament for his châ—…rch which whosoeuer presumeth to againâ—… or violate much more to innouate or change shall he not be vnder the same sinne damnatioÌ„ curse with this presumptuous blasphemous horne The Prophet zachariah also in the eleuenth of his prophecie sheweth that all CHRISTS â—…heep are gouerned and kept vnder our cheif shepeheards pastorall staues Beawtie Bands All other are out of his protection deliuered vp in his wrath to be guided by the instruments of foolish idol shepheards whose right arme shalbe without strength and whithered vp their right eie shalbe vtterlie darkened there shall be no light in them Both these shepheards their flockes euen all such as are misled by with them are giuen vp of the Lord to vtter destructioÌ„ because they cast the Lords coards from them would not be bound in his bands their soule abhorred the Lord they would not haue him to reigne ouer them therfore his soule abhorred them he gaue them vp to their owne lusts insnared them in their owne pollicies For all the wisdome of all flesh without the Lord is madnes their most exquisite plattes of gouernment which they can deuise vnto themselues are but the instruments of foolish sheepheards to their owne perdition of as manie as are gouerned by them These things are so manifest in that Chapter the true shepheard gouernment sheepe as also the false shephearde gouernmet sheepe with the diuers endes of both being there described the one in y e person of our Sauiour his disciples the other in the Priests rulers phariseis people of the Iewes with their verie maner of reiecting betraiâ—…ng him so liuelie set downe as none can cauill at theâ—…e things or mistake them â—…o grosly againe as one of these foolish shepheardes D. SOME hath done taking his chapter to be vnderstood of the estate of the Iewes in zecheriâ—…hs time the 1â—… 13. verse of 〈◊〉 person wages Who if he had but compared this chapter in yt self much more to the discourse of the Prophet precedent subsequent but especially to the euident euent perimplishing in by our Sauiour Christ Math. 21. 23. 24 26. Chapters he would neuer haue iustified tithes by the 12 13 verses of of this eleuenth Chapter of zechariah If any doubt of the interpretatioÌ„ of these two staues 〈◊〉 Bands let him consider the allegorie how shepheards vse their staues hookes or rather let him waigh the 7 ver where he shall find that Christ with these staues fed gouerned and defended those sheepe his Father gaue him as also verse 14 the interpretation end of the staffe Bâ—…ndes how there can be no true coÌ„munion where they are not knit together in the faith order gouernment and loue of Christ. But if he compare this prophecie to the euent fulfilling therof by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles that called al men from the shadowes figures of the Temple vnto the kingdome Church of Christ he shall manifestlie see that this sense in all things accordeth and no other can be made to agree to the words and Argument of this Prophet in this Chapter Noteâ—… might plentifullie be drawen manie waightie Arguments framed from these allegories as also froÌ„ the eâ—…ymologie of these words to shew the excellencie amenitie pleasantnes comlines congruence vtilitie necessity perpetuity of CHRISTS pastorall gouernment of his Church and how disorderly and vnnaturall a thing yt were for the sheepe to disobey especially to controule and teach their shepheard But I hope the iudgments denounced in that chapter for such faultes and the plaine demonstration of the danger error folly horror of all other gouernments and instruments whatsoeuer may suffice to satisfie the godly in this point and to restraine them from such presumption and rebellion either to reiect or to innouate or alter CHRISTS holy gouernment order and ordinances As for the vnperswaded and disobedient I leaue them to their accompt when they shall see him whome they haue perced through come with clowdes and in the meane while will addresse my self to prooue by sundry expresse places of the new Testament y â— the ordinances the Apostles left for the building administration gouernment of the Church are the coÌ„mandements of God perpetual inuiolable to be obserued and not to be willingly neglected or changed vnto the worlds end Our Sauiour CHRIST hauing finiâ—…hed whatsoeuer was needful here vpon earth to be â—…one in his person either for the worke of our redemption or for the remouing abolishing all the legal shadowâ—…s ceremonial worship or for the ratifijng his Gospel the gathering plaÌ„ting establishing his Church hauing chosen apointed and perfectly instructed his Apostles of all things belonging thervnto In the 28 chap. according vnto Mathew Vers. 1â—… 19. 20. he vsed this speach vnto them And â—…esus comming spake vnto them saying all authority in heauen in earth is giuen vnto me Go therfore teach ye all the nations baptising them into the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit teaching them to keep all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you And loe I am with you all daies vntill the consummation of the world Amen Omitting the sundry necessary circumstances and manifold profitable doctrines that might from this scripture be obserued and drawen to hold me to the present purpose we heere may see not only the Apostles personal power and authority but the warrant and dignity of all things they taught or did in this brief of their commission and ministery which we heere see to be deriued from founded vpon our Sauiour CHRISTS sacred person and soueraigne power We heere see whome they were to teach whome to baptise how to baptise how and what to â—…each the baptised and how to leaue such as they had thus taught gathered and instructed In summe we here â—…ee the very maner and order of winning receauing gathering ordering instructing building vp and establishing the Church of CHRIST We heere see all the orders and ordinances which the Apostles practised in and left vnto the Churches by our Sauiouâ—… owne moâ—…th pronounced to be
his Commandements and those per◅etuall such as he will haue to continue and be obserued of all his seruantes vnto the worlds end We see them no◅ onlie commāded vnto his Apostles that they should practise and teach them in their time or in time of per◅ecution but he chargeth his Apostles to teach all churches all Christians to keepe and obserue them at all times vntill the consummation and end of the world giuing vnto al his seruantes and churches the same power to practise and obserue all these his comandementes that he gaue vnto his Apostles plighting vpon such their faith and obedience his presence protection vnto them in these wordes And loe I am with you all daies vntill the consummation of the world sealing the truth both of these his commandemetes and ordinances and also of this his couenant and protection vnto all ages with this his authentike seale with this word of all truth Amen So that me thinkes all the blasphemous reproches and cauils of al sortes of enemies vnto the sacred inviolable gouernment and order of our Sauiour CHRIST deliuered and practised by his Apostles in his churches are vtterlie by this one place of scripture if so be there were no more to the same effect taken out of the way both they that denie the continance or necessitie heerof in all ages and places they that would make these Apostolike ordinances but matters of forme not matters of faith or of substance as they speake they being heere confirmed commanded by that Lord of all truth of all power in heauē and in earth Peraduenture that old Saducee that ◅hus sophisticallie hath propounded these questiōs in that 74 leafe of his answere vnto MARTIN will stūble as he ordinarilie doth at the word of God at these wordes al things whatsoeuer I haue cōmanded you collecting that because the Apostles had not as yet receiued the exp◅esse rules commandments for al the things they afterward taught practised that therfore this commandement cannot be vnderstood or applied to such things as they afterward taught and so nothing or litle serueth to the outward forme of gouernment order of the Church Although yt were not hard from this verie place necessarilie to cōfirme the intendement commandement of all the ordinances and rules which the Apostles after taught prescribed vnto the churches euen by that which is heere expressed concerning the ministerie baptisme c. which heere are commanded al churches to be obserued in that manner as the Apostles taught them which ministers sacramēts ministerie could not in and by these churches be had or practised without the obseruation of these rules ordinances as the election probation of such ministers by the flockes where they are to administer c. which were not al that time set downe by the holy Ghost or practised by the Apostles as yet Although I could also shew that our Sauiour Christ had alreadie instructed his Apostles that he had chosen and set a part to that worke of all things belonging to his kingdome Act. 1. 2. and had giuen thē his holie spirit in abundāt measure to this their ministerie which should teach them al things b◅ing al things to their remembrance Ioh. 20. 22. which he had tould thē Yet mine awnswere heere is y t if our sauiour Christ in these wordes Al whatsoeuer ◅ haue commanded you had respect onlie vnto such precepts as he had then at that time giuē thē not vnto al other things which he should afterward reueale vnto thē by his holy spirit also yt were both cōtrarie to their commission charge they deliuered which as is saied vvas that they should win gather together build order instruct establish his Church according to the rules cōmandements of his wil Testament which could not at al be done by thē if al these lawes rules were not alike cōfirmed of cōmāded by him as also if these words Al whatsoeuer ◅ haue comanded c. should so be restrained yt were to make the other holie lawes ordināces which he afterward shewed to his Apostles they by the same spirit both shewed recorded vnto the churches of Christ of lesse valew and authoritie then those former to make some part of holie scripture more true holy authentical thē other yea yt were vtterlie to abrogate disfrāchize these latter scriptures Furthermore I suppose yt were a hard matter for anie man to dis◅sse set downe what things Christ had at that time taught these Apostles what he had as yet cōcealed So that this cauil can no way put off this most direct and expresse place let me therfore proceed to others The Apostle Paul 1. Tim. 5. 21. chargeth Timothy before God the Lord Iesus Christ the elect Angels that he k◅epe these things without preiudice doing nothing according to inclination c. Also Chap. 6. ver 13. he vseth these wordes vnto him ◅ cōmand thee before God that ◅uickneth al things Christ ◅esus that testified before Pontius Pilate that good confession to keepe the commandement without spot vnrebukeable vnt◅l the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ which in due time that blessed onlie mightie that King of Kings and Lord of Lords shal shew c. Likewise 1 Cor. 14. 37. he hath these wordes If anie mā seeme to be a prophet or spiritua◅ let him acknowledg the th◅ngs I write vnto you because they are the cōmādemētes of God but if anie man be ignorāt let him be ignorāt With what greater authoritie or waight of wordes could the Apostle either confirme or incōmend vnto the Church in all ages these cannons ordināces which he in these epistles hath set downe for the building order gouernment of all churches of al the officers people actions of the same to be religiously inviolably kept as the cōmandemēts of that great dreadfull God as the lawes of that our Lord and King vntill his appearing in glorie Who can anie longer doubt that vvil either rest in the manifest testimonies of the holie Ghost giue credite to the resolute affirmations and eare to the vehement charges of the Apostle or that will duly expend either the general scope of these epistles or dulie weigh the manifold rules in particular and the manner of deliuering them that these cannons and ordinances are the absolute lawes and holie commandements of CHRIST for the building and gouernment of his Church so necessarie inviolable perpetuall as without which or with anie other his Church can neither be built nor kept Are not all these p◅rticular rules for the seueral offi◅es persons qualities for their maner of election probation ordination administration c. set downe in way of cōmandement and law with as great authoritie credite reuerēce as anie other part of Christs Testament or Gods word So that the Apostles whole ministerie may with as much right or reason be called into doubt or question as
frō this holy order namely the tyrannie of wicked magistrates who persecute the Church in such sort as they cannot safelie meete assemble to make choice of ministers or to exercise ◅nie ministerie But wee see the churches here vpō the first meanes neglected not either to attaine vnt◅ or exercise this order and that without staijng for the Magistrates p◅sion and were in so doing replenished with the comfort of the holy Ghost Neither yet appeareth h◅ere the certaine time when Sa◅aria was thus built It is not vnlike that yt was established into this order euen Actes 8. that he speaketh of when they receaued the gifts of the holy Ghost at Peter and Iohns being there who yt is to be iudged likewise rather helped to bestow those gifts in order to the edifijng of the whole then left them hauing fit gifts for these offices in disorder which had beene great sinne both in the Apostles in the Church of Sa◅aria The like also is to be thought of the Church at Antiochia Act. 11. they being called to the faith were a long time instructed by the Apostles Barnabas and Paule God so blessed their labours as that Church grew famous and many Prophets resorted thither from Ierusalem May we then by D. SOMES bare affirmation without any proofe affirme that this Church being so long excellently instructed by these famous men hauing so greatly profited in the faith knowledg of Christ aboue many other Churches which had this or◅er that they yet should thus long be kept from yt more thē any other Church being more fit then many yea thē any other Church at that time saue Ierusalem This were not only cōtrary to the practise of Paul Barnabas in al other churches but contrarie to the rules of Christs Testament But if we would stand vpon the point yt were not hard to proue that Antiochia was then established into order we see they there administred vnto the necessities of other Churches and sent Paul and Barnabas vpon this their busines which they hauing fulfilled returned back againe to Antiochia from whence by the whole Church they were at the commandemēt of the holy Ghost sent out with imposition of handes Afterward when they had planted and established manie Churches in Asia into this order they returned thither againe there remained a long time vntil they w◅re againe sent to Ierusalem about the question of Circumcision which being debated they with other famous men returned abode in the Church of Antiochia preaching teaching the Gospell with great ioy comfort and blessing Yet in none of these places we find mentioned that after Act. 11. they were established into this order but we see that there and in all these places they executed the duties and had the full power of a church established Therfore except we wil make the practise of the holy Ghost cōtrary vnto yt sel◅ we are not to doubt but this An◅iochia also was established in this order Doth not D. SOME then vnsufferably both falsifie and peruert these scriptures in affirming that these churches had not that established order amongst them concluding from their example that the Christian order and gouernment of Christs Testament is neither necessarie nor perpetuall But to conclude shut vp the point at once he bringeth the greatest pa rt of the reformed Churches of Christendome which haue not this christian order gouernment which he termeth forme of discipline yet are accompted holy Churches of al but Papists and Anab◅ptists Doth he not heere very learnedly proue the question by the question if his church be of God l◅t him approue yt by Gods word otherwise though he should fetch the Popes broade seale also from whome he borroweth this argument yt would not serue his turne With the estate of other Churches I am not acquainted and therfore will not meddle but how well this holy church of England is reformed you parly may perceaue by that which is aboue said and more euidently may if you measure yt by the rules of CHRISTS Testament according vnto which yt hath no one thing in due order or frame So that why either Papists or Anabaptists should denie yt I cannot see yt being an vncleane hould or prison of euerie vncleane bird of euerie fowle and hatefull Spirit except yt be as that kingdome diuided in yt self because yt consisteth of such iarring and disagreeing spirits Neither can I see how any that knoweth or wil be instructed what a true established Church of CHRIST is can anie longer mistake that adulterous Church of England that sitteth vpon all the confuse peopl◅ as vpon manie waters that is liker vnto Zennacheribs tumultuous campe then vnto the wel ordered and established Church of CHRIST which hath nothing cōmon with CHRISTS Church but the ve◅ie name only For the true Church of CHRIST we find vpon her all the markes of that harlot and of that Beast whose members image yoke she carieth and hath cast off Christ◅ yoke from her necke despising his word persecuting and murdering his seruants Wherfore vntill she bring vs either better Arguments or better fruits we are so far frō honoring her with the title of a Church as we are not abashed to rēder vnto her as she hath rendred vnto vs to double vnto her double according to her workes and in that cup wher◅n she hath mixed to mingle to her y e double So far are we from giuing that authoritie vnto her in this presumptuous sin as to draw an argument from or be induced to thinke by her example that because she casteth off CHRISTS yoke beareth Antichrists therfore the holy order ordinances of CHRIST for the building ministery gouernment of his Church is not perpetuall necessarie or alwaies expedient I grant that the true Church of Christ may sometimes vpon some necessities be without this holy order for a season as in the first gathering of the Saints especially now when we are not to expect anie such miraculous or extraordinarie giuing of Gods Spirit as was in the primitiue times whē we cannot sodenly either be made fit for these high offices or haue such perfect knowledg and probation ech of others giftes and co◅uersation as is required thervnto Also in time of persecution when the Church cannot peaceably meet either to chuse or exercise anie ministerie or that their chief and principall members be held from them in prisons or at such time as the chief Elders are taken away either by death or otherwise fall away In these and such like times the Church may for a season vpon necessitie so inforcing be without this established order but this is neither willinglie to neglect yt nor presumptuously to reiect yt Heerehence yt followeth not that this holie order is not alwaies necessarie because yt is not nor cannot be alwaies executed So they might conclude all Gods lawes not alwayes necessarie perpetuall or expedient because they are not or cannot be alwayes practised by vs.
passed ouer or punished by some lighter trifling chasticement wilfull murther ofteÌ„ pardoned theft if yt be aboue 13 peÌ„ce punished by death yea this sin is punished not only in the persoÌ„ of the theefe who that wise King saied if he should steale seuen times may yet liue satisfie with his body or goodes but in the persoÌ„s of al such as this their vniust law iudgeth anie way accessarie which extendeth so far as manie honest meÌ„ may for this trifle for buynig or receauing part of these stollen goodes be also put to death forfait al the lands goodes they haue wherby their wiues children families are punished also vtterlie vndone And thus by this their pollicie are manie theeues made for one not to speake of al this guiltles blood that is vpon the head of the magistrate Iudg officers Iurie and the whole land by this meanes what should â—… stand to particulate their infinite transgressioÌ„s of Gods lawes eueÌ„ in their ciuil estate which is in much worse case then manie heatheÌ„ nations which neuer knew God or his Christ. Al this ariseth of this immunitie from the order gouernment censure of Christ in his Church froÌ„ the inordinate authoritie the apostaticall church giueth vnto Princes magistrates they assume vnto themselues so that the saying of the prophet concerning the proude Kings of Babel is now rightly verified in them Thow didst say with thy heart I wll ascend into heauen aboue the starâ—… of GOD almightie I wil exalt my throne wil sit in the mountaine of the congregation in the sides of the north I wiâ—…l ascend aboue the heigth of the clowdes I wil make my self equall vnto the most high For see whiles they take power to reiect that holie gouernmeÌ„t order officers lawes that Christ our King hath ordeined and apointed to his Church they stretch their hand also presume further to eâ—…ect a new gouernmeÌ„t new orders lawes officers ministry ministratioÌ„ c. And what is this but both to reprooue Christs lawes and to reiect his yoke from them also to take Christs offices throne Sâ—…epter from him whome the Lord hath set vpoÌ„ the throne of Dauid to order stabliâ—…h yt with iudgment iustice lâ—…id the key of gouernment vpon his shoulder that what he openeth no man should â—…hut and whâ—…t he shutteth no man should open How gâ—…eat theÌ„ is their pride presumptioÌ„ y t are so far â—…roÌ„ obeijng seing Chriâ—…s lawes executed as they vtterly abrogate them tâ—…ke thâ—…m out of the way set vp their owne idol diuisâ—…s in the stead of theÌ„ So far are they froÌ„ taking lawes at him as their King Lord as they giue lawes of him as King Lord. Is not this to denie nay to put an end to his ministerie kingdome to his ministery by taking away y t which he established bringing in a new into the church to his kingdome by abrogating his lawes offices ordinances by bringing in establishing their owne In so much as through y e odious flâ—…tery of these their priests some of them haue suffered themselues to be called the supreme head of 〈◊〉 Church in earth as though Christs Church had one head in earth an other in heaueÌ„ or that Christ were not the head of his Church here in earth also But the wretched Priests would excuse this iâ—…audible blasphemie with this interpretatioÌ„ which yet they expresse not 1. vnder Christ as though Christs Church might haue two heades an vpper an vnder head one aboue an other were not this to make her a monster like their Church which hath mâ—…nie heads vpoÌ„ them writteÌ„ names of blasphemy as supreme head of the Church primate Bishop metropolitane Bishop Lord Archbishops grace Lord Bish. Archdeacon c. Al which heads but especially that their supreme head of the church may they say make lawes for the church And al this execrable blasphemy they hide vnder the title office of the ciuil magistrate who in deed is Gods blessed ordinance Neither wil these lymmes of y e Deuill be satisfied with any humble acknowledgmeÌ„t of y e ciuil poweâ—… or with anie christiaÌ„ submissioÌ„ vnto thâ—…â—…ame but wil extort by othe an allowance subscriptioÌ„ vnto this their vngodly power blasphemous titles antichristian decrees proceedings c. It wil not suffice to confesse that God hath made the ciuil magistrate the keeper of the booke of the law to see both y e tables therof obserued by al persons both in the Church coÌ„mon welth so hath power ouer both church coÌ„mon welth but they must haue this indefinite pâ—…oposition granted them That a Priâ—…ce hath power to make lawes for the Church By which word making is implied or rather as y e general estate both of church coÌ„moÌ„ welth shew expressed plainly that they meane that y e Prince may deuise make new lawes for the Church such as are notheard of in that booke of God By lawes they meane any traditions ordinances customes c. which are not prescribed in CHRISTS TestameÌ„t otherwise why should they vse these words or vâ—…ge that power of making lawes A godly Prince is bound â—…o Gods lawe made the keeper therof not the controler the seruant not the Lord. God hath in that booke made most perfect necessary lawes both for Church coÌ„mon welth he requireth of the King magistrate to see these lawes executed and not to make new He that makâ—…th any new lawes taketh vnâ—…o him the office of God who is the onlie law maker al men of what estate soeuer arâ—… but Gods creatures sâ—…uaÌ„tes subiectes to his law Moses â—…oshua Samuel Dauâ—…d 〈◊〉 made no new lawes but reuâ—…ued executed the olde lawes which God had made These examplâ—…s that miserable man high traâ—…tor to God his Prince ROBERT SOME citeth to prooue y â— Pâ—…nces may make laweâ—… for the church coÌ„â—…on welth tâ—…erby indâ—…uoring to 〈◊〉 hold her Ma â— and the honorable Magistrates of this land in this presumptuous breach of al Gods lâ—…wes in this church coÌ„mon welth by causing theÌ„ to ratiâ—…ie publish y e vngodlie decrees which that blasphemous high CommissioÌ„ hath made or shal heerafter make vnder this pretext that Christian Princes haue power to make lawes for the Church Whiâ—…h CommissioÌ„ al their proceedings because they caÌ„ no way be iustified by the law of God TestimeÌ„t of Christ but are directly coÌ„trarie vnto the same as shal straight way be prooued therfore y â— old lymme of Antichrist that crowned horne of the Beast that T. C. breatheth out of the mouth of the dragoÌ„ most hâ—…llish blasphemie against Christs 〈◊〉 theÌ„ that dwel in the heauen accusing Christs blessed order maÌ„ner of gouernmeÌ„t of sedition tumults disobedience vnto the ciuil estate as giuing the raines to the pâ—…oples vnbrideled inordinate appetites which can not be restâ—…eined subuerting
distribute not to gouerne The third point in this cauilling questiō is to know where these officers aboue said practised that gouernmēt in an equalitie without superioritie in one aboue an other It hath beene euen now shewed how this gouernment belongeth is committed to the whole bodie how their office consisteth to teach the Church how to practise yt to see yt obserued by al in due order and not ambitiously to assume yt wholy into their owne hands For the rest though there be a communion in the Church yet there is no equalitie The Church knoweth how to giue honour reuerence vnto their Elders especially to them y t labor in the word doctrine The Church of CHRIST is taught to obey submit vnto their leaders to acknowledg them that labour amongst them that are set ouer them in the Lord to admonish them and to hold those in superabundant loue for their worke sake The Elders also amongst themselues know how to giue honour one vnto another by going before yet al this without preiudice to themselues that giue or detrimēt to him that receaueth yt without the losse of the least iote of their owne libertie or puffing him vp or setting him in anie vnlawfull authoritie They giue yt to his labor diligence vertue and desert which ceassing they straight withdraw their praise in the stead therof vse exhortation admonitiō yea if need be censure All the parts of mans bodie are not alike esteemed and vsed we haue much more care and tendernes ouer the eies then of the hands or feet yet may not the eye heerby refuse to doe seruice and attend to the hand or foote in all their busines and affaires neither may yt disturbe the least member of the bodie in their peculiar office functiō or intrude into their place The eye guideth directeth the hand shewing how yt ought to doe the worke the hand againe washeth wipeth and doth all louing helpe yt may vnto the eye Both eie hand euerie other part of the body are distinct members yet so knit and ioined together in the bodie as they do their due seruice vnto the eie ech vnto other in the whole not confounding the order of nature nor disturbing ech other in the worke The Church hath like care to see that inuiolable order and temper of the members in CHRISTS bodie dulie preserued the honor they gi◅e to one member is not the dishonor of another or hinderance of the whole bodie The Church neither doth neither may giue immoderate honour either in fastuous swelling titles of vanitie or any inordinate authoritie to anie member that would rather puffe vp the flesh then cheare vp the spirit All the gifts God hath giuen any member are to the seruice of the whole bodie he that will be greatest must be as the least he must wash the feet not haue his feete kissed of the least all superioritie is heere comprised within the bounds of Christian order modestie Humilitie goeth before and is the compagnion of honor honor is not heere conferred to lift vp the hear◅s of the greatest aboue the least but rather for their coūsaile care loue seruice vnto al yt is willingly giuen vnto such by all Ambition vainglorie are heere carfully auoided both by the g◅ers receauers who so seeketh the primacie with Diotrephes is heere ◅uggillate layd open resisted rebuked of al as that Antichrist that Lucifer y e greatest Elder of the Church the Pastor is but a seruant steward of the house not Lord of the heritage but a member not Lord of the bodie to be honored for his excellent place in the bodie giftes of God to be reuerenced for his fa◅thfulnes labour and diligence Yet this must euer be remembred his honour consisteth in his seruice his seruice belongeth vnto al so that the least member of the bodie hath like interest in him as he in the least member the l◅st member hath like libertie and f◅eedome with him in Christ though not like gifts or function of Christ. AND NOW this strange troublesome Proposition is thus proued That Christs Church can be established into no other order or gouerned by any other officers or ordinances then Christ in his Testam◅t hath prescribed that these great impediments difficulties are also remooued out of the way me thinckes yt time heere a fit occasion offred to goe in hand with the examination of the present established gouernmēt of the Church of England And heere to begin with the Antichristian authoritie of the chiefe rulers namelie the Bishops which they would beare away hide v◅der this word Superioritie of their lineage petigree original you haue aboue heard as also of their strange manner of offices and consecration and somwhat also of their power generally and from vvhence they deriued yt but let vs now a litle further consider therof First they take vpon them ech one of them to sit vpon as they call yt or to gouerne many hundred churches others of thē many thowsands one of them as Pope or Primate ouer al they make depose ministers by their absolute authoritie they make and disanul lawes th◅y ratifie or rei◅ct vvhat scriptures they list they confirme or refuse what doctrines they list they make what kind of vvorship ministration they list they chāge innovate coine alter bring in cast out what and whome they list without checke or controulement The truth of al these need no other proofe then their present estate the warrant of anie of these I am sure cannot be shewed in Christs Testament therfore I doubt not at one word to call them all diuelish Antichristiā To confute thē seuerallie were a labour both needles troblesome they being of themselues so apparantlie odious yet this brieflie in a word One man cannot stand a Bishop vnto diuers churches at one time no more then one eye can be a 1 member 2 doe the function at one time to diuers bodies 3 in diuers places no more then one candle can be put in two or mo diuers candlesticks 2 in diuers howses 3 and shew light vnto them al at one time Thus are Bishops in their office place ministerie called members yea the eye of the bodie lights and the candle of the howse the Church yt self also c◅lled the bodie the candlesticke in the scriptures No one shepheard can attend watch feed ouersee two or more flockes at one time in diuers places no watc◅ mā can keep watch in diuers Cities at one time Bishops are called shepheardes watchmen the Church a flock a citie in the scriptures Be◅ides CHRIST hath established an other quite contrarie order not one watchman or shepheard ouer manie churches but manie watchmen ouer one Church yet hath giuē power cōmanded euerie mēber to watch al litle enough Mo◅eouer yt is CHRISTS only office now to walke in the midst of the 7 goldē Cādlesticks he
precontractes adulteries testaments and sundry other that I know not of All which whatsoeuer an auncient Bishop of this land hath vndertaken to defend by Christs new Testament wherfore vntil we see his profes I dare not giue sentence against them or pronounce them antichristian His proofe is drawen from 1 Tim. 5. 19. Against a priest or elder receaue no accusation vnder 2 or 3 witnesses Heere saith he is an accuser here is a person accused heere are witnesses examined heere is a iudgment deciding of the matter therfore heere is an exercise of a iurisdiction and a maner of a court To make yt yet more sure he takes away an obiecton that lay in his way namely that yt was not Timothy his court only but iointly exercised with the residue of the Elders that had the gouernment This he saith cannot be because the wordes are directâ—…d to Timothy only It is pitty MARTIN his presse was gone before this reason had an answere so should he not haue lost his due shame for the same But was there euer lâ—…le portion of scripture so violently wrested distorted peruerted and that by an old Bishop I am deceaued if he fetched not this reason from the schoole of Sorbon for either my memory faileth me or I haue read their citatioÌ„s also by sumners pursyuants c. prooued by Gen. 3. 9. Adam where art thow Well to the point I cannot rest either in his traÌ„slatioÌ„ or interpretatioÌ„ of this verse they are both corrupt popishly falsâ—… The text is Against an Elder receaue not accusatioÌ„ except in 2 or 3 witnesses â—… cannot heere allow the word Priest nor spare the words exceptin his interpretation is most grosse false contrarie to the whole scope and phrase both of that chapter the whole epistle preiudicial to the perpâ—…tuity true practise of the commandement For if this lawe were directed to Timothy only and that the other Elders the Church were shut out in the examination and censuring of such faultes then how could the Church or any member therof now haue any vse of this commandement I neuer heard of any speciall bequest Timothy made to these Lord Bishops aboue all other neither can I see from hence why they should vsurpe this iurisdiction ouer their superiors namely ouer the parish Priests parsons that stad for Pastors these Bishops if they haue any office being put Elders So theÌ„ by this rule the Parson should keep court ouer the Bishops not the Bishop ouer so many Parsons But to say the truth this reason would much better fit the Pope in whome this supreme iurisdiction ouer al Churches and Elders should in one persoÌ„ be bestowed as by his saiâ—…ng yt was in Timothy rather then vnto so many Bishops who all cannot haue that sole peculiar authoritie which belonged vnto Timothy alone from which so many worthy Bishops were then shut out But why should this commandement belong more to Timothy alone thâ—…n all the other commandemeÌ„ts in this chapter that I say not in this epistle which was wholy written directed to Timothy there was bare shift wheÌ„ this was made the only reason and now further why should this commandement more theÌ„ al the rest of this chapter of the maner of rebuking elder men and elder women honoring widowes c. be tied more to Timothies person office yea or to the persons office of elders may none reprooue an Elder but a Lord Bishop or as the reformists would haue yt but a synode or councell of Priests It is plentifully aboue proued that the whole Chuâ—…ch hath power to obserue reproue censure their greatest Teachers Elders or why should this rule of hearing and receauing yl reportes so solely belong to Timothy or to other Elders more then the contrarie commandement going next before of the honour care loue due to Elders I hope they can be content to be honored prouided for and loued of the whole flocke especially for their desert and vertue surely so must they be contented to be reproued and censured of all when by euill life they deserue yt This commandement in deed willeth all Christians to be carefull what reportes and tales they heare or 〈◊〉 of their Elders and that they be sure they haue good lawful proofe in two or three witnesses c other christians had eares mouthes and hearts which had need to be gouerned as well as Timothie I graunt well that publikely in the Church the â—…rial and censuring of Elders ought châ—…efly to be done by the Elders of that Church but this neither preiudicing the libertie of anie euen the least freely to obiect or speake what he knoweth to be blamed either in the Elder accusâ—…d or in the publike action by the other Elders that trie examine much lesse to the secluding shutting out thâ—… whole Church with these wicked Priests eueÌ„ both these factions Ponâ—…ifical and Reformâ—…ts who both of them would assume the whole gouernment of the Church into their owne hands at the least vtterly debar the congregatioÌ„ where these things are amisse to intermeddle The Church must receaue what they amongst themselues haue decreed whither in their brawling courtes whither in their Seâ—…ct classes The publike censuring of anie member whither Elder or other is an action of the whole Church whervnto if yt vse the most fit members or officers should such officers and members herevpon arrogate the whole action interest power to themselues secluding the whole bodie the Church whose officers members they are As when â—…he body vseth the eye y e mouth the feete to see spâ—…ake goe is not the whole bodie of consent with these actions and said to see to speake to goe although to these particular actioÌ„s yt vsâ—…th these particular members what a dismembring of the bodie and rending of the Church would these ambitious Priests make who the one would withdraw all publike actions of the Church into their popish Courtes the other into their conuenticles synodes of Priests As for reproofe by admonition anie member of the Church hath free power also to reproue the greatest Elder of the Church according to the quallitie of his offence if his offence be priuate priuatly if publike publikely Yea he is bound by the law of God so to doe and not to suffer sinne in him yet this within the bounds of modestie order as if there be others present more fit to doe yt to giue them time and place but if they neglect yt or doe yt amisse then to vse his power yea to doe his dutie Now theÌ„ seeing the whole Church hath this power to censure faultes in their hands and that yt properly belongeth vnto them as we shall haue many occasions hereafter to shew and that these Elders are but ministers seruants of the Church substituted to this other functions Seing also euery one eueÌ„ the least member in the Church hath interest power freedome in ouer this or any
purse Neither in deed know I many sins that they vse to enquire after except yt be adultery and fornication there are no more sins worthy of ecclesiasticall censure But these they punish very sore for if he will not pay for the shooijng Mr. Commis◅aries mare he may peraduenture do his pennance before al the Sodomites in the parrish in a white sheete whiles Mr. Parson is reading his seruice book to them or els his sermon But if he speake a word in Mr. Cōmissarie his eare and wil stand vpon his purgatiō then must he get as bad brothels as himself to sweare by Mr. Cōmissaries booke that they think in their corrupt conscience that he is cleare This done and cost of the court discharged then haue he beene neuer such a whoremaister all his life time or beene neuer so manifestly or often detected or taken in this crime yet is there no credit to be giuen to anie proofe in respect of the othes of these his so domiticall companions that cleare him by othes this is called his purgation I am ashamed abhor but to thinke in my heart of that proofe of adulterie they require or els all complaint or suite is vnauaileable Thus doe these holie fathers the Bishops make adulterie either a laughing or els a pecuniarie matter purging and expiating yt by periurie or ◅korne They haue also a censure of suspensiō this is diuersly vsed somtimes towardes their Priests and Preachers by the Bishops somtimes by these Priests towardes their parishioners It is vsed towardes the Priests when they breake their orders inioyned them and wherunto they are sworne or are contumacious to their Ordinarie or his substitut◅s or Commissarie c when they refuse to weare such garmentes as are enioyned thē or to read thei◅ seruice orderlie or to administer the sacramentes after anie other manner or refuse to burie the dead to Church women with the booke or if they preach anie doctrine against anie thing by publike authoritie enioined then for such faultes is his Ordinarie to suspend him from preaching or ministring for a season vntill he be-brought into order or become confo◅mable or els to depriue him and disanul his orders and ministery The Priests they execute this suspension against open offendors such as are not in loue and charitie with their neighbours and by vertue hereof keepe them from the sacrament of the supper vnlesse they get Mr. Chancelor or Mr. Commissaries commandment vnto the Priest to receaue thē Yet in the meane while they are admitted to their publike prayers c. To the first kind of Sus◅ension al the Priests generallie except yt he some od man in the la◅d submit yet such a one ioineth vnto these other Priests as brethren though he hold the Bishops and their power antichristian they submit both their ministerie the Gospel vnto the Bishops power censure To the second kind in the hand of the Priests they al wholy cōsent in somuch as some of the cheife maisters of this faction in their bookes of church discipline haue set yt downe for a cannon and rule to suspend some such from the sac◅amēts who haue committed some publike sin and persisteth obstinatlie in the same a◅ter publike reproofe whome notwithstanding they still hold as a member and a brother with them and ioine vnto in their common praiers exercise of the word and other mutual duties as contribution for the poore First this suspension of theirs must needes be held the instrumēt ◅oole of that foolish shepheard because yt is not found nor heard of in all the practise or writings of the Apostles neither in al the Testament of Christ where y◅t a perfect gouernment and direction for the Church is s◅t downe Thē if yt be a cēsure of the Church yt is a publike censure because we see they are openlie kept backe from participation of the publike communiō If yt be a publike censure yt must be for sin publikelie knowen but Christ his Apostles haue set downe vnto the Church one only other course to be takē for publike sinn◅s namelie when he refuseth to heare the voice of the Church or rather of Christ in his Church to proceed forthwith to excōmunicatiō Therfore in this case of open obstinacie in publike sin if suspensiō be vsed yt not onlie taketh the place of excommunication but keepeth away y t onlie true course which Christ hath instituted therfore is a meere ◅orgerie and an idolatrous diuise and hath no place in the church of Christ. Yf a◅ie heere obiect that excommunication being the extreamest most seuere cēsure of the Church and an vtter cutting off therfore yt ought to be proceeded vnto with great pitie patience and long suffring trijng al meanes before we cut off a mēber In regard wherof they in their wisdome and pitie thinke yt expedient first to trie vse this censure of suspension before they proceed to cast him quite out proouing if this may draw him to repentance My answere is that we cannot be more wise patient louing tēde◅lie kind then our God is or then God wil haue vs to be If we seeke to exceed or goe beyond these rules and boundes that he hath set vs downe we are vainlie pu◅fed vp in our fleshlie mind our wisdome is turned to follie our pitie into crueltie our loue into hatred our patience into transgression wherby we destroie both our selues such as we seeke to saue God looketh for obedience rather then sacrifice at ou◅ handes he needeth no direction or instruction from vs ou◅ wisdome is to rest in the wisdome of God to be wise patient louing as he wil haue vs wise patient and louing Yf or when he commandeth to smite yt is not in mās powe◅ to sp◅re or stay so should we pull the wrath of God vpō our owne heads also we breake no loue whiles we execute Gods lawes vprightly as yt is sin to preuent so is yt to foreslowe the Lordes iudgmentes Excommunication is not mans but Gods iudgmentes though God haue committed yt vnto the church as to his ministers God hath set downe the whole processe and due time maner of sentence therof he hath left nothing therin to the discretion of the Church wherby to make al men the more to stand in awe t◅ēble at so dreadfull a sentēce of so terrible a Iudge When the sinne is come to that ripenes prescribed then is excommunicatiō due to be pronounced but when publike sin is orderly publikly reproued yet still the partie offending remaineth impenitent and will not confesse forsake his sin but despising the exhortation and censure of the Church he harden his heart in his sin then is sin at th◅t prescribed ripenes apparantly Therfore then the Church cannot neither hath in their power to protract or defer the sentence of excommunication anie longer vpon anie hope or further trial because they haue already had that triall which God
alloweth They therfore should now sin greeuously against the iustice maiestie of God they should draw themselues into Gods wrath hardē y e heart destroie the soule of the other yea ◅uē opē a gap wide doore vnto the whole church to sin who seing such foreslacking of iudgment would take boldnes vpō hope to find repentance time inough They that giue anie further time vpon pitie or anie other fleshlie reason cōdemne the Lord of cruelty rashnes who giueth no further time after publike reproofe exhortation despised So that to y t ◅eaden ◅ule of proceeding to excommnnication with a leaden heele whē the sin is thus ripe I oppose this golden rule to remooue sinne out of the church with the wings of a Storke the wind vnder their wings yet first that the Epha be lifted vp betwixt the earth the heauē that the sin be publikly seene publiklie censured Now for this same new found cēsure of suspension which they these Reformists would bring in exercise in stead of excommunicatiō or as they pr◅tend as a preparatiue to excommunicatiō wherby they may first be shut out from the holiest of all out of the chancel where the Priest by sole authoritie raigneth so by degrees proceed to excommunication to shut him out of the church also if he repent not what doth this their wisdome pi◅ie but comdemne the Lord of follie crueltie or rather shew forth their owne presumption follie y t thus forsake condemne the waies of the Lord as vnequall by bringing in following their owne waies as more equall How can these forgers th◅se coyners of religion seeme sue to cast out the heape of humane traditions as contrarie such as cannot be ioined vnto or with the Testament of Christ yet bring in these forgeries of their owne for so I may iustlie cal them from whencesoeuer they haue deriued them if not from the booke of God But least I be noted of preiudice to find fault with the thing I know not to condemne before I haue conuinced let vs in a word or two see how thi◅ timber of these accordeth to the rest of the building and vpon vvhat socket or foundation yt standeth This suspension we find to be a publike seperation putting away of some opē offendor vnworthie receauer frō the Table of y ◠Lord by the Pastor before excōmunication he yet being held a member of their Church cōmunicating with thē in praiers cōtributiō c. Heere I must not be vnderstood of the yonger sort which are not as yet admitted to the Table of the Lord the seed of the faithful of thē called Cate◅umenoi but of such as haue beene partakers therof and are vnder the censures of the Church Let vs now see how lawful yt is for the whole Church but especiallie for anie one mēber as of his owne sole authoritie to shut out such members from the Table of the Lord before or otherwise then by excommunication That this may be done let vs see wh◅t the Table of the Lord is The Apostle thus defineth yt The cup of blessing which we blefs◅ is yt not the communiō of the blood of CHRIST the bread which we breake is yt not the communion of the bodie of CHRIST because we manie are one bread one bodie for al participate of one bread Heere we see this Table or Sup◅ of the Lord a liuelie and most comfortable s◅mbole of our communion with CHRIST as also ech with other in Christ excellently shewing vnto vs the meanes mauer of our redemption to stir vs vp vnto thankfulnes to reioice in our God praise his name therfore to the generall strengthning of all our faithes and to the mutuall binding vs together in all holie duties and loue c. Here we see the Table of the Lord to be publike free open alike cōmon to all Saints ech one hauing a like interest necessity vse comfort therof the least as wel asmuch as the greatest CHRIST hauing alike died paied one and the same ransome for them all that they all might haue a like interest in him feed and feast through one and the same Spirit faith hope ioy in him Which interest power ioy c. no mo◅tall man not the whole Church much lesse any member therof no nor hell gates shalbe able to plucke from the least member of CHRIST whiles he remaineth and abideth in the body A most vnnaturall part were yt in the mother to plucke away the brest from the child wherby yt should be nourished but though y e mother might do this murther her owne child without blame yet the whole Church cannot driue away or keep out the least of these mēbers frō any publike action of the Church much les◅e seperate them frō this heauēly comfort free publike cōmunion whiles they remaine members of CHRIST are not cut off from his body Further seing this Table is called The communion of the body blood of Christ as also the communion of the whole church who can keepe back any such member as still remaineth in the body of CHRIST in his Church without depriuing him of this cōmuniō of CHRIST of the Church and so of life for except they ◅ate the flesh of the Sonne of man and drinke his blood they can haue no life in them But these men keepe them from the body blood of CHRIST from the communion of CHRIST and of the Church therfore also frō life yt self and so in seeming to correct him lightly they kill him out right for more then this can they not do by this orderly excōmunication which they hold so rigoious Such as shall cauil at these words Except ye shall eate the flesh of the Sonne of man c. saijng that I popishly abuse the place let them cauil though I acknowledg that many thowsands that neuer attained y e symbole of the supper yet do feed of that body blood of CHRIST by faith vnto eternall life yet this I say that such as by censure are put backe from the Table of the Lord are cut from the communion of CHRIST of his Church and so from life For if he haue not communion with Christ and his Church he can haue no life he cannot be both thus s◅perate from their communion and haue yt together They that pluck away the seale cancell the deed but they pluck away the seale of the couenant in that for his sin they debarre him from this comfortable communion which is yet more then the seale in that yt bringeth such present effect and comfort Therfore they as far as man can doe cut him from Christ his couenant by this their idol suspension Now then hauing thus shut him out of their cōmunion how should they hold him in ythauing thus cut him off from Christ and the bandes that should bind him to Christ to the Saints how can they hold him a
before the partie offending be duly convinced admonished exhorted But when the sin thus appeareth becommeth publike the sinner is thus convinced admonished exhorted still continueth obstinate impenitent theÌ„ is the Church without delay or paâ—…tialitie to proceed by the power of our Lord â—…esus Christ with one consent to cast oâ—…t such a one deliuer him vnto Sathan for the humbling of the flesh y t the spirit might be saued in the day of the Lord yea to auoid fâ—…om themselues both the contagion and iudgmentes following his sin Now then seeing this censure of excommunication is an especiall part of the iudgment power Scepter of Christ seing Christ hath committed yt vnto his Church euen vnto euerie Christian congregation whether yt be established in order or yt be indeuoring into oâ—…der as a most necessarie meanes to preserue keepe them in the vâ—…itie of the faith godlines without which power the due executioÌ„ therof yt is impossible to kâ—…epe aâ—…e communion how great is their sin against Christ his Church that thus presumptuously wrast the sword out of Christs hand take yt into their owne furious handes that thus vtterly depriue the Church of all vse of yt saue that they smite wound the poore lambes and seruantes of CHRIST with yt or rather with that great sword giuen vnto their father the deuil to shed innocent blood But especially what iniurie doe they vnto their Princes and magistrates that thus depriue exempt theÌ„ froÌ„ the heauenlie gouernmeÌ„t of Christ if so be this their ecclesiasticall discipline Church gouernment be the true gouernment of Christ as they vaunt and giue out doe they not heerby manifest y t either Princes and magistrats are not the seruantes subiectes of Christ or els y t theÌ„selues haue y e great charteâ—… of Antichrist as well as their sire the Pope to dispense with the breach of Gods lawes to assoile Princes magistrates from the obedience and reuerence of Christ Or els peraduenture with their deepe learning they are able to prooue THAT CHRISTIAN PRINCES AND MAGISTATES EITHER CANNOT SIN in such maÌ„ner to deserue excommunication or els are not liable to the same iudgmentes of God as other Christians are for the like transgressions or els that Christ hath not made one and the same coâ—…enant with al meÌ„ but hath apointed one way for Princes magistrates to be saued an other way for inferior ChristiaÌ„s of lower callings But if the couenant law of God be one the same vnto al men if al men ought to be alike liable to the law of God subiect to the sacred person Scepter of Christ if rebellion be as the sin of witchcraft transgression as idolatrie yf Christ be an vpright and vnpartiall Iudge if Topheth be prepared of olde if yt be prepared eueÌ„ for the King deep and large c. Then most dangerous and damnable is the perfidie and fâ—…atterie of these prophets that not only pronounce peace vnto wicked magistrates in their sin but exempt Christian magistrates from subiection and obedience vnto the Scepter and gouernment of Christ in his Church wherby they draw theÌ„ into battel against Christ. For if they be not vnder his Scepter of grace then are they vnder his yroâ—…â—…od wherwith he wil bruise them to sheardes Yf they be his subiects then doth he reigne ouer them that by his owne lawes but if they wil not haue him to reigne ouer them then commeth he against theÌ„ and iudgeth them as his enemies This is the good seruice these men doe vnto their magistrates to bring them into the wrath of the Lion of the tribe of Iuda this is the care these good shephardes haue of the soules of their Prince magistrats to suffer them to runne on in their sin without coercion or reproofe yea to depriue them of the onlie meanes cure that God in his mercie wisdome hath prouided for al his seruants in that estate But these pollitike diuines make Princes beleeue that yt is no small iniurie derogation to their persons office to be subiect to the reproofe censute of Christ in his Church Excommunication of magistrates say they was an instrumeÌ„t to bring yâ—… neckes of Emperors Princes vnder the Popes girdle the onlie meane wherby he became so dreadful to al men got to himself so great authority therfore our english Pope L. Bishops though they stil retaine in their haÌ„des this popish thunderbolt of excommunicatioÌ„ yet so warily doe they vse yt as they wil not affray Princes or great personages therewith Alas caÌ„not these learned Bishops in al this light free passage of the Gospel they bost of as yet discerne or put difference betwixt Christs most lawfull sacred spiritual power and the Popes vsurped diuelish carnall powers should not magistrates be subiect to the first because they ought not to endure or suffer the second Hath not God spoken from heauen This is my beloued Sonne heare him and againe Therfore God hath highly exalted him and giuen him a name aboue euery name that in the name of IESVS euery knee should bow c and euery toâ—…gue confesse that IESVS is the Lord and speaking vnto the Sonne he saith Thy throne Ô God to the world of worldes the Scepter of thy kingdome is a rod of righteousnes and in an other place I haue annointed my King vpon Zion mine holy mountaine c. Giue heâ—…d therfore ye Kings be ye disciplined ye Iudges of the earth serue the Lord in feare reioice in trembling kisse the Sonne least that he be angire ye perish in the way It were long to recite the expresse scriptures which euery where shew that all Kings and Magistrates ought to be subiect to the Scepter and censure of CHRIST in his Church to bring their glorie honour thither and cast downe their crownes before him of whome they receaue hold their crownes euen by homage tenure froÌ„ whome they deriue al theiâ—… power therfore w t all their power ought to serue him vnto whome they shal accompt All the godly Kings of whome we read in the scriptures haue beene bownd and subiect vnto the lawes of God and censures of the Church in their calling as any other How earnestly did DAVID beseech the Lord that he would seek out his seruant when he erreth as a sheepe that the righteous might smite him for that shalbe a benefite that they might reproue him for that shalbe as a cheefe oyntment As Kings enter into the Church and are made members of CHRIST by profession true practise of the faith so when they fall and depart from the same faith and will not be reduced by admonition and reproofe they are no longer to be held of the faith of the Church but are as any other to receaue the iudgment and censure of CHRIST to be cut off and cast out as withered branches and this as the only