them were burnt at Smithfield by the Statute de Heretico comburendo Fuller Yea to countenance their way they pretended to dispossess several persons of Devils untill a trick was put upon them by one Rachel Pindor aged 12. years who deceived the Ministers of London from whom more prudence and less credulity might have been expected what prayer what fasting what preaching In a word these men grew so extravagant that Mr. Fox and others were deserted by them as lukewarme and remiss in the cause And among these rigid men Coleman Furton Hallingham and Benson exceeded all of their own opinion L. B. E. Yea one of them Deering by name was so bold as to tell Her Majesty that in persecution under her Sister Mary her Motto was Tanquam ovis as a sheep but now it might be Tanquam indomita juvenea as an untanred Heifer Court Surely the Queen still retained much of her ancient Motto as a sheep in that she patiently endured so publick and causless reproof in inflicting no punishment upon him save as they say she commanded him to forbear preaching at Court s. s. s. L. B. L. Upon these mens perverseness others were encouraged particularly the Family of Love who appeared Ao. 1580. set up by one H. Nicholas Ao. 1550. maintaining strange communion with God and venting phantastical and Allegorical interpretations of Scripture and allowing themselves to continue in sin that Grace may abound which the Privy Counsel endeavoured to suppress by an Abjuration L. B. C. To what purpose are they abjured who teach in higher Germany that God hath freed them from all Oaths Vowes Promises Covenants Debts and all carnal Obligations A. B. L. What should be the reason of this looseness in this Kingdome P. H. The turbulent Party had under hand contrived that Edmund Grindal a person a little inclined to their way should be promoted to the See of Canterbury who encouraged private Conventicles under the name of Prophecyings where all might speak one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted which if permited to take place would occasion such Schisme and faction should prove the ruine of Church and Commonwealth Court It is a strange thing to see how the vigilance and activity of these men infinuated their Cause to the favour of the chief men in Church and State how with good words and fair speeches they deceived the hearts of the simple L. B. B. And now they had gotten an Arch-Bishop that would wink at them the Nonconformists were not idle but appointed a meeting at Cockefield Mr. Knewstubs care in Suffolk where threescore of Norfolk Suffolk and Cambridge met together to confer of the Common-Prayer-Book what might be tolerated and what was necessary to be refused in every point of it Apparel Matter Forme Daies Fastings Injunctions L. K. Yes and they say they had another in Cambridge finding so much favour as amounted to a connivance at their Discipline A. Y. What was the reason of this Liberty Fuller 1. The State was so intent upon the Jesuits that the Nonconformists escaped 2. My Lord of Leicester in the Counsel and my Lord of Canterbury in the Church were looked upon as Patron generals to Non-subscribers For indeed my Lord of Leicester whether perswaded by the Lord North or his own Policy I know not though publickly complying with other Lords of the Counsel yet privately engaged all his power and Interest for the Nonconformists L. C. T. Wherein did my Lord of Leicester make use of his Power for the Nonconformists Fuller 1. He preferred the Kentish Ministers Petition for liberty of Conscience in reference to the Liturgy the Articles and the Queens Supremacy to which they were called upon by my Lord of Canterbury to subscribe and for further Reformation to the Lords of the Counsel he made Mr. Beale an able and eager Clerk of the Counsel their friend yea he procured a Letter from the Lords of the Counsel viz. Burleigh Sbrewsbery Warwicke Nottingham Hatton c. to the Arch-Bishop to suspend his severity against Nonconformists and to restore those that were outed to their Livings for Nonconformity yea he prevailed so far with Burleigh himself as to write to the Arch-Bishop that as he would not have him so remiss as to leave Ministers to their own liberty so neither would he have him so rigid as to press Conformity to the height Omnia licent saith he omnia non expediunt he set Walsingham upon writing to the Arch-Bishop for several Nonconformists intimating to him that Moderation must settle the Church Court What effect did these great Intercessions produce P. H. They produced this effect that notwithstanding my Lord of Canterburies resolution to stand to the Rules of the Church the Nonconformists at several meetings above said decreed a new Platform which they said consisted of things that might well stand with the peace of the Church Where they resolve first That Schollars should not offer themselves but stay untill they be called to the Ministry in certain charge by the Classis upon the recommendation of the Brethren 2. None ought to conforme any further then the Classis alloweth him and not at all to the Liturgy and Cannons now established 3. Church-Wardens and Overseers should be turned to Elders and Deacons c. 4. That there should be Classical Provincial and National Assemblies yea and Comitial ones too Lem. What were they Fuller That is meetings at the Commencements and Acts in Cambridge and Oxford conveniently shadowed by a confluence of Ministers and people coming to those solemnities Court To see how great a flame a little sparke kindleth to see a party who from an hand bredth is improved to a Cloud that overshadoweth the Heavens the higher power of this Nation But did they stop at this Cambd. No for one Brown of whom it was presaged at Cambridge by Dr. Still and others that he would disturbe the Church returning from Zealand to Warwick with one Harrison a Pedant inveighed against all authority and set up the Independent or Congregational way propagated by several Books untill Coppen and Thacker were hanged for it the one on the 4. of June the other on the 6. of June 1583. at St. Ed. Burg. Court An wholesome severity that some should suffer and all should fear But what became of Brown himself T. F. By the Cecils favour who were his Kinsmen and his own compliance he lived at a Church a good living in Northamptonshire until the Year 1630. when he dyed for an assault and battery in Prison at Northampton Court Where was Authority all this while T. F. It disputed at Lambeth in two Conferences 1584. to no purpose and then pressed the Subscription of these three Articles 1. That the Queen had supream Authority over all persons and Causes 2. That there was nothing in the Common Prayer contrary to Gods Word 3. That the Book of Articles was agreeable to that Word Court Were they convinced by argument or did they submit to
very hour throughout the several Raigns of Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth King James King Charles First King Charles Second Orth. A match let us go together and call a Court and with that Gentlemans assistance try these grand Pretenders by a Jury of our English Historians Capt. Agreed and O my conscience you will find such a mystery of iniquity from time to time carried on was never managed on English ground a plot of an hundred years continuance a Government within a Government a design to blow us up with white powder first you will find them scrupulous next stubborn and at last turbulent first they beseech then expostulate now they flatter anon they threaten now they beg against a Ceremony anon they petition against King and Bishops to day you will find them creeping about the Court to morrow they are canting to the people c. Orth. Let us to work impartially and seriously that we may see the bottom of these men Court O yes O yes O ye Nonconformists hold up your hands You are Indicted of several Plots Conspiracies Disturbances Contrivance's and Designes against the wholsome orders of this Church the welfare and Government of this Realm eversince the Reformation are you guilty or not guilty Nonconf We bless God for the Reformation begun in this and other Churches but because nothing was ever by men at one timebegun and perfected much less so good a work as that was meeting with so great opposition from within and without we desire in compliance with the mercy of God discovering himself to us more and more every day to go on to perfection not as if we bad already attained or were already perfect but this one thing we do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before c. Court We must needs interrupt you and desire you to answer directly in due forme of Law whether guilty or not guilty And what Plea soever you have to offer in your own behalf shall be in due time place and order received with favour heard with patience and debated with all equal impartiality Nonconf In submission to that authority which whatever is thought of us or suggested concerning us we obey for conscience sake as ordained of God we plead in due form of Law Not guilty Court By whom will you be tried Nonconf By the great God before whom we stand whose eyes see whose eye-lids try the children of men and by those faithful men who have reported the transactions of this last age impartially concealing nothing out of fear nor speaking any thing out of favour not omitting anything through ignorance nor neglecting any thing in forgetfulness but delivering words of truth and soberness with good authority not overswayed by partiality or corrupt affection nor byassed by love or hatred G. L. B. L. When it pleased God who makes all things work for the best to make use of Henry the Eighth passions and private interest in order to a publick good so far as that his bold attempts should make a way to the pions indeavours of those that came after him for that Reformation the whole World wished as in other Churches so in this there rose up some men speaking perverse things and drawing away Disciples after them stirred up as it s feared by the Church of Rome which endeavoured to hinder that blessed work by an inward division and domestick confusion which had in vain opposed by outward power and forreign interest For as Mr. Baxter observes very well out of Luther in his Book against the Anabaptists When the reformed Ministers had spent some years in building the Church the Romish adversaries raised up some strange-spirited persons who should destroy it in few Moneths Nonconf Verily we do not remember that any of us made any opposition to the first Reformation in which many of us had the honour of being Instruments in the Lords hand which we owned with the loss of all that was near and dear to us and many of us sealed it with our blood although we must confess we did endeavour to carry the Reformation so far as might be most agreeable with the Word of God most answerable to the Primitive Churches way and neerest the pattern of other Reformed Churches with whom we desire to hold Communion in the great concernes of Christianity Court What you did the World took notice of for these things were not done in a corner but that you may be proceeded with more clearly distinctly and satisfactorily those of you who lived in King Edward the sixth dayes and practised at the first Reformation may hear the Evidence we have against them and the rest may withdraw Nonconf We submit Court Mr. Calvin Our Evidence against you is That since you had prevailed in Geneva for a Government and order according to your own humour fancy and judgement the necessity of that place and time you were not contented to see any thing established in other Churches without your consent and approbation and particularly that you went beyond your own line as an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or one busie in other mens matters about the affaires of England First When you sent Letters to Martin Bucer to take heed of his old fault for a fault you thought it was to run a moderate course as we do here in Reformation neither keeping too neer nor going too far from Rome 2 When you offered your assistance to Arch-Bishop Cranmer and being refused by him because of your rigidness you tampered in a very long Letter with the Lord Protect or Sommerset that most Ceremonies should be altered and that he should go on to reforme the Church without regard to peace at home or correspondence abroad either in altering adding taking away or moderating the Liturgy Discipline and Ceremonies And besides you writ that the Godly Homilies should by no means be allowed for continuance or be looked upon as a rule for the Church or constantly to serve for the instruction of the people contrary to the judgement of Martin Bucer to the scandal of the Zuinglian Gospellers who ever since almost declaimed against them and when your agents and arguments had raised some disputes about the Ceremonies of the Church then by Law established you writ for a peace which you would have composed not by bringing the Nonconformists to a Conformity but by encourageing them in their Nonconformity against our Law order and peace Mr. Calvin Indeed as I had done at Geneva so I was willing others should in other Gospel Churches endeavour to bring things to the pattern in the Mount and take care that nothing should be exacted which is not warranted by the word of God there being nothing more distastful in the eyes of God then worldly Wisdom either in moderating or going backward but meerly as we are directly by the Word of God and accordingly I write my poor advice to most Christian
a Prayer for the assistance of Gods spirit and the Sermon with the Articles of Belief with another Psalme they should dismiss the people with a blessing 5. That there should be a prayer for all the Church after Sermon Court What strange alterations are these but were they contented to set up this new way among themselves Fuller No but they require those of Zurick to come thither and joyne with them in that new way Declaring the necessity of joyning themselves in one Congregation where they might serve God in purity of Faith and integrity of life having both Doctrine and Discipline free from any mixture of superstition But they of Zurick excused themselves 1. Because they saw no necessity that all the English should repair to one place it being safer to adventure in several Bottoms 2. Because they were peaceably seated and courteously used at Zurick and did not see how they might be all entertained at Francford 4. Because they were resolved not to recede from the Liturgy used in England under the Reign of King Edward the sixth Court How began the trouble at Francford Fuller Mr. Chambers and Mr. Grindal came from Strasburgh with a motion to those of Francford that they might have the substance and effect of the Common Prayer though such Ceremonies and things which the Country would not bear might be omitted Whereupon Mr. Knox the Pastor of Francford and others drew up a Platform of the English Liturgy as used in England under Edward 6. Court I pray what was Mr. Calvins Judgement of it Fuller He in a Letter of 20. Jan. 1555. saith That in the English Liturgie there was not that purity which was desired to be and although these things were at first tolerated yet it behooved the Learned Grave and Godly Ministers of Christ to enterprize further and to set forth something more filed from Rust and purer Court What was the effect of this Letter Fuller This struck such a stroke especially in the Congregation at Francford that some therein who formerly partly approved did afterwards wholly dislike and more who formerly disliked did now detest the English Liturgy Court O sad at first some Garment and Vestures were disliked then some passages in the Liturgy and now the whole Liturgy it self but we entreat you go on Fuller The Learned and Prudent the pions and resolute Dr. Cox coming out of England and arriving at Francford with several other men entred the Congregation Mar 13. behaving themselves according to the Customes Rites Ceremonies of the Church of England which Customes the Pastor Mr. Knox preached against as superstitious impure and imperfect and withal prevailed with Mr. Glauberg so far that he publickly professed that if the reformed order of the Congregation of Francford were not therein observed as he had opened the Church door to them so would he shut it again a. a. a. Court Who was active there against the Church besides Fuller One Will. Wittingham one though of less authority yet of as much affection to the cause as Knox himself who could not endime the great English Book for so he called the Liturgy Court What did these say for themselves Fulier They murmured that Arch-Bishop Cranmer had composed a far more pure Liturgy but the corrupt Clergy they said would not admit of it Court Who else opposed the Church of England Fuller One Ashley who set up the people above the Ministers and occasioned the drawing up of a new Discipline which occasioned new troubles and the choice of new Pastors untill by the mediation of Dr. Sandy's and others they were perswaded to some tolerable agreement Court I pray let the persons concerned answer to their Names Register Mr. Williams Mr. Knox Mr. Wittingham Mr. Fox Mr. Gilby Mr. Goodman Mr. Cole Mr. Wood Mr. Keth Mr. Kelk Mr. Hilton Mr. South-bouse Mr. Purfote Mr. Escot Mr. Grafton Mr. Walton Mr. Kent Mr. Hellingham Mr. Carier c. Court Could neither the love of peace nor compassion of your suffering mother nor the offence of the Reformed Churches nor your own dangers keep you within compass order government Nonconf We aimed at pure Reformation an holy communion with other Churches and the peace of Protestants Court Truly you have layed the foundation of the most dangerous Schisme that ever was in the World and what the issue may be God only knoweth and late Posterity may suffer O why cannot you agree seeing ye are distressed brethren O why cannot the great things wherein you agree unite you rather then the small matters wherein you differ should divide you Greatly doth concerne all of you in your places and orders to put to all your powers prayers and interests for preserving the Unity of the spirit in the bond of peace that in nothing you give offence to the Church of God rather be willing to silence and smother your private judgements and to relinquish your particular liberties and Interests to question and mistrust your singular conceits and fancies then to be in any such thing stiffe and peremptory against the quiet of Gods Church the weak to be humble and tractable the stronge to be meek and merciful you the Pastours to instruct the Ignorant to reclaime the wandering to restore the lapsed to convince the froward with the spirit of meekness and compassion And trouble not your Superiours by ungrounded Scruples uncharitable prejudices or unquiet and in the end uncomfortable singularities If any consolation in Christ if any comfort of Love if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowells and mercies Be ye like minded take heed of strife of vaine glory of pride in your own conceits of censure of your brethren of private respects lay aside your own reputation have such humble judgements as that you may be willing to learn any though unwelcome truths and to unlearn any though a darling errour have such humble lives and purposes as that you may resolve to obey with duty whatsoever you are not able with reason to gainsay to the suppressing of those unhappy differences wherewith by the cunning of Satan the Church of God is like to be too much disquieted Whosoever therefore by pride or faction schism or ambition or novel fancies or arrogance or ignorance or sedition or popularity or vain glory or envy or discontent or correspondence or any other carnal reason shall cause Divisions and offence we shall not need load them with any other guilt then the Apostle doth That they are not the servants of Christ Ro. 16. 17. You that are Governours rule with authority and meekness you that are Teachers teach with wisdom and compassion that you cut off occasion from those that seek occasion and may open a way by peace and holiness to your Native Country CHAP. III. Queen Elizabeths Reign COurt There is a restless party that will never suffer the Church to be quiet who when they could not prevaile by force at Francford endeavour to carry on their design by Policy from Geneva For
I shall informe your Honours what I know in this matter Court Where did they meet Mr. Stone 1. At London in Travers Egertons Gardiners and Barbers House 2. in Cambridge at St. Johns 3. in Northampton at Mr. Johnsons and Snapes house 4. at Kettering in Mr. Dammes and my House Court When did they meet Stone 1. Since the beginning of the last Parliament of which they had great hopes Court Who met Stone Cartwright Travers Egerton Clark Gardiner Brown Barber Somerscales Chatterton Gyfford Allen Edmunds Gellibrand Culverwell Oxenbridge Barbon Flud Snap Johnson Sibthorpe Edwards Spicer Fleshwore Harrison Littleton Williamson Rushbrook Baxter King Proudtome Mastre Bradshaw Dammes Pallison Okes Atkinson and my Self and several Schollars of Oxford and Cambridge Court This is ingenuously done of you Mr. Stone and we look upon you as a man in whom there is no guile Stone I can do nothing against but for the Truth let Truth and Justice take place et ruet Mundus L. B. L. Thus one Linke being slipped out the whole chaine was quickly broken and scattered this one discovery marred all their meetings there being none now that could trust or be trusted Court Yet they were not quiet but being disappointed one way they attempted another for one Travers ordained beyond Sea and of so great repute among that party that with Mr. Cartwright he was invited to be a professor at St. Andrews upon Mr. Melvins motion being setled at the Temple a Lecturer endeavoured to gaine the great Interest of the Law on his side and there opposed Mr. Hooker about predestination the Church of Rome c. with a design as some think to make parties there for other purposes untill he was silenced by the Arch-Bishop 1. because he was not lawfully ordained 2. because he preached without Licence 3. because he had disturbed the peace and that wholsome order of Her Majesties That no Opinions should be publickly refuted but that notice should be given to the Ordinary to hear and determine such cases to prevent publick disturbance L. B. C. It was that he looked for that he might as he did afterwards in a supplication to the Councel set his Patron Cecil and others to revive the Good old Cause which if opposed by others as he knew they would be would be Patrons to that Cause if not for conscience yet for their honour Court He knew that if once great men be inveigled to appear they will go through with It. What became of this Master Travers L. B. W. When he could not prevaile in England he went to try whither he might reforme Ireland and to that purpose very cunningly got to be Priest of Trinity Colledge neer Dublin where he might have the advantage to instill his Principles into the Youth of that Nation and so secure to himself and Part if not this yet the next Generation Court Now it may be presumed that the Church of England had rest round about P. H. Not so for these men finding that people were weary of small diffences about Cap Surplice c. that they might have some just occasion to oppose the Church one Dr. Bound set up Judaisme in a Book asserting that Christians are bound to as strict an observation of the Sabbath as the Jewes by a precise rest from all recreations feasts study and whatsoever but praying hearing reading and holy conference which Doctrine was very taking for its own purity and their piety that owned it Court The cunning of these men while the Bishops are providing for Ecclesiastical authority against their Discipline they leave that as not so considerable among the vulgar and set up extraordinary directions for the Lords day which while the Church opposed it was looked upon as ungodly and prophane and now it was that this party got the opinion of purity and holiness among the people which was no small advantage to their Cause the piety of the persons being a fair way to perswade the world of the truth of their opinions but how were these men maintained when they were suspended P. H. Mr. Cartwright had a Catalogue of sixteen hundred sixty three Patrons who allowed the least of them five pounds a year towards the maintainance of that way and it is observed of him that he was very rich and it s known that Mr. Travers left Zion Colledge an excellent Library with 60 l. worth of Plate Court Some of them gained more by their private conferences then by their publick preaching they could otherwise have expected CHAP. IV. King James Reign COurt But now Queen Elizabeth was dead these men thought they were sure of King James who was alwaies bred under them and frighted to their way in his Mothers belly what was their carriage upon that alteration Sand. One Mr. Pickering a Northamptonshire Gentleman a favourer of that way rid post with the newes of Queen Elizabeths death to King James and no doubt took his occasion to urge something in favour of the Nonconformists but how far and with what answer he moved the King is uncertain But Dr. Tho. Nevill Dean of Canterbury sent by Whitgist brought back a wellcome answer of his Majesties purpose to uphold and maintaine the Government of the late Queen as she left it setled Court King James foresaw the dismal things the World was to look for from those men as appeares by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He knew that a Presbytery as well agreeth with Monarchy as God and the Devil they are his own words He knew no Bishop no King L. B. C. Yet Mr. Cartwright dedicates his Comment on Ecclesiastes to King James and the Presbyterians prepared a Petition before hand against the Parliament sat managed by Mr. Hildersham Mr. Egerton which though called the millenary Petition yet with seven hundred and fifty two Preachers hands was it presented to the King and Parliament Court How did the King like this canvasing for hands L. B. E. His Majesty foreseeing that they were likely to trouble him and the next Parliament granted them a Conference at Hampton Court where Dr. Reynolds Sparkes and Mr. Knewstubs and Chadderton appeared on the one hand Bishops Bancrost Mathew Bilson Babington Rudd Watson Robinson and Dove Dr. Andrews Overall Borlow and Bridges Field and King appeared Court What did they desire Dr. R. 1. That the Doctrine of the Church of England should be kept pure for now to make us more odious they quarelled with our Doctrine 2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to teach the same 3. That Church Government might be sincerely ministred according to Gods Word 4. That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety Court What would they have altered in the Doctrine A. They would have predestination and perseverance more clearly held forth Court By all meanes and the Church must be now looked upon as unsound in Doctrine as it was afore corrupt in Discipline yea the nine Lambeth Articles and all the controversies about them
so much opposed A. No it was for some smart truths concerning that party which they were not willing to hear of Court What did wisemen judge of that stir the Commons kept with Mr. Mountagues Book A. My Lord of Canterbury hath entred it in his Diary thus ' I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercy dissipate it Court What was the Danger A. It was this That the Nonconformists under pretence of suppressing Arminianisme were able to be revenged of Master Mountague for some tart expressions against them notwithstanding his Majesties protection of his own Chaplain so that the King was faine to leave him to himself and to stand or fall as he told the Duke of Buckingham who sounded him to that purpose according to the justice of his Cause C. How went they on P. H. As the great Champions of truth forsooth they procure two conferences at Yorkehouse before the Duke of Buckingham by the mediation of R. E. of VVarwick between Dr. Buckridge Dr. VVhite Mr. Mountague on the one hand and Bishop Morton and Dr. Preston on the other where their design was to divide the Nobility Clergy and Gentry and get as many as they could on their side against Arminianisme until they had got such a party as might be able to carry all before them for they knew that those learned Gentlemen and Ministers who were of their mind in some points would being provoked by their adversaries be of their mind in all C. But do they stay here L. No but being intent upon their Design and knowing that the King was well setled and resolved against all Innovations they intend to weaken his power and to that purpose they retrenched his Prerogative by many Laws and Statutes and questioned Dr. Manwaring for preaching up his Prerogative being resolved to put all power in the Parliaments hands who were too well affected to their way F. Yea they were so bold as to employ two persons Humphreys and Jones to hinder Bishop Mountagues Confirmation by alledging against him some frivolous exceptions so much did they prevaile now they had joyned themselves to the discontented the Antiarminian c. S. But while the wisemen of this party were driving on their design covertly and politickly one Leighton was to break the Ice and feel the pulse of the times and to that purpose he sets out a Book called Zions Plea rayling against the Queen as Idolatrous and exhorting men to kill the Bishops and to smite them under the fifth rib C. Was he suffered A. No when his party saw that he was not suffered they let him shift for himself and they go on in a more prudent method Court How F. That they might engage the Clergy to themselves they set up a Committee for buying in impropriations viz. Dr. Gouge Sibbs Mr. Offspring Davenport c. who were to buy so many Livings to be bestowed on the Favourers of the new way whereby of nine thousand Ministers three thousand and nine hundred might be sure to their side beside those presented by the many Patrons that were devoted to their party Court Here they took care to prefer their friends how did they bring men up still in their way notwithstanding the discouragement of publick authority P. H. When they had preferment they were sure to have friends yet they had persons of their way in both Universities very vigilant for their Interest as appeared in Oxford where one Thorne of Baliol and Ford of Magdalen Hall broke out into bitter invectives in their Sermons on this Text Numb 14. 4. Let us make us a Captain and let us return into Egypt 1 King 13. 2. And be cried against the Altar in the word of the Lord and said O Altar Altar Court It was a notable way to buy out impropriations to set up Lecturers knowing that they who hold the helm of the Pulpit in England alwaies steer peoples hearts whether they please whereby they might have more Chaplains depending upon them then either King or Bishops but the great plot lay in securing the Universities where if young men were tainted with their way they would not depart from it when they were old But did any Countenance these persons A. Yes the Proctors and Dr. Prideaux with Dr. Wilkinson untill the King appeared against them at Woodstock Court Now the King interposed his authority we may presume this faction was quite dashed E. G. By no meanes for the expelling of these Preaches expelled not but encreased the differences in Oxford which burnt the more for blazing the less Court How came Dr. Prideaux to favour such persons A. H. His love to the Predestinarian way which these men promoted in an high degree this was these mens policy to joyne with some eminent men in some opinions that they might have their favour and assistance in other things Court What was their next project A. W. They set up the Sbabatarian controversies again by one Bradbourne which if the Church allowed of she went against her own judgement if she disallowed she was looked upon as an enemy of Godliness and a friend to all prophaneness yea so high did they raise these controversies that they made a difference between the Judges and the Bishops the one allowing a liberty on the Lords day the other punishing it And when the Church declared her judgement moderately they procured underhand many reproaches and hard speeches to be cast upon her as if she intended to destroy that Godliness which she taught and to undermine that Religion she professed Court Not a word all this while of their Discipline A. No for they resolved upon other wayes of undermining the Church of England and upon her fall they would raise themselves but some hot-headed persons as Bastwicke Burton and others break out to some excesses for which they are severely punished Court What is the reason that they are so fierce now F. M. Upon Bishop Abbots death who was over-indulgent to them the Arch-Bishop pressed conformity very severely whereupon they who hid themselves under other pretences discovered themselves against Altars kneeling at the Sacrament holiness of Churches c. L. C. M. Let me tell you that there was one accident happened that helped this party very much Court What was that L. C. M. The Bishop of Lincolnes discontent who said that all flesh in England had corrupted their wayes and maintained many private correspondencies dangerous to Church and State L. C. N. The design of these men growing now ripe as they had by Lectures and private conferences debauched many here so they go abroad for aid to the brethren of Scotland who are at their Devotion and ready upon their call to disturbe the peace of England Court How durst Scotland stir J. C. The people in England having kept the King bare put him upon some displeasing courses to furnish himself and maintaine the peace of the Kingdome who should oppose this his Majesties course but the
fall in and improve the design to the ruine of Church and State C. When this failed what course did they take R. L. They scribled as Crofton they petitioned and engaged the Grandees c. and left no stone unturned untill the Parliament closed up all disputes by several wholsome Acts for the security of the Kings person and Government for suppressing of all Pamphlets and unlearned writings for prevention of all tumultuous Petitions and for submission to the present Government requiring them to declare their Covenant illegal and unjust their Warr against the King-rebellious and that the Discipline Ceremonies Worship which they had so long opposed was according to the Word of God C. What did they after the enacting of these wholsome Lawes R. L. Many of them endeavoured by the mediation of potent friends to have the execution of them suspended untill his Majesty and Councel satisfied them there was no suspending of Lawes so much conducing to the peace and welfare of the Nation C. Yet it was observed that they were so confident of success in this attempt that they writ to several not to subscribe for his Majesty would allow an Indulgence What other wayes might they use L. 1. They offer his Majesty 500000 l. a temptation to his necessities like that of the Devils to our Saviour when hungry and taking of the stones of the Church for bread to confirme the sale of Bishops Lands with the Deanes and Chapters for 99. years reserving the old Rents to the Church Which the noble Prince to his eternal memory be it recorded refused with scorn and disdain suitable to his Fathers piety who said he had rather live upon the Almes of the Church as some of his Predecessors Kings of England had done then put the Church to depend upon the charity of the people C. Alas who could be so bold as to offer his Majesty a motion to sacriledge F. L. Even Dr. Burgess who had written that Sacriledge was no sin in a Book and case he writ for the sale of Church Lands whereof the good man had to his own share no less then seven hundred pound a year C. Well! his Sacred Majesty did graciously appoint a way to satisfie all parties in point of Interest But what do they do in point of Conscience F. L. They make the best friends that could be made with words or money ever andanon you should have a Lord drop into their Church at Aldermanbury Walbrook c. a great encouragement no doubt and you would meet half a douzen or half a score of the reverend Pastours walking at Court as demurely as I have seen so many spirits walking before my Lord Maiors Banqueting house and to the same purpose of haunting too here is first offered an advantage to be head of a party to any that is ambitious 2. Here is money for any that is covetous 3. Here is the good old cause to move the well affected C. What is their success J. B. Having very large promises they go home and republish the old Principles to the number of 3000. Copies to keep up the spirit of Reformation they write for the necessity of it they plead for the Ministers that were in sequestrations they cry up directly or indirectly the obligation of the Covenant some by writing as Mr. Crofton and others by hinting scarce any Sermon being preached without an use of perseverance to be stedfast and unmoveable as Mr. V. concluded with his beloved Congregation C. Was there any more done I. B. Yes there was a book much applauded that was gathered out of the Papers of a studious man that was formerly Minister in Bedfordshire they say since his death by a young man with others assistance that litle understood the compass or merit of that controversie to prove that there is no Church Government of divine right the wary Sirs being contented the cryed up divine right of Presbytery should be waved a while that the same right of Episcopacy be suppressed altogether rather then the legal government should be established they will wave the settlement of their own C. He was a bold fellow that would publish any thing of his own or of other mens to dispute that which the Church by Bishop Hall so clearly asserted which its Books so punctually pressed which his late Majesty so excellently disputed and he with his eminent Divines at the Isle of Wight so irrefragably proved But what did he that writ or he that set out that Book mean did they resolve to make good what Mr. Hooker said that when we had disputed on both sides our selves a weary a third party would come in and with our mutual arguments against and concessions to each other overthrow us both or did they intend to remove all Religion from its basis of divine right and six it as Mr. Hobbes doth upon humane Constitution for although this Book instanceth only in Church Government yet the arguments to those that graspe and understand them which I fear the publishers did not would reach any point of Religion whatsoever and would make up the strangest piece of Adiaphorisme that ever was in the World since the interim of Germany but they stick here J. B. No no this was only to trouble the waters and keep men irresolved as to the publick constitutions while they confirmed the brethren in their private opinions and are un Bishoping Timothy and Titus bidding men beware of Diotrepheses and those that Lorded it over Gods heritage insinuating they desired not rooos a year Lordships Baronies c. but the liberty of their Ministry and what was the issue of all this they extorted from the Government an Indulgence in order to a mutual coalition good understanding and peace C. What use did they make of that J. B. When it was expected they should have complied with his Majesties incomparable design of charity they go home and preach against the coming in of Popery against Covenant breaking against the prophaness that was breaking in upon us and they put out and discusse in Print these Queries about the interest of England 1. Whether the Presbyterian party should in justice or reason be rejected and depressed or protected and encouraged since they forsooth brought the King in 2. Whether the Presbyterian party may be protected and encouraged and the Episcopal not deserted nor disobliged 3. Whether the upholding of both parties by a just and equal accommodation be not in its self more desireable and more agreeable to the state of England then the absolute exalting of the one party or the total subversion of the other Bold questions you will say being indeed no other then thus much viz. Whether the particular and private humours of a discontented party is as considerable as the publick and general constitution of a well setled state C. This is downright but is this all J. B. Not so neither for we have our slanting and back-strokes that are more effectual as to pass by many others they
preach and write for serious holiness as they call it as if it were now leaving the Land now or never they cry a Saint or a Brute in the preface or conclusions whereof they had their dogged insinuations that the Church was an enemy to holiness and the Professors of it when it discourageth nothing but hypocrisie and when the men of the nose smell out that out-comes a Book of hypocrisie preached at the Abbey at Westminster for the brethren have the thriving way of selling their Sermons first from the Pulpit and then from the Press wherein the Cavaliers who had been formerly the profane were now the Hypocrites But he that made all sure is the man that writes the sighs and groans of the Church that party paleman that speakes high Fullam in the beginning of the Book and Colemanstreet in the end of it this maus Masters stabbed the King with his own power and he a good proficient I 'le warrant him the Church with her own weapons But above all the Legerdemaines of this party commend me to their Sermons of persecution and their preparation of people for it as if the Common Prayer had been as dreadful as a Faggot to wear a Surplice as to wear Irons to exchange a benefice of an 100 l. a year for a collection of 200 l. had been a martyrdome and to visit the Capon eaters and the sop Ladies were a misery that should compleat Mr. Fox his volumn Lord what a work is here forsooth a few factious fellowes that had gone too far in the late Rebellion dare not recant yea rather then they will recant they will leave their flockes their dear flockes for which they would die but cannot be honest for their sakes C. But did not his Majesty order a Conference between both parties F. D. He did indeed between Dr. Reynolds Dr. Conant Dr. Spurstow Mr. Calamy Mr. Baxter Dr. Manton Dr. Jacomb Dr. Bates Mr. Newcomen Dr. Seaman c. and Dr. Heylin Dr. Gunning Dr. Pearson Dr. Pierce Dr. Sparrow c. but what was the issue the sober party came off and would have acquiesced in his Majesties gracious concessions upon those exceptions they made to the Liturgy and Ceremonies of the Church But a more fiery party for all the faction was then in Town flew so high as to say That an indifferent thing if commanded was no more indifferent but unlawfull C. Sure such a position could not come out of their mouths F. D. Indeed it is strange it should but it is attested by Dr. Gunning and Dr. Pearson who had the chief management of that affair C. But would they do nothing towards a closure F. D. Upon some Parishes petition particularly that of Covent-Garden to my Lord of London some of them got Readers as too many do still to say Common Prayer which they could not vouchsafe to do C. But was there any further newes of the Conference F. D. Yes when the concessions would not satisfie them they disperse a thing called a Petition for peace to incense the people to which they annexe an unauthorized forme of Worship composed printed published and dispersed by private persons to affront publick authority C. A petition for peace from them who fomented all our Warrs whose discipline was setled with conspiracy and promoted by Rebellion conscience opposing authority men for their private conscience urging the King his own a petition for peace as if no peace without indulging the faction liberty of conscience now but what will it come to at last Lord is there no peace to be had in the world unless these people are pleased F. D. No really for now they muster up the old objections against the Common Prayer and add new ones particularly Mr. Zachary Crofton runs out into that excess that we find him in the Tower for a year together and still abroad upon Baile C. But now all will not do what shall we do then D. F. Then we interrupt the proceedings of Parliament by fly diversions we watch advantages so that one Session is over without any considerable effect towards a settlement and in the interim of the adjournement we perswade the world they shall never meet or if they do shall speedily be dissolved and besides we have a plot managed by one Philips his brother that usurped Agmond Shiam Gibbs and others to surprize Whitehall Windsor Castle the Magazine of London C. How was that plot discovered D. F. Even as the 150. plots that were managed against the Government since the Conquest by their own Agents who cannot be true to one another since they have been false to the Government C. But when his Majesty declared for an Indulgence did they acquiesce in that D. B. No! but they immediately petition for more viz. that the tender consciences of young men in the University should be free which was as much as to say that we might have a young Sett of Presbyterians Elders against the old one decayeth and over and above all this they sent to the forreign Churches to keep correspondence with them C. Now I hope they have done D. B. Not so neither but they are up with their old trade of Prophecying of Wonders Prodigies Star-gazing Conjunctions and the judgements of God which they would say were the same now as in Queen Maries dayes and in times of great alterations and changes C. But were they true J. B. No but upon the examination of particulars those were alive and well whom they writ dead and they dead of a natural death whom they printed Thunderstruck c. after all this stir they joyned issue with the Papists even when they were most fiercely declaiming against them and by that combination the excellent Act of Uniformity was once thrown out of the Lords House and likely to have stuck there for ever But when all these shifts fail they prepared themselves for persecution as they called it and preached that the lights were extinguished the dear Pastors torne from their beloved flockes then they say they preach their last and that they are dying men and that this may be the last opportunity Now they give their rules one 17. another 25. another 36. all may be reduced to these six 1. That they should not forget their faithful pastors 2. That when they cannot hear their Words they may read their Workes 3. That they should take heed whom they hear 4. That they have nothing to do with Idols 5. That they persevere 6. That they hold Communion one with another C. Had they any more hope B. D. None at all but that they thought the disbanded Souldiers would be troublesome an expectation the prudence and wariness of our Superiours defeated in that most eminent Act of his Majesties Government the disbanding of the Army C. What then D. B. No more but that they encouraged their party to go on and stand out against the Act that they might appear so considerable as to prevaile either with his Majesty for an
indulgence against or with the Parliament for a repeal of the said Act to which end they sent their Letters all over the Kingdome to advise every man to stand to his principles not doubting of a Toleration upon his Majesties promise at Breda with other arguments they could make use of And in order hereunto they oppose not the Act in Parliament lest they should exasperate the noble Patriots to severer courses but they stand it out that they might know their strength and power not doubting but their considerable number and interest which will appear by the publick and general dissent to the Uniformity enjoyned might gain them an indulgence that will vacate and make void all former Lawes and accordingly we find them with their bed-roll of those that were to be ejected rather threatning then petitioning his Majesty after some tumults raised in Dr. Seamans and other Churches through which they would have his Majesty see the inclination of the people as if they had said May it please your most excellent Majesty Whereas we are many and our party very considerable for their interest with God and men as you would enjoy peace and tranquillity in your Kingdomes or any quiet in your Throne we must intreat you to let us do what we please and set no law or government over us for we cannot in conscience endure any and upon condition we have what we desire your Petitioners shall pray for you C. Well but his Majesty is resolved and the Law indispensible D. P. When they saw that 1. They take an account of the ejected Ministers through every County 2. They take the subscriptions of several well affected persons towards the maintenance of those persons especially the elect Ladies 3. They have Country and City Committees for that purpose together with their Treasurers in both places by whose order the money is delivered to the respective ejected men according to their conditions provided that they have good Certificates of their sufferings and faithfulness And then to keep the cause in heart and life the Farewell Sermous are Printed first singly and then in Volums as the dying words of the faithful Pastors whose heads are set before their Sermons just as they looked from the Pulpit wrapped in their reverend white and black Caps like the twelve Apostles before the Bible For though we worship not Images we adore imaginations After this a seed plot of honest young men were to conforme as their fathers had done formerly and so undermine the Hierarchy once more as they did who who were to be chosen Lecturers for the Lectures are their only hope for the faction would be quite over if the Ministry depended for its maintenance only upon the Church C. How may these conforming Nonconformists be discerned D. B. 1. By their Habit for they wear neither girdle or Cassock but are All-a-mode and querpo Divines 2. By their double Ordination 3. By their setting poor Readers to make the Common Prayer contemptible and then praying an hour themselves as if that Prayer were inconsiderable 4. By their preaching over the old ones notes Ah precious are those Elishaes that have the spirit of the Eliah's upon them 5. By their canting notions of indwelling enlightning Soul-saving heart-supporting and I know not what deluding notions that deceive the simple 6. By their affectedly mortifyed countenances or furious zeal their bauble jingles their long prayers their indirect and wary mention of King and Bishops by ah Lords and hughs by his bewailing the sins of the times while he flattereth those of the faction by his hints of what is done abroad but he is sorry for it by his Sermons of inward sincerity against outward conformity the Sabbath against Holidays and a pure heart instead of the Surplice 7. By their attendance on the old Patriarchs of the province their correspondence with and their Certificates from them 8. By their refreshing Solifidian Doctrines their flowings of milk and honey when others preach moral honesty universal obedience and good works 9. By the great name of moderation C. What do these men do to distinguish themselves from their brethren B. D. Besides what I declared 1. They groan under the burden of Ceremonies 2. They shake their heads at the times 3. They Bury Marry and Christen by the Directory 4. They visit and give the Communion the same way dispensing with kneeling even in publick C. Why are they suffered to do these things in other mens Parishes B. D. Why a piece of money is sent the poor parish Priest to stop his mouth as his fee for registring yea so impudent are they that there are several men maintained about town to get into careless mens pulpits who no sooner give them leave but the whole Town knoweth it and then what running what thronging what crouding But St. Anthonies Lecture the old seminary is the surest cord they have only now they have weaker preachers then they had formerly in that place and indeed the sisters had need have Candles next their hearts when they come to those raw morning discourses C. They hear Common Prayer there B. D. They do hear Common Prayer indeed but they think according to the Directory till the poor Reader hath done and the formal Bauble the Preacher forsooth comes up with his tedious gatherings out of Wilkins his gift of prayer of an hour long as if the Church prayer had been nothing without his C. But have they that have disserted their Ministry nothing to support them but voluntary contributions B. D. Yes 1. The young sisters and widowes are bound to marry them and so they as well as the Apostles in time of persecution lead about their sisters their wives 2. They keep Boarders and under the pretence of a poor schollar teach them to debauch all the youths of the Kingdome whereby the Schisme is propagated and made perpetual 3. They print their own Bookes and dedicate them to all the faithful 4. They turn sollicitors and Tradesmen 5. They visit from house to house 6. They have their Churches as entire now as ever they had having the conveniency of Moorfields Islington and Hickney to entertaine them 7. They have concealed the table of Tythes and duties from the Orthodox Ministers and look what the people can cheat the one of they bestow it on the other C. Is not the Law open for the honest men to come by their dues B. D. It is but the brethren will tire out an honest man with a common stock or put him out of countenance with a common clamour C. But how can they meet now the Law is so severe D. B. Why 1. They have private houses whereinto the Entries are dark and from which there are several passages into other houses 2. They meet at unusual houres as at twelve at noon and about five at night 3. They are but few at a time 4. Those that meet are invited to a Feast and if you surprize them the table is laid and they
Authority T. F. Neither but a Parliament being called 29. March 1585. they set up underhand a National Synod who were better discovered by their moving then by their meeting whose practices were more conspicuous then their places some Agents for them were all day at the door of the Parliament House and some part of the night in the Chambers of Parliament men effectually solliciting their business with them Court How did this their diligence appear P. H. In the effects of it this Parliament was observed so extraordinarily busie in Church Affaires about approbation of Ministers about Ecclesiastical Courts Bishops c. that the Arch-Bishop Whitgift was faine to write to the Queen to own her own Lawes Orders and Authority which she did consenting to no Material alteration Court When this way failed them what course took they T. T. They piece the Lions skin with the Foxes tayle and what they could not do by Interest against the Arch-Bishop they attempt by compliance with him L. B. D. How I pray I P. H. Why Mr. Cartwright by Leicesters Mediation gets in with the Arch-Bishop and is so civilly used by him that Leicester writes a Letter of thanks to the Arch-Bishop with a promise that Cartwright shall be at his service L. B. O. But doth the Arch-Bishop trust him T. H. The wary Arch-Bishop is not overfond of his friendship but keepes him at distance and writes to Leicester That he is at peace with him but that he cannot without further tryal of him give him any License to preach Court What doth Travers do all this while P. H. He complaines to his Patron the Lord Burleigh against the Liturgy L B. E. What answer doth that wise Lord make him T. F. He demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof They answered no but only the amendment of what was offensive therein Then said he Do you make a better such as you would have setled instead thereof Court What did they F. F. They divided themselves into four Classes The first whereof framed a new Liturgy after the forme of Geneva The second altered it in 600. particulars The third resolved on another model The fourth dissented from the former And so that wise Statesman put them off for the present untill they should agree Court Then we may observe that it is not so much the Liturgy and Cannons that trouble them as that they have no hand in composing them now we may presume that they are quiet F. F. No for now they endeavour to overthrow the High Commission and the Oath ex Officio the one they perswade the World is against the Law of Liberty none is bound to betray himself the other against the Law of the Land none ought to be disseized of his Liberty or Estate without a tryal by his Peeres Court This was very subtilly done to bring in as many of their party as either were molested in the High Commission Court or troubled with the Oath ex Officio who were the greatest part of the Kingdome Although to avoid the Odium of these things Arch-Bishop Whitgist brought the Nonconformists to the Star-Chamber a Court without dispute and as the High Commission was her Majesties highest Court for Ecclesiastical Causes over which sue was Head so the Oath ex Officio is usually tendred in Chancery in matters not touching life or Limb and there was no man there tyed to betray himself but he that was first betrayed by a common fame from which he was to cleer himself by his Oath according to the Scripture Deut. 21. 7. and the practice of Geneva its self in Camparel and Baltasers case Would none of the Nonconformists when they were indited for a fame of a Conventicle or so clear themselves by an Oath F. F. 1. Some of them would not take this Oath at all but would say If our faults be unknown why are we accused if they are known produce your evidence 2. Some would take the Oath but with a protestation that they would not thereby accuse either themselves or their brethren 3. Others would take the Oath to accuse those that were truely guilty to remove evil from the Land but not to accuse their brethren for those things which are not faulty 4. Others would take the Oath where there were no Witnesses to be had Jo. 17. 21. Court When the Powers in being would not establish them what paines they take to weaken those powers that they might not oppose them but when their Arguments failed them against these Courts did they sit down Cambd. No but in the next Parliament they had such an influence upon the Commons choice that they at their first sitting offered the Lords a Petition of sixteen branches in favour of the Nonconformists 1. That they might be free from the Cannonical Oath 2. That they might not be troubled for some things omitted in the Common Prayer 3. That they might be called before lay Officers 4. That those that were suspended for Non-subscribing might be restored 5. That they might not be troubled at the High Commission but for high offences 6. That they might have in every Arch-Deaconry common conferences among themselves 7. That the high censure of Excommunication might not be denounced for small matters nor by lay-men 8. Non-residency may be removed out of the Church c. And other things against insufficient Ministers in the discussing of these particulars the House fell most fiercely against Non-residence Court Truly Non-residence may be allowed in way of recovering of health by changing of air of study for a time in the University of mortal enmity borne by some of the Parish of prosecution of law or of being employed in publick affaires L. B. Truly I could allow Pluralities as encouragements to learned men so they be in one Diocess L. H. It is fit her Majesty as Head of the Church should confer with the Bishops about these matters T. F. Therefore the Bishops very prudently petition her Majesty to take the case to her own hand to whom it properly belongeth remonstrating the inconveniences ensuing to the State present future to Cathedral Churches to Universities to her Majesty to Religion in case Pluralities were taken away Court Who was it that promoted this cause so far T. F. The Lord Grey seemed the most jealous who wished the Bishops might be turned out of Doores as in the case of premunire in H. 8ths time because they upheld abominable Non-residence and Pluralities against their own consciences and the good of the people Court If the Lord had not been on my side might the Church now say if the Lord had not been on my side they had swallowed me up quick for these were but the pretences under which the adversaries threatned the whole Church for take away encouragements and you take away worth and Parts take away Parts and you overthrow the Church When this most hopeful enterprize that ever the adversary undertook failed him was he satisfied P. H. No for having formerly as