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
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
Princes that looked towards Reformation Mr. Hooker Your advice we highly value as esteemed by us the most learned and wise man that ever the French Church did enjoy since the hour it enjoyed you yet you must understand that it did not become you to obtrude upon the Church of England a new way you had found out for the City of Geneva agreeable to the temper of that people and that time so disagreeing with our temper and our time especially since you could not bring that way to Geneva it self without the consent of the people Two things of principal note there are which deservedly procure you honour throughout the Christian World 1. Your exact institutions of Christian Religion 2. Your no less industrious exposition of Scripture according to those institutions in which two things whosoever bestowed their labour after you you gained the advantage of prejudice against them if they gainsaid you or of glory above them if they consented yea that which you did in the establishment of your way was harmless as being necessary but what you have taught for the countenance of it established is blame-worthy because out of love to your own prudent invention you endeavour to perswade the World that what you found out as yesterday was established by God since the beginning of Christianity we take it not well that what you with much ado imposed upon your own people by your own should be imposed upon us as from Divine Authority and that you should to that purpose disparage the antient Rites of the Church as Ineptiae nugae trifles and I know not what O Mr. Calvin Mr. Calvin There will come a time when three words uttered with charity and moderation shall receive a far more blessed reward then three thousand Vollumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit We wonder that you who said That you did highly approve a Forme of Prayer Doctrine and established Administration of Sacraments which it should not be lawful for the Ministers themselves to neglect that Provision might be made for the ignorant and unskilful 2. That the consent of the Churches might be more apparent 3. That Order may be taken against the desultory levity of them who delight in Innovations We wonder that you should encourage some Zelots at home and abroad to procure so many alterations of and enemies to the Common Prayer in the year 1547. and 3. of King Edward the sixth in so much that Reverend Father Latimer was faine to say in a Sermon before King Edward a little before his Death That the Admiral was gone I heard say he was a seditious man a contemner of Common Prayer I would there were no more in England well he is gone I would he had left none behind him Bish. Bancroft Mr. Calvin was not the only man that disturbed the peace of our Church by countenancing these Innovations and practising in Court City Country and Universities by his Agents till he had laid the first Foundation of the Zuinglian faction who laboured nothing more then Innovation in Doctrine and Discipline Court We pray you Sir what was the maine engine that Mr. Calvin used to bring his way into so much credit and esteeme among us Bish. Bancroft By insinuating to some men well affected the practise of the poor reformed Churches who not being able to set up the Primitive were over-ruled by his authority to comply with his way and gaining an improvident Indulgence unto John a Lasco with a mixt multitude of Poles and Germans to have the Priviledge of a Church for him and his distinct in Government and Worship from the Church of England by Letters Pattents in St. Augustine neer Broadstreet to be hereafter called the Church of the Lord Jesus whence we may observe 1. Of what consequence it is totolerate any people though never so inconsiderable in a way of separation Mr. Durel Dr. Basile Whereas it was suggested by several that most Reformed Churches walked in the way of Calvin and that the Church of England must submit to that way to preserve its Communion with other Churches We will make it appear that there is no Rite Ceremony or order of the Church of England but is observed in some of the Reformed Churches and some of them are observed in all Court Thus encouraged from abroad and indulged at home that party began to appear more publickly And you Mr. Bucer and Dr. Peter Martyr must needs seruple at some Ceremonies Vestments the one as Kings professor at Cambridge the other as Margaret professor and Cannon of Christ-Church in Oxford though with such moderation as that we have no more to say to you but that we are sorry the oversight of those times furnished the Universities and filled up the Chaires with men of your Principles to lay up in those nurseries of Religion and Learning the seed of a separation dissent and chisme that may continue as long as this Church stands we are sorry to hear that you Doctor Bucer refused some Ceremonies at Cambridge especially that you would not use a square Cap because forsooth your head was Round We are sorry likewise that you Dr. Martyr should encourage the Nonconformists in your Letter July 1. 1550. by saying that You thought it most expedient to the good of the Church that they and all others of that kind should be taken away when the next opportunity should present it self for say you as we iudge unchariteably Where such Ceremonies are so stiftly contended for as are not warranted and supported by the word of God there commonly men are less sollicitous of the substance of Religion then they were of the cicumstances of it and that you say in your Letter of the 4. Nov. 1559. that you never used the Surplice when you lived in Oxford though you were then a Cannon of Christ-Church and frequently present in the Qaire And for your part John a Lasco you might have been contented with the great indulgence of a gracious Soveraign to set up a Church with an express order to all the Bishops of the Realm not to disturbe you in the free exercise of your Religion and Ecclesiastical Government notwithstanding that you differed from the Government and formes of Worship established in the Church of England and not have abused his Majesties goodness so far as to appear in favour of the several factions which then began more openly to shew themselves against the established orders and laudable Customes of the Church and to write that scandalous Book called Forma Oratio totius Ecclesiastici Ministerij much to their encouragement who impugned all Order and Discipline and you must countenance those that refuse to wear the Cap and Surplice and to write to Dr. Bucer to declare against them for which you were severely reproved by that moderate and Learned man Doctor Martyr Doctor Bucer and John a Lasco Truly we are very sensible of the great favours we
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
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
must be inserted in our confessions of Faith as King James sa'd of one Craiges in Scotland I renounce and abhor till his multiplied Renunciations so amazed the people that they fell back to Popery They urged other things about Ordination Priests intention Catechisme c. but that was only to colour over the maine design Court What did they more besides A. 1. They moved a reformation of Sabbath profanations Court Still they would be the only men that took care of purity and holiness A. 2. They moved a new Translation of the Bible Court Good good thereby they might perswade the people that they had not the true word of God A. 3. They prayed the suppression of seditious Bookes Court Better and better they had never writ any seditious Bookes I 'le warrant you What did they intend by good Pastors A. Such as would neither read Prayers nor Homilies but make Religion nothing but Preaching Court What were their exceptions against Common Prayer A. They excepted against the harmeless Surplice the antient sign of the Cross some words in the Matrimony against Ecclesiastical Censures by Lay-Chancellors Court What did they desire in Church Government A. That there should be a meeting of Ministers every three weekes in royal Deaneries who should reforme things in their Deaneries Court What was the issue of this Conference A. That they should all conforme or avoid the Land whereupon the Nonconformists there submitted Court The King observed that their exceptions were frivilous and such as argued more peevishness then conscience and that they did not so much dislike affairs as they disliked that they had not the ordering of them Were they now satisfied P. H. No but they agreed thus viz We whose Names are under written are agreed to make our humble Petition to the Kings Majesty that the present state of the Church may be reformed in all things needfull according to the rule of Gods holy Word and agreeable to the example of other reformed Churches c. Which Petition they subscribed thus Your Majesties most humble Subjects the Ministers of the Gospel that desire not a disorderly innovation but a due and Godly Reformation Court What would they have in that Petition A. They desired that Cross Surplice Confirmation Church-Musick Kneeling and bowing might be removed 2. that Baptisme should not be administred by Women 3. that the Communion be administred not without examination and a Sermon 4. that the Service should not be so long 5. Sunday to be strictly observed and the Holidayes not so 6. the word Priest and absolution c. changed 7. Canonical Scripture only read 8. an Uniformity of Doctrine prescribed 2. They desired that Pluralities and Nonresidence might be provided against and that ministers be not urged to subscribe but according to Law and that all ministers should Preach 3. Some reformation of Ecclesiastical Officers their Fees c. These things they urged saying to King James Who knowes not whether you are come to the Kingdome for such a thing as this Court This Petition they say was favoured by some Scotch grandees who would be considerable by being the head of a faction H. H. Yes it was so cried up that the Family of Love likewise presumed to Petition for themselves that they might have a toleration and liberty of Conscience and another party presented a Petition to the House of Commons assembled in Parliament H. W. Yea and the High Commission proceeded against them they began to entereain several Lawyers to dispute points of Law in their behalf so that most part of the Kings ministers Courtiers Lawyers c. were engaged in the promoting of that way Court Had they no design to carry on by the new Translation of the Bible A. Yes for they endeavoured to have the Geneva Notes inserted in the margin and so the Bishops Bible might have a Presbyterian Comment Court What did these men more in King Janes his Reign A. They did endeavour by strictness and severity in their conversation in keeping Sabbath c. to gaine the love of the people when they could not gaine the Countenance of the King and therefore they oppose the Kings Declaration for Sports on the Lords dayes one Thrask especially appearing violent that way S. H. Yea and as they were in great esteeme for their strictness so they would be for their industry they being the only men that opposed the Kings Declaration 1623. for Catechising in the afternoon instead of Preaching Court What said they against this Declaration A. They said first Christ sent Ministers to Preach and they should not forbid them 2. Soules should not be starved 3. They that were Licensed to preach might choose their Text and not be restrained to the Lords Prayer the Creed the ten Commandments c. 4. why should not men teach Predestination which the Scripture hath taught 5. Why should Lecturers be discouraged whereas the power of Godliness flourished most in those places where these Lecturers were Court Alas alas these Lecturers laid the strongest foundation for Nonconformity Catechising in the Afternoon edifyeth more in the principles of the Doctrine of Christ then both Sermons and for Predestination it is a point too high for most people to hear and for most Preachers to teach But this King kept them under well enough How came they to prevail in King Charles time CHAP. V. King Charles the Firsts Reign A. IN King Charles his time they observed first a faction at Court and they found some men willing to head them that they might ballance other persons who were head of the Protestant party 2. They observed the Kings necessities which a Parliament must supply and they knew the Parliament would be for their turn 3. They observed a difference between the Clergy and others about Arminianisme in opposition to which many joyned with them yea so considerable they were that it was observed that Doctor Preston rode with King Charles and the Duke of Buckingham in a Coach from Theobalds to London the Coach being shutdown the day King James died Court How got they in with the Parliament A. The Gentry were so weary of the High Commission and Star-Chamber and other severe Courts that they would joine with any body that would help to pull them down besides that there were several persons of great parts discontented for want of preserment as J. H. D. H. A. H. W. S. T. W. whose busie spirits kept under by King James were now more active in the indulgent time of King Charles Court Do they set these men immediately upon establishing their way F. F. No they stir them up against Arminianisme in Mr. Mountagues Bookes and others knowing that Mr. Mountague would have friends in Court and that these would oppose the Gentlemen in Parliament who enraged there with would close with this party more firmely and do any thing to spoile their enemies at Court Court Was it for Arminianisme that Mr. Mountagues Book called Appello Caesarem was
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
Conscience sake and to remove ill Councellors raise 26000. men they come to London terrifie all before them but mark the event the City is shut against them the Court is in Armes behind them they are most of them cut off the Duke of Suffolk Wyat the Lord Grey the Lady Jane Grey are executed at Towerhill as one Fetherstone a Miller who acted Edward the 6th was afterwards hanged at Ty-burn and all the good they did was to ruine several Families and exasperate the Queen to those severe Courses against the Reformed Professors which we read of in the Acts and Monuments of those times § 20. Anno 1558. Queen Elizabeth succedeth who now the fourth time altereth the publick Profession in this Nation the Pope excommunicateth her the Queen of Scots sets up her own Title against her Margaret Countess of Lenox and her Husband Arthur Pool and Anthony Fortescue favour that Queen the Papists were underhand stirred up by Ridolph a Florentine Commissioned to that purpose by the Pope The Duke of Norfolk consults with the Bishop of Roste about a Marriage with the Queen of Scots the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland and the Lord Dacres are up in Armes 1. That the Religion of their fore-fathers might be restored 2. That wicked Councellours might be removed from the Queen to great purpose you may be sure for first the Queen upon these practices was enforced to make those severe Lawes under which the Catholikes groan to this day 2. The Queen of Scots falls to very great troubles and hath not where to lay her head but in the Dominions of Queen Elizabeth the Duke of Norfolk comes to a miserable end the Earles of Northumberland Westmerland and many other Lords are proscribed and many hundred Families upon this account dispoyled of all they had in the World no less then twelve score of them being hanged drawn and quartered in London York Durham and the other seats of their Rebellion Felton that set up the Popes Bull upon the Bishop of Londons Gate was hanged drawn and quartered and they who attempted and conspired to release the Queen of Scots out of Prison fasten her more irremediably'in and brought themselves to sad ends no less then 37. being at once executed upon that occasion Campian and Parsons are hanged drawn and quartered Throgmorton is racked and hanged but the Papists go on write Books and perswade the Queens servants to kill her as Judith did Holophernes but to what end to their own ruine for the Authors and dispersers perish and the Government endureth Mendoza the Spanish Embassadour who procured the Catholikes much favour he was thrust hereupon out of England the Papists would have married the Queen of Scots to an English Catholike but that hastened her death and her friends ruine the Earle of Westmerland dieth miserably in exile Dr. Parry would kill the Queen at a Feast in his house but he brings himself to a wretched end the Male-contents contrive against the Queen and the Lords associate in her behalf particularly one Savage was by Dr. Gifford encited to kill the Excommunicated Queen when to make the Queen and Councel secure there was a Book written by the Papists exhorting their brethren to attempt nothing against their Prince to use only the Christian Arms of fasting prayers and teares Ballord is joyned with Savage who having consulted with Mendoza and others comes over in a Souldiers habit and under another name discovereth himself to Babington who drew into the Plot many zealous Catholikes as Tho. Salisbury Edward VVindsor c. and one Polly who discovered their progress of the Plot to VValsingham day by day but Gifford relented and opened to the Secretary the whole matter the Secretary sent him to the Queen of Scots to keep on his correspondence with her that he might betray her Letters which VValsingham perused sealed up again and sent to the respective persons to whom they were directed all their design was laid open the persons apprehended and fourteen of them executed the Queen of Scots Closets searched and Boxes secured and she her self after all her infortunate medling arraigned condemned and not withstanding the Intercession of France Scotland of the one whereof she was Queen Dowager of the other Queen Mother beheaded To prevent the Queen of Scots death about this time L' Aubespine the French Embassadour deales with one Stafford a needy young Gentleman whose Mother was of the Bed-Chamber to Queen Elizabeth Trappes and Moddy to dispatch the Queen while they are disputing whether it should be done by Poyson in her Meat and Cloaths or by Gun-powder under her Bed or by a Blunderbush as the Prince of Aurange was slain Stafford reveales all to the Lords of the Councel upon this the Queen seals a Warrant for that unfortunate Ladies execution and this was the fate of all these treasons that they hastened those mischiefes which they were designed to prevent as never taking any effect but in the downfall of the Authors The Catholikes conspire again the King of Spain invades us the World gave England over for lost in 88. when beyond expectation the King of Spains great Navy comes to naught abroad the Papists answer for their lives at home and a Law is upon this occasion enacted That none should entertain Popish priests upon pain of the Queens displeasure Yet the Papists are at work still to this purpose hire one Lopez the Queens Physician to make the Queen away by poyson and one Cullen an Irish man to do it with a Rapier both which Conspiracies are discovered by intercepted Letters and the persons are hanged drawn and quartered at Tyburn as Yorke and VVilliams were the year following for being bribed to kill the Queen a Traytor hitherto seldome escaping an extraordinary death But Treason is restlesse and about this time one Squire Groom of the Queens Stable poysons the Earle of Essex his Chaire and the Queens Saddle neither the one nor the other came to any effect save that the Traytor being discovered by VVallpoole his ghostly Father who upon the failure of his successe doubted his fidelity is arraigned and severely executed The Papists did not contrive more designes to overthrow the Reformation than some well-meaning Protestants did to promote it even beyond the established Laws they Petition they make Cecill Leicester and others friends at Court they hold meetings at Cambridge London Oxford Northampton and Leicester they draw up their Discipline they admonish the Parliament and make many friends in both Houses they write against the Queens marriage with Papists against the established Government and worship of this Church but what came of it why 1. Stubs for writing against the Queens marriage had his right hand cut off 2. The Authors Printers and Dispersers of Martyn Marre Prelate and Sions Plea with other Bookes are executed Penry and Barrow are hanged Mr. Cartwright Mr. Udall and others are Confined Suspended Silenced and Discountenanced severe Injunctions are upon their