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
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
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
go to dinner only a Chapter is read and O what times do we live in that a man cannot read a Chapter without the danger of a Premunire 5. The Servants are all of the Church C. What do they do at their meetings D. B. They that have been there say how truly I know not that first they bewaile their apostacy from the old cause 2. They pray that the Kings heart may be turned and the Councel of the wicked may be overthrown 3. They bewaile their neglect of the many opportunities put into their hands 4. They wish an union between all parties 5. They take in all intelligence and likewise communicate all those scandals that lie upon the Government 6. They teach perseverance 7. They take order about any new occurrences that happen As first if there be a new Law how to evade it 2. If any brother is taken in a snare how to get him out by purse interest or importunity C. How do the Presbyterians keep the people in these courses from running into Independency B. D. Mr. Crofton hath taken care of that by teaching that the people ought not to separate from the Church as hearers though the Ministers do as Preachers the Presbyterian Rabbies saith my Author must leave the Church lest Presbytery be swallowed up of Episcopacy the people must not leave the Church lest Presbytery should be brought to nothing by Independency C. Really that was warily done but what hope have they to bear up in this way B. D. Why first they watch the vacancies in this Parliament and tugg hard in the new elections 2. They clap their hands at the little plots and the great quarels and are observed to ride up and down incessantly at that time 3. They engross the stock and stop the trade of the Nation 4. They have active Agents in Ireland where they are very troublesome and unpeaceable 5. There is as it appears from the late Plotters examination here at York a constant Committee to manage all affaires yonder at London 6. Forreign Warrs 7. Yea they promise themselves good Christians the whilest great matters from the Turk and bless themselves when they consider what liberty they shall enjoy under that good man Calvino Turcismus Right 8. Besides that many Patrons reserve their Livings for them C. Where can so many lurke as have forsaken their callings rather then their Rebellion D. B. They have a combination that every well affected noble or rich Family shall no sooner want either a Chaplain or a Tutor then a hopeful or an honest man for so they talk is recommended thither or if an honest man offer himself the first question is Did you know Mr. Boules c. C. It is well they are not suffered to print and preach however D. B. They Print as much as ever There is their Bishops no Preachers their Vindiciae Pietatis as if none took any care of godliness but they or as if there were no godliness in the world but their sniveling hypocrisie Dr. Owen of Liturgies and his Book against Popery I 'le warrant you if it had not been for these men the silly people must think Popery had been here before this time the Latine Apology for the Nonconformists to their brethren abroad as if they would perswade us notwithstanding what Mr. Durell a forreigner hath written of the Conformity of forreign reformed Churches to our Church that they agree with all Protestants but we yea they have engaged with some poor forreign Divines to meddle with what concerns them not yea with what they understand not not to mention that dreadful Libell called Meue Tekel and dispersed the very day of the Kings death and infinite more phanatick Rhapsodies printed every day C. How do these men escape the Bishops Courts D. B. 1. They keep in fee so many confiding Lawyers who are to find out all the wayes to escape and elude the Lawes 2. They keep the Officers in fee 3. They care not for an Excommunication for a Nonconformist in our parts durst come to Church even before the Judges though he was excommunicated 4. They make the Church Wardens their own therefore it is they busle so much at the election of them As at Newbury where the faction was so unruly in Easter week that nothing but the Train-bands could keep them in order they shift their dwellings and live in a corner that may be in two Counties or Diocesses or at the worst they hide themselves in London where they are most secure and most serviceable C. It is a very strange thing that men should continue in a state of disobedience and uncharitable considering how short their life is and how sad their fame after death B. D. Alas they are as famous as any men after their death for Mr. Clark he writes their lives and the brethren erect their Monuments as any man I am told may see in the new Church-yard where Mr. Biddle hath a large square stone over his grave and this Inscription over it Hic jacet Johannes Bedellus artium Magister Oxoniensis qui maxima dedit tam pictatis quam eruditionis specimina And another this Here lyeth one that feared God and honoured the Truth Not one that feared God and honoured the King C. An obstinate people D. B. If you knew all I have been told that either in London or Westminster upon the 30 of Janu. last a silly fellow that could not speak sense must needes bestow a Sermon upon a Congregation and for the more solemnity give warning of it a week before hand but when he came what did he pray and prate against even three or four abominations whereof one was the turning out of the ejected Clegy another the corruption of Gods worship and a third the patience and stupidness of the people under these abominations and not a word all this while of the Kings death C. Was this man a Conformist B. D. A very early one they say C. Lord who encourage such men D. B. It was observed as I am informed that one whose Cozen was hanged here with us at York was a maine stickler for this fellow C. They are the most dangerous people that declare before God and men their acquiescence in the Government and yet thus act against it D. B. I O if you did but hear how solemnly the graver sort of our Bopeepes out of Grotius Du Plessis Amyrald Vives c. prove the truth of Christianity as if we were all heathens again since his Majesties return though just before it was the most glorious time for the light of the Gospel that ever was in the World though I must needs say that their hypocrisie would make any man an Atheist and that by their many religions we were in danger of enjoying none C. But the Ministers that fell off have been silent of late B. D. So they may as long as there are so many that speak for them yet they are not so silent did you not hear their charge