were directed from Iehos haphat King of Iuda and from Artaxerxâ—… King of Persia therfore the high Commission of England is no new deuise 2. Chron. 19. Ezra 7. By the first reason it should seeme that M r. SOME supposeth that there is no Antichrist but the Pope of Rome neither any thing to be AntichristiaÌ„ which commeth not from him otherwise â—…here wil be litle sequele of this reason that because the Q Maiestie directeth this coÌ„mission to honorable reuerend men of the clergie temporalty therfore the high CoÌ„mission is not antichristian or vnlawfull Might not by this reason King Dauids Commission or letters mandatory vnto Ioaâ—… for the murthering of Vriah be accompted good because king Dauid was a most godly Prince if so be that the goodnes of any mortal man might make that which is euill good or iustifie any vnlawfull action We heere reason not of the goodnes of any mens personsâ—… so much as of the vnlawfulnes of this CoÌ„mission which by so many reasons being proued such can neither be iustified by the Princes authority that dirâ—…cteth yt nor by the goodnes of any to whome yt is directed but remaineth altogether vnlawful for the one to graunt for the other to accept Yet for the persons of these CoÌ„missioners we haue shewed the ciuil personages magistrates to be vtterly vncapable of any ecclesiastical functioÌ„s whiles they retaine these ciuil offices much more of such vnlawful vngodly authority iurisdiction ouer so many churches as they execute in this CoÌ„mission As for the honorable reuereÌ„d clergie this Doctor speaketh of if we had said nothing concerning their office ministery before yet this his popish teaâ—…me of clergie wherby he segregateth the ministery from the rest of the church or els only would haâ—…e them to be the Lords heritage sufficiently bewraieth froÌ„ what forge they al came plainly sheweth them to haue come from their holy father the Pope begotten and borne vpon their mother of Rome such a Lordly Clergie or clearal Prelacy not being before heard of or râ—…ad in the Teâ—…tameÌ„t of Christ and so by this reason the high CoÌ„mission is like to proue antichristian this honorable reuerend clergie which beare al the rule in this Commission being so immediatly deriued and directly discended from that Antichrist of Rome And as for this popish distinction betwixt the clergie the laitye I refer him to reade with due consideration Act. 26. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 3. There is as litle sequele of his second reason that because this Commission hath some good branches as to purge Gods religioÌ„ of popery anabaptistry to punish to suppresse notable disorders as incests polygamies oppression of ministers therfore this whole high CoÌ„mission is good godly Might not the most vngodly councels y t euer were be thus defended iustified because they decreed not some but many good things Might not any sect or heresy be thus also defended iustified because they hold teach many good things yet iudge we such ecclesiasticall councels assemblies antichristian which haue no warraÌ„t from the word of God where the holy ghost is not both the author ruler Therfore vntill this high CoÌ„mission be approued either by president or rule we must still hold yt antichristiaÌ„ vnlawful And now touching these faire pretexts wherwith this sepulchre of all rottennes is guilded this deepe graue is couered as with flowers greene grasse let euen these fairest sheweâ—… therof be examined and proued by â—…hat which hath bene said touching their seruice-booke ministery what a pure worship holy ministery this CoÌ„mission preserueth and maintaineth Let the coÌ„monnes of inceâ—…ts polygamies adulteries forâ—…ication al vncleannes y t abouÌ„deth in the land shew the great good y t this coÌ„mission doth in the land yea let their profane vngodly order that they take for the suppressing punishing these crimes shew what a holy couÌ„cel this is The Lord coÌ„mandeth odious vnnatural incests al adulteries to be puniâ—…hed with death the high CoÌ„mission punisheth the most hatefull incests poligamies by prisons or by the purse As for such incest as is not in marriage other adulteries they are but peccadilia punished by doing penance in a white sheete or els by some lesse mulct w tout impriâ—…onmeÌ„t Moreouer this coÌ„mission punisheth y e most high execrable idolatries by prisons forfaiturs making yt a pecuniary matter coÌ„trary to the law of God Deut. 1â—… Deut. 7. Now let vs come to Mr. SOMES 3 argumeÌ„t where by scripture he doth approue this high CoÌ„mission to be no new diuiâ—…e King Iehoshaphat and king Arâ—…axerxes directed high CoÌ„missions Iehoshaphâ—…t saith M r. SOME in these words In Ierushalem did Iehoshaphat sâ—…t of the Leuites of the Priests of the chiefe of the families of Israel for the iudgmeÌ„t cause of the Lord. And they returned to Ierushalem and he charged them saying c. How ignorantly if not corruptly D. S. hath inuerted this text both in the words distinctions may appeare to any that wil compare yt to the orginal He hath inuerted the wordes thus in that he saith for the iudgment cause of the Lord where the text is for the iudgmeÌ„t of y â— Lord y â— plea or strife Lemischphat Iehouah velarib He hath inuerted the diâ—…tinctions in these words And they returâ—…ed to 〈◊〉 and â—…e 〈◊〉 them saâ—…ng In which 〈◊〉 he hath put a periode where the tâ—…xt is coÌ„tinued in the verse without distinction and hath made a litle 〈◊〉 where should be an hebrew periode beginning the verse where he â—…hould not reÌ„ding part of the â—… verse giuing yt to the ninth wherby he hath dismâ—…mbred confounded the text as shal by by appeare by misplacing this word IEHOVAH and putting yt after both the iudgment the plea he hath giueÌ„ or rather takeÌ„ occasion to thinke that this was but one entire commission consisting of ecclesiastical ciuil persons ioiâ—…d together and y t this coÌ„mission had authority to handle decide both ecclesiastical ciuil causes whereas in deed â—…he word IEHOVAH is ioined to the word Misâ—… of purpose to put differeÌ„ce betwixt the ecclesiastical politicall iudgments which are expressed in the 10 verse the 11 verse also shewing the distinctioÌ„ both of these iudgments Iudges for ecclesiasticall matters sending to the people Amariah the high Priest to the Temple to the ministers therof the Priests Leuites for pollitike ciuil causes sending the people to Zebadia to those heads of y e families mencioned in y e â—… verse here called Schiâ—… rulers or Iudges which verse he also hath most corruptly deliuered both by misplacing the wordes of the text and conueijng in words of his owne especially in these words the Leuites shal be officers before you where the words lye in the text thus Iudges Leuiâ—…s â—…efore you wherby he craftily would collect that y e Leuites
whome they perswade that they shal do much good herein before whome they bring none but the most heinous fowle causes as incest plurality of wiues papistry c. neuer suffring them to looke into the secrets mysteries of their kingdome or to heare the iust complaints of the Q. oppressed subiects by their tyranny These as is aboue said they wil not suffer so much as to expose their griefes vtter their wrongs or to plead defend their owne cause before these câ—…uil magistrates no not in this their owne courte where the Archbishop is in his exaltation and their chiefe aduersaries are Iudges so fearful are they least the light should breake forth and all their packing and wickednes be bewâ—…aied But he that discloseth all secrets will I doubt not shortly reueale all their doings and make them as odious as they are now honorable At which time such as now ioine to them and vphold them shall stand far off for feare of their torments when the wrath of God shalbe reueled from heauen against all the impiety and iniustice of these men that withhold the truth in vnrighteousnes For sure if the Prince Magistrats but knew the vnlawfulnes of this CoÌ„mission â—…ither in the persons power or practise therof they would â—…oone withdraw their power fâ—…om the beast and would not in this maner vphold or 〈◊〉 vnto the throne of Antichrist that forgeth wrong besâ—…des law The ecclesiasticall persons of this Commission we haâ—…e by expressâ—… scriptures shewed neither to be true ministers of the Gospell neitheâ—… true members of the Church of Christ. Both which though they were yet could they not receaue or exercise such antichristian power inordinate authority ouer all or any one congregation of Christ much lesse in the estate they stand For the ciuiil magistrates that are of this Commission though they may as members together with those congregations whervnto they are ioined iointly with the whole Church exercise such spiritual power to censure faltes discusse matters and determine of such affaires as belong vnto arise in their congregations c. yet can they not as by vertue of their ciuil office exercise these spirituall censures power which Christ hath giueÌ„ belongeth vnto the whole Church much lesse assume into their owne hands and plucke from the whole Church this power which Christ hath giuen them So then all the persons of this Commission both ecclesiastical ciuil are â—…tterly vncapable of this inordinaâ—…e power iurisdictioÌ„ which being so monâ—…trous heinouâ—… ouer al churches al 〈◊〉 causes persons doctrines to ratifie or diâ—…anul erect or pull downe bring in or cast out of the Church handle hold plea of many ciuile causes also and that after so blasphemous vnchristian a maner by administring enforcing their idolatrous booke othe by prohibiting somuch as to speake for themselues or in their owne causes by inflicting penalties fines by incarcerating whome for what they list and there deteining them as close as long as they list and that without bayle mainprise or trial which monstrous confused power belongeth rather vnto is more fit for y t Antichrist that Beast and vnto the false church then vnto any member of CHRIST or of his church God hath pur difference though no disagreement betwixt thâ—…â—…hurch and the coÌ„mon welth betwixt the ministers iurisdictioÌ„ censures of ech of them hauing set vnto ech sort their due bounds officers and limits which they ought not after this maner to transgresse or confound making I know not what coÌ„mixture of persons offices causes in this monstrous Commission where the ciuil magistrate is made a Iudg minister of ecclesiastical causes their church ministers of ciuill coÌ„moÌ„ welth matters al vnder pretext of the coÌ„mission of y e Prince who because he hath power ouer all causes persons both of the Church coÌ„mon welth â—…herfore these meÌ„ suppose that he may make what new lawes decrees orders for both Church common welth that he list change the ordinances decrees of God at his pleasure especially if he be a christian Prince for then he is no way bownd to the lawes of God or limits of his calling But against such deuilish doctrines we haue ofteÌ„ in this treatise proued that though the Prince be placed of God in the most high authority both oâ—…er y e church coÌ„mon welth here vpon earth yet he is but â—…he seruaÌ„t of God circumscribed with lawes as one that shal render an â—…ccompt be iudged before the Lord of all his doings as any other Though the Prince haue the booke of God â—…oÌ„mitted vnto him with charge to see yt duly executed by euery one in his calling yet hath he â—…t to keepe obserue not to breake or chaÌ„ge We haue also proued all the lawes of God to be most holy inuiolable and al sufficient both for the church coÌ„mon welth the perfect instruction of euery officer member of the same in their seueral duties callings so that nothing is now left vnto aâ—… mortal man of what high dignity calling soeuer but to fulfil execute the will of God in his word in their places callings which word being now perfected in y e heauenly ministery of Christ nothing may be added to or takeÌ„ from the same without most high sacriledg impiety the vtter abrogating of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t no new deuise how holy or necessary â—…oeuer to our earthly seeming is now to be brought in or required at our hands our obedience being more acceptable vnto God then our sacrifice Which way â—…en can this strange monstrous CoÌ„mission neuer read nor heard of in the new Testament of Christ or whole word of God so vnlawfull in the persons y t are y e CoÌ„missioners in the power authority they exercise in al their proceedings so pernicious to y â— whole church so dirâ—…ctly contrary to y â— word of God to y â— vtter subuersioÌ„ taking out of the way y â— whole TestameÌ„t ordinaÌ„ces of Christ how may this coÌ„missioÌ„ I say be set oâ—…er y â— whole church or be iustified by y e Princes authority But to proue y t this ecclesiastical high CoÌ„mission is no antichristian vngodly or new diuise Mr. SOME hath taken some paines bestowed vpon vs a few reasons such as they are Saith he this CoÌ„mission is deriued from our gracious soueraigne Q. ELISABETH to whome the Antichrist of Rome is a professed enemy and is directed to honorable reuerend wise men of the clergie temporalty therfore yt is not antichristian Againe sundry branches of this CoÌ„mission are godly as to preserue Gods religion whole sound from popery Anabaptistry c. to meete with suppresse notable disorders as incests polygamies oppressioÌ„ of the ministers c. and to giue defence countenance to the good therfore this CoÌ„mission is very godly Thirdly high Commissions
seale the blessing of God to faith to come when God only blesseth his owne ordinance curseth al transgression therof therfore faith is rather to purge yt by bitter teares repentance then to ioy in yt iustifie yt But here then wil dangerous concâ—…usions be drawen against vs if pâ—…pish baptisme be no true sacrament THEN IS THE Prince and all the ancient peeres of the laÌ„d vnbaptised yea they wil conclude against our selues that we also are vnbaptised seing we for the reasons aboue said hold not the sacramentes administred in the Church of England at this present to be true seales of the couenant and fauor of God then ought all vpon paine of neglect of the holy ordinance of God to seeke the seale of the couenaÌ„t but this now cannot be had because we haue now in all Europe no ministery to deliuer ytâ—… â—…all the ministerie both of this land and al these knowen partes of the world being sprung from and ordained by the Church of Rome For all the protestantes when they forsooke the Sea of Rome yet left not that ministerie they then had but exercised by vertue of that ministerie without any new ordination c. But if we denie the Church of Rome to be a Church then how should the ministerie made by yt be a true ministerie and so is all the ministerie of this laÌ„d throwne to the â—…arth both LL. BB s. parish priestes curates preachers all Neither saith D. S. can this euer be recouered For if the baptisme in the Church of Rome be not a true sacrament then are all the people vnbaptised If the people be vnbaptised then can they not chuse a minister because saith he they are not as yet by baptisme ingraffed into the visible Church neither may they vntil they be baptised be admitted to the communion c. These reasons no doubt are strong and sure if we find not a better solution then the CLERK of OXENFORD hath as yet made in the behalf of M r. PENRY For if the church of Rome be no true Church 〈◊〉 the ministers made therin are no true ministers for by his owne aâ—…d that a true position WHERE THERE IS no Church there is no calling but all the ministers of the Church of England were made either in the Church of Rome or by vertue of that ministerie fetched from the Church of Rome that within the memorie yea within half the age of a man therfore we may by his owne reason conclude all this ministerie both BB s. PP s. to be Romish antichristian false so the sacramentes by them deliuered are no true sacramentes Let him by all the vvit craft and sophistrie in his budget auoid this reason Againe if the baptisme of the Church of Rome were not true baptisme then were all the people vpon the change of that Religion vnbaptised for ther was no other baptisme then deliuered but that being vnbaptised they haue neither right nor power to chuse or execute any ministerie deliuer or receaue the other Sacrament vntil they haue baptisme For none vncircumcised in flesh might eate the Passouer or offer any maner of gift in the Temple And thus we see neither haue these ministers of the Church of England power to deliuer Sacramentes they themselues being both vnbaptised and also no true ministers as aboue is manifestly conuinced neither haue the people vnbaptised any power to receaue the Sacraments or meanes to redresse these mischiefes vntil either a third Eliah or second Ihon Baptist come downe from heauen to restore this defection YfM â— Penrie prouide not better stuffe for his owne defence then his frend of Oxenford hath as yet brought I can tell him this that both he his coÌ„panions must become Brownistes as they to the dishonour of Christ terme vs or els this popish Doctor wil preuaile against theÌ„ for that most odious and vnchristian flatterie of her Maiestie wil neither couer nor cure this sore It wil not suffise to say that her maiestie is perswaded in conscience that she is baptised therfore she need no other baptisme though she as yet haue receaued none Neither wil yt help the matter to say the Bishop or priest which administreth the communion vnto her knoweth not so much therfore shee may still run on in this course vnbaptised Neither will al the colourable and deceitful ArgumeÌ„tes drawen for the assurance of her saluation help this case or doe her any good if she remayne and be found in open and wilful yea presumptuons transgression contempt or neglect of Gods ordinance There is but one common saluation for all men of all degrees both Prince and people the law of God remaineth sure foreuer can for no estate or person be changed None can be a member of a planted Church but such as are baptised This we see by circuÌ„cisioÌ„ y e commoÌ„ seale to al that were within the couenaÌ„t to the Church their seed This was the practise of Christ his Apostles they that were baptised were added nuÌ„bred to the Church not vntil theÌ„ receaued into y e fellowship how frendly and wel affected soeuer they were vnto the Church Now then the state standing thus that the baptiâ—…me dâ—…livered in the Church of Rome is no baptisme the ministerie there giueÌ„ no ministerie c this so apparantly prooued after his syllogistical manner by this Scholler of Oxenford how can her Maiestie any longer be ignorant or that Congregation to which she ioineth if ther were any such that she they all are vnbaptised Seing the matter is published in print spread abroad through al partes of the land the glooue cast downe with open challenge to maintaine the same against al opponentes wel this being knowen with what conscience can either that minister deliueâ—… or she that people receaue the Lordes supper in this estateâ—… seing none vnbaptised may receaue yt but is subiect to the same cuâ—…se that the vncircumcised were which were admitted to the Passouer how caÌ„ they now that they see thsn estate commit further sinne sacriledge and violate the whole order Testament of Christ by plunging themselues into further transgression and seking no remedie to auoide this Baptisme he saith is not the cause but the seale of saluation they may be saued which were neuer baptised I graunt all this where yt can by no meanes to had but I hope they wil not so say that yt can not be had with them and that the matter is not come to that passe from the most floorishing estate of a Church in Europe and that so sodainly with opening but one gap Then haue Mr. Peâ—…rie and D. S. spunne a faire thred let them take heed for a few of these ArgumeÌ„tes wil make as many as haue sight grace or câ—…science Brownictes as this schâ—…ller blasphemeth them But what remedie for this mischeif seing al now are vnbaptised where
and all the ordinances therof without accompt or 〈◊〉 as hath beene plentifully shewed in all this discouery and yet more shall appeare if we now take a litle view of thâ—…ir Commission which is the very abisme golph from whence spring flow all these innumerable enormities into euery paâ—… of this whole land their Church THIS INDEFINITE monstrous Commission I hauing neuer seene their letters pattents or any copie therof cannot othervise describe then by certaine appaâ—…ant circumstâ—…nces as the men of whome yt consisteth and that haue the chiefe rule therof the persons causes ouer which this CoÌ„mission is set and hath iurisdiction and the maner of vsing their sayd power The Commissioners are certayne ecclesiasticall ciuile persons as first the Primate of England the Arch-b of Canterburie then I suppose the Metropolitane of Yorke with certaine other Bishops as London Winchester c. certaine Deanes Arch-deacons Chancelors with sundry especial ciuile Doctors c. The ciuil persons of this Commission are now of late dayes some few of her Ma ties honorable Councell the two chiefe Iudges certaine Courtiers as the two Maisters of her Maiesties requests certaine chosen Aldermen the Recorder of London certaine other officers about the Citie as the Liâ—…ftenant of the Tower the post-Mr sundry other that I know not not heeâ—…e to recite that rabble of aduocates proctors scribes pursuyuaÌ„ts attending thervpon These thus ioined in this high great Commission haue or at the least exercise by vertue therof absolute power iurisdiction ouer the whole Church of England and euery particular congregation of the same and ouer euâ—…ry minister member of the same euen ouer al the Q. Subiects They also exercise finall iurisdiction absolute power ouer all causes ecclesiasticall whatsoeuer to handle and determine to visite enquire punish to make new lawes orders decrees and to inioine the same as authentike vpon all Churches as before the holy oracles of God They haue power also to assume any cause or plea out of any other of their inferior spiritual Courtes as they call them into their owne hands to ratifie or disanul any thing there done They haue power also to erect and to authorise new litle high Commissions in any Citie of the land where yt pleaseth them only with this excâ—…ption that they alwaies acknowledg the supreme power of their parent at Lambeth Yet further this great high Commission hath absolute power ouer sundrie and what not ciuil causes insomuch as they feare not to meddle with matters belonging to the Q. crowne or preâ—…ogatiue roial or to any of her Courts of plea whatsoeuer yea they haue not doubted to intercept causâ—…s belonging vnto depending in the high Court of parliament if Mr. PENRY in his appâ—…ale say true Thâ—…y haue power to cite summon or conuent by their pursuyuants cursitors what person of the land eithâ—…r man or woman at any time when they please they haue power to command all the Q. officers as Maiors of Cities Sherifs c. to serue attend watch ride by day or by night vpon their busines whatsoeuer also to apprehend to incarcerate or to deliuer out of prison what person or peâ—…sons how innocent or flagitious soeuer vpon their barre warrant without further enquire or delay yea they haue power to fetch vp any of these officers before theÌ„ from their charge in her Maiesties seruices there also to ymprison them if they so thinke good They haue power to authorize these rakehel â—…obbers their pursuyuants to herry molest or attach any of the Q. â—…aithful subiectts they list to breake open â—…ansack their houses by day or by night to spoyle carie away what and whome they please without controulement their warrants being made indefinite without anie certaine perscription or limitation Wel being thus furnished with this power they come together at their Session as charrets armed to the battâ—…l a great tayle of officers court of aâ—…tendants being asseÌ„bled the apparance wherof exceedeth I suppose that of the Vaticane at Rome no praier vsed before neither the booke of God opened in this their ecclesiastical councel The parties conuâ—…nted are to attend being called to appeare before them before whome being come what affaires soeuer they haue whither of a whole Church or of manie congregations what office or degree soeuer they be of they must there stand their headâ—…s discouâ—…red before them no place giuen them with or by these Commissioners Yf they be to propouÌ„d speake or complaine of any thing they muâ—…t doe yt by the officers of this Courte their Aduocates Proctors Râ—…gisters Scribes seouâ—…dum modum formam and that to no small charge by that time all these voultures haue their fees otherwise theÌ„ by these they may not plead in this Courte the iudgments of this Court they must receaue without contradictioÌ„ or gaynsaijng there is no appeale no helpâ—… no mâ—…anes to reuâ—…rse the same be they neuer so vniâ—…st Any othâ—…rs that are blamed and accused vnto this Courte haue not heâ—…re plâ—…ce to answere vnto such things as shalbe obiâ—…cted against them by their accusers bâ—…ing brought face to face or to defeÌ„d themselues according to equitie but heere they shall hardly know their accusers or accusations at anie time vntil they haue taken an othe to answere truly vnto such things as shalbe demaÌ„ded of theÌ„ in that Court wherby they are driuen to accuse themselues and so minister matter abundantly vnto their aduersaries The othe that is heere administred is that laying their hand or fingeâ—…s vpon a booke they sweare by God by the contents of the booke to answere truly vnto such things as shalbe demanded of them and so kissing the booke their othe is accepted no further leisure giuen to consider what thâ—…y answere vnto their demandes But if anie make conscience or denie to receaue this idolatrous wicked othe which though yt be proued vnto them to be nâ—…uer so vnlawful and contrarie to the commandement of God Deut. 6. 13. Deâ—…t â—…0 20. to be neuer so superstitious in deuising adding yea in inioyning ceremonies where God in these lawes hath made none but coÌ„manded to sweare without anie ceremonies by the name of God only though yt be proued to be neuer so idolatrous in ioyning any thing vnto or with God in swearing by any thing besides or with God though the fearful curse of God be shewed to be denouÌ„ced against such maneâ—… of swearing swearers by the Lords prophets in these words They that sweare in the sin of Sâ—…maria that say thy God O Dan liueth and the way of Beerschebah liueth eueÌ„ they shal fal neuer â—…ise vp againe and in an other place that the Lord will cut off al that sweare by IEHOVAH as they sweare by 〈◊〉 be this othe prooued neuer so vnnecesfarie the cause not requiring anie such triall be yt proued neuer so vnnatural yt being to accuse theÌ„selues y
â— vnto their aduersaries yet wil these graceles Bishops inforce this othe first by way of perswasion by Abrahams Iaacobs exaÌ„ples who caused the one his seâ—…uaÌ„t y e other his sonne to sweare putting their haÌ„d vnder their theigh c. and by the Angels lifting vp his haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ to sweare If vnto the fiâ—…st they be answered that AbrahaÌ„ Iaacob ioyned not this ceremony vnto the othe so much as to exact the fidelitie performance of the othe seijng God himself sware vnto Abraham without this ceremonie Gen 15 17 as also Ishaac sware Iaacob sware without this ceremonie Gen. 26. 31. Gen. 31. 53 so that there caÌ„ be no law drawen or exaÌ„ple made of Abraham Iaacob heerin especially seing this was before the law was giueÌ„ but now we â—…aue an absolute law giuen of God for the forme of othes froÌ„ which law we ought not to swerue Yf vnto the secoÌ„d namely the Angels lifting vp the haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ whiles he sware yt be likewise answered y t no law caÌ„ be inforced froÌ„ heÌ„ce or any new ceremony inioyned in swearing nothing being done heere contrarie to the law of God neither any example giueÌ„ to breake or alter y â— law giueÌ„ of God seing now both al superstitious ceremonies idolatrous othes are forbiddeÌ„ vs by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles Math. 5. 34. 3. 5 Mat. 23. Gal. 4. 9. Col. 2. 20. Their next reason is draweÌ„ froÌ„ the Princes priuiledg y t the Prince hath power to make lawes of indiffereÌ„t things is therin to be obeied this maner of othe is shewed to be no indiffereÌ„t thing but altogether vnlawful prohibited for the reasons aboue alledged But if yt were a thing indiffereÌ„t as they suppose so to sweare or not so to sweare yet were yt not lawfull for any mortal man to bind that by way of law which God hath left in our libertie much lesse to bring in new ceremonies or diuises into the worship of God for so might al the Popes traditioÌ„s be brought in iustified WheÌ„ these reasons wil not serue to perswade oâ—… assure the conscience theÌ„ these holy fathers these teÌ„der hearted christian BBs are driueÌ„ to their last argumeÌ„t wherby they vphold their antichristiaÌ„ throne Viz. the ciuil power authoritie which is committed into their murtherous handes Then are they forthwith committed vnto close prison there to remaine vntil they either yeild or die and this without respect of age sexe or degree especially if they be conveÌ„ted for refusing or speaking against the BBs Popelike authoritie antichristian decrees idolatrous iniunctions c such with mortall hatred they persecute much more â—…hen they doe the most hainous malefactors traiterous Papists such they opeÌ„ly publish to be sectaries scismatikes heretikes Anabaptists disobedient to magistrates seditious conventiclers c. and al because they will not beare Antichristes yoke nor carie the Beastes marke nor bow downe vnto worship his image Such therfore they hunt pursue aâ—…rode by their spiaâ—…s pursyuants and hauing caught theÌ„ vse with al eâ—…quisite tyranny neuer suffring theÌ„ to depart out of theiâ—… haÌ„ds vntil they either deny y e faith or be fetched froÌ„ theÌ„ by the Lords peremptorie messenger Death Long yt were to relate their fine spanish arts to molest these constant witnesses faithfull seruaÌ„ts of Christ when they get them in their prisons by shutting them vp long close by causing them to be produced and indicted at the general sessions vpoÌ„ the statute of recusansy hauing made some of the Iudgâ—…s on their part although this statute was made for Christs and her Ma ties â—…nemies the Papists recusants of all christian veritie When vpon this statute they haue gotten them indicted and vpon the execution therof cast into prisons yet heâ—…re their malice ceaseth not but although they be the Q. prisoners in her execution yet will they contrarie to all law assume them back againe into thâ—…ir handes and by thâ—…ir sole authoritie without anie cause alledged commit them perpetuall close prisoners therby to shorten their liues and to cut off all meanes either of their owne maintenance from them or wherby they might any way satisfie the Queâ—…ne Thus play they with poore Christians as the catte doth with the moâ—…se boldly committing them vnto and taking them fâ—…om the seculer powers at their owne pleasure abusing the Queenes lawes and most faithfull subiâ—…ctes at their owne lust without checke or controulement they being subiect and liable to no lawe To such a heigth is this strange Romish spanish Court now growne vnder colour of â—…eforming â—…cclesiasticall abusâ—…s that yt vsurpeth absolute power ouer al lawâ—…s causâ—…s persons 〈◊〉 yea and becommeth the very fountaine or synke rather from whence flow al errors abuses and disorders into the whole laÌ„d yt being the very bane poyson both of the church and common welth that â—…uer going forge of Sathan wherin he daily mintâ—…th al his antichrâ—…stian new deuises decrees for this monstrous harlot the false Church that Senate wherin all their affaires are consâ—…lted that Councel wherin all their decrees are concluded a Synode wherin all causes are debated a schoole wherin al questions are disputed a fayre wherin all their wares are sould This monstrous Court taketh vtterly away the power and stoppeth the course of Gods word of his Church and of the godly lawes of the land preiudicial yt is to the prerogatiue of the Prince to the iurisdiction of her â—…oyall Courts to the libertie of her free subiects to the great Chaâ—…r of England as their practise euidently sheweth How contrarie yt is vnto God vnto al the rules of his word euen by this summarie recitall insufficient description of their doings at the first reading may appeare to al men that wil bring them to the light So barbarous is thâ—…ir power so odious their proceedings as no apologie caÌ„ be made for them vnlesse by the same they wil also iustifie the authoritie of the Pope and proceedings of the spanish inquisition both vvhich yet heerin they exceed in that this Court hath power to make lawes oâ—…dinaÌ„ces for al churches without their consent which the Pope cannot doe as also in that this Court hath power iurisdiction ouer many almost al ciuil causes which the spanish inquisition hath not Let not my words be wrasted or misconstrued to the reproch of these honorable personages such ciuile magistrates as are of this CoÌ„mission whose ciuil offices persons we from our hearts vnfainedly honour and reuerence yet can the authority of their personages no way iustifie the vnlawfulnes of this Commission or hide the vngodlines of the BBs proceedings therin with whose crafty practises we suppose they are not made acquainted being tised into this CoÌ„mission by the subâ—…ilty of the BBs who suppose to fortifie their antiâ—…hristian power popish regiment by the authority and countenance of the these honorable reuerend men
this coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of Artaxerxes who no doubt vsed such words in this coÌ„mission as agreed to the lawes iudgmentes of Persiâ—… rather then of knowledg in Gods law be made either ecclesiastical censures or any way be executed in any Christian pollitike regiment otherwise theÌ„ they are found to accord with the lawes iudgments of God prescribed in his word But this new diuised high ecclesiastical Commission doth not only ceÌ„sure punish al faultes of their churches by these iudgmeÌ„ts penalties but doth inflict theÌ„ in what measure manner they lust vpon al persons for al cawses whatsoeuer whether cawses of religion as opeÌ„ idolatrie popish masse c. or contempt of their iniunctions decrees in not resorting to their worship sacraments or administring them after any other maÌ„ner theÌ„ they haue prescribed c. whither for ciuil offences be they neuer so hainous abhominable as most odious incests adulteries polygamies c. Al these by this commission are punished by the purse by the prison for the law of God for idolatours adulterers were al to sharpe therfore this holy councel guided belike by some better wiser spirit haue found out this more mitigate course repressing these sinnes But if any vpon faith and conscience towards God refraine their idolatrous deuises there can for such be found out no kind of hostility confiscation perpetual close imprisonment sufficient for their faultes Thus no way can this high CoÌ„mission of the church of England be iustified by these examples of 〈◊〉 Artaxerâ—…es neither hath yt any more defence in the new Testament where is no mention of any such councel or Court set ouer all churches ouer euery méber minister cause affaire ceÌ„sure therof to impose depose determine iudge censure punish at their pleasure whome what they lust without coÌ„tradiction or controlement We reade in the practise of the Apostles of a synode or councell of â—…undry churches for the deciding of controuersies doubtes where certaine chosen Elders of the churches are thervnto assembled together with such faithfull of any church as will be present without shutting out of any of them neither are these Elders here gathered in any such stagelike or pontisicall maner as these our Prelates are in this CoÌ„mission but in this christiaÌ„ councel or assembly ech one hath free liberty and place to relate or debate his owne cause without interruption or preiudice neither is any thing heere decreâ—…d by the wil of any man but only by the wil of God that vpon euident demonstratioÌ„ of the word otherwise no credite or obedience giuen to any thing they set downe or determine During y e time of which couÌ„cel at any time after w tout any preiudice any christiaÌ„ hath freedome and liberty in due time place not disturbing the peaceable order of ChristiaÌ„ assemblies to speake according to the word of God either in approbatioÌ„ or reproofe of any thing to be done or done in y t councel Which councel or synode as yt hath not power to erect or bring in any new decrees or ordinaÌ„ces into the church besides those which are prescribed in y e booke of God which are alsufficieÌ„t for al times occasions vnto the worlds end so hath not this councel any power or authority ouer any church or any member of the church to censure excoÌ„municate erect or depose any This councel or assembly is only ordained for the helpe quiet of churches to discusse questioÌ„s to decide doubtes as they fall out arise that so all churches in all places might walke by one rule in the vnitie of the spirit This couÌ„cel is not permanent or alwaies setled in one place but to be vsed by any Churches at any time or place vpoÌ„ due occasions Neither is this councel so subsisting of the presbitery ortied to the persons of any that the least meÌ„ber of Christ is therby shut out not suffred to heare or to speake or any way preiudiced neither is any Church by this councell either depriued of their high power authority which Christ hath giueÌ„ to euery seuerall congregatioÌ„ alike or forestalled froÌ„ the due execution therof towards any member of their congregation or cause that ariseth amongst theÌ„ But as is said this councel is only a brothâ—…rly peaceable meeting of sundry churches for the better more asâ—…ured deciding discussing of doubtes and questions that arise leauing the whole practise due execution of al things to euery particular congregation in that order maner that Christ hath prescribed in his Testament These occasions rules and proceedings of Synodes councels or meetings of diuers Churcheâ—… we find left vnto vs in that holy patterne Act. 15. where though the chiefe builders y â— Apostles themselues were yet euen there were al things handled with this order modesty sobriety freedome c. But now if we compare their high ecclesiastical Commission vnto this holy councell and meeting how vnlike in al their orders proceedings and actions shall yt be found Their Commission being made a continuall setled permanent Court hauing strange Iudges aduocates officers iuriâ—…diction pleas processe c. vsurping and exercising supreme power absolute authority ouer al churcheâ—… ministers persons lawes doctrines to ratifie or disanull to establish or reiect to erect or depose whome what they lust executing al the censures offices of the Church changing bringing in and setting vp what they please shutting out the sentence of all Churches Christians allowing them neither interest electioÌ„ voice or presence in this their councell thrusting their decrees and constitutions as most holy vpon all Churches the consciences of all men with an high strong hand to be receiued without contradiction or question adiuring examâ—…ning suspending deposing fining emprisoning persecuting with all hostility all such as receaue not their constitutions submit not vnto their power Now let any christian iudge whether this Commission be not more like vnto the high court of the Beast then vnto an holy peaceable orderly assembly of christiaÌ„s met in the feare of God and guided by his Spirit to enquire search out Gods wil and humbly to rest in the same The ciuill magistrats power or presence can no way iâ—…stifie this CoÌ„mission or their proceedings being found so directly contrary to the TestameÌ„t of CHRIST vnto which yt is now lawfull for no man or Angel to superordeine alter or pluck away any thing without hainouâ—… sacrilege This monstrous coÌ„mixture then of these distinct powers in one court or person together with this confuse practise barbarous hauock tyranny they make exercise ouer Gods heritage Christâ—… poore seruants doe euidently denote and as by the very steppes trase out vnto all men the person throne and power of that Antichrist that aduersary that beast accordingly as they are described foreshewed vnto vs in the scriptures Math. 24. 15. 2 Thess. 2. how Antichrist should presume into the very