are yet in their Nurses armes or else under their Regents in Colledges nay more that the abuse goeth before their being Children being commonly designed to Bishopricks and Abbacies before they were born He made also another complaint that the Soveraign Courts by their decrees had attempted upon the authority which was committed to the Clergy even in that which meerly concerned Ecclesiasticall discipline and government of the Church To these complaints he gave them indeed a very gracious hearing but it was no further then an hearing being never followed by redresse The Court of Parliament knew too well the strength of their own authority and the King was loath to take from himself those excellent advantages of binding to himself his Nobility by the speedy preferring of their children and so the clergie departed with a great deal of envy and a little satisfaction Like enough it were that the Pope would in part redresse this injury especially in the point of jurisdiction if he were able But his wings are shrewdly clipped in this Câ—…untrey neither can he fly at all but as far as they please to suffer him For his temporall power they never could be induced to acknowledge it as we see in their stories anno 1610. the Divines of Paris in a Declaration of theiâ—…s tendred to the Queen Mother affirmed the supremacie of the Pope to be an Erroneous Doctrine and the ground of that hellish position of deposing and killing of Kings Anno 1517. when the Councell of Lateran had determined the Pope to be the head of the Church in causes also temporall the University of Paris testifieth against it in an Apology of theirs Dated the 12 of March the same year Leo decimus saith the Apology in quodamcoetu non tamen in Spiritu Domini congregato contra fidem Catholicam c. Sacrum Bisiliense concilium damnavit In which councell of Basil the Supremacy of the Pope was condemned Neither did the Kâ—…ngs of France forget to mâ—…intain their own authority And therefore when as Pope Boniface VIII had in a peremptory Letter written to Philip le Bell King of France styled himself Dominus totius mundi tam in tempâ—…ralibus quam in spiritualibus the King returned him an answer with an Epithite sutable to his arrogancy Sciat maxima tua fatuitas nos in temporalibus alâ—…ui nâ—…n subesse c. The like answer though in modester termes was sent to another of the Popes by St. Lewis a man of a most milde and sweet disposition yet unwilling to forgoe his royalties His spirituall power is alwayes as little in substance though more in shew for whereas the Councell of Trent hath been an especiall authorizer of the Popes spirituall supremacy the French Church would never receive it By this means the Bishops keep in their hands their own full authority whereof an obedience to the decrees of that Councell would deprive them It was truely said by St. Gregory and they well knew it Lib. 7. Epist. 70. Si unus universalis est restat ut vos Episcopi non sitis Further the University of Paris in their Declaration anno 1610 above mentioned plainly affirme that it is directly opposite to the Doctrine of the Church which the University of Paris alwayes maintained that the Pope hath the power of a Monaâ—…ch in the spirituall government of the Church To look upon higher times when the Councell of Câ—…nstance had submitted the authority of the Pope unto that of a Councell John Gâ—…rson Theologus Parisiensis magni nominis as one calleth him defended that decree and intituâ—…eth them 〈◊〉 admodum esse adulatores qui 〈◊〉 istam in Ecclesiam 〈◊〉 quasi nullis legâ—…m teneatur vinculis quasi neque paâ—…ere â—…beat coâ—…lio Pontâ—…x nec ab eo judâ—…cari queat The Kâ—…ngs 〈◊〉 also befriend their Clergy in this cause and thâ—…ore not only protested against the Councell of Trent wherein this spirituall tyranny was generally consented to by the Catholick faction But Henry II. also wouâ—…d not acknowledge them to be a Councell calling them by another name then Convâ—…ntus Tridentinus An indignity which the 〈◊〉 took very offensively But the principall thing in which it behoveth them not to acknowledge his spirituall Supremacy is the collation of Benefices and Bishopricks and the Annats and first fruits thence arising The first and greatest controversie between the Pope and Princes of Christâ—…ndome wâ—…s about the bestowing the livings of the Church and giving the investure unto Bishops the Popes had long thirsted after that authority as being a great means to advance their fâ—…llowers and establish their own greatnesse for which cause in divers pâ—…tty Councels the receiving of any Ecclâ—…siasticall preferment of a Lay man was enacted to be Simony But this did little edifie with such patrâ—…ns as had good livings As soon as ever Hildebrande in the Catalogue of the Popes called Gregory VII came to the Throne of Rome he set himself entirely to effect this 〈◊〉 as well in Germany now he was Pope as he had dâ—…ne in Franâ—…e whilest he was Legat he commandeth therefore Henry III. Emperour Ne deinceps Episcpâ—…tus beneficia they are Platinas own words per â—…piditatem Simonaicam committat aliter se usuâ—…um in ipsum censuris Ecclâ—…siasticis To this injustice when the Emperour would not yeeld he called a solemn Câ—…uncell at the Lateran wherein the Emperour was pronounced to be Simoniacall and afterwards Excommunicated neither would this Tyrant ever leave persecuting of him till he had laid him in his grave After this there followed great strugling for this matter between the Popes and the Emperours but in the end the Popes got the victory In England here he that first beckoned about it was William Rusus the controversie being whether he or Pope Uâ—…ban should invest Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury Anselme would receive his investure from none but the Pope whereupon the King banished him the Realm into which he was not admitted till the Reign of Henry II. He to endeer himself with his Clergy relinquished his right to the Pope but afterwards repenting himselfe of it he revoked his grant neither did the English Kings wholly lose it till the reign of that unfortunate prince King John Edward the first again recoverâ—…d it and his 〈◊〉 kept it The Popes having with much violence and opposition wrested into their hands this priviledge of nominating Pâ—…iests and investing Bishops they spared not to lay on what taxes they pleased as on the Benefices first fruits pensions subsidies fifteenths tenths and on the Bishopricks for palles miters crofiers rings and I know not what bables By these means the Churches were so impoverished that upon complaint made to the Councell of Basil all these cheating tricks these aucupia expilâ—…di rationes were abolished This decree was called Pragmatica functio and was confirmed in France by Charles VII anno 1438. An act of singular improvement to the Church and Kingdome of France which yearly before as the Court
in all cauâ—…es as well Ecclesiasticall as Civill Having taken consideration of the said Canons and Constitutions thus drawn as asoresaid do by these deputies ratifie confirme and approve thereof And farther we out of our Princely power and regall authority do by these Parents signed and sealed with our royall Signet for us our heirs and successors will with our royall hand and command that these Canons and Constitutions hereafter following shall from henceforth in all points be duly observed in our said Isle for the perpetuall government of the said Isle in causes Ecclesiasticall unlesse the same or some part or parts thereof upon further experience and tryall thereof by the mutuall consent of the Lord Bishop of Winton for the time being the Governour Bailiffs and Jurates of the said Isle and of the Dean and Ministers and other our Officers in the said Isle for the time being representing the body of our said Isle and by the royall authority of us our heirs and successors shall receive any additions or alterations as time and occasion shall justly require And therefore we do farther will and command the said Right reverend father in God Lancelot now Lord Bishop of Winton that he do forthwith by his Commission under his Episcopall seal as Ordinary of the place give authority unto the said now Dean to exercise Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in our said Isle according to the said Canons and Constitutions thus made and established as followeth Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiasticall treated agreed on and established for the Isle of Jarsey CHAP. I. Of the Kings Supremacy and of the Church Article I. 1. AS our duty to the Kings most excellent Majesty requireth it is first ordained That the Dean and Ministers having care of souls shall to the utmost of their power knowledge and learning purely and sincerely without any backwardnesse or dissimulation teach publish and declare as often as they may and as occasion shall present it self that all strange usurped and forain power for as much as it hath no gound by the law of God is wholly as for just and good causes taken away and abolished and that therefore no manner of obedience or subjection within any of his Majesties Realms and Dominions is due unto any such forain power but that the Kings power within his Realms of England Scotland and Ireland and all other his Dominions and Countries is the highest power under God to whom all men as well inhabitants as born within the same do by Gods Law owe most loyalty and obedience afore and above all other power and Potentates in the earth II. 2. Whosoever shall affirme and maintain that the Kings Majesty hath not the same authority in causes Ecclesiasticall that the godly Princes had amongst the Jews and the Christian Emperours in the Church primitive or shall impeach in any manner the said Supremacy in the said causes III. IV. 3. Also whosoever shall affirme that the Church of England as it is established under the Kings Majesty is not a true and Apostolicall Church purely teaching the 〈◊〉 of the Prophets and Apostles 4. Or shall impugne the Government of the said Church by Archbishops Bishops and Deans affirming it to be Antichristian shall be 〈◊〉 facto Excommunicated and not restored but by the Dean sitting in his Court after his repentance and publick reâ—…antation of his errour CHAP. II. Of Divine Service Article I. 1. IT is in joyned unto all sorts of people that they submiâ—… themselves to the Divine service contained in the book of Cnmmon-prayers of the Church of England And for as much as concerns the Ministers that they observe with uniformity the said Liturgie without addition or alteration and that they suffer not any 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 to make a sect apart by themselves or to distract the Government Ecclesiasticall established in the Church II. 2. The Lords day shall be sanctified by the exercises of publick prayer and the hearing of Gods word Every one also shall be bounden to meet together at an hour convenient and to observe the order and decency in that case requisite being attentive to the reading or preaching of the Word kneeling on their knees during the Prayers and standing up at the Belief and shall also testifie their consent in saying Amen And further during any part of Divine service the Church-wardens shall not suffer any interruption or impeachment to be made by the insolence and practice of any person either in the Church or Church-yard III. 3. There shall be publick exercise in every Parish on Wednesdays and Fridays in the morning by reading the Common prayers IV. 4. When any urgent occasion shall require an extraordinary Fast the 〈◊〉 with the advice of his Ministers shall give notice of it to the Governour and Civill Magistrate to the end that by their authority and consent it may be generally observed for the appeasing of the wrath and indignation of the Lord by true and serious repentance CHAP. III. Of Baptism THe Sacrament of Baptism shall be administred in the Church with fair water according to the institution of Jesus Christ and without the limitation of any dayes No man shall delay the bringing of his child to Baptism longer then the next Sunday or publick Assembly if it may conveniently be done No person shall be admitted to be a Godfather unlesse he hath received the Lords Supper nor shall women alone viz. without the presence of a 〈◊〉 among them be admitted to be Godmothers CHAP. IV. Of the Lords Supper Article I. 1. THe Lords Supper shall be administred in every Church four times a year whereof one to be at Easter and the other at Christmas and every Minister in the administration of it shall receive the Sacrament himself and after give the Bread and wine to each of the Communicants using the words of the 〈◊〉 of it II. 2. The Masters and Mistresses of Families shall be admonished and enjoyned to cause their children and Servants to be instructed in the knowledge of their salvation and to this end shall take care to send them to the ordinary Catechizing CHAP. V. Of Marriage Article I. 1. NO man shall marry contrary to the degrees prohibited in the word of God according as they are expressed in a table made for that purpose in the Church of England on pain of nullity and censure II. 2. The Banes of the parties shall be asked three Sundays successively in the Churches of both parties and they of the Parish where the Marriage is not celebrated shall bring an attestation of the bidding of their Banes in their own Parish Neverthelesse in lawfull cases there may be a Licence or dispensation of the said Banes granted by the authority of the Dean and that upon good caution taken that the parties are at liberty III. 3. No separation shall be made a thoro mensa unlesse in case of Adultery cruelty and danger of life duly proved and this at the sole instance of the parties As for the maintenance of the
Spain more Catholick then the King The happinesse of the English Subjects A congratulation nnto England The conclusion of the first Journey p. 258. GUERNZEY and JARSEY OR THE SIXTH BOOK The Entrance 1 The occasion of c. 2 Introduction to this work 3 The Dedication 4 and Method of the whole The beginning continuance of our voyage with the most remarkable passages which happened in it The mercenary falsnesse of the Dutch exemplified in the dealing of a man of warre p. 179. CHAP. I. 1 Of the convenient situation and 2 condition of these Islands in the generall 3 Alderney and 4 Serke 5 The notable stratagem whereby this latter was recovered from the French 6 Of Guernzey 7 and the smaller Isles neer unto it 8 Our Lady of â—…hu 9 The road and 10 the Castle of Cornet 11 The Trade and 12 Priviledges of this people 13 Of Jarsey and 14 the strengths about it 15 The Island why so poor and populous 16 Gavelkind and the nature of it 17 The Governours and other the Kings Officers The 18 Politie and 19 administration of justice in both Islands 20 The Assembly of the Three Estates 21 Courts Presidiall in France what they are 22 The election of the Justices 23 and the Oath taken at their admission 24 Of their Advocates or Pleaders and the number of them 25 The number of Atturneys once limited in England 26 A Catalogue of the Governours and Bailiffs of the Isle of Jarsey p. 292. CHAP. II. 1 The City and Diâ—…cesse of Constance 2 The condition of these Islands under that Government 3 Churches appropriated what they were 4 The Black Book of Constance 5 That called 〈◊〉 day 6 The suppression of Priors Aliens 7 Priours Dâ—…tive how they dâ—…ffered from the Conventuals 8 The conditiâ—…n of the e Churches after the suppression 9 A Diagram of the 〈◊〉 then aâ—…lotted to each severall Parish together with the Ministers and Justices now being 10 What is meant by Champarte desarts and French querrui 11 The alteration of Religion in these Islands 12 Persecution here in the days of Queen Mary The Authors indignation at it expressed in a Poeticall rapture 13 The Islands annexed for ever to the Diocese of Winton and for what reasons p. 313. CHAP. III. 1 The condition of Geneva under their Bishop 2 The alteration there both in Politie and 3 in Religion 4 The state of that Church before the coming of Calvin thither 5 The conception 6 birth and 7 growth of the New Discipline 8 The quality of Lay-elders 9 The different proceedings of Calvin 10 and Beza in the propagation of that cause 11 Both of them enemies to the Church of England 12 The first enrtance of this Platforme into the Islands 13 A permission of it by the Queen and the Councell in St. Peters and St. Hillaries 14 The letters of the Councell to that purpose 15 The tumults raised in England by the brethren 16 Snape and Cartwright establish the new Discipline in the rest of the Islands p. 327. CHAP. IV. The Discipline Ecclesiasticall according as it hath been in practise of the Church after the Reformation of the same by the Ministers Elders and Deacons of the Isles of Guernzev Jarsey Serke and Alderney confirmed by the authority and in the presence of the Governours of the same Isles in a Syned â—…den in Gueâ—…nzey the 28 of June 1576. And afterwards revived by the said Ministers and Elders and confirmed by the said Governours in a Synod holden also in Guernzey the 11 12 13 14 15 and 17. days of October 1597. p. 338. CHAP. V. 1 Annotations on the Discipline 2 N place in it for the Kings Supremacy 3 Their love to Parity as wâ—…ll in the State as in the Church 4 The covering of the head a sign of liberty 5 The right hand of fellowship 6 Agenda what it is in the notion of the Church The intâ—…usion of the Eldership into Domestical affairs 7 Millets câ—…se 8 The brethren 〈◊〉 in giving names to children 9 〈◊〉 blâ—…ng Communions 10 The holy Discipline made a thâ—…d note of the 〈◊〉 11 Marriage at certain times prohibited by the Discipline 12 Dead bodies anciently not interred in Cities 13 The Baptism of â—…els 14 The brethren under pretence of scandal 〈◊〉 upon the civil Courts 15 The Discipline incroacheth on our Church by stealth 16 A caution to the Prelates p. 364. CHAP. VI. 1 King James how affected to this Platform 2 He confirms the Discipline in both Islands 3 And for what 〈◊〉 4 Sir John Peyton sent Governour into Jâ—…rsey 5 His Articles against the Ministers there 6 And the proceedings thereupon 7 The distracted estate of the Church and Miniâ—…y in that Island 8 They refer themselves unto the King 9 The Inhabitants of Jarsey petition for the English Discipline 10 A reference of both parties to the Councell 11 The restitution of the Dean 12 The Interim of Germany what it was 13 The Interim of Jarsey 14 The exceptions of the Ministery against the Book of Common prayer 15 The establishment of the new Canons 378. CHAP. VII The Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiasticall for the Church Discipline of Jarsey together with the Kings Letters Patents for the authorising of the same p. 390. CHAP. VIII 1 For what cause it pleased his Majesty to begin with Jarsey 2 A representation of such motives whereon the like may be effected in the Isle of Guernzey 3 The indignity done by a Minister hereof to the Church of England 4 The calling of the Ministers in some reformed Churches how defensible 5 The circumstances both of time and persons how ready for an alteration 6 The grievances of the Ministery against the Magistrates 7 〈◊〉 of such means as may be fittest in the managing of this design 8 The subm ssion of the Author and the work unto his Lordship The 〈◊〉 of the whole Our return to England p 412. ERRATA Besides the errors of the Copy the Reader is of course to look for some from the Prosse which the hast made for preventing the false impressions hath more increased then any negligence of the Workman which the Reader is desired to amend in this manner following PAge 4. l. 27. r. Le Main p. 5. l. 13. r. â—…ocorum p. 7 l 15. r. qui. p. 10. l. 22. r. the predecessor to the same Hen y. p. 11. l. 17. del in p. 13 8 〈◊〉 pacâ—… ibid. l. 35. r. 〈◊〉 p. 19. l 26. r. Evenlode p. 31 l. 8. r. fourth p. 39. l 25 p. 108. 9 〈◊〉 interview p. 49. l. 3. r. then ibid l 4. r. as at ibid. l. 9. r. her own thoughts p. 52. l. 1. r. Cumrye p. 60 l. 28. r. En lay ibid. l. 35 r. Troy s. p. 69 l 26. del now p. 95. l. 17. r born p. 96. l. 19 r. abolished p. 99. l. 20. r Treasurirer p. 100. l. 1. r. visible p. 121. l. 12. r. Chastres p 123 l. 1 r. as much hugged ibid. l 26. r. I
of Parliament manifested to Lewis XI had drained the State of a million of Crowns since which time the Kings of France have sometimes omitted the rigor of this sanction and sometimes also exacted it according as their affairs with the Pope stood for which cause it was called Froenum pâ—…ntificum At last King Francis I. having conquered Millaine fell into this composition with his Holinesse namely that upon the salling of any Abbacy or Bishoprick the King should have 6 months time allowed him to present a fit man unto him whom the Pope should legally invest If the King neglected his time limited the Pope might take the benefit of the relapse and institute whom he pleased So is it also with the inferior Benefices between the Pope and the Patrons insomuch that any or every Lay-patron and Bishop together in England hath for ought I see at the least in this particular as great a spirituall Supremacy as the Pope in France Nay to proceed further and shew how meerly titular both his supremacies are as well the spirituall as the temporall you may plainly see in the case of the Jesuites which was thus In the year 1609 the Jesuites had obtained of Kâ—…ng Henâ—…y IV. licence to read again in their Colledges of Paris but when their Letters patents came to be verified in the Court of Parliament the Rector and University opposed them on the 17 of Dâ—…cember 1611. both parties came to have an hearing and the University got the day unlesse the Jesuites would subscribe unto these four points viz. 1. That a Councell was above the Pope 2. That the Pope had no temporall power over Kings and could not by Excommunication deprive them of their Realm and Estates 3. That Clergy men having heard of any attempt or conspiracy against the King or his Realm or any matter of treason in consession he was bound to reveal it And 4. That Clergy men were subject to the secular Prince or politick Magistrate It appeared by our former discourse what little or no power they had left the Pope over the Estates and preferments of the French By these Propositions to which the Jesuites in the end subscribed I know not with what mentall reservation it is more then evident that they have left him no command neither over their consciences nor their persons so that all things considered we may justly say of the Papall power in France what the Papists said falsly of Erasmus namely that it is Nomen sine rebus In one thing only his authority here is intire which is his immediate protection of all the orders of Fryers and also a superintendency or supreme eye over the Monks who acknowledge very small obedience if any at all to the French Bishops for though at the beginning every part and member of the Diocesse was directly under the care and command of the Bishop yet it so happened that at the building of Monasteries in the Western Church the Abbots being men of good parts and a sincere life grew much into the envie of their Dâ—…ocesan For this cause as also to be more at their own command they made suit to the Pope that they might be free from that subjection Utque in tuâ—…elam divi Petri admitteâ—…entur a proposition very plausible to his Holinesse ambition which by this means might the sooner be raised to its height and therefore without difficulty granted This gap opened first the severall orders of Fryers and after even the Deans and Chapters purchased to themselves the like exemptions In this the Popâ—… power was wonderfully strengthned as having such able and so main props to uphold his authority it being a true Maxime in State Quâ—…d qui privilegia obtinent ad eadem conservanda tenentur authoritatem concedentis tueri This continued till the Councell of Trent unquestioned Where the Bishops much complained of their want of authority and imputed all the Schismes and Vicâ—…s in the Church unto this that their hands were tyed hereupon the Popes Legaâ—…s thought it fit to restore their jurisdiction their Dâ—…ans and Chapters At that of the Monks and Monasteries there was more sticking till at the last Sebastian Pighinus one of the Popes officers found out for them this satisfaction that they should have an eye and inspection into the lives of the Monks not by any authority of their own Sâ—…d tanquam a sede Apostolica delegati But as for the Orders of Fryers the Pope would not by any means give way to it They are his Janizaries and the strongest bulwarke of his Empire and are therefore called in a good Author 〈◊〉 Romanae curiae instrumenta So that with them the Diocesan hath nothing to do each several religious house being as a Court of Peculiars subjects only to the great Metropolitan of Rome This meer dependence on his Holinesse maketh this generation a great deal more regardlesse of their behaviour then otherwise it would be though since the growth of the Reformation shame and fear hath much reformed them they have still howsoever a spice of their former wantonnesse and on occasions will permit themselves a little good fellowship and to say truth of them I think them to be the best companions in France for a journey but not for acquaintance They live very merrily and keep a competent table more I suppose then can stand with their vow and yet far short of that affluency whereof many of our books accuse them It was my chance to be in a house of the Franciscans in Paris where one of the Fryers upon the intreaty of our friends had us into the hall it being then the time of their refectory a favour not vulgar there saw we the Brothers sitting all of a side and every one a pretty distance from the other their severall commons being a dish of pottage a chop of Mutton a dish of cherries and a large glasse of water this provision together with a liberall allowance of ease and a little of study keepeth them exceeding plump and in a good liking and maketh them having little to take thought for as I said before passing good company As I travailed towards Orleans we had in our Coach with us 〈◊〉 of these mortified sinners two of the Order of St. Austin and one Franciscan the merryest crickets that ever chirpâ—…d nothing in them but mad tales and complements and for musick they would sing like hawkes When we came to a vein of good wine they would cheer up themselves and their neighbours with this comfortable Doctrine Vivamus ut bibamus bibamus ut vivamus And for courtship and toying with the wenches you would easily believe that it had been a trade with which they had not been a little acquainted of all men when I am marryed God keep my wife from them till then my neighbours On the other side the common Priests of France are so dull and blockish that you shal hardly meet with a more contemptible people The meanest of our Curates in
love to Parity as well in the State as in the Church 4 The covering of the head a sign of liberty 5 The right hands of fellowship 6 Agenda what it is in the notion of the Church The intrusion of the Eldership into Domestical affairs 7 Millets case 8 The brethren superstitious in giving names to children 9 Ambling Communions 10 The holy Discipline made a a third note of the Church 11 Marriage at certain times prohibited by the Discipline 12 Dead bodies anciently not interred in Cities 13 The Baptism of Bels. 14 The brethren under pretence of scandal usurp upon the civil Courts 15 The Dâ—…scipline incroacheth on our Church by stealth 16 A caution to the Prelates SIc nata Romana superstitio quâ—…rum ritus si percenseas ridenda quam multa multa etiam miserandâ—… sunt as in an equal case Minutius This is that Helena which lately had almost occasioned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to put all the cities of our Greece into combustion This that Lemanian Idol before which all the Churches of the world were commanded to fall down and worship this that so holy Discipline so essential to the constitution of a Church that without it Faith and the Sacraments were to be judged unprofitable Egregiam vero laudem spolia ampla How infiniâ—…ely are we obliged to those most excellent contrivers that first exhibited unto the world so neat a model of Church Government with what praises must we celebrate the memory of those which with such violent industry endevoured to impose upon the world these 〈◊〉 inventions But this I leave unto your Lordship to determine proceeding to some scattered Annnotations on the precedent text wherein I shall not censure their devices but expound them Cap. 1. 3. As bearing chief stroke in the Civil Gâ—…ernment For in the Government Ecclesiastical they dâ—…cline his judgemâ—…nt as incompetent An excellent instance whereof we have in the particular of David Blâ—…cke a Minister of Scâ—…land who having in a Sermon traduced the person and government of the King was by the King commanded to appear before him But on the other 〈◊〉 the Church revoked the cause unto their tribunal jussit eum judicium illud declinare saith mine Author True it is that in the next chaptâ—…r they afford him â—…er to correct Blasphemers Atheists and Idolaters but this only as the executioners of their decrees and in the punishment of such whom their assemblies have condemned On the other side they take unto themselves the designation of all those which bear publick office in the Church Chap. 3 7. The appointing and proclaiming all publick fasts Chap. 11. 1. The presidency in their Assemblies Chap. 16. 1. The calling of their Councels Chap. 19. 20. Matters in which consists the life of Soveraignty No marvell then iâ—… that pâ—…rty so much dislâ—…ke the Supremacy of Princes in cauâ—…es Ecclesiastical as being ex diametro opposed to the Consistorian Monarchy A lesson taught them by their first Patriarch in his Commentaries on the 7. chapter of the Prophet Amos vers 13. in these words and in this particular Qui tâ—…pere 〈◊〉 Henriâ—…um Angliae understand the 8. of the name certe fuerunt homines inconsiderati dedeâ—…t enim illi summam rerum omnium potestatem hoc me graviâ—…er 〈◊〉 vulneravit After wards he is content to permit them so much power as is granted them in the 2 chapter of this Book of Discipline but yâ—…t will not have then deal too much in spiritualities Hâ—… saâ—…th he sâ—…ere requiritur a regilus ut gladio quo 〈◊〉 sunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cultum dei asseâ—…endum Sed interea sunt homines inconfiderati qui saciunt eos nimis spirituales So he and so his followers since Chap. 3. 4. No Church officer shall or ought to pretend any superiority or doâ—…inion over his companions And in the chapt 1. 2. No â—…ne Church shall pretend c. And this indeed this parity is that which all their 〈◊〉 did so mainly drive at these mâ—…n concâ—…g of Religion as Philosophers of friendship cum 〈◊〉 semper pares aut inveniâ—…t â—…ut faciat as in Minutius A parity by those of this party so earnestly affected in the Church the better to introduce it also into the State This was it which principally occasioned G. Buchanan in the Epistle before his libellous Book De jure regni to reckon those common titles of Majesty and Highnesse usually attributed unto Princes inter barbarismos Aulicos amongst the solecisms and absurdities of Courtship This was it which taught Paraeus and the rest that there was a power in the inferiour Magistrates to restrain the person of the Prince and in some cases to depose him This was it which often moved the Scottish Ministery to put the sword into the hands of the multitude and I am verily perswaded that there is no one thing which maketh the brethren so affected to our Parliaments as this that it is a body wherein the Commons have so much sway Chap. 3. 6. Shall first subscribe to the confession of the Faith used in the reformed Churches But the reformed Churches are very many and their confessions in some points very different The Lutheran Confessions are for consubstantiation and ubiquity the English is for Homilies for Bishops for the Kings Supremacy and so not likely to be intended The confession then here intended must be that only of Geneva which Church alone is thought by some of them to have been rightly and perfectly reformed Chap. 4. 1. To propose the Word of God The fashion of it this such as by study have enabled themselves for the holy Ministery upon the vacancy of any Church have by the Collâ—…quie some time appointed to make 〈◊〉 as they call it of their giâ—…t The day come and the Coâ—…oquie assembled they design him a particular place of Scripture for the ground of his discouâ—…se which done and the proponent for so they 〈◊〉 him commanded to withdraw they passe their censures on him every one of them in their order if they approve oâ—… him they then send him also to propose unto the people as in the second Article Chap. 4. â—… And that barehâ—…led And this it may be because Candidates 〈◊〉 because not yet initiated For themselves having once attained the honour to be Masters in Israel they permit their heads to be warmly covered a thing not in use only by the Ministers of the Geneva way but as my self have seen it among the Priâ—…sts and Jesuites I know the putting on of the hat is a sign of liberty that the Laconians being made free Denizens of Laâ—…demon would never go into the battâ—…il nisi pileati without their hats and that the Gent. of Rome did use to manumit their slaves by giving them a cap whereupon ad pileum vocare is as much as to sâ—…t one fâ—…ee Yâ—…t on the other side I think it liâ—…tle â—…judicial to that liberty not to make such full use of it in the
of those unordinate Governments were the Duke of Rohan his brother M. Soubise and the Marquesse of Lafforce the four others being the Duke of Tremoville the Earl of Chastillon the Duke of Lesdisgâ—…ier and the Duke of Bovillon who should have commanded in chief So that the French Protestants cannot say that he was first wanting for them but they to themselves If we demand what should move the French Protestants to this Rebellious contradiction of his Majeâ—…ies commandements We must answer that it was too much happinesse Causa hujus belli eadem quae omnium nimia foelicitas as Florus of the Civill wars between Caesar and Pompey Before the year 1620 when they fell first into the Kings disfavour they were possessed of almost 100 good Towns well â—…ortified for their safety besides beautifull houses and ample possessions in the Villages they slept every man under his own Vine and his own Fig-tree neiâ—…her fearing nor needing to fear the least disturbance with those of the Catholick party they were grown so intimate and entire by reason of their inter-marriages that a very few years would have them incorporated if not into one faith yet into one family For their better satisfaction in matters of Justice it pleased King Henry the fourth to erect a Chamber in the Court of the Parliament of Paris purposely for them It consisteth of one President and 16 Counsellours their office to take knowledge of all the Causes and Suits of them of the reformed Religion as well within the jurisdiction of the Parliament of Paris as also in Normandy and Britain till there should be a Chamber erected in either of them There were appointed also two Chambers in the Parliaments of Burdeaux and Grenâ—…ble and one at the Chastres for the Parliament of Tholoza These Chambers were called Les Chambre de l' Edict because they were established by especiall Edict at the Towns of Nantes in Britain Aprill the 8. anno 1598. In a word they lived so secure and happy that one would have thought their â—…elicities had been immortall O faciles dâ—…re summa deos eademque tueri Difficiles And yet they are not brought so low but that they may live happily if they can be content to live obediently that which is taken from them being matter of strength only and not priviledge Let us now look upon them in their Churches which we shall finde as empty of magnificence as ceremony To talke amongst them of Common-prayers were to â—…right them with the second coming of the Masse and to mention Prayers at the buriall of the dead were to perswade them of a Purgatory Painted glasse in a Church window is accounted for the flag and enâ—…gne of Antichrist and for Organs no question but they are deemed to be the Devils bagpipes Shew them a Surplice and they cry out a rag of the Whore of Babylon yet a sheet on a woman when she is in child bed is a greater abomination then the other A strange people that could never think the Masse book sufficiently reformed till they had taken away Prayers nor that their Churches could ever be handsome untill they were ragged This foolish opposition of their first Reformers hath drawn the Protestants of these parts into a world of dislike and envie and been no small disadvantage to the side Whereas the Church of England though it dissent as much from the Papists in point of Doctrine is yet not uncharitably thought on by the Modern Catholicks by reason it retained such an excellency of Discipline When the Liturgie of our Church was tâ—…anslated into Latine by Dr. Morket once Warden of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford it was with great approofe and applause received here in France by those whom they call the Catholicks royall as marvelling to sâ—…e such order and regular devotion in them whom they were taught to condemn for Hereticall An allowance which with some little help might have been raised higher from the practice of our Church to some points of our judgement and it is very worthy of our observation that which the Marquesse of Rhosny spake of Canterbury when he came as extraordinary Ambassadour from King Henry IV. to welcome King James into England For upon the view of our solemn Service and ceremonies he openly said unto his followers That if the reformed Churches in France had kept the same orders amongst them which we have he was assured that there would have been many thousands more of Protestants there then now are But the Marquesse of Rhosny was not the last that said so I have heard divers French Papists who were at the Queens coming over and ventured so far upon an excommunication as to be present at our Church solemn Services extoll them and us for their sakes even almost unto hyperboles So graciously is our temper entertained amongst them As are their Churches such is their Discipline naked of all Antiquity and almost as modern as the men which imbrace it The power and calling of Bishops they abrogated with the Masse upon no other cause then that Geneva had done it As if that excellent man Mr. Calvin had been the Pythagoras of our age and his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his ipse dixit had stood for Oracles The Hierarchie of Bishops thus cast out they have brought in their places the Lay-Elders a kind of Monster never heard of in the Scriptures or first times of the Gospell These men leap from the stall to the bench and there â—…rtly sleeping and partly stâ—…oaking of their beards enaâ—… laws of Government for the Church so that we may justly take up the complaint of the Satyrist saying Surgunt nobis e sterquilinio Magistratus nec dum lotis manibus publica tractant negotia yet to these very men composed equally of ignorance and a trade are the most weighty matters of the Church committed In them is the power of ordaining Priests of coâ—…ferring places of charge and even of the severesâ—… censuâ—…e of the Church Excommunication When any businesse which concerneth the good of the Congregation is befallen they must be called to councell and you shall finde them there as soon as ever they can put off their Aprons having blurted out there a little Classicall non-sense and passed their consents rather by nodding of their heads then any other sensiblâ—… articulation they hasten to their shops as Quinctius the Dictator in Florus did to his plough Ut ad â—…pus relictum festinasse vidâ—…atur Such a plat-form though it be that needeth no further confutation then to know it yet had it been tolerable if the contrivers of it had not endevoured to impose it on all the Reformation By which means what great troubles have been raised by the great zelots here in England there is none so young but hath heard some Tragicall relations God be magnified and our late King praised by whom this weed hath been snatched up out of the garden of this our Israel As for their Ministery it is indeed very
spoyles whereof they held it fit to enrich their Governments Matters not possible to be effected had he of Constance continued in his place and power But of this more in the next Chapter CHAP. III. 1 The condition of Geneva under their Bishop 2 The alteration there both in Politie and 3 in Religion 4 The state of that Church before the coming of Calvin thither 5 The conception 6 birth and 7 growth of the New Discipline 8 The quality of Lay-elders 9 The different proceedings of Calvin 10 and Beza in the propagation of that cause 11 Both of them enemies to the Church of England 12 The first entrance of this platforme into the Islands 13 A permission of it by the Queen and the Councell in St. Peters and St. Hilaries 14 The letters of the Councell to that purpose 15 The tumults raised in England by the brethren 16 Snape and Cartwright establish the new Discipline in the rest of the Islands THus having shewed unto your Lordship the affairs and condition of these Churches till the Reformation of Religion I come next in the course of my designe unto that Innovation made amongst them in the point of Discipline For the more happy dispatch of which businesse I must crave leave to ascend a little higher into the story of change then the introduction of it into those little Islands So doing I shall give your Lordship better satisfaction then if I should immediately descend upon that Argument the rather because I shall deliver nothing in this discourse not warranted to be by the chief contrivâ—…rs â—…f â—…he 〈◊〉 To begin thâ—…n with the first originall and commencement of it so it is that it took the first beginâ—…ing at a City of the Allobroges or Savoyards called Geneva and by that name mentioned in the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Commentaries A Town situate at the end of Lacus Lemannus and divided by Rhodanus or Rhosne into two parts Belonging formerly in the Soveraignty of it to the Duke of Savoy but in the profits and possession to their Bâ—…shop and homager of that Dukedome To this Bishop then there appertained not only an Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction as Governour of the Church under the Archbishop of Vienna in Daulphinoys his Metropolitane but a 〈◊〉 also temporall as Lord and Master of the Town under the protection of the Duke of Savoy This granted by the testimony of Calvin in his Epistle unto Cardinall Sadolet dated the last of August 1539. Habebat sane saith he jus gladii alias civilis jurisdictionis partes but as he conceived I know not on what grounds Magistratui ereptas fraudulently taken from the Civill Magistrate In this condition it continued till the year 1528. when those of Berne after a publick disputation held had made an alteration in Religion At that time Viret and Farellus men studious of the Reformation had gotten footing in Geneva and diligently there sollicited the cause and entertainment of it But this proposall not plausibly accepted by the Bishop they dealt with those of the lower rank amongst whom they had gotten most credit and taking opportunity by the actions and example of those of Berne they compelled the Bishop and his Clergy to abandon the Town and after proceeded to the reforming of his Church This also avowed by Calvin in his Epistle to the said Cardinall viz. That the Church had been reformed and setled before his coming into those quarters by Viret and Farellus and that he only had approved of their prâ—…ceedings Sed quia quae a Vireto Farello facta essent suffragio meo comprobavi c. as he there hath it Nor did they only in that tumult alter the Doctrine and orders of the Church but changed also the Government of the Town disclaiming all alleagiance eiâ—…her to their Bishop or their Duke and standing on their own liberty as a â—…ree City And for this also they are indebted to the active counsels of Farellus For thus Calvin in his Epistle to the Ministers of Zurich dated the 26 of November 1553. Cum â—…ic nuper esset frater noster Farellus â—…ui se totos debent c. and anone after Sed deplâ—…randa est senatus nostri caecitas quod libertatis suae patrem c. speaking of their ingratitude to thâ—…s Farellus The power and dominion of that City thus put into the hands of the common people and all things left at liberty and randome it could not be expected that there should any discipline be observed or good order in the Church The Common councell of the Town disposed of it as they pleased and if any crime which antiently belonged to Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction did hap to be committed it was punished by order from that Councell No censures Ecclesiasticall no sentence of Excommunication thought on at that time either here at Geneva or in any other of the popular Churches Si quidem excommunicationi in aliis Ecclesiis nullus locus as Beza hath it in the life of Calvin And the same Calvin in his Epistle to the Ministers of Zurich affirmes no lesse in these words viz. Nec me latet pios doctos esse homines quibus sub principibus Christianis non videtur esse necessaria Excommunicatio so he Thus was it with the Church and City of Geneva at the first coming of Calvin to them a man of excellent abilities and one that had attained a good repute in many places of the French dominions Not finding that assurance in the Realm of France he resolved to place himselfe at Basil or at Strasburg But taking Geneva in his way upon the importunity of Farellus he condescended to make that place the scene of his endeavours and his assent once known he was admitted straight to be one of their ordinary preachers and their Divinity reader Mens Aug. anno 1536. This done he presently negotiates with the people publickly to abjure the Papacy nor so only but as Beza hath it in his life Quod doctrinam disciplinam capitibus aliquot comprehensam admitterent that they also should give way to such a discipline which he and his associates had agreed on A matter at the last effected but not without much difficulty and on the 20 of July anno 1537. the whole City bound themselves by oath accordingly which discipline of what quality it was I cannot learn sure I am it had no affinity with that in use amongst the antients For thus himself in his Epistle above mentioned unto Sâ—…dolet Disciplinam qualem vetus habuit Ecclesia apud nos non esse dicis neque nos diffitemur The Discipline hitherto was only in conception before it came unto maturity and ready for the birth the people weary of this new yoak began to murmur and he resolutely bent not to vary from his first purpose was in that discontentment banished the Town together with Farellus and Coraldus his colleagues anno 1538. Three years or thereabouts he continued in this exile
the English Church in Franckford in his Epistle to them anno 1555 how he had noted in their publick Liturgy Mulâ—…as â—…erabiles ineâ—…as many tolerable vâ—…niries fâ—…cis 〈◊〉 reâ—…iquias the relicks of the filth of Popery and that there was not in it ea puritas quae opâ—…anda â—…oret such piâ—…ty as was expected Hereupon it was that Beza being demanded by the brethrâ—… what he conceived of some chief maâ—…ters then in question returned a Non probamus to them all The particulars are too many to be now recited and 〈◊〉 to be sâ—…en in the 12 of hâ—…s Epistles the Epistle dated from Geneva anno 1567. and superscribed Ad quâ—…sdam Anglicaâ—…um ecclesia um fratres super nonnullis in Ecclesiastica politâ—…ia controversis Yet at the last they got some footing though not in England in these Islands which are members of it and as it were the Subuâ—…bs of that Câ—…ty The means by which it entred the reâ—…ort hither of such French Ministers as came hither for support in the times of persecution and the Civill wars anno 1561. and 62. Before their coming that forme of prayer was here in use which was allowed with us in England But being as all others are desirous of change and being also well encouraged by the Governors who by this means hoped to have the spoyle of the poor Deanries both Islands joyned together in alliance or confederacy to petition the Queens Majesty for an approbation of this Discipline anno 1563. The next year following the Seignieur de St. Oen and Nich. de Soulmont were delegated to the Court to solicite this affaire and there they found such favour that their desire received a gracious answer and full of hope they returned unto their homes In the mean time the Queen being strongly perswaded that this design would much advance the Reformation in those Islands was contented to give way unto it in the Towns of St. Peters-port and of St. Hilaries but no further To which purpose there were Letters Decretory from the Councell directed to the Bailiff the Jurates and others of each Island the tenor whereof was as followeth AFter our very hearty commendations unto you Where the Queens most excellent Majesty understandeth that the Isles of Guernzey and Jarsey have antienly depended on the Diocese of Constance and that there be certain Churches in the same Diocese well reformed agreeably throughout in Doctrine as is set â—…orth in this Realm knowing therewith that they have a Minister which ever since his arrivall in Jarsey hath used the like order of Preaching and administration as in the said Reformed Churches or as it is used in the French Church at London her Majesty for divers respects and considerations moving her Highnesse is well pleased to admit the same order of Preaching and Administration to be continued at St. Heliers as hath been hitherto accustomed by the said Minister Provided always that the residue of the Parishes in the said Isle shall diligently put apart all superstitions used in the said Diocese and so continue there the order of Service ordained and set forth within this Realm with the injunctions necessary for that purpose wherein you may not fail diligently to give your aides and assistance as best may serve for the advancement of Gods glory And so fare you well From Richmond the 7 day of August Anno 1565. Subscribed N. Bacon Will. Northamp R. Rogers Gul. Clynton R. Rogers Fr. Knols William Cecil Where note that the same Letter the names only of the places being changed and subscribed by the same men was sent also unto those of Guernzey for the permission of the said Discipline in the haven of St. Peters And thus fortified by authority they held their first Synod according to the constitutions of that platforme on the 22. of September and at St. Peters porte in Guernzey anno 1567. By this means by this improvident assent if I may so call it to this new discipline in these Islands her Majesty did infinitely prejudice her own affaires and opened that gap unto the Brethren by which they had almost made entrance unto meer confusion in this state and Kingdome For whereas during the Empire of Queen Mary Goodman Whittingham Gilbie and divers others of our Nation had betook themselves unto Geneva and there been taught the Consistorian practises they yet retained themselves within the bounds of peace and duty But no sooner had the Queen made known by this assent that she might possibly be drawn to like the Platforme of Geneva but presently the Brethren set themselves on work to impose those new inventions on our Churches By Genebrard we learn in his Chronologie ortos Puritanos anno 1566. and that their first Belweather was callâ—…d Sâ—…mson a puissant Champion â—…blesse in the cause of Israel By our own Antiquary in his Annals it is 〈◊〉 ad Anâ—… 68 and their Lâ—…aders were Collman â—…uttan 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 By both it doth appear that the brethrâ—…n stirred n t here till the â—…tion of their Discipline in those Islâ—…nds or till the exâ—…cution of it in their first Synod No sooner had they this incouragement but they presently mustered up their forces bâ—…ok themselves unto the quarrell and the whole Realme waâ—… on the suddain in an uproar The Parliaaments continually troubled with their Supplications Admonitions and the like and when they found not there that favour which they looked for they denounce this dreadfull curse against them That there shall not be a man of their seed that shall prosper to be a Parliament man or bear rule in England any more The Queen exclaimed upon in many of their Pamphlets her honourable Counsell scandalously censured as opposers of the Gospell The Prelates every were cryed down as Antichristian Petty-popes Bishops of the Devill cogging and cousening knaves dumb dogs en mies of God c. and their Courts and Chanceries the Synagogues of Satan After this they erected privately their Presbyteries in divers places of the Land and cantoned the whole Kingdome into their severall Classes and divisions and in a time when the Spaniards were expected they threaten to petition the Queens Majesty with 100000 hands In conclusion what dangerous counsels were concluded on by Hacket and his Apostles with the assent and approbation of the Brethren is extant in the Chronicles A strange and peevish generation of men that having publick enemies unto the faith abroad would rather turn the edge of their Swords upon their Mother and her children But such it seemeth was the holy pleasure of Geneva and such their stomach not to brook a private opposition Cumque superba foret Babylon spolianda trophaeis Bella geri placuit nullos habitura triumphos Yet was it questionlesse some comfort to their souls that their devices however it succeeded ill in England had spred it self abroad in Guernzey and in Jarsey where it had now possession of the whole Islands For not content with that allowance her Majesty had
given unto it in the Towns of St. Peters and St. Hillaries the Governours having first got these 〈◊〉 to be dissevered from the Diocese of Constance permit it unto all the other Parishes The better to establish it the great supporters of the cause in England Snape and Cartwright are sent for to the Islands the one of them being made the tributary Pastor of the Castle of Cornet the other of that of Mont-orguel Thus qualified forsooth they conveene the Churches of each Island and in a Synod held in Guernzey anno 1576. the whole body of the Discipline is drawn into a forme Which forme of Discipline I here present unto your Lordship faithfully translated according to an authentick copy given unto me by Mr. Painsee Curate of our Ladies Church of Châ—…stell in the Isle of Guernzey CHAP. IV. The Discipline Ecclesiasticall according as it hath been in practise of the Church after the Reformation of the same by the Ministers Elders and Deacons of the Isles of Guernzey Jarsey Serke and Alderney confirmed by the authority and in the presence of the Governours of the same Isles in a Synod holden in Guernzey the 28 of June 1576. And afterwards revived by the said Ministers and Elders and confirmed by the said Governors in a Synod holden also in Guernzey the 11 12 13 14 15 and 17 dayes of October 1597. CHAP. I. Of the Church in Generall Article I. 1. THe Church is the whole company of the faithfull comprehending as well those that bear publick office in the same as the rest of the people II. 2. No one Church shall pretend any superiority or dominion over another all of them being equall in power and having one only head CHRIST JESUS III. 3. The Governours of the Christian Church where the Magistrates professe the Gospell are the Magistrates which proâ—…esse it as bearing chief stroke in the Civill Government and the Pastors and Overseers or Superintendents as principall in the Government Ecclesiasticall IV. 4. Both these jurisdictions are established by the law of God as necessary to the Government and welfare of his Church the one having principally the care and charge of mens bodies and of their goods to govern them according to the Laws and with the temporall Sword the other having cure of souls and consciences to discharge their duties according to the Canons of the Church and with the sword of Gods word Which jurisdiction ought so â—…o be united that there be no confusion and so to be divided that there be no contrariety but joyntly to sustain and defend each other as the armes of the same body CHAP. II. Of the Magistrate THe Magistrate ought so to watch over mens persons and their goods as above all things to provide that the honour and true worship of God may be preserved And as it is his duty to punish such as offend in Murder Theft and other sins against the second Table so ought he also to correct Blasphemers Atheists and Idolaters which offend against the first as also all those which contrary to good order and the common peace addict themselves to riot and unlawfull games and on the other side he ought to cherish those which â—…re well affected and to advance them both to wealth and honours CHAP. III. Of Ecclesiasticall functions in generall Article I. 1. OF Officers Ecclesiasticall some have the charge to teach or instruct which are the Pastors and Doctors others are as it were the eye to oversee the life and manners of Christs flock which are the Elders and to others there is committed the disposing of the treasures of the Church and of the poor mans Box which are the Deacons II. 2. The Church officers shall be elected by the Ministers and Elders without depriving the people of their right and by the same authority shall be discharged suspendâ—…d and deposed according as it is set down in the Chapter of Censures III. 3. None ought to take upon him any function in the Church without being lawfully called unto it IV. 4. No Church officer shall or ought to pretend any superiority or dominion over his companions viz. neiâ—…her a Minister over a Minister nor an Elder over an Elder nor a Deacon over a Deacon yet so that they give reverence and respect unto each other either according to their age or according to those gifts and graces which God hath vouchsaâ—…ed to one more then another V. 5. No man shall be admitted to any office in the Church unâ—…esse he be endowed with gifts fiâ—… for the discharge of that office unto which he is called nâ—…r unlesse there be good testimony of his liâ—…e and conversation of which diligent enquiry shall be made before his being called VI. 6. All these which shall enter upon any publick charge in the Church shall first subscribe to the confession of the faith used in the reâ—…ormed Churches and to the Discipline Ecclesiasticall VII 7. All thoâ—…e which are designed for the administration of any puâ—…lick office in the Church shall be first nominated by the Governours or their Lieutenants after whose approbation they shall be proposed unto the people and if they meet not any opposition they shall be admitted â—…o their charge within fiâ—…n dayes after VIII 8. Before the nomination and admission of such as are called unto employment in the Church they shall be first admonished of their duty as well that which concerneth them in particular as to be exemplary unto the people the better to induce them to live justly and religiously before God and man IX 9. Although it appertain to all in generall to provide that due honour and obedience be done unto the Queens most excellent Mâ—…jesty to the Governours to their Lieutenants and to all the officers of Justice yet notwithstanding they which bear office in the Church ought chiefly to beâ—…ir themselves in that behalf as an example unto others X. 10. Those that bear office in the Church shall not forsâ—…ke their charge without the privity and knowledge of the Consistory and that they shall not be dismissed but by the same order by which they were admitted XI 11. Those that bear office in the Church shall employ themselves in visiting the sick and such as are in prison to administer a word of comfort to them as also to all such as have need of consolation XII 12. They shall not publish that which hath been treated in the Consistory Colloquies or Synods either unto the parties whom it may concern or to any others unlesse they be commanded so to do XIII 13. They which beare office in the Church if they abstain from the Lords Supper and refuse to be reconciled having been admonished of it and persisting in their â—…rror shall be deposed and the causes of their deposition manifested to the people CHAP. IV. Of the Ministers Article I. 1. THose which aspire unto the Ministery shall not be admitted to propose the word of God unlesse they be indued with learning and have attained unto
the knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew tongues if it be possible II. 2. The Ministers shall censure the proponents having first diligently examined them in the principâ—…l points of learning requisite unto a Minister And having heard them handle the holy Scriptures as much as they think necessary if they be thought fit â—…or the Ministery they shall be sent unto the Churches then being void to propose the Word of God three or four times and that bare-headed And if the Churches approve them and desire them for their Pastors the Colloquie shall depute a Minister to give them instiâ—…ution by the imposition of hands III. 3. The Ministers sent hither or resorting for refuge to these Isles and bringing with them a good testimony from the places whence they came shall be employed in those Churches which have most need of them giving and receiving the hand of â—…ssociation IV. 4. They which are elected and admitted into the Ministery shall continue in it all their lives unlesse they be 〈◊〉 for some fault by them committed And as for those which shall be hindred from the encreasing of their Ministery either by sicknesse or by age the honour and respect due unto it notwithstanding shall be theirs V. 5. The Ministers which flie hither as for refuge and are employed in any Parish during the persecution shall not depart from hence untill six moneths after leave demanded to the end the Church be not unprovided of a Pastor VI. 6. The Ministers shall visite every houshold of their flockes once in the year at the least but this at their discretion VII 7. The Ministers shall propose the Word of God every one in his rank and that once every moneth in such a place and on such a day as shall be judged most convenient VIII 8. If there be any which is offended at the Preaching of any Minister he shall repair unto the said Minister within four and twenty houres for satisfaction And if he cannot receive it â—…rom the 〈◊〉 he shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 within eight dayes to the Consistory in deâ—…ault whereof his information shall not be admitted If any difference arise the Ministers shall determine of it at their next conference CHAP. V. Of Doctors and of chool-masters Article I. 1. THe office of a Doctor in the Church is next unto the 〈◊〉 His charge is to expound the Scripture in his Lectures without applying it by way of Exhortation They are to be elected by the Colloquie II. 2. The 〈◊〉 masters shall be first nominated by them to whom the right of nomination doth belong and shall be afterwards examined by the Ministers who taking examination of their learning shall also informe themselves of their behaviour as viz. whether they be modest and not debauched to the end that may be an example to their Scholars and that they by their ill Doctrine they bring not any Sect into the Church After which examination if they are found fit for the institution of youth they shall be presented to the people III. 3. They shall instruct their Scholars in the fear of God and in good learning in modesty and civility that so their Schooles may bring forth able men both for the Church and Common-wealth IV. 4. They shall instruct them in Grammar Rhetorick and Logick and of Classicke authors in the most pure both â—…or learning and language for fear 〈◊〉 children reading lascivious and immodest writings should be 〈◊〉 with their venom V. 5. If they perceive any of their Scholars to be towardly and of good hope they shall advise their Parents to bring them up to the attainment of good learning or else shall obtain for them of the Governours and Magistrates that they maintain them at the publick charge VI. 6. They shall cause their Scholars to come to Sermonâ—… and to Catechismes there to answer to the Minister and they shall take their places neer the chaire to be seen of all that so they may demean themselves orderly in the Church of God VII 7. The Ministers shall oversee the School-masters to the end that the youth be well instructed and for this cause shall hold their Visitations twice a year the better to understand how they profit If it be thought expedient they may take with them some one or two of the neighbour Ministers CHAP. VI. Of the Elders Article I. 1. THe Elders ought to preserve the Church in good order together with the Ministers and shall take care especially that the Church be not destitute of Pastors of whom the care shall appertain to them to see that they be honestly provided for They shall watch also over all the flock especially over that part of it committed to them by the Consistory diligently employing themselves to admonish and reprehend such as are faulty â—…o confirme the good and reconcile such as are at difference II. 2 They shall certifie all scandals to the Consistory III. 3. They shall visit as much as in them lyeth all the housholds in their division before every communion and once yearly with the Minister to know the better how they behave themselves in their severall families And if they finde among them any refractory and conâ—…entious persons which will not be reconciled to make a report of it to the Consistory IV. 4. They shall assemble in the Consistory with the Ministers which Consistory shall be holden if it may be every Sunday or any other day convenient to handle causes of the Church And those of them which are elected to go unto the Colloquies and Synâ—…ds with the Ministers shall not fail to goe at the day appointed CHAP. VII Of the Deacons Article I. 1. THe Deacons shall be appointed in the Church to gather the benevolence of the people and to distribute it according to the necessities of the poor by the directions of the Consistory II. 2. They shall gather these benevolences after Sermons 〈◊〉 endevouring the good and welfare of the poor and if need require they shall go unto the houses of those men which are more charitably enclined to collect their bounties III. 3. They shall distribute nothing without direction â—…rom the Consistory but in case of urgent necessity IV. 4. The almes shall be principally distributed unto those of the faithfull which are naturall Inhabitants and if there be a surplusage they may dispose it to the relief of strangers V. 5. For the avoiding of suspicion the Deacons shall keep a register both of their Receipts and their disbursements and shall cast up his accouncs in the presence of the Minister and one of the Elders VI. 6. The Deacons shall give up their accounts every Communion day after the evening Sermon in the presence of the Ministers the Elders and as many of the people as will be assistant who therefore shall have warning to be there VII 7. They shall take order that the poor may be relieved without begging â—…nd shall take care that young men fit for labour be set unto some occupation of which they
shall give notice to the officers of Justice that so no person be permitted to go begging from door to door VIII 8. They shall provide for those of the poor which are sick or in prison to comfort and assist them in their necessity IX 9. The shall be assistant in the Consistory with the Ministers and Elders there to propose unto them the necessities of the poor and to receive their directions as also in the election of other Deacons X. 10. There ought â—…o be Deacons in every Parish unlesse the 〈◊〉 will take upon them the charge of collecting the almes and distributing thereof amongst the poor The Liturgie of the Church wherein there is contained the preaching of the Gospell the administration of the Sacraments the Laws of Marriage the Visitation of the Sick and somewhat also of Buriall CHAP. VIII Of the Preaching of the Gospell Article I. 1. THe people shall be assembled twice every Sunday in the Church to hear the Preaching of the Gospell and to be assistant at the publick prayers They shall also meet together once or twice a week on those dayes which shall be thought most convenient for the severall Parishes the Master of every houshold bringing with him those of his family II. 2. The people being assembled before Sermon there shall be read a Chapter out of the Canonicall books of Scripture only and not of the Apocrypha and it shall be read by one which beareth office in the Church or at the least by one of honest conversation III. 3. During the prayer every one shall be upon his knees with his head uncovered Also during the singing of the Psalmes the administration of the Sacraments and whilest the Minister is reading of his text every one shall be uncovered and shall attentively observe all that is done and said IV. 4. The Ministers every Sunday after dinner shall Catechize and shall choose some text of Scripture sutable to that section which they are to handle and shall reâ—…d in the beginning of that exercise the said text as the foundation of the Doctrine contained in that Section V. 5. The Church shall be locked immediately aâ—…er Sermon and the publick prayers to avoid superstition and the benchâ—…s shall be orderly disposed that every one may hear the voice of the Preacher VI. 6. The Churches being dâ—…dicated to Gods service shall not be imployed to prophane uses and therefore inâ—…reaty shall be made to the Magistrate that no Civill Courts be there holden CHAP. IX Of Baptisme Article I. 1. THe Sacrament of Baptisme shall be administred in the Church after the Preaching of the Word and before the Benedâ—…ction II. 2. The Parents of the Infants if they are not in some journey shall be near the Infant together with the Sureties to present it unto God and shall joyntly promise to instruct it according as they are obliged III. 3. No man shall be admitted to be a Surety in holy Baptisme which hath not formerly received the Communion or which is not fit to receive it and doth promise so to do upon the nâ—…xt conveniency whereof he shall bring an attestation if he be a stranger IV. 4. They which intend to bring an Infant unto holy Bapâ—…me shall give competent warning unto the Minister V. 5. The Minister shall not admit of such names as were used in the time of Paganism the names of Idols the names attributed to God in Scripture or names of office as Angell Laptist Apostle VI. 6. In every Parish there shall be kept a Register of such as are Baptized their Fathers Mothers Sureties and the day of it as also of Marriages and Funerals which shall be carefully preserved CHAP. X. Of the Lords Supper Article I. 1. THe holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be celebrated four times a year viz. at Easter or the first Sunday of Aprill the first Sunday of July the first Sunday of October and the first Sunday of January and that after the Sermon in which expresse mention shall be made of the businesse then in hand or at least a touch of it in the end II. 2. The manner of it shall be this The Table shall be set in some convenient place near the Pulpit the people shall communicate in order and that sitting as is most conformable to the first institution or else standing as is accustomed in some places the men first and afterwards the women none shall depâ—…rt the plâ—… untill â—…ter Thanksgiving aâ—…d the 〈◊〉 III. 3. They which intend to be 〈◊〉 shall first be catechized by the Minister that so they may be able to render a reason of thâ—…â—…ith They ought also to understand the Lords Prayer the Articles of their belief the Ten Commandements or at the least the substance of them They shall also abjure the Pope the Masse and all superstition and 〈◊〉 IV. 4. No man shall be admitted to the Lâ—…rds Supper which is not of the years of discretion and which hath not a good testimony of his life and conversation and which will not promise to submit himself unto the Disciplinâ—… V. 5. If any be accused before the Justice to have committed any crime he shall be admonished to forbear the Supper untill he be acquitted VI. 6. The Minister shall not receive any of another Parish without a testimony from the Pastor or if there be no Pastor from one of the Elders VII 7. They which resuse to be reconciled shall be debarred the Communien VIII 8. The people shall have warning fifteen dayes at the least before the Communion to the end they may be prepared for it IX 9. Besides the first examination which they undergoe before they are partakers of the Lords Supper every one shall again be Catechized at the least once a year at the best conveniency of the Minister and of his people CHAP. XI Of Fasts and Thanksgiving Article I. 1. THe publick Fasts shall be celebrated in the Church when the Colloquie or the Synod think it most expedient as a day of rest in which there shall be a Sermon both in the morning and the afternoon accompanyed with Prayers reading of the Scripture and singing of Psalmes all this to be disposed according to the occasions and causes of the Fast and by the authority of the Magistrate II. 2. Solemn Thanksgiving also shall be celebrated after the same manner as the Fast the whole exercise being sutable to the occasion of the same CHAP. XII Of Marriage Article I. 1. ALL contracts of Marriage shall be made in the presence of Parents Friends Guardians or the Masters of the 〈◊〉 and with their consent as also in the presence of the Minister or of an Elder or a Deacon before whom the contract shall be made with invocation on the name of God without which it is no contract And as for those which are sui juris the presence of the Minister or of the Elders or of the Deacons shall be also necessary for good orders sake And from a promise thus
performance of those pious duties True it is that by this book of Discipline the people are commanded to be uncovered during the Pâ—…ayers the reading of the 〈◊〉 the singing of the Psalmes and the administration of the Sacraments Chap. 8. 3. But when I call to minde that S Paul hath told us this 1 Cor. 11. That every man praying or propâ—…ecying with his head covered dishonoureth his head I shall applâ—…ud the pious modesty of the English ministery who keep their heads uncovered as well when they prophecy as when they pray To give them institution by impâ—…sition of hands A cerâ—…mony not used only in the Ordination if I may so call it of their Ministers but in that also of the Elder and of the 〈◊〉 persons meerly Laical But this in mine opinion very improperly for when the Minister whose duty it is instals them in their charge with this solemn form of words he doth perform it Jet ' impose les mains c. â—…z I lay mine hands upon you in the name of the Consistory by which imposition of hands you are advertised that you are set apart from the affairs of the world c. and if so how then can these men receive this imposition who for the whole year of their charge imploy themselves in their sormer occupationâ—… at times and that expired return again unto them altogether A meer mockage of a reverent ceremony Chap. 4. 3. Giving and receiving the hand of Association An ordinance founded on that in the 2. to the Gal. 5. viz. They gave unto me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship An embleme as it is noted by Theod. Beza on the place of a perfect agreement and consent in the holy faith Quod Symbolum esset nostrae in Evangelii dâ—…ctrina summae consensionis and much also to this puâ—…pose that of learned Chrysostome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This phrase of speech borrowed no question from the customes of those times wherein the giving of the hand was a most câ—…rtain pledge of faith and amity So Anchises in the third book of Aeneids Dextram dat juveni atque animum praesenti pignore firmat 10 in another place of the same author Jungimus hospitio dextras Commissaque dextera dextrae in the Epistle of Phillis to Demophoon Whereupon it is the note of the Grammarians that as the front or fore-head is sacred to the Genius and the knees to mercy so is the right hand consecrated unto faith But here in Guernzey there is a further use made of this ceremony which is an abjuration of all other arts of preaching or of government to which the party was before accustomed and an absolute devoting of himself to them their ordinances and constitutions whatsoever So that if a Minister of the Church of England should be perchance received among them by this hand of association he must in a manner condemn that Church of which he was Chap. 5. 5. That they maintain them at the publick charge A bounty very common in both Islands and ordered in this manner the businesse is by one of the Assembly expounded to the three Estates viz. that N. N. may be sent abroad to the Universities of France or England and defrayed upon the common purse If it be granted then must the party bring in sufficient sureties to be bound for him that at the end of the time limited he shall repair into the Islands and make a profer of his service in such places as they think fit for him if they accept it he is provided for at home if not he is at liberty to seek his fortune Chap. 6. 3. How they behave themselves in their several families By which clause the Elders authorised to make enquiry into the lives and conversations of all about them not only aiming at it by the voice of fame but by tampering with their neighbours and examining their servants It is also given them in charge at their admission into office to make diligent enquiry whether those in their division have private prayers both morning and evening in their houses whether they constantly say grace both before meat and after it if not to make report of it to the Consistory A diligence in my minde both dangerous and â—…wcy Chap. 8. 1. To be assistant at the publick prayers The publick prayers here intended are those which the Minister conceives according to the present occasion beginning with a short confession and so descending to crave the assistance of Gods Spirit in the exercise or Sermon then in hand For the forme the Geneva Psalter telleth us that it shall be leâ—… alla discretion du Ministre to the Ministers discretion the form of Prayers and of Marriage and of administration of the Sacraments there put down being types only and examples whereby the Minister may be directed in the general The learned Architect which took such great pains in making the Altare Damascenum tels us in that piece of his that in the Church of Scotland there is also an Agenda or form of prayer and of ceremony but for his part having been 13 years a Minister he never used it Totos ego tredecem annos quibus functus sum Ministerio sive in Sacramentis iis quae extant in agenda nunquam usus sum and this he speaks as he conceives it to his commendation Where by the way Agenda it is a word of the latter â—…imes is to be understood for a set form in the performance of those ministerial duties quae statis temporibus agenda sunt as mine Author hath it In the Capitular of Charles the great we have mention of this word Agenda in divers plâ—…ces once for all let that suffice in the 6 book Can. 234. viz Si quis Presbyter in consulto Episcopo Agendam in quolibet loco voluerint celebrare ipse honori suo contrarius extitit Chap. 8. 5. The Churches shall be locked immediately after Sermon The pretence is as it followeth in the next words to avoid superstition but having nothing in their Churches to provoke superstition the cauâ—…ion is unnecessary So destitute are they all both of ornament and beauty The true cause is that those of that party are offended with the antient custome of stepping aside into the Temples and their powring out the soul in private prayer unto God because forsooth it may imply that there is some secret vertue in those places more then in rooms of ordinary use which they are peremptory not to give them Chap. 9. 1. After the preaching of the word And there are two reasons why the Sacrament of Baptism should be long delayed the one because they falsly think that without the preaching of the word there is no 〈◊〉 the other to take away the opinion of the necâ—…ssity of holy Baptism and the administration of it in private houses in case of such necessity In this strictnesse very resolute and not to be bended with perswasions scarce with power At our being in the Isle
neither grow upon us by cunning or connivence CHAP. VI. 1 King James how affected to this Platform 2 He confirmes the Discipline in both Islands 3 And for what reasons 4 Sir John Peyton sent Governour into Jarzey 5 His Articles against the Ministers there 6 And the proceedings thereupon 7 The distracted esâ—…ate of the Church and Ministery in that Island 8 They referre themselves unto the King 9 The Inhabitants of Jarzey petition for the English Discipline 10 A reference of both parties to the Councell 11 The restitution of the Dean 12 The Interim of Germanie what it was 13 The Interim of Jarzey 14 The exceptions of the Ministery against the Book of Common-prayer 15 The establâ—…shment of the new Canons IN this state and under this Government continued those 〈◊〉 till the happy entrance of Kâ—…ng James upon the Monarchy of England A Prince of whom the brethren conceived no small hopes as one that had continually been brought up by and amongst those of that faction and had so ost confirmed their much desired Presbyteries But when once he had set foot in England where he was sure to meet with quiet men and more obedience he quickly made them see that of his favour to that party they had made themselves too large a promise For in the conference at Hampton Court he publickly prosessed that howsoever he lived among Puriâ—…ans and was kept for the most part as a ward under them yet ever since he was of the age of â—…en years old he ever disliked their opinions and as the Saviour of the world had said though he lived among them â—…e was not of them In this conference also that so memorized Apophthegm of his Majesty No Bishop no King and anon after My Lords the Bishops saith he I may thank ye that these men the Puritans plead thus for my Supremacy Add to this that his Majesty had alwaies fostred in himself a pious purpose not only of reducing all his Realms and Dominions into one uniform order and course of discipline which thing himself avoweth in his Letters Patents unto those of Jarzey but also to establish in all the reformed Churches if possibly it might be done together with unity of Religion and uniformity of devotion For which cause he had commanded the English Liturgie to be translated into the Latine and also into most of the national Languages round about us by that and other more private means to bring them into a love and good opinion of our Government which he oftentimes acknowledged to have been approved by manifold blessings from God himself A heroick purpose and worthy of the Prince from whom it came This notwithstanding that he was enclined the other way yet upon suit made by those of these Islands he confirmed unto them their present orders by a Letter under his private Seal dated the 8. of August in the first year of his reign in England which Letters were communicated in the Synod at St. Hilaries the 18. of September 1605. the Letter written in the French Tongue but the tenor of them was as followeth James by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland c. unto all those whom these presents shall concern greeting Whereas we our selves and the Lords of our Councell have been given to understand that it pleased God to put it into the heart of the late Queen our most dear sister to permit and allow unto the Isles of Jarzey and Guernsey parcel of our Dutchy of Normandy the use of the Government of the reformed Churches in the said Dutchy whereof they have stood possessed until our coming to this Crown for this couse we desiring to follow the pious example of our said Sister in this behalf as well for the advancement of the glory of Almighty God as for the edification of his Church do will and ordain that our said 〈◊〉 shall quietly enjoy their said liberty in the use of the Ecclesiastical Discipline there now established forbidding any one to give them any trouble or impeachment as long as they contain themselves in our obedience and attâ—mpt not any thing against the pure and sacred Word of God Given at our Palace at Hampton Court the 8. day of August Anno Dom. 1603. and of our reign in England the first Signed above James R. The reasons which moved this Prince to assâ—…nt unto a form of Government which he liked not was partly an ancient â—…ule and precept of his own viz. That Princâ—…s at their first entrance to a Crown ought not to innovate the government presently established But the principal cause indeed was desire not to discourage the 〈◊〉 in their beginnings or to lay open too much of his intents at once unto them For since the year 1595. his Majâ—…sty wearied with the 〈◊〉 of the Discipline in that Church established had much busied himself in restoring thâ—…ir anâ—…nt place and power unto the Bishops He had already brought that work so forwards that the Scottish Ministers had admitted of 13 Commissioners which was the antient number of the Bishops to have suffrage in the Parliament and to represent in that Assembly the body of the Clergy and that their place should be perpetual Thus far with some trouble but much art he had prevailed on that unquiet and unruly company and therefore had he denied the Islanders an allowance of their Discipline he had only taught the Scottish Ministery what to trust to An allowance whereof he after made especial use in his proceedings with that people For thus his Majesty in a Declaration concerning such of the Scottish Ministers as lay attainted of High Treason Anno 1606. viz. And as we have ever regarded carefully how convenient it is to maintain every Countrey in that form of Government which is fittest and can best agree with the constitution thereof and how dangerous alterations are without good advice and mature deliberation and that even in matters of order of the Church in some small Island under our Dominions we have abstained from suffering any alteration So we doubt not c as it there followeth in the words of the Declaration On these reasons or on some other not within the power of my conjecture this Discipline was permiâ—…ed in these Islands though long it did not continue with them For presently upon his Majesties comming to the Crown Sir Walter Raleigh then Governor of Jarzey was 〈◊〉 of Treason on which attaindure this with others of his places fell actually into the Kings disposing upon this variancy it pleased his Majesty to depute the present Governor Sir John Peiton to that 〈◊〉 A 〈◊〉 not over forward in himself to pursue the projects of the Powlets his 〈◊〉 for Sir W. Raleigh had but a little while possessed the place and it may well be furnished also with some secret instructions from the King not to be too indulgâ—…nt to that party Whether that so it was or not I cannot say Sure I am that he omitted no
d. For processe compulsory to bring in the Wils 1 s. For Licences of marriage To the Dean 3 s For the sequestration of the profits of a Benefice To the Dean 6 s. For the induction of a Minister To the Dean 3 s. For proces and citations To the Dean 2 d. ob To the Notary 1 d. qa To the Apparitor for serving the Proces and Citations 3 d. To the Sexton for serving a Citation within the Parish 1 d. qa For absolution from the minor excommunication To the Dean 1 s. To the Notary 2 d. ob To the Apparitor 2 d. ob For absolution from thâ—… major excommunication To the Dean 2 s. To the Notary 2 d ob To 〈◊〉 Apparitor 6 d. In causes Litigious the party overthrown shall pay the fees and duties of the Officers and for the authentick writing To the party 4 d. as also to every witnesse produced in Court 4 d. To the Proctors oâ—… the Court for every cause they plead 6 d. To the Notary for every instrument entred in the Court 1 d qa To him for every first default in Court 1 d. qa To him in case of contumacy 4 d. According whereunto it is ordained that neither the Dean nor his successors nor any of his officers either directly or indirectly shall demand exact or receive of the Inhabitants of the said Isle any other fees or duties then such as are specified in the table above written And it is further ordained that whatsoever hath been done or put in execution in the said Isle on any causes and by virtue of any Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction shall be forthwith abrogated to the end that it may not be drawn into example by the said Dean or any of his successors in the times to come contrary to the tenure of these Canons at this present made and established but that all their proceedings be limited and fitted to the contents of the said Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiasticall Also that there be no hindrance or impeachment made by the Civill Magistrate unto the said Dean and his successors in the peaceable execution of the said jurisdiction contained in the said Canons as being nothing prejudiciall to the priviledges and customes of the said Isle from which it is not our purpose at all to derogate Given as before said under our signet at our Court at Greenwich on the last day of June in the year of our Reign of England France and Ireland the one and twentieth and of Scotland the six and fiftieth CHAP. VIII 1 For what cause it pleased his Majesty to begin with Jarsey 2 A representation of such motives whereon the like may be effected in the Isle of Guernzey 3 The indignity done by a Minister hereof to the Church of England 4 The calling of the Ministers in some reformed Churches how defensible 5 The circumstances both of time and persons how ready for an alteration 6 The grievances of the Ministery against the Magistrates 7 Proposals of such means as may be fittest in the managing of this design 8 The submission of the Author and the work unto his Lordship The conclusion of the whole Our return to England I Now am come unto the fourth and last part of this discourse intended once to have been framed by way of suit unto your Lordship in the behalf of the other Island not yet weaned from the breasts of their late mother of Geneva But finding that course not capable of those particulars which are to follow I chose rather to pursue that purpose by way of declaration My scope and project to lay before your Lordship such reasons which may encite you to make use of that favour which most worthily you have attainâ—…d to with his Majesty in the reduction of this Isle of Guernzey to that antient order by which it â—…ormerly was guided and wherein it held most conformity with the Church of England Bâ—…e I enter on with argument I shall remove a doubt which might be raised about this businesse as viz. For what cause his late most excellent Mâ—…jesty proceeded to this alteration in one Island not in both and being resolved to try his forces on the one only why he should rather fort out Jarâ—…ey A doubt without great difficulty to be cleared For had his Majesty attempted both at once the Ministers of bâ—…th Islands had then communicated counsels banded themselves in a league and by a mutuall encouragement continued more peremptory to their old Mumpsimus It is an antient principle in the arts of Empire Divide impera and well noted by the State-hâ—…storian that nothing more advantaged the affaires of Rome in Britaine then that the natives never met together to reason of the common danger Ita dum singuli pugnabant universi vincebantur And on the other side his Majesty foresaw for certain that if one Island once were taken off the other might with greater ease be perswâ—…d to conforme Being resolved then to attempt them single there was good reason why he should begin with jaâ—…ey first as unto which he was to send a new Governour not yet â—…ged unto a party and pliable to his instructions Whereas Sir Tho. Leighton still continued in his charge at Guernzey who having had so main a hand in the introduction of the Platforme could not be brought with any stomach to intend an alteration of his own counsels But not to lose my self in the search of Princes counsels which commonly are too far removed from vulgar eyes let us content our selves with knowing the event which was that by his means the Isle of Jarsey was reduced unto a Discipline conformable to that of England and thereby an easie way for the reforming also that in Guernzey For the accomplishment of which designe may it please your Lordship to take notice of these reasons following by which it is within my hopes your Lordship possibly may be perswaded to deal in it A Jove principium And here as in a Christian duty I am bound I propose unto your Lordship in the first place the honour which will 〈◊〉 unto the Lord in this particular by the restoring of a Discipline unto the smallest 〈◊〉 of his Church which you 〈◊〉 your â—…lt to be most 〈◊〉 to his holy word and to the practice of those blessed spirits the 〈◊〉 For why may not I say unto your Lordship as Mardâ—…aeus once to Hester though the case be somewhat different Who 〈◊〉 whether you be câ—…me unto these dignities for such a time as this And why may it not be said of you even in the application unto this particular designment That unto wâ—…m so much is given of him also shall much be required Private exployts and undertakings are expected even from private persons But God hath raised up you to publick honours and therefore looks that you should honour him in the advancement and undertaking of such counsels as may concern his Church in publick And certainly if as I verily perswade my self your counsels tend unto the peace
treat first of it with my Lord the Governour that he may make plain the way before you and facilitate the businesse or whether it may be thought most proper that some negotiate with the people and the Jurates to commence a suit in this behalf unto the Councell or whether that the Ministers themselves in this conjuncture of time oppressed as they conceive it by the Civill Magistrates encroaching on them may not with great facility be perswaded to sollicite for a change who can so well determine as your Lordship whom long experience and naturall abilities have made perfect in these arts Only let me beseech your Lordships leave to enjoy mine own folly and for a while to act my part to read my lecture though Hannibal and Roscius be in presence At such time as by the Ministers his Lordship was petitioned to resolve upon some course for their relief they made request to me to sollicite for them their desires to be a remembrancer for them to his Lordship To which I answered that I could direct them in a way which should for ever â—…ee them from that yoak which so much they feared and if they would vouchsafe to see my Chamber I would there impart it A motion not made unto the wals or lost in the proposall for down unto my Lodging they descended and there we joyned our selves in Councell The Petitioners were five in number viz. De la March Millet Pâ—…ard Picote and De la Place my self alone and nâ—…t provided save in Wine and Sider for their entertainment But as Lactantius in an equall case Necâ—…sse est ut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 boâ—…itas faciat eloquentem presuming on the goodnesse of my cause but more upon their ignorance I was resolved to bid them battail Immediately upon the opening of the Counsell I was importuned my opinion whereto I freely made them answer the only course whereby they might subsist entire and fâ—…ee from bondage was to address themselves to his Majesty for the restitution of the Dean But this say they is Physick worse then the disease and thereupon the battails began to joyn with greater violence with violence it was and therefore as we are instructed in Philosophy of no long continuance for presently upon the first encounter their ranks were broken and their forces disunited Picote for his part protested that he had alwayes been an enemy to Lay Elders and that he could not see by what authority of Scripture they were permitted in the Churches Perchard was well enough content that the dispensing of the poor mans box might be committed unto others and that the Deacons as being a degree or step unto the Ministery might be employed about the treasures of salvation Millet stood silent all the while and as I think reserved himself to try the fortune of another day De la March and De la Place this De la Place is he who abandoned Jarsey upon his failing of the Deanship what they could not make good by reason supplied by obstinacy In my life I never knew men more willing to betray a cause or lesse able to maintain it My inference hereupon is this that if his Majesty should signifie unto them that it is his royall pleasure to admit a Dean among them or else repair unto the Court to give a reasoâ—… of their reâ—…usall they sooner would forsake and quit their cause then either be resolved to agree about it or venture to defend it If I were sure to make no use of Logick till these men shal run the hazard of a disputation I would presently go and burn my Aristotle To draw unto an end for I have been too tedious to your Lordship Before I pluck off my disguise and leave the stage whereon I act I coulâ—… me thinks add somewhat here about the choicing of a man most fit for this authority In which particular as I stand well affected to Perchard for a moderate and quiet man so hath he also a good repute in all the Island both for his vein of Preaching his liberall hospitality and plausible demeanor Or if your Lordship think a forainer more fit there being now the Parish of St. Saviours void and so full room for that induction I durst propose to you Olivier of Jarsey a man which I perswade my self I may say safely not inferiour unto any of both Islands in point of Scholarship and well affected to the English form of Government Add to this that already he is acquainted with the nature of the place as having executed the office of the Commissary or Subdean ever since the introduction of the charge and therefore not to seek in the managing and cariage of his jurisdiction But good God! what follies do we dayly run into when we conceive our selves to be disguised and that our actions are not noted It is therefore high time for me to unmaske my self and humbly crave your Lordships pardon that under any habit I should take upon me to advise A further plaudite then this I do not seek for then that you will vouchsafe to excuse my boldnesse though not allow it the rather because a zeal unto the beauteous uniformity of the Church did prompt me to it But this and this discourse such as it is I consecrate unto your Lordship for whose honour next under Gods I have principally pursued this argument For my self it will be unto me sufficient glory that I had any though the least hand in such a pious work and shall be happy if in this or in any other your Lordships counsels for the Churches peace I may be worthy of imployment Nor need your Lordship fear that in the prosecution of this project you may be charged with an innovation To pursue this purpose is not to introduce a novelty but to restore a Discipline to revive the perfect service of God which so long hath been to say the best of it in a Lethargy and to make the Jerusalem of the English Empire like a City which is at unity within it self Sic nova dum condis revocas vir summe priora Debentur quae sunt quaeque â—…uere tibi Si priscis servatur honos te Praeside templis Et casa tam culto sub Jove numen habet Thus Reverend Lord to you Churches both old and new Do owe themselves since by your pious care New ones are built and old ones in repaire Thus by your carefull zâ—…al Unto the Churches weal As the old Temples do preserve their glories So private houses have their Oratories It is now time to acquaint your Lordship with the successe and safety of our return all things being done and suâ—…ly setled for the peace and security of those Islands which was the only cause of our voyage thither Concerning which your Lordship may be pleased to know in a word that the crossnesse of the winds and roughnesse of the water detained us some dâ—…yes longer in Castle Cornet then we had intended but at the last on Thursday Aprill 2. being Maundy Thursday anno 1629. we went aboard our Ships and hoised sail for England It was full noon before we were under sail and yet we made such good way that at my waking the next morning we were come neer the Town of Peal and landed safely the same day in the Bay of Teichfeild where we first took Ship his Lordship being desirous to repose himself with the said Mr. Bromfeild till the Feast of Easter being passed over might render him more capable to pursue his Journey And now I am safely come into my Countrey where according to the custome of the Antients I offer up my thanksgiving to the God of the waters and testifie before his Altars the gratefull acknowledgement of a safe voyage and a prosperous return blessings which I never merited Me tabula sacer Votiva paries indicat uvida Suspendisse potenti Vestimenta maris Deo My Votive Table on the Sacred wall Doth plainly testifie to all That I those gratefull vowes have paid Which in the tumults of the deep I made To him that doth the Seas command And holds the waters in his hand The End of the Last Book and the Second Journey P. 4. â—… 27. 5 l. 10. 〈◊〉 l. 17. P. 7. l 26. P. 8. 17. P. 34. l. 2 5 l. 25. 64. l. 1. 〈◊〉 â—… 38. P. 243. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 The City and 2 The condition of these Islands under that Government 3 Churches appropriated what they were 4 The black book of Constance 5 6 The 〈◊〉 of Priors Aliens 7 Priors dative hâ—w they differed from Conventuals 8 The condition of these Churches after that suppression 9 The Diagram * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 †St. 〈◊〉 dâ—…â—…oys 10 What is meant by Dâ—…ts French Querrui and by Champart 11 The alteration of Religion in these Islands 12 〈◊〉 here in the dayes of Q 〈◊〉 â—…3 The Islâ—…nds annâ—…xed for ever unto the Diocese of 〈◊〉 and for what Reasons 1 The condition of Geneva under their Biâ—…hop 2 The alteration there both in Religion and â—… in Polity 4 The estate of that Church 〈◊〉 the coming of Calvin thither 5 The conception 6 The Birth â—…nd 7 Growth of the new Discipline 8 The quality of Lay-Elders 9 The different prâ—…ceeding of 〈◊〉 10 〈◊〉 in the propagation of that câ—…use * V. cap. 5 â—… 11 Bâ—…h of these 〈◊〉 to the Church of England 12 Tâ—…â—…st 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…h Islands 13 A permission of it by the Queen c. 14 The Letters of the Councell to that purpose 15 The tumults raised in England by 〈◊〉 Brethren