and all the ordinances therof without accompt or 〈◊〉 as hath beene plentifully shewed in all this discouery and yet more shall appeare if we now take a litle view of thâ—…ir Commission which is the very abisme golph from whence spring flow all these innumerable enormities into euery paâ—… of this whole land their Church THIS INDEFINITE monstrous Commission I hauing neuer seene their letters pattents or any copie therof cannot othervise describe then by certaine appaâ—…ant circumstâ—…nces as the men of whome yt consisteth and that haue the chiefe rule therof the persons causes ouer which this CoÌ„mission is set and hath iurisdiction and the maner of vsing their sayd power The Commissioners are certayne ecclesiasticall ciuile persons as first the Primate of England the Arch-b of Canterburie then I suppose the Metropolitane of Yorke with certaine other Bishops as London Winchester c. certaine Deanes Arch-deacons Chancelors with sundry especial ciuile Doctors c. The ciuil persons of this Commission are now of late dayes some few of her Ma ties honorable Councell the two chiefe Iudges certaine Courtiers as the two Maisters of her Maiesties requests certaine chosen Aldermen the Recorder of London certaine other officers about the Citie as the Liâ—…ftenant of the Tower the post-Mr sundry other that I know not not heeâ—…e to recite that rabble of aduocates proctors scribes pursuyuaÌ„ts attending thervpon These thus ioined in this high great Commission haue or at the least exercise by vertue therof absolute power iurisdiction ouer the whole Church of England and euery particular congregation of the same and ouer euâ—…ry minister member of the same euen ouer al the Q. Subiects They also exercise finall iurisdiction absolute power ouer all causes ecclesiasticall whatsoeuer to handle and determine to visite enquire punish to make new lawes orders decrees and to inioine the same as authentike vpon all Churches as before the holy oracles of God They haue power also to assume any cause or plea out of any other of their inferior spiritual Courtes as they call them into their owne hands to ratifie or disanul any thing there done They haue power also to erect and to authorise new litle high Commissions in any Citie of the land where yt pleaseth them only with this excâ—…ption that they alwaies acknowledg the supreme power of their parent at Lambeth Yet further this great high Commission hath absolute power ouer sundrie and what not ciuil causes insomuch as they feare not to meddle with matters belonging to the Q. crowne or preâ—…ogatiue roial or to any of her Courts of plea whatsoeuer yea they haue not doubted to intercept causâ—…s belonging vnto depending in the high Court of parliament if Mr. PENRY in his appâ—…ale say true Thâ—…y haue power to cite summon or conuent by their pursuyuants cursitors what person of the land eithâ—…r man or woman at any time when they please they haue power to command all the Q. officers as Maiors of Cities Sherifs c. to serue attend watch ride by day or by night vpon their busines whatsoeuer also to apprehend to incarcerate or to deliuer out of prison what person or peâ—…sons how innocent or flagitious soeuer vpon their barre warrant without further enquire or delay yea they haue power to fetch vp any of these officers before theÌ„ from their charge in her Maiesties seruices there also to ymprison them if they so thinke good They haue power to authorize these rakehel â—…obbers their pursuyuants to herry molest or attach any of the Q. â—…aithful subiectts they list to breake open â—…ansack their houses by day or by night to spoyle carie away what and whome they please without controulement their warrants being made indefinite without anie certaine perscription or limitation Wel being thus furnished with this power they come together at their Session as charrets armed to the battâ—…l a great tayle of officers court of aâ—…tendants being asseÌ„bled the apparance wherof exceedeth I suppose that of the Vaticane at Rome no praier vsed before neither the booke of God opened in this their ecclesiastical councel The parties conuâ—…nted are to attend being called to appeare before them before whome being come what affaires soeuer they haue whither of a whole Church or of manie congregations what office or degree soeuer they be of they must there stand their headâ—…s discouâ—…red before them no place giuen them with or by these Commissioners Yf they be to propouÌ„d speake or complaine of any thing they muâ—…t doe yt by the officers of this Courte their Aduocates Proctors Râ—…gisters Scribes seouâ—…dum modum formam and that to no small charge by that time all these voultures haue their fees otherwise theÌ„ by these they may not plead in this Courte the iudgments of this Court they must receaue without contradictioÌ„ or gaynsaijng there is no appeale no helpâ—… no mâ—…anes to reuâ—…rse the same be they neuer so vniâ—…st Any othâ—…rs that are blamed and accused vnto this Courte haue not heâ—…re plâ—…ce to answere vnto such things as shalbe obiâ—…cted against them by their accusers bâ—…ing brought face to face or to defeÌ„d themselues according to equitie but heere they shall hardly know their accusers or accusations at anie time vntil they haue taken an othe to answere truly vnto such things as shalbe demaÌ„ded of theÌ„ in that Court wherby they are driuen to accuse themselues and so minister matter abundantly vnto their aduersaries The othe that is heere administred is that laying their hand or fingeâ—…s vpon a booke they sweare by God by the contents of the booke to answere truly vnto such things as shalbe demanded of them and so kissing the booke their othe is accepted no further leisure giuen to consider what thâ—…y answere vnto their demandes But if anie make conscience or denie to receaue this idolatrous wicked othe which though yt be proued vnto them to be nâ—…uer so vnlawful and contrarie to the commandement of God Deut. 6. 13. Deâ—…t â—…0 20. to be neuer so superstitious in deuising adding yea in inioyning ceremonies where God in these lawes hath made none but coÌ„manded to sweare without anie ceremonies by the name of God only though yt be proued to be neuer so idolatrous in ioyning any thing vnto or with God in swearing by any thing besides or with God though the fearful curse of God be shewed to be denouÌ„ced against such maneâ—… of swearing swearers by the Lords prophets in these words They that sweare in the sin of Sâ—…maria that say thy God O Dan liueth and the way of Beerschebah liueth eueÌ„ they shal fal neuer â—…ise vp againe and in an other place that the Lord will cut off al that sweare by IEHOVAH as they sweare by 〈◊〉 be this othe prooued neuer so vnnecesfarie the cause not requiring anie such triall be yt proued neuer so vnnatural yt being to accuse theÌ„selues y
the daies of GIBBEA not one sownd part from the crowne of the head to the sole of the feet but all ful of woundes swellinges old putrified sores which cannot be bound vp or cured iniquitie hauing brokē in and ouerflowed the vvhole land and euerie place therof euen as the raging sea which cannot be stopped There is no faith no mercie no knowledg or feare of God in the land by swearing lying killing stealing whoring they breake out and blood toucheth blood they ◅bhor iudgment peruert all equitie they turne iustice into gall and the fruit of righteousnes into wormwood T◅uth falleth in the streetes equitie cannot enter the heades iudg for ◅ewardes the priestes teach for hire the Prophets prophecie for money the people are incorrigible such as cannot brooke nor endure vvholsom doctrine but get vnto them after their owne lustes an heap of teachers which may prophecie to them of vvine and strong drink c. They al hate persecute him that rebuketh in the gate they abhor him that speaketh vprightly They prosecute vvith mortal hatred him that runneth not to the same excesse and sinne with them and he that refraineth from euil maketh himself a pray and is spoiled of all men All the lawes of GOD are heere broken and reiected both of the first and second table both of the ecclesiasticall and ciuile estate and of euerie particular person in both both in the worship of GOD and in ciuile iustice and conuersation all things being innouate in both according to the lustes and pleasures of men the law and word of GOD being quite reiected and cast aside as may appeare if the estate either of the Church or common welth be examined or tried by the word of GOD. The particuler defaults wherof in their customes lawes trialls pleadings iurisdiction orders decrees c. are well nigh infinite And what then are the enormities that ensue therof to euerie estate degree and person This need no other demonstration then the general excesse pride superfluitie couetousnes rapine crueltie deceit malice debate inordinate affections vnbridled lustes dissolutnes disobedienc◅ c. which are found most rife euē in all estates degrees amongst them Neither hath all kind of sinne and wickednes more vniuersally raigned in any nation at any time then heere at this present in this land where all are receaued into the Church all made members of CHRIST All these sinnes and many more abhomina◅ions which a Christian heart abhorreth but to think or speak of are amongst them vvinked a◅ tollerated excused couered and cured with the Gospel preached and their holy sacramentes All this people with all these manners were in one daye with the blast of Q. Elizabeths trumpet of ignorant papistes and grosse idolaters made faithfull Christianes true professors vpon vvhome these hungrie priestes like rauening vvolues and greedy foxes flew to diuide the pray some getting them the roomthes of Arch-bishops others caught Bishoprickes others caught Deanries arch-Deaconries fat parsonages some more some fewer as their estimation and frendes were They being thus installed and their mouthes stopped with these fat morsels the world by this time was well amended with them There was no neede to gather a people to the faith by preaching of the Gospell neither to set the holy gouernment of CHRIST ouer such as were called to the faith All was now well enough ◅er the people had receaued this ministerie after their Portuise was translated from latine into english the supremacie from the Sea of Rome to the Sea of Canterburie And after these Pseudo martyres and runneaway professors had tasted the sweetnes of ◅his rost and pleasantnes of these roomths and were once warme ◅n their nestes then forgate they all their former peregrination ◅nd deuowred the vowes they then made seking now to fortifie ◅nd establish their owne and not CHRISTS kingdome And to this ◅nd they inuented obteined and erected their blasphemous high Commission in stead of the Spanish inquisition where they gate ◅ower ouer all causes and persons ecclesiasticall to make or abro◅ate what lawes they list and to impose them vpon the whole Church which is the whole land to molest cite fetch vp examine ◅mprison and fyne whome they list as long as they list as much as ◅hey list w◅hout controlement or any redresse though their pro◅eedings be expresly contrarie preiudicial and repugnant vnto the Crowne and prerogatiue royal vnto the great charter and lawes of ◅he land as were not hard to shew if any eare might be giuen ◅herunto Thus being enthronized they shew themselues playnly in their colours both in establishing most of the Popes cannons and in adding new as ill of their owne still re◅aine further power to make more at their pleasures which howsoeuer they cannot nor dare ◅ot iustifie by the word yet will they maintaine them by the sword vvhich sword they now draw forth against CHRISTES most faith◅ull seruantes that vvill no◅ bow downe nor vvorship their beastly ◅uthoritie but stand for the maintenance of the faith once giuen vnto the sai◅tes and for the free and sincere practise of CHRISTES holy Testament vvhich faith Testament and people of GOD these accursed Apostataes with most deadlie hatred and hostilitie persecute and seeke to suppresse by all exquisite tyrannie closing and mving vp the bodies of them in the most noisome places of the most vile prisons somtimes ◅ot wi◅hout yrons and blowes in stead of Argumentes and perswasions railing blaspheming and slandering both the holy truth and the witnesses therof vvith their poisoned heretical lying bookes pamphlets libells vvhich the Dragon like a flood casteth out of the mouth of his false Prophets after the Church yet dare they not once produce them to any triall or answere knowing in their bad consciences that their ill dealings may not endure the light and therfore seeke they by all subtill and forceible meanes to suppresse the same limiting and prohibiting their priestes not to meddle vvith the reproofe of anie thing by publike authoritye established c. And such as vvill not be thus nurt◅ed they inclose vp by their sole ◅ommandement in close and strait prisons neuer letting them to escape out of their handes vntill they be brought out vpon the beere Thus fulfil they the measure of their predecessors shed the blood of the righteous make opē war against CHRIST and his G◅spel cast the Sonne and heire out of his house and vvil not susfer him to reigne there by his owne officers and lawes but take his inheritance vnto them with his scepter and al his roial rites and prerogatiues into their handes shewing themselues in the temple of GOD as GOD erected newe lawes newe ordin◅ces a newe ministerie newe worship newe orders forme of gouernment as shalbe shewed hereafter Now vnto this their apostatical bloody throne antichristian power and vnto al the abhominations proceeding from the same standeth
〈◊〉 of the lampe and also eâ—…chued in ciuil meates But such prophane 〈◊〉 wicked which haue not yet imbraced the faith such are to be kept 〈◊〉 of the Church and from the Table of the Lord though otherwise 〈◊〉 are not so to abhortheir ciuil conuersation seeing we may haue so â—…any occasions thervnro whiles we remayne in this world Whether 〈◊〉 â—…hall vve beleeue M r. CALVINE or the Apostle they being so diâ—…ctly coâ—…trarie For the other point of forsaking the Table of the â—…rd I iâ—…sist in that which is already said still saying they ought in â—…erie true Church to be kept from yt especially vpon obstinacie â—…ter admonition BVT YET M r. CALVINE thus giueth not ouer the matter but indeuoreth to proue that the godly may ought to coÌ„municate with the open wickeâ—… and yet shall not be defiled therby by the examples of the Prophets in the corrupt times before the captiuity of our sauiour CHRIST while he liued heere who in the most corrupt times refrained not the sacrifices prayers or publike ministery of the Temple for the wickednes either of priestes or people but nauing regard to the vnitie of the Church vnto the ordinances of GOD they held vp pure hands in a wicked assembly â—…irst I cannot perceaue that in all this M r. CALVINE hath proued â—…at the Prophets or our Sauiour CHRIST haue at any time ioined â—…to or with any vnlawfull or pulluted priestes or pâ—…ople such as by 〈◊〉 law of God ought not to administer or offer in y â— Temple neither 〈◊〉 to any vnlawful praiers or sacrifices which ought not to be offered â—…ere And so all these examples are to no purpose alledged make â—…thing for him For we still by the rules of CHRISTS Testament hold 〈◊〉 vtterly vnlawfull to receaue or reteine any profane or wicked perâ—…n to administer vnto or coÌ„municate with such in the sacramentes 〈◊〉 that all whosoeuer so doth most heinously breake Gods law 〈◊〉 all guiltie of high sacriledg c. Into which manifâ—…st wilfull transâ—…essions neither the vaine titles of the Church neither the false flag 〈◊〉 the gospel sacramentes ought to draw or allure vs. As for these times vnder thâ—… law wherof he speaketh the worship 〈◊〉 God then consisted in outward legall ceremonies concerning the â—…me place priestes people sacrifices Altar c. with prescript lawes 〈◊〉 euâ—…rie thing which outward ordinances if they diligenrly kept 〈◊〉 obserued there was then no cause why such sacrifices should be left insomuch as they were in that outward worshipp altogeather vnrâ—…proueable Other faultes of maners except such as ouâ—…wardly defiled the bodie or were contrarie to the lawes of the Temple as bastardy whordome idolatrie c. the priestes or ecclesiastical estate then medled not with They belonged to the ciuil magistrates whose office yt was then both to censure punish such offendors accordiâ—…g to the law Whiles then the ecclesiasticall lawes which God in that estate apointed were duly obserued there was no cause why the Prophets or any should refraine that worship yet were the Prophets which were apointed of God to instruâ—…t both the eccsesiastical ciuil estate to admonish and reproue the ciuil magistrates and to cry out against them to denounce Gods iudgmentes against the one the other to shew theÌ„ that neither Temple nor sacrifice neither fathers nor couenant could excuse or deliuer them froÌ„ the wrath curse of God whiles they continued in these sinnes deferred to repent But now vnder the gospel where al things are become new spiritual where CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church vnto all his faithfull seruantes his poweâ—… authoritie spiritually to censure al manner of sinne sinners he hath giuen them his holy word made them all Kings Priestes thervnto he hath coÌ„manded them to watch and diligently to take heed that no profane or wicked impenitent person be admitted vnto or kept in his church but diligently to watch both without within that the one sort be kept out the other cast out of his Church The legal pollutions leprosies vlcers running issues infections vncleane diseases for which then the people were seperated from the Temple the Congregation are now in this Church all maner knowen sinnes obstinatly held maintained which are far more infectious contagious vnto the soules of the whole Church then those filthy diseases were vnto the bodie Neither is the Lord our God lesse ielous or will be lesse offended for keeping such in his Church admitting them vnto his table now then he was in those daies when the leprous plaguy or polluted were kept in the Congregation admitted to the altar especially seing he hath now giuen as great charge as prescript lawes both whome when and how to cast out as he did then So that as abhominable should our worship and offring now be vnto the Lord all we in as great blame seing vnto all his seruantes this charge this watch this power these lawes are giuen as they in the former times for the transgressions aforesaid But now peraduenture these disciples of M r. CALVINE will from their maisters mouth affirme for so in deed his wordes and writings apparantly import els as we haueÌ„ shewed these examples are brought to no purpose that the Prophetes our sauiour Christ in those most sinful times where al estates persons were throughly wholy corrupt al the lawes of God both concerning the Church and common welth the worship of God ciual conuersation boldly broken by al without any regard or coÌ„science that yet in these times the Prophets and our Sauiour CHRIT coÌ„municated with these priestâ—…s people in these sinnes and were not defiled with their sinnes but held vp pure handes amongst them Before I shew the mâ—…nifest vntruth the pestilent errors vnsufferable blasphemie of these doctrines I demaund of them how they proue that the Prophets and our Sauiour CHRIT communicated in these times with these priestes people thus defiled and corrupted thus openly breaking Gods lawes ordinances both concerning his worship in the Temple the gouernment of the commoÌ„ welth I see no proof alledged except yt be this they built not other Churches they erected not other Altars where they might haue their seueral sacrifices What of all this They built not other Temples Altars therfore they coÌ„municated with the abhominatioÌ„s in the Temple they had no priuate sacrifices therfore they resorted vnto the polluâ—…ed and corrupt sacrifices vsed at these times in the Temple Are these â—…heir best reasons that because they did not one sinne therfore they did â—…n other Can these men find no meane course What if the Prophets in these times did neither of both shall not the ignorance falshood boldnes of these men then apeare which thus slander the Prophetes â—…alsifie peruert the scriptures to maintaine these damnable errors wicked dealinge The first
sinnes c. So then we see how â—…sting is vpon especial present occasions to be vsed those or such like occasions â—…asing not to be continued without end or vse for that were not only to make positiue lawes to bind that which God hath left at libertie but also to put holines in the verie action of fasting without right end or true vse Further the practise vse of fasting in the church of Christ vnder the Gospel sheweth that there can be no permanent lawes of the time day made therof For they not only vpoÌ„ such present publike occasions of calamitie are to vse yt but also in some especial waightie actions wherof dependeth the good or euil estate of that church or congregation as vpon the choice of the Officers Elders of the Church That peculiar Congregation in such actions at such â—…imes is to humble themselues with fasting praier and yet this fast â—…either to be enioined to others which haue not that occasioÌ„ of such â—…ike action neither to be annually monethly c. coÌ„tinued of theÌ„ after that action performed Therfore we may conclude that neither the magistrate nor the whole church may set positiue lawes of publike â—…astes to be holdeÌ„ vpoÌ„ such a day or such a moneth froÌ„ yeare to yeare â—…eing they are vpoÌ„ present vrgent especial occasions to be vsed And as for priuate fastes seing they are wholy put in euerie Christians liâ—…ertie and the occasions neither concerning others nor publikely knowne of them there can much lesse be any positiue lawes made to â—…ast this or that day of necessitie what gaineth then this learned Docâ—…or by this euasion THAT THE PRINCE commandeth these yearly monethly and weekly fastes vnles yt be to lay that blame blasphemie which before was due vnto the Pope their Founder now vpoÌ„ the Prince Do not these priestes an high piece of seruice vnto her Maiesty â—…eerin But this profound Diuine hath yet one trick in his budget to â—…alue al this matter that is the Prince doth not coÌ„mand theÌ„ to fast â—…ut only vpon such daies to abstaime from flesh How false this is by â—…heir especial deuotioâ—…s vpon such daies the priestes solemne bidding â—…heÌ„ in open church c. hath beene sully already coÌ„uinced Moreouer â—… would know of him if he can tel me if the action should be meerly â—…iuil as he would haue yt what the church hath to doe with yt to puâ—…lish them to assemble pray c. on those daies Also why the very â—…aues daies in time nomber as the Pope vsed left them are stil â—…y them so reteined vsed were not this to offend the consciences of â—…he faithful to nourish others in their foreconceiued superstition and â—…dolatrie Is not this the verie cause that maketh so manie papistes in â—…hat so manie popish relikes stil remaine And now further I would know of Mr. Doctor how he can prooue by the law of God that the Prince may forbid his subiectes to eate â—…lesh vpon such daies such times c. I demaund not now any polliâ—…ike reasons for then he would smite me downe with these two for â—…he sparing the yong increase of beastes for the maintenance of the Nauie but my conscience caÌ„not rest vpon theÌ„ I had rather haue one â—…ule or example out of the word of God where I can find no such preâ—…ident vnles yt be king Sauleâ—… who indâ—…ed by solemne curse forbad the â—…sraelites to tast food but for one day that vpoÌ„ as vâ—…gent occasion as I suppose possibly caÌ„ be alledged namly during the battel prusuiâ—…e of the Philistines but he was reproued for yt both by the holy Ghost in the mouth of Iâ—…athan when he said My Father hath troubled the land see now how mine eies are made eleere by tasting a title of this hony also by Lâ—…t from God himself the matter comming to be tried beâ—…wixt him and his sonne who had made the default when the Lord answered not by Vrim as he had couenanted and accustomed the hypocrite Saule desired the Lord to giue the perâ—… or vpright so 〈◊〉 was taken denounced by Gods owne iudgment innoceÌ„t not guiltie the wretch left as the author and cheefe in the trespasse by making that vngodly law So then if yt were not lawful for him vpon such a waightie occasion by way of law to restreine the vse of Gods creatures for one day I cannot see how vpon any pollitike cause such râ—…straintes may be made throughout from yeaâ—…e to yeare My reasons are first God hath created these creatures not man giuen to man soueraignty ouer theÌ„ to vse them to food freely therfore they which by law restraine the sober and free vse of them 1 both calback the Lords liberal gâ—…aÌ„t 2 depriue the Creator of honour praise in for the vse of them 3 make a law of that the Lord hath left in libertie 4 then the Apostle calleth such lawes as in this maner command to abstaine from meates the doctrines of diuels â—… to conclude the Apostle often chargeth vs to stand fast in our libertie not to be brought in boÌ„dage of any thing which is by God put in our powre But by such lawes our free vse of such creatures is for these times takeÌ„ away c. For which reasons I am as yet in conscieÌ„ce perswaded y â— the ciuil magistrate ought not to make permaneÌ„t lawes of y t the Lord hath left in our libertie neither by way of law to restrainâ—… theÌ„ one day for any ciuil or pollitike causes whatsoeuer I would not now be vnderstood of ecclesiastical religious fastes we haue both lawes pleÌ„tiful examples in the scriptures that the Prince church may proclaine such general fastes vpon occasions c. Neither would I heere be suspected to goe about to diminish or pluck away y â— high sacred power authoritie the Lord hath giueÌ„ to the ciuil magistrate as to his Liefâ—…enaÌ„t ouer both body life goodes â—…o much as to sheâ—… that the Princes or Magistrates power is yet by God himself limited circumâ—…cribed for the transgression wherof they shal as any other men accompt vnto the Lord in whome they are to command as we also readily in the same Lord to obey The excesse or abuse of these creatures the Magestrate may ought to punish represse because that is sinne and therfore is the law and sword of God committed vnto him but by a law of his owne wherof is no warrant in the word of God to restraine them for these or these times I thinke there he exceedeth his commission though vpon never so great colour of pollicie and that the action were purged of all this romish superstition and idolatrie wherwith nowe yt is refersed The Prince is to gouerne ouersee prouide for the common welth administring
â— vnto their aduersaries yet wil these graceles Bishops inforce this othe first by way of perswasion by Abrahams Iaacobs exaÌ„ples who caused the one his seâ—…uaÌ„t y e other his sonne to sweare putting their haÌ„d vnder their theigh c. and by the Angels lifting vp his haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ to sweare If vnto the fiâ—…st they be answered that AbrahaÌ„ Iaacob ioyned not this ceremony vnto the othe so much as to exact the fidelitie performance of the othe seijng God himself sware vnto Abraham without this ceremonie Gen 15 17 as also Ishaac sware Iaacob sware without this ceremonie Gen. 26. 31. Gen. 31. 53 so that there caÌ„ be no law drawen or exaÌ„ple made of Abraham Iaacob heerin especially seing this was before the law was giueÌ„ but now we â—…aue an absolute law giuen of God for the forme of othes froÌ„ which law we ought not to swerue Yf vnto the secoÌ„d namely the Angels lifting vp the haÌ„d vnto heaueÌ„ whiles he sware yt be likewise answered y t no law caÌ„ be inforced froÌ„ heÌ„ce or any new ceremony inioyned in swearing nothing being done heere contrarie to the law of God neither any example giueÌ„ to breake or alter y â— law giueÌ„ of God seing now both al superstitious ceremonies idolatrous othes are forbiddeÌ„ vs by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles Math. 5. 34. 3. 5 Mat. 23. Gal. 4. 9. Col. 2. 20. Their next reason is draweÌ„ froÌ„ the Princes priuiledg y t the Prince hath power to make lawes of indiffereÌ„t things is therin to be obeied this maner of othe is shewed to be no indiffereÌ„t thing but altogether vnlawful prohibited for the reasons aboue alledged But if yt were a thing indiffereÌ„t as they suppose so to sweare or not so to sweare yet were yt not lawfull for any mortal man to bind that by way of law which God hath left in our libertie much lesse to bring in new ceremonies or diuises into the worship of God for so might al the Popes traditioÌ„s be brought in iustified WheÌ„ these reasons wil not serue to perswade oâ—… assure the conscience theÌ„ these holy fathers these teÌ„der hearted christian BBs are driueÌ„ to their last argumeÌ„t wherby they vphold their antichristiaÌ„ throne Viz. the ciuil power authoritie which is committed into their murtherous handes Then are they forthwith committed vnto close prison there to remaine vntil they either yeild or die and this without respect of age sexe or degree especially if they be conveÌ„ted for refusing or speaking against the BBs Popelike authoritie antichristian decrees idolatrous iniunctions c such with mortall hatred they persecute much more â—…hen they doe the most hainous malefactors traiterous Papists such they opeÌ„ly publish to be sectaries scismatikes heretikes Anabaptists disobedient to magistrates seditious conventiclers c. and al because they will not beare Antichristes yoke nor carie the Beastes marke nor bow downe vnto worship his image Such therfore they hunt pursue aâ—…rode by their spiaâ—…s pursyuants and hauing caught theÌ„ vse with al eâ—…quisite tyranny neuer suffring theÌ„ to depart out of theiâ—… haÌ„ds vntil they either deny y e faith or be fetched froÌ„ theÌ„ by the Lords peremptorie messenger Death Long yt were to relate their fine spanish arts to molest these constant witnesses faithfull seruaÌ„ts of Christ when they get them in their prisons by shutting them vp long close by causing them to be produced and indicted at the general sessions vpoÌ„ the statute of recusansy hauing made some of the Iudgâ—…s on their part although this statute was made for Christs and her Ma ties â—…nemies the Papists recusants of all christian veritie When vpon this statute they haue gotten them indicted and vpon the execution therof cast into prisons yet heâ—…re their malice ceaseth not but although they be the Q. prisoners in her execution yet will they contrarie to all law assume them back againe into thâ—…ir handes and by thâ—…ir sole authoritie without anie cause alledged commit them perpetuall close prisoners therby to shorten their liues and to cut off all meanes either of their owne maintenance from them or wherby they might any way satisfie the Queâ—…ne Thus play they with poore Christians as the catte doth with the moâ—…se boldly committing them vnto and taking them fâ—…om the seculer powers at their owne pleasure abusing the Queenes lawes and most faithfull subiâ—…ctes at their owne lust without checke or controulement they being subiect and liable to no lawe To such a heigth is this strange Romish spanish Court now growne vnder colour of â—…eforming â—…cclesiasticall abusâ—…s that yt vsurpeth absolute power ouer al lawâ—…s causâ—…s persons 〈◊〉 yea and becommeth the very fountaine or synke rather from whence flow al errors abuses and disorders into the whole laÌ„d yt being the very bane poyson both of the church and common welth that â—…uer going forge of Sathan wherin he daily mintâ—…th al his antichrâ—…stian new deuises decrees for this monstrous harlot the false Church that Senate wherin all their affaires are consâ—…lted that Councel wherin all their decrees are concluded a Synode wherin all causes are debated a schoole wherin al questions are disputed a fayre wherin all their wares are sould This monstrous Court taketh vtterly away the power and stoppeth the course of Gods word of his Church and of the godly lawes of the land preiudicial yt is to the prerogatiue of the Prince to the iurisdiction of her â—…oyall Courts to the libertie of her free subiects to the great Chaâ—…r of England as their practise euidently sheweth How contrarie yt is vnto God vnto al the rules of his word euen by this summarie recitall insufficient description of their doings at the first reading may appeare to al men that wil bring them to the light So barbarous is thâ—…ir power so odious their proceedings as no apologie caÌ„ be made for them vnlesse by the same they wil also iustifie the authoritie of the Pope and proceedings of the spanish inquisition both vvhich yet heerin they exceed in that this Court hath power to make lawes oâ—…dinaÌ„ces for al churches without their consent which the Pope cannot doe as also in that this Court hath power iurisdiction ouer many almost al ciuil causes which the spanish inquisition hath not Let not my words be wrasted or misconstrued to the reproch of these honorable personages such ciuile magistrates as are of this CoÌ„mission whose ciuil offices persons we from our hearts vnfainedly honour and reuerence yet can the authority of their personages no way iustifie the vnlawfulnes of this Commission or hide the vngodlines of the BBs proceedings therin with whose crafty practises we suppose they are not made acquainted being tised into this CoÌ„mission by the subâ—…ilty of the BBs who suppose to fortifie their antiâ—…hristian power popish regiment by the authority and countenance of the these honorable reuerend men
hide or diminish these sinnes or how rather can the name of a Church without blasphemie vnto Christ be giuen them in these sinnes how can Christ be said to stand a King Lord vnto them that breake reiect his lawes set vp in stead therof their owne devises invētions or how can Christ said a sauiour vnto them that despise his grace and mercie offred refuse to repent and turne from their euil waies They then not being vnder Christes protection nor in state of grace while they continue obstinate in their sinne c. I haue often wondered how anye man of sound indgmēt could giue them the name of a Church or be so terrisied with this vaine false title that they durst not leaue the communion of those wicked assemblies adulterous Churches which haue broken the couenant and forsaken the faith God plighteth not his fauour and protection vnto vs longer then we vowe our obedience and keep our faith vnto him At what time the most righteous turneth from his righteonsnes and committeth iniquitie and wil not be turned therefrom all his former righteonsnes that he hath done shal not be mentioned but in his transgression that he hath committed in his sinne that he hath finned in them he shal die The same Iudge by the same law giueth the same sentence for the same sinnes against a whole Church nation world Neither is there cause why any of Gods seruantes should more doubt to censure iudg and auoid that Congregation which reiecteth Godes word presumptuously breaketh Godes lawes despiseth his reproofe mercie as a wicked assembly an adulterous Church then to censure iudge and auoid any particular member of the Church fallen into the like degree and height of sinne to be a withered vnfruitfull branch to be cut off from the vine to be throwen out of the vineyard But here they deceaue themselues and others vvith certayne infallible markes of the Church which they haue fantasied vnto themselues namely that where the word of GOD is sincerely taught and the sacramentes rightly administred there vndoubtedly is still the true Church of CHRIST although otherwise there be neuer so many mischeifes abounding all the wicked receaued and reteined c. no vse of the power of CHRIST among them either to censure sinne or cast out obstinate offendors For this holy power to redresse faultes they put aside by the name of DISCIPLINE They call yt an accident or hang-by and make yt not a thing of necessitie so that yt may be a Church without yt though yt be to be desired c. The vanitie and falshood of these doctrines partly apeareth where I shewed that the preaching of the word maketh not a Church except there be by the same a faithfull people gathered vnto CHRIST IESVS ordered ◅nd gouerned by the rule of his word in all things so far as shalbe reuealed vnto them c so that I need not here stand to refute the sam◅ only I would know of these great learned men how yt is possible for the ministers of the Church either to preach the word si◅cerely or administer the sacramentes rightly where there is no regard had to the faithfull practise of the word no care to redresse thinges amisse no power to shut out or excommunicathe the vnworthy Or how they can with all their learning whiles they stand Pastors or teachers to such an vnbeleeuing profane people or vnto such wick◅d ones as hate to be rebuked and reformed of their sinnes preach the word exercise praier deliuer the sacramentes blesse and dismisse the profane wicked people in the peace and fauour of God without most high sacriledg profanation of Godes name casting the pretious bodie and blood of CHRIST to hoggs doggs blessing Godes enimies c. But now i◅ yt be not possible to exercise any true ministerie to haue any true vse of the vvord and sacramentes to keep any holy communion or Christian order without the diligent watch of euerie member but cheefly of the rulers and Elders to see the word of God duly practised and obserued by all in their callings to admonish all offenders to censure all errors and transgressions to excommunicate the obstinate impenitent by the power of our Lord IESVS CHRIST which he hath giuen vnto his true Church vnto the worlds end all which these men couer and cast aside in the name of DISCIPLINE without which watch and power this practise cannot be had without which power and practise the word of God is made an idol the sacramentes sacriledge vnto vs and all thinges we do odious and abhominable vnto the Lord with what common sense to let passe their deep learning can thes◅ great preachers say that the Church of CHRIST may want this watch care power and practise yea and that the word may be sincerely ta◅ght and the sacramentes duly administred though there be open transgression obstinate offendors still kept and held amongst them Is yt not as much as if they said they knew n◅ither what the Church sacramentes ministerie of the word or Christian communion meant For to what purpose is the word or the ministerie of the word where true practise and obedience is denied or which way ◅an the true minister of CHRIST administer the sacramentes ◅o a people in this estate or the faithfull seruants of Christ partake with such people in such sacramentes without most heinous sacriledg and impietie WE MVST NOT say they forsake the Church nor the ordinance of GOD for the sinnes of any either minister or people for a godly conscience is not hurt with the sinnes of another neither the ministerie or sacramentes therwith defiled If they meane h◅re by the Church the assemblie and communion of God◅s faithfull obedient seruantes by Godes ordinance the vse of an holy ministerie of the sacramentes c I graunt t◅at the Church ministerie and ordinances of CHRIST are not to be left or thought the worse of for the sinne of men though all the world abuse them though ANTICHRIST haue corrupted them neuer so much or long But if they meane as al th◅ir reasoning importeth by the Church ordinanc◅s of God such wicked rebellious assemblies as reiect the word of God with an high hand breake his lawe despise admonitiō hate to be reformed receaue reteine the opē vnworthie wicked impenitent to their sacramentes c. I then denie these assemblies to be the true Churches of CHRIST seing they haue broken the couenant cast off CHRISTES yoke c. As also I denie their sacramentes to be the ordinances of God seing to them in this estate belong not the sacramētes ministerie of Christ but the curse and iudgmentes of God And therfore they that leaue them for in their sinnes in this estate do neither leaue the Church of God nor the ordinances of CHRIST but rather fulful the cōmandement of God preserue the Church in
and burne incense to the Queene of heauen And that they might not faile at time of need see they make all the Sâ—…intes InnoceÌ„tes in heauen their frieÌ„des on their side celebrating to the Innocentes one day of their soleÌ„ne Christmas vnto all Saintes because none should be forgotteÌ„ they are many in nuÌ„ber they keep an especial principal feast day with a deuout fast vpoÌ„ the eaue c. yet least some of the chief Santes as â—…hon the Baptist and the twelue Apostles might be displeased in that they are numbred passed ouer with other common Saintes they severally remember them againe in their tourne with their peculiar eaues daies fastes feâ—…stes worship Heere is yet also an other Saint whome I had like to haue ouâ—…rskipped the Captaine of theÌ„ al S t. GEORGE their Borrowgh the patrone of the laÌ„d a worthy warriour our Ladies knight I wene This Saint hath heere no smal intertainemeÌ„t with his soleÌ„ne processioÌ„ that by no smal states but eueÌ„ the greatest of the laÌ„d with his cornets trumpets harpe shackbutes psalteâ—…ies dulcimer al instrumentes of Musick c. This Saint besides his noble order of knighthood hath also his famous peculiar Chaplain Palatine of the order who is to weare a goldring on his thomb what a famâ—…us feast they keep vnto this Saint there is none in Court or Countrie caÌ„ be ignorant Because I â—…m no good Heralt I wil not vndertake to blazon his armes the red Crosse in white field that he beareth in banner displaied nor yet his woâ—…hy 〈◊〉 For all those â—… refer you to his Lâ—…gend Aâ—…d heere me thinkes before we goe any further we had need enquire â—…ome learned Doctors opinion of this geare leaâ—…t we that be silly and â—…ooke no further then the word of God giueth vs to see take yt for â—…ost grosse idolatrie abhominatioÌ„ because in al the booke of God 〈◊〉 the beginning to the ending we find no such presideÌ„t or coÌ„manâ—…emeÌ„t therfore if yt please you because DO ROBERT SOME hath â—…ndertakeÌ„ the matter we wil heare his learned iudgmeÌ„t of this stuffe This learned Doctor who hath this wit for the most part with him â—…o take no more of a matter then he is able to deale with frameth an â—…rgument in the name of an other thus The church of England maketh meÌ„â—…ioÌ„ of Saintes deceased viz. Apost Martyres c. in some of their pubâ—…ike praiers therfore the church of England doth worship Saintes â—…eceased His answere is they are mentioned to stir vs vp not to worâ—…hip theÌ„ but to tread in the steps of their vertue religion so conâ—…ludeth the ArgumeÌ„t very weake sylly But how if this Argument â—…roue his owne what opinion shal we then hold of his Doctorhood â—…ot to speak of his euil coÌ„scieÌ„ce who to coullor that the cannot iusâ—…ifie to passe by that he caÌ„not gainesay or disproue is not ashamed â—…sually throughout his writinges to father the forgeries of his owne â—…dle head vpoÌ„ others thinking by deprauing the poore professors of â—…he truth to suppresse yt or at the least to get credite and promotion â—…nto himself But I would know of his euil conscience wich shal ere â—…ong be araigned for all these thinges before him that is greater then â—…is coÌ„science whether he neuer heard other reasons froÌ„ some of theÌ„ â—…o proue this their celebratioÌ„ coÌ„memoration of Angels deceasâ—…d â—…aintes to be idolatrous blaspheamous abhominable euen to the â—…hief Authors of this stuffe that in the presence of some verie hoâ—…orable namely because they dedicate to these Angels dead Saints 〈◊〉 peculiar Eaue Day caling theÌ„ after their names therby impropriâ—…ting giuing that to the creature which is only due reserued in â—…he hand possessioÌ„ of the Creator 2 because vpon their Eaues they â—…nioyne bid in their church vpon their sunday a publike fast and 〈◊〉 in thâ—…se Angels and Saintes names 3 bâ—…bâ—…cause vpon their day which they cal an holy day they proclaime a soleÌ„ne feast to be kept â—…ith general cessatioÌ„ froÌ„ their labours in their trades as vpoÌ„ y e Lords day by the 4 commandement 4 this by a publike law not to menâ—…ion al the fleshly and lewd behauiour idlenes pride vanitie excesse â—…pely seene suffered vpon these their feastiuals holy daies 5 beâ—…ause vpon these daies they haue a peculiar prescript deuised worship â—…o each seueral Saint that they thus celebrate not heere to mention â—…heir vnsufferable shredding dismembâ—…ing rending peruerting of â—…criptures to clowte vp this idolatrie These reasons if either those two â—…reat BBs to whome they were propounded or this Doctor which theÌ„â—…eard them had soundly confuted iustified this their maner of ceâ—…ebrating worshipping dead Saintes Angels in their church then â—…ad the Antichristian tyranny of the one the repâ—…ochful blasphemie 〈◊〉 the other some colour which now are odious vnto God man But now seing these Argumentes still remaine with them vnanswered and that they are so loth to meddle with them I would now only learne of this Doctor where he in al the scripture hath found this idolatrous custome of theirs to celebrate the memorial of any one deceased Saint that vpon one set day yearly in this maner we reade not that the Fathers before the flood vsed yt neither yet after y e flood bâ—…fore the law yet were they verie godly men of great vertue such as instructed their children in the true worship waies of God such as their children honoured reuerenced whilest they liued did all filial duties vnto them being dead decently buried them but neuer after kept any aÌ„nual or set day in their remembrance The like vnder the law we reade of Moses Samuel Dauid c. men verie famous renowmed for their vertue godlines greatly honored of all whiles they liued no such matter done to theÌ„ after they were dead yet were they presidentes by their vertue euen vnto all ages vnto the worldes end The Apostles also whome they so especialy aboue al other Saintes prefer celebrate being dead yea taken away as famous martyres neuer in this maner vpon one special set day celebrated their constaÌ„cie in the faith vertue as we may see by the Apostle Iames and the Martyre 〈◊〉 Likewise the Apostles Paul Peter being ready to suffer for the Gospel left no such commandemeÌ„tes vnto the churches that any such praiers festiuals should be kept to them or their remembrance being dead but rather stirred vp admonished the churches whiles they liued disired the churches prayers for theÌ„ whiles they liued So that we seing no ground for this stuffe in the word of God see not otherwise but to hold them for detestable idolatries forgeries abhominations for the reasons aboue recited And now because I haue beene somwhat longer euen in the bare recital of these trumperies then I thought I wil passe ouer the
priests we haue scene how wickedly they corrupt peruert abuse that scripture holy exercise Now yt remaineth but in a line or two cōpare their publike preaching in their Synagogues to this heauēly exercise of prophecie instituted in the churches of Christ. First these parish priests or hired preachers al of them preach vnder their ordinaries licence stint limitation as hath beene shewed Thē they are prescribed their time when to begin They haue a prescript place like a tubbe called their pulpyt for y e most part able to receaue no more then one person except yt be a suggestor or prompter as in some special places Neither doe they ordinarily speake any more thē one he for the most part disputes to the howerglasse which being runne his sermocination must be at an end Preach this priest neuer so vnsound corrupt or heretical doctrine there is no present or publike controulement or retractation to be had Handle he the scripture neuer so vnsufficiently or vnsauorilye peruert mistake or falsifie he yt neuer so grieuously there is no amendes or supplie of others to be looked for none els being suffered to speake The Church hath no power either to approoue or reprooue any doctrine deliuered thē be yt neuer so consonant to or dissonant from the word of God Here would not be forgotten also the sweete psalmodical harmonie of the Vultures Crowes Gleades Owles Ge◅se of the Leopards Beares Wolues Dogs Foxes Swine Goates pardō me for thus y e holy Ghost termeth likeneth the proph◅ne cōfuse multitudes assembled in the false Church All these together with one accord sympathie harmonie sing some pleasant ballade or els vnto DAVIDS melodious Harpe some psalme in ◅ime I say not rithme now or meetre wel concinnate to the eare though neuer a whit to the sens◅ purpose or true vse of the psalme before the sermon to stir vp the spirit of their worthy priest or preacher Who being thus ◅apt or rauished with this harmonie goes to his geare in forme aboue◅aid vvhere his mouth distilles his lips drop downe such olde parables such premeditate wel studied chosen sentēces as shal displease no partie vnlesse he be of too suspitious a nature or howsoeuer I warrant you he hath his learned priuiledged author and that at his fingers endes for his discharge Thus haue you briefly seene the vsual order of your publike prophecie If you compare yt now to the rules and orders set downe by the Apostle for that blessed exercise vnto al churches in that 1. Cor. 14. ver 26. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33 then may you iudg of your selues what is right or amisse and ease me of further trouble to raue in this filthie doung and to bring this counterfait stuffe in particular to the triall Great were the labour and far exceeding my slender capacitie especially my decaied memorie but euen summarily to recount all the principall and speciall heades of their falfe doctrines false practise from whence flow infinite errors and enormities euen as the innumerable drops of a fountaine yea but to prosecute and goe forward in this disordered mane◅ to search out and ◅me vp those which yet are wanting All which I rather leaue to the more diligent fruitful inuestigatiō of such as God hath endued with a greater i◅dgment more cleare sight confessing my self both wearied ouercharged with the greatnes of the worke For whiles I haue indeuored but to giue you as yt were a blush of their coūterfait antichristian ministerie and to shew the error of their educatiō election ordin◅tion and administration throughout of the blasphemous and idolatrous worship they vse of their sacrilegious and adulterate sacramēts their prostituting selling them the Gospel themselues of their profanation of praier the name and word of God both read and preached abrogating excluding part mankeling dismembring distorting peruerting the rest to th◅ir idol feasts sacramēts marijng burijng visiting churching charming the fields how they preach the word by stint limitation subiectiō both of themselues their doctrine to their antichristiā ordinaries whose apostati◅al throne they vphold dawbe therwith as also gild adorne the whore the false Church ioining yt to all the abhomination sin of the land hiding stealing concealing obscuring wrasting munging corrupting leauening selling the Gospel as also their abusing counterfaiting peruerting the holie exercise of prophecie Al which when I had but lightly touched discouered according to my purpose hoping that so I might haue made an end of this odious and yrksome argument these things being so manifest heinous in themselues that I need not stād either to proue or disproue them or to shew the indignitie danger enormities that ensue therof Euen then lo is the whole word of God the Law the Gospel presented vnto me most wretchedly corrupted abused violate troden vnder foot by them by your preachers I say euen your learnedst best Good men that you so esteeme of I still speake would be vnderstood of the generall publike errors transgressions of this Church which if I ◅hould goe about to particulate I could not hope to liue vntil I had made an end And that you may not think I speake by the figure hyperboie as they vse I earnestly bes◅ech any one in whom◅ is any sparke of light grace conscience loue or feare of God to consider examine by the word of God or rather to lament deplore with me the through corruptiō vniuersal transgression of al Gods lawes both in the Church cōmon welth as the present estate of ech doth shew The one I hope this present treatise shal somwhat reueale discouer the other shal be as manifest if by this light with a single eye you but pervse y e publike lawes iudgments pleas trials customes orders trades estates degrees still I speake generally of the whole body which hath not from the crowne of the head to the sole of the feet one sownd parte but all is full of wounds swellings vlcers corruption so that he that feareth God cannot in this cōmon welth keepe a good cōscience liue amōgst them whether he buy sel lend borrow hire worke for hire giue take sue or be s◅ed The Lawes Courts Iudges Iuries Aduocates generally all estate◅ from the highest to the lowest are so throughly corrupt Not to speake heere of the particula◅ sinnes the heigth qualitie vniuersalitie of them which were infinite let the idolatrous blasphemous worship yea the idolatrous blasphemous oathes publikly admitted giuen required and receiued of all persons in all causes so contrarie to the law of God in the maner all the circumstances shew how soundly the fir◅t Table of the law is taught in the Church of England Not to speake of the common and vsual swearing forswearing blaspheming cursing for euerie trif◅e cause yea without anie cause vsed through the whole land without controlement rebuke censure punishment Let the generall
holdeth the 7 stars in his owne right hand he is the arch-Bishop and visiter of all Churches shepheardes CHRIST is the head ouer the vniuersall euerie particular bodie of his Church he hath giuen this office to no mortal man in earth they are al but members of some one bodie though diuers in functiō dig◅itie as the eie hand foote c. yet al but mēbers of the bodie to which they serue euerie member being circumscribed within the limites of their place office function One member cānot place displace or cut off an other this ought to be done by the whole bodie as in the name power of their head CHRIST vnto euerie one of which congregations CHRIST hath giuen this his power to be executed according to the rules of his word CHRIST is the Bridegrome he only hath the Bride but the frendes of the Bridegrome they stand and heare and reioice exceedinglie for the Bridegromes voice CHRIST is that slaine liuing Lābe that hath obteined to take y t sealed written Booke out of the right hād of him that sitteth on the throne and to open the same All Elders Angels and the whole host in heauen in earth fall downe on their faces giue glorie to the Lambe CHRIST is the only Lawgiuer vnto his Church and hath giuen mos◅ heauenlie perfect lawes in his Testamēt vnto his Church hath sealed his Testament with that his blood so that nothing may be added vnto or taken there from He neuer gaue to anie mortal man power to make new lawes but hath commanded all men faithfullie to keep those lawes which he hath made within the limits of their calling It is onlie the office of the holy Ghost to teach the S◅ints to pray to giue wordes according to the wil of God to fill their mouthes with new ◅onges which they as sweete odors incense day night offer vp vnto God through CHRIST What then and how great is the sinne of these presumptuous shepheardes these blasphemous antichristian Bishops that climbe vp and intrude into the place office and roome of CHRIST that take his spowse from him and al his ministers officers orders and ordinances from her that alter abrogate bring in cast out what and whome they ◅st c. that take the office of the holy Ghost vpon them and not onlie set vp in the Church of God their moulten egiptian calfe cast ◅n y e old mould of the masse booke saue a litle new annuled ingrauen with a few of their owne diuises b◅t thrust this filthv idoll vpon mens con◅ciences as their praiers yea vpon God himself as al the seruice and worship they wil allow him in his Church See whither these be not the vndoubted markes of Antichrist that aduersarie search the prophecies the scriptures whether this be not that verie abhomination of desolatiō lift vp your eyes to the destructiō hauo◅k and wast thes◅ aduersaries haue made in the sanctuarie how they roare in the midst of the congregation haue there set vp their bāners signes lift vp their axes vpon al the Lordes plantes broken downe with their malles al the beawtiful sieling carued worke haue cast the Lordes sanctuarie into the fire haue raced yt to the ground haue profaned the dwelling place of his name they are resolued in their hearts to doe violence and to destroy them altogether and haue brought in al maof filthy abhominable thinges into the sanctuarie When they find these thinges in this estate then let him that readeth consider let them that be in the citie and wil saue their soules flee into the mountaine There belongeth no reformation to this estate euen that reformation which these counter fait preachers pretēd is altogether as yl You see what in ordinate antichristian power they still retaine in the priests hādes in al their parishes the pa◅son or minister as they cal him must rule all and be aboue the whole ◅ocke who may controwle him or withstand him in nothing either in doctrine or practise be yt neuer so ill They must complaine to the Synode classes or councel of pri◅ts which synodes classes councels must consist wholy of ministers ◅e people shut out and those haue absolute power ouer al churches persons matters causes to debate define determine decree ratifie di◅anull what they list by permission of the high Court of Parliament which hath supreme power ouer the Church and all councels and causes therof vt supra otherwise vntill by this court these decrees be taken away all churches are burdened and must stand subiect vnto them But let vs now returne to the execution of this mōstrous antichristian power of the BB◅ This extendeth euen to al the whole practise worship ministerie orders ordinances iniunctions decrees lawes of their Church alreadie made and heerafter to be made and therfore are infinite and passe any man or creature whatsoeuers setting downe in particular A great labour yt were to recken vp all their consti◅utions and cānons which they haue fetched from I wote not what old councels or rather from th◅ir holie Father the Pope or the heape of their ciuil lawes customes which they haue receaued frō their mo◅er of Rome al which are pleaded iudged sould by these Lords Bishops their chāc◅llors ◅eanes ciuil Doctors Proctors aduccates pleaders brawlers archdeacōs cōmissaries in their Courts of faculties Ar◅s prerog◅tiue delegates in their commissaries court not heere to spake of y e wel head y t euer rūning spring of al mischief their Spanish i◅quisitiō or english high cōmissiō yt deserueth especial mētion by yt ◅lf These lawes they take for y e foūdation of th◅ir church in stead o◅ Christs new Testament these courts giue the whole direction vnto and execute all the censures of for this Church whether yt be excōmunication s◅spension or mulct M r. Archdeacon masse Commissary bea◅e no small sway It were long ha◅d to relate the diuers orders processe maners of pleading that belong to these courtes that is no small secret yt is no easie occupation many a mans liuing dependeth theron yt is no small calling to be but a pursuyuāt or cursetor of these courtes I say not so of the parators sumners that belong to the cōmissaries court heere are all things plead◅ble vendible fo◅ money but without money heere is no man will open his mouth be the cause neuer so iust For money you may heere haue expedition or delay of iudgmēt with ◅undry shifts euasions which I want skill to vtter For money you may haue priuiledges dispensations licēces to eate fle◅h or to marry at forbidden times as in the holy time of Lent c. priuatly in the night in some secret place sodenly without consent of parents yea without banes as king by what Priest you will also to haue many benefices in sundry other cases wherof these courtes exercise iurisdiction as of
same when yt is publikly vewed censured then hath the Church a prescript law commandemenâ—… to excoÌ„municate to cast out not the Pastor to suspend such an vncleane person therfore betwixt these suspensions as they call them that vnder the law this vnder their gospel is no proportion or comparison that being done according to Gods prescript lawes this altogether without warrant of the word except peraduenture they doe yt by warrant of these leuiticall lawes or els â—… see no cause they should thus bring them for the maine proofe of this their suspension which if they do theÌ„ are they leuitical Priests also for none els might meddle with the administration of those lawes then are they also vnder the shaddow vnder the law not vnder Christ grace the Gospell The lawes of the Leuiticall ministery cannot be exercised by the ministery of the the gospel neither any of them now receaued without y e losse of Christ. A dangerous thing yt is thus violently to wrest and misapply these Leuitical lawes figures ceremonies or to build vpon the same such stubble woodden diuises as they doe as their tithes offrings purifications feasts suspension not to speake of their ministeriall vestures holy cemitory synagogues with all the Iewes implemeÌ„ts therof wherby they innouate or rather abrogate the Testament of CHRIST coine forge a new ministerie a new worship a new Gospell for the Gospell of Christ only accordeth to his owne ministerie and the ministerie of Christ to his owne Gospell the Gospell of Christ may neither be added vnto nor diminished from the legal ceremonies and figures whiles they are soberly vnderstood and rightly applied giue a good light and gratious instruction but when they are thus rashly allegorized according to the phantasies of men and boldly applied to maintaine their diuises theâ—… become they vnto them a stone to stumble at The other reason from Maâ—…h 5. 23. 24. is altogether as false and yet rather more corrupt Our Sauiour there teacheth that God requireth mercie not sacrifice sacrifice with bloody hands or an euill heart is abhomination vnto God He therfore there exhorteth that they first make cleane their hands from oppression and make peace with their neighbour then purge their heart and make peace with God by sacrifice according to the lawes Leuiâ—… 6. 5. Num. 5. 7. 8. this doctrine still remaineth belongeth to euery Christian euen to the Pastor himself The Lord abhorreth all hypocrisie he looketh not to Caines sacrifice neither is pleased with Balaams Altar he will haue all that approch vnto him to draw neere with a true heart their hearts being sprinkled from an euill conscience and washed in our body with pure water c. But what of all this what place is heere found to suspension oâ—… what power is here giâ—…en to the Pastor to seperate from the coÌ„munion table in this maner vâ—…les as the papists doe they take themselues for sacrificing Priests their coÌ„munion table for the altar this their priestly power deriued from these Leuiticall lawes is aboue answered I would here know of these allegorisers what the altâ—…r in the law signified and what our Sauiour CHRIST here meant by the altar if not the whole worship of God with what seâ—…se they can thus popishly vnderstand yt of applie yt to their communion table only shutting them from that admitting them to their praiers and other exercise Heere me thinkes their answere is ready because the sacrifice of CHRISTS body is there remembred resembled It is well and will they shut such from the communion of the sacrifice of CHRISTS body whose praiers 〈◊〉 will offer vp vpon that golden altar might the Priests vnder the law receaue and burne the odours vpon the incense â—…ltar whose sacrifices they refused at the brazen altar for burnt offrings whosoeuer for vnclennes c. was seperate was seperate froÌ„ the whole tabernacle al the ministerie exercises therof How then can these blind fooliâ—…h Pharisies thus halfe Chriâ—…t to make him a minister an aduocate an altar for the praiers of such to whome he is no sacrifice no minister at thâ—… brazen altar whome he driueth from his table from his communion and will neither giue his body vnto them nor suffer them to be knit with his members vnto yt What maner of iuggling what kind of fast and loose is this what shall we thinke of the eâ—…tate of these men that are thus suspended they being halfe driuen from CHRIST halfe receaued vnto Christ halfe cast out of the Church halfe admitted in What is this estate like vnto if not to the popish purgatorie these men being neither wholy Christs nor wholy Satans And surely seing they wil with the papists froÌ„ hence take this popish Priestly power vnto theâ—…selues as also this fond toole of suspension I see not why they should dissent from them in the third namely in the purgatorie By this time I hope you perceaue what kind of stuffe this their ceâ—…sure of suspension is which both the sorts of these Priests generally allow of and receiue You see how euill yt accordeth to the heauenly frame of CHRISTS Testament and Church you may also by this which hath generally beene saied touching the most reformed vse of yt in the hands of these supposed Pastors that should be iudg what kind of â—…oole and weapon yt is in the hands of these popish Prelates the BBâ—… you may see by the exercise of yt vpon any priuate member what an odious and intollerable thing yt were to be eâ—…ercised vpon the Pastor or other ministers of the Church especially at the pleasure and lust of one man now let vs proceed to their excommunication This is executed by one man or his Commissary in their courts as hath been said neuer for any sin or error for such matters they either let passe or punish by the temporall sword by fines imprisonment or penance c. But their excommunication is altogether exercised for contumacie as for not obeijng their summons or for not satisfijng the iudgment of their couâ—…ts namely for not paying these rauenous voultures these officers theâ—…r fees or not paying the mulcts that are inflicted vpon theÌ„ in their Courts c. And as yt most coÌ„monly ariseth but about these money matters so is yt in effect but a money matter yt self you shal find M r. Commissarie if he see yt coÌ„ming no vnreasonable man he had as leeue take your money himself as an other should for this he knowes yt shalbe dispensed with for money either in his court or some where els The forme of this excommunication I cannot set downe but I weene yt be in manner of a writte in latine as also the AbsolutioÌ„ therof proclaimed in y e name of the Bishop or archbishop after the order of their mother Church of Rome these their spider webbes of their ecclesiasticall lawes iurisdiction exteÌ„d not but vnto the smaller and common flies the magistrates greater
whome they perswade that they shal do much good herein before whome they bring none but the most heinous fowle causes as incest plurality of wiues papistry c. neuer suffring them to looke into the secrets mysteries of their kingdome or to heare the iust complaints of the Q. oppressed subiects by their tyranny These as is aboue said they wil not suffer so much as to expose their griefes vtter their wrongs or to plead defend their owne cause before these câ—…uil magistrates no not in this their owne courte where the Archbishop is in his exaltation and their chiefe aduersaries are Iudges so fearful are they least the light should breake forth and all their packing and wickednes be bewâ—…aied But he that discloseth all secrets will I doubt not shortly reueale all their doings and make them as odious as they are now honorable At which time such as now ioine to them and vphold them shall stand far off for feare of their torments when the wrath of God shalbe reueled from heauen against all the impiety and iniustice of these men that withhold the truth in vnrighteousnes For sure if the Prince Magistrats but knew the vnlawfulnes of this CoÌ„mission â—…ither in the persons power or practise therof they would â—…oone withdraw their power fâ—…om the beast and would not in this maner vphold or 〈◊〉 vnto the throne of Antichrist that forgeth wrong besâ—…des law The ecclesiasticall persons of this Commission we haâ—…e by expressâ—… scriptures shewed neither to be true ministers of the Gospell neitheâ—… true members of the Church of Christ. Both which though they were yet could they not receaue or exercise such antichristian power inordinate authority ouer all or any one congregation of Christ much lesse in the estate they stand For the ciuiil magistrates that are of this Commission though they may as members together with those congregations whervnto they are ioined iointly with the whole Church exercise such spiritual power to censure faltes discusse matters and determine of such affaires as belong vnto arise in their congregations c. yet can they not as by vertue of their ciuil office exercise these spirituall censures power which Christ hath giueÌ„ belongeth vnto the whole Church much lesse assume into their owne hands and plucke from the whole Church this power which Christ hath giuen them So then all the persons of this Commission both ecclesiastical ciuil are â—…tterly vncapable of this inordinaâ—…e power iurisdictioÌ„ which being so monâ—…trous heinouâ—… ouer al churches al 〈◊〉 causes persons doctrines to ratifie or diâ—…anul erect or pull downe bring in or cast out of the Church handle hold plea of many ciuile causes also and that after so blasphemous vnchristian a maner by administring enforcing their idolatrous booke othe by prohibiting somuch as to speake for themselues or in their owne causes by inflicting penalties fines by incarcerating whome for what they list and there deteining them as close as long as they list and that without bayle mainprise or trial which monstrous confused power belongeth rather vnto is more fit for y t Antichrist that Beast and vnto the false church then vnto any member of CHRIST or of his church God hath pur difference though no disagreement betwixt thâ—…â—…hurch and the coÌ„mon welth betwixt the ministers iurisdictioÌ„ censures of ech of them hauing set vnto ech sort their due bounds officers and limits which they ought not after this maner to transgresse or confound making I know not what coÌ„mixture of persons offices causes in this monstrous Commission where the ciuil magistrate is made a Iudg minister of ecclesiastical causes their church ministers of ciuill coÌ„moÌ„ welth matters al vnder pretext of the coÌ„mission of y e Prince who because he hath power ouer all causes persons both of the Church coÌ„mon welth â—…herfore these meÌ„ suppose that he may make what new lawes decrees orders for both Church common welth that he list change the ordinances decrees of God at his pleasure especially if he be a christian Prince for then he is no way bownd to the lawes of God or limits of his calling But against such deuilish doctrines we haue ofteÌ„ in this treatise proued that though the Prince be placed of God in the most high authority both oâ—…er y e church coÌ„mon welth here vpon earth yet he is but â—…he seruaÌ„t of God circumscribed with lawes as one that shal render an â—…ccompt be iudged before the Lord of all his doings as any other Though the Prince haue the booke of God â—…oÌ„mitted vnto him with charge to see yt duly executed by euery one in his calling yet hath he â—…t to keepe obserue not to breake or chaÌ„ge We haue also proued all the lawes of God to be most holy inuiolable and al sufficient both for the church coÌ„mon welth the perfect instruction of euery officer member of the same in their seueral duties callings so that nothing is now left vnto aâ—… mortal man of what high dignity calling soeuer but to fulfil execute the will of God in his word in their places callings which word being now perfected in y e heauenly ministery of Christ nothing may be added to or takeÌ„ from the same without most high sacriledg impiety the vtter abrogating of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t no new deuise how holy or necessary â—…oeuer to our earthly seeming is now to be brought in or required at our hands our obedience being more acceptable vnto God then our sacrifice Which way â—…en can this strange monstrous CoÌ„mission neuer read nor heard of in the new Testament of Christ or whole word of God so vnlawfull in the persons y t are y e CoÌ„missioners in the power authority they exercise in al their proceedings so pernicious to y â— whole church so dirâ—…ctly contrary to y â— word of God to y â— vtter subuersioÌ„ taking out of the way y â— whole TestameÌ„t ordinaÌ„ces of Christ how may this coÌ„missioÌ„ I say be set oâ—…er y â— whole church or be iustified by y e Princes authority But to proue y t this ecclesiastical high CoÌ„mission is no antichristian vngodly or new diuise Mr. SOME hath taken some paines bestowed vpon vs a few reasons such as they are Saith he this CoÌ„mission is deriued from our gracious soueraigne Q. ELISABETH to whome the Antichrist of Rome is a professed enemy and is directed to honorable reuerend wise men of the clergie temporalty therfore yt is not antichristian Againe sundry branches of this CoÌ„mission are godly as to preserue Gods religion whole sound from popery Anabaptistry c. to meete with suppresse notable disorders as incests polygamies oppressioÌ„ of the ministers c. and to giue defence countenance to the good therfore this CoÌ„mission is very godly Thirdly high Commissions
this coÌ„mandemeÌ„t of Artaxerxes who no doubt vsed such words in this coÌ„mission as agreed to the lawes iudgmentes of Persiâ—… rather then of knowledg in Gods law be made either ecclesiastical censures or any way be executed in any Christian pollitike regiment otherwise theÌ„ they are found to accord with the lawes iudgments of God prescribed in his word But this new diuised high ecclesiastical Commission doth not only ceÌ„sure punish al faultes of their churches by these iudgmeÌ„ts penalties but doth inflict theÌ„ in what measure manner they lust vpon al persons for al cawses whatsoeuer whether cawses of religion as opeÌ„ idolatrie popish masse c. or contempt of their iniunctions decrees in not resorting to their worship sacraments or administring them after any other maÌ„ner theÌ„ they haue prescribed c. whither for ciuil offences be they neuer so hainous abhominable as most odious incests adulteries polygamies c. Al these by this commission are punished by the purse by the prison for the law of God for idolatours adulterers were al to sharpe therfore this holy councel guided belike by some better wiser spirit haue found out this more mitigate course repressing these sinnes But if any vpon faith and conscience towards God refraine their idolatrous deuises there can for such be found out no kind of hostility confiscation perpetual close imprisonment sufficient for their faultes Thus no way can this high CoÌ„mission of the church of England be iustified by these examples of 〈◊〉 Artaxerâ—…es neither hath yt any more defence in the new Testament where is no mention of any such councel or Court set ouer all churches ouer euery méber minister cause affaire ceÌ„sure therof to impose depose determine iudge censure punish at their pleasure whome what they lust without coÌ„tradiction or controlement We reade in the practise of the Apostles of a synode or councell of â—…undry churches for the deciding of controuersies doubtes where certaine chosen Elders of the churches are thervnto assembled together with such faithfull of any church as will be present without shutting out of any of them neither are these Elders here gathered in any such stagelike or pontisicall maner as these our Prelates are in this CoÌ„mission but in this christiaÌ„ councel or assembly ech one hath free liberty and place to relate or debate his owne cause without interruption or preiudice neither is any thing heere decreâ—…d by the wil of any man but only by the wil of God that vpon euident demonstratioÌ„ of the word otherwise no credite or obedience giuen to any thing they set downe or determine During y e time of which couÌ„cel at any time after w tout any preiudice any christiaÌ„ hath freedome and liberty in due time place not disturbing the peaceable order of ChristiaÌ„ assemblies to speake according to the word of God either in approbatioÌ„ or reproofe of any thing to be done or done in y t councel Which councel or synode as yt hath not power to erect or bring in any new decrees or ordinaÌ„ces into the church besides those which are prescribed in y e booke of God which are alsufficieÌ„t for al times occasions vnto the worlds end so hath not this councel any power or authority ouer any church or any member of the church to censure excoÌ„municate erect or depose any This councel or assembly is only ordained for the helpe quiet of churches to discusse questioÌ„s to decide doubtes as they fall out arise that so all churches in all places might walke by one rule in the vnitie of the spirit This couÌ„cel is not permanent or alwaies setled in one place but to be vsed by any Churches at any time or place vpoÌ„ due occasions Neither is this councel so subsisting of the presbitery ortied to the persons of any that the least meÌ„ber of Christ is therby shut out not suffred to heare or to speake or any way preiudiced neither is any Church by this councell either depriued of their high power authority which Christ hath giueÌ„ to euery seuerall congregatioÌ„ alike or forestalled froÌ„ the due execution therof towards any member of their congregation or cause that ariseth amongst theÌ„ But as is said this councel is only a brothâ—…rly peaceable meeting of sundry churches for the better more asâ—…ured deciding discussing of doubtes and questions that arise leauing the whole practise due execution of al things to euery particular congregation in that order maner that Christ hath prescribed in his Testament These occasions rules and proceedings of Synodes councels or meetings of diuers Churcheâ—… we find left vnto vs in that holy patterne Act. 15. where though the chiefe builders y â— Apostles themselues were yet euen there were al things handled with this order modesty sobriety freedome c. But now if we compare their high ecclesiastical Commission vnto this holy councell and meeting how vnlike in al their orders proceedings and actions shall yt be found Their Commission being made a continuall setled permanent Court hauing strange Iudges aduocates officers iuriâ—…diction pleas processe c. vsurping and exercising supreme power absolute authority ouer al churcheâ—… ministers persons lawes doctrines to ratifie or disanull to establish or reiect to erect or depose whome what they lust executing al the censures offices of the Church changing bringing in and setting vp what they please shutting out the sentence of all Churches Christians allowing them neither interest electioÌ„ voice or presence in this their councell thrusting their decrees and constitutions as most holy vpon all Churches the consciences of all men with an high strong hand to be receiued without contradiction or question adiuring examâ—…ning suspending deposing fining emprisoning persecuting with all hostility all such as receaue not their constitutions submit not vnto their power Now let any christian iudge whether this Commission be not more like vnto the high court of the Beast then vnto an holy peaceable orderly assembly of christiaÌ„s met in the feare of God and guided by his Spirit to enquire search out Gods wil and humbly to rest in the same The ciuill magistrats power or presence can no way iâ—…stifie this CoÌ„mission or their proceedings being found so directly contrary to the TestameÌ„t of CHRIST vnto which yt is now lawfull for no man or Angel to superordeine alter or pluck away any thing without hainouâ—… sacrilege This monstrous coÌ„mixture then of these distinct powers in one court or person together with this confuse practise barbarous hauock tyranny they make exercise ouer Gods heritage Christâ—… poore seruants doe euidently denote and as by the very steppes trase out vnto all men the person throne and power of that Antichrist that aduersary that beast accordingly as they are described foreshewed vnto vs in the scriptures Math. 24. 15. 2 Thess. 2. how Antichrist should presume into the very
member of Christ a Saint or admit him as a brother amongst them in their praiers ministery contribution This is very strange diuinity to shut him out and yet to hold him in to cut him o◅f from the body yet to hold him of the body this may by logick be proued but yt neuer can be proued by Christs Testament Yet is there an other as strange a mysterie in the matter which I neuer learned in Christs Testament and that is ho◅ a member that is publikly cōuicted of and remaineth obstinate in opē sin should be shut out from the Table of y e Lord yet be receaued admitted as a member vnto the other ministe◅ie of the Church as to praiers contribution c. belike the other ministery praiers of the Church are not so holy as this supper y t such an offendor is held vnworthy to cōmunicate in therfore is shut out from the one but he is worthy inough for therfore is admitted vnto the other this is a strange censure a strange case as euer I heard of I had thought y t after the sin grew once publike being knowne dealt with by the Church if then such offenders remaine obstinate they had beene forthwith to be cut off cast out as dead withered branches not to be thus halfe shut out halfe kept in halfe cut off halfe remaine seperate frō the supper admitted to the ministery of the word praiers This is to make him halfe a brother halfe no brother halfe a christian halfe no christian But yet further seing this suspension is a publike censure of the Church for publike sin a seperation from publike exercises actions c. how chance yt is thus put in one mās power who by his absolute authoritie may keep back any one of the ◅locke from the Table of the Lord without the cōmandemēt yea the ◅riuitie of the whole church yet this me thinkes is the strāgest of al neuer heard of in y e church Testament of Christ. Christ hath giuen and committed his power to censure fault◅s persons as also the interest possession and gouernment of all officers actions to the whole Chur◅h I meane to euery such particular congregation and not vnto one particular special man aboue the rest or more then the rest Euery particular member of the Church hath like interest in the publike actions and ministery of the Church like power to censure the offences of the whole Church o◅ the greatest minister therof in due order and time as hath already in this treatise beene often plentifully proued and therfore cannot in this maner be kept backe by any one man as of his sole authority any more then they may keep back that man whatsoeuer he be I ◅peake not this to raise contentiō betwixt these where there ought to be loue and reuerence so much as to note out the popish pride of these pharisaicall Reformers that take vpon them to be Lords ouer the Church and this feast wherof if they were as good as they would be taken to be they were but seruants and guests at the best The Church yt self can neither receaue nor cast out a member as of themselues they doe yt by the power and commandement of Christ they must see faith profession therof before they receaue they must see sin obstinacie before they cut off vntil these be seene the whole Church nor all the men of the world haue not power to receaue or put by any one yf they doe the actiō is voide and the iudgment wrath of God resteth vpon them for that sin vntil they repent therof Likewise also when this profession of faith or this obstinacie in sinn is found in any then cannot the whole Church or all the men of the world keep out or keep in such without incurring the iudgment wrath abouesaid How great then is the sin iudgment of these popish Priests that not only pluck away the power of the Church from them but euen the power office of Christ from him and assume yt into their owne hands who thus dare innouate and abrogate Christs Testament reiect his wholsome excommunication as too rough bring in their deadly suspēsion in place therof and with that idol toole of that foolish shepheard smite keep out whome yt pleaseth them and as long as they list Their olde popish reason y t they bring from the power of the keies hath beene aboue refuted in y e discouery of their absolutiō proue◅ to be tied neither to the person or office of any man more thē to euery faithfull member seruant of Christ by the power of Gods word c. Yet haue I also sometimes read in some of their bookes of Church discipline as they tearme yt some other reasons for yt namely from y e law of seperation for vncleannes such as were defiled by y e dead by creeping vncleane things by issues c. were to absta◅e frō the Tabernacle for a season yea the Priest also vpon suspicion of leprie or other fowle disease might seclude such a one for certayne daies as we read in the bookes of the law plentifully frō whence they deriue both this power of the Pastor the censure of suspension I haue there read also or els my memorie greatly faileth me drawē frō Mat. 5. 23. 24. verses because he that had iniuried or offēded his brother was taught by our Sauiour Christ first to make satisfaction be reconciled thē to offer his gift c. that therfore such as had done wrong vnto or were not in charity with their neighbours are by the Priests to be kept from the Altar whervpon they inchanted offred their breaden God and now they popishly apply to the cōmunion table from hence draw their suspēsion But because I haue not their bookes with me would be loth any way to iniurie them or charge them falsly I will briefly shew the insufficiencie of these reasons and so proceed ◅asting to an end From those Leuitical lawes wherby the Priests secluded such as they suspected of vncleane diseases vntill proofe were made one way or other may no conclusion be drawen that therfore the Pastor now may suspend such as he suspecteth or rather knoweth to be infected with incurable deadly ◅bstinate sin from the communion board c. In the Leuiticall tabernacle y e priest◅ did nothing without prescript lawes there was nothing left to his discretion he had his certaine signes set him downe whervpon to seclude whervp on to pronounce cleane as also whervpon to pronounce vncleane But now vnder the Gospell where that priesthood and those lawes are quite taken away we haue now no such cōmandements of suspecting or suspending The causes heere of seperation are not bodily but spirituall not diseases of the bodie but diseases of the soule sinne which sinne when yt publikely appeareth obstinacy be added to the