Goâ—… and founded upon the onely politique 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Lastly 〈◊〉 Doctor 〈◊〉 is hold to 〈◊〉 that our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Bishâ—… doâ—… dâ—…ive their 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and from the Pope of 〈◊〉 and therefore must Bisâ—…s bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 over other Ministers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may know if he will that Peter was 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 proved to his hâ—…d and 〈◊〉 inferiour to his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And as for the Pope he is proved to be 〈◊〉 by many learned Divines and is judged to bâ—… the man of 〈◊〉 in 2. Thâ—…ss 2. and the 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 speaking like the Dragon Rev. 13. and 〈◊〉 Bishâ—… pâ—…ceeding from him 〈◊〉 needs 〈◊〉 such jure diviâ—… because his 〈◊〉 is from the 〈◊〉 POSITION 2. They are Diâ—…cesan Bishopâ—…by diviâ—… right 1 BEcause they know 〈◊〉 hold that a Diâ—…san Bishop is one over many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 it written that the holy Ghost set many Bishops and Elders ovâ—… 〈◊〉 flocke and Church at 〈◊〉 one Church Act 12. 47. and 15. 2â—… and therein mâ—…y Eldâ—…s Acts 15. 6. 2â—… 23. at 〈◊〉 one Church Eph 1. 1. Râ—…v 2. 5. but many Elders Actâ—… 20. 17. or 〈◊〉 verse 28. At Philippi many Bishops yet but onâ—… Church Phil. 1. 1. and Saint 〈◊〉 when he had planted Churches appointed Tâ—… to ordaine Eldâ—… Bishops in every City more than one Tit. 1. 5. â—… as the Apostle himselfe did in every Church Elders Acts 14. 23. who kept one way and coâ—…rse alâ—…ke in all â—…nd evâ—…ry Church 1 Cor. 4. 17. and 7. 17. Now so many in one Church could not be Diâ—…san Bishops 2. Because neither Christ nor his Apostles ever ordained any ordinary Ecclesiaâ—… function to bee ever continued in any Church which he that was appointed thereunto could not in his owne person performe without substitutâ—… But a Discosâ—… Bishop takes more upon him then he can by himselfe discharge but must have his substitutes by reason of the largenesse of his juâ—…isdiction over hundredâ—… of congregations 3. Becâ—…e 〈◊〉 Postscripts to Saint Pauls Epistles the one to Timothâ—… and the other to Titus are the words of men â—…humane testimoâ—…ies and false too as is proved fully by the learned and therefore cannot confirme a Disâ—… Bishop to bâ—…of divine authority and of divine right 4. Because they â—…nne upon meere suppositions taking for granted what yet they have not proved nor can prove to uphold their Diâ—… dignity such bee these 1. That Timothy and Tiâ—… were not Eâ—…angelists substituted onely for a time at Ephesus and in Creet to doe what the Apostle would have done had he been there contrarie to 2. Tim. 4. 5. in that Epistle in the Postscript whereof he is called a Bishop 2. That these two were Bishops differing from Elders when no where their consecration is mentioned and were they Bishops Diâ—…san because the Postscripts say they were Bishopsâ—… but when so consecrated or how there is no mention And is it any way likely that Sâ—… 〈◊〉 making else where Aâ—… 20. 17. 18. 28. Elders and Bishops all one yea and that in his Epistlâ—… to Titus chapter 〈◊〉 5. 7. that by the false Postscript naming them Bishops we should take the name of Bishops to bee of another sorâ—… 〈◊〉 Saint Paul meant and had made 3. That Saint Paul 〈◊〉 to them â—…is Epistles as to diâ—…san Bishops and how to behave themselves in their Episcopall authority as a pâ—…terne in them to bee followed of such like succeeding Bishops If Paul wrote to Timothy his first Epistle from whence they fetch all their authority for â—…piscopacy why is not the Postscript put at the end of this Epistle to make him a Bishop while he was at Ephâ—… but at the end of the other Epistle out of which they doe make little â—…se for this their standing If he was then Bishop at Ephâ—… when the first Epistle was written then its cleare that Saint Paul wrote not the Epistle to him as a Bishop but as his substitute for the time in his absence 1. Tim. 3. 14. 15. To him Saint Paul wrote as also to Titus not to make them Bishops of which not one word in the Epistles written to them but what they should doe according to the present condition of the Churches and by those rules and precepts which he wrote how the Churches of Christ should be ordered for the tyme to come and not by these preâ—…pts and rules to erect new Officers in Christs Church which he never ordained there is not a word in the Epistles to prove this to be the sâ—…ope But they having â—…ped this diâ—…san dignity and presumptuously practising what they doe they take to themselves what they â—…n find in the Epistles to beare them up contrary to the intention of the Apostles writing 4. That the power of ordination and jurisdiction was then 〈◊〉 Bishops and not in the Elders when in the Eldership was the power of ordination and imposition of hands 1. Tim. 4. 14. Act. 13. 3. and jurisdiction and rule in them to â—…t the Elders they which preached and laboured in word and Doctrine which fed the 〈◊〉 these were they tâ—…t ruled Heb. 13. 7. 1 Th. 5. 12. 1 Pâ—… 5. â—… â—… 1. Tim. 5. 17. you such rule the Elders had as Saint Peter warneth them not to lord it over Goâ—… hâ—…tage which had beene nâ—…dlesse if the authority haâ—… beâ—… in the hands of others 1 Pet. 5. 3. These be their false suppoâ—…tions and 〈◊〉 imaginations on which thâ—…y â—…ave built their rottering digâ—…es 5. Becâ—… thiâ—… setting up of one in dignity over many is an homane invention long after the Apostles dayes which was devised to prevent Schiâ—… say they But this invention was noâ—… of the spirit of Gen. First for that in the Apostles dayes there were schiâ—…es 1 Cor 3. 3. and 1â—… 1â—… and 〈◊〉 Râ—… 1â—… 17. yet the holy Ghost did not direct the Apostle to ordaine any diâ—… Bishop to prevent Schisâ—… neither there where he mentions those schiâ—…es and diviâ—… as 〈◊〉 nor any such remâ—…y in his Epistlesâ—…to Tiâ—…hy and Tâ—… 2. Beâ—…se as Doctor Whitâ—… hath written the 〈◊〉 devised hath proved worse than the disease which doth never happen to that remedie whereof the hâ—…ly Ghosâ—… is the Author 3. Because the holy Spirit which could foresee what evill would enâ—…r upon this devise would not ordaine that for a remedie to prevent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and dissâ—… which was never â—…erto found an effectuall remedy for it but 〈◊〉 her begate pride 〈◊〉 and other evills in the Church even to this day 4. For that this devise was from the spirit of Antichrist Satan taking advantage upon this groâ—…d to raise up 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all and so a 〈◊〉 government for the reason is alike for Arch-Bishops over Bishops Patâ—…ks ovâ—…r Arch-Bishops Pâ—… over Patriarks as Bishops over 〈◊〉 except men would vaâ—…ly imagine that schisâ—… would onely arise among Pasâ—…rs and not among Bishops Arch. Bishops 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 too contrary to experience and
urged POSITION 8. They judge it necessary that whatsoever is amisse in the Church should be carefâ—…ly and speedily reformed and this is evident to all 1. BEcause they refuse to heare and receive any complaints against their Courts and devile which way to vex those that clearely informe against their unlawfull procâ—…dings and illegall courses 2. Because they stop the way and passages of all reformation by withholding the meanes which should do it by making the supreamest in authority beleeve that there needs no reformation towards the better part except it be by innovations to draw back to the Mother Church of Râ—…me By reproaching such with hatefull names who labour for a reformation of abuses 3. Because they or their Chaplaines doe with all strength by their best learning either â—…cuse or defend every thing which is justly found in faulâ—… within their government in their manner of governing in their Ministry in their Ceremonies and 〈◊〉 service or what else so ever needeth any reformation And why they set themselves to be 〈◊〉 ready 〈◊〉 is for these â—…roved reasons 1. BEcause they hold it policie to â—…mend nothing least they should grant something to be 〈◊〉 and so 〈◊〉 such as have a long 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desirâ—…d and endeavored by word by writing and by 〈◊〉 much to bring them to it and would heartily praise Gâ—…D to sâ—…e all things in better order for the good of GODS Church and the praise of his Name and peace of his People 2. Because they know the Northern wind hath blown that way suddainely arising as a storme whilest they set saile toward the South-East in a calme weather fearing no such tempest 3 Because they read that albeit Christ found fault with the corruptions and superstitions in the Iewish Church yet the corrupted high Priests Chiefe Priests learned Doctors Hypocriticall Scribes and Pharises would run their owne way and amend nothing but plotted his death as the Evangelists shew And therefore why should these out Reverend Fathers amend any corruptions at the motions of Christs Servants 4. Because the unholy Pope and his heathen-like Prelats at Rome did never hold it fit to make any alteration in their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 further then they were enforced and when they seemed to goâ—…e about it they like cunning craftsman in their Trade did it with such caveats and cautions witnesse their Trent councel as all that which they did was as good or little better then nothing 5. Because it may be they hold that an Ecclesiastical State cannot decline nor be corrupted by the evils of times for that they read how our Saviour Christ had somewhat against the Bishops in the 〈◊〉 Chureâ—…s against the 〈◊〉 Bishop for losse of his first LovÌ„e against the Bishop of 〈◊〉 for suffering the Doctrine of 〈◊〉 against the Bishop of Thyatira for permitting wicked Iâ—…sabel a false Prophetesse her fornication and Idolatrie against the Bishop of Sardiâ—… for resting more upon a name or fame then upon the truth of Religion and the power thereof against the Laodicean Bishop that had such a high coâ—…it of himsâ—…e as might make him matchable with the most of our Reverend Prelates even the highest in the instep for his loathsome lukewarmenesse Lastly they are very indifferent which Religion takâ—… place whe ther Protestancy or 〈◊〉 so they may injoy theiâ—… Lordly dignities and dash out the braines of Calviâ—… and that Gâ—…vian Doctrine that Presbyterian Raskal as our highest Reverend Father in his wisdomc and rayling zeale called him POSITION 9. They may very well rule by their sole power alone 1. BEcause they find it written that two is better than one the one to lift up the other if one happen to fall but woe to him that is alone Eccl. 4. 9. 10. 2. Because they forget not how King David in bringing up the Arke would have all the chosen men of Israel with him 1 Sam. 6. 2. 1 Chro. 15. 3. and how King Hezekiah would for keeping the passeover consult with his Princes and the congregation in Jerusalem 2. Chro. 30. 2. 3. Because our Saviour said tell the Church Mat. 18. 17. which Church consisteth of more then one at the least of two or three versâ—… 20. 4. Because we read that at the ordination not any one of the Apostles would ordaine Deacâ—…s alone but said joyntly whom we may appoint over this buisinesse Acts 6. 3. Nor did the Apâ—…stle Saint Paul ordaine Elders but with 〈◊〉 for it s said they ordained Elders Acts 14. 23. And the imposition of hands was by the 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 4. 14. 2. In the act of excommunication casting out and receiving in Saâ—…Paul would doe neither of himselfe but with others gathered together 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2. Cor. 2 6 8. 10. 3. In making decrees and Canons for the Church the Apostles would not doe it alone but with the Elders also Acts 15. 22. 23. 5. Because it s without all example in temporaâ—…l government in the handling of temporall matters which are not of so high a nature as spirituall as every one doth willingly acknowledge for Kings have their Counsels and wee shall find that no temporall court is there in this Kingdome of the higher sort where the authority doth reâ—…in one onely person but the principall person hath either Colleagues or Allessours The Chancelour of England hath an Assistans of twelve Maisters of the Ghancery The Master of the Wards hath a Councel of the Court The Kings â—…nch Common Pleas and the Exchequer are benches of a certaine number of Iudges So hath the Chancelâ—… of Duchie a Councell of Court The Exchequer Chamber hath the Lord Treasurer with him and with him joyned the Chancelour and Barâ—…ns The Star Chamber is an Assâ—…blie of the Kings privie Councell aspersed with with the Lords Spiriâ—…uall and Temporall The Lord Prâ—…sidents in the Marches of Wales and in the North have their Councells Now if no one be fit to be alone in Civill Courts â—…xcept Bishops be neither faulty nor subiect to bee faultie the Bishops are not to be alone in their jurisdiction and Ecclesiasticall Courts POSITION 10. Their high authority so lawfull they all obtaine by very lawfull meanes 1. BEcause they preach to please for they find it written If I please men I should not be the servant of Christ Gal. 1. 10. 2. Because they follow the time as the readiest way to preferment observing what is acceptable to great ones and avoiding what may offend them because they find it written of some chiefe Rulers in the Iâ—…ish Church who knew and beleeved more then they would manifest that they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God Iohn 12. 42. 3. Because when some have not beene able otherwise to prevaile they have offered monies because they find it written that Offers have beene made by one a Divell to Iesus Christ All this will I give thee Mat. 4. 9. and by another a servant of the Divell Symon Magus offering to the Apostles money to have the
A VERY LIVELY PORTRAYTVRE OF THE MOST REVEREND ARCH-BISHOPS THE RIGHT REVEREND Bs. OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND Set forth in XX irrefragable positions concerning their Authority power and practise as they onely are our Diocesan Lord Bishops so grounded upon Scripture Reason and Experience by evident demonstrative practises as their troublesome opposites may cleerely see how greatly they are deceived in all these A Labour undertaken for the peace of all GODS people and for a just condemnation of al those that cause division and offences contrary to the Doctrine and Discipline of CHRISTS CHURCH Printed in the Yeare 1640. THE NAME of Bishop is found in the New Testament so as the controversie is not about the name whether one may bee called a Bishop nor whether Bishops in the true sense have beene in the Church from the Apostles dayes for this is fully agreed upon But the positions following and here handled are such as have beene much controverted but now so cleerely manifest that every indifferent and impartiall judicious Reader may discernt plainely on which side the truth is POSITION 1. That Bishops jure Divino are Superiours to other Ministers 1. BEcause our Saviour made severall degrees in the ministerie which the Apostle mentioneth Ephes. 4. 11. Yet in the same degree he set none over another not one Apostle over another not one Evangelist over another 〈◊〉 not one Elder or Bishop over another 2. Because the Apostle in reckoning up the dignities in the Ministery from Christ mentioneth no Bishops as degrees in the ministery differing from the rest but Apostles 〈◊〉 Evangeliste which were extraordinary then Pasters and Teachers ordinary Eph. 4 11. 3. Because the name of Bishops is given onely to those who are called Eldâ—… Act 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 28. Tit 1. 5. 7. Now Elders were all of equall Authority Such the Apâ—…stles 〈◊〉 and more thâ—… onâ—… in every Citie Act. 14. 23. and had charge given â—…ot one over â—…ther but over the flâ—…ck over the which thâ—… holy 〈◊〉 had made them Overseers Oâ—…Bishops Act. 20. 〈◊〉 4. The Apostle placeth Bishops onely before 〈◊〉 Phâ—…l I. 1. I Tim. 3. 1. 8. but no where bâ—…fore Elders as Superiours to them 5. The office and quality of a Bishop described 〈◊〉 that which equally and alike agreeth to all teaching Elders 1 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 7. Tit. 1. 5 6 7 8 9. and not to a speciall function in superiority before an Elder For Titus was appointed to ordaine Elders and the Apostle telleth him what a 〈◊〉 a Bishop meaning an Elder should bâ—… as making an Elder and Bishop one and the same It cannot be proved by Sâ—…riptura that in the Aâ—…stles dayes Elders and Bishops were degrees one ovâ—…r another nor by Historie 200. yeares after that they were distinguished by degrees 6. Because such as 〈◊〉 Elders were next to the Apostles in the Councel at 〈◊〉 and sate with them as next to them Acts 15. 23. Bishops here were none except included within the name of Elders and so all one 7. The double honour which Saint Paul speaks of he alloweth it to teaching Elders 1 Tim. 5. 17. which dutie of teaching Bishops affect not and yet claime double honour 8. Because these Elders Acts 20. 17. came to bee called Bishops not in respect of any superiority they had one over another but to mind them of their watchfulnesse and care over their flock in respect of which flock and not in respect of their fellow Ministers they were called by Saint Pâ—…l who first gâ—…ue them thâ—…t title Ovâ—…seers or Bishops Acts 20. 28. 9. Because Timâ—…ie and Titus from whom they would derive the superiority of Bishopâ—…â—…ver Elders were Euangelâ—…s 2 Tim. 4. 5. a dignity above other Churches Officâ—…s Eldâ—…s Oâ—…Bisâ—…s or Pâ—…stors all one and 〈◊〉 Eph. 4. 11. now why 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 higher degree â—…hould be made Bisâ—…ps and so put in a lower for me waâ—…th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perswade the reunto 10. Because the Postscripts to the second Epistlâ—… to Tim. and that to Tiâ—… are worthy of no credit in this case to prove Tim. and Tit. Bisâ—…ps For these be no Scriptura nor of divine authority but added by some private uncertaine Sâ—…ribe and so bring of humane authority they câ—…nnot stablish Tim. and Tit. Bishops jure diviâ—… who by divine authority were 〈◊〉 The vanity of alledging these 〈◊〉 are solidly by other confuted and not answered 11. Becausâ—… the consent of the Learned is fully against this superiority of a Bishop to wit to be above an Elder or Presbyter in degree 〈◊〉 diviâ—… but were all one and the difference came by an humane constiâ—…tion 1. Of this judgement are ancient Fathers 〈◊〉 Aâ—…stin Chrysâ—…stome Ambrose Seduliâ—…s Priâ—…sius Theâ—…ret 〈◊〉 Theophylact. 2. John 〈◊〉 and the Waldâ—…ses 3. The learned Divines beyond the Seas Luther 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hâ—…minglus Gnalter Mâ—…sculus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—… and others 4. Learned Divinesin our Land D. 〈◊〉 D. Reynolds Doctor Holland D. Fulk D. Whitacres D. Willes and many moe Our Bishops here Bish. 〈◊〉 Bisâ—…p Peacock Tâ—…stal shop Bilâ—…n once so held when he wrote against the Seminaries Bishop 〈◊〉 now living yea and Arch. Bishop Whitâ—…gift 〈◊〉 as much Yea the Arch-Bishops all the Bishops and the Clergie of Eâ—…gland acknowledged Bishops and Presâ—…rs to bee Besides the 〈◊〉 of our Laâ—… in 37. Hâ—… 8. Câ—… 17. in 〈◊〉 of Edward 6. 〈◊〉 2. 1. and 1. of Eliâ—… 1. have resolved the same against Bishops authority 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. Orthodox 〈◊〉 reformed wiâ—…eth thâ—… much by their doctrine and practise Monarchies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which have cast them out So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of late â—…ates of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and many other Churches Shall we thinkâ—… that all these have 〈◊〉 in this point so maâ—…y so 〈◊〉 mâ—…n and whole Churches 11. 〈◊〉 nonâ—… but Papists among us maintaine the pâ—…sition and such as be popishly affected or are of 〈◊〉 mind â—…oving to have the preheminence 3. Iâ—…hn 9. or â—…ch as flatter for favour and preâ—…rment And yet here may be produced against them 1. The Canon Law which telleth â—…s that superiorâ—…ty of Bishâ—…s over other Ministers is of 〈◊〉 Law which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉 fourth Councell at Carâ—…hage 2. The counâ—…ell of 〈◊〉 and Bâ—…il 〈◊〉 it â—…o 3. Two famous Doctors of the civill Law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are of this judgement with us 4. Some great Papists 〈◊〉 Hugâ—… Cardiâ—… â—… Bishâ—… of Civil Gâ—…rg 〈◊〉 hold their authority to be by positive Law and came in after the Apoâ—…les dayes The Ancients alledged for this superiority speake but of their owne times long after the Apâ—…les dayes or â—…lse they judged of the times before by a miâ—…ke that â—… in their dayes which was nothing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 200. yeares after Chriâ—… 12. Becausâ—…Bisâ—… 〈◊〉 of Sâ—…int 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his dignity and â—…owledged 〈◊〉 that the Superiority of Bishops over Ministers was 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 of the word of
truth of Histories 6 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 dayes all the Churchâ—… in Ci the Beleevers met in one place as Parâ—…oners dâ—…â—…ow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cities were 〈◊〉 then Christians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishops in those dayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if 〈◊〉 bee denyed that then there were no Parishâ—… 〈◊〉 must deny diâ—…cesan Bishops because ther 's no Diâ—…cesse where there be no Parishes 7. Because all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beyond the 〈◊〉 no such Bishops and shall we thinke that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 all such famous Churches in so foule an errour as to cast 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we have no sound 〈◊〉 so to 〈◊〉 8. his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church 〈◊〉 For Christs primitive Church in all the first hundred of 〈◊〉 and after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 kind of Bishop It s wanting in all reformed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Such 〈◊〉 are cast out of the Church in 〈◊〉 not onely as 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 Here in England in every 〈◊〉 at sâ—…verall timâ—…s there have beene a vacancy of Bisâ—… and that soâ—… for 2. yeares some for 3. 〈◊〉 some 〈◊〉 10. 〈◊〉 some for 〈◊〉 yeares as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by some observed and 〈◊〉 downe throughout all the 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Lastly what good doe they which may not be done without them as it was whâ—… they were not and where in â—…her plâ—…ces they be notâ—… There is therefâ—…re 〈◊〉 need of them To conclude all that which hath beene said in the former position against a Bishops superiority overâ—… 〈◊〉 in their owne congregations â—…re against 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose 〈◊〉 weâ—… see to be divine by the so many good 〈◊〉 made against it and therefore bee they not toâ—… blame who are so much offended with thâ—…r so overtopping 〈◊〉 and goodneâ—… It were â—…ch to 〈◊〉 that all could see it for the Churches peace which is heartily deâ—…red and prayed for POSITION 3. They are 〈◊〉 called Lord 〈◊〉 1. BEcause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ said to his Disciples 〈◊〉 know that the Princes of the Gentiles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ship but it shall 〈◊〉 be so with you 〈◊〉 rebuking them foâ—… seeking after greâ—…tnesse and chiefedome Mat. 20. 2. 5 26. Mar. 10. 42 43. Luke 22. 2â—… 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from whom they say they can fetch their greatnesse forbids them to bee Lords over Gonâ—… hâ—…ritage 1. Pet. 5 3. 3. Because St. John the Apot wrote to Lâ—…dly 〈◊〉 who loved to have the preheminence in receiving forbidding and casting men out of the Church that hee would when he came remember his deeds done and his prâ—…ing against the 〈◊〉 and others with malicious words 3. Iâ—…hn 9. 10. for those that love the prehemineâ—… cannot but â—…tter their malice against them that find fault with their proud deeds and words 4. Because Father 〈◊〉 gave couâ—…ell to King Edward to us lord all the Lordly Bishops to removâ—…â—…hem 5. 〈…〉 〈◊〉 POSITION 4. 1. 2. 3. 〈…〉 4. 5. 〈◊〉 in the conâ—…cration of Bishops there is not one word of liberty this way but exhortations and prayers made onely for executing the office of a Bishop which he promiseth to doe by the grace of God by the help of God God being his helper which they very faithfully performe in being civiâ—… Magistrates and sittinâ—… in the seat of juâ—…ice to heare temporall causes 6. 7. POSITION 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. Divines witnessed by Chriâ—… the great Bishâ—…p of oâ—… soules who spent hiâ—… time â—…n preaching day by day and made it the greatâ—…st testâ—…mony of Peters love to him tâ—… feeâ—… hâ—…s Laâ—… Iohâ—…â—…1 15 16 17. â—…lso manâ—…fest by Saint Pâ—…l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 frequent pâ—…aching and in his so charging 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 before and in alloting double honour especially to the 〈◊〉 that labouâ—…s in word and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. 17. 〈◊〉 likewise by St. Petâ—… who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 then even â—…he that was the Bishop of Rome the great 〈◊〉 of Chriâ—… if the 〈◊〉 writers liâ—… not to feed the flock of Chriâ—… takiâ—…g the oversight thereof aâ—…Bishops not by constraint but 〈◊〉 nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but of â—…die miâ—…â—… 〈◊〉 â—…â—… 3. 5. 〈◊〉 when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is consecrated he is charged to take heed to teaching and to bee diligent therein that he might sâ—…ve himselfe and them that heare him and that the encrâ—…se 〈◊〉 thereby might appeare to all men and to become unto the flock of Christ a 〈◊〉 â—…nd noâ—… 〈◊〉 Wolfe 〈◊〉 to feed them and not to dâ—…â—…voure them to hold up the weake to heaâ—…e the sick to build up the broken-hearted to seâ—…ke the lost and to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All this the Aâ—…-Bishop beâ—… of Gâ—… foâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…nd desires the Lâ—…ord to endue the Bishop with his â—…oly spirit that he may preach the word and bids him take the holy spirâ—…t and to remember to 6. Because Father Latiâ—…er said the very Diveâ—…l himselfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God setup the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ching prâ—…lacie and if they preach not â—…aith Thomas Becâ—… it s an evidâ—…t tokâ—…â—…hat Chriâ—… sent them not but Antichrist and the Dâ—…ll 7. Because thâ—… very Councell of Trent set this down for 〈◊〉 truth that the preaching of Gâ—…ds word was the principall part of a Bishops Office adding many words to shew the necessity of their preaching And therefore the positioâ—… is as true as lead is steele That Bishops 〈◊〉 not preach but seldome or â—…ever as it pleaseth them POSITION 6. They are Priests and may so bee rightly called Though they be Bishops yet they forget not their Priesthood but will be called Priests 1. B Bâ—…cause the Scriptures of the Nâ—… Testament have given them their names befitting their Office which men may not vary from to miscall them by another name not befitting their function we may not presume to speâ—…ke otherwise of Gâ—…ds Ministâ—…rs than he hath taught us to call them except wee thinke we can better know how to impose names on them than hee himselfe wee mâ—…y not in such cases presume above that which is written 1 Câ—…r 4. 6. 2. Bâ—…ause when Christ ascended up into Heaven and gave gifts for the Ministerie Eph. 4. 11. the Apostlâ—… mentioneth what he gâ—…ve but among these neither a Priâ—…sthood nor Priest hee nâ—…meth Apostles Prâ—…phets Euangelists Paâ—…ours Teaâ—…hers and elsewhere Bishops Phil. 1. 1. Tâ—… 1â—…7 Tiâ—… 〈◊〉 1. 2. and Elders 1. Tim. 5. 17. but no wherâ—… put he the name of Priest upon any of them 3. Because â—…he name Priest often mentioned in Sâ—…ripture cannot in any accâ—…ption of the name bee rightly applyed to any one in 〈◊〉 ministerâ—…all function under the Gospell for the name Prâ—…sts are one of these sorts Either Patriarâ—…hal as was 〈◊〉 before the Law Geâ—… 14. Or Aâ—…ical under the Law which God appointed by the â—…and of Moses Exod. 28. 1. Or Diabâ—…licall as were the Priests of Baâ—…l and of Jupitâ—…r 2 K 11. 18. â—…cts 14. 13. Or huatheniâ—… like as the Prâ—… of 〈◊〉 1 King 11. 15. Or the Evangelicall and
gift of the holy Ghost Act. 8 18 19. 4. Because they greatly extoll the dignity of Lord Bishops by writing for it by preaching alowd for it in high places and cannot or will not otherwise beleeve but that they bee such 〈◊〉 Lords jurâ—… divinâ—… for they find it written how can 〈◊〉 beleeve which receive honour one from another and seeke not the honour which commeth from God alone Iohn 5. 44. Now all these so lawfull meanes they use because they would be knowne to come with no greedy desire to such honour And therefore before their consecration they hypocritically refuse it three times because they have either read or heard of as it hath bintold them that really and in earnest some ancient Bishops have had Biâ—…p-ricks forced upon them against their wills as had Saint Augustiâ—… Ambrose Athanasius Gregorie 〈◊〉 Father and many moe some utterly have refused and by no perswaâ—…ons would take diverse great and wealthie Bishop-ricks as onâ—…Ephraim Syrus Nyâ—… and Saint Bernard who did refuse the Bishoprick of 〈◊〉 and Millâ—… as also did Adrian the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with others moe but more fooles they for their 〈◊〉 shame none now or very few to seeke 〈◊〉 after Bishop-ricks and to use such blessed meanes as are afore mentioned to obtaine them For they find it written that in the last dayes men shall be lovers of their 〈◊〉 sâ—…lves 〈◊〉 and so forth 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2. POSITION 11. They may not forsake their so warraâ—…table Lordly Prelaticall standing 1. BEcause they read the complaint they ceased â—…ot from their 〈◊〉 doings nor from their stubborne way 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Because Christ hath said 〈◊〉 plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be 〈◊〉 up Mâ—… 15. 13. 3. Because they know the loâ—…e to be great both of wealth honour and pleâ—…sure and they read that Chriâ—… Disciplâ—…â—…sooke all to follow him Mat 19 27. And 〈◊〉 voluntarily left his honour and the pleasures of sinne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the reproach of Christ with the people of God Heb. 11. 25. 26. 4. Because they find it written thou 〈◊〉 not the things which be of God but these things which bee of men Mat 16. 23. 5. Because they are taught a good lesson by Saint 〈◊〉 saying love not the World nor the things that are in the World that is the lust of the eyes the lust of the eyes and the pride of life if any man love the world the love of God the Father is not in him 1 John 2 15. 6. Because they 〈◊〉 or may read of very many Bishops in former times who voluntarily renounced their places not onely Bishops in other Countries but ours here in our owne Nation as of foure Arch-Bishops of Canterbury foure of Yorke two of London two of Lincolne two of Coventry and Litchfield two of Worcoster three of Rochester and others to the number of 37. or 38. Bishops Putta a Bishop of Rochester left his place and turned a Schole Master all his daves Father Latimer gave over his Bishoprick of Worcester and blessed God that gave him that grace to resigne it and to make himselfe a quondam Bishop But when our Reverend Lordly Fathers thinke on thesâ—… they oppose Lordly 〈◊〉 a better example for them to follow for hee as they doe loved to have the preheminence 3 Iohn 9. and they looke upon hundreds of others more worthie imitation wiser men who learned the words of our Saviour Christ without booke The Children of this world are wiser in their generation then the Children of the light Luke 16. 8. 7. Because they know that this Lordlynesse and their secular employments hinder greatly the spirituall function and almost quite taketh them off from it as the Kings of Denmarke and Sweden found to be true and as wee find it if wee will judge aright and as the now most reverend Arch-Bishop of Canterbury acknowledgeth in his dedicatory Epistle before his late published booke that by such occasions he was made too much a stranger to his Bookes 8. Because they know what great good they may do to settle peace betweene his Majesty and his Subjects and prevent much evill which may fall out upon both Nations if they would freely and truely confesse these three things 1. That their Lordly standing is not jure divine but an hum 〈◊〉 invention as hath beene heretofore acknowledged by Bishops by holy Martyrs learned Doctours in this our Church 2. That true religion with the saving knowledge of Christ might be more propagated Gods holy worship more purely preserved without them then with them as the Church of Scotland hath found true by experience and doth testifie as much 3. That the Civill estate may bee most peaceably governed and Monarchicall government made to slourish in piety and plenty without their great Lordships If the Cathedrall great revenues might be employed to the training up of young Divines and thence Pastours chosen when places are void in Parishes If Bishops Palaces might be for Schooles of Learning and the Temporalities bestowed to the maintenance thereof and other pious uses as by the wisedome of the state in Parliament should be thought most fit among other godly acts to help to enlarge the maintenance of many poore Ministers who have livings of very small value of only ten pound or twelve pound per annum and some no more numeratis 〈◊〉 out of which they pay Tenths and Subsidies yea and some where at a new Bishops enterance they pay him a benevolence the tenth of their poore maintenance which their gracious good Lordships will not remit one penny off POSITION 12. No Bishops no King this is undeniable FOR they support the Throne of Kings this is an undoubted truth the reasons are very manifest 1. Because its 〈◊〉 in Revel. 17. 12. that the ten hornes are ten Kings which receive power as Kings at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Beast 2. Because they raigne as Kings without the King for 1. They keepe their Courts and Visitations without speciall patent under the broad Seale 2. They print Articles upon their owne authority and minister oathes upon them 3. They send out processes in their owne name and many other things they doe contrary to the Statutes of the 〈◊〉 as hath by some learned in the Law beene fully proved by which they doe rule over his Majesties good Subjects contrary to his Crowne and Dignity 3. Because Kings may very well and safely reigne without them for 1. The Roman Emperours did reigne a long time before there were any Lord Bishops 2. King 〈◊〉 here the first Christian King reigned without them and it was hee that made some Bishops some Arch-Bishops and not they him a King 3. 〈◊〉 and others States in reformed Churches doe subsist without them and cannot Kings be Kings without such Lord like Bishops they may if they have but eyes to see it 4. As spirituall Lords they have nothing to doe in Civill causes and as they be Barons by their â—…lities they be made
so great 〈◊〉 to live in super fluitie and why should they supply the place of Temporall Lords Is it not to the temporall Lords very disgracefull yea is it not very ominous to a Kingdome And this 〈◊〉 because against the holy order of Pastours and against Christs owne words it shall not bee 〈◊〉 with you they are lifted up to be Princes busying themselves as busie-bodies in great affaires which concernes them not becomming ill Counsellours where they be to the detriment of both Church and State for they are left of God to themselves because they leave their sacred calling as if it were too base for their high minds and deep reaches in State businesses 4. Because Christian the third King of Denmark our Kings great Grand-father by the Mother side rooted out all the Bishops of his Kingdome in one day as annoyance to the State and have beene kept out now hitherto fully an hundred yeares So as here is a King and no Bishop and in Sweden as I take it no Lord Bishops and yet there is 〈◊〉 authority 5. Because our King as King hath no dependency of Bishops but is over them and they his Subjects they depend upon him and if they usurpe not their power they have their Episcopall authority and jurisdiction from him at whose pleasure they fall if his Majesty please to 〈◊〉 their authority and to cast them out POSITION 13. They stand wholly for a learned grave paineful and godly ministery First For a Learned Ministery For they have greatly pestered the Church I. In making many bare reading Ministers to bee Curates and too many to bee in the roome of Pastours for they know well that a Pastour must bee apt to teach 1 Tim. 3. 2. as they say in his ordination and doe give him authority to teach they heare out of Gods word that they are blind and dumb dogs Esay 5. 6. II. In tollerating them to be so continually for they know where these be the people are as Sheep without a Shepherd Mat. 9. neither bee they ignorant of that which Solomon saith where there is no vision there the people perish Pro. 29. 18. nor of Christs speech if the blind lead the blind both fall into the ditch Mat. 15. 14. in no reformed Church in Christendome are such but here and in the Antichristian 〈◊〉 of Sathan 3. In not consulting about meanes and using the same to remove this so great a plague to the people and to prevent it for the time to come 4. In never rebuking their slothfolnesse no not in the younger men nor stirring them up to get knowledge for to instruct the people 5. In putting downe such divine exercises as have beene used heretofore when Ministers met and handled 〈◊〉 and the same piece of Scripture the youngest beginning and so successively to the Eldest some grave Ministers being chosen as chiefe for the time all this done publikely and then in private if any thing were needfull to be advised upon or any mistake to deliver their judgements upon it and so appoint another day for the like meeting once in a fourthnight or once a moneth which exercise did much good to many and continued in some market Townes heretofore very many yeares 6. In comforting these blind Guides by preferring prayer before preaching and common service to be such as people should rest therewith satisfied especially if they have their quarterly Sermons 2. For a Grave Ministery Because they admit many too young men into the Ministery if of any degree in Schooles if they can answer some few questions in Latine and can speake upon some text it may be an houre before them having penned it after their best hability though they bevery ignoraÌ„t in the Scriptures and little acquainted with the studie of Divinity for in admitting of these they know what Saint Pauls Canon is hee must not be a Novice least hee bee puffed up in pride and so fall into the condemnation of the Divell 1 Tim. 3. 6. and they also know that youth is subject to be despised 1 Tim. 4. 12. that many of these are vaine 〈◊〉 getting in to be some idle Curats and giving themselves to liberty till they enter into the bond of marriage and the next bond following 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 then of children a great disgrace to the Ministery 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For that they are content that many teach negligently but now and then 〈◊〉 not once a year some once a yeare some quarterly some monethly and some once in a fortnight because they read that amongst the 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sabbath day was preaching 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was Christs custome to preach every Sabbath Luke 4. 16 and the Apostles in the Jewish 〈◊〉 ancient Fathers used 〈◊〉 to doe every Sabbath Christ 〈…〉 〈◊〉 â—… 〈◊〉 yet 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 them not because they find it written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are destroyed for want of knowledge because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I will also reject thee that thou shalt 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forget thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. 6. 2. They themselves the most of them are evill examples for they lay aside preaching for the most part as if it were either no part or the least part of their dutie 3. Though in 〈◊〉 Ministers they charge upon them this dutie and have made a 〈◊〉 for a licensed Preacher to preach every Lords day yet is there no enquirie after Ministers negligence herein no calling them to their Courts no 〈◊〉 no suspension 〈◊〉 any other censure upon them 〈◊〉 the same Because they read that 〈◊〉 did not neglect to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to stir up the gift in him and to study hard and to preach diligently 1 〈◊〉 4. 13. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. and the same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Elders of 〈◊〉 to looke to their flock over which the holy Ghost had made them Overâ—… Act 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 willed the 〈◊〉 to charge 〈◊〉 to take 〈◊〉 the Ministery which he had received of the Lord to fulfill it Col. 4. 14. 4. But unto 〈◊〉 Ministers they have a speciall eye especially if they find the least 〈◊〉 in conformity or not wholy conforming 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 innovations though in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they preach nothing 〈◊〉 may any way 〈◊〉 the peace of the Church either for 〈◊〉 or discipline but rebuke the 〈◊〉 of the times condemned by Gods Law and the 〈◊〉 of the Land and the very Canons of 〈◊〉 For 1. They find it written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Prophet because he rebuked their flattering of the King and the rest of his companions telling the King the truth as the King found it 〈◊〉 King 〈◊〉 2. They also find it written how the high Priest of 3. They are not ignorant of the troubles of the faithfull Prophet 〈◊〉 how the wicked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 26. 11. he was informed against to the 〈◊〉 Priest and was called by a false 〈◊〉 a mad man 〈◊〉 29. 26. whereupon he was 〈◊〉 imprisoned and
concerning right betweene party and party There it is about causes Ecclesiasticall and criminall matters and not ever betweene party and party in a matter of 〈◊〉 justice 4. Here the oath is administred in a case not otherwise to be tryed and decided for if it could say the Hebrew Doctors the Oath was not to be administred There it s administred whether it can or cannot bee otherwise proved 5. Here the Judges proceed in the behalfe of the party complaynant to end the 〈◊〉 betweene them In the other the Judges proceed with relation to themselves secretly becomming parties not to end a 〈◊〉 betweene others but to begin it betweene the party and themselves too often 6. Here the Oath is administred not ex Officio upon the Judges pleasure and their owne authority but upon the just complaint of another In the other ex Officio is a proceeding upon their owne authority and the framing of a bill upon their owne imagination against the party called before them letting the wicked accuser lurke in a corner or else to be gone till they can ripen the 〈◊〉 7. Here is an Oath given to make an end of the controversie to cleare the party and the 〈◊〉 to rest satisfied In the other the Oath ex Officio is to begin a controversie not to cleare the party but 〈◊〉 breed him more and greater trouble for they will not be satisfied though they have no just matter against him but if they let him depart it s by making him enter into a bond of appearance againe whensoever they 〈◊〉 call him Lastly 〈◊〉 the Oath is administred onely touching the particular cause in hand That is administred upon many captious interrogatories that by all or some of them the party may be catched and brought into danger Wee see from all this that hence is no 〈◊〉 for their wickednesse but is rather against them Touching the other Scripture though in a criminall cause of adultery Numb. 5. 19. yet it helpes them nothing thus to tyrannize over Ministers and others 1. It was a Law all the circumstances and meanes used peculiar to the Iewes because of the mans jealousie against his wife to satisfie him to prevent further mischiefe but with us no such meanes is allowed to satisfie the jealousie of the Husband against his wife 2. This was to take an Oath against her selfe which our Law alloweth not 3. Here the Oath was not a bare Oath but 〈◊〉 Oath of cursing to which he was to say Amen Amen such a kinde of Oath we use not to 〈◊〉 4. Besides the Oath with a curse other meanes were used by which the truth should bee made undoubtedly to appeare as the Text doth shew so as the taking of an Oath in a matter of such 〈◊〉 served not the turne to take away the Husbands jealousie 5. In this case the woman found guilty 〈◊〉 plagued of God but if she were 〈◊〉 shee received a blessing from God verse 28. Lastly yet this was not allowed to be done by the Lord but when there was no witnesse against her or shee 〈◊〉 taken in the fact verse 13. These holy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to make God speake for them who as I have proved is 〈◊〉 them The Conclusion IT cannot be sufficiently admired in these 〈◊〉 distracted dayes that Bishops the Reverend Fathers in our Church should be from time to time so opposed as they have beene First they have beene prayed against Second preached against Thirdly written against Fourthly witnessed against by suffering persecution suspension excommunication deprivation degradation also whipping pillory the cropping off of the eares the slitting of Noses fining deepely and imprisonment unto death Fiftly I hope lastly resisted with the sword as if men desired and intended wholy the rooting out of those so eminent persons from the Churches of Christ as if Enemies to peace to preaching to the power of godlines all goodnes and as if they were lyms of that Romish Antichrist Lovers of that 〈◊〉 of Rome secret nourishers of Superstition Lawles Innovators in matters of religion Such as makd way for 〈◊〉 to the Sea of Rome the very chiefe troublers of Church and State minding onely how to uphold their Hierarchie and Prelaticall Church though with the ruine of the King and his Kingdomes But for better discoverie of the truth here is laid before every judicious Reader their way and walking that all may see that will see and not mistake but bee inforced to acknowledge them to be such as they are before the face of God and all good men who can truly judge aright betweene them and all those which so condemne them It cannot be denyed that they prove themselves to be Bishops Superiours to Elders in dignity from Tiâ—…hy and Titus whom the 〈◊〉 Postscripts to the Epistles of Saint Paul make to 〈◊〉 Bishops This is their divine ground on which they build their worthy standing and well may they For they follow all the rules and exhortations given to these two Bishops by Saint Paul very exactly and punctually to every thing being strongly fenced with Saint Pauls authority in all their doings 1. They conceive Bishops to be superiours in office and dignity to Elders For they read that Saint Paul maketh Bishops and Elders all one Tit. 1. 5. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 1. as the foâ—…mer treatise doth declare and if Elders Pastours and Ministers be not one and the same the Apostle hath not in directing 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 told what a one a Minister of Christ should be 2. They clayme Jurisdiction over Ministers and others For Tiâ—…hy and Titus were extraordinary men who were substituted for a time in Sainâ—…Pauls absence to doe what he was to doe had hee beene in person there But they 〈◊〉 not nor 〈◊〉 any 〈◊〉 made of any power of iurisdiction invested in those which the Apostle doth call 〈◊〉 in his describing of a Bishop in 1 Tim 3. 1. and in Tit. 1. 7 8. 9. no one word is there of iurisdiction 3. They challenge ordination to themselves imposition of hands and making of Ministers For they find it written that imposition of hands was in the 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 4. 14. and that more then one laid on hands Acts 13. 3. and ordained Ministers Acts 14. 23. and 〈◊〉 Acts 6 6. and they also read that Saint Paul said to 〈◊〉 lay hands sodainly on no man he saith not lay thy hands as if hee alone were to doe it but lay hand to wit with other on no man when they would ordaine any which expositioâ—… the words following doe confirme neither bâ—… partakâ—…rs of other 〈◊〉 sinnes that is if they would sinne in misor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on such with them and be guilty of sinne with them So is the place in Titus of his ordaining Elders to be understood Tit. 1. 5. for its not probable that Saint Paul would give authority to either Timothie or Titus which he never 〈◊〉 to himselfe alone but
when he ordained Elders others therein were with him Acts 14. 23. 4. These have made many 〈◊〉 1. To an other kind of Office to read service for they read their Office was to care for the poore Act. 6. 2. Very young and vâ—…o 〈◊〉 For they find it written that the first 〈◊〉 were honest men full of the holy Ghost and wisedome Acts 6. 3. and that Paul would have them grave not light headed lads holding the Ministery of Faith with a pure conscience c. 1 Tim. 3. 8. 9. 5. These have made dumb Ministers and many other very unfit for the ministery For they find it written that Saint Paul will have his Minister Pastour and Elder to be 〈◊〉 to teach holding fast the faithfull word and to bee able by sound Doctrine to exhort and convince 〈◊〉 as also to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of good behaviour c. 1 Tim. 3. 1. â—… Tit. 1. 9. Not a Novice least being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devill 1 Tim. 3. 6. 6. These doâ—… not constantly employ themselves in the preaching of the word For they find it written that Saint Paul would with a vehement exhortation have Bishop Timothy to preach the word to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in season and out of season c. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2. and to 〈◊〉 to reading exhortation and doctrine and wholy to give himselfe 〈◊〉 1 Tiâ—… 4. 13. 15. 7. These at least not a few of them have their families not very orderly not very religiously demeaning themselves For they read that Saint Pâ—…l would have â—…Bishop not given to Wine 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 house â—…Tim 3. 3. 4. 8. These some of them all know are covetous not hospitall nor lovers of good-men but bitter against them For they find it written by Saint Paul that his Bishop must be given to hospitality not câ—…s nor greedy of filthylucre a Lover of good men just 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Tim. 3. â—… 3. Tit. â—… 8. and a patterne of good workes Tit. â—… 7. 9. These speake roughly to Elders called before them and easily receive accusations and informations against them and without proofe of witnesses will proceed against them For they find it written rebuke not an Elder but intreat him as a Father and against an Elder receive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but before 2. or 3. witnesses 1 Tim. 4. 1. 9. 10. These be deadly Enemies unto all hereticall Spirits 1. For some of them under pretence writing against Iesuites doe strike through the sides of the truely zealous defenders of the truth and the very truth it selfe cunningly upholding popish Tenents 2. For that in their late so called Sacred syâ—…d they silently pâ—…c over 〈◊〉 the Sâ—…n heresie not touching upon it but the favourers of this way get up to preferment 3. For that 〈◊〉 that damned and cursed heresie is not laid open to bee certainely knowne of all that it might be discovered and the Hereticks themselves be so sound out and duely punished 4. For that the Aâ—…s and Sâ—…s knowne as also convicted Papists are never called before them not proceeded against For they find it written by Saint Paul to Arch-Bishop Titus that a man that is an 〈◊〉 after the first and second 〈◊〉 to be rejected Tit. 3. 10. How really and exactly observant these reverend Fathers be of all S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and constitutions may hereby appeare to all their Adversaries who hitherto have so much and so often for a long time complained so bitterly against them and their sacred proceedings And who seeth not that these reverend 〈◊〉 lord-Lord-Bishops deserve their honour that they walke worthy their places and are to bee maintained for Churches wellfare and the common wealths happinesse till Anti-Christs downefall and the utter ruine of Rome which all Christians have good cause to pray for especially if wee take into our wise consideration these few things in briefe 1 That all their proceedings are by booke even altogether contrary to that which is written as hath been declared 2. That they make Canons such as they please and without confirmation by act of Parliament and yet violently urge them as Law upon his Majesties Subjects and doe frame Articles out of them by oath to be observed 3. That whatsoever in the Statute Lawes or in their owne Canons they find usefull for themselves in their way they diligently bend themselves to have them carefully observed but as for all the rest which perhaps may be such as tend to true pietie sound doctrine faithfull discharge of good duties to God and to man and for an holy life and conversation they farre lesse regard and for the most part passe them over 4. That in afflicting punishments there is more respect to the persons hability what he is able to pay then the amendment of his life the Lord knowes it 5. That they generally suffer foule abuses in the Church not conscionably seeking a redresse thereof which yet are in their power to reforme if they would seriously as in Gods presence take it into hand and let petty matters alone and fall upon the removing of greater enormities even raigning sinnes which provoke God to wrath in all sorts of persons both of the higher degrce commonly let alone and of the lower ranke medled with onely for the purse sake 6. That they notoriously abuse generally all the people of the Land with the name of the Church of England undor which name they countenance themselves their Prelaticall power and their owne sole doings which few take notice of but all may easily observe it in their proceedings both before the convocation gathered in the time of the convocation and after its broken up Before the Convocation 1. One the greatest which aweth all the rest with the assistance of two or three Lording Spirits such as care not to turne all upside downe so they may be sure to hold their standing consult of matters which they hold most fit and having concluded what to do within themselves they propound them to the rest of the Bishops their fearfull brethren who dare not but say as they say when they meet together thus the Church beginneth 2. To further their designes Clarkes in the Countrie for the Convocation house must be chosen but not freely by the Ministers as they ought but picked out by the Bishops in their owne diocesse such as they know will bee sure cards for them and propound them to be chosen of the over-awed Parsons and Vicars who dare not for their cares gainesay them and thus the Bishops make up a Parke for their Lord-ships purposes having made ready their Clarkes they call together their su pporters all the Dâ—…s all the Arch-Deacons and who else must be personally there in that Assembly men knowne for the most part to be very faithfull to their Lordships honourable standing to make up the representative body of the Church of England Thus they the Church forsooth goe to lay a sure foundation for themselves before the Convocation be brought
together 3. But here note that the Church consists of the Laity as well as of the 〈◊〉 Acts 15. â—… so as if the house of Parlament lower and upper be not of them but secluded they are not the representative body of the Châ—… of England but of the Clergie onely and the Prelâ—… Church In the time of their sitting 1. All these Priests and Clarkes sit there to gazâ—… 〈◊〉 upon another and to whisper of matters nothing oâ—… 〈◊〉 to the purpose of their meeting but wait for their 〈◊〉 from their Lordships like Schoole boyes 2. When they have received their directions a boâ—… se are so seiseth upon almost all of them as thereby thy are moved to agree to contradict nothing but if it so happen that some take courage a rare vertue among them for the truth and doe oppose in some materiall things which crosse their Lordly designements Then 3. Either they labour by a strong side and more in number for the greatest and most are not ever the best to make them yeeld or to say nothing or else to get their Canons passe They devise a time when the better sort al or most are away to finish the worke thus the Church of England makes here decrees to all her beloved children but yet are of no force without an act of Parlament After the Convocation is dissolved 1. If any matter be not onely in shew questionable but is justly to bee questioned their Lordships by their sole wisedome in their severall diâ—…sse must interpret the meaning and men must also rest satisfied though the meaning given be absurd for its a folly to goe from a Bishop to an Arch-Bishop time hath taught men their lost laâ—…our therein 2. If in time the One great one and some two three or foure bethinke themselves of any course better befitting their secret plots and intentions in altering in adding or taking from in any innovation whatsoever then they have wayes to beare out all these their doings with gaining help of Royall declarations and proclamations to beare them out which being setled in peace then they become the orders allowed by the Church And thus may all wise men see who are this Church of England one with two three or foure of the diocesan Lord-Bishops for they find it written with clipping the text that if two of them much more three or foure with a body of Cyphers be gathered together and agree in the Convocation house touching any thing it shall be done Mat. 18. 19. O Lord open the eyes of our 〈◊〉 both to see and consider and also to 〈◊〉 against these 〈◊〉 Lord Bishops to make them Bishops indeed or else to remove them 〈◊〉 very ill 〈◊〉 the Church and State Let them fall by their owne Councels and let all the people of God say Amen FINIS Twenty irrefragable POSITIONS 1. THat Bishops Jure divino are superiours to other Ministers 2. They are Diocesan Bishops by divine right 3. They are worthily called Lord Bishops 4. They may very well busie themselves in civill affaires and sit in Courts of Iustice 5. They need not preach often but seldome or never if they please 6. They are Priests and may be so rightly called Though they be Bishops yet they forget not their Priesthood but will be called Priests 7. They stand for and dâ—…c maintaine all Ceremonies upon very good grounds 8. They judge it necessary that what soever is amisse in the Church should be carefully and speedily reformed and this is evident to all 9. They may very well rule by their sole power alone 10. Their high authority so lawfull they all obtaine by very lawfull meanes 11. They may not forsake their sowarrantable Lordly Prelaticall standing 12. No Bishops no King this is undeniable 13. They stand wholy for a learned grave painefull and godly ministery 14. They hate to flatter the King 15. They greatly further the peoples knowledge in divine things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their ignorance 16. They have a speciall care that God being a spirit should have a spirituall worship and this onely according to his written word 17. They preferre the Churches union and what God requireth to be done before their owne Lordly dignity and what they themselves command 18. They be the greatest Enemies that the Church of Rome hath here amongstus 19. They abhorre all shew of idolatrie 20. They may very lawfully minister the Oath ex Officio to any whom they dare call before them They have the same name Thâ—… 〈◊〉 on thâ—… sâ—…me Tâ—…â—…nour and â—…ard the same They â—…ad onâ—… and the same charge over the flock Acts 20. 28. 1. Pet. 5. 2. Many 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ter the epiâ—…les were written See the unbiâ—… of Tim. and Tit. See the answer to Bishop D. serm. pag. 113. 114. pag. 115. See T. and T. unbishâ—… page 4. Ibidem 〈◊〉 Pag. 117. T. and Tit. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 168. What was given them was of 〈◊〉 and not of due as an invested title Abusing Gods name by sâ—…eming to pray for that which never is intended Sess. 24. This rule they onely make use of when all the rest are of like authority diviâ—… and Apoâ—…ol call and delivered by the same Apostle which they take no notice of not careing to sinnâ—… against their brethren and against Christ 1 Cor. 8. 12. See Tim and Tit. 〈◊〉 B. M. Three grounds of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They will 〈◊〉 call them Martyrs but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may in print call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Numb. 35. 30 Deut. 19. 15 and 17. 6 Heb. 10. 28. Plin. 〈◊〉 10. Epist. 98. Victor de persocut Vandal Jer. 4. 2. Digest lib. Decret. pag 2 Cous 23. quast 4. In Epist. 1 Cor. c1 5. Statute 15. 〈◊〉 8. ca 15 cemmen Law See 〈◊〉 touching Bishops effictalls pag 62. This master Fuller hath fud manisesled in the defence of 〈◊〉 Client Crompton 182 〈◊〉 de â—… 〈◊〉 brev. pag. 141 〈◊〉 pag. 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—… 1 Tim. 1. 3. and 3. 14. 15. Tit. 1 5. Laid their hands They ordained They layd their hands on them