in the best construction to be an humane law â—…estraining and inhibiting the sober and â—…oly vse of those creatures which God hath put in our libertie But â—…s the truth in deed is and as their present practise without all conâ—…radiction declareth yt is as yt is vsed with them a burdenous idolaâ—…rous tradition a papisticall and romish custome being vsed after that â—…uperstitious abhominable manner that I haue abouâ—… declared a speâ—…iall and solemne part of their worship a great and principall action of their Church as the solemne bidding and keeping of that shewâ—…th How can this doctor then say yt concerneth not the conscience â—…o not the publike actions of the Church the worship and seruice of God praier fasting concerne the conscience or may such trumperie â—…raditions be brought into the Church or laid vpon the conscience â—…e learneth nâ—… such doctrine of M r. CALVINE who alloweth no humane diuises no Apocrypha traditions to be brought into the Church of God how holy pregnant or necessarie soeuer they may seeme to be Yet in handling this point he hath vnhappily stumbled at I vvote â—…ot vvhat old prescriptions and auncient erronious customes of keeâ—…ing a solemne memoriall of the birth death and resurrection of CHRIST vpon their peculiar daies yerely as also the feast of Pentecost when the Apostles receiued the holy Ghost c. He also alloweth of Apâ—…crypha Leitourgies viz. â—…set stinted forme of numbred publike praiâ—…rs to be brought into and vsed in the Church and this as yt should â—…eeme because he would not be thought a Nouatian or an Author of â—…ew Religion c. But see how he hath therby both insnared himself opened a gap for other like trumperie to be brought into y e church â—…vhich may easily carrie both as great shew of antiquitie and of godines as these He hath therby also giuen a verie pernitious president â—…nto other ages as apeareth in the miserable estate of our common â—…velth who are a great deale more ready to follow him in his errors â—…ransgressions then to imitate him in his godly vertues laborious and â—…oly life Me thinkes also that M r. CALVINE in the other part of this â—…oint concerning such lawes as pluck away any part of our Christian â—…ibertie or inhibite restraine that which God hath put in our power â—…ath greatly departed from himself therin For hauing very truly set downe that yt is heinous presumption in any mortall man to restraine or make lawes of such things as the Lord hath left in libertie he straightway least he should offend or keepe back ciuil magistrates froÌ„â—…eceauing the Gospel inuenteth a pollitike distinction betwixt y e outward or ciul Court the Court of conscieÌ„ce saying that this outward Court respecteth men only bindeth not the conscience of the doer but the outward actions only the other concerneth matters belonging vnto God therfore bindeth the conscience Thus hath he both lost intangled himself vtterly ouerthrowen all his former doctrine CONSCIENCE HE defineth from the second of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—… to be a certaine feeling or remorse within our selues according to the knowledg of Gods wil which doth continually present vs accuse or acquit vs before the iudgment seat of God Although this definition be somwhat of the scantest as making the conscience of man extend no further then his present knowledg which yet we read in the scriptures stretcheth much further namly to the vvhole liâ—…e of man wherin God as in a book writeth aly thinges done in this mortal life which booke he often openeth not vntil the final iudgmeÌ„t but suffereth men to run on die in their sinne without feeling vntill then he plucking away all vailes lets set al their sinnes that euer they haue committed in thought word or deed in order according to their indignitie before them vvhervpon in horror of conscience the scripture setteth out and describeth their fearfull desperate estate vnto our capacitie shewing that in that day they shall euen desire the rockes to fall vpon them the seas to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. c. If our consciences were only charged but with the sinnes which we coÌ„mit against our knowledg theÌ„ ignorance of Gods lawe excuseth the breach therof then were the ignorant in far most best estate and had the cleerest conscience then needed we not to pray for pardon for our ignorant sinnes c. But because our conscience in this life cannot be touched vvith or accuse vs here of more then we know to be sinne for as the Apostle saith without the law we liued but when the commandement came sinne reuiued but we died therfore to aâ—…oide further controuersie I rest in this his description which me thinkes also maketh vene fully against himself for we see how the knowledg of the law reuiueth sinne maketh yt out of measure sinful But to come to the point M r. CALVINE saith that by the ciuil lawes the conscieÌ„ce is not bound but the outward action only Yf he meane thus that the conscience is not subiect to the ciuil Magistrate but the bodie only he saith true If he meane that the ciuill Magistrate can but looke vpon the outward action in the keeping or breach of his law he saith true For man no not the whole Church can enter into Gods seat to search and iudge the conscience the inward affections of the heart c. Man can but behould and iudge the outward actions according to the law of God for if they could then should no hipocrites creepe into or remaine in the Church The heart and conscience vntill by outward actions yt be reuealed is not only liable vnto but searched by and iudged of God And this we see as well in the lawes of the first Table as in the lawes of the second Whiles I resort and vvalket together vvith the Church and vvorship God to all outward seeming vnreprouablie though I be inwardly neuer so great an hypocrite vntill my sinne apparantly breake out the Church can no more censure me then the ciuill Magistrate can punish me before I haue broken the law So then we see the secret conscience is as far out of the reach censure iudgment of the Church as yt is out of the Magistrates hand vntill some fault or offence be made But if M r. CALVINE meane as his wordes and whole scope intâ—…nd that the conscience is not charged with the law of the outward Court but vvith the outward action only then surely he greatly erred For this doctrine is most dangerous and false as discharging the conscience froÌ„ the whole second Table vnto vvhich yt is as much bound as vnto the first Neither can vve keep or please God in the first that vvalke not vvith a good conscience towardes all men in the second Our praiers are abhominable that are offred with handes ful of blood â—…r vvith our
place and office of CHRIST shewing himself in the Church of God as God by changing the lawes and Testament of CHRIST and by bringing in new ordinances new ministery worship c. Reuel 13. Reu. 17. 12. 13. 14. 17. how Antichrist being thus exalted the Dragon should giue him his power his throne his great authority as also the Kings of the earth yea such Kings as had before burnt the whore with fire should giue vnto the Beast their power authority wherwith he should fight with the Lamb make wa◅ with the Saints opening his mouth vnto blasphemy against God and his tabernacle and them that d◅ell therin setting vp his blasphemous image in all pl◅ces c. Now as we haue by the light of Gods word in this litle y t hath beene s◅ied euidently found seene these Bi◅hops their courtes gouernment to be wholy antichristian vtterly vnlawfull but especially this their high court of Cōmissiō to be most blasphemous y e very throne of the Beast vtterly cōmingling cōfounding subuerting al Gods ord◅nances all estates and offices both of Church cōmon welth the whole liberty of Christians the power duties of the church so likewise if we by the same rules but as lightly examine measure the secret classes the ordinary set Synodes councels of ministers as they terme them selues which these Reformists now priuily bring in and would openly set vp they shall no doubt be found as new strange and antichristiā as preiudicial to the liberty of the Saints to the power right and duties of the whole Church and as contrary to the Gospell of our Lord IESVS CHRIST as these other what shew soeuer of former antiquity or of present necessity they may pretend And this if they be compared in the persons assembled and causes for which they are assembled and which they handle in the se◅ continued times place of their meeting in their order maner of proceeding iudgment in t◅eir decrees power vnto that perfect patterne of all christian councelles Act. 15. will forthwith appeare The persons assembled in these councels are only ministers al other Christians being shut out and allowed neither place voice or consent among them The causes for which they are assembled and which they handle not being doubtes or questions which arise in the Churches but al the affaires offices and duties of the Church that without making the Churches priuy wherfore they assemble or what they will t◅ere handle The time place of these councels they without the wil priuity of the Churches make setled continual permanent not leauing to the Church either the liberty when and where to keepe these councels or whome to vse in these councels The order maner of their proceeding and iudgment is first to choose erect amongst thē a Prolocutor Moderator or Iudg to gouerne order this action who whē they shall speake and when they shall cease c. where the matters being debated the greater part preuaileth and carri◅th the iudgment Their decrees are per◅mptory irreuocable most holy inviolable to be receaued embraced of all Churches without contradiction or scruple no power left to any Church to examine refuse or reuerse the same be they found neu◅r so contrary to Gods word but only either by the same councell or by act of Parliament in the meane while they all must practise obey these decrees The power of these councels is ouer all Churches persons causes doctrines to giue the right hād of fellowship as they terme yt or to send the bill of diuorce to ratifie or rei◅ct whome what they will This councel also executeth al the censures duties of the church as to make or depose ministers to censure excōmunicate c. To conclude as all these councels haue exercise power iurisdiction ouer the ch◅rch so are they in authority one aboue an other as the Synode aboue the Classes the Councell aboue the Synode to confirme abrogate or disanul whatsoeuer constitutions or actions the other ha◅h made Yea as some report vpon the e◅ormities abuse◅ y t did arise in these coūcels assemblies of Bishops were deuised erected these new strange orders degrees of Bishops Arch-bishops Patriarches Popes and all their substitutes courtes From which strange councels offices ministery courtes haue flowed forth and daily spring all these strange popish ◅ntichristian orders decrees innumerable diuises traditions daily innouations continuall changes in the worship of God all the proceedings of the Church of the whole Testament of CHRIST whiles men re◅t not in the wisdome councels of God but presume to be wise aboue that they ought to be wise some attributing vnto their Clergye as they call them others to the Prince others to the Church more then inough none yeilding vnto CHRIST that which is his due namely to suffer him to gouerne his whole Church by such officers and lawes as he hath in his Testament prescribed but rather in the presumption of their owne hearts they will set ouer him his Church such lawes officers or at the least assigne vnto him such lawes offi◅ers as they thinke best to accord and iudg most meet for their pollicie as though CHRIST could be a minister or mediatour of any other Testament thē of his owne or that any mortal men may alter change neglect or re◅ect CHRIS◅S Testament without his fearfull wrath heauy indignation for the same Wherfore seeing the whole church al the proceedings therof must be built vpon CHRISTS Testament seing euery ◅oule and euery action shalbe iudged by CHRISTS Testament seing nothing is pleasing vnto God or wil stand before the face of CHRIST that is found disagreeing to CHRISTS Testament seing also euē by this litle search superficiall view we haue takē of the present estate and pretended reformation of this their church of England all things appeare to be out of frame stil in the olde corruption and at the best but enclining to the primitiue ancient defections from CHRISTS Testament nothing being aright or according to the will of God amongst them seing we find all those scriptures that haue foreshewed of An◅ichrist his proceedings liuely fulfilled amongst them al the markes of that painted deccitful harlot the false malignant Church to be fownde vpon them as also all t◅e vials of Gods wrathfull iudgments to be powred forth vpon them and al their doings Finally seing God vouch◅afeth both to discouer and to call al men forth out of Babilon by proclaiming of his glorious Gospel and yet offr◅th more grace before he let fal the heauy milstone of his finall indignation vpon them al to grind them to dust and to presse them to the bottome of hel b◅ing ready to receaue all that come forth vnto him to esteeme guide and defend them as his deare children It behooueth al such in whome in any care of their owne saluation
al the land both great and small rich and poore priest and people in most seruile subiectioÌ„ therfore in this estate cannot be held or numbred among Christes faithful seruantes vvhich are fully redeemed by the price of his pretious blood from al these bondages and intanglementes vvhich they by a shew of volunâ—…arie religion and counterfeit holines vvould impose vpon mens consciences Neither may such be held the seruaÌ„tes of CHRIST vvhich stand subiect vnto his enimie Antichrist beare his yoke receaue his ministerie vvares c. or vvhich contend not for the maintenance of the true faith for the sincere practise of the Gospel with freedome in al patieÌ„t maner vnto the death suffring rather anie thing then themselues to be defiled with his abhominations How then should this people as they generally stand in the publique estate of this land in this subiection to Antichrist in this idolatry sacriledg al kind of excesse and sinne euen in al degrees without repentance faith obedience knowledg be receaued held or esteemed the redeemed called faithful free obedient louing subiects and people of the Lord or how may CHRISTES true faithful seruantes haue any spirituall communion or fellowship with them in thys estate vvithout open sacriledg most hainous impietie and high profanation of the holy things of God For if into the material temple no profane or polluted person might enter and osfer vntill he had imbraced the faith and beene clensed from his filthines how much more ought this profane ignorant vnholy wicked disobedient rowte be kept out of the Church of CHRIST froÌ„ al intermedling with the holy things of GOD which in this estate belong not vnto them But as these vngodly priestes of these times haue entred and do administer vnto this profane people for the lucre of their goodes tithes wages hire so waÌ„t not these Balaams sundrie diuelish shiftes and cauils for the maintenance of their doinges least by this doctrine their portion should be reprooued their vantage for diuining cease as also their sinne and shame be made manifest Amongst an heape of their forged excuses they set this for doctrine in the fore â—…ront THAT vvhere â—… Christian Prince is vvhich maiâ—…taineth the Gospel and â—…he whole land or estate not resisting this commandement reueâ—…enceth the word sacrameÌ„tes there the whole multitude of such â—… land or state are without doubt to be esteemed and iudged a true Church This reason they confirme not with any proofes of the â—…cripture but by M r. CALVINS authoritie who giueth these reasons â—…herof because saith he yâ—… is certaine the word and sacramentes â—…re not without fruit and that by this meanes vnitie is preserued to â—…he vniuersall Church Touching the person of the Author alledged I gladly acknowledg â—…im a painful and profitable instrument in the thinges he saw and â—…imes he serued in yet not without his manie errors ignorances â—…specially touching the planting gouernment and ordering of the Church of CHRIST And no meruaile for being so newly escaped out of the smoky fornace of poperie he could not so sodeinly see or attaine vnto the perfect beawtie of Sion But seeing my hope is GOD hath pardoned all his errors c. my purpose is not with these wicked men to reuiue and broach them a fresh or make them preâ—…identes and by them take boldnes to commit the like or worse ofâ—…ences nor yet to discouer NOAH his shame and nakednes So also concerning matters of faith would I be loth to build vpon or be â—…ressed by the doctrines and examples of men the best wherof we â—…ee to be subiect to their errors and faults For as faith only beleeueth and resteth vpon the holy word of God so are we by the same to examine al the doctrines and doinges of men yea of the vvhole Church and accordingly to approue or refuse the same Touching this doctrine then that a Christian Prince which publisheth and maintaineth the Gospell doth forthwith make all that realme which with open force resisteth not his proceedinges to be held a Church to whome an holy ministerie and sacramentes belong without further more particular and personal trial examination confession c. This doctrine we find by the word of God to be most false corrupt vncleane dangerous pernicious doctrine contrarie to the whole course practise and lawes both of the old newe Testament breaking at once al Christian order corrupting poisoning al Christian communion fellowship sacrilegiously profaning the holy thinges of God First we know that no Prince or mortal man caÌ„ make any a member of the Church they may by their godly gouernment greatly help further the Church greatly comfort the faithful aduance the gospel c. But to chuse or refuse to cal or hardeÌ„ that the eternal and almightie ruler of heauen and earth keepeth in his owne handes and giueth not this power vnto any other This also vve know that whome the Lord hath before al worldes chosen them â—…e wil in his due time and meanes cal by his word and whome he â—…alleth them he sealeth with this seale to depart from iniquitie to beleeue and lay hold of CHRIST IESVS as their alone sauiour to honour and obâ—…y him as their annointed King Priest Prophet to submit théselues vnto him in all thinges to be reformed corrected gouerned directed by his most holy vvord vowing their faithful obedience vnto the same as yt shalbe reuealed vnto them By this faith confession profession euerie member of CHRIST from the greatest vnto the least without respect of persons entereth into standeth in the Church In this faith haue all the faithfull congregations in the world and true members of the same bodie fellowship communion each with other and out of this faith haue the true seruantes of GOD no fellowship no communion with any congregation or member how florishing titles or faire shewes soeuer they make heere in the flesh None as hath beene prooued vncircumcised or polluted in flesh might enter into the temple or tast of the passouer or other sacrifices how neere soeuer they were in consanguinitie affinitie or subiection In King DAVIDS time the Edomites Moabites Ammonites Philistims were brought vnder obedience subiection yet were none of them admitted into the temple c. but such as imbraced the faith King HEZEKIAS and IOSIAH two famous godly Kings after they had rightly reformed the corrupt estate admitted none to the passouer but such as purified sanctified themselues according to the law The like we reade of the children of the captiuitie after they had finished the temple set the priests in their order thâ—… Leuites in their courses c. they keâ—…t the passouer together with all such as had seperated themselueâ—… vnto them from the fiilthines of the heathen of the land to seeke the Lord GOD of Israel These
were godly Kinges which truly planted religion and rightly reformed the state had euerie way as great priuiledg and prerogatiue as any Kings before or since yet had they not power neither durst they presume to open the temple dores to the profane or pulluted or to admit them vnto the passouer c. for this had beene heinous sacriledg impiety for which sinnes the wrath of GOD would haue burnt against them Neither is the like sinne lesse transgression now either in the Prince that commandeth the priestes that administer or the people that receaue The Prince himself entreth by the same dore of faithâ—… into the Church is bownd to the strait obseruation obedience of Gods lawes in his calling as well as any other and is for any transgression therof liable subiect to the censures iudgmentes of CHRIST in his Church which are without partialitie or respect of persons Which censures and iudgmentes if the Prince contemne he contemneth them against his owne soule is thervpon by the same power of CHRIST to be disfranchized out of the Church to be deliuered ouer vnto Satan as well as any other osfendor Now though by this sinne he loseth his right to be a christiaÌ„ or member of the church yet loseth he not his right to be a King or magistrate is so to be held and obeid of all faithful Christians which are his subiectes And sure they litle know what belongeth either to the entrance into or coÌ„tinuance in the Church of GOD or what belongeth to the administration of the sacramentes or to the holy coÌ„munion of the saintes which reuiue or defend this doctrine For is not the whole Church but especially the porter or pastor who ought to know those well that come in to know his sheep by name guiltie of great negligeÌ„ce sacriledg that receaue such into their fellowship administer the holy thinges of God vnto theÌ„ of whose faith they haue no more â—…timonie assuraÌ„ce yea or rather of whose infidelitie profanenes tâ—…ey â—…aue such apparant proofes Can the word sacramentes which they say cannot be without fruit either take away or excuse their sinne in deliuering vnto or ioyning with the open vnworthy in the sacramentes or excuse the vnworthy receauers froÌ„ eating or drinking their owne damnation may the temple of the Lord be thus profaned the table of the Lord thus coÌ„temned defiled or is not the Lord a God of iudgmeÌ„t But yt is impossible that the word sacrameÌ„tes should be without fruit This is true yet the fruit is of two sortes for falling vpoÌ„ good ground yt bringeth herbs fruit worthy of the dressor receaueth blessing of the Lord. On the other side if yt fal vpoÌ„ il ground which â—…till bringeth thornes briars yt deliuereth yt not froÌ„ but rather hastneth yt vnto the curse iudgments of God Neither can any labour of man though Paul plant Apollos water any thing preuailâ—… except God giue the increase That which is crooked can no man make straight No washing no sope or nitre can clense the Leopard froÌ„ her spots horses caÌ„ not run vpon the rock neither can any man plow ther with oxen The sownd of the Gospel is to some the sweete sauour of life vnto life vnto others the sauor of death vnto death The gospel preached doth not make al the land or al that heare yt straight way meÌ„bers of the Church without seene faith obedieÌ„ce NOAH preached a great while whiles the Arke was in making vnto the old world but preuailed not The Lord sent to Israel and Iudah in their defection many Prophets rising early sending yet they gaue not eare but mocked the messengers of God despised his word and misusâ—… his Prophets The law the Prophetts were dayly read in the Synnagogues of the Iewes at such time as CHRIST came yet neither they nor their rulers knew or acknowledged him but fulfilled them in condemning him Yea CHRIST himself that most liuelie powerful excellent teacher preached the gospell among them with great vertue miâ—…acles yet beleeued they not on him that the saying of the Prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled Lord who hath beleeued our report or to whome is the arme of the Lord reuealed therfore they could not beleeue because yt is said againe he hath blinded their and hardened their heartes that they should not see with their eies nor vnderstand vvith their heartes and should be conuerted and I should heale them And againe in an other place And I said I haue laboured in vaine I haue spent my strength in vaine for nothing but my iudgment is with the Lord my work with my God Then neither this doctrine followeth that where a ChristiaÌ„ Prince maintaineth the gospel and the people by the same authoritie are compelled to heare the same that the whole multitude without further proofe of theiâ—… Christian obedience are herevpoÌ„ to be receaued into the Church and made partakers of the bread of the children and the holy thinges of GOD neither yet this strange opinion which is generally taught by the learned preachers of these times that vvhere there is a preaching minister there that parish is â—…ndoubtedly how profane and wicked soeuer the people be to be held and accounted â—… true Church of CHRIST except these presumptuous shepheardes these companions haue greater vertue prerogatiue then CHRIST himself had vvho could not bring this to passe in the places where he taught Yea the follie of some euen of the chief Rabbines amoÌ„gst them hath yet proceeded further namely that VVHERE 〈◊〉 is one parish that hath as he termeth him a burning lamp viz. a preaching priest amongst sixe or seuen other parishes hauing smoking lampes viz. dumb priestes that cannot preach there the light of this burning lamp or star called vvormwood shall enlighten the other candlestickes also and giue them the estimation and dignitie of true Churches likwise But my purpose is not heer to intreate of the excellencie of these preachers how powerfully and purely they preach the gospell therof in due place It now remaineth to see whether the vertue of the sacramentes thus administred vnto the whole multitude of a land or state can sanctifie and make holy or be auaileable to this people or no. It hath beene aboue shewed to be great sinne shamful negligence high contempt vnsufferable profanation sacriledg in the whole Church to admit administer vnto or coÌ„municate with such Neither can the holines of the sacramentes any way excuse but rather greatly augment their sinne iudgment which deliuer such holy things to such knowen vnworthy receauers which discerne not the Lordes bodie neither can the holines of the sacramentes sanctifie the receauers especially the vnworthy receauers vvhose filthines defileth the sacrament euen as leuen the lump The sacramentes confer
not so much as seale Gods grace vnto vs they giue not faith to any so much as confirme the faith of all the worthy receauers But where they are thus prostituted sacrilegiously profaned they bring no such ioy they seale no such comfort but rather Gods assured wrath for the abuse of his ordinances the people sacramentes and all being hereby vncleane polluted in Godes sight Neither preserue they vnto the Church hereby her vnitie and power but rather take away al communion and so corrupt and poison yt that now their fellowship is not in the faith but in sacriledg and sinne And for the power of the Church yt is not giuen them to receaue and admit but to driue away and keep out the profane and open vnworthy from the table of the Lord. THE NEXT shiftes these Balaamites haue for the administring vnto the communicating with and retayning the prophane in the bozome of their Church are certayne Argumentes draweÌ„ by M r. CALVIN from the 13. and of Mathew against the Anabaptistes to prooue that the Church heer on earth shal neuer be without sinne and is not to be left for sinne c. comparing the Church to a corne field vvhich being sowen with good graine ys by the enimiâ—…s fraud scattered with tares of which yt is not clensed vntill the crop be brought into the barne-floore and vnto a net in which all kind of the fiâ—…hes are gathered together are not chosen out vntil they be laid out vpon the shore c. and vnto a floore wherin the vvheate is so gathered that yt lieth hiddeÌ„ vnder the chaffe vntil by fanne and syue yt be at length layd vp in the grainer The doctrine which M r. CALVINE heer indâ—…uoreth to prooue as yt may be vnderstood is true for no doubt while the Church consisteth of mortal men so long is yt subiect to sinne ignorance els had we no need of CHRIST to be our mediator ouâ—… aduocate our high priest our Prophet to make our peace to intercede for vs to offer vp our praiers to instruct vs c. Therfore such as shall for sinne leaue the communion of the Church must seeke the societie of Angels and not of men Much better should they doe according to the Apostles councel to admonish them that are out of order to comfort the feeble minded to beare with the weake to be patient towardes all men yea if the sinne be publike and of the whole Church grauelie in the name of the lord to reprehend reprooue the same louingly to exhort them to repentance amendment rather then preposterously to leaue them and rashly to forsake the fellowship as the maner of some is And doubtles if yt be the true spouse of CHRIST yt wil giue eare to the voice of the bridegroome and not coÌ„tinue obstinate in presumptuous sinne for therfore were they not receaued to grace Faith doth not abrogate the law neither came CHRIST to take away the law so much as the curse of the law from the Church And heervnto serueth that great base and sea of CHRISTES blood which is placed in the Church to purge and wash away through faith and repentance those deformities and blots of sinne which thâ—… glaÌ„sse of the law â—…heweth not vpon the priuiledg of CHRISTES death to take bouldnes to sâ—…e or to continue in any knoweÌ„ sinne or to neglect or despise the word or to thinke lightly of the lâ—…ast sinne or not with all possible speed to redresse yt rather remooue yt out of the Chuâ—…ch whervnto the true church neuer wanteth either wil or power Neither ought any faithfull seruant of GOD â—…o coÌ„municate with that assembly which waÌ„teth either wil or power to reforme amend any default which is coÌ„mitted amongst them after yt is made knoweÌ„ vnto them as shal apear in the further handling of these other their places Argumentes which they haue corruptly sucked from M r. CALVIN in this discourse vvho no doubt hath vnsuffeâ—…ably peruerted and wrested these places and other places of scripture drawen verie foule corrupt doctrine from them touching the estate and order of a planted Church and more dangerous damnable conclusions from the same as that yt is lawfull for the Church to receiue and reteine the ignorant prophane multitude to adminiâ—…ter the sacrameÌ„tes vnto coÌ„municate in the same with them that the sacrament is not defiled with such open vnworthy receauers neither the faithful of the Church with this actioÌ„ or their fellowship also that we ought to abhor withdraw froÌ„ the wicked in coÌ„mon bread conuersation but not in the worship of God the sacrameÌ„ts c. that the people our sauiouâ—… CHRIST did coÌ„municate with the polluted priestes corrupted sacrifices people c. These such other fearful false doctrines conclusions contrarie to the whole course of scripture his disciples haue drawen from him And in deed his abuse of these and other placâ—…s as the epistles to the Churches of Corinth Galatia Asia c. his discourse therof seeme to import w ch that yt may more plainly apeare let vs come to the more particular coÌ„sideratioÌ„ of his places examine whether any sâ—…ch doctrines applications conclusions may be drawen from them and that breefly To HIS FIRST place where he resembleth the planted Church to that sowen field or rather confidently affirmeth that sowen field to be the planted Church c. and from thence draweth that seene knowen tares shall grow and remaine in the planted Church vntill GOD â—…oot them out thervpon coÌ„cludeth that none ought to refraine the coÌ„munion of the Church for such offendors especially where the word is purely taught the sacramentes rightly administred which he maketh his two infallible markes of the Church leauing out obedience vnto practise of the word which he his disciples vnder the name of Discipline make an hangby wherof in due place First heer against M r. CALVINS writinges his disciples I oppose the interpretation of our Sauiour himself who opening this parable vpoÌ„ his disâ—…iples requests vnto our good saith that he which sowed the good seed is the Sonne of man the field is the world and the good seed are the childreÌ„ of the kingdom the tares are the childreÌ„ of that wicked one the enimie that soweth them is the deuil the haruest is the end of the world the reapers are the Angels c. What interpretatioÌ„ can be more excellently consonant in euerie point vnto the parable theÌ„ this or what other interpretation can be 〈◊〉 is not euerie part of yt most liuely opened did noâ—… GOD at the firâ—…t make the world all things in the â—…me good was â—…t not corrupted through the fraude mallice of the deuil hath â—…ot GOD stil in yt his Church visible
vniuersal here there gaâ—…hered scattered in the world hath not the deuil also that prince â—…f this dark world his childreÌ„ seruantes which as tares ouergrow grieue the wheate couer the face of the whole fâ—…ld Is not this â—…he condition estate of the world shalbe to the end Now here â—…hough GODES children by the light of his word espie and grieue at â—…hese wicked tares so see this world which is in deed y e Lordes field beloÌ„geth to the good seed not vnto the euil thus pestered and â—…uergrowne with the wicked yet may they not by a rash inordiâ—…ate zeale be caried away either peremptorily to iudge coÌ„demne â—…r vtterlie to extirpate these tares as reprobates both because the â—…ord hath reserued this final iudgment execution vnto himself who knoweth to what he hath predestinate euerie vessel that he â—…ath made whether vnto honour or to dishonour reserueth the â—…easons oportunities wheÌ„ to cal or cut off in his owne handes â—…ath neither coÌ„mitted these things to maÌ„ nor need to be couÌ„celled or aduised in theÌ„ by maÌ„ But Christ in this parable rather teacheth â—…is disciples patience sobrietie to be patient towardes al men as â—…heir heauenly Father is patieÌ„t rather suffring instructing y e euil with meeknes prouing if God at any time will giue theÌ„ repeÌ„tance â—…y they may acknowledg y â— truth come to ameÌ„dment out of the â—…nare of the deuil of whome they are takeÌ„ prisoners to do his wil â—…ather pitiâ—…ng in their soules praying for al meÌ„ theÌ„ iudging fiâ—…ally condemning any or calling for fire vengeance vpon them c. This were a preposterous zeale greatly against Godes glorie who willeth al men to be saued calleth theÌ„ to his SoÌ„nes mariagé â—…east therefore causeth the gospell to be preached proclaimed for vs after we are once entred to shut the dore of Godes grace against others we were not for this cause receaued to mercy but raâ—…her to prouoke others to tast of Gods goodnes also be examples â—…o them that shal in time to come beleeue vnto eternal life Yf Paul Mary Magdalene others nay if we our selues by whome of al others we know most euil had beene plucked vp by the rootes whiles we grewe amongst the rankest of the weedes tares in the field of the world had yt not beene much ruth had not much good wheate beene spilt but he y chose called vs out of this dark world vnto the glorious inheritance of the Saintes in light shal shew the like mercie vnto them also if they abide not in vnbeliefe Our sauiour Christ whiles he was here emongst vs came not into the world as theÌ„ to iudge or coÌ„deÌ„ne the world but that the world through him might be saued Let not vs then take that vpon vs w ch belongeth not vnto vs neither iudge before the time seing God hath not giuen to his church to censure or iudge them without but to attend vpon iudg them which are within God iudgeth them that are wâ—…thout But now how may this place of the sowen field without vnsufferable vvrasting and falsifying be vnderstood of or applied vnto the planted Church of Christ shall these stinking vveedes noisome tares grow there vnweeded out or hath not GOD therfore giueÌ„ vnto his Church and euerie member therof the vveeding hooke of his word the power of our Lord IESVS CHRIST vvherby to censure cut off euerie obstinate offendor to cast downe euerie high thing that is exalted against the knowledg of GOD to haue vengeance ready against all disobedience and euery transgression that ariseth amongst them Is not the vvhole Church euerie member therof often almost euerie where in the scriptures coÌ„manded and stirred vp to keep this vvatch diligently and for the neglect contempt therof reade we not of sundrie Churches sharply reprooued yea vtterly cut off and is yt then likely that our sauiour CHRIST would here vtterly forbid his Apostles Disciples to intermedle vvith the vveeding out of these tares out of the Church his gardeÌ„ doth not this place thus vnderstood of the planted Church vtterly subuert and ouerthrow all ecclesiastical censures and condemne the Apostles of presumption for stirring vp the Churches to excoÌ„municate and cast out their obstinate offenders inordinate walkers heretikes c. from amongst them yea for so sharply reproouing whole Churches and threatning to come against them vvith the iudgmentes of GOD for their defalts herein vvhich vvay can all the learning these men haue reconcile these places but that by this their interpretatioÌ„ there must needes be expresse coÌ„trarietie But as they thus peruert this place so the applicatioÌ„ of yt and their collection from yt is much more pernicious and vnsusferable as shall afterward appeare THE NEXT place that is brought for the receauing and reteining their profane sinfull multitudes in their Church is the Parable of the draw-net vvherin fishes of all sorts are gathered and not seuered vntill the Lordes finall iudgmeÌ„tes This is granted them to be vnderstood of the planted Church where by the power of the word all degrees and sorts of men are gathered and amongst them diuerse false and wicked hypocrites vvhich shall coÌ„tinue remaine in the Church vntill the Lord pluck off their visors pull theÌ„ out whether by death or by his finall iudgment This is no new thing this is not denied this alwaies hath beene alwaies shalbe vnto the end of the vvorld Many shall enter without the vvedding garment vvithout that vvhite stone that inward testimonie and assurance vvhich no man knoweth saue he that receaueth yt and GOD giueth vnto none but vnto his choseÌ„ Many glorious hypocrites shal there be vvhich make a faire shew in the flesh which shal haue prophecied cast oâ—…t deui's done great vvorkes by CHRIST name which in that day shall call and not be heard But what of all this may yt â—…om hence be concluded that the profane multitude without due â—…stimonie and proof of their faith by publike profession c. may â—…e admitted into or any open vvicked vvhich remaineth obstinate â—…d impenitent may be reteined in this Church of CHRIST Surelie â—…is ground vvill beare no such doctrine this place no such conâ—…ruction THERE YET remaineth an other maine place to vphold their conâ—…sed profane assemblies draweÌ„ from the third chapter of Mathew 12 â—…rse vvhere they liken the gathered and established Church of â—…HRIST vnto a barneflore in vvhich the vvheate is so gathered toâ—…eather that yt lieth hidden vnder the chaffe vntill being clensed â—…ith fanne siue yt be aâ—… length layd vp in the grainer c. yea M r. â—…ALVINE in an other peculiar treatise against the Anabaptists vsing â—…is place of Mathew saith THAT the faithful shalbe in the planted â—…hurch of CHRIST
hidden amongst the opeÌ„ wicked vngodly as 〈◊〉 few graines of wheate lie in a great heape of chaffe c. Then â—…hich doctrine nothing can be deuised more vncleane corrupt â—…r more vnworthy the Church of CHRIST as breaking all the orâ—…inances and lawes of GOD at once and vtterly subuerting defiâ—…ng all Christian communion c. vvhich doctrine as yt is directly â—…ontrarie vnto the whole course of scriptures both for the entrance â—…to the Church and for the order conuersation in the Church 〈◊〉 can no place of scripture be applied to the vpholding and confirâ—…ation therof without vnsufferable falsifying and violent wrasting â—…e same As for this place Maâ—…hew 3. 12. yt no more prooueth this docâ—…ine then the others out of Math. 13. for here Mathew rather recorâ—…eth the conclusion of Ihon the Baptistes sermon doctrine then â—…ny way describeth the estate of the established Church of CHRIST 〈◊〉 the 11. and 12. verses shewing the incomparable excellencie of CHRISTES person and ministerie in respect of his also in the same â—…ewing the diuers effectes of Christes coÌ„ming vnto such as looked â—…or him vvho as they vvere of two sortes so had they seuerall sucâ—…esse The one sort he baptised the other he consumed with fire â—…he one sort he fanned fifted purged fined and preserued as wheat â—…nd siluer the other with the same fanne and fornace he â—…scattered â—…nd burnt vp as chaffe drosse The humble poore of the flock â—…vhich gaue eare to the voice in the wildernes which confessed â—…epented their sinnes and made strait his pathes receaued Ihons â—…aptisme those he receaued fed kept c. but those proud Phaâ—…isies learned Scribes and carnal Saâ—…uceis which thought themâ—…elues in a perfect estate and despised the councel of God against â—…hemselues and would not be baptised of Ihon those when the â—…ESSIAH also came despised and contemned him and therfore he â—…ut them off in one day yea his day was vnto them darknes and not â—…ght c. But now which way should this fowle vncleane barn-floore thus pestered ouerspred with chaffe be likened almost without blaâ—…phemie vnto y e holy Church of Christ rightly planted established gouerned according to his holy will testameÌ„t where as hath beene said all the people that enter are receaued there are chosen redeemed called out of the world from amongst the heathen Saintes by calling partakers of the same pretious faith glorious hope humble obedient louing sheepe And therfore is y â— church likened to a sheepfold which is both watched and defended to keepe out the wild beastes the wolfe and litle foxes vnto a garden shut vp welspring inclosed an orchyeard vineyard walled where al the plantes are natural sweet incense trees pomgranate al sweet fruit trees Myrrhe Aloes cynnamon with trees of chief spices Heere entereth no Cananite or profane person but euerie vessel shalbe cleane holy as bowles before the Altar c Furthermore eueÌ„ in the material temple there were ash-pannes besoms to sweep carry out al dust filth And euen in euerie barn-flore the husbandman hath his flayle his fanne his syue to tresh his wheat out of the eare to purge yt from the chaffe to seuer yt from darnel tares c. which labour if he should slack he should haue no vse of his wheat he should haue no cleane nor wholsome bread And how much more shal our heauenlie husbandman purge his seed his wheat from such reprobate chaffe giddy darnel before he receaue them into one loafe set them at his heauenly table They canot be a newe lump vnto him except they be purged from the old leuen of maliciousnes wickednes The seruantes of God can neither build the Church nor ioine in any spiritual actioÌ„ with the profane nor with such counterfeit professors as the Samaritanes nor with such bastardy false seede as that of MOAB of ASHDOD c. There may be no misseline or seedes of diuers kinds soweÌ„ in the Lordes â—…ield The God of heauen and earth requireth vnto himself a holy seed he will be sanctified of all that draw neere vnto him for euen our God is a consuming fire How then dare any admit those the Lord shutteth out of his Church or how dare they mingle and ioyneth such reprobate knowen chaffe cockle tares darnel with the Lordes wheate wittingly and wittingly which the Lord with fanne syue purgeth seuereth casteth out of his barn-flore much lesse receaueth not into his granarie But how far is their ignorant rashâ—…es or rather presumptuous boldnes proceeded which not only receaue into retaine in their Church fellowship these heapes of the wicked opeÌ„ vnworâ—… euen all the profane multitude al sortes of people that are found within their territories and iurisdiction without respect of person but euen thrust them vpon Christ whether he will or no and make him an high Priest Prophet vnto them administring vnto them and their seed the holy thinges of God as baptisme the Lordes supper Is not this to mingle heauen and earth ligh darkâ—… or â—…hat higher sacriledge can be committed shal these places thus â—…rasted falsified hide diminish their sinns or rather not agraâ—…ate make manifest their error wickednes By what sober conâ—…truction or almost coÌ„mon sense can this place Math. 3. be vnderâ—…tood of the planted and rightly ordered Church of Christ or how â—…ay such a Church be compared to a flore where in a great heape â—…f chaffe a few graines of wheate lie hid and buried we read in the â—…criptures that the righteous shall shine as starrs in the Church of God yet I willingly acknowledge that there can in this life be no wheate so pure which hath not both chaffe branne c. but that â—…n an other sense only I would know of these men that thus grossly â—…iken the Church of God what difference we may put betwixt the â—…orld and their Church In the world in deed the children of God â—…hal for a season be mingled remayn amongst the profane wicked vntil the time of their visitation calling but after they haue once giuen obedience vnto the voice of Christ then forget they forsake their old conuersation companie haue no longer felâ—…owship with the vnfruitful workes of darknes but are renned in â—…ighteousnes holines and true knowledg after the image of him that called them out of darknes into his merueilous light c. But to couer cure al this confusion disorder al this sacrilegious profanatioÌ„ portsale of the holy thinges of God al other mischeifes enormities amongst theÌ„ as also to stop the mouthes to terrifie al such as find fault with reprooue these thinges or depart from amongst them where
the same are ◅ncurable without redresse these Balaamites these crooked disciples of M r. CALVIN bring from him the examples of the Churches of Corinth Galati◅ and A◅ia where were open wicked men as the incestuous person drunkardes gluttons extortioners wranglers wrong-doers prowd and ambitious persons sectaries heretikes c. as also sundrie abuses and corruptions in doctrine and in the administration of the sacrament c. yet they were by the iudgment of the holy Ghost notwithstanding al these sinners sinnes adiudged the holy churches of God neither were the faithfull commanded to refraine their communion Furthermore the Prophets and our sauiour CHRIST at such time as the estate of the Iewes temple was wholy corrupted forsooke not the Temple but resorted and communicated with the wicked people at their feastes and sacrifices Yea when the pollution and contagion was generall and incurable both in the people and priestes bec◅se saith their Author a godly conseience is not hurt by the vnworthines of any either minister or people nor yet their ministerie being the ordinance of GOD as their ceremonies sacrifices and praier with them c. the word and sacramentes with vs defiled but are pure wholsome vnto the vpright and faithfull receauers who may lift vp pure handes in a wicked assemblie neither ought for the wickednes of mē to ref◅se the holy ordinances of GOD seing yt is only CHRISTES office to purge the ba◅e-floore seuer the tares c. and belōgeth to no priuate men to examine others or the whole Church so much as for euerie one to examine his owne self to see y t he be good wheat least otherwi◅e he eate vnto his owne iudgment For the bread of the Lord the faithfull receauers therof are not made worse with the sinnes of others It is one thing in common bread and conuersation to flee the companie of vvicked men an other thing for hatred of them to forsake the fellowship of the Church These and such other poisoned blasphemous cauils they bring to iustifie and vphold their confused babylonish synagogues and al the abhominations they cōmit in them vvhich wind◅haken figleaues although I could in a word pluck frō them so lay their filthines naked namly by shewing that there can be no comparison betwixt the Church of Christ and their whorish idolatrous Church which hath not one part of a true church not one pinne naile nor hooke according to the true patterne or in due frame and so could set this their Author vpon whome they so much relie most sharply against them vvho in all these treatises is alwaies to be vnderstood of a Church rightly established and planted according to the Testamēt of Christ with such ministers such sacramentes as there are apointed c. thē which here amongst these his followers is nothing lesse as shall not be hard to shew in due place And therfore the Argumentes drawē from the Churches of Corinth Galatia c. euē by their Authors owne iudgment nothing serue their turne who are more like to DAN and BETHEL in the schismatical estate of the kingdome of Israel remaining stil in that great defection of Antichrist fortold of c. yet seing they haue taken the paines to fetch these Argumentes from ouer the sea and so ernestly vrge them let vs do them the fauour euen so far as we may with Christian patience to giue them the hearing THEIR FIRST Argument seemeth to be this THERE VVERE in the Churches of Corinth Galatia c. not only wicked persons but also sundrie errors abuses corruptions in doctrine administration yet they were stil iudged ◅he Churches of God and the faithful re◅rained not their cōmunion th◅rfore we ought not to leaue these their assemblies though the open wicked and many other enormities be there committed and suffered First as hath beene noted there is no comparison betweene these holy Churches of God which were truly gathered planted ordered and these their confused idolatrous assemblies Then here must be obserued that they in nothing can be compared vnto these C◅urches but in sinne error moreouer that the faultes of these Churches which were but of ignorance and frailty cannot be compared to the sinnes of these vnchristiā assemblies which are in presumption obstinacie disproued by others confessed yet continued of themselues Lastly here must be noted how corruptly they vnderstand vnsufferably pervert those scriptures where the apostle reprehendeth these sinnes in those churches c. exhorteth the whole church to repentance to redresse the thinges amisse that with sundrie seuere and apostolike threats vpon their ◅eglect or default therin But these mē take these places where the sinnes of these churches are thus sharply reprehended censured and would iustifie therby the receauing reteining nourishing al this profane rowt of people in the bosome of their churches as ◅lso al the abhominatiō idolatrie opē wilful breach of Gods lawes setting vp their owne antichristian divises pop◅sh cannons in stead therof c. would from hence conclude yt to be no more lawful for true Christians to remoue out of these assemblies in this estate then yt was for the faithful in the churches of Corinth Galatia c. to forsake those churches before their sinnes errors were either reproved or cēsured What more vnsufferable abuse of scriptnres can there be thē this to take those examples which were written to terrifie admodish stir vp all Churches posterities to eschew watch against and r◅dresse such sinnes transgressions to colour and cloke al sinne and iniquitie yea to take away from al Christi◅ns their libertie prower either to reproue censure or refraine the same These churches say they were iudged pronounced by the holy ghost the churches of God notwithstandi◅g these hainous sinnes amongst them Wel what then these and al other churches whiles they remaine in this life shal commit sundrie daily sinnes of ignorance frailtie c. therfore they may also commit presumtuous sinne y◅a remaine incorrigible obstinate in their sinnes and yet of vs be esteemed reuerenced as the true churches of God this they must proue or els they say nothing this these examples of these churches prove not For they cannot shew that euer t◅ey de◅pised the Apostles admonition or refused to redresse the thinges they were blamed of which if they should haue done houw could they be esteemed the church of God whiles they reiect the word breake the law despise correction yea even Godes grace mercie offred by stopping their eares hardening their heart refusing to repent c. What can the heathen doe more nay wh◅t doe they so much for they sinne in their ignorance these in the presumtion of their heart contempt And now in this estate what communion is to be held with them what fellowship may the childrē of God haue with such reb◅ls apostataes Can any glorious titles or name of a Church
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
sauing their soules bodies from such wicked accursed assemblies from such disobedient rebellious people and from al the trumperies and deceites of the false Church c. But let vs a litle examine what kind of doctrine these men draw from Mr. CALVINE spread abrode in their pulpites publike writinges They hould that whatsoeuer Congregatiō keepeth an outward shew of the ministerie of the word sacramentes ceaseth not to be a Church neither is to be left for any sinne in maners as they call yt whatsoeuer though they willingly presumptuously neglect break the lawes of God both in their worship and conuersation and remaine incorrigible obstinate in these transgressiōs Now they teach that neither for such sinnes God is so displeased with the congregatiō that he herevpon withdraweth his fauor from them or they ◅cease to be held reuerenced of vs as a Church neither the publike actions of the said congregation as their praiers preaching sacramentes c. neither the cōmunicantes with this assemblie in these actions are with for these sinnes defiled For say they a godly conscience is not defiled with the sinnes of an other What fleshly libertine hath or can breath forth more poisoned doctrines then these more contrarie to the honour whole word of God from which yt at once taketh away al reuerence obedience practise What can be more popishly alledged for their Church then to say that yt can blesse these actions and persons whome God in his word accurseth or that the Church may cōmit such high sacriledge presumptuous sinne without the iudgment punishment due to the same Yf God haue made one the same couenant from the beginning of the world with the whole Church that he hath with euerie particular priuate mēber therof hath giuē no more libertie to the whole Church then to any priuate man to breake the least of his lawes if God for the transgression of his lawe vnpartially iudgeth al without respect of persons if presumptuous sinne with obstinacie ioined thervnto breaketh the couenant with God insomuch as yt both breake◅h Godes law and despiseth Godes mercie grace so depriueth them in that estate of any benefite of CHRISTES death If they which in this maner breake Godes law despise his grace to be iudged of al men as open wicked c. If al the actiones of the wicked be accursed of God so much the more accursed and abhominable by how much they take shew of holines profane Godes name ordinances Yf all they which partake in such actions praiers sacrifices which are an abhomination vnto the Lord be guilty of the altar and vnder the same curse how should those assemblies which continue in presumptuous obstinate sinne be esteemed the true Churches of CHRIST or any that administer vnto or cōmunicate with them in this estate in praiers sacramentes c. auoid the iudgment curse of God both for ioining vnto blessing the wicked for so high profanation of his name prostituting the holy mysteries of the ◅odie blood of Christ to such open vnworthy receiuers Rightly then and directly to reason to the point As many places of scripture as command Godes faithful seruantes with al their forces vttermostindeuor to obserue practise and obey vnto Godes holy word euerie part therof without any willing neglect or breach of the least cōmandement to their knowledg As many places as shew that obstinate presumptuous transgression breaketh the couenant As many places as command vs to seek out and resort vnto the true Church of CHRIST namely the cōmunion fellowship of the saintes Godes faithful obedient seruantes there to present our soules and bodies to be built bestowed according to Gods wil there together with thē to vvorship and serue our God c As many places as forbid vs all false Churches assemblies al spiritual fellowship cōmunion with the wicked or to repaire vnto or ioine with thē in their praiers worship c. So many places forbid vs al spirituall fellowship cōmunion vvith al assemblies in this estate vvhat faire shewes soeuer they make vnto vs or glorious titles they take vnto themselues so many places euidently prooue that if in this estate vve should communicate vvith them vve should be guilty of their sinns partakers of their plagues Which doctrines because they are generally receaued of all denied of none though omitted and forgotten by many and generally taught through the whole scriptures I need not here stand to make any more particular proofe or demonstration of them And so these being granted all these doctrines of M r. CALVINE and his Disciples fall to the ground Yet that the falshood of them may somwhat more appeare vnto all men let vs draw a litle neerer vnto them consider of their maine proofes and fundamental doctrines The publike actiones say they and ministerye of the Church as praiers sacramentes c. neither the godly conscience of anye are defiled vvith the open sinnes of others either of ministers or people c. For vvhy such publike actions are the ordinance of God and cannot be defiled or made vnavaileable with the sinnes of men neither are to be left for such sinnes Therfore the holy Prophets and our Sauiour CHRIST himself refrained not the Temple at such times as the estate therof was vholy corrupted but communicated with the wicked in their feastes and sacrifices although the pollution and contagion was generall and incurable both in the people and priestes For the rest euerie man is to eyamine himself and not othe◅s when he resorteth to the Church or receiueth the communion of the bodie and blood of CHRIST because he eateth to his owne damnation or saluation not to an other mans c. First if the open sinne of the minister or people defile not the praiers sacramentes by to them administred why hath the Lord said that ◅he sacrifice of the wicked is abhomination vnto him that they might as well kil a man as a bullock vnto him that they might as wel offer a dog or swines blood as sacrifice or burnt offering why hath the Lord said that sacrifice without obedience is not acceptable vnto him that he will haue mercie not sacrifice c. Why hath the Lord beene alwaies so ielous ouer his sanctuarie and ouer them that come neere vnto him vvhy hath he made so many lawes for the place Altar sacrifice priestes people c. that no priest with any apparant blemish might offer the bread of the Lord that no offring with any blemish might be accepted at the handes of any that none vvith any pollution or vncleannes vpon him might touch the tabernacle that no heathen or profane person vvhich was not yet come vnto the faith might tread in the courtes of the Lord or any offring be accepted at their handes vvhy hath the Lord
said that whatsoeuer the wick ed offer is vncleane whatsoeuer the polluted touch is defiled whether yt be the couch or seate they sit or lie vpon or vessels they vse whether yt be holy flesh vvine or oile yt is defiled c. Now then seing the vvhole scripture is so euident and plentifull in this point That the open sinne of the Church defileth all the actions of the Church maketh them and their offrings abhominable vnto the Lord seing no polluted person may either administer or offer vnto the Lord seing no polluted person may either administer or offer vnto the Lord seing vvhatâ—…euer they touch is also defiled and vncleane how can this doctrine of M r. CALVINE and his wretched followers stand THAT THE OPâ—… sinnes either of the minister or people defile not the publike actions praiers sacramentes c. of that Church those ministers people sacrifices they cannot deny to haue beene the ordinances of God also Yet euen their holiest thinges were defiled and polluted with the sinnes and vncleannes of men Now to the other point WHITHER a godly conscience can take no hurt neither need make scruple to communicate with the open wicked priestes and people in their praiers and sacramentes because they are the ordinances of GOD which are not to be left for the sinnes of men I haue alreadie often denied their praier and sacramentes in this estate to be the ordinance of God My reasons are the wicked haue nothing to doe to take the name of GOD in their mouthes or to vse that heauenly exercise and blessed benefit of the word and praier because they make no conscience 〈◊〉 breake Godes lawes and remaine impenitent and hardned in their sinnes then in this estate belong no sacramentes or ministerie vnto them by the ordinance of GOD vvho hath as well set downe what manner of minister and people shall deliuer and receaue tâ—…e sacramentes as after what manner the sacramentes shalbe deliuered So that where such open wicked impeniâ—…t and vnworthy ministers and people do administer or receaue the â—…ramentes so contrarie vnto and without regard of CHRISTES instiâ—…ion such sacrameÌ„tes can no way be said the ordinances of CHRIT â—…e blessed pledges of his bodie and blood c but rather sure seales of 〈◊〉 wrath euen to as many as so sacrilegiously profane his holy ordiâ—…ce and ioine together in that vngodly and accursed action vntill â—…y repent For as in the holy symbole of the Lordes supper the â—…mmunicantes be made one bodie with CHRITS and one anothers â—…mbers in the same bodie so are these bound together as a fagot the same iudgmentes and wrath in as much as they ioine together the same sinne and sacriledg and all become alike guilty euen prinâ—…als as we speake in the law in the action Hoâ—… then should any â—…re plead himself guiltles when eueÌ„ the action they commit boast 〈◊〉 is most heinous sacriledge The matter will not in this case be shifâ—…d off with saying an other mans sinnes cannot preiudice or defile â—…em seing they receiue with pure conscience c. For though this â—…ctrine as yt is here vsed be most corrupt and false yet here is now 〈◊〉 need that they should be charged with others sinnes seing they in â—…is action are ioyned vnto and become a like guilty with the worst â—…ust now beare the burden of their owne sinnes But is this doctrine so hard and strange to them that one should be â—…lluted with the knowne and suffered sinnes of an other Let them â—…ade in the lawe whether he that touched but the garment of a polâ—…ed man or woman much more of a leprous plaguy c. was defiled â—…erby If this were but by outward and bodily touching how much â—…ore is that spirituall leprosie that GANGRENâ—… these running isâ—…es and plaguy sores of sinne infectious and deadly contagious espeâ—…lly in so neere commixture as that spiritual communion of the â—…ule If the word of GOD will not preuaile let common sense and exâ—…rience perswade this Yea so spreading is this malady of sinne as â—…ing discouered in any one part of the body if yt be not with al speed â—…red or cut off yt becommeth a like dangerous to the whole bodie â—…ey all now by this their negliglence and tolleration becomming a â—…e guiltie c. How many stories haue we in the scriptures to conâ—…me his not only in particular as betwixt ELY and his sonnes for â—…l vvhose vvickednes he vvas blamed in that he did not represse â—…d chastice but only reprooue their sinnes but more generally â—…as not the vvhole Congregation smitten for that ACHAN his sinne â—…y hidden and vnpunished amongst them was not all the Congregaâ—…on punished for the sinne of some in mount PEOR was not the like â—…ared Iosh. 22. Doth not the Apostle say that a litle leauen leaueâ—…th the whole lumpe and that their reioicing was not good whiles â—…ey kept the wicked man amongest them Doth he not proue yt by â—…any reasons that as by the lawe the feast of the Passouer was to be kept with vnleavened bread that person that ate or reserved leaveÌ„ was to be cut off from the Congregation so much more ought we to see that there be no leavened or infectious person amongst vs that no root of bitternes spring vp least many therby be defiled c. Doth not the Apostle to take away al controversie shew by this similitude of leaven that not only sinne but even the sinner is to be removed both out of the feast which belongeth not vnto such neither is to be kept whith such least Godes wrath for the breach of his law in keeping the continual feast of our heavâ—…nly passover Christ Iesus burne forth against the whole house that is the whole Church also that such sinne sinners be removed out of the Church least the whole lump be leavened therby which we see how sodainly yt is done For as the wise man saieth One dead flie causeth the ointmentes of the Apotecarie to stinke Now then how caÌ„ these meÌ„ say that the sinnes yea the many obstinate sinnes either of ministers or people do neither defile the publike actions of the church neither the conscience of the godly receauers c where as hath beene by many reasons proved the verie action they so incommend is no lessâ—… then most heinous impious sacriledge So then vntil they can proue yt lawful no sacriledge either for that obstinate and open wicked to administer receaue the sacramentes also for the godly to communicate in such sacramentes with them vntil they ca proue these sacrameÌ„tes thus administred receaved to be blessed of God vntil they can proue that two divers yea contrary sortes of people namly the open wicked the godly such as despise such as feare God may be admitted vnto yea vnited in the sacramentes these doctrinis of theirs cannot stand But
not make marchandise of the word and open portsale of the Gospell offring their cu nning and selling their tongues like the orators and lawyers of the co mmō welth setting a price of the Gospell and compounding for their bellies before hand with the gluttons profane people to whome they administer alwaies readie vpon the hearing of a better bargaine to remoue as we haue aboue said of their parsonages deanries bishopricks and al other ecclesiastical liuings of their Church of England vntil they arriue vnto the archbishoprick of Canterburie to be Primate and Metropolitane of all England That only office is as their pole-star fixed and vnmooueable vnto and by which they direct all their course And now I leaue to your iudgment whether any such Bal◅ites and Sinioniaks can truly and sincerely preach the Gospel But all this they wil hide and salue with these two allegations that the workman is worthy of his hire and that if they should not thus cōpound the people are so vircharitable and couetous as they should want maintenance for food raiment bookes To the former yt hath already in a peculiar discourse beene shewed that the ministers of the Gospell should neither be maintained with Iewish tithes nor Balaams wages much lesse bargaine and bartre in this manner be their owne caruers To the other if the people want that charitie as not to administer vnto such of their earthly things which trea◅ out y e corne yea grind prepare and diuide vnto them their food portion and administer vnto them spirituall and heauenly things then are they vtterly vnworthy of the Gospell then belongeth not the Gospell vnto them Then why doe they administer the Gospell and stand heardes to these gadarenes why cast they their pearles before such swine why doe they sel the Gospell stand ministers yea prostitute y e body blood of Christ for wage to such open vnworthy as haue neither faith nor charitie As for their apparel yt is either too nice curious or els too affec◅ed and framed as the rough garment to deceaue For their diet they are so far from suffring these necessities and di◅tresses that famine hunger cold nakednes that labour and painfulnes c. which the Apostle susteined as they are rather of those feasters the Apostle Iude speaketh of which feed themselues without all feare Yea these ◅ycophants these trencher priestes will most cunningly insinuate into some great or noble mās house where they are sure to be wel fed and safe from all stormes euen the meanest of them will neuer be without their good hosts dames where they may lay their knife aboard fil their belly of the best Infinite are ◅heir ar◅es both to get retayne such friēds neuer were there in any ◅ge such priests for the welthie sort but as for the poore these pharise is will haue no medling with them further then whiles they bring their offringes or pay their tithes Sure they will be to haue Christ a cooke vnto them as for hauing him to be their King y e shall be but by way of inscription in a peece of paper or in the pulpit some time yet euen there meddle they as litle with Christs offices as may be Now for their bookes where in deed lieth all their learning and cunning without which they are as blind as moles as mute as fishes yt is no maruaile though they cal for them for therin consiseth ◅all their glorie he that can most learnedly fetch out his sermon ◅frō◅thē and preach their notes in manner of discourse he is the only man he hitteth the point aright though the text be neuer touched or broken vp Neither is yt a smal matter that wil ◅urnish one of these learned preachers of bookes they wil not stick to bestow more welth in their studie then many a godly christian and good house keeper hath to maintaine his familie to relieue his neighbours with But they edifie and build vp the Church heerby which is much more pretious then earthly sustenance I beleeue yt wel for vpon such sandy foundations is both their owne faith and their whole Church built and not vpon the sure rock of Christs Testament vvhat good and sound stuffe they pick from thence partly may appeare by the discussing of sundrie errors which euē the chief verie best of a◅ their writers haue held partly shall more appeare when we come to the examination of their pulpe◅ doctrines Only in this place I set downe my simple iudgment that yt were much better for the whole Church and themselues also that for prophecie doctrine they la◅d aside all authors and betake them wholy of all handes to the booke of God So should that booke be more soundly vnderstood and opened euerie word and leafe of the tree of life haue his due vertue so should they see with their owne eies and not with other mens speake with their owne tongues c. so should they and their whole auditorie haue greater assurance for the things they doe or leaue vndone so should there be many fewer of these blind guides these traditional preachers Furthermore heer is to be obserued how these priests or preachers not only take their licence to preach at their lordes these antichristia Bishops handes againe at their pleasure are deposed scilenced submit their doctrine to their censure the Gospell to th◅ir limitation prescrip◅iō preaching nothing that may breed either y e BB s dislike or their owne vnquiet c but with their sermons deck vp adorne the whore heale the wound of the beast curse reproach and slander Christs most faithful seruātes blesse Christs enemies euē al the prophane of the land Finally they therwith dawbe vp al the sinne of the land ioine the Gospell to all the abhomination of the time The former part of these hath beene often shewed need neither proofe nor repetition their b◅e with their paper licence their o◅he o◅ canonical obedience their publike iniunctions c. declare The other part their present administration the lamentable estate of the whole land being through their deceit so deeply set and strongly held in apostacie transgression and ignorance manifesteth without further proofe Let the grosse idolatrie miserable seruitude to the antichristian yoke of these Bishops the more then Babilonish confusiō the Sodomitish pride excesse the opē pe◅uerting of iudgment iustice the through corruption of all estates the deluge and height of sinne neuer heard nor read of the like in any nation or time going before shewe what Kind of Gospell they preach or rather how they preach the Gospell There is no man so sinful and wretched that will come and heare their cunning in the pulpit whome they sēd not away with
without freedome without practise without light You see how they subiect Church Gospel Christ to the apostaticall chaire of Antichrist making Christ both a minister to al their abhominations and to iustifie and daw be them vp with the Gospell Infinite were the labour to reckon vp all the forgeries they build vpō this foundation this Christ this Gospel or to shew how these wretches munge corrupt peruert wrast falsifie abuse y e scripturs how they roile yea poison the pure fountaines or to recite the sundrie errors they heerby fall into For whiles they thus blasphemously denie in deed and practise the whole annointing of Christ namely his three offices his kingdome priesthood and prophecie standing the sworne waged marked seruants of that aduersarie that Antichrist that beast these Bishops deriuing their forged false ministerie from them prophecijng by their licence limitation c therby they fla◅ly denie the kingdom Priesthood and prophecie of Christ for two contrarie Maisters they cannot obey they cannot be subiect both to Christ and Antichrist two diuerse and contrarie ministeries they cannot execute the ministerie of Christ and the ministerie of Antichrist at the same time neither cā they prophecie in bot◅ their names c. Many are their forged cauillations which they invent vnto themselues to hide this their perfidy all which as not recking them wor◅hie the reciting I leaue to be refuted by their owne practise comp◅red to the word of God as I might also vnto their owne alligations excuses God hauing so deuided their tongues made them so contrarie one vnto an other as yt is an impossible thing to find two of thē of one mind yea or any one of them con◅tant in that he affirmeth So are these accustomed to doe all things without ground or assurance following the traditions writings examples of others neuer looking how consonant they be vnto Godes word This maketh them thus ignorant and blind in all the lawes and ordinances of Christ touching the true gathering building and gouerning the Church of Christ that they know not the doctrines euē of the beginnings of Christ of repentance from dead workes faith towardes God of baptisme and laying on of handes This maketh them not to know so much as the stones wherof Christs Church must be built nor the true foundation wherupō to build them as you may see by that which hath beene said cōcerning their outward estate practise much lesse know they the true forme fashion of the house least of all the true administratiō ordinances therof as apeareth euidently by their receauing of administring vnto this mōstrous confuse bodie of their profane rowtes of people by their exercising this their false and antichristian ministerie and that after such an idolatrous blasphemous symoniacal maner as also by receauing Antichrists yoke traditions ordinances wherby as hath beene shewed they deny Christ in the flesh by denijng his offices his annointing they denie his ministerie his ordinances his whole Testament by receauing an other ministerie other lawes then s◅ch as he there hath prescribed Or els they must affirme that earthly mē may admit into make members of the Church whome they please and wil that they also may alter add to detract yea abrogate and disanul what part of Christs Testament they lift that they may erect a new ministerie a new forme of administration of sacraments of worship of government Of al which seuerally to intreat and set downe their particular errors and enormities no pen of man sufficeth I refer heerin the reader partly to that which heer is already vvritten concerning their ministerie ordination ministration sa◅raments worship c. but chiefly to his own◅ more neere view and diligent search of their doings by the light of Gods word They holde also that the true Church of Christ may be built and established without the outward offices and gouernment he hath prescribed in his Testament yea that in stead of them yt may receaue a false and adulterate ministerie be gouerned by other Officers and lawes then he hath appointed in his word They holde that yt may be a true Church though both ministerie ministration and government be thus wholy corrupted and forged and though yt haue neuer entred or smitten couenant with Christ but stil and euer haue remained in subiection vnto Antichrist in one false shape or other whose yoke they hold ought not to be cast off to redresse any sin or abuse amōg them or put in practise any more of CHRISTS Testamēt then is by publike authoritie permitted yea in this confusion idolatrie subiection though neither the people be called vnto nor ioined in the faith though neither ministerie ministration nor any thing be aright according to the word amongst them though their Church abound with all manner of sin abhomination and abhominable persons though they haue neither power to seperate the most vncleane to censure or cast out anie offendor or off◅nce to redresse any thing be yt neuer so odious hateful and apparantly ill nor yet haue libertie to put in practise any of Christs heauenly ordinances notwithstanding all this they hold yt with maine force and outcries to be a true established church of Christ though there be neuer a true stone nor any one pin or nayle o◅ the true tabernacle aright amongst them as their adulterate ministerie office election ordination administration worship sacramentes pr◅iers fasting abuse of the word read abuse of the word preached which they corrupt roile distort peruert wrast leauen falsifie poison abuse prophane abrogate exclude at their wils d◅clare Of all which what vnsound opinions they hold their present practise compared to the word of God manifesteth yea they wil stil be the true Church ministers of CHRIST though they reiect his word remaine obstinate in their sinne defend plead for iustifie the same persecute blaspheme mu◅ther CHRISTS seruants that speake vnto them in the name of CHRIST exhort them to amendement Thus you may see into what hardnes blindnes of heart extreame vtter darknes the Lord hath cast these your Seers because they haue loued darknes more then light neither haue trembled at his word but walked in the presumption of their owne heart committing arrogancie in their wrath O how great is that darknes when the verie light of your Church is such darknes as yt is but that verie smoke of the bottomle◅ pit when yt is duly examined For as you haue heard al their worship ministerie praiers sacraments fastes to be but counterfait abhomination so yet of all other you may perceaue this their preaching of the Gospell to be most detestable pe◅nitious euē the strongest snare delusion of Satan wherby he allureth deceaueth and holdeth captiue the miserable world in the chaines of transgression error idolatrie abhomination impenitencie vnto iudgment This preaching of theirs as yt is exercised in a false ministerie a false
Church as yt proceedeth from the chaire of Antichrist so is yt wholy subiect therunto both the person doctrine of the preacher Their person either to be still approued licenciate or els silenced suspended depriued their doctrine to be allowed or condemned as pleaseth their Lords Ordinaries in whose pontifical brests and handes standeth the whole doctrine of the church of England what they shal receaue what they shal reiect what they shall say what they shal leaue vnsaied c. The word of God Church ministerie preaching and al are wholy in the handes of these lawlesâ—…e Lordes to abrogate establish bring in cast out depose suspend without controlement or accompt A greater power then euer was giueÌ„ vnto or exercised by any of CHRISTS Apostles who alwaies submitted their doctrine practise persons vnto the trial and censure of the word and that by any Christian. They neuer exercised domioÌ„ oâ—…er the faith of any or layd anie other burden vpon the Church theÌ„ what they either read in the word of God or acknowledged to be the will of God But heere in the Church of Englâ—…d yt is held a small thing to haue a strange ministerye worship lawes orders gouernment imposed vpon them to haue a great part of Gods word quite banishâ—…d the Church the rest that is allowed them but by shredds patches at â—…tarts braydes to haue their preaching by stint prescription limitation to haue the whole doctrine subiect not to the wil of God but to the wil of these their Ordinarieâ—… who they may be sure wil allow no more none otherwise then shal agree to their apostatical throne The ministers of this Church may not preach the people beleeue much lesse practise any more of the word of God theÌ„ what is confirmed by these their Ordinaries The poore parish oâ—… congregation where these priestes serue may not meddle or haue to do with the election administration or deposing of these their ministers for why they are lay meÌ„ haue no skil neither ought to intermeddle with ecclesiasticall affaires or with the word of God Be their minister neuer so blind vnsufficient or vile a wretch detected of neuer so horrible sinnes yet may not they remoue him their only help is to complayne to their Lord Ordinarie in the meane while they must ioine to the wretâ—…h in praiers in sacramentes yea still for euer if yt pleasâ—… not their said Lord to giue eare to their complaint Let their minister preach neuer such damnable or hereticall doctrine wrest peruert corrupt falsifie the scriptures neuer so violently and heinously all the Church no though there be all the priests in a countrie as at a Scene hath no authoritie nay is by expresse law forbidden to reproue this doctrine presently or publikely or yet to forbid him to deale with the scriptures their remedy is stil to complaine to their Ordinarie and vntil yt please him to take order therin the whole congregation is stil bound to frequent his heretical sermoÌ„s ministerie yea al the priestes of the land both pontifical and reformistes agree in this point coÌ„clude that the lay people as they terme them ought not to intermedle either with y e deposing their minister or reproof of hiâ—… doctrine The one sort as you haue heard sendeth them to their Lords these Bishops the other referreth them ouer for these manie other cases vndâ—…r hand to a prouincial or classical Synode or permanent councel of priests c. Amongst whome all these affaires must be debated after they are agreed vpon the point then their decrees to be brought forth solemnely published pronounced to the people who must attend vpon awayte receaue these Oracles as most holy canonical They haue no remedie if they also be contrarie to the truth but to appeale to a councel in the meane while still ioyning to such a wretch such an heretike and that in the high profanatioÌ„ of Gods holy name word ordinances But my purpose is not in this place either to refute the popish prelacie of the one sort or the deuilish forgerie of the other hoping to find a more fit place for both so much as to shew that euerie Christian congregation hath power in themselues and of duty ought presently publikly to censure any false or vnsound doctrine that is publikly deliuered or maintained amongst them if yt be knowen discerned vnto them yea anie one member in the Church hath this power whatsoeuer he be Pastor or Prophet that vttereth yt as also to shew how far this their pulpet preaching differeth from that heaueÌ„ly blessed exercise of expounding scriptures or prophecie in the Church of CHâ—…IST The first me thinkes alreadie verie fully proued in all these places where our Sauiour CHRIST hath giuen vnto his Church and to euerie particular congregation therof himself his word his power with expresse charge to put in practise whatsoeuer he hath coÌ„manded them and threatned his wrath and displeasure against that whole congregation which neglecteth or breaketh any of his coÌ„mandements or suffreth any seene transgression or error or incorrigible impenitent offendor Also where he commanded all men to informe that Church wherof they are members of fuch transgressions offences enormities as arise amongst them This he in vaine had commanded and they in â—…aine should do this except he had giueÌ„ both absolute authority expresse charge vnto the Church to redresse and take order in the same In as many places alâ—…o as he hath coÌ„manded the whole church euerie member therof to watch to scowte and obserue their teachers to trie the Spirits to marke theÌ„ diligently which cause diuisioÌ„ offences contrarie to the doctrine which they haue learned to seperate themâ—… from â—…uch as teach after an other maner or consent not vnto the wholâ—…ome wordes of our Lord IESVS CHRIST to the doctrine which is according vnto godlines to hold theÌ„ accursed that peâ—…uert the Gospell of CHRIST or preach any thing besides that hath beene taught by CHRIST his Apostles to reiect an hereticke after one the second admonitioÌ„to haue in a readines due vengeance against al disobedieÌ„ce c. In al these and sundrie other places most euidently apeareth that CHRIST hath giueÌ„ ful power absolute authoritie and expresse coÌ„mandement vnto his Church eueÌ„ to euerie particular congregatioÌ„ to cenâ—…ure both the persons doctrines of their ministers of euery member of their said coÌ„gregations He sendeth them not heere â—…o these popish ordinaries neâ—…ther yet to a prouincial Synode or a Classis of priests there are other vses of Synods or councels as shal in due place be declared They can neither ad to nor diminish from the power of the Church or execute alter any part of the Churches dutie ‡ Moreouer sith euerie member hath like interest in CHRIST in his word the publike doctrine
ministration of the Church and shall all be held g◅iltie punished for the publike transgressions abuses of the Church seing ◅uerie member is bound to the edification seruice and vtilitie of the bodie seing euerie member of the Church is commanded to watch to trie the Spirits to contend for the maintenance of the faith once indifferently giuen to all saintes to auoide false teachers false Prophets c. seing they are cōmanded not to follow the multitude or mightie in euil seing they are commanded to reproue their brother playnly to bind their sinnes by the word euen their Princes in those chaines and nobles in those fetters to say to ARCHIPPVS looke to thy ministerie that thou hast receaued in the Lord that thou fulfil yt yea though an Apostle or an Angel from heauen should ◅each either other doctrine or after an other maner then is in CHRISTS Testament prescribed to hold and pronounce him accursed To conclude the point seing the praiers sacraments sermons of such wicked or hereticall ministers are sacriledg and abhomiuation in Gods sight and that all which communicate ioine to heare or suffer such ministers are alike guiltie of this sinne sacriledg who can doubt but that euerie Christian hath power and authoritie in due time and place not disturbing CHRISTS holy order in his Church publikely to reproue any publike ◅ransgression of anie member of the Church or of the whole Church as also to di◅couer and refute any error escaped or deliuered in publike doctrine yet this as is said in due time order giuing leaue and place vnto the Elders and Prophets of the said Congregation fir◅t who if they neglect or ouerpasse such publike transgression or error then may any one of the congregation or any Chri◅tian who◅oeuer yea he ought to reproue such transgression and error vnles he wilbe guiltie of betraying the faith of CHRIST of the distruction of the whole congregation knowing the danger of such leauen the sodennes of the wrath of God for such things Heere will be grosly obiected that the common people are ignorant not able to iudg betwixt truth error disordered variable easie to be deuided led into sects and therfore they are not to intermedle with the iudgmen◅ and reproof of faults and errors escaped in the ministerie or with the censuring their persons That their people are blind ignorant seditious headstrong I readily grant neither ca◅ yt be otherwise hauing such blind guides co◅rupt teachers as all they are I grant also that neither the people nor they ought in thi◅ estate to meddle with the word of God or take his blessed name in their mouth without most high and vnsufferable profa◅ation of the same But for the people of CHRIST they are all inlightned with that bright morning star that sonne of righteousnes The eye of their faith is single and the whole bodie is light They a◅e an humble meek obedient people they will heare and follow the true shepheard but a stranger they will not heare They reioice loue e◅nestly in the truth ◅a by no meanes be drawē to do any thing against the truth And therfore hath God amongst them bownd vp the testimonie and sealed vp the law To them he hath committed the charge and keeping of his holy oracles to them and euerie one of them he hath giuen his holy sanctifi◅ng Spirit to open vnto them and to lead them into al truth to thē he hath giuē his Sonne to be ther King Priest and Prophet who hath made them vnto him Kings Priests But if they were so blind and ignorant as these men would make them how could they then discerne truth from error how could they approue truth or refute error transgression Happily for all this heere will be saied that the common fort of CHRIST◅ seruantes either haue not this knowledg or haue yt but in small measure and therfore are vnfit to deale in the◅e high matters and can not doe yt orderly soberly To this I answere that they are to reproue no more then their assured knowledg leadeth them vnto If they transgresse the limits either of their knowledg in reprouing that which deserueth no reproofe or breake the established order of the Church by rashnes intemperance c. then are they for so doing subiect to reproofe censure for abusing their libertie for breaking order the Churches of God haue no custome to be contentious But if they should be debarred of this power libertie and dutie because they are not so learned as the priests and haue not beene at the vniuersitie c. by that popish reason were the word of God to be shut vp from al lay men as they cal them that no man might reade or speake therof in his house or family because they haue not knowledg to vnderstand yt open yt after their schoole maner the word of God being such an abysme of wisdome and of so great dignitie reuerence that in al places alike And should they not by this reason also shut yt vp from themselues and from al men in this life for he that knoweth most knoweth here but in part yea of that part he knoweth nothing as he ought to know But they are to vnderstand that God hath not giuē vs his word that yt should be perfected or receaue grace from vs but y t yt should bring grace vnto vs build vp accomplish our faith nourish vs vnto eternal life that yt should be milke to the weake vnexpert strong meate to them of riper age According to this word who so speaketh not yt is because their is no light in them By this word what so is reproued or affirmed the basenes or ignorance of the speaker is not to be regarded it no way diminisheth any thing from the dignitie truth of the word to which as the only obiect the Church is to cast their eye As for these learned diuines of our age I refer them vnto or rather oppose vnto them the wisdome word of God who you see hath giuen vnto al his seruantes this libertie power yea rather hath layd vpon them this charge duty to reproue censure any error or transgression which is committed by the whole Church or any member of the Church contrarie to the word of God by the same word But yet are not our learned Reformists satissied for ◅oe they fetch a reason somwhat more subtilly though altogether as far frō the truth as the other from 1 Cor. 14. 32. where yt is ◅aid The Spirits of the Prophets ar◅ subiect to the Prophets therfore conclude they that the people are not to reproue iudge or cēsure the doctrine of the minister but only an assembly of ministers a schoole of Prophets as they call yt Before I shew their
grosse mistaking peruerting this place of scripture I dismisse their Argument by denying the consequent therof That because the Spirit of the Prophets are subiect to the Prophets y t is such as haue the gift of vtterance expounding scriptures ought principally especially to iudg of that exercise and to speake in that exercise as in way of prophecie Therfore the whole Church besides nor any member therof ought not to reproue and censure such errors as haue escaped the Prophets are reuealed vnto them And for this I insist in the former reasons expresse places of scripture alledged Very hard yt were that y t heauenly and most blessed exercise of prophecie which was instituted of God for the singular comfort general inlightning of the whole Church should through the pride and arrogancie of a few be turned to the vtter subuersion of the faith of the whole Church and the desolation therof For what part can there be pure where the doctrine is not sound or what can be more miserable then to see with others mens eies to beleeue vvith other mens hearts yea to be brought into that slauerie and subiection that they must receaue and beleeue whatsoeuer the prophets or ministers speake and agree vpon be yt neuer so dissonant and repugnant to the word of God This were right after the manner of the Atheists of these daies to hire into their parish a learned preacher though al the rest of the parish be neuer so blind prophane wretched yet where this burning lampe is they are all in happy state and safe inough because they haue the Gospell preached amongst them they are a famous Church But our Sauiour Christ his Apostles submitted their ministerie doctrine to the trial censure and iudgment of al by the scriptures yea most commended and reioiced in these hearers that were most diligent to examine and try their doctrine And I would faine know what iniurie yt were vnto any if the Church stil reteined that libertie not disturbing the holy order therof But these priestes they will not only not submit their persons doctrine to the censure of the Church where they administer for they must haue a iurie of clarkes a Classis of Priestes to goe vpon them but they bind their poore Church to their lipps and build yt vpon themselues and vvith their blazing light strike al y e r est of their hearers followers sta◅ke blind Now let me returne to this place of the Corinths which they so falsely interpret miserably misuse and most perniciously peruert The prophets they giue out to be vnderstood of such ministers only as haue the gift of preaching as they call yt holding yt lawful for none els to speake of the scriptures by way of interpretation and prophecie especially to expound them in the Church or Congregation This exercise spoken of heere by the Apostle they say is vnders◅ood of such propheticall ministers only is instituted only for such and belongeth only vnto such The place of such exercise they terme a schoole or colledg of prophets Heerupon they abuse this heauenly glorious exercise in that they shut yt vp amongst a few of them shut out the people from yt vtterly making yt like OSYRIS mysteries Besides that they heere amongst themselues vnsufferably corrupt all the scriptures they intreate of by their Rhetorical figures deuisions demonstrations humane traditional writings wherin all their vniuersitie learning consisteth This place they most pernitiously peruert in that from hence they deriue their Prophetical Conuenticles and Classical Synods assuming heerby into their owne hands the key of al knowledg and shutting vp the scripturs yea all Gods graces euē the holy Ghost yt self amongst thēselues in these their schooles of prophets as also into their Classes of select priests the sc◅pter of Christ and absolute gouernment of al churches to whome yt is left but to receaue execute the reuerēt decrees of this famous Classes of priestes And now let this ◅cripture wherupō they build al this stuffe be duly searched pondered you shall find yt in all these things direct flat against them First that the prophets there spoken of by the Apostle that are to speake in and iudg of this exercise were not only ministers is gathered by the whole scope of the chapter where euerie brother is incited to emulate spiritual gifts the rather that they might prophecie and helpe to edifie the Church this gift by manie reasons being preferred to all other gifts prooued far most excellēt both in yt self to others c. Moreouer in this exercise of prophecie which was instituted for the instruction and comfort of all the Apostle saith that Three Prophe◅s may speake in due order one after an other at one time y e others are to iudg c. Three ministers I am sure in any one church there cannot be that by office are to attēd vnto the ministratiō of the word The pastor the Teacher are the only offices that I now know appointed to the ministerie of the word therfore euen by this place more besides the ministers of the Church may speake in the way yea in this publike exercise of prophecie Neither ought this to seeme strange in the eares of anie that knowe what belongeth to the exercise of prophecie or order of the Church It is no other thing thē Christ hath instituted the Apostles euerie where taught and that by most sensible reasons For as the bodie consisteth of manie members al the members haue not one office c so the members of the Church being diuers hauing receaued diuers gifts are according vnto the grace that is giuē to euerie one to serue the Church or rather y e Lord with the same as good disposers of the manifold grace of God If they haue the gift of prophecie then are they to exercise yt according to the proportion of faith speaking as the wordes of God alwaies keeping themselues within the bound of sobrietie truth who so doth otherwise is subiect to censure reproofe We see the practise heerof not only in Corinth but in Antiochia Rome no doubt by the same rule in other churches In Anti◅chia we reade of sūdrie prophets teachers Barnabas Symeō Lucius Mana◅en Paul Act. 13. 1. 15. 32. of Iudas Silas that exhorted taught in that Church That there were sundrie also that taught in Rome appeareth Philip. 1. 14. 15 ◅ Neither hath this beene strange euen vnder the law we see God chose his prophets of al tribes whose doctrine was to be tried by Gods word Their prophecies of future things by the euent we see our Sauiour Christ his Apostles disciples did the like throughout al the cities synagogues of the Iewes Yf vnto this yt be answered that our sauiour Christ was Lord of the law of the
Church I see not why they should haue any more tolleration then their elder brethren the monks who eueriâ—… way had as great shew of holines â—…nd couler of vtility to the Church as they or tâ—…ese other cathâ—…drall collâ—…giate dennes haue yea and might both as soone and as well haue beene purged of their Masse and latine seruice as these are so that the same end that is befallen the one remaineth the other The lord is not pleased with any voluntarie religion That building that hath not the word of God for the fouÌ„datioÌ„ though yt be dawbed with neuer so great cunning and learning and vndershored with neuer so great pollicie and power though yt be built as high as Bâ—…bel yet shall yt assuredly fall and the greater shalbe the fall therof As there is no building without the word of God for the foundation so is there no fellowship or communion out of the Church of God And therfore no such confused colledges no such idolatrous assemblies as are not gathered vnto Christ but vnto Antichrist as liue not in that Christian order fellowship which Christ hath apointed to all his seruants in his Church but leade their liues in antichristian disorder in Babilonish if not Sodomitish confusion no such heathen schooles wherin youth is not trained vp in the feare knowledg and order of CHRIT but in vaine arts superstition idolatrie disorder c. haue any foundation in the word of God any fellowship with or allowance in the Church of God But heere wil the vniuersitie Knights draw me within the coÌ„passe of these two absurdities First that I condemne all good arts and literature then that I quite driue them out of the world by taking away the schooles of the same wherin youth might be trained brought vp Nothing lesse I with my whole heart allow of any art or scieÌ„ce that is consonaÌ„t to the word of God to the doctrine which is according to godlines only the curious heathen artes prophane vaine babblings and oppositions of science falsely so caled which they professe wherwith they poison coâ—…upt al the youth of the laÌ„d I abhorre because God condemneth As for schooles to teach the tongues or any laudable or necessarie art I wish them in abundaÌ„ce y t if yt were possible not only the youth but euen the whole church might be trayned therin I with my whole heart wish that al the Lords people were Prophets such an enemie am I to true knowledg learning that I would not haue yt any longer kept secret in a mysterie but euen proclaimed vpon the house top in euerie Citie in euery street yet stil euer with this caution that these schooles both be in an established church I meane in such places where the Saintes liue together in the faith order obedience and communion of CHRIST and not in such monkish idolatrous confused idle profane colledges and fellowships as theirs are Likewise that the tongues or sciences be heere taught in an holy sanctified reuerend graue maner and not in such an vnsanctified vaine maner as they vse So shal the earth be ful of the knowledg of the Lord as the waters that couer the sea for in the Church of Christ are al his springs inclosed which by this meanes should runne at euerie conduct and water the whole land abundantly whereas now they lye in miserable darknes wholy ouergrowen with brambles briers And surely I euen with maruaile wonder how these men can be so blinded to compare these wicked idolatrous societies to the asseÌ„blies of the prophâ—…ts or vnto the Church of Christ when you see they haue nothing common with them or like vnto them either in the people assembled doctrine taught manner of teaching learning or order of life when they vtterlie want warrant in the word of God for such kind of Colledges societies and schooles these hauing beene deriued either from the heathens Egiptians Greekes Persians that had their peculiar colledges and schooles to their peculiar sects or els haue isâ—…ued out of the smoke of Antichrists inuentions out of the bottomles pit They alwaies haue beene stil are the verie hyues nurseries of these armed poisoned Locusts venemous Scorpions I meane either that false ministerie of Antichrist euen al the gouerning teaching priestes as Cardinals Arch-bish Bish. Suffraganâ—…s Archdeacons Chanâ—…lors Comâ—…issaries Ciuil Doctors Aduocates Proctâ—…rs 〈◊〉 rouing Ministers Preachers parish Priests c. or those couÌ„terfait religious hypocrites monkes Friers Nunnes Clarkes or as we now of late call them schollers Al which haue in innumerable multitudes from time to time and at all times swarmed and issued out of these hyues into the face of the whole earth corrupting and destroijng eueriâ—… greene thing poisoning the pure fountaines of Gods word with their accursed glozâ—…s dâ—…epe learning subtil figuratiue interpretations darkning the sonne and infecting the aire therwith as also with the blasphemous traditions of their king 〈◊〉 that Angel of the bottomles pyt They haue alwaies most pestilently fought vnder this their captaine against the Lambe his Gospell Church plentifully furnishing and continually supplijng all the offices roomths beloÌ„ging to that huge Midianitish host of Antichrist the leaders captaines and officers wherof are euer haue beene wholy taken out of these Serâ—…liaes euen froÌ„ the Popeâ—… person to the lowest Priest How they are reformed by hauing this english portesse their seruice booke in stead of their olde masse-booke may partly by that which is aboue written concerning the same appeare but more manifestly by taking a view of some of the blasphemous idolatrous customes which still remaine in practise with them in the same maner as they did vnder the Pope all or any of which yt is not heere my purpose any further to describe It sufficeth me to haue shewed them to be confused idolatrous vnchristian vnlawfull assemblies and societies so far from being to be compared vnto or iustified by the assemblies of the Prophets or that heauenlie exercise of prophâ—…cie now in the Church of CHRIST as they are not to be suffered in a Christian common welth And therfore he â—…re againe once more I conclude that both these vngodly assemblies as also the cathedral dennes and colledges ought by as good right to be abolished as their other brethren and sisters of a birth the monasteries nunries are seing they all want foundation in the word had one and the same hellish original had and these still reteine the same blasphemous incurable abusâ—…s which can by no way be reformed but by their vtter dissolution Thus haue we through the mercie of God by the light of his word taken a sleight vieâ—… of the nestes of these vncleane birdes and haue therby seene both what maner of schooles what kind of Prophets these are we haue seene how euil this 14 of the Corinthians fitteth either these vniuersitie and cathedral Colledges or these new deuised CoÌ„uenticles of pâ—…opheticall
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
prophannesse excesse in gluttonie in apparel let the idlenes wantonnes vanitie with the idolatrie aboue spoken of vsed vpon the Lords day shew how well the fourth commandement is taught and obserued in the Church of England Let the common ryot headstrong disobedien◅e and contempt of al the children and seruants euen of al the youth of the land the due punishment wherof is here neither spoken of nor executed let their profane vaine idle educatiō shew how wel the 5 Cōmandement is taught and obserued in the Church of England Let the continual open iarres fraies murther bloodshed in euerie corner of the land without either censu◅e or p◅nishment yea the vsual pardons that they giue for the same shew how well the sixth Commandement is taught in the Church of England Not heere to speake of the cōmon contentions wrangles iarres sutes wrongs of the wrath heartburning malice enuie cursed speaking reuiling nicknaming reproching blaspheming that are rife amongst them Let the general vnclennes whoredome adulterie which neuer abounded more in SODOME so that almost there is not one amongst them that hath his wife chast or their bed priuate Let their maner of punishing purging this sinne shew how wel they teach and keep this commandement Not here to speake of their exquisite arts and curiositie in setting out their beautie to the view their prodigious shapes whorish atyres dissolute immodest behauiours entising and alluring wordes wherwith they prouoke vnto lust all which in this Church are made no sinnes but matters of comlines curtesie loue c. And that your grauest best conscienced preachers think not themselues in this case without blame let them examine their corrupt consciences how m◅ny of their cheif hearers deuou◅ proselites they know both men women that know such crimes ech by other and yet for filthie lucre or fleshly respects continue together Let the publike open general thefts violence robberies wrongs and either their permission or their corrupt and vnlawfull punishing the ◅ame shew how the eyght cōmandemēt is tought Not here to speake of the priuy more secret nay truly of the opē falshode deceit couē in all trades offices callings estates degrees persons What should I ◅tand to prosecute the rest Let the generall deceit swearing forswearing backbiting slaundering the insatiate coueting lusting c. shew ◅ow well they teach obserue the other lawes And as they deale with the lawes and iudgmentes so handle they in like maner the ◅rophets which are the faithful expounders of the lawes al which to demonstrate in particuler were an endles vnacheuable laboure And if these general corruptions errors transgressiōs be so infinite what is to be thought of their perticuler personal errors which they in their publicke doctrine and daily ministery sparse abrode euen as that flood of bitter wate◅s which the Dragō casteth forth of his mouth and the miserable people of the earth swallow vp partly through their general blindnes partly through their seruile subiection which haue not the power or libertie publikely to controule or censure any error be yt neuer so blasphemous Whervpon is come about that euerie one taketh boldnes to vtter in their pulpyts what him listeth so he speake not against any thing by publick authoritie established he may handle the word of God after his owne fancie and abownd in his owne sense Whervpō arise such an innumerable heape of errors so m◅nie diuerse variable inconstant contrarie opinions amongst them that as the ignorant papistes say yt is impossible to find two of them in one mind and iudgment yea in any two Churches of the land to heare the same doctrines taught because in deed they preach either their owne dreames and phantasies or els their lucubrations out of humane writings who are almost of as diuers sundrie opinions as themselues Yet if any of these authors be with the BB◅ priuiledg then are they authentick irrefragable called by both sides the faith of the Church of England and not to be impugned or gainsayed without the censure of most high presumption Thus hath God in his iust iudgment deuided the tongues confounded the language of these Babiloni◅h builders that they almost agree not in or vpon any thing one preaching one thing an other the quite contrarie one building after this sort another after that one calling for this law this thing an other for that Thus is their kingdome deuided their estate confused and their house shal shortly be left vnto them desolate Many and innumerable excuses shifts cauils they daily knit wea◅e and forge to couer their detestable dealings and hide their waies from the Lord both by peruerting the scriptures thervnto and diuerting them by their sophistrie and putting them away be they neuer so directly against them with all which their poisoned diuises yt is not my purpose nor yet in my power here to meddle they being already so infinite and their forge daily going to frame new Only this from the mouth of the Lord I warne al men of They are but Cockatrice egges that they disclose hatch but spiders webbes that they weaue their egges are full of deadly poison he that eateth of them dieth he that is but sprinkled with them or treadeth vpon them is as if he were stung with a Viper or Scorpion their webbes shall not be for cloth neither shal they couer thēselues with their deeds their workes are the works of iniquitie and the worke of violence in their hands c. The work the workmen shalbe consumed together The wall th◅ dawbers shall both fal and be ouerthrowne in the storme of the Lords wrath all their turning of diuises though they build as high as heauen dig as deep as hell shall not couer them from the eies or defend them from the hand of the Lord but rather as the Prophet saith in an other place they shall pull al downe vpon their heads by the same meanes wherby they thought to vphold yt For saith he this iniquitie shalbe vnto them as a breach that falleth as a swelling in an high wall whose breaking cōmeth sodainly in a moment the sentence is gone out from the Lord yt ◅asteneth to be performed BABILON shal fall be vtterlie destroied together with al their substance people pleasures euil cōmeth vpon her and she shall not know the morning therof destruction shal fall vpon her sodainly ere she be aware the multitude of her diuines and inchanters shall neither deliuer her from nor discouer vnto her these euils but they shalbe as stubble and the fire shall burne them together with her This is the end of all their cunning learning which you see they employ not to publish and proclaime the Lords truth so much as to suppresse darken the same hoping therby to hide their owne counterfait dealing which the Lord wil haue no longer couered but reuealeth their wickednes vnto all men that those which haue any feare or
fruites therof but take in all the common welth euen al the Queenes subiectes into this thâ—…ir Church vnder CHRISTS gouernment and protection for so would they beare them in hand that such this reformation which they seeke is Their false maner of exercising this their pretended discipline may 〈◊〉 appâ—…re by the weake and fearfull practise of some of their forward men who that they might make a faire â—…hew amongst their rude ignorant parishners in stead of CHRISTS gouernmeÌ„t set vp their counterfait Discipline in and ouer all the parish making the popish Churâ—…hwardens periured Questmen Elders And for M r. Parson himself he takes vnto him the instrumeÌ„t of that foolish shepeheard his pastoral staffe or woodden dagger of suspension wherwith he keepeth such a floorishing as the flies caÌ„ haue no rest yea by your leaue if any poore man in the parish offend him he may peraduenture goe without his bread wine for that day Their permanent Synods and councels also which they would erect not heere to speake of ther new duch Classâ—… for therin is a secret should only consist of Priests or Ministers as they terme them people of the Churches be shut out and neither be made acquainted with the matters debated there neither haue free voice in those Synods Councels but must receaue obey without contradiction whatsoeuer those learned Priests shall decree These Synods Councels shall haue absolute power ouer all Churches doctrines ministers to erect ratifie or abrogate to excommunicate or depose at their pleasures Their decrees are most holy without controulement vnlesse yt be by the Prince or the high Court of ParliameÌ„t Not â—…eere to speake of their solemne orders obserued in these councils and Synodes as their choice by suffrage amongst themselues of their Archisynagogoâ—… or Rector Chorj their president as they call him propownder or moderator of their councell about which their predecessors haue had no small stir vntil their holy Father the Pope put an end to the strife by getting the chaire This stusfe they would bring in againe vnder colour of reformatioÌ„ â—…hese many more their leauened corrupt writings of discipline and their supplications vnto the Parliament dâ—…clare With what pernicious forgeries what kind of sacrilegious profanation of Gods holy ordinances shal more playnly appearâ—… wheÌ„ we haue sâ—…t downe the truth of CHRISTS institutioÌ„ which is the only arch-type and true patterne of all true builders buildings which who so at any hand transgresseth either in matter or maner as they speake is to be reproued as an euill workeman and his work to burne seeme yt to haue neuer so great anâ—…iquitie holines vâ—…ilitie in pretence The auncient waies of the Lord are the only true waies whatsoeuer is second or diuers is new false This I say because both these factions of our pontifical and reforming Priests haue sought rather to the broken pitts drie cisternes of mens inuentions for their direction and groundworke then vnto the purâ—… fountaine of Gods word The first sort most groâ—…ly drawe al their water from that most 〈◊〉 drayne and poisoned sinke of the papistical corrupâ—…ion as is to be seene by their whole ministerie worship ministration gouernment c. because yt in all pointes accordeth â—…o their antichristian prelacie idolaâ—…rie pride c. and only beâ—…t agreeth to the corrupt estate of this realme vvhich hath so long beene made dronke with the vvhores cuppe that they can now taste or brooke no other liquor Tâ—…e other sort they fetch their reformation from the primitiue defectioÌ„ when the ministerie began to vsurpe grow into vnlawful superioritie and iurisdiction when they began to decline from the true patterne of CHRISTS Testament and grew bold to innouate as to set vp a new antichristiaÌ„ ministerie as their Prouincials Bishops Archbishops Archdeacons Metropolitanes Patriarchs to take the whole regiment of the Church into their hands to gather councils of Bishops to make new decrees c. All which proceedings as I find them defected from the rules of CHRISTS Testament so far dare I boldly pronownce them their proceedings I meane leauing their persons to the Lords iudgment wicked vngodly not looking vnto or respecting the learning or holines of the men how ancient how manie soeuer From these ancient defections haue these learned reforming Priests drawen their platforme of reformation as best suting to the estimation of their persons the admiration of their learning and holines and not greatly opposite to the sinfull estate of the land especially as they in theiâ—… wisdomes would vse the matter who I dare vndertake for them good men would not molest or offend anie of welth or authoritie liue as they list neither need they be so afraid of the thunderbolt of exâ—…munication they wil I warrant you proceed to yt with a leaden heele especially agâ—…inst such men And for the râ—…st which seemes so strange in their eares as their Pasâ—…ors and Elders for their Parson Questmen their Synodes in stead of their Commissaries courts their high councels in stead of the high coÌ„mission let them neuer be afraid for by that time they are acquâ—…inted with the new names they shall not finde the iurisdiction halfe so strange as yt seemes It wil be troublesome to none but to their Lords the BB. their courts attendants and the dombe ministers in deed their cake is dough if this geare this sweeping new reformation come in As for these new officers these Elders they shall be but of the welthiest honest simple men of the parish that shal sit for ciphers dombe by their Pastor meddle with nothing neither poore soules shal they know more then they say As for the ordering of all things y t shalbe in the Pastors hands only especially in some chiefe men who shall be these presidents rulers of Synodes councels and so the pâ—…ople be kept as far from the knowledg performance of their duties as euer they were for so long haue the Priests for so still I call all false and antichristian ministers vsurped and deteined the sole regiment of the Church in their hands as yt wilbe a verie hard matter for the people euer to recouer their libertie agâ—…ine You see how the one side the Pontificals I meane prescribe in their quiâ—… possessioÌ„ reiect al claime the people can make refuting them by Mâ—…hiauels coÌ„siderations 〈◊〉 his Politikes in stead of the new Tesâ—…ameÌ„t alledging I wore not how many pollitike incoÌ„uenieâ—…ces in way of Barre The other sect or factioÌ„ rather these Reformiâ—…s howsoeuer for fashioÌ„ sake they giue the people a litle libertie to sweeten their mouthes make theÌ„ beleeue that they should choose their owne ministers for further right in the censuring their ministers or in the ordering the affaires of their churches they allow not as hath beene sayd yet euen in this pretended choice doe they coozen beguile theÌ„ also leauing them nothing but the smoky windy title
seuerity of God who is the iudg beholder of this church against all inordinate walkers contumatious offendors therin From euerie word almost of which epistle may an argument be drawen to proue the inuiolable excellencie perpetual necessitie of Christs orders and ordinances left in his Testament for the building direction gouernment of his Church It will not heere helpe them to say that the ministerie gouernment of Christ are eternall in respect of the couenant end in that they lead to the kingdome of heauen or in respect of the perpetuitie of the doctrine of the Gospell or in respect of the inward rule worke his holy Spirit hath in our heartes and is not vnderstood of the perpetuitie and necessitie of that outward order of gouernment administration left and practized by Christs Apostles These ignorant cauils will not helpe them For this self same couenant of life euerlasting touching the end had the Iewes and all the faithful that euer were They were all ◅aued through faith in Christ seene apprehended by the eie of faith though not yet exhibited in the flesh vnto them The difference of the couenant thē was not in the e◅d to which yt tended so mu◅h as in the present Church ministerie things administred orders ordinances worship worshippers c. the couenāt being made to these outward ritual figures and ceremonies but vntil the substance should be Ihewed and Christs heauenlie Church ministerie erected to which then the Iewes al men were called to which now the couenant is only made As for the truth perpetuitie of the doctrines of the gospel they were the same from the beginning that they are now Christ was before all beginnings that wisdome word of God Christ was the fulfilling of al the Prophets who foreshewed of him But if they meane by doctrine Gospell that heauenly ministerie sacramentes exercises and cōmunion of the Church which are peculiar vnto the Gospell according to the rules prescribed in Christs Testament then is the question graunted me without the due obseruati◅n of which rules they can haue no true ministerie sacraments exercises communion Gospel as I shall straight way shew Now as fo◅ this inward gouernment sanctificatiō they speake of where Christ reigneth in their hearts by the power of his Spirit c. I say that the Spirit of God may not cānot be seuered from the word of God They that openly willingly breake the least of Gods lawes boast of a false gift when they speake of their inward sanctification Christ doth not reigne in the heart of anie that wil not submit all their outward actions to be ruled by him also Christ will haue the whole man both bodie soule to serue him he parteth not with Antichrist or Beliall This is one of the Anabaptistical errors wherby the reforming prea◅ers defend their popish ministerie They say they haue Christ◅ inward calling to the ministerie in that they haue gifts learning and fitnes therfore though they want his outward calling which they say is not of the substance of the ministerie yea though they haue a false antichristian outward calling yet are they to be esteemed as the minister◅ of CHRIST Might they not as tollerably yea with lesse offence both to God and man vsurpe the magistrates chaire without a calling inasmuch as yt is of no such excellencie or worthines as the heauenlie ministerie of CHRIST because they haue wisdome and fitnes c. But to returne againe to our purpose This inward gouernment sanctification of the Spirit had the faithful Iewes before Christ came in our flesh and before they were called to the Church and ministerie of Christ Therfore either these are no answeres or els the whole scope of that epistle to the Hebrues is vaine◅ for all these things the Iewes enioyed before they had the same couenant of saluation the same perpetuall true doctrines Gospel the same inward gouernmēt sanc◅ification of the Spirit that we haue Only because they wanted the heauenly practise ministerie of the Gospel the heauenly orders exercises and cōmunion of the Church of Christ they were called from those ritual types figuratiue shadowes wherby in their infancie and ◅onage they were trained shut vp vnto the open sight and cleare beholding of the glorie of the Lord with open face all vailes being takē away and vnto the free orderlie practise of the same Gospel according to Christs new Testamēt al trumperie traditions being abolished With what extreame desire haue all the Prophets longed after and great delight written of the excellent beawtie heauenlie gouernmēt inuiolable order of this Church How often hath Dauid in his Psalmes remembred the same with what admiration hath he expressed the absolute perfect structure of that compact citie as Salomon also liuelie described the beawtie pretiousnes iuncture of al her parts How plentifully haue the Prophets Isaiah Ezekiel zachariah and others euen with an open eye described the whole forme of the building of this Church as also all of them giuē euident testimonies of the perpetuitie of the gouernment ordinances therof How oft doth Dauid exhorte the Saint◅ to celebrate y ◠excellencie perpetuitie of Christs gouernmēt throne by how many testimonies doth he extoll proue the same as is euerie where found in the psalmes sundrie wherof the author to the Hebrewes as also the other Apostles in their sermons writings haue vsed both to proue the excellencie necessitie eternitie of and to draw mē vnto this heauenly gouernment of CHRIST in his Church The prophet Isai◅h in the 33 of his prophecie v◅rs 20. c. willeth the ◅ewes in al their calamities to behold Sio◅ that citie of their assemblies to cause their eies looke vpon Ierusalem that quiet fould that tent that shall neuer be disseuered of whose pins or stakes not one may be taken away neither shall anie of the coards therof be broken but there the mightie IEHOVAH shalbe vnto vs in place of floods of broade riuers wherin shal passe no naui◅ with oares neither shall anie great ship pass◅ through yt for IEHOVAH is our reuenger IEHOVAH is our Lawgiuer IEHOVAH is our King he shall saue vs. What can be said more plainly ◅or the inuiolable perpetuitie both of the order forme of building and also for the gouernment administratiō ordinances of CHRISTS Church Of al which as God himself is the author so you see he voweth to be the defendor and reuenger against all the power of tyrants o◅ anie mortal man whosoeuer Likewise the prophe◅ Da◅iel in his 7 chapter after he had beene shewed the calamitie tyrannie oppression done vnto the Saintes by the 4 beasts but especially by that presumptuous horne that liuelie figure foretreader of Antichrist whose mouth spake presumptuous words against the most high and consumed the ◅aints of the most high that thought he might chāge the times the
distribute not to gouerne The third point in this cauilling questiō is to know where these officers aboue said practised that gouernmēt in an equalitie without superioritie in one aboue an other It hath beene euen now shewed how this gouernment belongeth is committed to the whole bodie how their office consisteth to teach the Church how to practise yt to see yt obserued by al in due order and not ambitiously to assume yt wholy into their owne hands For the rest though there be a communion in the Church yet there is no equalitie The Church knoweth how to giue honour reuerence vnto their Elders especially to them y t labor in the word doctrine The Church of CHRIST is taught to obey submit vnto their leaders to acknowledg them that labour amongst them that are set ouer them in the Lord to admonish them and to hold those in superabundant loue for their worke sake The Elders also amongst themselues know how to giue honour one vnto another by going before yet al this without preiudice to themselues that giue or detrimēt to him that receaueth yt without the losse of the least iote of their owne libertie or puffing him vp or setting him in anie vnlawfull authoritie They giue yt to his labor diligence vertue and desert which ceassing they straight withdraw their praise in the stead therof vse exhortation admonitiō yea if need be censure All the parts of mans bodie are not alike esteemed and vsed we haue much more care and tendernes ouer the eies then of the hands or feet yet may not the eye heerby refuse to doe seruice and attend to the hand or foote in all their busines and affaires neither may yt disturbe the least member of the bodie in their peculiar office functiō or intrude into their place The eye guideth directeth the hand shewing how yt ought to doe the worke the hand againe washeth wipeth and doth all louing helpe yt may vnto the eye Both eie hand euerie other part of the body are distinct members yet so knit and ioined together in the bodie as they do their due seruice vnto the eie ech vnto other in the whole not confounding the order of nature nor disturbing ech other in the worke The Church hath like care to see that inuiolable order and temper of the members in CHRISTS bodie dulie preserued the honor they gi◅e to one member is not the dishonor of another or hinderance of the whole bodie The Church neither doth neither may giue immoderate honour either in fastuous swelling titles of vanitie or any inordinate authoritie to anie member that would rather puffe vp the flesh then cheare vp the spirit All the gifts God hath giuen any member are to the seruice of the whole bodie he that will be greatest must be as the least he must wash the feet not haue his feete kissed of the least all superioritie is heere comprised within the bounds of Christian order modestie Humilitie goeth before and is the compagnion of honor honor is not heere conferred to lift vp the hear◅s of the greatest aboue the least but rather for their coūsaile care loue seruice vnto al yt is willingly giuen vnto such by all Ambition vainglorie are heere carfully auoided both by the g◅ers receauers who so seeketh the primacie with Diotrephes is heere ◅uggillate layd open resisted rebuked of al as that Antichrist that Lucifer y e greatest Elder of the Church the Pastor is but a seruant steward of the house not Lord of the heritage but a member not Lord of the bodie to be honored for his excellent place in the bodie giftes of God to be reuerenced for his fa◅thfulnes labour and diligence Yet this must euer be remembred his honour consisteth in his seruice his seruice belongeth vnto al so that the least member of the bodie hath like interest in him as he in the least member the l◅st member hath like libertie and f◅eedome with him in Christ though not like gifts or function of Christ. AND NOW this strange troublesome Proposition is thus proued That Christs Church can be established into no other order or gouerned by any other officers or ordinances then Christ in his Testam◅t hath prescribed that these great impediments difficulties are also remooued out of the way me thinckes yt time heere a fit occasion offred to goe in hand with the examination of the present established gouernmēt of the Church of England And heere to begin with the Antichristian authoritie of the chiefe rulers namelie the Bishops which they would beare away hide v◅der this word Superioritie of their lineage petigree original you haue aboue heard as also of their strange manner of offices and consecration and somwhat also of their power generally and from vvhence they deriued yt but let vs now a litle further consider therof First they take vpon them ech one of them to sit vpon as they call yt or to gouerne many hundred churches others of thē many thowsands one of them as Pope or Primate ouer al they make depose ministers by their absolute authoritie they make and disanul lawes th◅y ratifie or rei◅ct vvhat scriptures they list they confirme or refuse what doctrines they list they make what kind of vvorship ministration they list they chāge innovate coine alter bring in cast out what and whome they list without checke or controulement The truth of al these need no other proofe then their present estate the warrant of anie of these I am sure cannot be shewed in Christs Testament therfore I doubt not at one word to call them all diuelish Antichristiā To confute thē seuerallie were a labour both needles troblesome they being of themselues so apparantlie odious yet this brieflie in a word One man cannot stand a Bishop vnto diuers churches at one time no more then one eye can be a 1 member 2 doe the function at one time to diuers bodies 3 in diuers places no more then one candle can be put in two or mo diuers candlesticks 2 in diuers howses 3 and shew light vnto them al at one time Thus are Bishops in their office place ministerie called members yea the eye of the bodie lights and the candle of the howse the Church yt self also c◅lled the bodie the candlesticke in the scriptures No one shepheard can attend watch feed ouersee two or more flockes at one time in diuers places no watc◅ mā can keep watch in diuers Cities at one time Bishops are called shepheardes watchmen the Church a flock a citie in the scriptures Be◅ides CHRIST hath established an other quite contrarie order not one watchman or shepheard ouer manie churches but manie watchmen ouer one Church yet hath giuē power cōmanded euerie mēber to watch al litle enough Mo◅eouer yt is CHRISTS only office now to walke in the midst of the 7 goldē Cādlesticks he
purse Neither in deed know I many sins that they vse to enquire after except yt be adultery and fornication there are no more sins worthy of ecclesiasticall censure But these they punish very sore for if he will not pay for the shooijng Mr. Commis◅aries mare he may peraduenture do his pennance before al the Sodomites in the parrish in a white sheete whiles Mr. Parson is reading his seruice book to them or els his sermon But if he speake a word in Mr. Cōmissarie his eare and wil stand vpon his purgatiō then must he get as bad brothels as himself to sweare by Mr. Cōmissaries booke that they think in their corrupt conscience that he is cleare This done and cost of the court discharged then haue he beene neuer such a whoremaister all his life time or beene neuer so manifestly or often detected or taken in this crime yet is there no credit to be giuen to anie proofe in respect of the othes of these his so domiticall companions that cleare him by othes this is called his purgation I am ashamed abhor but to thinke in my heart of that proofe of adulterie they require or els all complaint or suite is vnauaileable Thus doe these holie fathers the Bishops make adulterie either a laughing or els a pecuniarie matter purging and expiating yt by periurie or ◅korne They haue also a censure of suspensiō this is diuersly vsed somtimes towardes their Priests and Preachers by the Bishops somtimes by these Priests towardes their parishioners It is vsed towardes the Priests when they breake their orders inioyned them and wherunto they are sworne or are contumacious to their Ordinarie or his substitut◅s or Commissarie c when they refuse to weare such garmentes as are enioyned thē or to read thei◅ seruice orderlie or to administer the sacramentes after anie other manner or refuse to burie the dead to Church women with the booke or if they preach anie doctrine against anie thing by publike authoritie enioined then for such faultes is his Ordinarie to suspend him from preaching or ministring for a season vntill he be-brought into order or become confo◅mable or els to depriue him and disanul his orders and ministery The Priests they execute this suspension against open offendors such as are not in loue and charitie with their neighbours and by vertue hereof keepe them from the sacrament of the supper vnlesse they get Mr. Chancelor or Mr. Commissaries commandment vnto the Priest to receaue thē Yet in the meane while they are admitted to their publike prayers c. To the first kind of Sus◅ension al the Priests generallie except yt he some od man in the la◅d submit yet such a one ioineth vnto these other Priests as brethren though he hold the Bishops and their power antichristian they submit both their ministerie the Gospel vnto the Bishops power censure To the second kind in the hand of the Priests they al wholy cōsent in somuch as some of the cheife maisters of this faction in their bookes of church discipline haue set yt downe for a cannon and rule to suspend some such from the sac◅amēts who haue committed some publike sin and persisteth obstinatlie in the same a◅ter publike reproofe whome notwithstanding they still hold as a member and a brother with them and ioine vnto in their common praiers exercise of the word and other mutual duties as contribution for the poore First this suspension of theirs must needes be held the instrumēt ◅oole of that foolish shepheard because yt is not found nor heard of in all the practise or writings of the Apostles neither in al the Testament of Christ where y◅t a perfect gouernment and direction for the Church is s◅t downe Thē if yt be a cēsure of the Church yt is a publike censure because we see they are openlie kept backe from participation of the publike communiō If yt be a publike censure yt must be for sin publikelie knowen but Christ his Apostles haue set downe vnto the Church one only other course to be takē for publike sinn◅s namelie when he refuseth to heare the voice of the Church or rather of Christ in his Church to proceed forthwith to excōmunicatiō Therfore in this case of open obstinacie in publike sin if suspensiō be vsed yt not onlie taketh the place of excommunication but keepeth away y t onlie true course which Christ hath instituted therfore is a meere ◅orgerie and an idolatrous diuise and hath no place in the church of Christ. Yf a◅ie heere obiect that excommunication being the extreamest most seuere cēsure of the Church and an vtter cutting off therfore yt ought to be proceeded vnto with great pitie patience and long suffring trijng al meanes before we cut off a mēber In regard wherof they in their wisdome and pitie thinke yt expedient first to trie vse this censure of suspension before they proceed to cast him quite out proouing if this may draw him to repentance My answere is that we cannot be more wise patient louing tēde◅lie kind then our God is or then God wil haue vs to be If we seeke to exceed or goe beyond these rules and boundes that he hath set vs downe we are vainlie pu◅fed vp in our fleshlie mind our wisdome is turned to follie our pitie into crueltie our loue into hatred our patience into transgression wherby we destroie both our selues such as we seeke to saue God looketh for obedience rather then sacrifice at ou◅ handes he needeth no direction or instruction from vs ou◅ wisdome is to rest in the wisdome of God to be wise patient louing as he wil haue vs wise patient and louing Yf or when he commandeth to smite yt is not in mās powe◅ to sp◅re or stay so should we pull the wrath of God vpō our owne heads also we breake no loue whiles we execute Gods lawes vprightly as yt is sin to preuent so is yt to foreslowe the Lordes iudgmentes Excommunication is not mans but Gods iudgmentes though God haue committed yt vnto the church as to his ministers God hath set downe the whole processe and due time maner of sentence therof he hath left nothing therin to the discretion of the Church wherby to make al men the more to stand in awe t◅ēble at so dreadfull a sentēce of so terrible a Iudge When the sinne is come to that ripenes prescribed then is excommunicatiō due to be pronounced but when publike sin is orderly publikly reproued yet still the partie offending remaineth impenitent and will not confesse forsake his sin but despising the exhortation and censure of the Church he harden his heart in his sin then is sin at th◅t prescribed ripenes apparantly Therfore then the Church cannot neither hath in their power to protract or defer the sentence of excommunication anie longer vpon anie hope or further trial because they haue already had that triall which God
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
these caÌ„nons ordinances which the Apostle euerie where coÌ„firmeth with the same authoritiâ—… that he doth all his writings 2 Cor. 1. 13. 1 Cor. 11. â—… 2. 2 Thâ—…s 2. 15. Coloâ—…s 2. 5. and sundrie other places which were long to recite Moreouer how carefully and by how many reasons haue the Apostles incommended these orders statutes vnto the whole Church vnto the chief workmen builders therin what perfect lawes hath he set downe in those his epistles vnto Tiâ—…othie and Titus those two excellent workmen his trained exercised children whome he therfore calleth his natural right begotten sonns and especially commendeth them vnto the Churches as to the Corinthians epistle 1. Chap. 4. vers 17. For this causâ—…â—…aue I sent vnto you Timotheus which is my beloued sonne faithfull in the Lord who will put you in remembrance of my waies which in CHRIST as I teach euerie where in euery Church And vnto the Philippians chap. 2. 22. but ye know thâ—… proofe of him because as a sonne vnto his father he hath serued with me vnto the Gospel yet notwithstanding al this their promptnes experience we see what carefull charges the Apostles layd vpon them most precisely exactly to obserue all these rules in al their actions of y e Church towards al meÌ„ that they keepe that expresse patterne of wholsome words that they had heard of him in the faith loue that is in CHRIST IESVS calling these rules the expresse patterne or engraueÌ„ forme or delineation of all things belonging vnto or to be done in the Church charging them of their fidelity and loue both vnto CHRIST IESVS and vnto those whome they are to build to keep and alwaies to haue this true patterne and forme before their eies in all things they doe commending yt for the soundnes wholsomes therof both to the builderâ—… the builded therby For yt being the true patterne forme mould for euerie thing euery part euerie member whervnto they ought to be compared fashioned cast neither can the partes haue anie right shape neither the whole any true forme if they be not framed and built according to this patterne and then how should the building either stand or agree vnto yt self much lesse please the Lord owner of the house wheÌ„ he seeth yt thus spoiled and destroied Therfore yt behooueth both the builders and euerie one that is built to consider diligentlie after what maner order he buildeth and is built For this cause the Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 3. hauing shewed how soundlie the Apostles as wiâ—…e Maister builders had laied the foundation exhorteth all that are to succeed build vpon that foundatioÌ„ to looke well how they build vpoÌ„ yt for this foundatioÌ„ wil beare nothing but gold siluer pretious stones they may not build in this house their hay timber stubble Euerie mans worke heere shalbe made manifest the day shall declare yt because yt shalbe reuealed in the fire which shall trie euery mans worke of what sort yt is Yf vpon this trial by this light yt be fownd answerable to that heauenly patterne of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t yt then abideth to the praise comfort of the workman But wherin any of these builders shal in any part of their worke whether in matter or maner as they vâ—…e to speake to couller their transgressions euen in the least thing be fownd to haue swerued froÌ„ the true patterne by this light if then vpoÌ„ such discouery made vnto them they suffer not these their workes to burne acknowledging forsaking and repenting their such errors and transgressions and withdrawing others from the like they shal not only destroie themselues by this their presumptuous sin but al such as after this discouery reproof made remaine with them and ioine vnto them in this their presumptuous sinne For saith the Apostle these mâ—… corrupt or destroie the TeÌ„ple of God which is holy which Temple ye are and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any maÌ„ corrupt or destroie the Temple of God him shal God destroie c. Wee see with what waightie graue plentiful reasons exhortatioÌ„s proues the Apostle affirmeth and confirmeth these things by euerie verse of that chapter yea almost by euery word of the verse which carry a seuerall consideration and especiall force in themselues but especially from the 8 verse vnto the end He there setteth downe the persons of the Apostles as a perpetuall example vnto all builders vnto the worlds end The practise of the Apostles as the true only foundation thâ—… eâ—…resse patterne for al buildings yea for euerie thing in euery true building vnto the worlds end Which foundation patterne he deriueth not from confirmeth not by the authority of man but by the authority of CHRIST shewing that yt is not in mans power either to laâ—… any other foundation or alter this that is laid calling yt but one the same in all places euen as CHRIST is one the same and calling euerie part of the word they deliuered fundamental as part of the verie foundation of this building and maketh not with the learned Pharisies and schoole Diuines of our age some part of CHRISTS Testament fundamental substantiall other parts therof accidental formal not necessary not of substance or esâ—…ence who thus with the deep learning of Satan abrogate what part of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t they please build their owne stubble diuises destroie the worke of God together with their owne soules y â— soules of as many as are built or led by theÌ„ And therfore the Apostles hâ—…ere calleth al builders buildings to this one only foundation of CHRISTS word TestameÌ„t charging them to make yt of all their actions whatsoeuer the only rule foundation and not as these false builders of the Church of England doe who reiecting the true patterne of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t in al things they do or goe about yet vainly boast that they hould the foundation preach practise the Gospell of Christ sincerly c. although as is said they reiect what part of Christs Teâ—…tament they list as not fundamental substantial 〈◊〉 abrogate the whole patterne of the Apostles practise mowld lay vnto themselues a new patterne a new foundation making not only new rules lawes orders for the gouernment whole administration of the Church but a new ministerie new officers new actions which are not read or heard of in the Testament of Christ yt neuer as â—…et being agreed amongst them what part of Christs Testament they allow hold for the foundation for the Gospel But in deed to say as yt is the foundatioÌ„ gospel of their Church is not yet layed to either side for though they all at this present generally embrace the Popes canons decrees oâ—… the high commission as the foundation certaine allowed writinges and priuiledged bookes for the Gospell of their Church yet keep the Prelates in their hand to coyne forge new lawes new
doctrines what when they please as also the Reformists they sue to Prince parliameÌ„t y t they might be allowed to make bring in yet other new lawes doctrines as far froÌ„ the true patterne as these as wheÌ„ they are compared thervnto will appâ—…are But the Apostle heere as he teacheth but one foundatioÌ„ so teacheth he yt the groundworke both of the whole church of euery part therof actioÌ„ therin calling al builders herevnto charging them to take yt for the foundation of all their doings without which whatsoeuer they doe or enterprize seeme yt neuer so necessarie or expedient in their eies yet is yt but as an house without a foundation which not being laid vpoÌ„ the rock but vpon the sandes of mens wisdome wanteâ—…h a groundworke therfore cannot stand He willeth them therfore to be sure of this foundation before they build yea and to loke careâ—…ully how they build vpon yt because their worke shalbe manifested declared tryed reuealed in the day in the fire This day shal manifest and declare all their whole building both within without the whole forme and order therof Al things when they are reproued of this light are manifest for yt is the light that maketh all things manifest This fire not only trieth reuealeth al counterfait stuffe but burneth and consumeth the same their wood hay stubble cannot be vnreuealed in this day or vnconsumed in this fire To which wood hay stubble he likeneth al the deuises pollecies of mans wit how prudent or pregnant soeuer thâ—…y seeme and therfore vpon the diuers ends of such buildings and builders he exhorteth by the reward and eternitie of the one vnto the faithful and carefull keeping the true patterne by the terror losse of the other he dehorteth from all negligent but especially al wilfull and presumptuous transgression of the same shewing Gods vnpartiall examination and iudgment of euery mans worke which by how much yt is so deare vnto the Lord so pretious in his sight by so much yt behoueth all men to be the more carefull therof whose transgressions therin shall be the more hainous This worke he calleth the Temple of God which Temple we haue aboue shewed in the type to be built in euerie thing according to the patterne shewed in the mount How much more then ought yt in the true substance to be built in euery thing according to the heauenly perfect patterne of Christs Testament wherin we haue the whole mind and will of CHRIST as the Apostle saith in the last words of the second chapter of this epistle Now the Apostle heere saith this Temple of the Lord is holy but euen in the figure might no strange or pollâ—…ed thing enter yt was an abhomination vnto the Lord how much more in this excellent spiritual house ought no fleshly deuises of our owne which are wholy corrupt altogether defiled to be brought but the wisest deuises of men being set in the place of the wisdome of God or brought into his Temple are not only foolish idle vaine but abhomination to the Lord such as corrupt destroie and deface the Temple of God because the deuises of man cannot be ioined with the thoughts of God God needeth not the aduise or councell of man The wisdome of man is alwaies to rest in the wisdome of God wherin he proceedeth further yt is turned to folly and rebellion made a snare vnto themselues Now then seing the Church of Christ is the Temple of God and the Temple of God is holy and is corrupted destroied wheÌ„ man presumeth therin to be wise aboue that he ought or hath warrant to be wise the Apostle from all these places and euery word therof vseth reasons exhortations to exhort all men that enter into this Temple to obserue their feetâ—… that they be more neere to heare theÌ„ to offer the sacrifice of fooles for the Lord is more delighted with obedience then sacrifice he will be sanctified in all that come neere vnto him wilbe serued in this â—…is Temple with reuerence and feare for euen the Lord our God is a consuming fire But our learned Priests treading in the steppes of their predecessors the false Prophets are so far from being moued with reuerence and feare because of the Lords holy Temple that they from hence draw arguments to iustifie their transgressions and embolden themselues therin by the titles of the Church and Temple of God Say they the Churches of Corinth Gallatiâ—… Asia had sundrie faultes yet are they pronounced by the Apostle the Churches of CHRIST therfore much more they that teach not circumcision denie not the resurrection c. Though these arguments be largelie answered in an other place yet heere would be obserued besides the poâ—…son that they gather from these examples to tollerate and commit sin therby how litle they vnderstand the estate of these Churches chardging the whole Church with the errors of some few whome the Apostles theâ—…e coÌ„futed But if some of these were the errors of the whole Church as we doubt not but the Church may doth and shal whiles yt is in this life erre yâ—…t if yt shall persist in error after yt shall be by the word of God conuinced and reproued then we may say with the Apostles heere that such corrupt and destroie the Temple of God euen so manie soules as are by them and together with them thus misled wherof this building consisteth Therfore the Apostle heere as in sundrie other places admonisheth the whole Church euery member therof carefully to looke to their builders guides that they lead them in the right waies of the Lord and build them according to the true patterne of CHRISTS TestameÌ„t to follow them no further then they follow CHRIST haue his word for their warrant from which when they sweâ—…ue or transgresse and being admonished will not returne then is the whole Church to excommunicate such a Pastor leader builder whosoeuer and to sepeâ—…ate him or as many as cleaue vnto him or follow him in this estate The argument the Apostle vseth is of no lesse waight then the saluation of their owne soules which otherwise shóuld be destroied corrupted by them He willeth them neither to be led away with y e shew of wisdome vtilitie pollicy holines nor any pretences wherwith they shall couer their error neither with the estimatioÌ„ of their persons authority wisdome learning vertue c. For if they teach otherwise come not to the wholsome wordes of our Lord IESVS CHRIST and to the doctrine which is according to godlines they are puft vp knowing nothing As for their person office they are not to rule ouer so much as to build vp our faith for by faith we staÌ„d they are not Lords ouer the heritage but seruants of the Church for Paul and Apollo and Cephas are ours and we Christs and Christ Gods But see whiles I thought but to haue touched the generall argumeÌ„t of