And themselves cannot deny but eyther they must prove their Prelacy and inferiour Ministery aforesayd to be ordeyned by Christ in his Testament and so to be the true Ministerie given by Christ to his Church or els if they affirme that the King hath not authority to suppresse and take it away they are by the sentence of their owne Canons impugners of the Kings supremacy and excommunicated ipso facto and not to be restored but after repentance and publik revocation of those wicked errours And so commeth vpon them that which Christ hath sayd Of thyne owne mouth will I iudge thee ô evill servant Luc. 19.22 And wheras by the same Canon the power of restoring such is committed onely to the Archbishop with the condition aforesaid it would be knowen if the Archbishop himself be in the same case who shall now restore him and whether it can be done to him any more then to the rest without his repentance and publick revocation of those his wicked errours Which if he and the rest had grace to revoke these questions would soon be at an end But howsoever they deale and the Kings of the earth for a while mainteyne or suffer them certaine it is that the King of Kings the Lord Iesus Christ will in his time vtterly consume and abolish that lawlesse apostasie and mystery of iniquity in all the power and tyrannicall vsurpation thereof 2 Thes 2.3.4.7.7 with Rev. 14-20 chap. From whence we will take the next and last Argument which now we will alledge The seventh Argument IF the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies VII of England be such as it shal be abolished by the Lord through the light and power of his Gospell according to that which is written 2 Thes 2.3.8 with Rev. 14.6.7.8 and 18.4.5.20 then it is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is such as it shal be abolished by the Lord through the light and power of his Gospell according to that which is written 2 Thes 2.3.8 with Rev 14.6.7.8 and 18.4.5.20 Therefore it is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition is evident as may appeare by the Scriptures mentioned in it The Assumption also is manifest may thus be shewed 1. The Scripture teacheth that †2 Thes 8.3 8. with Esa 11.4 Rev. 14.6.7.8 the Lord will consume the man of sinne with the breath of his mouth in the power of his word and therefore also his counterfeit offices ordinances and authority Of which sort the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of Engl. being found to be it will follow that these shall also with the rest of that body be abolished by Christ with the brightnes of his coming with the breath of his mouth in the power of his Gospell Otherwise the man of sinne should not be consumed away as the Lord hath sayd he shal be and hath therefore called him the sonne of perdition or destruction because he is appointed to be consumed abolished 2 Thes 2.3 And seing that although in all other places of the earth all the offices parts powers and ordinances of his kingdome and religion were abolished yet so long as the present offices and functions of the Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry in the Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops Deanes Prebendaries Parsons Vicars and the rest of that sort with their callings works maintenance assemblies Courts Canons and proceedings ecclesiasticall do continew in England the Ministery power and authority of the man of sinne were not consumed and abolished as the Scripture hath foretold shall come to passe it must needs be that these also shall go into destruction with the rest of that body For true and strong is he which hath sayd it and will performe it Rev. 18.1.2.8.20.21 and 19.1.2 with 2 Thes 2.3.8 2. Agayne seing the Scripture saith that ‖ 1 Ioh. 3.8 for this purpose the Sonne of God hath appeared that he might loose the works of the Divel and the comming of the man of sinne in all his apostasie is in another Scripture said to be by the working of Sathan 2 Thes 2.3.8.9 it followeth also herevpon that Christ the sonne of God will break and abolish the Prelacy and lying Ministery of that lawlesse one together with the rest of his apostasie wheresoever Which already we have seen to be begun in that the Lord hath now in this latter age of the world appeared according to his promise in the light of his Gospell and hath begun thereby to dissolve that work of Sathan to cast down Babylon that great city to manifest and consume that man of sinne to remove and abolish the offices callings works and livings belonging to that body and kingdom of darknes So as in divers countreyes at this day the popish Antichristian offices callings are generally rejected and abandoned And in England the Pope Cardinals Priors Abbots Monks Fryers and Nunnes together with many of the popish heresies errors superstitions are abolished cast out of the land This hath the Son of God that * Psal 24.8.10 king of glory by the shining brightnes and power of his Gospell already brought to passe in this latter age Neyther will he cease or give over this his glorious work vntil he hath evidently consumed the body of that man of sinne and discovered dissolved the work of Sathan in Antichrists kingdome throughout the world The Lord of hosts hath determined it and who shall disannull it His hand is stretched out and who shall turne it away Esa 14.27 with 2 Thes 2.8.9 Rev. 14.6.7.8 3. Moreover the present Ministery of the Church-assemblyes of England being such in their Offices entrance administration and maintenance as the Lord never set in his church as †Reason 1. before hath bene proved therfore also it cannot be doubted but that these shal be abolished as Christ hath sayd Every planting which my heavenly Father hath not planted shal be rooted vp Mat. 15.13 4. Finally the sekers of reformation have bene if still they be not of the same judgement and expectation Els why have they sued to the Parliaments to have these parts remnants of the Popish Antichristian Kingdome yet reteyned in the land to be removed and abolished yea and have expressely written * Admon to the Parliam in the Preface that they shall downe hold they never so hard Now furthermore that this destruction of Antichrists kingdome and religion shal be seen and done by Christs appearing in the light and power of his Gospell we gather also from the Scriptures which teach ‖ Rev. 14.6.7.8 2 Thes 2.8 with Esa 11.4 that by the preaching of the Gospell Babylon falleth And for the better discerning hereof thus we shew it further First by Babylon ‡ Rev. 17.5.7 with 11.8 2 Thes 2.7 mystically and spiritually is vnderstood the city kingdome and iurisdiction of Antichrist with the offices and ordinances belonging therevnto the apostasie and authority of the man
that they have these offices in their Church yet they neyther have agreed nor can agree among themselves who they be that have them whether the prelates or the other priests c. but are at a great jarre and in deed at a playne contradiction among themselves hereabout Many of the Prelates and Formalists say * Bridges Bilson c. that their Archbishops and Bishops are Pastors Teachers Some of them say ‖ Whitgift against T.C. p. 137. Andr. in the 2. Confer with M. Barrow that a Bishop is superior both in office and gifts to a Pastor Many of the Reformists say that ‡ Mr. Sperin M. Egerton in the Confer M. Hilders M. Iacob in their writings the learned and painful Parsons of Parishes and Lecturing preachers among them are Pastors and Teachers Others of them say †Mr. Chaderton in the Sermon on Rom. 12. p. 33. c. Admon to the Parliam 1. 2. they want Pastors and Teachers and all the offices appointed by Christ to his Church that the Prelates robbe the Church of of lawful Pastors Elders and Deacons that their Parsons Vicars Parish Priests Stipendaries and the rest came from the Pope as out of the Troiane horses belly to the destruction of Gods kingdome that they are the Prelates new creatures and that the Church of God never knew them And all the seekers of Reformation have shewed to the Parliament heretofore that the names and offices of Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops and the rest are together with their government drawen out of the Popes shop and contrary to the Scriptures that the Parsons Vicars Parish priests and Stipendaries be birds of the same fether and that â—hey have an Antichristian hierarchie and popish ordering of Ministers strange from the word of God and the vse of all well reformed Churches in the world Thus are themselves confounded and thus are their tounges divided Yet cease they not still to plead for Baal and to bring balme for the sore of Babel which cannot be healed Ier. 51.8.9.58.64 with Rev. 18. chap. And now to proceed we wil shew by the Scriptures that none of the Ministers of that Church have the office of Pastors or Teachers spoken of by the Apostle Ephe. 4.11 which we prove thus 1. The Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 have their offices callings administration and maintenance ordeyned by Christ in his Testament But the Prelates Priests Deacons of the Church of England have not their offices callings ministration maintenance ordeyned by Christ in his Testament Therfore the Prelates Priests Deacons of the church of England are not Pastors Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 The truth of the Proposition appeareth by that place of Ephe. 4.8.11.12 Rom. 12.7.8 Act. 14.23 and 20. â—7 28 Heb. .5.4 Col. 4.17 1 Thes 5.12.13.14 1 Pet. 5. â— 2.3 Rev. 2. and 3. chap. and 22.18.19 1 Cor. 4.1.2 and â— 4.5 and 9.14 and 11.23.24.25.26 and 12.28 Gal. 6. â— and throughout the Epistles to Timothee and Titus with other â—ike Scriptures The truth of the Assumption appeareth by their constitution and practise inasmuch as their offices of Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry their calling entrance according to their Pontificall and Book of consecrating Bishops and Archbishops and ordering Priests and Deacons as also that which some of them pretend to have by the ‡ Mr. Hilders letter sect 10. Mr. Iacobs comparison of Mariage and Pastorall calling His Reasons for necessity of reformation pag. 50. Offer of Conference pag. 39. choise acceptance and consent of their people who stand themselves vnder Antichrist and vnseparated from the world and are no true visible Churches of Christ their ministration by their owne and other popish Canons Articles Injunctions and Book of coÌ„mon prayer their Maintenance by Tithes Lordships c. were never ordeyned by Christ for his Ministerie of the Gospell but derived from Antichrist and his apostasie as hath been proved * The Discovery The Refutation of Mr. Giff. Answ to Mr. Hilders And to Mr. Iacob The Apologie c. by vs in divers Treatises published heretofore And if they still be otherwise mynded it lyeth vpon them to shew that Christ in his Testament hath appointed these their offices things aforesaid for his Ministerie Which none of them have yet done nor ever wil be able to do 2. Againe The Ministerie of Pastors Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 is the ordinarie and perpetual ministerie given by Christ to his Church such as the Princes of the earth neyther may nor ever shal be able to abolish seing Christ hath appointed it to continue to the end of the world Ephes 4.11.12.13 Rom. 12.5.7.8 and 13.3 Heb. 12.28 1 Tim. 3. chap. and 5.17 and 6.13.14 with Mat. 28.20 But the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry of the church of England is not the ordinarie and perpetual Ministerie given by Christ to his Church but such as the Princes of the earth may and ought to abolish out of their Dominions Rev. 17.16 1 Tim. 2.2 Rom. 13.4 with 1 King 23. â— c. Deut. 12.2.3.4 Psal 72.1 c. Therfore the Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry of the Church of England is not the Ministerie of Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 3. Also The offices of Pastors Teachers ordeyned by Christ in his Testament are such as did and could â—tand with and vnder the offices of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Ephe. 4.11 Act. 15.4.6.22.23 20.17.28 Heb. â—3 7.17.23 Epist to Tim. Tit. 1 Pet. 5.1 Rev. 2. and 3. chap. But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of â—he Church of England are not such as did or could stand â—ith or vnder the offices of Apostles Prophets Evangeâ—â—sts Which if any deny let them shew the contrary â—y the scriptures Light hath no fellowship with darknes nor Christ with Antichrist And suppose the Apostles were alive in their persons as they are in their writings and were in England it were worth the knowing whether they and the ordinances given by them should give place to the Prelates and their Canons and constitutions and whether they should be suffred to preach the Gospel and minister the Sacraments without acknowledging the Prelates authority subscribing to their Articles wearing of the Surplice signing with the Crosse in Baptisme c. for if we look to their * Canons of the yeare 1603. Can. 6.7.14 30.36.37.50.57.58 c. Canons Lawes practise and Church-constitutioÌ„ these tel all men playnely they must yeeld vnto theÌ„ that vnder payne of excoÌ„municatioÌ„ ipso facto c. Not to speak of their imprisoning persecuting of such as witnes the truth against them eveÌ„ vnto death Therfore they are not the Pastors and Teachers ordeyned by Christ in his Testament 4. Moreover The offices of true Pastors and Teachers are by the ordinance of Christ set in the Church and employed in the Ministery of the word and Sacraments and Church goverment so as they may not with their
ecclesiastical functioÌ„s receiv civil offices callings nor take vnto them princely titles dignityes Ephe. 4.11.12.13 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3.4 Rom. 12.7.8 1 Cor. â—2 5.8.28 1 Tim. 4.13.15.16 2 Tim. 2.4 Luk. 12.14 and 22.25.26 But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are not so but by their own constitution are set in that Church and employed in the Ministerie of the word Sacraments Church government so as they may also together with their ecclesiastical functions receive civill offices and callings as to be Iustices of peace County palatines Lords of the Counsel c. take vnto them Princely titles and dignityes as of Grace Lordship c. Which al men see and know to be thus Therfore they are not true Pastors and Teachers 5. Againe The Ministery of Christian Pastors Teachers standeth by the word and ordinance of Christ so as al Churches vnder heaven are bound to receive submit therevnto and to no other whatsoever Ephes 4.11.12.13 Rom. 12.5.6.7.8 1 Cor. 12.5.28 1 Tim. 3. chap. and 5.17 and 6.13.14 But the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry of the Church of England standeth onely by the authority and Law of man so as other Churches els where neyther ar nor need to be subject therevnto Which even themselves of all sorts have acknowledged For which see Whitgifts Defence in the Preface The Answer to the Abstract pag. 58. The Admon to the Parliam The Defence of godly Minist The Demonstration c. Therfore their Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry is not the Ministery of Christian Pastors and Teachers 6. Furthermore The offices of Pastors and Teachers which Christ hath appointed are such as they which have them must be members of a true visible Church and bound to one particular Congregation for the Ministery governmeÌ„t therof Rom. 12.4.5.6.7.8 1 Cor. 12.5.8.12.18 Act. 14.23 20.28 Col. 4.17 Heb. 13.17 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are such as they which have them need not be neyther in their estate can be members of a true visible Church but of a false nor are bound to one particular Congregation for the Ministerie governement thereof but the Prelates are over whole provinces and Dioceses c. and the other inferiour Priests may have in that estate plurality of benefices ecclesiasticall cures c. Which none can deny Therefore they are not the Pastors Teachers which Christ hath appointed 7. Finally The offices condition and government of Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 are such as no way empaire the authority Supremacy or dignity of Kings or any other civil Magistrates eyther in civil or ecclesiastical causes Ephes 4.11 12. and Rom. 12.7 8. with 13.1 Tit. 1.5 9. with 3.1 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3. with 2.13.14 But the offices condition government of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of the Church of England are such as do many wayes empaire the authoritie supremacy and dignity of Kings and all other Magistrates both in civill ecclesiasticall causes And for an instance take these particulars That the Prelates will have their presence voyce authority to be at Parliaments for enacting of Lawes statutes for the coÌ„mon wealth c. That they are rulers of whole Provinces Dioceses in the ecclesiasticall causes therof That in civill estate and government some of them are above all and all of them above some of the Nobles Iustices and other Magistrates of the land That themselves their Courts and officers handle determine sundry civill causes and affaires pertayning to the civill Magistracy That they inflict civil mulcts and punishments That in their forbidden times they give licences to matry c. That the beneficed Priests sweare Canonical obedience to the Prelates That all the Priests and Deacons are exempt from the Magistrates iurisdiction in divers things apperteyning vnto them and answerable onely or chiefly to the Prelates and their Officers c. Therefore they are not the Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 And to this end might divers other reasons be alledged from particular consideration of these severall offices As for example if any for the Prelates would perswade that their Archbishops have the Pastors office then would it follow that they have but two Pastors in the land because they have but two Archbishops Or if they say the Lordbishops be Pastors then have they but sixe and twenty or thereabout and what office then have the Archbishops above them If others say the Priests whether Parsons Vicars or Stipendaries be Pastors then let them tell vs what office their Archbishops Lordbishops have amoÌ„g them seing Christ hath appointed in his Church no ordinarie ecclesiasticall office for any one person greater then the Pastors nor set the Pastors one of them above another in any respect of Ministery power or government but made them all equall therein Rev. 2.1.8.12.18 and 3.1.7.14 with Ephes 4.11 12 13. Act. 20.17.28 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. and Luk. 22.24.25 26 27. And thus much is acknowledged and published also by some of themselves both heretofore in divers of their books and now of late in an Offer of conference about certayne Propositions which they offer to mainteyne against the Prelates Among which are these namely * Offer of Conference p. â— That the Pastor of a particular Congregation is the highest ordinarie ecclesiasticall Officer in any true constituted visible Church of Christ That it is the office of every true Pastor to teach and to governe spiritually onely one Church or Congregation immediately vnder Christ That it is simply vnlawful for any Pastor vnder the new Testament to be also a civil Magistrate That the Office and calling of Provinciall and Diocesan Prelates is contrary to the word of God c. Furthermore if any would say their Deacons have the Pastors office the same absurdity followeth as in the former and this moreover that the works of the Deacons office are by the Apostles opposed to the work of the Ministery wherein the Pastors office is employed Act. 6.2.3.4 with Ephe. 4.11.12 Rom. 12.8 Likewise if they would say they have the Teachers office it would be knowen whether it be the Archbishops Lordbishops Priests or Deacons Parsons Vicars or Stipendaries that have it among them to whom they are adjoyned for the work of Ministerie as ‖ Ephe. 4.11.12 Rom. 12.7.8 the Teachers are to Pastors seing they have none in the office of Pastors spoken of Ephe. 4.11 as is proved here before and what office of Ministery the rest of their Prelates Priests Deacons have whom themselves account not to have the Teachers office and whether the Teachers spoken of Ephes 4.11 must first be Deacons and then Priests and promise obedience to the Prelates that also as to their Ordinaries and be silenced and deposed at their pleasure c. But of these things we have spoken in other
Antichrist when he sitteth in them and reigneth above other people in the dark caves of errors heresies Sir Iohn Oldcastle Lord Cobham put to death about the yeare 1417. witnessed ‖ Ibid. pag. 518. that the Bishops Priests Prelates and Monks are the body of that great Antichrist And that the possessions and Lordships of the Clergy are the venime of Iudas shed into the Church William Tindall burnt by Filford Castell in Braband and Iohn Frith burnt at London in Smithfeild published * Tindals Obed of a Christian And Practise of Prelates Friths Preface to the Antithesis between Christ and the Pope that Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Deanes Officials Parsons Vicars and the rest of that sort are the disciples of Antichrist yea very Antichrists themselves And Iohn Bale an exile for the testimony of Iesus ‡ In his Image of both Churches vpon Rev. 13 ◠and 17.3 wrote that the names of blasphemie written vpon the Beasts head Rev. 13. and 17. are none other then the proud glittering titles wherewith they garnish their vsurped authority to make it seem glorious to the world having within them conteyned the mysterie of iniquitie What other els sayth he is Pope Cardinall Metropolitane Primate Archbishop Diocesan Archdeacon Officiall Chancelour Commissary Prebend Parson Vicar and such like but very names of blasphemie For offices they are not appointed by the holy Ghost nor yet once mentioned in the Scriptures The sayings of such as of latter dayes have sought reformation which here I will note downe are these †Admon to the Parliam that the names and offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Chancelours Archdeacons Cōmissaries Officials Deanes Parsons Vicars Parish priests Stipendaries c. are drawen out of the Popes shop as out of the Troiane horses belly for the destructiō of Gods kingdome That their Pontificall whereby they consecrate Bishops make Ministers and Deacons is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall wherein he sheweth himself to be Antichrist most lively That they enter not in by Christ but by a Popish and vnlawfull vocation That when they are made Ministers eyther they may tary in their Colledge and lead the lives of loytering losels or els go abroad with the Bishops Buls like to Circumcellions or Fryers to preach in other mens charges where they list or els get benefices by frendship or money or if all those fayle they may go vp and downe like beggers fall to many follyes or els as many have done set vp bils at Powles or at the Royall exchange such like places to see if they can hear of some good Masters to enterteyne them to serve a cure Thus have they spoken and written heretofore when they seemed to loath these stinking abhominations as themselves then called them and when they did not bring balme to cure the sore of Babell as now many of them do though all in vayne for she cannot be healed saith the Lord of hostes Ier. 51.8.9 And hitherto of the first Argument proving that the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblyes of England is the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie The second Argument THe Ministerie of the Prelacy professing it self to be Christs II. and yet standing in such estate as it doth not obey Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministerie worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King that Ministerie whatsoever it professe in word yet is in deed the Ministerie of Antichrists Apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of the Prelacy professing it self to be Christs yet standing in such estate as it doth not obey Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministerie worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King Therefore the present ministerie of the Church assemblies of Engl. whatsoever it professe in word yet is in deed the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie THe truth of the Proposition is manifest because there is no other Ministery but Antichrists that standeth in such estate And they are in deed of Antichrist that professing the name of Christ yet refuse to obey him in his owne ordinance of Ministery worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King As may appeare by these Scriptures compared together and others the like Deut. 18.18.19 Psal 110.1.2.3.4 Mat. 15.9 and 17.5 and 28.20 Luk. 19.27 and 22.25.26 Rom. 12 3-8 Ephe. 4.8.11.12 1 Tim. 6.13.14 1 Pet. 5 1-4 with 2 Thes 2.3.4 1 Tim. 4.1.2.3 1 Iohn 2.18.19.22 and 4.3 and 2 Ioh. ver 7. Rev. 13.11 and 14 9-12 22.18.19 The truth of the Assumption is evident by that which hath bene said in the Reasons ‖ Pag. 2. c. here going before And their constitution it self sheweth it in that they are so farr from obeying Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministery worship and government of the Church as they do all of them receive execute or stand subject vnto the Ministerie and government of another Archbishop and Lordbishop then Iesus Christ of an Archeacon and of a Parson Vicar or Stipendary being Priest or Deacon so ordeyned by the Prelates As also in their administration reading prayers out of a book stinted and imposed vpon them and observing many other inventions of men in the worship of God continually vsed among them And likewise in their Church-government according to their Canons Courts excommunications degradations other like proceedings by the Prelates and their Officers Which were never appointed by Christ the Prophet Priest and King of the Church as may be seen in his Testament where they are not to be found And this we have shewed heretofore more particularly in other Treatises already published to which I refer the Reader Refut of Mr. Giff. The Apologie against the Oxf. Doct. Treatise of Minist of the Church of Engl. pag. 28.29.30 c. The third Argument III. THe Ministerie of Christians which is opposed against and exalted above the holy things Ministerie and ordinances of Iesus Christ that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Christians opposed against and exalted above the holy things Ministerie and ordinances of Iesus Christ Therfore the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The first part of the Argument is certaine and manifest by these Scriptures 2 Thes 2.3.4 with 1 Ioh. 2.18.19 4.1.2.3 Rev. 9. 13. 14. 17. 18. chap. The truth of the second part of the Argument appeareth evidently 1. In this that a man may peaceably administer or receive their holy things in their maner by vertue of their Deaconry or Priesthood received from the Prelates which is the present Ministerie of that Church as hath bene shewed before But if any do administer or receive the holy things of God by the offices of Pastors and Teachers entred into and executed according
to the testament of Christ they are for this cause evil intreated reviled and persecuted vnto death even by these who professe themselves to be Christians 2. Secondly in that their Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry is the very meanes of thrusting away keeping out of the Church the Ministery and order which Christ hath appointed in his word Which some of themselves have heretofore acknowledged and written affirming that Lord Bishops Archdeacons Commissaries Officials and the rest Admon to the Parliam thrust away most sacrilegiously the order which Christ hath left in his Church and which the Primitive Church hath vsed Sermon on Rom. 12. That they rob the Church of lawfull Pastors watchfull Elders and carefull Deacons And that by the length of their vnlawful swords they keep out the lawfull members of the body of Christ which is the Church Neyther need we seek any further proof hereof then that which is daily felt and seen in their bloody opposition and proud exaltation above the holy things ordinances and servants of Iesus Christ Who being Lord over all will bring their wayes vpon their owne heads and when they have filled vp the measure of their iniquity will judge them according to their works The fourth Argument THe Ministerie which is such as in the nature and condition thereof IIII. of it perteyneth not to any body and estate eyther civill or ecclesiasticall but onely to the body and kingdome of Antichrist that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Mininisterie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is such as in the nature and condition thereof it perteyneth not to any body or estate eyther civill or ecclesiasticall but onely to the body and kingdome of Antichrist Therefore the present Ministerie of the Church-assmblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition none can deny And for it see 2 Thes 2. chap. with Rev. 13 11-18 and 14. and 16. and 17. and 18. and 19. and 21. chap. The Assumption is cleare to all that will open their eyes to see the truth of it in as much as their Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry the present Ministery of that Church is such in the nature and condition thereof as the civill estate of the Common-wealth may be perfect without them for they are ecclesiasticall functions the Church of Christ may be compleet without them and yet have all the offices appointed by Christ therevnto and the Turks and Pagans neyther have them nor require them Onely the body and kingdome of the Romish Antichrist cannot be full and furnished in all the offices thereof without them Which all men know to be true From which also an argument to the same purpose may be framed in this sort The fift Argument V. THe Ministerie which is such as the body of Antichrist the man of sinne cannot without it be compleet in all the members and Canonicall functions thereof that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is such as the body of Antichrist the man of sinne cannot without it be compleet in all the members and Canonicall functions thereof Therefore the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition is cleare and certaine The Assumption is proved by the Canons Pontificall and estate of the Romish Antichrist the man of sinne and by the constitution of that body in the members and functions thereof As all must needs confesse that have any knowledge of the conditiō of that Church and Officers perteyning therevnto The sixt Argument THe Ministerie of Deacons Priests and Prelates VI. which accounts it self to be Christs and yet in deed is such as the Kings and Rulers of the earth may and ought to suppresse and root out of their dominions that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Deacons Priests and Prelates which accounts it self to be Christs and yet in deed is such as the King may and ought to suppresse and roote out of his Dominions Therefore it is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition is proved 1. Because there is no other such Ministery but Antichrists which accounts it self to be Christs when in deed it is such as the Magistrates ought to abandon and root out of their dominions 2. Because that which is in truth the Ministery of Christ no Princes may refuse or set against But in so doing they sinne highly against the Lord and provoke his judgements against themselves their kingdomes Rev. 17.12.13.14.16.17 with Psal 2.10.11 12. and Esa 60.10.11.12 The Assumption hath two poynts to be considered The one that the Ministery of the Church of Engl. is Ministery of Deacons Priests Prelates which accounts it self to be Christs which themselves cannot nor will not deny The other that in deed it is such as the King may and ought to suppresse and root out of his dominions Which we have shewed already both in †Treatise of Minist of Engl. p. 25.105.134 Answ to Mr. Iacob p. 163.197.199 The Apologie pag. 27.52.53.54.85 c. other Treatises and in the first Reason here before And the forward preachers among them have yeelded it in their suits to the Parliament to have it removed and taken away And if the Prelates and their conforming Priests affirme the contrary they are impugners of the Kings supremacy and excommunicated ipso facto by their owne Canons the words whereof be these in the second of their ‖ Canons of Anno 1603. Can. 2. last Canons Where first the Title is thus Impugners of the Kings supremacy censured And then the Canō it self followeth thus Whosoever shall affirme that the Kings Maiestie hath not the same authority in causes ecclesiasticall that the godly Kings had amongst the Iewes and Christian Emperors in the Primitive Church c. let him be excōmunicated ipso facto and not restored but onely by the Archbishop after his repentance and publick revocation of those his wicked errours From which Canon I reason thus The godly Kings amongst the Iewes had such authority in causes Ecclesiasticall as they might suppresse within their dominions any Ministeries not ordeyned by the Lord and therefore any false Ministeries whatsoever as Iosiah did the Chemarims the Priests of Baall them that burnt incense to the host of heaven c. Therefore also seing the present Ministery of the Church of England * As hath ben proved before Pag. 2. c. is not that which Christ ordeyned and gave to his Church and consequently must needs be a false Ministery the King of England having the same authority in causes ecclesiasticall as those Kings of Iudah had may and ought to suppresse and root out of his dominions this their Ministery and Prelacy of Archbishops Lordbishops Suffraganes Priests Deacons Subdeacons Archdeacons c. Like as King Henry the eight did the Abbats Monks Nunnes c.
ioyning together in the true worship of God And that all such Churches and Congregations communicating after that maner together in divine worship are in all ecclesiasticall matters equall and of the same power and authority and that by the word and will of God they ought to have the same spiritual priviledges prerogatives officers administrations orders and Formes of divine worship 5. That every established Church or Congregation ought to have those spirituall officers and Ministers which are enioyned by Christ in the new Testament and no other 6. That the ground of Church-government is the Kingly function of Christ who is the Head of the Church and whom it properly concernes to make lawes by which to governe the Church 7. That the Scripture hath delivered an exact platforme of Pollicie for the House of God which is the Church And The word of God describeth perfitly vnto vs that form of governing the Church which is lawful the officers that are to execute the same from the which no Christian Church ought to swarve 8. That the forme of Church-governement in England is an Humane ordināce yea the very same by which Antichrist rose vnto his intollerable Tyranny in Gods Church 9. That it robbeth the Church of lawfull Pastors Elders and Deacons 10. That Diocesan Bishops have not any place nor part at all in any true and proper visible Church of Christ. 11. That it is the naturall and immutable office of a Pastor both to Teach and to Governe with the assistance of other Elders his owne flock 12. That the right true Discipline Ecclesiasticall in each proper Visible Church is one mayne part of the ordinarie meanes of salvation appointed by God for every soule and that this in the Church of England is vtterly wanting 13. That Diocesan Bishops c. do by necessarie consequence deny Christ the Saviour to be our intire and perfect Prophet and spirituall King by taking away from him some proper parts of his Propheticall and Kingly Offices impugne the Foundation of saving faith and are contrarie to Gods word 14. That Christ is the onely teacher of his Church and appointer of all meanes whereby we should be taught and admonished of any holy dutie whatsoever he hath thought good to teach his Church and the meanes whereby he hath perfitly set downe in the holy Scriptures so that to acknowledge any other meanes of teaching and admonishing vs of our duty then such as he hath appointed is to receive another teacher into the the Church besides him and to confesse some imperfection in those meanes he hath ordeyned to teach vs by If these Assertions I say be true then is it vnlawfull to have communion with the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of England But the foresaid Assertions are true Therefore it is vnlawfull to have communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England The Proposition agreeth with that of the former Argument and addeth weight vnto it For besides that which there is sayd it cannot stand with the Homage due vnto Christ the King and Head of the Church with the sound acknowledgement of the sufficiency of the Scripture word of God with the carefull vsing of the means of salvation appointed by God for every soule with the faithfull renouncing of all humane ordinances in Gods worship and vtter detestation of Antichrist c. to have cōmunion with the Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England seing they are not lawfull Pastors or Ministers having the naturall and immutable Offices appointed by Christ nor performing the worship of God according to the Canon of his word but stand in subiection to Provinciall and Diocesan Bishops receiving their Ministery from them and executing it vnder them who are contrary to Gods word and against the Prophecy Kingdome of Iesus Christ c. So as to heare and communicate with their Ministery were to worship God after an vnlawfull maner and to acknowledge other offices and meanes of teaching and governing the Church then such as Christ hath appointed and consequently to receive an other Teacher King into the Church besides him and to confesse some imperfection in those offices and meanes which he hath ordeyned to teach governe vs by c. The Assumption is their owne acknowledged confirmed by themselves in divers of their books Namely The Removall of certaine Imputations layd vpon the Ministers of Devon and Cornwall pag. 22. 39. T. C. reply 1. Pag. 83. English Puritanisme p. 1. 5. 6. 12. 13. 24. The Demonstrat of Discipl pag 1. Admonit to the Parliam treatise 1. and 2. Sermon on Rom. 12. pag. 36. 37. Mr Iacobs Reasons proving necessity of reforming the Churches in England pag. 33. 35. 51. 52. 53. The Abridgement of the Book delivered to his Maiesty by the Lincolnshire Minist pag. 31. 32. 77. 78. c. And let it here be observed that although the case be thus cleare by their owne writings against their Church and Ministery yet * Mr. Bradsh Argum. 12. London Ministers Protest Mr Iacobs Mr Hilders Mr Stones others writings c. they cease not to impute schisme vnto vs for separating from them in such estate they pretend that the mayne cause of our separation is because of their Ceremonies they hold and plead that the Churches of England as they be established by publik Authority are true visible Churches of Christ and that their Ministers are faithfull Pastors and true Ministers of Christ c. Accusations pretences opinions and pleas that sort very ill with their Propositions and Assertions and are so much the more straunge in them as they have besides all the former Positions many other the like affirmed expressely that they lack both a right Ministerie of God a right governmēt of his Church according to the Scriptures that they have an Antichristian hierarchie a Leiturgy culled picked out of the Popish dunghil the Massebook full of all abominations and that the controversie betwixt the Prelates them is not for a cap a tippet or a surplus but for greater matters concerning a true Ministerie and Regiment of the Church according to the word Which being once established the other melt away of themselves Admon to the Parliam treatise 1. 2. Thus have they written and iudged themselves heretofore Now if their Church and Ministery were altered it would be knowen But seing it is not how is it that they keep not more to the greater matters in controversie but insist so much vpon the lesser which would melt away of themselves if the other were once established And why blame they vs for separating from their false Ministerie vnlawfull worship and Babylonish constitution of their Church Or why consider they not that the extent of their Propositions and Assertions reacheth not onely to their Ceremonies but also to their Ministery Leiturgie and Church it self Now therefore if they can make to accord together their judgement with their practise their writings
Christ himself Thus the Assumption is cleared And thus the cause is yeelded by themselves who in their owne writings speak and reason in such sort as hath ben shewed Which I thought good thus to apply to their present estate further manifestation of the truth And thus much cōcerning these Argumēts Reasons Which now I leave to the consideration of all that are of judgement and conscience exhorting them as they love the truth and their owne good 1 Thes 5.21 Psal 119.59 to try all things by the word of God to consider their wayes and to turn their feet into his testimonies And I pray the Lord God of all glorie and goodnes to discover and consume the apostasie of Antichrist daily more and more to make the light and power of the Gospell of Christ shine forth and prevaile against all enemies and hinderances to give his people of all estates and nations to walk in the light and comfort thereof to the praise of his Name and eternall life by Iesus Christ who is God overall blessed for ever Amen Ier. 50.29 Call together * the mighty many against Babel all that bend the bow besiege her round about let there be no escaping for her recompense her according to her work according to all that she hath done do vnto her for she hath ben proude against the Lord against the holy one of Israel A Table of some principall things conteyned in this Treatise THat it is not lawfull to heare or have any spirituall communion with other Ministerie then that which Christ hath given vnto his Church pag. 1. 17. 51. 63. 70. 78. 87. 93. c. That the Ministery given by Christ is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4. p. 2. 4. 5. 7. 22. c. That the Ministers of the Church of England are none of these p. 3. c. Of the obiection made about hearing the Scribes and Pharisees p. 14. That the Ministery of the Church of Engl. is the Ministery of Antichrists Apostasie p. 18. c. Of the Prelates being spirituall Lords Diocesan and Provinciall Bishops Antichristian vsurpers c. p. 19. c. and p. 70. 71. 101. 102. 110. Of the examples of Timothee and Titus alledged for them p. 22. c. Two Questions about the ordinance of Christ and the apostasie of Antichrist touching the Ministery and governement of the Church p. 26. How the Ministers of the Church of England are made Deacons Priests Bishops and Archbishops And wherevnto they subscribe p. 30. c. That the Ministery of that Church obeyeth not Christ in his ordinance as their Prophet Priest and King p. 39. 105. That it is set against and exalted above the holy things and constitutions of Christ p. 41. That it apperteyneth not properly to any estate civill or ecclesiasticall but onely to the body and religion of Antichrist p. 42. 43. That the King may and ought to suppresse it throughout his Dominions p. 44. That the Lord will abolish it by the light and power of his Gospell with the spirit of his mouth and brightnes of his coming p. 46. That the Ministers with the people in that estate worship the Beasts image and receive his mark in the forehead or hand p. 51. c. That they derive not their power and functions of Ministerie from Christ the head of the Church p. 63. c. That though they be of good gifts and teach many true doctrines yet it is no warrant to communicate with their Ministerie p. 66. 75. 92. That they work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spirituall calling p. 70. 109. 110. Of the Apostles not ceasing to preach in the Name of Iesus at the commandement of the Rulers of Israel p. 73. 74. That the Ministerie of the Church of Engl. is a straunge Ministery p. 78. c. Of the conspiracy of Corah Dathan Abiram c. p. 79. That it is vnlawfull to present our bodies at false worship p. 81. c. Of Naamans example alledged for that purpose p. 82. That the Ministerie of the Church of England is not from heaven but of men p. 87. That it giveth honour to Antichrist and is derogatory to the reformed Churches p. 95. Divers testimonies of their owne and of the Martyrs others against their Ministerie and Church estate p. 6. 13. 15. 21. 30. 33. 36. 41. 44. 59. 65. 73. 76. 79. 88. 93. c. Also the grounds of Mr Bradsh Arguments and of the London Lincolnshire Devonshire and other silenced Ministers their Exceptions Abridgement Answers and Offers applyed against them p. 93. c. Faultes escaped Pag. 63. lin 6. 7. read thus of Engl. is such as deriveth not Pag. 78. lin 22. Num. 15.39 Pag. 85. lin 8. will from the hote Pag. 94. line 29. annex this in such of the books where it is wanting and God must have no solemne Worship in England except it be in communion with the same Pag. 95. lin 19. put in the margent Mr Bradsh Argum. 2. Pag. 110. lin 10. annex this And their owne reasons alledged against the vse of the Ceremonies do also prove it