have done against the children of Reuben Gad and Manasses for their suspected Apostasie and defection from God And the whole Tribes did in very deed execute that sharp judgement against the Tribe of Benjamin for a lesse offence then for Idolatry And the same ought to be one wheresoever Christ Jesus and his Evangell is so received in any Realm Province or Citie that the Magistrates and people have solemnly avowed and promised to defend the same as under King Edward of late dayes was done in England In such places it is not onely lawfull to punish to the death such as labour to subvert the true Religion but the Magistrates and people are bound so to unlesse they will provoke the wrath of God against themselves And therefore I fear not to affirm That it had been the duty of the Nobilitie Judges Rulers and people of England to have resisted and gain-standed Mary their Queen with all the sort of her Idolatrous Priests together with all such as should have assisted her when that she and they openly began to suppresse Christs Evangell to shed the blood of the Saints of God and to erect that most devillish Idolatry the Papisticall abominations and his usurped tyranny which once most justly by common Oath was banished from that Realm But because I cannot at this present discusse this argument as it appertaineth I am compelled to omit it to better opportunity and so returning to your Honours I say That if ye confesse your selves baptized in the Lord Jesus as of necessity ye must confesse That the care of Religion doth appertain to your charge And if ye know that in your hands God hath put the sword for the causes above expressed then can ye not deny but that the punishment of obstinate and malapert Idolaters such as all your Bishops be doth appertain to your Office if after admonition they continue obstinate I am not ignorant what be the vain defences of your proud Prelats they claim first A prerogative and priviledge That they are exempted and that by consent of Councells and Emperouts from all Jurisdiction of the Temporalty And secondly when they are convinced of manifest impiety abuses and enormities as well in their manners as in Religion neither fear nor shame they to affirm That things so long established cannot suddenly be reformed although they be corrupted but with processe of time they promise to take order But in few words I answer That no priviledge granted against the Ordinance and Statutes of God is to be observed although all Councells and men on the earth have appointed the same But against Gods Ordinance it is That Idolaters murtherers false Teachers and Blasphemers shall be exempted from punishment as before is declared and therefore in vain it is that they claim for priviledge when God saith The murtherer shalt thou drive from my Altar that he may die the death And as to the Order and Reformation which they promise that is to be looked or hoped for when Satan whose children and slaves they are can change his nature This answer I doubt not shall suffice the sober and godly reader But yet to the end that they may further see their own confusion and that your Honours may the better understand what ye ought to do in so manifest a corruption and defection from God I ask of them What assurance they have of this their immunity exemption or priviledge Who is the author of it And what fruit it hath produced And first I say That of God they have no assurance neither yet can he be proved to be author of any such priviledge But the contrary is easie to be seen for God in establishing his Orders in Israel did so subject Aaron in his Priesthood being the figure of Christ to Moses that he feared not to call him in judgement and to constrain him to give accounts of his wicked deed in consenting to Idolatry as the History doth plainly witnesse for thus it is written Then Moses took the Calfe which they had made and burned it with fire and did grinde it to powder and scattering it in the water gave it to drink to the children of Israel declaring thereby the vanity of their Idol and the abomination of the same And thereafter Moses said to Aaron What hath this people done to thee that thou shouldest bring upon it so a great sin Thus I say doth Moses call Aaron and accuse him of the destruction of the whole people and yet he perfectly understood that God had appointed him to be the high Priest That he should bear upon his shoulders and upon his brest the names of the twelve Tribes of Israel for whom he was appointed to make sacrifice prayers and supplications He knew his dignitie was so great that onely he might enter within the most holy place but neither could his Office nor dignitie exempt him from judgement when he had offended If any object Aaron at that time was not anointed and therefore was he subject to Moses I have answered That Moses being taught by the mouth of God did perfectly understand to what dignitie Aaron was appointed and yet he feared not to call him in judgement and to compell him to make answer for his wicked fact But if this answer doth not suffice yet shall the Holy Ghost witnesse further in the matter Salomon removed from honour Abiathar being the High Priest and commanded him to cease from all function and to live as a private man Now if the Unction did exempt the Priest from Jurisdiction of the Civill Magistrate Solomon did offend and injured Abiathar for he was Anointed and had carried the Arke before David But God doth not reprove the fact of Solomon neither yet doth Abiathar claime any prerogative by the reason of his Office but rather doth the Holy Ghost approve the fact of Solomon saying Solomon ejected forth Abiathar that he should not be the Priest of the Lord that the word of the Lord might be performed which he spake upon the house of Eli. And Abiathar did thinke that hee obtained great favour in that hee did escape the present death which by his Conspiracie he had deserved If any yet reason That Abiathar was no otherwise subject to the judgement of the King but as he was appointed to be the executor of that sentence which GOD before had pronounced as I will not greatly denie that reason so require I that every man consider That the same God who pronounced sentence against Eli and his house hath pronounced also That Idolaters Whore-mongers Murtherers and Blasphemers shall neither have portion in the Kingdom of God neither ought to be permitted to bear any Rule in his Church and Congregation Now if the Unction and Office saved not Abiathar because that Gods sentence must needs be performed Can any priviledge granted by man be a Buckler to malefactors that they shall not be subject to the punishments pronounced by God I think no man
please him And evill works we affirme not onely those that are expresly done against Gods Commandment but those also that in matters of Religion and worshipping of God have no assurance but the invention and opinion of man which God from the beginning hath ever rejected as by the Prophet Isaiah and by our Master Christ Jesus we are taught in these words In vaine do they worship me teaching doctrines which are the Precepts of men XV. The perfection of the Law and the imperfection of man THe Law of God we confesse and acknowledge most just most equall most holy and most perfect commanding those things which being wrought in perfection were able to give life and to bring man to eternall felicity But our Nature is so corrupt so weak and imperfect that we are never able to fulfill the works of the Law in perfection yea if we say we have no sin even after we are regenerate we deceive our selves and the Verity of God is not in us And therefore it behoveth us to apprehend Christ Jesus with Justice and Satisfaction who is the End and Accomplishment of the Law to all that believe by whom we are set at this liberty that the curse and malediction of the Law fall not upon us albeit we fulfill not the same in all points For God the Father beholding us in the Body of his Son Christ Jesus accepteth our unperfect obedience as were perfect and covered our works which are defiled with many spots with the Justice of his Son We do not mean that we are set so at liberty that we owe no obedience to the Law for that before we have plainly confessed but this we affirm That no man in earth Christ Jesus onely accepted hath given giveth or shall give in work that obedience to the Law which the Law requireth But when we have done all things we must fall down and unfainedly confesse That we are unprofitable servants And therefore whosoever boast themselves of the merits of their own works or put their trust in the works of Supererogation they boast themselves of that which is not and put their trust in damnable Idolatry XVI Of the Church AS we believe in God the Father Son and holy Ghost so do we most earnestly believe That from the beginning there hath beene now is and to the end of the world shall be A Church that is to say A Company and Multitude of men chosen of God who rightly worship and embrace him by true faith in Christ Jesus who is the onely Head of the same Church which also is the Body Spouse of Christ Jesus which Church is catholike that is Universal because it containeth the elect of all Ages all Realms Nations and Tongues be they of the Jews or be they of the Gentiles who have Communion or Society with God the Father and with his Son Christ Jesus through the Sanctification of his holy Spirit and therefore it is called Communion not of profane persons but of Saints who are Citizens of the heavenly Ierusalem have the fruition of the most inestimable benefits to wit of one God one Lord Jesus one Faith and one Baptisme without the which Church there is neither life nor eternall felicity And therefore we utterly abhorre the blasphemy of those that affirm That men that live according to equity and justice shall be saved what Religion soever they have professed For as without Christ Jesus there is neither life nor salvation so shall there none bee participant thereof but such as the Father hath given unto his Sonne Christ Jesus and those in time to come to him avow his doctrine and beleeve in him we comprehend the Children with the faithfull Parents This Church is invisibly known onely to God who alone knoweth it whom hee hath chosen and comprehendeth as well as is said the Elect that be departed commonly called the Church triumphant as those that yet live and fight against sin and Sathan as shall live hereafter XVII The immortalitie of the Soules THe Elect departed are in peace and rest from their labours not that they sleep and come to a certain oblivion as some fantanstick heads do affirme but that they are delivered from all fear all torment and all temptation the which we and all Gods Elect are subject unto in this life and therefore doe bear the name of the Church militant As contrary alwayes the reprobate and unfaithfull departed have anguish torment and paine that cannot be expressed so that neither are the one nor the other in such sleepe that they feele not joy or torment as the Parable of Christ Jesus in the sixteenth of Luke his words to the Theefe and these words of the souls crying under the Altar O Lord thou that art righteous and just how long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon them that dwell upon the earth doth plainly testifie XVIII Of the Notes by the which the true Church is discerned from the false and who shall be Iudge of the Doctrine BEcause that Sathan from the beginnig hath laboured to deck his pestilent Synagogue with the Title of the Church of God and hath inflamed the hearts of cruell murtherers to persecute trouble and molest the true Church and Members thereof as Cain did Abel Ishmael Isaac Esau Iacob and the whole Priesthood of the Iewes Jesus Christ himself and his Apostles after him It is a thing most requisite that the true Church be discerned from the filthy Synagogue by cleere and perfect Notes lest we being deceived receive and embrace to our own condemnation the one for the other The Notes Signes and assured Tokens whereby the Immaculate Spouse of Christ Jesus is knowne from the horrible Harlot the Church malignant we affirm are neither antiquity title usurped lineall descents place appointed nor multitude of men approving any errour For Cain in age and title was preferred to Abel and Seth. Ierusalem had prerogative above all places of the earth where also were the Priests lineally descended from Aaron and greater multitude followed the Scribes Pharisees and Priests then unfainedly believed and approved Christ Jesus and his Doctrine and yet as we suppose no man of whole judgement will grant that any of the forenamed were the Church of God The Notes therefore of the true Church of God we beleeve confesse and avow to be first the true preaching of the Word of God in which God hath revealed himself to us as the writings of the Prophets and Apostles doe declare Secondly the right administration of the Sacraments of Christ Jesus which may be annexed to the word and promise of God to seale and confirme the same in our hearts Lastly Ecclesiasticall discipline uprightly ministred as Gods Word prescribeth whereby vice is repressed and vertue nourished wheresoever then these former Notes are seen and of any time continuall be the number never so few above two or three there
The cause is to be regarded and not the persons Jerem. â— Jerem. 1. Isai. 56. Act. 3 4. Jude 1. 2 Pet. 2. Let the cause be noted Answer to an objection or doubt The Petition of Iohn Knox. The singular honours which Magistrates receive of God ought to move them with all diligence to promote his Religion The duty of Magistrates 1. 2. 3. Rom. 13. In what Points powers are bound to their subjects Rom. 13. Let the similitude be noted It is not enough that Rulers do not oppresse their subjects The offer of Iohn Knox and his accusation intended against the Papisticall Bishops Isaiah 1. Jerem 23. 27. Ezech. 13. Hosa 4. Note If Powers provide not for instruction of their subjects they do never rule above them for their Profit What Satan hath obtained of the blinde world The matters and Reformation of Religion appertain to the care of the Civill power Exod. 21.24 25 c. Note Exod. 28. The facts of godly Kings are an interpretation of the Law and declaration of â—heir power 2 Paral. 14. 17 Note 2 Paralip 19. Adverâ— that the King taketh upon him to command the Priests 2 Paral. 30. Note 2 Paral 35. 2 Reg. 23. The King commanded the Priests 2 Par. 32. The facts of the godly Kings in Iuda do appertain to the powers amongst the Gentiles professing Christs Epist. 50. Advert Note well Augustineâ— words Advert the minde of Augustine In two sorrâ— ought Kings to serve God Note O that the world would understand Note Isai. 49. An answer to the second Objection Note Note diligently Note Note diligently Jerem 38. Jerem. 39. Note diligently Deut. 12. Deut 23. 27. Idolatry ought to be punishâ—d with out respect of person If any state might have claimed priviledge it was the Prophets 1 Sam. 3 1 Sam. 9.15 1 King 22. 1 Kings 21. 2 Kings 1. 2 Par. 15. Deut. 13. Why every man in Israel was bound to obey Gods Commandment Deut 28 30. Deuâ— 7â— Gods judgements to the carnall man appear rigorous For the Idolatry of a small number is Gods wrath kindleâ— against the multitude not punishing the offencers Ezek 9. Ezek 8. 9. Note Note An answer to an Oâ—jection Why no Law was executed against the Gentiles being Idolaters Eph. 2. The especiall honour which God requireth of his people 1 Sam. 15. Exod. 34. Note Note Note God is not author of any priviledge granted to the Papisticall Bishops that they be exempted from the power of the civill sword Exod. 32. The dignity of Aaron did not exempt him from judgment 1 King 2. 1 Sam 3. Notewell Gal. 4. 1 Tim. 3. Math. 17. 1 Pet. 2. Acts 4 and 5. Rom. 13. Chrysostome upâ—on Rom. â—3 Let Papists answer Chrysostome Let their own Histories witnesse The mouth of the beast speaking great things Distinct. 9. quest 3. Their Laws do witnesse Dist. 19. Cap. de Translatione Titl 7. Dist 40. Note the equitie of this commandment The matter is more then evident Whosoever maintaineth the priviledges of Papists shall drink the Cup of Gods vengeance with them Object Answ. Deut. 28. Levit. 26. Isai. 27. 30. Note this for our time Note Let England and Scotland both advert God calleth to repentance before he strike in his hot displeasure Papists had no force if Princes did not maintain them Acts 2. No true servant of God may communicate with the Papisticall Religion An answer to the Objection That an heretick ought not to be heard 1 Kings 13. Touching Councels and Doctors In prologo Retract Ezech. 33. Mat. 24. 26. Dan. 12. Mat 25. Note Petition Answer to an Objection Lactant. Firmian Tertullian Cyprian John 5. 7. Acts 17. 2 Pet. 1. 1 John 4. John 3. Why Papists will not dispute of the ground of their Religion Mahomet and the Pope do agree Note Reformation of Religion belongeth to all that hope for life everlasting Rom. 1. Rom. 1. The subject is no lesse bound to beleeve in Christ then is the King Gal 3. Abac. 2. Mark 16. John 3. Wherein all men are equall Rom 5. Isa 53. John 3 5. Exod. 30. Exod. 30. Exod. 19. The presence of God represented in the Tabernacle Heb. 9. Isa 8. Act. 3. Mat. 28. The spirituall Tabernacle and signes of Christâ— pre 1 Par. 29. 2 Par. 3.4 5. 2 Par. 29.30 35. 1 Par. 29. 2 Par. 3.4 5. 2 Par. 29.30 35. Note Matth. 17. Note The offer of Iohn Knox ro hiâ— native Realm What he requireth An answer to two questions Subjects may lawfully require true Preachers of theâ—r Rulers John 21. Acts 20. Things that may draw men back from the sincerity of Christs Evangell Rom. 2. Note Princes and Bishops are alike criminall How subjects offend with their Princes Gen. 7. 19. Iosephus Egesippus What subjects shall God punish with their Princes A note made upon the sending of Christs Disciples to the Sea the miraculous feeding of the people What chanced to Christs disciples after the feeding of the people in the desart The first Note John 6. Matth. 14. Christ suffereth not his sheep and Pastours to be dispersed and troubled but for cause reasonable John 6. Why Christ sent away the people from him Matth. 10. John 6. Matth. 20. John 6. Mark 6. The disciples did not rightly consider Christs work Note Note this for our time Note John 18. Act. 14. Hypocrites are made manifest in the day of trouble 1 John 2. Note To deny or conceale the gifts of God which we have received is unthankfulnesse Let the Miâ—istâ—rs nâ—te this who are put from thâ—ir charges by the enemy Ezech 3.33 Jer. 20 34. 3 Reg 18 21 22. 4 Reg 3. Amos 7. Dan 5 Matth. 23. Act 13. The Preachers â—â—â—named tâ—e Salt of the earth The Confâ—ssion of the Author Preachers ougâ—t to feed Christs Flock The lack of fervency of reproving of indifferency in seeding and diligence in executing are great sins Spirituall temptations are soon espied The prayer of the author The troubles of these daâ—es cometh to the comfort of Gods elect The second Note The great fear of the disciples Matth. 8. The disciples also before this time were troubled in the Sea Note What time the tempest did arise The Sea was calm when the disciples took their Ship What moved the Sea The tossed Ship is a figure of the Church of Christ. Exod. 1. Esth. 3. Act. 7 deinceps The malice of the devill compared to the winde 1 Simile The Sea cannot be quiet when the wind bloweth outragiously The winde that blew in the dayes of King Hen. 8. A quiet calm wa under King Edw 6. The first secret pestilent winde that blew in the time of good K. Edward 6. The Devill raged when the Masse mischief was disclosed Esa. 5. Mark well This was affirmed both before the King and also before Northumberland oftner then once Transubstantiation overthrown by Th. Granmer The tound god was taken away by Act of Parliament When all the Papisticall