which is worship devised by man and arbitrary or free is abhorred by the Lord. The second commandement forbids making to our selues the least sign fying ceremony Numb 15.39 Col. 2 noth ng pleaseth God but what comes from heaven for outward service pleaseth no further then it is done in obedience to God and is an expressing of inward worship Therefore this wil-worship being done not in obedience to God but to our own and others will Isa 24.13 it is not accepted of God To this all agree for it was the Pharisies sinne that they took up of themselues many washings not commanded of God nor forbidden by him but indifferent in themselues 2 The Lord hath given a perfect Platform and absolute Rule how hee will be worshipped in the time of the new Testament For Christ that hath ever taught the Church and directed Moses and David much more comming in his own person hath fully manifested the will of his Father Else he should be lesse faithfull then the servant in him are hid all the treasures of wisedom and knowledge so as in him we are compleat and need not further to seek nor borrow any light from the greatest Angells in heaven for matters concerning God or his worship Therfore they are accursed Gal. 1 that preach any other doctrine besides that the Apostles haue preached and left unto us 2 Tim. 3 The Scripture makes the man of God perfect and absolute to every good work and it is a light unto our feet and to our pathes so as not a foot is set towards heaven but where and how it should be placed is evidently shewed The Scripture is so large that it meets with all doubts else the Lord should not be so provident as man who meet in their lawes with all they can conceiue Now the Lord foresees all doubts Further the Scripture g ues direction how to use things indifferent 1 Tim. 4 in our common use therfore much more in a religious This for the substance is held by all our sound Divines against the Papists 3 The Lord is very strict for observing every thing commanded in his service without any addition or detraction in the least things Deut. 4.2 Moses must doe all according to the pattern shewed in the mount The Lord punished Aarons sonnes for offering strange fire Vzzah for offering to stay the Ark hee forbids to be called Baali Hes 2. The Lord is a jealous God 2 Com. and his authority is weakned when men presume to doe any thing in his worship and serv ce God will be the same in punishing that he is in forbidding Math. 5 the least jo e or title shall not passe but all must see fulfilled 4 The least sin may not be committed to injoy all the Ordinances of God Rom. 3. For 1 The Lord may take men away in the act of doing evill afore they come to any good 2 It is is a great dishonour to God to doe any sinne to a good end as though the Lord could not provide for thy soule without sinning against him and sâ—rving Satan first 3 It opens a gap to all superstitâ—on upon a good meaning and a gap to injustâ—ce in mens dealings 4 The least sinne done especâ—ally wittâ—ngly and willingly brings judgement upon the doer 5 God in such times when without sinning against him wee cannot enjoy them calls us for the while to humiliation or removing his glory from that place calls otherwhere to ab de Matth. 15 Men Men may not deny duety to these parents in rele ving them to offer unto God it makes the commandement of God of none effect which for to doe for any man whatsoever is a most hoâ—r bâ—e sinne 5 A little leaven leavens the whole lumpe 1 Cor. 5 men dote ever upon their own dev sâ—s and hav ng oâ—c◠〈◊〉 the bounds God hath set them run fuâ—tâ—er further Besides the Lord so knâ—tâ—a hâ—s worship and oâ—dinances togethâ—r that â—orruption of one coâ—rupts the â—est and without curing and restoring in time expells all Gods institutions and leaues men nothing but their own stuffe For men withholding the truth in injustice are forsaken of God and become fooles because they worship not God as God that is as he reveales himselfe in his workes and word Leaven is a Gangreen 2 Tim. 3. 6 The offence of the weak in the abuse of things indifferent much more superstitious which none in earth can command this may bring damnation unto thy brother Therfore that is most uncharitable and none can command against charity The Magâ—strate is keeper of this Law and ought not to see it broken This is a sin against Christ Woe be to him that offends the least of these little ones Math. 18. In this the Scripture is so large 1 Cor. 10 Rom. 14 because men are witty having no sense nor tendernesse of conscience in themselues nor true loue towards the sincere servants of God and therfore no care of their growth in grace and prosperity of their soules onely puft up with knowledge and a forme of Religion that they haue devised I say they are so cunning to offend their weak brethren for which Christ dyed under colourable pretences Math. 12.23 ad 8. Divine order it selfe giues way to charity towards mens bodies much more a humane to mens soules All power is to edification not destruct on 7 All men are bound to protest and stand out against all superstitious will-worship especially that of the Church of Rome so as they may leaue the pure truth to posterity now in this light of the Gospell 2 Cor. 6 Apoc 14.4 Saints are redeemed and bought from among men and virgins which are not defiled with women that is w th whorish and idolatrous service Else how doe wee answer the great mercy and goodnesse of the Lord if we deny not all ungodlâ—nesse Tit. 2. 2 They are guilty of former superst tions if they cast not away all idols 2 Command 3 They wrong their posterity making them e ther to drink troubled waters or suffer persecution for standing against that wh ch they yeelded unto 4 This is a part of that victory which Christ hath gotten for all his over the world that will lay claime unto it 8 To doe a th ng doubtingly by the example of others may bring damnat on to the party so sinn ng Rom. 14.23 Men may sinne aga nst the r conscience and so stumble and fall 2 Men may be given over in other things to the like to follow men And this holds in following any one though never so learned For not many nor prudent haue the truth revealed unto them in every age there being some misteries in Religion which learning or study cannot attain to without a speciall assistance and working of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 2. 9 It is a great sinne to obserue pleasing Traditions because they are commanded by men and haue a shew of wisedom Col. 2 Esa 29. It argues men are led onely by an humane
their subjects in preventing their hurt It is the Lord onely that must keep others from abusing holy thâ—ngs now the Lord wâ—ll keep onely things of his own appointment and such as are profitable If amongst the Israelites an oxe were used to push and gore and it were testified to the owner and he did not put him to death if any were hurt by him the owner was to answer either with his life or goods Exod. 21.29.30 So Magistrates not removing dangers are accessary to all the falls which thousands catch thereby 5 Princes haue authority to compell all their subiects to covenant with the Lord to serue him onely according to his will So did Iosua Ios 24. So did Asa and Iosiah So did Moses and the Elders of Israel Deu. 26.5 So did the great King Nebuchadnezzar that saw but one speciall work of the Lord in the delivering of his faithfull servants So did Ezekiah And this reacheth to make Lawes and publique Edicts that binde all To punish the obstinate offenders with death to send for men with command to come to the service of the Lord so did the former Prâ—nces This men are bound to Psal 101. For 1 all men are superstitious or Atheists naturally and therfore they need to bee kept in compasse and drawn to the meanes 2 All men following their own inventions pollute the land and bring judgments therupon like the men that claue to Baal-Peor 6 Princes haue authority to send out Ministers fitted with gifts to preach the Word so did Iehosaphat The Magistrate is to sâ—e that the Lord may haue most glory in the publishing of salvation that Christs Kingdom be set up that none perish for want of meanes Therefore are they called Gods especially 7 Princes in things not commanded by the Lord but left indifferent ought rather then otherwise to make distinction twixt their people and Idolaters Deut. 4.1.2 For first Gods people are the children of the Lord God to be holy unto him in a peculiar manner Secondly The Lord hath used so to put many barres twixt us and Idolaters and then indeed things indifferent so used most edifie the Church Thirdly Idolaters are made hereby the sooner to consider of their Religion Fourthly of all persons Ministers are most bound to abhorre the least reliques of idolatry and can be least forced to the use thereof Levit. 21.5 they draw neerest to the Lord that is a consuming fire 2 Magistrates and people haue a speciall charge to sanctifie the Priest Lev. 21.8 8 Magistrates are bound to be so carefull that the people fall not back to idolatry that they are bound to remoue all idolaters especially false Prophets and Seducers Deut. 13.6 Deut. 17.2 Deut. 7.2 Exod. 32 Ex. 22.20 2 King 10 Iehu Iosias 2 King 23 Elias For 1 these pervert the straight wayes of the Lord. 2 It is as great a sinne now to call upon a Saint or an Angell as it was to offer to an Idoll Therfore all Princes should follow Asaes worthy example 2 Chron. 1â— 13 The summe of all is that Princes may reforme abuses and establish the pure worship of God among their people If it be said This seemes to be a burthen and abasing to Princes rather then any honour the Answer is plain That it is the honour of the creature to procure the honour of God Thus doe the Angels 2 It is great honour to be about the Lord in any place 3 All offices are but ministeries 4 None but the Magistate can doe this This Authority though the Scriptures manifest that others executed it yet with all they doe it with the consent of the Princes 2 By the advice and d rection of the Prophets of God so did David 3 By drawing on the people in the demolishing of Idotry Thus thou seest in part wherin the Magistrates Authority consists now follows to shew wherein it is limited in the positions following 1 The Magistrate cannot institute any thing in the outward worship of God None of the Kings of Iudah without extraordinary warrant did but reform which is to remoue superstition and bring men to the true worship of God 2 The Lord hath commanded that men should not adde which binds directly in outward worship 3 The Lord hath given direction for as much service as he requires of men and will accept Isa 29.13 Io. 2. What better colour then to haue mony-changers and sheep in the Temple to further and speed the service of God and dispatch the unacquainted Israelites that came from far But this as all humane helps not sanctified by the Lord doe prophanes the house of God and therfore justly banished thence by our Saviour Christ Nothing may come neerer the Lord then hee appoints and all that comes from man is filthy and defiles both the Lord and the user 2 Circumstances in Gods worship are not free neither in these things may Princes command what they please 1 Chron. 28.19 Salomon hath a pattern of the Temple and direction for the place 2 Chron. 3.1 So for the ordering of men to these and these offices Because all things being inexpedient edifie not Acts 1 Acts 6 1 Corinth 10. 3 The Princes commanding of a thing indifferent is no sufficient ground for the usage of it in the service of God For first all things must be sanctified by the Word which shewes the right use of these things Also Princes commands in things indifferent in many cases are not to be obeyed As 1 if the party cannot be resolved of the lawfulnesse of them then the Lord forbids to use them 2 If they hurt or destroy for all power is for the good of others 3 Though they be indifferent in themselues yet having been monuments of Idolatry or being now abused by Idolaters in state of divine worship Hes 2. 4 When they are commanded for ill ends as to be signes of the new covenant of grace for men may not ordain new signes of the covenant of grace 4 Princes may not appoint significant ceremonies the second commandement forbids it Ezech. 43.8 These are parts of Gods outward worship for they are religious actions 2 They lessen the esteem of Gods own Ordinances 3 There is no such example in the whole Scripture of any holy Prince that did any such thing 4 Christ is the onely Teacher of his Church therfore all doctrins and ceremonies not appointed by him are to be rejected for we are bound to hear his voyce onely 5 As these abound so hath the Lord withdrawn his presence from the visible Church Ezech. 43.8 6 The Lord accounts nothing his but what he appoints 7 The wil of God only makes things acceptable to him and profitable to the Church 5 Princes haue not power to binde the conscience Isa 33.21 Iam. 4.12 For 1 they cannot make a thing simply evill 2 They canot discern nor punish the inner man that is onely the priviledg of the Lord. 3 Christians are not servants of men but onely of Christ that hath purchased
as the pearle As for them that respect the Word as they respect an other history or never busie themselues about either knowledge faith or pâ—actâ—se From these Truth the heavenly Manna shall be taken away and chaffy Traditions which w ll damn their soulâ—s shal be sent them Thou therfore must loue the truth rather then thy cred te be content to change thy minde when the light comes buy it at any rate 8 That thou be resolute to walke in the truth Ioh. 7.17 though it cost thee all thou hast For he that hates not father mother house lands and all for Christs sake cannot be his disciple men must cast up their accounts afore what the truth will cost and resolue to giue the full price even to hate their life for Christ All must deny themselues therfore take up their crosses and follow Christ Math. 6. All that eâ—de to know and reason onely all fearfull ones that dare not follow the light darknes shall cover them they shall be l ke Pauls companions Act. 9 that heard a sound but saw not Christ neither heard what the Lord said unto him 9 That men hate the whoore of Babell throughly all her abominations Apo. 14.4 it is â—hewed who she is how dangerous a thing it is to communicate with her Apoc. 14.9.10 else how shall they come out from her Such therefore as th nk it no way so dangerous to communicate with Antichrist and are of such quiet disposition that they can well enough brook Popery shall be like the scorners that seek wisedom but shall not finde it for men must hate all vain inventiventions that will haue the truth dwell with them 10 Such as judge not of Religion and the worship of God either by the pleasing of our senses liking of our own heart or judgment of carnall reason Numb 15.39 for these are not admitted to judge of the Lord nor his wayes nothing but the Lord and that which is from him can or may judg of the Lord. As for such as seek for carnall delight rather then true edification and judge by themselues what the Lord requires and approues no marvell if they like a strangers face better then of their own husband For nature goes a whoring after mens devises and is ever fond of it own inventions Math. 15 like the Iewes that would offer up their children to Moloch but robbed the Lord of his tithes 11 Such are willing to be instructed of very babes becomming little children like eloquent Apollos that was content to be catechised by Aquilla and Priscilla men must learn the truth especially where it is practised and many Truths from them that are weaker and farre more ignorant happily â—n other things then thy selfe humâ—â—ity and wisedom dwell together Paul though he had seen Christ â—n the way he must goe to Ananias to learne further what hee should doe Act. 9. Such therfore as despise learning of any saue the great Rabbins and ancient Fathers and will not be beholding to any â—eane persâ—â—age for most difâ—â—cuit truths are like the proud Corâ—â—thians 1 Cor. 12 doubtlesse such shall goe astray with the Pharisies Ioh. 9. 12 Such as by the spirit of God in themselues understand the Scriptures in some measure and try the spirits both writings and speeches not depending upon any 1 Ioh. 4 1 Thess 5. For every man is a lyar and may erâ—e and the Church must be built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles upon the Rock Chr st Wherfore such as ground onely on mens opinions or the Traditions of the Elders are mens Disciples and God may justly deny them the knowledge of saving Truths Let all men take heed of this Popish evill of an implicite faith for it is naturall to all men it giues way to all superstition it is grosse negligence not to respect what seed is sown in thy soule And to end all remember these two things 1 That men depending on others shall ever be uncertain for men doe change and vary 2 In all times some points of Religion very needfull to be known are mysteries to the learned world hid from the wise and prudent Math. 11. 13 Receiue each truth for conscience nothing for singularity or novelty to content the state present or to please men for such are hypocrites that Christ is an offence unto For though in some things corruption be resireyned and the branches cut off for a time yet hereby corruption is dangerously nourished and more deeply lodged in the heart which will break out at last with much violence to the great discredit of the profession witnesse Iudas Saul and them that goe out of the Church in all times such hang upon the Church but are dead members neither let any thinke we desire such schollers and followers nor let the world imagine they haue gotten a great prey when they haue perverted a learned scholler For he is but as a withered branch that Christ hath cut off fit enough and for nothing else fit but to build up the Kingdom of Satan Nor let Gods servants be discouraged as though they were quite overcome when they loose a seeing Champion for his spirit that was good he leaues behind him in the Church an other shall inherit it and injoy his Talent even he that had most afore and is found most faithfull See thou be not content with a form of Religion denying the power thereof such a one as comest neere the Lord with thy lips and honourest him with thy mouth but thy heart is farre from him Such the world is full of in all ages which makes men ready to entertain will-worship and any devise of man if therefore thou seek not to proceed by sound judgment in Gods service doing nothing but what thou hast warrant for from the Word or coldly worship God without any zeale or chearfulnesse or without true reverence of his great Majesty and faith in Christ Never expect the Lord should manifest his will unto thee in these Truths following SECTION II. THus Christian Reader thou seest what to repent of in former times and what haue been the mayn lets and impediments of thine â—ucrease in knowledge using the meanes wherfore when thou distâ—â—tâ—â—t and scornest happily at the grounds following see thy consc ence accuse thee not in some want of preparation which doing I doubt not but we shall be of the same judgement or at least haue the same heart and mutuall loue according together For pride and prophanenesse and men-pleasing cheifly sunders the affection when thou readest set thy seâ—fe as in the presence of God to learn from him and doe not wi fully shut thine eyes against any light that shines from heaven Now that with more facility wee may passe to the severall doubts controverted I will propound through the grace of God some generall grounds from whence light may be fetched to determine all oâ— the most of thâ—se or the like questions 1 The first ground that all will-worship
spirit and follow corrupt nature that studies more to please it selfe and men then to please the Lord. This giues way to all idolatry whatsoever Apoc. 21 the fearful haue their portion with idolaters It is to giue away the Lords right and makes men they cannot with any zeale or loue preach or practice the main truthes of God Our Saviour Christ refused to be subject to the Pharisies washings a ceremony out of Gods worship not corrupted so by idolaters but in other kinds commanded and appointed by God 10 A thing indifferent having holinesse put in it ceaseth to be indifferent and becomes simply evil and abominable for then it is will-worship as the brazen serpent 2 God onely must sanctifie things Relatiuely for an holy use Io. 2 Mark 11. 11 That is not a thing indifferent which the holy Scriptures hath commanded or forbidden in generall or speciall in any infallible example or by consequence For every man is bound to the will of God simply being made known That men are bound to examples it may appear 1 Because the Holy Ghost records them for our learning and practice Rom. 15 Christs example is brought to proue we must not please our seâ—â— es so that divine examples binde when they are not against a divine Rule 2 It is the manner of Scripture to propound divers duties onely in examples because they moue much 3 Infallible examples were guided immediately by the holy Ghost and therefore are sure rules for us to follow even in circumstances And see Math. 21 how our Saviour Christ proues by consequence the resurrection against the Sadduces 12 Circumstances of holy actions are commanded by the Lord in the generall as time to meet to hear the word and receiue Sacraments the Table to set bread and wine upon but in the particular the Church may appoint what is fittest for order and edification from the generall rules and examples of holy Scriptures ever knowing we are bound to follow the Traditions and Ordinances of Christ and his Apostles as they they haue delivered them unto us 1 Corinth 11.12 13 This word onely is to be understood in every commandement yea in every part of Gods worship so as no other god may be adored saue Iâ—hovah nor after any other manner then he commands Mat. 4.10 with Deut. 6.10 For to fear the Lord and keep his commandemants is the whole duty of man 2 Men going beyond the bounds appointed by the Lord sin against him 3 Men are expresly tyed to the Law and Testimony Isa 8. 4 Men are in darknesse and know not which way they walk except the light of the word guide them 2 Pet. 1. 14 Every particular Congregation assembled lawfully in the name of Christ that is after his own institution with the Officers given and appointed hath full liberty of her â—elfe to execute Discipl ne being independant to any other Ecclesiasticall power on earth whatsoever Math. 18 Having reproved the offender by 2 or 3 then tell the Church or Congregation after which is no higher power Whatsoever they binde on earth is bound in heaven Paul reproved the Corinthians that they had not excommunicated the incestuous person Buâ—erus ibi totum Christi Regnum there is Christs whole Kingdom neither may any take away that which Christ hath given for upon his shoulders is the government and he hath all authority and will haue it thus dispensed wherfore if Naboth would not sell the inheritance of his fathers much lesse may wee sell the inheritance of Christ Nor did Christ subject one Congregation to another for that step to the Popedome came in long after And all Pastors being equall by Gods institution are forbidden to exercise authority one over an other or expect any such title as may import it or affect preeminence like Diotrophes 15 Commanding or following humane Traditions for carnall policy or good intent brings an utter ruin and insensible judgement upon any Kingdom Hos 5 witnesse Ieroboam in the Kingdom of Israel Gideon for making the Ephod Then men 1 grow strangers from Gods own worship 2 To think Religion is but a devise of man 3 They put down the servants of the Lord 4 They despise and resist the Lords word brought by his servants 16 Of all men Ministers are bound to abhorre the least reliques of idolatry and can be least forced to the use therof Lev. 21.5 For first they draw neerest unto the Lord who is a consuming fire and will be sanctified in them that come neer him 2 Ministers must leade the people in this as in other duties 3 The most zealous servants of God haue been ever very forward against all superstitious monuments 4 Magistrates and people haue a speciall charge Lev. 21.5 to sanctifie the Priest which was then the Lords Minister 17 The Church hath not all her light at once nor by one instrument Christ comes to his people as the Sun riseth first the day dawnes then darknesse is quite expelled and at last the Sunne is in his strength For 1 the servants of God at first doe set themselues against the great and maine corruptions of the time as Luther and the former servants of God did against the foundations of Babell 2 The Lords manner is to proceed from lesser to greater as may evidently be seen in the six daies work in the creation of the world 3 All men receiue the spirit but by measure and for a speciall work 4 That the Church might be carefull to bring forth many children to God and fervently and ardently to pray for the conversion of the Iewes at whose coming home wonderfull light shall appear to the whole world 18 A whole visible Church when it abounds with men of excellent graces for Magistrates and Ministers may yet omit duties commanded by the Lord and doe many things without warrant from the Scriptures So in all the daies of the Iudges and good Kings they on itted keeping of the feast of Boothes as it appeares They sacrificed in the high places in Iehosaphats time So the first and purest times after Christ began shortly in many ceremonies to bee too superstitious For 1 much ignorance is in us all and Gods Spirit is promised to lâ—ade us no further then wee doe take heed to the Word 2 In things absolutely necessary 3 The Church is too carelesse in some things and we all are too prone to rest before wee haue done our whole work 19 Consent of Writers Orthodoxall is had though not mentioned where Scripture is plain for any point This appeares 1 because the Church is led by the same Spirit the Scriptures were penned and inspired by 2 God hath in all times and ages some witnesses to stand for him and his truth 3 Gods children haue the same minde and walk in one way This consent is either in the grounds and common principles though they doe not come to the particulars because these things were not then controverted Or in will and heart as if such truthes
had been propounded to Iohn Hus and Ierom of Prage as are now they would haue heard and approved the voice of Christ or in the like of that kinde as in all ages Gods servants haue to fight against and doe evercome some speciall enemies and corruptions that trouble the Church So Wickliffe in his time against some errours of the Romish Synagogue Luther against more Calvin and Beza against more 20 Reason inlightned and guided by the spirit of God and subject to the Word is the voice of God This is part of the image of God even that wisedom which God renewes by his Spirit Mat. 12.13 This holds so as these cautions be observed 1 The Scriptures must be the ground upon which reason is built The Scriptures are the premisses reason drawes the conclusion from thence 2 The like reasoning appeares in the Scripture 3 That mans reason be never used against any part of Scriptures nor experience for either Scriptures or experience to the contrary overthrows all the shewes of reason 4 So as men by reason presume not to understand the deep things of God that is the mysteries of Religion which the Scriptures reveales not Col. 2.5 Reason must submit to the Word and beleeue the truth therof though wee cannot conceiu the manner how it should be Ioh. 3.6 Reason especially in divine things and the worship of God serues onely as a watchman to discern what the will of God is which is our wisedom Deut. 4. So then part of our faith must be built upon reason thus informed It is a thing no lesse dangerous then odious to meddle with Princes authority not that they themselues cannot endure any higher power though naturally all men would be as Gods but chiefly because inchanting flatterers seek to bewitch Princes and themselues being voide of all conscience of duty towards God full of hatred towards his children and divellish blinde zeale for superstition and selfe loue towards themselues and would perswade Princes as Iesabel did Ahab that because they are Kings they may doe what they please and usurp not mens onely but Gods right too and sit in his Chair Such were they that came to Ioash 2 Chron. 24. Such were Davids enemies And these men to the intent they may bring about their divelish and malicious intendments pretend to be the onely true hearted subjects in the Kingdom and that men of another disposition though farre more faithfull to God and his Magistrates yet dissenting severing from their errours and not bowing down to them are factious and trouble the peace of the Kingdom So did Haman report of the Iewes Esth 3. And that their accusation may not seem frivolous they bring some complaints for the breach of lawes devised by themselues as snares to take the righteous in no way tending to the safety or honour of the Prince or the publique good of the Church or Common-wealth Though these men abound in every age and by their policies raâ—se themselues to high placâ—s their kingdom being of this world and the Lord disposing and appointing them as scourges for his own people yet because it is the Churches duty to teach all the truth and seek the good of mens soules and of Princes especially by whose meanes so much good is injoyed and that this is true loue to shew the way of life though it be by sharp reproofes therefore for Princes good â—f so be the wise and gracious God so appoint that these things may be vâ—iwed of them and for the peoples good that they may know how to cary themselues towards Authority I haue indevoured from the rule of justice that appoints every man his standing and office and bounds them with strait charge that none shall passe the lists prescribed to man fest this point which I acknowledge is farre fitter for the more judicious to haue handled The name of Kings and Princes is sacred they are stiled Gods by the Lord himselfe and children of the most High next to himselfe to be honoured of all men Wherefore from the Scriptures these things following are evident concerning them 1 That this high calling is an Ordinance of God immutably to continue for the good of man till Christ restore the Kingdom to his Father for it is morall and of necessity never abrogated by God This all firmly hold against Anabaptists Secondly for their authority that they are highest and supreme in both kinds civill and ecclesiasticall this is plain â—n David Salomon Iosiah who were chiefe the high Priest being under them the Prophets in like manner This is not doubted of therefore no stay is to be made in it The onely question and thing is 1 That Princes haue authority in things Ecclesiasticall to see the service of God done in due and beseeming manner so did David so did Iosiah This authority is in ordering fit circumstances in performing holy duties as times of meeting and of humbling themselues by fasting c. Princes are bound to this for the carelesse serving of God brings judgement upon the people 1 Cor. 11.2 The more care they haue for the Lord to be reverenced the more carefull will he be of their honour Psal 2. 2 Princes haue authority to examine and try all canons and constitutions of men to see that nothing bee thrust into the Church by deceivers This authority is in binding Ministers to the true word of God both for matter and manner in preaching prayer administring Sacraments and execution of discipline Thus they are straightly bound to keep the charge of the Lord 2 Chron. 13. The Magistrate is the keeper of both Tables this is the treasure of his Kingdom that which makes him victorious against enemies the happinesse of his own soule and his subjects the glory of God and the good of posterity 3 Princes haue authority to bring all things both Callings and Ordinances to tho first inst tution abrogating all former customes and pract ses which dissent from the Law of God and disanull such statutes as make them to be in force and credite So did Iosiah reform Salomons errours and all the idolatry set up before This reacheth to the overthrow of all Antichristian rites that are brought into the house of God This he is bound unto in the second commandement So did Moses break in peaces the golden Calfe and the good Kings took away the Groues and high places their ancestors had set up Magistrates must not suffer whorish bravery to be provoking the eyes of Gods glory Thus did our Saviour Christ 4 Prâ—nces haue authority to remoue things of a good use at first when they be corrupted and abused and of no use So did Ezekiah the brazen serpent This reacheth to all things not actually abused but in danger to be abused such were Idoll Temples that the good Emperour overthrew So may the Magistates remoue Witnesses out of Baptism now bâ—ing unprofitable This rule they are bound unto both by the second and third commandement by that care they owe to
not haue omitted if they had judged this form best and fitting For they set down both by precept and example what respect and regard is due to other Churches much more would they haue set down what respect men owe to their Diocesan And particularizing the duties of servants to their Masters and people to their Ministers Did they not adde some precepts how Minister and People should obey their Ordinary This argument holds firmly especially considering the Apostle Iohn survived all the other Apostles who saw the state of the Congregations and wrote the prophecie of the future estate of the Church what it should suffer Without question if there had been any such innovation he would haue mentioned it 2 Our Saviour Christ Mat. 18 from the reproofe of one or two referres it to the Congregation not to a Diocesan Bishop and ratifies in heaven what they doe in his name heâ—re on earth If they could produce any such promise and direction for their Diocesan Bishops we would with all willingnesse subject unto them for we stand out for Christ not for our selues 3 The Apostles wrote unto the Churches as Parishionall not Diocesan Gal. 1.2 to the Churches of Galatia 1 Pet. 5.2 which argues that â—n these dayes they were free and entire not having such dependance of an other by bond and duty 4 Every Congregation had power to exercise all discipline to elect their own officers and to depose as occasion and necessity required 1 Cor. 5 Rom. 16 Cenchrea had her Deacon and was a Church Ioh. epist 3 Acts 14. 5 The Apostle Iohn reproved Diotrephes that affected superiority 3 epist and that he cast out such as the Church would haue received or reteâ—ned 6 There is no such title given to any in all the Scriptures as argue they had any soveraignty or rule over other Congregations Now titles are Symbola rerum notes and evidences of things signified by them and the Scripture giues each other for the purpose and office fitting titles 7 It was in use in the times of the primitiue Church as both the Acts of the Apostles and the Ecclesiasticall history witnesse that one Church should help an other in all duties both in soule and body without exercising authority one over another so did Ierusalem Antioch and Samaria When they doubted in like manner of any question if private answer could not satisfie publique Synods were appointed Act. 15 other consociation then this the Church knew none till at least three or foure hundred years after Christ neither can an Author of credit be brought to the contrary as witnesse Centuriae Magdeburgenses Now as this Diocesan Church hath no ground in Scriptures nor in antiquity till things began to decline so neither can it haue any being in true reason as may appear by these Reasons Reas 1. Because whole Christ is where his Word is preached and Sacraments administred There is his whole Kingdom This is Bucers Argument to proue Discipline in every Congregation and not to haue them depend one upon an other in every Congregation there is the Word and Sacraments 2 It is most fit in all sense that the Ministers which teach should also exercise Discipline as those which haue most exact knowledg of the persons amongst whom they liue Secondly as they that are to giue account for the people And thirdly that preach to them and therfore are to govern theÌ„ outwardly which is lesse then to preach Fourthly as they that are hereby to maintain there respect and place by the sword which the Lord hath given them 3 This conceit raysed up by the Pope and partly holds him up till this day For if there may be Diocesan Churches why not universall Both sprâ—ng and are grounded upon the same sandy foundation of carnall policy and from time to time still nourished by Ambition Why doe men then take the one being alike and leaue the other 4 This excludes that holy communion which every Congregation might haue one with an other as it was in the Primitiue times when they sent to the neighbour Churches who were not slack either to send Ministers or letters wherby they might be informed and receiue satisfaction in all doubts wheras now many Churches are bound to one mans pleasure and arbitrament whom by his definitiue sentence determining matters though never so unrighteously men are bound to obey as their ordinary without further adoe 5 The Lord was wont howsoever the Apostles and Prophets were ceased yet to raise up men of excellent gifts and graces who like the Iudges amongst the Israelites with their light after a sort directed the whole Church not by any authority but as the Modern Divines Calvin Beza Bucer P. Martyr and the rest by manifesting the good will of the Lord. Now men by bringing in this devise of theirs haue stopt the course of Gods blessing as much as in them lies 6 This hath brought the people to exceeding trouble bondage and costs it brings in a rabble of Appaâ—ators that sell sin and procure pardons for others which doings officers with the Proctors and the rest what blemish are they to our Protestant reformed Churches To conclude all with that place before mentioned Acts 20 Ministers are to take heed to all their Flock which these cannot doe Secondly they must be set over the flock by the Holy Ghost Now what hee doth hee doth by the Word which is flat against these therfore there is no Diocesan Church Thirdly neither can whole Diocesses and Provinces come together to hear their Shepheards and Pastors which were fit wheras thus in all their life many neither see nor know him that pretends to be over them as their Bishop 7 Is not this a tying of the Church to places and persons to binde men to Bishops seas like that sea of Rome Wherfore Brethren yee that haue been deceived think not scorn to learn from one inferiour farre in gifts in these things But hearken to the Lord that it may goe well with you You see you haue no evidence for these places but prescription and possession which though with men they may seem good yet with the Lord they are nothing he respects not custom nor long continuance of time but the right and that which was from the beginning Wherfore look as the men that had marryed them wiues of the heathens at Nehemiaes command put them away so since you haue undertaken a strange charge such as the Lord forbids dare not to continue not He that will forsake father and mother house and lands for Christs names sake shall receiue an hundred fold even in this life besides assurance of heaven A great reward is in this promise of God and should be valued by you more worth then all the present honours and possessions you are endowed by man with all Wherefore consider what an offer the Lord makes to buy your places of you wheras he might throw you out as usurpers at a deare rate he offers an 100 fold If men
should make but such an offer that were well able to perform it and thereto binde themselues would not your hearts be glad like the Levite who having served Micah being offred a great place to be Priest to the Tribe of Dan made no question Why think brethren God is most true and all-sufficient and he that writes this hath experience of it wherfore neglect not such great kindnesse of the Lord offered unto you And look as David said to the men of Iâ—dah Why are yee last to bring home the King so may I say unto you why are yee so backward to bring Christ into his Kingdom As your places were the means to set up Antichrist in his Throne so let your voluntary forsaking of them be a meanes to pull him down Oh think what a blow it would giue him and how it would shake and overthrow the very foundation of his house You know not how many might be woon by this you know well Sampson that hee might be avenged on the Lords enemies laid down his life So much more should yee part with your state and pompe which is but vanity and will fade like as the grasse and floure of the field You know one of your Predecessours who left off his Bishoprick as too heavy a burden for him How should your names flourish in all after ages Wheras if you doe continue you make your selues guilty of the sinnes committed in and by those callings before You shall fulfill the measure of your iniquity you shall corrupt other Nations for a while as the Pope did and then know for a certainty that either you shall be given over as doggs as hee hath done the beast of Rome or else the hand of the Lord will be in terrible manner against you You cannot but discern how unprofitable nay how hurtsome you haue been unto the Church of God if you well consider but the present times Oh let not coveteousnesse or ambition make you stop your eares or be like the stiffe-necked Iewes that gnasht their teeth at the sharp reproofe that Stephen gaue them But hearken to me that God may hearken to you Take these things from loue in him that writes who seeks your good and having begged it at the hands of the Lord hopes at least in some to see it come to passe SECTION V. FRom that jurisdiction which these men claim we come now to their temporall sword the best weapon to defend a bad cause withall In handling whereof we shall be the more sparing because it is both more evident to all and more largely stood upon by others Herein the 1 Ground is our Saviourâ— Refusing to devide the inheritance betwixt two brethren who was all-sufficient because it was without the compasse of his calling to leaue an example to his Ministers to the end of the world what to doe Though it may seeme profitable and a great meanes of good as this might yet it proues contrary for things proue not according to mans purposing and intendment of them but to the Lords institution and appointing of them 2 Ground Christs Kingdom is not of this world Ioh. 18.36 not an externall kingdom as learned Whitakers obserues against Bellarmine but internall These differences aâ—â— assigned by him 1 outward Kingdoms haue certain and visible Kings Christ is a heavenly King acknowledged not seen by the eyes 2 in externall Kingdoms subjects aâ—â— governed civilly Christ governes his spiritually 3 Externall Kingdoms are grounded and upheld by power riches armies and outward succession but Christ preserues his Kingdom by a secret power and force 4 Outward Kings are ordained for outward benefites of this present life Christs kingdom is in spirit and inward blessings Wherfore Christs Kingdom should endure â—f all Princes in the world be against it As â—s there affirmed â—n h s first Question Whether the government of the Church be Monarchicall 3 Our Saviour Christ directly affirmes that he sent his Disciples as he was sent being baptized with the spirit and so the Apostles before they went their embassage were sent to preach and therfore were to rule with the power of the spirit not by any externall oâ— humane power 4 Our Saviour forbids his disciples to exercise authority over one an other as Kings and Princes as is shewed before This place is firm against the temporall sword so alledged by Mr. Whitakers What hath a Bishop to doe with Empire or government a Priest with a Scepter Christ leaues no such power nay plainly forbids they should be temporall Princes This is the voice of the spirit of God 5 The Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 2 saith No man that goeth a warfare entangleth himselfe with the businesses of this life that hee might please him that hath chosen him for a Souldier whence it is plain every man is bound to attend on that office and bend himselfe therunto whâ—ch the Lord hath assigned him 2. That men that doe not so cannot nor doe please the Lord therfore to entangle themselues with the businesse of this life is against all heavenly wisedom 6 1 Pet. 5.3 Ministers are charged not to rule over the heritage of the Lord To whâ—ch place I doubt not but if the adversaries had the like for them against Elders they would not doubt to throtle that Ordinance of God If any say this place cannot be meant of temporall authority because they could not haue it in those times Princes being so adverse to them To this the answer is easie first the Apostle wrot this for us also that should come afterwards secondly then they might affect it and seek it and over the Church after a sort usurp it the people standing â—n such awe of the Ministers in those times And there is in this place an excellent motiue to disswade from Lording â—t over the people for they are the inheâ—â—tance of God and of Christ and it is dangerous to challenge dominion over his possession 2 There is as excellent a way frewed whereby they might draw on the people and bâ—â—ter then by compulsion that is by gâ—ving good example unto them which by taking thâ—s upon them is left off 7 The Apostles would not leaue their calling of the Ministery of the Word to provide for the poore which is a duty very necessary in it selfe therefore who is he that makes conscience of profiting the people and the discharge of his Ministery that dares offer to take this charge upon him Besides these plain grounds plain reason evinceth the unlawfulnesse hereof For Reas 1. To undertake such another calling as makes a man unfit for each is meerly unlawfull and â—nprofitâ—blâ— herein hee wrongs the Church and Common-wealth So doe thâ—se men For who is sufficient for these things saith the Apostle speaking of the Minâ—stery And if these bee a burden great enough for any of the greatest gifts to goe under what if an other be laid upon the same mans shoulders Sure hee can carry neither but must nâ—cessarily eâ—ther cast off the
us I will speak of two as being both the cheif and containing under them all the rest The first is the Chancellour under whom there are Archdeacons Officâ—als and all that rout springing up with the beast about which I need not spend so long time in confuting of their office considering the former grounds against this Diocesan Discipline Before I come to handle the arguments against them consider well these grounds 1 The name of a Church doth belong to every congregation not properly to the clergy as they are now called so the holy Ghost speaks in the Scripture 2 That such callings are Antichristian which sprung up w th Ant christ and served â—â—m a long time onely and uphold such a government as his is though they maintaine not such doctrine So though Cardinalls should professe the Gospell yet their office is Antichristian because of the former ground which is plain for Antichrist is not a person but a succession of men opposing Christ in his Ordinances and Offices as well as otherwise 3 Some good use that a calling may haue and some benefit that it brings is no sufficient ground to warrant it in the church of God 1 Because there is nothing but at least is well intended and carryes a shew of good when it is brought into the church 2 It may be that keeps out some other calling that would bring farre more profit and benefit to the church 3 It may be it hath some inseparable evill annexed or coupled with it Now upon these grounds sufficient and weighty reasons may be founded from the Scriptures to proue the unlawfulnes of this office which is for one in a Diocess to haue authority for keeping courts to proue wills to right men for disorders and scandalous sinnes especially breach of their traditions and to censure men with their kinde of penance and excommunication Arg. 1. Every man in the Scriptures thaâ— hath office in the church must be able to justifie it by the Word So Iohn Baptist Mat. 3 Ioh. 1. So the Apostles themselues Act. 2 out of Ioel 2 Gal. 1.1 In the old Testament the very porters of the house of God and singers were ordered by the Spirit of God in David and in the new Testament Deacons and Widdows are mentioned but these men haue no pattent from the Lord there is no place once to mention their name nor the like in all the Scriptures therfore their place and calling is not from God 2 Discipline belongs to every particular congregation without which though men may be a church desiring it after they are convinced of it yet they lye open to miserable dangers of their spirituall enemies and cannot be so compacted and knit together as a congregation and church of Christ ought to be This is plain in those churches Revel 2 3 that are each both commended or dispraysed for their exercising of discipline 2 Christ hath given the keies to every particular congregation that hath the Ministery of Word and power to use them Mat. 18. Therfore these mens office is sacriledg for it steals the holy things of God from each congregation wherby their soules are miserably impoveâ—â—â—ed 3 It is a thing most absurd inconvenient and burdensom that the Pastor in each congregation should haue authority from Chrâ—st to absolue and remit in the Ministery of the Word and retain and binde and having part cular knowledge in his own congregation of the manners of men according to which hee propounds the doctrine of the Gospell releasing some and adjudging others yet that this man must stand to the arbitrament of a stâ—anger that never happily saw any in his congregation who shall be absolved who retained by whom for the most part hee is enjoyned not to admit such as wholly clean to the Lord and suffered and forced to admit such as he in his Ministery hath condemned and the world seeth to be filthy swine This argument is grounded upon the sentence and maxime of our Saviour Christ What God hath conjoyned let no man sever He hath joyned the ministry of the Word and the exercise of Discipline together therfore no man should sever them 4 These came in with Antichrist and are part of that Hierarchy When that Prelats had gotten that spirituall sword into their hands and backed with Princes authority had established themselues and made their kingdom like the Princes of the world as in other things so in this they must for their state haue their Chancellours and Officialls c. This is plain in Historie and the Argument is firm against them because all mans inventions Antichrists especially are abon inable unprofitable and exceeding hurtfull to the church of God and contrary to Christs own Ordinances 5 These chancellors men cannot bring into the church being meerly secular as they are termed and civill and therfore no such power belongs to them to cast out and excommunicate especially since they never proceed by the rules of the Word but by their own will and canons Thâ—s is his Majâ—stâ—es argument in the conference against their practise which is one speciall part of their office This is grounded upon th s that no man hath any authority but hee that is elected and assigned by the Church to that governmâ—nt he exerciseth in the same But these are not elected nor approved by the church 2 To bring in and cast out belong to one and the same calling 3 It is rebâ—llion against God for to innovate any thing in the government of the church established by God thâ—s was Corah and hâ—s complices sin that not content with the office of the Levits they would come neerer the Lord then the Lord called them by taking that upon them which he committed not unto them Therfore reproof â—ame great punishment shall be their best reward 6 As Christ is the onely Kâ—ng of his Church so it is his instituting of any Calling that makes it a member of hâ—m and the church and that union and dependance which a Calling hath w th Christ puts life into it makes it effectuall for the good of the church Now this call ng hath no unâ—on with Christ being not a member instituted by him of his body the Church therfore it is not nor can be profitable This is pla n in sense for the member that is not united to the head and heart can receiue neither life nor sense from them And 2 as men cannot make any one member of his body nor couple any to the principall member the originall of life and motion much lesse can they adde to Christs body they may as men doe put to a wodden leg or a glaifie eie when they cut off the strong and proportioned members that would haue carryed the body surely quickly and easily 7 Their call ng is maintained by the censures of the church turning them into pecuniary mulcts which ought not to be these things not being saleable This causeth so great corruption and sin to be so
served but mens amb tious thoughts never furthered the Kingdom of Christ Now this office is meerely devised by man For they deny them to be Elders mentioned in the Scriptures and how far different they be any man may see that compares them together Churchwardens haue no stroke in the discâ—pline or excommunication Elders were to tend mens soules and procure their good by admonition reproofe c. Churchwardens are to tend the church walls and see that there be a fair surplus provâ—ded and such Trumpery Elders sprung from Christ and mâ—ght look for a bâ—essing and protection in their calling These are from Rome and cannot expect any such blessing or protection from God in their course Elders were not annuall as these are 5 These officers uphold an unlawfull Hierarchy and Government they receiue their oaths wh ch is their enstalment from them wheras the church and congregatâ—on ought to choose and ordain them 2 They present all to them again giving them the power to punish and censure 3 They must obey every edict and precept that comes from them or the rurall deanes poore ignorant sotts more unlawfull officers then themselues This argument is firm against them since they that maintain Christs enemies are justly to be reproved and accursed if they doe not repent 6 Churchwardens as the government stands now are bound to most unlawfull conditions to present the true Min ster for not using superstitious ritâ—s to keep other Minâ—sters from preaching there except they haue licence to present men for not joyning with a dumb Minister and in a word to see that their Canons be execâ—ted to the full and herein they are instâ—uments of sin and mâ—anes of troubling the s â—vants of God which brings woe upon men This cannot be denyed The serpent was accursed for bâ—ing but the instrument of sinne 7 This is a great stumbling block to the Separation making them thâ—nk all our Church is and stands subject to Antâ—christian government For these depend of the Bishop aâ—d Deanes and haue a kâ—nde of Regency in the Church Wherfore considering these things brethren who haue been through ignorance or want of consideration hitherto m slead hearken and leaue off hence forth Your witnessing of the truth of Châ—ists Government without all doubt will bring more true rest and peace to your soules then you can finde comfort in your outward peace which you may reap by conforming to mens wills and pleasures Consider how you undertake the profession of Chrâ—st with a full puâ—pose to â—eau all to enjoy him Let me intâ—â—at you for your own good that you will throughly and seriously consider of these things in your own hearts and cover not your selues with some fig leaues that you or others may find for you What a daunt ng will it to be the opposits when the peoplâ— stand against their courses And goe they cannot that want legges or feet which you are to them Think what every age hath given for Christ and his pure worship and shall wee giue nothing So metimes reformation and discipline beginnes with the servants who for shame driue others from their unlawfull courses Howsoever keep your selues that no unclean thâ—ng touch you and that you kâ—ep nothing unclean to defile others withall SECTION X. HAving shewed in the former Treatise what Officers are unlawfull springing up with Antichrist and therfore in all reason to die with him Now lest any should conceiu we herein would put all oâ—t of order It will be expedâ—ent to shew such offices as Chrâ—â—s t hath left â—n his Church for the good of mens bodiâ—s which are a cording unto theâ—r necessities to be disâ—â—â—buted â—nto E ther men want outward meanes for wh ch Dâ—acons are appointed or are weak and sickly or tâ—avelling strangers and need attendance for thaâ— end the Lord hath appointed Widdows 1 For Dâ—acons Act. 6 we haue the institution divâ—nely expressed the Apostles though carefull to still all complaints yet having greater care of mens soules would not be hindrâ—d in the Ministery of the Word knowâ—ng and affirming that the preaching of the Gospell is the highest work of the Ministery Where men may obserue that conscâ—onable and wâ—se Minâ—stâ—â—s that seek to doe the r duty to the Lords lâ—king w ll not adâ—oyn other offices to the Mâ—nâ—stery of the Word For men receiue grace but for th s or that Calling and one will hinder an other be men never so provident But by the way lest any should think Constables or Churchwardens or the like sufficâ—ent enough for this businesse as the Apostles weâ—e most carefull of their own Call ng so doe they teach an excellent course for the provision of the poore to choose men of good report full of the Holy Ghost and of wiâ—edom which they might set over this businesse Thiâ— being very gratefull and acceptable to the whole Assembly they set seven before the Apostles who by imposition of hands and pâ—ayer ordained them and admitted them into this office which greatry and wonderfully furthereth the Gospell as it is the nature and property of all Gods ordinances that comming together they may further one another the coÌ„mon good which men receiu by theÌ„ whence we haue the necessity of this ordinance of God lest the Ministâ—r should be hindred in his calling 2 The institution by the coÌ„mon coâ—sent of the Apostles which now bâ—nds all in the new Test they being the foundation of the church of the Gentils 3 Election by the church and ordination by the Apostles and 4 the benefit arâ—sing hence This place is so plain that me thinks an ingenuous heart that loues the truth wayes of Chrâ—st reverenceth the minâ—stry of the Apostles shold not cavâ—lâ— but yeeld willingly hereunto For what the Apostles taught the people to doe Christ had coÌ„manded afore Mat. 28.21 For they in their Ministeâ—y could not erre Onely one excâ—ption may be made That if this were so nâ—â—dfull an Ordinance then why did they not teach â—t the châ—rch afore The Answer is plain 1 Because the Lord would haue men to see the want of this ordinance of God that so they mâ—ght discern the necessity of it and not think they were burthened with more Officers then need requires 2 H thâ—â—to the church was but newly gatheâ—ed and as soon as â—t came to be incâ—easâ—d so soon tâ—ey appointâ—d this Office A second gâ—ound is that 1 Tim. 3.8 where the Apostle sets down as of Ministers so of Deacons what men they ought to be honest c. Thâ—s belongs to us as well as the former of Ministâ—rs 2 The Apostle directly affirmes that Tâ—mothy according to his direct on should carry himseâ—se in the house of God which is the Church of the living God and the pillar and ground of truth v. 15 which glorious titles why are they added but to shew that no man should dare to come and exâ—cute any office in the house of God saue such as were called and fitted therunto 2
Testament wherin there is more abundance of spirit promised and more plentifull declation of Gods will the Ministers ought to be able to teach Gods people twixt good and evill This argument holds firm since the Lord hath as great care of his Church now as then and is as carefull to haue them avoide sin 2 Where vision faileth the people perish Prov. 29.18 these men are no Seers nor haue any vision but darknesse and night 3 They are dumb doggs Isa 56 that cannot barke blinde watchmen shepheards that cannot understand What a liuely description of a reading Minister here is He cannot understand what pasture is good or fitting for the people he is a blind Watchman that can foresee no danger nor plague comming when they doe hear Wolues are towards and amidst the flock yet they haue no mouthes to bark and fright them away Let no man be so bold as to cavill at the Scriptures which are so plain that he which runnes may reade them 4 They cannot divide the Word rightly which is the chiefe work of the Minister of the Word 2 Tim. 2.15 which who so cannot doe at all is none of Gods workmen they who cannot nor will study to doe well and righteously are none of the Lords servants 5 They cannot defend the truth nor stop the mouths of gain-sayers which every Minister ought to doe Tit. 1. Else how shall errours and heresies be prevented and to runne to others in this case will yeeld small releefe considering the unwillingnesse of the most to be taught or take any paines at least to seek instruction 6 The Lord thrusts out Labourers not Loyterers into the Harvest such men as doe some execellent work for the good of his Church Math. 9 Eph. 4 1 Tim. 3.1 These men are idle their work is not so excellent nor is it speciall and proper 7 The Shepheard that hath nothing more then the Sheep haue cannot possibly keep the sheep well for then sheep might keep themselues and the calling of God is unprofitable These haue not so much as many sheep 8 They are not fit to meddle with the soule to seek it in time being distempred they cannot shew man Gods righteousnesse neither pray for him they cannot seek that which is lost nor bring back that which is driven away nor heale the sick Now Ministers are chiefly sent thus to benefit the soule And if they cannot help in time of distresse they are miserable comforters like Iobs friends 9 A Minâ—ster must preach and be instant in season and out of season 2 Tim. 4.2 Hence it is plain what preaching is namely an expounding and applying of the word of God to build up the people of God improving errour rebuking sin and exhorting upon sound doctrine Are men so blind that they cannot see the truth in this but would make reading preaching 10 2 Tim. 2.25.26 Ministers must instruct with meeknesse such as are contrary minded proving c. It is plain hence the Minister must be able to instruct all that are misled through errour and instruct them in the right way 2 That mens salvatâ—on depends upon the right applying of the Word 11 The word thus barely read hath not the power and majesty that is mentioned in Scripture neither that efficacy and power in converting soules which argues it is not the arm of God 12 Ministers are the Lords Embassadours and Stewards these men cannot speak nor sue to the soules for Christ to beseech men to receiu him neither can they be faithfull unto their Lord. They are the shame and dishonour of Christian Churches as though the Spirit of God were not purchased by Christ for the furnishing of men for his Church It is in effect to deny Christs victory over the enemy of our salvation 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3 13 He that winneth soules is wise these are not wise I suppose none will vouchsafe to Reply for these that haue any spark of piety to God or pitty towards his people Onely some Non-residents that keep poore underlings or greedy Patrones or Popish Atheists that would haue the light of the Gospell die or poore ignorant people that never knew what the Gospell meant or men that would liue at their own wils in all licentiousnesse these happily would undertake the plea against Christ But it were better their tongue should cleau to the roof of their mouth then they should once dare goe about the overthrow of Christs Ministry Heare therfore and consider that it may goe well with you Having shewed the insufficiency now follows the nullity of these men which the rather I insist upon because many would be content if they were insufficient being Ministers carnall men never so much regarding how the Lord is served But being no Ministers in Gods acceptance I hope it will work upon them 1 Therfore Hos 4.6 God pronounceth them none to him that is in his acceptance they are none whom God pronounceth to be none reading Mâ—nisters are pronounced none in the sense mentioned by the Lords own mouth whâ—ch cannot lie Who are you therfore oh ye Prelats that ye dare admit of such Or who are you ô yee people that ye are contented with such as cannot come to the Lord for you whose prayers are not accepted by the Lord for you This Argument is firm and cannot be gainsaid For if the authority of man be enough to displace whom God hath sent shall not the Lords authority much more displace whom man onely hath sent 2 He which wants either the nature or essentiall property of a Minister is not a true Minister for the nature and property of things cannot be severed from the things themselues But reading Ministers want either the nature or at least the essentiall property of a Minister This appears because the Minister is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts Mal. 2.7 and his lipps should preserue knowledge To teach the people is an essentiall property and difference twixt the Minister and people Whence it also appears that there is no difference amongst Gods Ministers for the substance of their Calling For each one is the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts 2 He which is not a Messenger is no Minister for that is common to all 3 He whose lippes doe not preseru knowledge is no Messenger Who sees not that the Reading Minister differs in the substance of his Calling 2 That he hath no Message 3 That his lippes doe not preseru knowledg but loose it rather How dare yee counterfeit therfore the Lords place any of you whom the Lord hath not sent 3 Christ hath not gifted nor appointed for the good of his Church Reading Ministers therfore they are none of his For he is the King of his Church and men can no more bring in Readers then Friers amongst the people of God 2 Ministers run because they are sent by him 3 Christ will blesse none but such as he sends That reading Ministers are not gifted nor appointed it is plain from Eph. 4 where all
are reckoned up that are allowed by Christ which place is left as a rule of trying Ministers Try them by their office and use of the same 4 Math. 28.19.20 Ministers must goe and teach making others Christs Disciples and teach them to obseru what he hath commanded Reading Ministers hence are none for he that hath no authority from Christ hath none for he hath all authority in earth as well as in heaven Reading Ministers are not sent by Christ 2 They cannot so teach as others may be made the disciples of Christ 3 They cannot teach the converted to keep the Ordinances of Christ unto the end of the world which is added lest any should think that either men converted and Churches planted should not need the Ministery of the Word or that in some times of scarcity men may put in Readers 5 Math. 24. He that is not faithfull nor wise is not set over the family of the Lord to giue them their portion in due season But Reading Ministers are not faithfull nor wise neither know mens portions neither the portion of one nor another for they cannot discern twixt a civill man and the child of God neither know the portion of the weak nor of the strong neither can they giue each one their portion in due season This is plain by Experience 6 Whom the Holy Ghost hath not set over the people he is none but these are not set over by the Holy Ghost for there is no rule nor example to warrant them This Argument is grounded on Acts 20.28 where the Holy Ghost is the Author of the Ministery 2 The persons are Elders that are and ought to take heed to themselues and others 3 Are to feed and govern the Church of Christ which doth not agree to the order of Reading Ministers 7 He who is a Bishop of God must be apt to teach but these are not for they haue no Ministeriall gift nor haue they the form of wholesom doctrine This Argument is grounded upon Pauls Canons 1 Tim. 3.1 His wrok who is a Minister is so excellent that who is sufficient for these things But reading ministers haue no such work of excellency but any yong Scholler may be sufficient for this work Every true Minister is successor to the Apostles in the substance of their Calling which is teaching the whole counsell of God to that Congregation they are set over by the Holy Ghost But these Readers are successors to dumb Dogs and blind guides All divine relation is grounded either on the nature of the thing or some divine Institution which indeed is the proper ground To be a Minister is a Divine Relation and hath no such ground in these men Object 1. These are sent by the Church therfore they haue authority Answ It is the priviledge of Christ by his Spirit to send forth Ministers as may appear Math. 28 compared with Acts 20.28 2 the Church hath no authority against the Word this is against the Word to haue such Ministers 3 the Church hath no more authority in Ordination then in Excommunication but Ioh. 9 whom men had unjustly excommunicated the Lord absolved Object 2. These are called dumb dogs therfore Dogs Answ The argument is not firm from the name to the thing For the divill raised up by the witch of Endor is called Samuel 2 they are so called that it may be known to whom the Holy Ghost speaketh From hence it is plain how unlawfull a thing it is to joyn with Reading ministers in any ministeriall duty either praying or administring the Sacraments For 1 All worship done to the Lord must be justifiable by the Word and warranted by same But this worship is not There is no place of Scripture to proue the lawfulnesse of this service done by a Reader This argument is strong For the Scripture is a perfect rule for all things but especially for the worship of God And to use another worship then can be warranted is to sin against the Lord and to follow blind devotion without judgement which brings us to death 2 It was the sinne of Ieroboam that as he devised a new worship so new Priests of the lowest of the people This is both a new worship never known in the Church tâ—ll Antichrist got in to haue onely a sâ—t form of prayer and they are of the lowest of the people that are ministers of it wherfore it is but as Ieroboams worship 3 Christ is not there by his institution gifts nor spirit which is the very life of Christian duties And the servants of God must be where their Master is which is where mâ—n are gathered together in his name which is by his institution and gifts and presence of his holy Spirit 4 These are no true Ministers as is proved before therfore not safe to joyn with them that which they doe is not pleasing to God they having no Calling therunto it is like the sacrifice of Core and Dathan and the sacrifice of Vzzah 5 Men cannot thriue nor grow in grace by such exercisâ—s that haue grace already they cannot come to see theâ—r misery nor be stâ—rred up to râ—nue theâ—r â—epâ—ntance that haue this grace already nor can they keep the Sabboth hereby Wâ—tnâ—sse the experâ—ence of poore Christians â—n this case tâ—at are spirituall and can judge of thâ—ngs these being wells and clouds without water 6 Men cannot possibly be fittâ—d to â—eceiu the Lords Supper by such a Mâ—nistery for thâ—s requires that each should bâ— able to examine himselfe which none can doe but such as are taught the gâ—ounds of Religâ—on 2 Men should be stâ—rred up to this duty being all so backward as is pla n in the practise of the Coriâ—tâ—â—ans which these mâ—n cannot doe Now what dangâ—r it is to receiue the Lords Supper unwoâ—thily you may see 1 Cor. 11 What good or benefit can a man haue by a dumb Dog or a blinde Guâ—dâ— 7 The people should seek the law at his mouth whose lippes prese u knowledge Mal. 2 and goe to that shepheard that can feed them and that Watchman that can admonish them of danger but thâ—se mens lips doe not preseru knowledge 8 These make no difference having no discerning but reade Apocryphall writings and all that is in their way whâ—ch being directly agaâ—nst the Word commandâ—ng Chrâ—st onâ—ly to be heaâ—d how can men joyn in the same wâ—th any comfoâ—t 9 Men hardâ—n the â—gnorant in this evâ—ll way and gâ—ue offence both to the bâ—nd Minâ—stâ—â—s and people makâ—â—g as tâ—ough this were sâ—fficient to salvat on 10 Men by this pâ—oclaine theâ—r small accouâ—t of Gods own Ordâ—nances which they might enjoy by the same pa neâ— cost oâ— removall or â—lse profite themseâ—ues more in prâ—vate You therfore dear brâ—thren that liue under such considâ—r whâ—t you doâ— you liue as Athiâ—sts indeed upon the maâ—teâ— For what are your prayers and recâ—iving of Sacâ—amâ—nts which you th nk is the best serv ce of God but a provoking of the
Lord to anger That you sâ—ould dare to send such a lâ—me and bl nde mâ—ssâ—nger to the Lord of Frosts and such sacrâ—fices withall comming from the drowned in ignorance and superstâ—tâ—on and that you should put the Lords name upon such a Mâ—nister which is not sâ—â—t nor allowed by him Doe you nâ—t depriue your seluâ—s of those excellent and pâ—ecâ—ous treasures in the Gospell of Christ because you want a man to preach them Epâ—es 3 Doe you not hereby â—ndanger and loose your soules which liue in ignorance 2 Thess 2. Doe you know the anger of the Lord will be upon you for this Hos 6. Would you chuse for the bodies sake such a Physitian as hath no skill at all nor any good report to haue cured any under his hand Or such a Counsellour as could not advise but reade you a statute or book-case at all adventures Would you trust your sheep with an Idoll-shepheard that cannot tend them And will ye make so small account of your soules thus to passe them over O return and seek the Lord ye haue hitherto sitten in ignorance and in the shadow of death you never knew what the Gospell meant nor what a God the Lord is witnesse the base and wicked conceiving of him and carriage towards him in publique and private Wherfore let this moue you to provide you a man of understanding that may be able to fâ—ed you Turn you therfore from all your evill waâ—es that yee may be brought to Sion the place where the Lord will be found and seen of all his people Let none be so hardy as to maintain these in their Callings SECTION XIIII THe next sort of Minâ—sters wherof some doubt whether they may hear them or no are such as conforme to these ceremonies now controverted Which howsoever it come in them from an utter hatred of Popish devises and an heart carefull to keep themselues unspotted of the world yet without all questâ—on they erre Concerning thâ—s therfore that morâ— clearly the truth may be boulted out we will propound some grounds to stay upon 1 The Ordinances of God remain pure and holy though men be corrupt that administer them and so are like the Lord. 2 Private men are bound to try the doctrine of Mâ—nâ—sters and look to that rather then be examinâ—ng of their entrance into that Calling they are in this all the Scriptures run upon 3 God doth good to his Church by the gifts he hath given to wicked men for his people For they are fâ—om the Holy Ghost given to restore the Saints and for the work of the Ministry These things considered it may appear upon sufficient grounds that men may lawfully hear 1 Such as are conscionable in their Ministery though they erre in judgement for the Ceremonies and be ordained according to the manner of the times For first these haue the substance of a lawfull calling electâ—on and approbation from the people 2 Dissention in lesser matters hath never hindred either Communion nor estâ—emâ—ng one of another twixt the servants of God Phil. 3. 3 These are sent of God though not by this way they are not unlike to Iacob whose the blessing was though he should not haue sought â—t by lying 4 Their sin in admission is their own personall sin and cannot hurt others not partaking with it 5 Men may and ought to receiue their sendâ—ng not from men but from the Lord of the Harvâ—st Object It seemes to approue theiâ— sinne since men pertake with them in their Ministery which they haue gotten unlawfully Is it not to communicate in stollen goods Answ No for they ought to be admitted and the Ministery is theâ—rs and the Congregations choosing them onely it is their errour to come in by a wrong way Now to stâ—al is to take from men that which doth not belong unto them which cannot be applyed to them A second sort of Ministers are bad and corrupt in doctrine and manners these preaching many truths from God may be heard For 1 They sit in Moses chair Matth. 23.2 Moses chair is the doctrine of Moses otherwisâ— they should haue sit in Aarons chair if he had spoken of the Calling 2 Otherwise we should not yeeld absolute obedience to the doctrine taught except it were Moses doctrine 3 The main cause why the people should hear these is manifâ—sted by our Saviour but this is not so much succession in Calling as succession in Doctrine 1 These Pharisies had corrupted their Callâ—ng 2 They perverted the Law with their Glosses 3 Were ignorant of the righteousnesse of faith 4 Hipocrites in life and bitter enemies to the Kingdom of Christ 5 They preached the Word without authority coldly as did not stir affections 2 Arguâ— Doctrine and gifts are the Churches who may take their own from a very theife Yet these Cautions must be observed 1 That we be able in some measure to discern and try the spirits 2 That wâ— be compelled by necessity 3 That we bâ— careful to get what pâ—ivate and pubâ—â—que help possibly we can 4 That we hunger after other powerfull meanes and as soon as the Lord offers any we remoue and follow the light 5 Refuse private conversing with them 6 Contend for the truth in any paâ—t oppuâ—ned by them Object May not Popish Iesuits or the like then be heard Answ Thâ—se are the professed servants of the beast not of Châ—â—st for they haue quite changed the Ministery into a Priâ—sâ—hood 2 We are quite separated from this false Church by the commandement of the Lord and the Magistâ—ate and all Chuâ—ches assenting to the same 3 Thâ—se doe plainly seek to seduce us and withdâ—aw us from the worâ—hâ—p of the true God all which cannot be found â—n these of our own Church from which wee haue â—o such warrant to seperate nor doe seeke to draw us quâ—te from Christ in fa th Yet thus far let me speak to you of the Ministry thus corrupted that are negligent and doe not sorwaâ—n the peopâ—e of God of danger You that look to your own wayes and make your belly your God You that preach as they Ier. 5 that other Lords may â—ule over the flock of Chr st Considâ—r what you are Are you not men of God Should not you be holy that draw neer to the Lord Should you trouble the waters with your Tâ—aditions that none can drink almost w th a good conscâ—ence Should you make the sacrifices of God abhorred by your dâ—ssolâ—tenesse Should you smite with your tongues your fellow sâ—rvants whose Minâ—stery and conversation you know is better then your own Should you use the flock of Chrâ—st as you doe never visiting of them many of you If woe be to them that joyn house to house what shall become of you that joyn Congregation to Congregation and to these prebenships Dâ—anries c. Should you be terrible to the humbled and afflicted soules Surely the Lord will judge for his people Hear you that force men to things against their
but in circumstances agreeable to the will of the Lord therfore this manner of worship of God though it be sound in the substance 2 in the Ministers lawfull yet in circumstances it is unlawfull Ob. God had tyed his worship to IerusaleÌ„ so he hath not now to this or that manner Answ 1. His not commanding of the manner â—s a forbidding of the same 2 He hath as hath been and by Gods blessing shall be hereafter proved forbidden this manner 3 The very nature of the covenant now made with us shews it which is not obscure typicall adumbratory but all things are plain secondly here the Lord giues freedom from all Ceremonies Gal. 4 thirdly his children haue abundance of spirit in sted of Ceremonies 4 The faithfulnesse of Christ proues it who left all things as perfect as Moses Arg. 16. People forsaking the puâ—e worship of God can never stay as appears in Ieroboam all the Kings of Iudah that were evill grew worse and worse This Argument is plain against our Ceremonies which being â—etained will bring in other things of the same and like nature that may be justified by the like grounds The reason of this is men forsaking God wittingly and willingly in the least things the Lord forsakes them and giues them over into a reprobate sense 2 Men take not the Word to stay them now for they haue trangrest the bounds and limits of it 3 It is nature of will-worship Rom. 1 Isa 29 to destroy the wisedom of the wise and make men sottish Arg. 17 All uncleannesse and filthinesse ought to be carried out of the house of God before Gods worship be erected in it 2 Chron. 29. Hence these ought to be expelled for they are spotted by the flesh defiled by Antichrist and what superstition hath defiled if the Lord ordain it not cannot be cleansed againe 2 These were never clean nor holy for there is no word to warrant them which must sanctifie all Arg. 18 2 King 18.4 1 True zeal and hatred of Superstition abolisheth all monuments of Idolatry 2 Things though of good use at their first Institution yet being abused to Idolatry ought to be abolished as the Brazen serpent 3 Many things passe unreformed even through the hands of good men 4 Abuse of things to Idolatry doth abase them and should make them vile in our eyes if they be not perpetuall Ordinances of God It is not enough to take away the abuse of Idolatrous reliques but the very matter should be removed burst and burnt according to the nature of it This place is very firm against these Cemonies in question 1 Because these were never of good use in the Church 2 Though they had yet being now so grosly abused they ought to be quite abolished since they haue now no necessary use in the Church 3 They are too vile a filthy Surplus and Crosse to come into the presence of Lord who likes nothing but what he appoints himselfe 4 Men cannot prevent the abuse of Idolatrous reliques they being continued 5 Though they could yet â—t were not lawfull to surfâ—r them for civill uses This example binds us as is plain out of the text For first the Holy Ghost commends it in Hezekiah and such things are written for our learning 2 He did câ—eau to the Lords commandement and departed not from him 3 these Commandements were given Moses Arg. 19. Psal 137.3.4.5 1 There ought to be nothing in the worship of God but what is from the Lord. 2 Men are bound in circumstances to worship the Lord according to his commandement and will in the Place therfore also in Garments 3 Affirmatiue Commands in the service of God exclude all mens own inventions though they be not specified 4 Men forget Ierusalem and are carelesse of the Church that please Idolaters and worship God after their desire in any corrupt manner 5 It is better a man never preach then doe any evill in preaching This Psalm quite overthrows our Ceremonies now imposed 1 They are not from the Lord no more then the reading of Apocriphall scripture 2 Men are bound to administer Sacraments as the Lord hath commanded 〈◊〉 sâ—ch ordinary garments as our Saviour Christ and his Apostles used as they administâ—ed Baptism in they that would not sing the Lords song in a strange place would much more refuse to doe it in a strange garment 3 Though these particulars Crosse Surplus and Kneeling be not specified yet in that they are not mentioned in the Woâ—d it is enough to proue they should not be used for each strange manner of worshipping the true God is hatefull in Gods eyes 4 It is plain therfore that Ministers refusing to yeeld to these things imposed doe not sinne though they be hâ—ndred so as they cannot execute their Calling Ob. God had bound his worship to Ierusalem therfore it was unlawfull to worship in any other place But he hath not bound himself to be worshiped in this manner without Crosse and Surplus and kneeling Answ The Lord hath plainly bound men to worship him in spirit and in truth 2 The Lord in his new covenant hath aswell manifested his will as in the old there men might adde and annex nothing without speciall and imediate revelation from God therfore not now 3 As IerusaleÌ„ because it was chosen of the Lord appointed the place where he wold be worshiped was by this made holy and so it lawfull for to worship there and no where else So the Lord having chosen no peculiar garment nor appointed any crosse or kneeling they are not holy but to be accounted as strangers that may not come neare the house of the Lord. Arg. 20 Isa 30.22 Men inwardly taught by the Lord cannot endure the least cover of Idols 2 True turning to God maks men cast away the precious monuments of Idolatry 3 Gods children must be pure inwardly and outwardly casting away all tokens of spirituall adultery 4 Men taught by the Lord see filthines in garments abused to Idolatrie 5 Men that return to the Lord must goe as far as is possible from superstition 6 Things abused to Idolatry should be cast away with reproach and disgrace This place is firm against our Ceremonies in controversie 1 Because these were covers and ornaments of Idols the priest being an Idoll to offer up Christ and to forgiue sins which are priviledges of God 2 Vnder this all Idolatrous signes and garments are contayned 3 The best and sincerest Christians through the land abhorr these The second ground is also against these because they haue been ornaments of Idols for to that end doth the Masse-priest weare them 2 If precious ornaments should be cast away how much more these base Ceremonies 3 The children of God must not haue one taken from Idolaters nor one ceremony or sign of Idolatry past these are signs of Superstition past therfore to be cast away 4 Filthy menstruous clouts ought not to be brought near the Lord nor are decent garments
for the minister of the gospell such are these therfore not fit to come near the Lord nor are decent garments for the minister of the Gospell 5 Men must protest against it and goe as far as is possible froÌ„ it But now men protest for the covering though they forsake the Idolatry 2 Men cast it not away but draw it near unto them and come near the Papists herein 6 Men cast them not away with disgrace but honour them in bringing them into the service of the Lord and speak well of them Hence we see it is not nicenes but a care to keep a good conscience makes the ministers and people of God abhor these Ceremonies in question Arg. 21. Out of Hos 2.16.17 Things lawfull abused to Idolatry are defiled and ought to be abandoned as the name of Baali 2 The Lord will haue nothing like Idolaters in his service he hates all names and memorialls of Idols 3 The Lords people should not name Idols without detestation 4 The utter abolishing of Idolatry is the way to all happines for a kingdom This place is playn against our Ceremonies though they were lawfull at first institution yet now Idolatry defiles them and they ought to be abandoned 2 The Lord will not haue us serue him outwardly like Idolaters in the least Ceremonie For names are lesse then Ceremonies Therfore what the Lord abhors no man must dare to bring near him But he hates and forbids these as it is playn in the text 3 The Lord is wonderful Iealous of his true worship he will not haue the heart lift up unto vanity nor the mouth speak of Idols except it be to reproue them the Lord makes all his people such Consider yourselues therfore all yee that can endure well enough these Ceremonies whether the Image of God in this respect be in you or no Hence it is playn men are bound to that utter detestation and loathing of idolatrous signes and garments and gestures which some shew in England Because this promise must be fulfilled 2 Men are married to Christ therfore it fits they should be chast and far from all shew of whorish behaviour and lightnesse such as the whore of Rome teacheth 3 This is the best way to root out Idolatry utterly and to establish the true service of God 4 This is the best way to all happinesse to a Kingdom which we ought by all lawfull meanes to procure What haue they deserved therfore at your hands that you should thus deal with them that seek your good in all their courses Their preaching praying and living you cannot deny And in this the Holy Ghost clears them Be encouraged therfore every faithfull subject and good Christian to continue thine hatred of all Romish Reliques for certainly this will bring good to your selues and the land too Arg. 22. Mat. 15.3.4.5 1 All Traditions that cause the breach of any commandement are utterly unlawfull 2 It is the property of humane Traditions to cause the breach of Gods commandements 3 Men that joyn their traditions with Gods commandements doe what lies in them to throw the Lord out of his Throne 4 It is a sign of hipocrisie to be zealous in urging humane Traditions 5 The breach of a human Tradition doth not defile men 6 Men are not bound to the Traditions of the Elders This place is plain against our Ceremonies 1 Doe they not cause the breach of each commandement of God as is learnedly proved in a discourse of the Crosse and especially this commandement that men should be apt to teach and carefull to teach which now is made voide by this For men say if he be a quiet peaceable conformable man it is well 2 They cause those the Lord hath sent to be thrust out and the fathers of mens spirituall life to be neglected 3 That which causeth breach of Gods commandements should not men abandon and abhor 2 Should men bring their own traditions into the Church 3 These Ceremonies will doe hurt if they be not cast out before it is their nature and property to doe hurt and they are ever worse in the latter end then at first 4 Is it not presumption and rebellion against God to joyn mens own devises to the Ordinances of God without warrant from God And are not men to keep the Lords right in standing against them 5 Should such hypocrisie be seen amongst us that men should presse with violence their own traditions and be like the Scribes who when they teach the law of God are without power Mat. 7. 6 These commandements of men are made doctrines to teach So are all our Ceremonies as it is plain by the Preface to them Grounds therfore besides these mentionâ—d why we should stand against them are out of this place 1 The servants of God are not bound to mens traditions 2 The great esteem men haue of their own traditions which Gods servants should protest against 3 The great inconvenience that comes by some of their traditions in sight as hath been shewed before and shall be God willing hereafter 4 The true zeal men should bear to haue the Lords commandements kept which cannot be where these are so much esteemed 5 Avoyding hypocrisie 6 It is but lost labour to worship God thus 23 Arg. out of Mark. 11.16 1 Things of good use out of Gods service ought not to come into the house of the Lord. 2 Nothing but that which the Lord hath sâ—nctified ought to come neer him witnesse Naâ—ab and Abihues strange fire This place is plain against all our Cereremonies even Kneeling because though of good use in other parts of Gods worship yet in this it ought not to come 2 These Ceremonies should not be admitted nâ—ere the Lord since they are not sanctified and men endanger themselues that presum to bring them neer the Lord. Wherfore Ministers ought to their uttermost power seek the abolishing of these ceremonies in this they are like unto Christ Arg. 24. Ioh. 2.15.16 1 In darksome times many things are corrupted in the service of God as twixt Malachy and Christ which the light comming burns up 2 The Lord will not admit any mans devises to further the service of God besides the Word 3 Mens colourablest devises in Gods worship when they are considered by a zealous heart are vile and odious 4 True zeal is for the Lords pure worship and service 4 True zeal is with fervent desire of reformation of small matters in shew being amisse This place is plain against our Ceremonies they came in in the times of Popery and the light of the Gospell discovers them to be filthy and hath cast them out of many places already 2 The Lord will not admit these ceremonies to further his worship what he saw convenient and fitting he commanded neither let men think their comelinesse and decency shall be omitted for these are commanded by the Word These Ceremonies haue not so good use as those mens commodities wherin they seemed to doe good and
with teares And yet these men are had in request and honoured and thought favourers of the State and friends to the Kingdom and Church Oh England who hath bewitched thee that thou shouldst not know the things that belong unto thy peace Oh that thou wouldest know and receiu instruction and correction from God himselfe What mean so many judgments in our land if the Lord be not angry And discipline being neglected amongst us doe you not feel the strokes of God avowing the truth and calling of those Ministers that haue pronounced threats against the land Is not the hand of the Lord heavier and the burthen hee makes you bear greater then the burthen which he would haue you take up Obj. To alter were a disgrace for the Church Ans 1 It is more disgrace not to alter 2 Mens Credit must giue way to Gods glory and the Churches good 3 It causeth wonderfull rents in the Church which are a greater disgrace then this would be 4 The Lord will certainly reform if men doe not 5 Men at first did not intend this should be a perpetuall rule to posterity but onely for the present it seemed the best way to draw on the people to our religion Obj. 2. This doctrine brings confusion and so much adoe Ans Zeal in reforming seems tumultuous as our Saviour Christ when he overthrew the tables of the money changers 2 It seems much adoe because men are loth to part with their own conceits else things were soon ended and ordred 3 It is no small matter to bring the Church from the darknesse of Popery to that measure of reformation which is required Quest Why haue men joyned with these hitherto Ans 1 Want of consideration of these particulars 2 Many no doubt haue sejoyned and severed from them at least in affection 3 Men must doe as they are farther enlightened and guided by the spirit of God who from step to step leads his people Iewish Ceremonies might better be tollerated then ours 1 These were once commanded by the Lord ours never 2 Those were not commanded as necessary but onely some things to be done or forborn for offence sake 3 Those the Apostles knew would perish of themselues Ierusalem being destroyed But these being joyned to the worship of God as things decent will not fall with Rome 4 There was a time for the death burial of those Ceremonies which was to be effected by the ministry of the Apostles informing the Churches of the right use and abolition of these Ceremonies till which time some Ceremonies were indifferent in right use SECTION XX. HAving shewed the unlawfulnesse of these Ceremonies in the next place we are to perswade for the removall of them Therfore the second Commandeement should be fully known and acknowledged and so the Lord shall haue great glory Now the substance of this commandement is to bar the dore against all false worship and human inventions wherin the Lord forbids man to make to himselfe of his own head all religious Ceremonies This commandement being as all others are a common head to which all the very least things in that kind are to be referred And the Lords backing this with such forcible reasons should moue all honest and good hearts It is the Lord that forbids who dare countermand or bid the contrary 1 It is thy God by covenant that thou hast given thy name unto 2 It is thine husband if authority will not perswade yet let loue rule thee 3 The Lord is a jealous God and cannot indure any part of divine worship to be given to mans devises that they should be counted his Name the Lord sees this to bee the beginning of declining 4 The Lord visites the sinnes of parents that haue instituted and followed these devises of man in his worship upon the children that so reverence their forefathers and antiquity that they will tread in their steps and retain the same Ceremonies 5 All this devising of Ceremonies and appointing of them is hatred against the Lord. 6 Pure worship of God argues men doe truely loue him and haue care to keep his Commandements 7 This brings blessings upon us and many generations even thousands that worship the Lord according to his will Hearken ô yee men brethren and fathers unto the Lord our God and cease to provoke him to wrath it is too long wee haue lived in the breach of this commandement troubling them that haue desire to walk sincerely with the Lord. A second Ground is because then Christ shall be known to be the onely King of his Church and men shall not dare to propound any thing as doctrine nor urge the servants of God to any practise but what the word commands Now under the name of the Church and Christian Magistrate How is the Kingdom of Christ weakened by some Then shall that Ezech. 34.24 bee fulfilled I will be their God and my servant David shall be Prince amongst them A third ground is the beauty of Gods face and the glory of the Gospell should more appear and shine forth which now is clouded heerby many waies For 1 men wrest the Scriptures for the defence of these 2 the whole counsell of God cannot be freely preached 3 that divine order in each Congregation is dissolved which should shew who are sheep and who are goats 4 the Lord is brought in favouring the wicked and making sad the hearts of his own servants for men of tender consciences are accused and traduced as turbulent spirits Men should then bend themselues to teach the main grounds of Religion which now are unknown and how dear should this be to us Englishmen especially by whose means our land hath been so highly honoured and wonderfully lifted up aboue others 4 Christian meetings and holy communion of Saints the nourisher of grace wherin men might be benefitting and edifying one another should be suffred Wheras men now meeting for holy ends are troubled as making Conventicles dangerous to the State What were it for our Magistrates to haue the prayers of so many good hearts for their safety Then should that be fulfilled Zachar. 8.20.21 c. 5 The Gospell should be freely preached there would then be nothing to hinder either admittance or continuance in the Ministery This liberty of the Gospell procures continuance of our liberty and tho restrayning of this makes the Lord depart and brings bondage captivity and the sword upon the Nation Then should the people that sit in ignorance and the shadow of death see a great light so many should not perish for want of vision 6 Magistrates should be out of danger of those threats Hos 5 for passing their bounds and Esa 29 none should make Israel sin and wound their consciences with these lesser things at first and then afterwards fall into extremity and height of wickednesse 7 Ministers should haue more gifts and more authority for the setting up these restrain the spirit of God and such urging of these without ground from