as also to call such of the people as belong to the kingdom of Christ from their apostatical antichristian throne What hath beene said of the names offices of these magnificenâ—… Prelates these great Lords the same for auoiding tedious repetition is to be iudged of al the crue of their associates assistantes attendants inferior priestes officers of whose names or offices we find no mâ—…tioÌ„ in Châ—…ists TestameÌ„t no vse or place in Christs church yet because some of them make a fairer shew in the flesh vnder counterfaiâ—… shew of holines deceaue the simple leade captiue many a stule I wil leaue for a while these great peeres mightie estates with all their collegues followers in their grosse wickednes which is apparant and odious vnto all men in whome is any sparck of light or grace and wil now addresse my self to pul of the visardes of these disguised hypochrites these rauening wolues which come to vs in sheepes clothing vnder glorious and swelling titles of Pastors Teachers Preachers and Ministers of the gospâ—…l men of great learning of very holy life and of great sinceriâ—…ie seâ—…kers â—…ighers foâ—… reformation snch as abhor and cry out against the Bishops theiâ—… proceedinges c. These Phariseis these Sectaries are they which mislead the people in â—…heir crooked and bye pathes os death wil neither lead theâ—… nor suffer them to enter into the peaceable strait waies of the Lord buâ—… keep them alwaies learning neuer bring `them to the sight oâ—… acknowledging of the truth c. as when we come to examine theiâ—… manner of theaching shal appeare In the meane while let vs a litlâ—… goe back againe as yt were that we may the more orderly proceed and consider in a word or two of these Rabbines persons education learning training wherby they are made fit to these great offices then of the offices themselues of their calling entrance therunto last of al of their administration how they behaue themselues therin And this but by way of a summarie and most brief recital ffor if â—… should stand to lay open their dealing at large though yt were without either prouing or disprouing for this in matters so maniâ—…est need not yt would make in yt self a most large discourse and were a subiect too great for any mâ—…ns capacitie to handle to set downe theâ—… monstrous transgreâ—…siones disorders in particular much more in â—…heir heinousnes indignity which do euen fil the great flyng bokâ—… of Gods cuâ—…se the Prophet speaketh of But to giue you a blush of some of them and to open you a way the better at your further leasure by your further and more diligoâ—…t â—…earch to looke into theiâ—… dealings I wil God so willing of many set you downe a few FIRST FOR their persons we find them all generally the seed and â—…fspring of the vnbeleeuers of men without the faith without the â—…hurch of these confuse idolatrous multitudes aboue spoken of â—…s the vnchristian education of these ympes maketh manifâ—…st who â—…uen from their cradles aâ—…e nourished in al maner of prophanenes eathenisme vaine vngodly sciences literature osteÌ„tation pride â—…ore then monkish that I say not Sodomitish idlenes superstiâ—…oÌ„ idolatrie c. This their vngodly nurture in their coÌ„mon scholes where they must learne the latine or greeke tongue from lasciuius Poets heathenish philosophers sheweth euidently With this quor are their pitchers at the first seasoned when they haue beene â—…ell nouseled in these aud haue orderly passed to the highest forme â—…en are they fit for one of the Vniuersities where they being placed 〈◊〉 some one Colledg as they tearme them or other after they haue â—…eene solemnely Matriculate and sworne vpon the Proctors Booke to â—…eir mother the Vniuersatie to coÌ„ceale and keepe close her secretes 〈◊〉 mysteries as also to be obedient to her statutes and orders theâ—… are they trained vp in Logick Rhetorick Philosophy which lear â—…ings they draw from Aristotle Ciceâ—…o and such like There they â—…arne to reason and speake by art by Sylogismes and Tropes which â—…tes when they haue gotteÌ„ or at the least spent some apointed time 〈◊〉 the Vniuersites then they commence Bachelors or Maisters of â—… Now if they continue still with their mother and giue their â—…inde to the studie of diuinitie as they cal yt which is as much to â—…y as the rearding of mens writinges such as are best esteemed of in â—…ese times with those feathers they flie aud with those eies they see â—…hich bookes being taken from them they are as mute as fishes as â—…ind as moles But when once they are growen skilful in this traditional diuiniâ—…e that they dare vndertake vpoÌ„ some moneths warning to speake â—…n howre vpon some tâ—…xt and that they dare trust their memories 〈◊〉 deliuer no worse stuffe then they haue read in the commentaries â—…nd common places of thâ—…se Authors then vpon a litle practise they row bould to set vp their bylles of chalenge vpon the schole dores â—…at they purpose to dispute for their degree and to maintaine â—…taine hard pointes of diuinitie generally consented vnto and reeaâ—…ed of all men which questions as also the whole scriptures â—…ust in these their schooles disputations be vnsufferably corrupâ—…d abused wrested peruerted blasphemed according to the lusteâ—…â—…f these Philosophical heathen disputers which heâ—…r must haâ—…le diuide vtter and discusse according â—…o their vaine affected 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Logick Rhetorick Wel when they haue thus performed their artes either in Luce or 〈◊〉 and that their solemne day of their commencement drawâ—…h neeâ—…e there some worthy Chaplen or other to winne the spurres 〈◊〉 a Deanry at the least when yt fâ—…lleth vndertaketh to dâ—…fend Non râ—…sidencie or Pluralitie of beâ—…efices or some other to confirme the faith of the Church of England vndertaketh to defend THAT the apostolicall discipline as they tearme yt or gouernmeÌ„t order which is set downe in CHRISTES Testâ—…ment for his Church vnto the worldes end is noâ—… perpetuall or of necessite but may be altered according to the will of Princes estates c. also that CHRIST descended into hell during that time his body laye in the graue These such like damnable heresies and blasphemies are confirmed in the eies of the whole land who resort thiâ—…her to see this stage play where the fencers fight bootie the persons that shall dispute being purposely apointed the time set how long they shall dispute the dogs being to be puld off either by masse vicechancellor or M r. PROCTOR as the arguments by any thing strong or the disputers distressed Now here must also be considered that al these prizes are plaied in latine that the learning may the more and their folly the lesse appeare least euen the common people should hisse them of the stage if they spake english But why doe I thus reueale their mother OSYRIS secretes some of them will say I am an vnnatural
they are so many we will keep their owne diuision of them in Double and Single Feastes Of their double feastes are their Christmasse day with the day of his circumsion and Epiphanie the Annunciation Puritication of their Ladie called Candlemasse day their day of all the Saintes together called Hallowmasse their Michaelmassâ—… all Angels besides their Easter whitsontide wherof we haue spokeÌ„ also their AssentioÌ„ day Trinitie sonday Now their single feastes and common Holidaies are the Saintes daies in order as they come in their beadrolle their coÌ„mon sundaies Of which sundaies though they haue coÌ„mandement both in the law by the fourth coÌ„mandemét in the new Testament by the coÌ„mandement practise of the Apostles to keep in the Church the first day of the weeke an holy conuocation vnto the Lord spending that day in praiers hearing the word and other holy exercises yet seing they so miserablie profane yt to idolatrie both after the maner of the heathen Papistes yt becommeth an idol feast no lesse accursed then the others After the maner of the heathen they abuse yt in dedicating yt vnto and naming yt after the chief idol of the Pagans the Sonne a creature and in feasting that day after their maner in pride gluttony riot idlenes sport play c. After the maner of y e papistes they abuse yt in their stinted superstitious idolatrous seruice their abuse of scriptures of praier at their meeting which is not to any edifiâ—…ng or leading forward in the waies of God their course direction being set downe both to priestes and people before hand what they shall doe say pray how much in the forenoone at Mattens how litle at afternoone at Euensong c. Further in that they dedicate one special Sunday aboue all the rest vnto the Holy Trinitye yet giue lesse honour vnto this Sunday feast then to their white sunday going next beforâ—… Their other solemne holy feastes seing they want warrant in the word of God haue nothing for their foundatioÌ„ groundworke are therby cast vtterly out of the Church of CHRIST which is not to be edified vpon the sandes of mens fansies neither to worship God after the deuises of their owne heartes but according to 〈◊〉 prescript rules of his holy word therfore I need spend no time 〈◊〉 the refutation of them the bare recital of these their trifling follies 〈◊〉 vanities is inough to scatter them into the wind for what warrant â—…ommandement or proofe haue these stage players in the word of â—…od in this maner to solemnize the birth circumcision epiphanie â—…surrection assention of Christ vpon their seueral daies with their 〈◊〉 fastes worship feastes why do not they celebrate as well his bapâ—…sme temptation and victorie ouer Sathan in the wildernes the calâ—…ng of the woman of Samaria the receauing the Syrophoenitian his faâ—…ous miracles casting out deuils raising the dead walking vpon the 〈◊〉 transfiguration vpon the mountaine giuing the holy Ghost vnto â—…is Apostles with his commission and message c. These are written 〈◊〉 the new Testament were done of him as wel as the other for our â—…arning and comfort as wel as the other Why then should not they 〈◊〉 wel haue their peculiar daies fastes worship feastes as the other â—…ut where haue they thus learned Christ to worship him by startes â—…nd stintes by daies and eaues by such idol fastes and feastes Is not â—…his to draw the worship of God which is perpetual and spiritual â—…nto carnal commandementes worldly ordinances and customes â—…gaine and that after so superstitious and profane a maner Superstiâ—…ious in that it is without coÌ„mandement or president in the TestameÌ„t â—…f Christ wil worship not required or accepted at their handes proâ—…hane in that they celebrate these feastes in al maner gluttonie exâ—…esse ryot prodigalitie pride luxurie vanitie idle games heathen â—…cortes Thus they celebrate the natiuitie circumcision epiphanie â—…esurrection of Christ with gay clothes cleane houses good cheare â—…he viole in the feast to stir vp lust in stead of deuotioÌ„ eating drinkâ—…ng rising vp to play and daunce after the maner of Bacchus in his â—…eastes with their Lords of misrule commonly called Christmas lordes â—…ames enterludes nummeries Sodomitish maskes wassal cuppes â—…ith thowsandes of abhominations which chast Christian heartes eares abhor to heare or thinke of This is the fruite of their idolaâ—…rie idlenes this they learned of their forefathers in the wildernes Whiles Moses was on the mount Exâ—…d 32. their priest cast them a calfe of gold made of their chiefe iewels that yt might be of the more estimation To this Calfe they made an Altar the priest deuoutly proclaimed a fast to al the people on the eaue a solemne feast and holy day vnto the Lord yea of the Lord IEHOVA as he said On the day where the people offred burnt offringes and brought peace offringes on the morning after sate downe to eate drink and rose vp to play This is the very mould and patterne of these their idol feastes fastes worship c. In Christes Testament they neuer learned to diuide Christes actions life into such a stageplay making one day a Pageant of his birth an other of his circumcision an other of his epiâ—…hanie resurrection c. though these were distinct things and done â—…t seueral times yet neuer read I that they ought in this maner vpon peculiar daies to be celebrate in the church more then at any other time or day of the yeare or that they ought to haue a set worship with select Psalmes Lessons Pistles Gospels Collects Anthemes or such a deuout fast on their eaues or feast on their daies with such revels as they keepe But that their deuotions may yet more appeare they worship him euen in his mothers belly or rather before she was conceaued with him they adore the wordes of salutation eueÌ„ in the Angel Gabrieâ—… his mouth giue a solemne fast worship and feast day therunto which they cal the AnnunciatioÌ„ of their Lady And least she might be offended they solemnize also with double feast her purification coÌ„monly called Candlemasse And heer in this feast I would know of these deep diuines what yt is they worship solemnize whether this action she did or the person of their Lady for needes yt must be the one or both oâ—… theÌ„ heere being nothing either in or ioyned with this action besides worthie of such special veneratioÌ„ high soleÌ„nitie Yf then yâ—… bâ—… the action of her Purificâ—…ion that was but a legal ceremonie and not now to be brought into the Church of Christ. Yf her person as yt iâ—… also like how theÌ„ wil they escape the breach of the first coÌ„maÌ„demeÌ„â—… vnlesse peraduenture they hope through her mediatioÌ„ to be dispeÌ„sed withal y t she wil speak a good word vnto her SoÌ„ne for theÌ„ therfore they powre out vnto her their drinke offringes
Church not to breake the fellowship c. In â—…eed they say true In thus doing in this coÌ„munion I should not break â—…e fellowship but euen for companie goe to hell with them For as â—…e Apostle saith we which are manie make one bodie one bread â—…ecause we are together partakers of one bread But ô how much better should we prouide both for them and our â—…lues to examine wel declare vnto them what this action is how â—…ur sauiour CHRIST hath not only instituted after what maner yt is to â—…e deliuered receiued but also who should deliuer receaue yt â—…o shew them how in this estate they remaining impenitent and obstiâ—…ate there belong no sacramentes or blessing vnto them but rather a â—…arful looking for of iudgment seing they both breake GODES lawes â—… despise GODES grace therfore the sacramentes seale vnto them â—…nd vnto as many as either deliuer the same vnto them or participate â—…ith them in the same the assured wrath of God both for that they â—…lesse ioine vnto the wicked so become guiltie of all their sinnes â—…ogether with them also coÌ„mit most heinous sacriledge in breaking â—…he institution of CHRIST in deliuering the sacramentes as they pre-end vnto the open vnworthy ioining together with them therin I â—…ope they are not so grosly popish to suppose that the sacrameâ—…t can â—…nctifie the vnworthy receauers giuers that in deed were no smal â—…iracle that yt should do more then CHRIST doth whome yt repreâ—…nteth especially where the institution is so wilfully impiously broâ—…en as with them where yt is deliuered to the open vnworthy who as the Prophet saith defile that holy thiâ—…g whatsoeuer they touch But say they Charitie must thinke iudge the best yt must think â—…at in this heape of chaffe are many graines of wheat Well yt doth â—…ink so what of this can those graines either iustifie this sacriledge 〈◊〉 set a loafe of filthie chaffe vpoÌ„ the Lordes holy table or sanctifie the â—…icked this heape of chaffe c. Surely well ought charitie to border 〈◊〉 yt self within the compace of sobrietie and not peremptorily to â—…dge or determine of any who belong to Godes election and who be â—…probates which God hath kept secret to himself vnlesse they see â—…ese damnable signes of the sinne against the holy Ghost vpon them et cannot charity iudge or pronounce any to be graines of wheate â—…hiles they lie together hidden vnseperated from this filthy chaffe â—…ese apparant wicked wickednes for charitie must be directed and â—…dged by faith faith by the word of God But charitie ought to iudge say they that euen the worst when theâ—…â—…ome to that â—…able are inwardly sory secretly repent But doth chaâ—…itie see this sorrow repentance if not how should yt iudge perâ—…wade yt self it is so yea and presume thervpon to communicate with hem receaue them vnto the table of the Lord Charitie had need â—…aue a good ground in these high matters not walke by rote least yt â—…estroy both theÌ„ yt self Charitie may not breake Godes lawâ—…s their â—…innes are seene knownâ—… publike their repentance must be answerable secret repentance suffiseth not the church for open sinne they must see and witnesse the repentance or els they must proceed without delay to excommunication Charitie for no respect can either linger lighten or take away Gods iudgmentes It alwaies euen in all causes saith RIGHT and true are thy iâ—…dgmentes King of Saintes The iudgmentes of the Church of al the faithful are the iudgmentes of the Lord which must be vprightly without al eaâ—…thly affection or inclination any way executed least Gods wrath burne likewise against them as we haue plentiful examples in the scriptures How then say these blind guides that the faithful ought not to meddle with the iudging of the wicked in the church It is only Gods office to root out the tares Their final iudgment we with al humblenes reâ—…it vnto the Lord the Iudge of al. Their temporal iudgmentes the Lord hath coÌ„mitted to his Church to euerie member of his Church who are to pronounce vpon them the iudgmentes that are written and euerie member of the CongregatioÌ„ throw vpon them the stone of his iudgment and consent Therfore hath the Lord raised vp the thrones of DAVID in his Church and set his Saintes vpon seates round about his Throne Yet for al this the beginning and end of their song is THAT the Church and table of the Lord is not to be forsaken and left because of the wicked True for the wicked are to be chased and driueÌ„ from thence where none may enter or stand without his seene wedding garment vpon him But as I haue beene often driuen to say they that abandon these wicked peruerted assemblies which will not be withdrawâ—…n from their sinnes but remayne hardned and obstinate leaue not the Church or Table of God but preserue the Church and Table of God They make not the schisme which keep the faith but they that forsake the faith yea the faithful thus seperate ought not for the sinnes of these or any to neglect or intermit these holy exercises of the Church but to indeâ—…or to haue â—…hem in al holy and pure maner according vnto Christes ordinance c. THE last shift help they haue for receauing the prophane wicked to the sacramentes is that we ought to detest abhor their conversation in common bread because that is in their power wil but not for their sakes to refuse the sacramentes because that is not in their wil. What can be more grosse foolish know these men what belongeth to the communion of Saintes Is it in our power to refuse him in conuersatioÌ„ to whome we ioine in the faith in communioÌ„ Or may I abhor driue him froÌ„ my table whome our Sauiour Christ receaueth admitteth to his table Am I or my table holier then he or his What a pharisaical pride were this eueÌ„ the same they exercised vnto the publicanes where is now this charitie they erwhile spake of Loue couereth the multitude of sinnes wantes let not him that is stroÌ„g despise them that are weake but receaue them vnto him c. instructing them with meeknes bearing their burden c. May they â—…en despise abhor any that is held a brother or auoid his companie â—…fore he be excommunicate or haue forsaken the faith remaine â—…rdned or impeniâ—…ent c. what a preposterous dealing is this to reâ—…aue the wicked vnto the Lordes Table to driue them from their â—…ne table This is cleane contrary to the Apostles doctrine which â—…ace M r. CALVINE thought to escape and put away with this botche 〈◊〉 there teacheth that iâ—… any which is called a brother be a fornicaâ—… or coÌ„uetous or a railer c. such one is both to be purged as leauen
abhominations which haue beene recited from the beginning of this treatise To conclude though they remaine presumptuously obstinate in all these horrible transgression◅ if by any this their shameles ass◅rtion namely that they hold the foundation to saluation be with neuer so playne proof of scripture denied and they louingly admonished and exhorted against such they whe◅ their viperous tongues powre out all the venome of their railings reproches slaunders and most shameles lies wherof their owne festered consciences accuse them in their pulpyts priuie meetings machinating deuising against them as against open professed enemies and all because they reproue them of their counterfait walking which they cannot nor dare not in any Christian and peaceable maner enterprise by the word of God to approue iustifie But as you haue heard how they generally vse esteeme y ◠word of God so let me briefly shew you what kind of CHRIST they preach you Generally and verbally they hold confesse him in both his natures verie God verie mā to the word of their redemtiō saluatiō as the papistes also doe though somwhat diuersly stumbling contending rather about wordes then about any material difference whē they are pressed For CHRIST they wil consesse their only redeemer fully sufficiently to haue wrought their saluatiō though by by stumbling at the phrase of some scriptures they will ioine vnto him their owne beggerie workes merites c. Both of them generally and verbally cōfesse CHRIST in his 3 offices viz. to be their only King Priest Prophet but when yt cōmeth to the practise obedience then they both with one consent send an embaslage after him saying that we wil not haue this man to reigne ou◅r vs Cause the holy one of Israel to cease from vs let vs breake his bandes cast his cordes from vs this is the heire come let vs kill him and let vs take his inheritance c. I know our english priestes wil haue many fine floorishes to hide this treacherie as that they acknowledg him their only Priest Mediator to haue with that one oblation of his owne pretious bodie once offred fully satisfied the iustice appeased the wrath of his Father Yea they acknowledg him to be the verie first fruites sanctifier of the whole heape clothing all his with his righteousnes that he is entered into the heauens into the v◅rie throne of God there offreth vp the praiers maketh intercession for all them Likewise that he is heire and King ouer al both mē Ang◅ls that he hath in this his or rather oure flesh vanquished al our enemies Satan sin death hel triumphed ouer them in that his crosse that he is ascended vp on high sitteth at the right hād of God frō whence he shal come to iudge the quick y e dead And for his proph◅cie y t he is the end of al prophecies to whome they were directed the fulnes and fountaine of al wisdome whome we ought to heare and how by that his heauenly word he begetteth vs to life euerlasting c. These many other comfortable true doctrines they can doe deliuer touching the offices of CHRIST but all these you must vnderstand I pray you obserue wel for so shal you cleerly espie their error deceit are still but what CHRIST hath done in his owne person for his elect here is not one word spoken what he doth in his elect how he teacheth sanctifieth ruleth them by the scepter of his word how he is a King Priest Prophet heere on earth exerciseth the offices here in his Church amongst his seruantes the Saints how he is their pastour their teacher their King how he feedeth reigneth in SION yea maketh all his children kings priests prophets Kings in y t he hath giuē them his word into their hearts mouthes wherby as w t a sharpe two edged sword they cut off sin fight against al errors wherby they reigne ouer their owne affectiōs subdue y t flesh cast downe euerie imagination that is exalted against the knowledg of God bring into captiuitie euerie thought to the obedience of Christ wherby they vnpartially censure iudge cast out al maner of sin as yt ariseth apeareth amongst them binding their rulers in chaines and their nobles in fetters of yron executing vpō them the iudgments that are writtē yea therby condemning euerie weapon tongue that shal arise in iudgment against the truth This is the heritage of the Lords seruants this honor shalbe to al his Saintes Priestes he maketh them in y t he annointeth them with his owne holy spirit wherby they both offer vp their praiers praises through him vnto God their owne bodies soules as liuing sacrifices vnto him daily which is their reasonable seruing of God Prophets he maketh them in that he reuealeth his truth vnto them cōmandeth them to witnesse yt spread yt forth in all places to his glorie One word of these heauenly effects in amongst them of their dutie obedience loue and faithfulnes they owe ought againe on their parts to performe vnto him they al this while shew not and how without this there is no comfort or benefit to be expected or receaued by Christ without this faith loue obedience none can haue him a King vnto thē to rule defend them none can haue him a Prophet to teach instructe them none cā haue him a priest to sanctifie blesse them none can haue him a Sauiour But al they that either acknowledg not the Lord Iesus Christ or obey not vnto his eternal Gospel but withhold the truth in vnrighteousnes shalbe punished with euerlasting perditiō from the presence of the Lord from the glorie of his power when he shal come to be glorified in his saintes to be made meruailous in al them that beleeue But alas how is yt possible y ◠they should know or see this beautie of y e King in Sion whiles they remaine in Babilon how is yt possible that they should teach this submission obedience vnto Christ Iesus when they themselues remaine the bondseruants sworne soldiours of Antichrist in such maner as hath beene rehearsed How then in this estate should they stand the faithfull ministers of Christ or preach him sincerely Can there be any accord betwixt C◅rist Antichrist can they both reigne together in one Church or these men stand ministers vnto both at one time If Christ be their King vvhere is then his honour where is his obedience CHRIST reigneth ouer none but his owne seruantes and them he ruleth by the scepte◅ of his holy word but heere with them his scepter is wrested ou◅ of his hand and a Scepter of reed giuen him the canons of the pope
Church I see not why they should haue any more tolleration then their elder brethren the monks who eueriâ—… way had as great shew of holines â—…nd couler of vtility to the Church as they or tâ—…ese other cathâ—…drall collâ—…giate dennes haue yea and might both as soone and as well haue beene purged of their Masse and latine seruice as these are so that the same end that is befallen the one remaineth the other The lord is not pleased with any voluntarie religion That building that hath not the word of God for the fouÌ„datioÌ„ though yt be dawbed with neuer so great cunning and learning and vndershored with neuer so great pollicie and power though yt be built as high as Bâ—…bel yet shall yt assuredly fall and the greater shalbe the fall therof As there is no building without the word of God for the foundation so is there no fellowship or communion out of the Church of God And therfore no such confused colledges no such idolatrous assemblies as are not gathered vnto Christ but vnto Antichrist as liue not in that Christian order fellowship which Christ hath apointed to all his seruants in his Church but leade their liues in antichristian disorder in Babilonish if not Sodomitish confusion no such heathen schooles wherin youth is not trained vp in the feare knowledg and order of CHRIT but in vaine arts superstition idolatrie disorder c. haue any foundation in the word of God any fellowship with or allowance in the Church of God But heere wil the vniuersitie Knights draw me within the coÌ„passe of these two absurdities First that I condemne all good arts and literature then that I quite driue them out of the world by taking away the schooles of the same wherin youth might be trained brought vp Nothing lesse I with my whole heart allow of any art or scieÌ„ce that is consonaÌ„t to the word of God to the doctrine which is according to godlines only the curious heathen artes prophane vaine babblings and oppositions of science falsely so caled which they professe wherwith they poison coâ—…upt al the youth of the laÌ„d I abhorre because God condemneth As for schooles to teach the tongues or any laudable or necessarie art I wish them in abundaÌ„ce y t if yt were possible not only the youth but euen the whole church might be trayned therin I with my whole heart wish that al the Lords people were Prophets such an enemie am I to true knowledg learning that I would not haue yt any longer kept secret in a mysterie but euen proclaimed vpon the house top in euerie Citie in euery street yet stil euer with this caution that these schooles both be in an established church I meane in such places where the Saintes liue together in the faith order obedience and communion of CHRIST and not in such monkish idolatrous confused idle profane colledges and fellowships as theirs are Likewise that the tongues or sciences be heere taught in an holy sanctified reuerend graue maner and not in such an vnsanctified vaine maner as they vse So shal the earth be ful of the knowledg of the Lord as the waters that couer the sea for in the Church of Christ are al his springs inclosed which by this meanes should runne at euerie conduct and water the whole land abundantly whereas now they lye in miserable darknes wholy ouergrowen with brambles briers And surely I euen with maruaile wonder how these men can be so blinded to compare these wicked idolatrous societies to the asseÌ„blies of the prophâ—…ts or vnto the Church of Christ when you see they haue nothing common with them or like vnto them either in the people assembled doctrine taught manner of teaching learning or order of life when they vtterlie want warrant in the word of God for such kind of Colledges societies and schooles these hauing beene deriued either from the heathens Egiptians Greekes Persians that had their peculiar colledges and schooles to their peculiar sects or els haue isâ—…ued out of the smoke of Antichrists inuentions out of the bottomles pit They alwaies haue beene stil are the verie hyues nurseries of these armed poisoned Locusts venemous Scorpions I meane either that false ministerie of Antichrist euen al the gouerning teaching priestes as Cardinals Arch-bish Bish. Suffraganâ—…s Archdeacons Chanâ—…lors Comâ—…issaries Ciuil Doctors Aduocates Proctâ—…rs 〈◊〉 rouing Ministers Preachers parish Priests c. or those couÌ„terfait religious hypocrites monkes Friers Nunnes Clarkes or as we now of late call them schollers Al which haue in innumerable multitudes from time to time and at all times swarmed and issued out of these hyues into the face of the whole earth corrupting and destroijng eueriâ—… greene thing poisoning the pure fountaines of Gods word with their accursed glozâ—…s dâ—…epe learning subtil figuratiue interpretations darkning the sonne and infecting the aire therwith as also with the blasphemous traditions of their king 〈◊〉 that Angel of the bottomles pyt They haue alwaies most pestilently fought vnder this their captaine against the Lambe his Gospell Church plentifully furnishing and continually supplijng all the offices roomths beloÌ„ging to that huge Midianitish host of Antichrist the leaders captaines and officers wherof are euer haue beene wholy taken out of these Serâ—…liaes euen froÌ„ the Popeâ—… person to the lowest Priest How they are reformed by hauing this english portesse their seruice booke in stead of their olde masse-booke may partly by that which is aboue written concerning the same appeare but more manifestly by taking a view of some of the blasphemous idolatrous customes which still remaine in practise with them in the same maner as they did vnder the Pope all or any of which yt is not heere my purpose any further to describe It sufficeth me to haue shewed them to be confused idolatrous vnchristian vnlawfull assemblies and societies so far from being to be compared vnto or iustified by the assemblies of the Prophets or that heauenlie exercise of prophâ—…cie now in the Church of CHRIST as they are not to be suffered in a Christian common welth And therfore he â—…re againe once more I conclude that both these vngodly assemblies as also the cathedral dennes and colledges ought by as good right to be abolished as their other brethren and sisters of a birth the monasteries nunries are seing they all want foundation in the word had one and the same hellish original had and these still reteine the same blasphemous incurable abusâ—…s which can by no way be reformed but by their vtter dissolution Thus haue we through the mercie of God by the light of his word taken a sleight vieâ—… of the nestes of these vncleane birdes and haue therby seene both what maner of schooles what kind of Prophets these are we haue seene how euil this 14 of the Corinthians fitteth either these vniuersitie and cathedral Colledges or these new deuised CoÌ„uenticles of pâ—…opheticall
law into whose handes they were for a season deliuered c. After these visions Daâ—…iel was shewed how this presumptuous horne was consumed destroied with y â— fiery streame that proceeded from the ancient of daies and how this vnlawfull dominion was taken from the other beasts and giuen to him that came fâ—…om heaueÌ„ and hauing finished the ful redemption of his â—…aints being ascended vp againe and set at the right hand of his Father there was giuen vnto him dominion and glorie and a kingdome that all people nations and tongues should serue him whose dominion is a perpetual dominion that passeth not away his kingdome is â—…euer corrupted Ver. 14. Also Ver 27. What caÌ„ be more diâ—…ect for the perpetuity of the gouernmeÌ„t ordinances that Christ hath left apointed in his new Testament for his châ—…rch which whosoeuer presumeth to againâ—… or violate much more to innouate or change shall he not be vnder the same sinne damnatioÌ„ curse with this presumptuous blasphemous horne The Prophet zachariah also in the eleuenth of his prophecie sheweth that all CHRISTS â—…heep are gouerned and kept vnder our cheif shepeheards pastorall staues Beawtie Bands All other are out of his protection deliuered vp in his wrath to be guided by the instruments of foolish idol shepheards whose right arme shalbe without strength and whithered vp their right eie shalbe vtterlie darkened there shall be no light in them Both these shepheards their flockes euen all such as are misled by with them are giuen vp of the Lord to vtter destructioÌ„ because they cast the Lords coards from them would not be bound in his bands their soule abhorred the Lord they would not haue him to reigne ouer them therfore his soule abhorred them he gaue them vp to their owne lusts insnared them in their owne pollicies For all the wisdome of all flesh without the Lord is madnes their most exquisite plattes of gouernment which they can deuise vnto themselues are but the instruments of foolish sheepheards to their owne perdition of as manie as are gouerned by them These things are so manifest in that Chapter the true shepheard gouernment sheepe as also the false shephearde gouernmet sheepe with the diuers endes of both being there described the one in y e person of our Sauiour his disciples the other in the Priests rulers phariseis people of the Iewes with their verie maner of reiecting betraiâ—…ng him so liuelie set downe as none can cauill at theâ—…e things or mistake them â—…o grosly againe as one of these foolish shepheardes D. SOME hath done taking his chapter to be vnderstood of the estate of the Iewes in zecheriâ—…hs time the 1â—… 13. verse of 〈◊〉 person wages Who if he had but compared this chapter in yt self much more to the discourse of the Prophet precedent subsequent but especially to the euident euent perimplishing in by our Sauiour Christ Math. 21. 23. 24 26. Chapters he would neuer haue iustified tithes by the 12 13 verses of of this eleuenth Chapter of zechariah If any doubt of the interpretatioÌ„ of these two staues 〈◊〉 Bands let him consider the allegorie how shepheards vse their staues hookes or rather let him waigh the 7 ver where he shall find that Christ with these staues fed gouerned and defended those sheepe his Father gaue him as also verse 14 the interpretation end of the staffe Bâ—…ndes how there can be no true coÌ„munion where they are not knit together in the faith order gouernment and loue of Christ. But if he compare this prophecie to the euent fulfilling therof by our Sauiour Christ his Apostles that called al men from the shadowes figures of the Temple vnto the kingdome Church of Christ he shall manifestlie see that this sense in all things accordeth and no other can be made to agree to the words and Argument of this Prophet in this Chapter Noteâ—… might plentifullie be drawen manie waightie Arguments framed from these allegories as also froÌ„ the eâ—…ymologie of these words to shew the excellencie amenitie pleasantnes comlines congruence vtilitie necessity perpetuity of CHRISTS pastorall gouernment of his Church and how disorderly and vnnaturall a thing yt were for the sheepe to disobey especially to controule and teach their shepheard But I hope the iudgments denounced in that chapter for such faultes and the plaine demonstration of the danger error folly horror of all other gouernments and instruments whatsoeuer may suffice to satisfie the godly in this point and to restraine them from such presumption and rebellion either to reiect or to innouate or alter CHRISTS holy gouernment order and ordinances As for the vnperswaded and disobedient I leaue them to their accompt when they shall see him whome they haue perced through come with clowdes and in the meane while will addresse my self to prooue by sundry expresse places of the new Testament y â— the ordinances the Apostles left for the building administration gouernment of the Church are the coÌ„mandements of God perpetual inuiolable to be obserued and not to be willingly neglected or changed vnto the worlds end Our Sauiour CHRIST hauing finiâ—…hed whatsoeuer was needful here vpon earth to be â—…one in his person either for the worke of our redemption or for the remouing abolishing all the legal shadowâ—…s ceremonial worship or for the ratifijng his Gospel the gathering plaÌ„ting establishing his Church hauing chosen apointed and perfectly instructed his Apostles of all things belonging thervnto In the 28 chap. according vnto Mathew Vers. 1â—… 19. 20. he vsed this speach vnto them And â—…esus comming spake vnto them saying all authority in heauen in earth is giuen vnto me Go therfore teach ye all the nations baptising them into the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holy Spirit teaching them to keep all things whatsoeuer I haue commanded you And loe I am with you all daies vntill the consummation of the world Amen Omitting the sundry necessary circumstances and manifold profitable doctrines that might from this scripture be obserued and drawen to hold me to the present purpose we heere may see not only the Apostles personal power and authority but the warrant and dignity of all things they taught or did in this brief of their commission and ministery which we heere see to be deriued from founded vpon our Sauiour CHRISTS sacred person and soueraigne power We heere see whome they were to teach whome to baptise how to baptise how and what to â—…each the baptised and how to leaue such as they had thus taught gathered and instructed In summe we here â—…ee the very maner and order of winning receauing gathering ordering instructing building vp and establishing the Church of CHRIST We heere see all the orders and ordinances which the Apostles practised in and left vnto the Churches by our Sauiouâ—… owne moâ—…th pronounced to be
before the partie offending be duly convinced admonished exhorted But when the sin thus appeareth becommeth publike the sinner is thus convinced admonished exhorted still continueth obstinate impenitent theÌ„ is the Church without delay or paâ—…tialitie to proceed by the power of our Lord â—…esus Christ with one consent to cast oâ—…t such a one deliuer him vnto Sathan for the humbling of the flesh y t the spirit might be saued in the day of the Lord yea to auoid fâ—…om themselues both the contagion and iudgmentes following his sin Now then seeing this censure of excommunication is an especiall part of the iudgment power Scepter of Christ seing Christ hath committed yt vnto his Church euen vnto euerie Christian congregation whether yt be established in order or yt be indeuoring into oâ—…der as a most necessarie meanes to preserue keepe them in the vâ—…itie of the faith godlines without which power the due executioÌ„ therof yt is impossible to kâ—…epe aâ—…e communion how great is their sin against Christ his Church that thus presumptuously wrast the sword out of Christs hand take yt into their owne furious handes that thus vtterly depriue the Church of all vse of yt saue that they smite wound the poore lambes and seruantes of CHRIST with yt or rather with that great sword giuen vnto their father the deuil to shed innocent blood But especially what iniurie doe they vnto their Princes and magistrates that thus depriue exempt theÌ„ froÌ„ the heauenlie gouernmeÌ„t of Christ if so be this their ecclesiasticall discipline Church gouernment be the true gouernment of Christ as they vaunt and giue out doe they not heerby manifest y t either Princes and magistrats are not the seruantes subiectes of Christ or els y t theÌ„selues haue y e great charteâ—… of Antichrist as well as their sire the Pope to dispense with the breach of Gods lawes to assoile Princes magistrates from the obedience and reuerence of Christ Or els peraduenture with their deepe learning they are able to prooue THAT CHRISTIAN PRINCES AND MAGISTATES EITHER CANNOT SIN in such maÌ„ner to deserue excommunication or els are not liable to the same iudgmentes of God as other Christians are for the like transgressions or els that Christ hath not made one and the same coâ—…enant with al meÌ„ but hath apointed one way for Princes magistrates to be saued an other way for inferior ChristiaÌ„s of lower callings But if the couenant law of God be one the same vnto al men if al men ought to be alike liable to the law of God subiect to the sacred person Scepter of Christ if rebellion be as the sin of witchcraft transgression as idolatrie yf Christ be an vpright and vnpartiall Iudge if Topheth be prepared of olde if yt be prepared eueÌ„ for the King deep and large c. Then most dangerous and damnable is the perfidie and fâ—…atterie of these prophets that not only pronounce peace vnto wicked magistrates in their sin but exempt Christian magistrates from subiection and obedience vnto the Scepter and gouernment of Christ in his Church wherby they draw theÌ„ into battel against Christ. For if they be not vnder his Scepter of grace then are they vnder his yroâ—…â—…od wherwith he wil bruise them to sheardes Yf they be his subiects then doth he reigne ouer them that by his owne lawes but if they wil not haue him to reigne ouer them then commeth he against theÌ„ and iudgeth them as his enemies This is the good seruice these men doe vnto their magistrates to bring them into the wrath of the Lion of the tribe of Iuda this is the care these good shephardes haue of the soules of their Prince magistrats to suffer them to runne on in their sin without coercion or reproofe yea to depriue them of the onlie meanes cure that God in his mercie wisdome hath prouided for al his seruants in that estate But these pollitike diuines make Princes beleeue that yt is no small iniurie derogation to their persons office to be subiect to the reproofe censute of Christ in his Church Excommunication of magistrates say they was an instrumeÌ„t to bring yâ—… neckes of Emperors Princes vnder the Popes girdle the onlie meane wherby he became so dreadful to al men got to himself so great authority therfore our english Pope L. Bishops though they stil retaine in their haÌ„des this popish thunderbolt of excommunicatioÌ„ yet so warily doe they vse yt as they wil not affray Princes or great personages therewith Alas caÌ„not these learned Bishops in al this light free passage of the Gospel they bost of as yet discerne or put difference betwixt Christs most lawfull sacred spiritual power and the Popes vsurped diuelish carnall powers should not magistrates be subiect to the first because they ought not to endure or suffer the second Hath not God spoken from heauen This is my beloued Sonne heare him and againe Therfore God hath highly exalted him and giuen him a name aboue euery name that in the name of IESVS euery knee should bow c and euery toâ—…gue confesse that IESVS is the Lord and speaking vnto the Sonne he saith Thy throne Ô God to the world of worldes the Scepter of thy kingdome is a rod of righteousnes and in an other place I haue annointed my King vpon Zion mine holy mountaine c. Giue heâ—…d therfore ye Kings be ye disciplined ye Iudges of the earth serue the Lord in feare reioice in trembling kisse the Sonne least that he be angire ye perish in the way It were long to recite the expresse scriptures which euery where shew that all Kings and Magistrates ought to be subiect to the Scepter and censure of CHRIST in his Church to bring their glorie honour thither and cast downe their crownes before him of whome they receaue hold their crownes euen by homage tenure froÌ„ whome they deriue al theiâ—… power therfore w t all their power ought to serue him vnto whome they shal accompt All the godly Kings of whome we read in the scriptures haue beene bownd and subiect vnto the lawes of God and censures of the Church in their calling as any other How earnestly did DAVID beseech the Lord that he would seek out his seruant when he erreth as a sheepe that the righteous might smite him for that shalbe a benefite that they might reproue him for that shalbe as a cheefe oyntment As Kings enter into the Church and are made members of CHRIST by profession true practise of the faith so when they fall and depart from the same faith and will not be reduced by admonition and reproofe they are no longer to be held of the faith of the Church but are as any other to receaue the iudgment and censure of CHRIST to be cut off and cast out as withered branches and this as the only
any feare of God or loue of that appearing of our Lord IESVS CHRIST to preserue their soules bodies pure from the idolatrie and abhominations of the false Church to saue themselues from this wicked peruerse generation by comming out from amongst them fleeing out of Babel and by gathering themselues vnto the Lambe in mount Sion there amongst together with his chosen called faithful seruants vnder his banner conduct to fight in all patient constant maner that good fight of faith holding forth the word of life against al the works powers of darknes not abhorring the crosse of CHRIST or louing in his seruice their liues vnto the death but being alwaies ready to do or suffer according to the will of God following the Lamb wheresoeuer he goeth that so he may lead them in the waies of life peace and at length bring them to the full fruition of that endles happines which he hath prepared for all his in his Fathers kingdome there to rest with him in perfect ioy for euer euer Which grace that they may find as I haue not spared my poore endeuour â—…hough therby I haue exposed my self to present peril open reproch by the violent hands virulent tongues of these malignant aduersaries to blow the trumpet awakeÌ„ admonish all that yet some might be saued so shall not cease whiles yet God preserueth me aliue amongst them eueÌ„â—…n my continual praiers incessantly to beseech the Lord to shew this mercie vnto his chosen who because they are only knoweÌ„ vnto himself I shal not cease to hope wish that eueÌ„ the greatest enemies might be of this number that whereas now they staÌ„d the waged marked seruants of Antichrist they might by vnfained repenrance wash away those stigmatical skarres be mustered inrolled in the Lambs Booke of life hauing his Fathers name writteÌ„ in their foreheads to whome be praise in the Church by CHRIST IESVS throughâ—…ut all generations for euer Amen But the foundâ—…tion of GOD standeth firme hauing this seale the Lord knoweth who are his and let euery one naming the name of GOD dâ—…part from iniquitie 2 Tim. 2. 19. If thow be wise thow shaâ—…t be wise for thy selfe but if thow scorne thâ—… alone shalt suffer Prou. 9. 12. By the Lords most vnworthy seruant and witnes iâ—…â—…andes HENRY BARROWE FINIS The Printer to the Reader I must acknovvledg verye many faults escaped in the printing of this Booke therfore do craue the Readers patience and the Authors pardon hauing giuen the one no doubt some cause of offence and done the other I feare a greater wrong but hopinge that both will rest satisfied that the Reader shall reape the proffit of this fruitfull discourse I bid them farevvell 2 King 22. 11. Ier. 9. 1. 2. Zach. 7. 11 〈◊〉 10. 2 〈◊〉 2. 18 19. 2 Tim. 2. 13 â—…am 2. 13 â—…am 2. 13 â—…4 Ezek. 9. 4 5. Phil. 3. 18 19. Isa. 59. 4. â—…zek 22. 30. Lam. 1. Isa. 51. 18 â—…0 â—…om 9. 1. 2. 3. Micâ—…h 3. 8 Maâ—… 11. 25 1 Cor. â—… 26 c. 2 Cor. 4 10. 2. Tim. 4. 1 Cor. 2. 1â—… Prou. 26. 7 Act. 19. Amos. 3. 6. 7. 8. Ezek. 3. vltim Exo. 23. 2. Reuel 18. 1 Cor. 10. 9 Râ—…uel 14. 1 2 Pet. 1. 19. Deut. 4 6. Psal. 119. 105. Deut. 30. 11. c. Isa. 60. 12. Hebr. 2. 3 4. Heb. 12. 24. 25. Gal. 3. 15. Deu. 4. 2 12. 32. Pro. 30 6. Reuel 22. 18. Deut. 5. 32. Psa. 45. 6. heb 1. 8 Ioh. 12. 48. 2 Cor. 5 10. Reu. 22. 18. 19. Gal. 1. 8. 1 Tim. 3 15. Deut. 31 26. Deut. 17. 8. c. Mal. 2. 5. Exod. 23. 20 21. Heb. 12. 28 Deut. 29. Iosu. 24. Iud. 3. 1 Cor. 6. 15. 10 16 17. 12 13. Eph. 1. 23. 4. 12 Hebr. 3. 13. 10 24. Pâ—…il 2. 4. Rom. 16. 17. 2 Ioâ—… 10. 1 Ioh. 4. 1. 1 Tim. 6. 3. 4. 5. Math. 6. 22. Luk. 11. 34. 35. 1 Pet. 2. 2 Ioâ—… 6. Phil. 2. 16. Math. 15. 13. 16. 12. Gal. 5. 9. Reuâ—…l 8. 11. 9. 3. 5. 19. 16. 13. 2 Cor. 11 13. 1 Cor. 3. Mat. 23. 2. Tim. 3. 6. c. Math. 7. 15. Act. 20 29. Iob. 10. 1. Cor. 3. 27. Mark 13. Math. â—… 4. â—…k 21. 〈◊〉 24. 29. Reuel 4. 5 chapters Ephes. 4. 11. Col. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 3. 3. c. Gal. 6. 12. c. Col. 2. Iudg. 2. 2 Cor. 11. 20 3 Ioâ—… 9. 2 Thess. 2. 7. 2 Cor. 11. 3. 〈◊〉 7. 1. â—… Thess. 2. Reuel 13. Reu. 9. vers 1 2 3 c. Reuel 13. 2. 5 6 7. vers 15 16 17 Reuel 17. Reuel 18. 3 Reuel 7. 4. â—… Reuel 9. 4. Reuel 14. Reuel 12. 7. Reuel 15. Reuel 17. 14 Reuel 14. 4. Ierem. 50. 51. Isa. 13. Gen. 6. Gen. 19. Luke 21. 28. Reuel 15. 5. â—… 〈◊〉 16. Reuel 18. 4. 5. Isa. 52. 11. Zaâ—…b 2. 7. Iâ—…rem 51. 6. 45. Ierem. 50. 8. Matâ—… 24. â—…6 c. Hebr. 3. and â—… Chaâ—…t Gen. 4. 3. 4. 17 23. 21. 4. Gal. 4. 25. 26. 1 King 3. 16. Prou. 7. 13. 14. c 9. Chap. 1 King 12. 28. c. Lam. 3. 40. c. Math. 7. 13. 14. Reuel 14. 1. 1â—… 15. Reuel 11. â—… â—… Isa. 35. â—… 1. Pet. 2. 5. Ierem. 5 1. 26 1 Câ—…ron 29. 2. 1 King 5. 17. 6. 7 2 Chron. 2. 8. Ezra 3. 7. Read Leuiticus fâ—…om the 10 to the 23. Chapâ—…er 1 Pet. 1 10. 11 12. Isai 54. 11. c. Ierem. 31. 34. c. Isai 60. 17 21. 35 8. 10. 55 13. â—…mb 2 4 6. Cant. 4. 13. c. Ezek. 47 12. Reuel 22. 1. â—…om 11. 17. 24. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Titus 3. 3. 1 Pet. 4 3. Rom. 6. 4. 〈◊〉 3. 10. â—… 7. 19. Luk. 13. 6 Math. 15. 13. Iob. 15. 6. Iâ—…r 2. 21. Isai. 11 6. â—… â—…nd 65. 25. Mâ—…th 3. 10. 7. Luk. 10. 13. 3. Act. 2 41. 42. And enerie vvâ—…ere through the vvholâ—… historie of the actâ—… of the Apostles Exod. 28. 15. 21. Reuel 21. Zâ—…ch 9. 16. Mal. 1. 10. Ezek. 44. 7. 16. 25. 23. 42. 44. Prou. 9. 17. Micah 7. 3. Nah. 1. 10. Isa. 1. 16. Lamen 2. 13. Hose 4. 1. 2. Micah 3. 9. Amoâ—… 6. 12. Isâ—… â—…9 14. Micah â—… 11. Hose 4. 4. 2 Tim. 4. 3. â—…ek 33. 3â—… Amoâ—… 5. 10 1 Peâ—… 4. 4. 5. Isâ—… 59. 15. Râ—…uel 13. 17. 2 Kings 22. 11. 12. 13. Ezek. 16. 49. Isa. â—…6 10. 11. 〈◊〉 3. 20. Ephes. 5. 13. 1 Thess. 2. 15. 16. Math. 23. 32. c. Math. 21. 38. 39. Reuel 13. 16. 17. Gal 4. 9. 10. Reuel 14. 9. c. Ioh. 8. 37. Gal. 5. 1. Col. â—… 6. 7. 8. Iude 3. Reuel 14. 12. Iâ—…h 15. 14. Caluin iustit lib. 4. Sect. 9. Prou. 19. 27. 1 Ioh. 4. 1. Math. 7. 24. c. 1 Tim. 2. 2. Rom. 9. 15.