Treatises to which we refer the Reader Refut of Mr. Giff. pag. 104.105.106 c. Answ to Mr Hilders pag. 79 80-87-94 c. Answ to Mr. Iacob pag. 188. c. Now whereas some alledge for warrant of hearing these Ministers that the people were to hearken to the Scribes and Pharisees sitting in Moses seat c. Math. 23.2.3 it is to be noted that they were Levites Priests expounders of the Law and Iudges of the pleas and controversies of Israel And therfore had the true offices ordinances which the Lord by Moses did appoint for teaching and governing of that Church as appeareth both by the phrase it self of sitting on Moses chaire and by conference of these and the like Scriptures Deut. 10.8 17.8 12. and 33.1 8.10 2 Chron. 17.8.9 and 19. 8 11. Nehem. 8.4 8. and 9.3.4 5. with Mat. 22.34.35.41 and 23. chap. Mar. 12.28.32.35 Ioh. 1.19.24 and 3.1.10 Act. 5.34 This then is nothing at all for any false Ministerie never ordeyned by the Lord such as the present Ministerie of the Church of England is proved to be Besides to be a Pharisee was not to have a new kind of Ministerie but to be of a speciall sect among the Iewes that pretended more strict observation of the Law then others did Act. 15.5 and 26.5 And they were of any of their tribes or of the proselyte Gentiles as may be seen in Paul who was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin Phil. 3.5 Act. 23. 6. and in them that were sent to Iohn Baptist who were Pharisees of the tribe of Levi being Priests and Levites Ioh. 1.19.24 and in the Proselyte Gentiles brought so to be by the Scribes and Pharisees spoken of Mat. 23.15 And further although they were verie corrupt and vngodly notwithstanding all the pretence they made so as Christ taught his disciples * Mat. 16.6.12 and 23. chap. Luk 12.1 to take heed of the leven of their doctrine and of their hypocrisy and wickednes in conversation yet did they still hold that every true Ministery must be from heaven and not of men and vrged Iohn the Baptist to warrant his calling and Ministerie by the Scriptures Luk. 20 1-7 with Ioh. 1.19 27. So far were they themselves from admitting any false ministery not appointed by God and approved in his word And this also have the forward preachers acknowledged and proved heretofore against the Prelates as appeareth by their owne words saying ‖ T. C. first reply pag. 83. The ministerie is by the word of God and heavenly and not left to the will of men to devise at their pleasure as appeareth by that which is noted of Iohn where the Pharisees coming to Iohn Baptist after that he had denyed to be eyther Christ or Elias or another Prophet * Ioh. 1.23 conclude If thou be neyther Christ nor Elias nor of the Prophets why baptizest thou Which had bene no good argument if S. Iohn might have ben of some other function then of those which were ordinarie in the Church and instituted of God And therefore he to establish his singular extraordinarie functiō alledgeth the word of God whereby appeareth that as it was not lawfull to bring in any strange dostrine so was it ‖ Note not lawfull to teach the true doctrine vnder the name of any other function then was instituted by God Let the whole practise of the Church vnder the Law be looked vpon and it shall not be found that any other ecclesiasticall ministery was appointed then those orders of hy priests and Levites c. which wer appointed by the law of God And if there were any raised vp extraordinarily the same had their calling confirmed from heaven eyther by signes or miracles or by playn and cleare testimonies of the mouth of God or by extraordinarie exciting movings of the Spirit of God So that it appeareth that the ministerie of the Gospell and the functions thereof ought to be from heaven and of God and not invented by the brayne of men Thus have themselves written heretofore and thus doth their owne testimonie agree with the word of God against their present estate and their woonted allegations for their continuing therein But of these things also we have spoken other where and wil not here further prosecute them Treatise of the Minist of Engl. p. 54.55 c. Answ to Mr. Iacob p. 195. The conclusion of all is this that seing the Lord himself ascending vp on high hath given offices of Ministerie to his Church calling requiring all his people to heare have spirituall communion with them not with any other and seing the present ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England cannot be warranted by the word of God to be that which Christ hath given and set in his Church for the work of his Ministerie we may not therefore in the worship of God heare or communicate therewith vnder any colour whatsoever The second Reason NOne may heare or have any spirituall communion with the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England is the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie Therefore none may heare or have any spirtual communion with the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. THe Propositiō or first part of this Reason is manifest 1. Because all false Ministeries are forbidden by the Lord and stand vnder the denunciation of his curse Exod. 20.4.5 with Deut. 18 9-15 2 Kings 10 19-25 2 Chron. 13.9.10.11 Zach. 13 2-6 2 Thess 2 3-12 Rev. 9. and 17. chap. 2 Iohn ver 7.10 Deut. 7.26 and 27.26 Gal. 1.8.9 Rev. 22.18.19 2. Because we are commanded to go out of Babylon and not to partake with any of her sinns therfore not with the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie Rev. 18.4.5.6 with Ier. 51.6.9.45 2 Cor. 6 14-17 1 Iohn 4 1-6 3. Because by hearing and communicating with such a Ministerie all that do so become the servants of Antichrist as it is written His seruants ye are to whom ye obey thus become subject to the wrath of God Rom. 6.16 2 Pet. 2.19 with Rev. 14.9.10.11 4. Because to heare or joyne with that Ministerie is to honour and conspire with Antichrist against Christ and what in vs vs lyeth to vphold that which the Lord will consume 2 Thes 2.3.4.8 Rev. 13. and 14 9-12 18.4.5.6 5. Because this is not to obey the Gospel and receive the love of the truth that we may be saved but to provoke the Lord to send vs strong delusions to beleev lyes and please our selves in vnrighteousnes being carryed away in the deceitfulnes thereof among them that perish vnto condemnation For thus the scripture speaketh of such as in religion yeeld submission to Antichrist the man of sinne in his apostasie 2 Thes 2.3.9.10.11.12 Rev. 14 6-12 and 22.18.19 THe Assumption or second part of the Reason is proved by divers Arguments as followeth The first Argument I. THe Ministerie of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the
Antichrist when he sitteth in them and reigneth above other people in the dark caves of errors heresies Sir Iohn Oldcastle Lord Cobham put to death about the yeare 1417. witnessed ‖ Ibid. pag. 518. that the Bishops Priests Prelates and Monks are the body of that great Antichrist And that the possessions and Lordships of the Clergy are the venime of Iudas shed into the Church William Tindall burnt by Filford Castell in Braband and Iohn Frith burnt at London in Smithfeild published * Tindals Obed of a Christian And Practise of Prelates Friths Preface to the Antithesis between Christ and the Pope that Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Deanes Officials Parsons Vicars and the rest of that sort are the disciples of Antichrist yea very Antichrists themselves And Iohn Bale an exile for the testimony of Iesus ‡ In his Image of both Churches vpon Rev. 13 ◠and 17.3 wrote that the names of blasphemie written vpon the Beasts head Rev. 13. and 17. are none other then the proud glittering titles wherewith they garnish their vsurped authority to make it seem glorious to the world having within them conteyned the mysterie of iniquitie What other els sayth he is Pope Cardinall Metropolitane Primate Archbishop Diocesan Archdeacon Officiall Chancelour Commissary Prebend Parson Vicar and such like but very names of blasphemie For offices they are not appointed by the holy Ghost nor yet once mentioned in the Scriptures The sayings of such as of latter dayes have sought reformation which here I will note downe are these †Admon to the Parliam that the names and offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Chancelours Archdeacons Cōmissaries Officials Deanes Parsons Vicars Parish priests Stipendaries c. are drawen out of the Popes shop as out of the Troiane horses belly for the destructiō of Gods kingdome That their Pontificall whereby they consecrate Bishops make Ministers and Deacons is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall wherein he sheweth himself to be Antichrist most lively That they enter not in by Christ but by a Popish and vnlawfull vocation That when they are made Ministers eyther they may tary in their Colledge and lead the lives of loytering losels or els go abroad with the Bishops Buls like to Circumcellions or Fryers to preach in other mens charges where they list or els get benefices by frendship or money or if all those fayle they may go vp and downe like beggers fall to many follyes or els as many have done set vp bils at Powles or at the Royall exchange such like places to see if they can hear of some good Masters to enterteyne them to serve a cure Thus have they spoken and written heretofore when they seemed to loath these stinking abhominations as themselves then called them and when they did not bring balme to cure the sore of Babell as now many of them do though all in vayne for she cannot be healed saith the Lord of hostes Ier. 51.8.9 And hitherto of the first Argument proving that the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblyes of England is the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie The second Argument THe Ministerie of the Prelacy professing it self to be Christs II. and yet standing in such estate as it doth not obey Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministerie worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King that Ministerie whatsoever it professe in word yet is in deed the Ministerie of Antichrists Apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of the Prelacy professing it self to be Christs yet standing in such estate as it doth not obey Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministerie worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King Therefore the present ministerie of the Church assemblies of Engl. whatsoever it professe in word yet is in deed the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie THe truth of the Proposition is manifest because there is no other Ministery but Antichrists that standeth in such estate And they are in deed of Antichrist that professing the name of Christ yet refuse to obey him in his owne ordinance of Ministery worship and government of the Church as their Prophet Priest and King As may appeare by these Scriptures compared together and others the like Deut. 18.18.19 Psal 110.1.2.3.4 Mat. 15.9 and 17.5 and 28.20 Luk. 19.27 and 22.25.26 Rom. 12 3-8 Ephe. 4.8.11.12 1 Tim. 6.13.14 1 Pet. 5 1-4 with 2 Thes 2.3.4 1 Tim. 4.1.2.3 1 Iohn 2.18.19.22 and 4.3 and 2 Ioh. ver 7. Rev. 13.11 and 14 9-12 22.18.19 The truth of the Assumption is evident by that which hath bene said in the Reasons ‖ Pag. 2. c. here going before And their constitution it self sheweth it in that they are so farr from obeying Iesus Christ in his owne ordinance of Ministery worship and government of the Church as they do all of them receive execute or stand subject vnto the Ministerie and government of another Archbishop and Lordbishop then Iesus Christ of an Archeacon and of a Parson Vicar or Stipendary being Priest or Deacon so ordeyned by the Prelates As also in their administration reading prayers out of a book stinted and imposed vpon them and observing many other inventions of men in the worship of God continually vsed among them And likewise in their Church-government according to their Canons Courts excommunications degradations other like proceedings by the Prelates and their Officers Which were never appointed by Christ the Prophet Priest and King of the Church as may be seen in his Testament where they are not to be found And this we have shewed heretofore more particularly in other Treatises already published to which I refer the Reader Refut of Mr. Giff. The Apologie against the Oxf. Doct. Treatise of Minist of the Church of Engl. pag. 28.29.30 c. The third Argument III. THe Ministerie of Christians which is opposed against and exalted above the holy things Ministerie and ordinances of Iesus Christ that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Christians opposed against and exalted above the holy things Ministerie and ordinances of Iesus Christ Therfore the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The first part of the Argument is certaine and manifest by these Scriptures 2 Thes 2.3.4 with 1 Ioh. 2.18.19 4.1.2.3 Rev. 9. 13. 14. 17. 18. chap. The truth of the second part of the Argument appeareth evidently 1. In this that a man may peaceably administer or receive their holy things in their maner by vertue of their Deaconry or Priesthood received from the Prelates which is the present Ministerie of that Church as hath bene shewed before But if any do administer or receive the holy things of God by the offices of Pastors and Teachers entred into and executed according
to Baal therefore also to bow down in the house of Rimmon and no more allowed by the Prophet then his other purpose of having the earth of the land of Israel with him to sacrifice vpon And if it be considered onely as a civill action then neyther were it to the question in hand which is concerning religious worship done or thought to be done by all present nor for any persons but such as have like speciall imployment about their Lords and Maisters for vse of their service when they goe to the place of their worship But now it is certayne and playne that Naaman asked pardon of God for it and doubled this his request for mercy as being very much affected with it Which for a good and lawful thing he needed not have done And howsoever he purposed not hereafter to offer burnt offring or sacrifice to any God save onely to the Lord God of Israel yet he thought still of bowing down w th his Master in the house of Rimmō for which he craved mercy as acknowledging it to be evill And thus might the Prophets answer fitly and needfully be given vnto him not as saying Goe and do as thou hast said but Goe in peace trouble not thy self with these things which would not further but hinder the peace of conscience being now clensed of thy leprosie be careful that thou sinne not against the Lord but serve him which forgiveth thyne iniquity healeth thy infirmities and peace from him be to thee 2 King 5.1.14.17.18.19 with Iohn 5 5-14 14.1.27 Psal 103.3 122.6.7.8 1 Chron. 12.18 And otherwise the approving of Naaman to come to worship in the house of Rimmon should both be against the whol course of the scriptures against the practise of the Martyrs in all ages a ready meanes for corrupting of others and defiling himself and dishonouring the Lord whom now hereafter he intended onely to make burnt offring and sacrifice vnto And in this case we must alway remember that as God hath made and redeemed both body and soule and will glorify both in the life to come so he will of vs be glorified in this life both in our bodyes and soules in all our wayes and specially in the service and worship of his Name Therfore would not the seven thowsand in Achabs tyme bow the knee vnto Baall nor kisse him with their mouth 1 King 19.18 Therefore would not Shadrach Meshach and Abednego fall downe and bow themselves to the image that King Nebuchadnezar had set vp And when he threatned them sayd If ye bow not down ye shal be cast immediatly into the mids of an hote fiery fornace for who is that God that can deliver you out of my hands they answered and sayd to the King O Nebuchadnezar wee are not carefull concerning this matter to answer thee Whether it be that our God whom we serve who is able to deliver vs do frō the hote fiery fornace from thyne hand ô King deliver vs Or whether he do not be it knowen to thee ô King that we will not serve thy Gods nor bow down to the golden image which thou hast set vp Dan. 3 12-18 The like work of faith should be seen in all the people of God For * Rom. 10.10 with the hart man beleeveth vnto righteousnes and with the mouth man confesseth to salvation And our bodies are not our owne any more then our soules but both of them are the Lords who hath bought them with a price Therefore ought we to glorify God in both and to yeeld the one no more then the other to any false worship or vncleannes whatsoever 1 Cor. 6.19.20 Finally it should els be lawful to present our bodies at the Masse and at any idolatry old or new wheresoever And how then have ther ben or can ther ever be any Martyrs of Iesus which are on his side called and chosen and faithful Rev. 17.6.14 and 19.11.14 and 20.4 But to leave such vnconscionable dissēblers to the judgment of God let not vs forget that the Lord our God hath forbidden vs to endow any other to receive or bow down to any inventions of Man in religion specially to the constitutions and worship of Antichrist And let vs take heed we provoke not the Lord to anger who is a jelous God not enduring that his people should imbrace the bosome of a stranger and break his covenant but powring forth his wrath for this cause vpon his people visiting this iniquity even vpon the third and fourth generation of them that hate him and keep not his commandements but go a whoring with their owne inventions Exod. 20.4.5.6 Numb 15.39 Psal 16.4 and 106 35-40 Prov. 5.20 Ezech. 44.7 1 Cor. 10.22 Rev. 14.9.10.11 18.4.5 and 22.18.19 The seventh Reason IF the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. be not from heaven but of men then is it not lawfull in the worship of God to heare it or have any spirituall cōmunion therewith But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is not from heaven but of men Therefore it is not lawfull in the worship of God to heare it or have any spirituall communion therewith The consequence of the Proposition is manifest 1. Because the Ministerie with which we may lawfully communicate is from heaven that is appointed by God and warranted in his word Mat. 21.25.26 Ephe. 4.8.11.12 Heb. 5.4 2. Because the worshipping of God by a Ministerie framed by Man is a breach of the second commaundement which the Lord hath threatned severely to punish Exod. 20.5 Deut. 12.30.31.32 Esa 29.13 with Mat. 15.15.9 3. Because such a ministery is vncleane and lothsome in Gods sight so as the people of God can have no sanctified vse thereof Num. 15.39.40 2 Chron. 13.9 Esa 30.22 and 52.11 and 66.20 Zeph. 1.4 The truth of the Assumption is evident because God hath not appointed the Ministery of the Church-assemblies of Engl. but Man hath framed and set it vp Which may plainely be seen by comparing the Book of God their Books together The Book of God where their offices callings and administration cannot be found to be from heaven ordeyned by the Lord Their owne Books of making and consecrating Bishops Priests and Deacons of Cōmon prayer and administration of the sacraments of Canons and constitutions c. where they are readily found to be of Men erected and authorised by themselves If any wil yet say their callings functions are frō heavē let them shew it out of the word of God Let thē shew I say that Christ the Lord hath ordeyned their offices entrance and administration Their Offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Suffraganes Cathedrall and Rurall Deanes Prebendaries Archdeacons Subdeacons Parsons Vicars Curates c. Their Entrance by the Prelates by whom they are made Deacons and Priests and consecrated Bishops according to their book of ordering and consecration as also their presentation to benefices by the Patrones institution by the
as Lord and King therof whose appointment therefore may not be altered or disobeyed 1 Cor. 12.5.28 with Heb. 3.5 6. 9.10.11 Mal. 1.6 Luk. 6.46 and 19.27 Col. 4.17 1 Thess 5.12 Rev. 1.5.13.16 22.18.19 3. Because he buildeth and worketh by and in his owne Ministerie as God who is gracious and powerful working all in all to whom therfore in his worship all submission and obedience is to be yeelded in his own Ministerie onely and in no other whatsoever 1. Cor. 12.6.28 with Heb. 3.3.4 1 Thess 4.8 1 Tim. 3.1 15. Rev. 1.8.16.20 and 2.1 3.1.14 4. Because to his owne Ministerie onely he calleth his people and promiseth his presence and blessing so as in rejecting it admitting another men do as much as in them lyeth reject and refuse his blessed presence and deny the obedience which they ow vnto him Mat. 28.20 Luk. 10.16 Ioh. 13.20 1 Tim. 3.1.15 6.3.4.5.13.14 Rev. 2.1 and 3.1 with Lev. 26.11.12.15.16 Deut. 33.10.11 Isa 62.6.7.8 Ier. 3.15 Zach. 14.20.21 2 Thes 2.3.4.10.15.16.17 Rev. 22.18.19.20 THe Assumption or latter part of the Reason is proved thus The Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4.11.12 But the present Ministerie of the Church of England is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore it is not the Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church The Proposition is playn and vndenyable The Assumption is shewed thus The present Ministery of the Church of Engl. is of Prelates Priests and Deacons But neyther the Prelates Priests nor Deacons of that Church be Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors or Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore the present Ministery of that Church is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 The Proposition is manifest by their Law constitution The Law of that Church establisheth not nor admitteth any other Ministery but that of their Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry received among themselves or from the Papists Their constitution is such as al the Ministers of that Church must be Priests or Deacons And these also eyther in a superiour degree as the Prelates the Lordbishops Archbs Suffraganes c. or in an inferiour as the Parsons Vicars Stipendaries Chapleynes c. The Assumption is thus proved And first concerning the three first spoken of Ephe. 4.11 The offices of the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists were extraordinary the chiefest appointed by christ for special imploymēt in laying the foundatiō of the christiā church religiō through the world preaching the Gospel every where erecting the kingdom of God in al nations opening foretelling the things revealed vnto them by the holy Ghost planting the Primitive Churches and setling them in the faith and ordinance of Iesus Christ which should continue to the end of the world c. But such are not the offices of the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 More particularly The Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as every one of them had were to have these properties That with their eyes they had seen the L. Iesus 1 Ioh. 1.1 1 Cor. 9.1 and 15.7.8.9 Act. 10.39.40.41 That by him immediately they were appointed to that office Mat. 28.18.19 Act. 1.2.24 25.26 with Prov. 16.33 Gal. 1.1 That of him and not of man they received the doctrine and commandements which they delivered to the Churches Mat. 28.20 Act. 1.2 4.13 Gal. 1.12 2.6 c. That they were sent into the whole world to preach the Gospel to everie creature to the Iewes and Gentiles of all nations Mat. 28.19.20 Mar. 16.15 Rom. 15.19 Act. 9.15 and 13. and 14 chap. c. That as Maister-builders they layd the foundation which should alway continue to the end Math. 28.19.20 with 1 Cor. 3.10.11 Ephe. 2.20 4.11.12.13 Rev. 21.14 That they should all be of equall authority Mat. 20.25.26.27 2 Cor 12.11 Gal. 2.9 Rev. 21.14 That they were filled with the gifts of the holy Ghost with variety of tongues ability to prophecy power to work miracles and to shew vndoubted argumēts of their Apostleship c. Act. 2. 3. 4. 5. ch c. with Ioh. 16.13 20.21.22 1 Cor. 14.18 2 Cor. 12.11.12 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons in the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 And Paul sayth that God set forth him and Barnabas the last Apostles appointed to death c. 1 Cor. 4.9 If they were the last how shal we now look for any mo after them Or if any wil yet so think of themselves or others we may be sure the tryall of them by the word of God wil evince them to be such as the Church of Ephesus foūd to be lyars which said they were Apostles but were not to in deed Rev. 2.2 The Prophets spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as with the Apostles had the Gospel revealed vnto them by the Spirit and delivered it for the foundation of the Christian Churches and religion and by speciall revelation opened applyed the Scriptures of the former Prophets and in waighty cases foretold things to come as by the holy Ghost was shewed vnto them Ephes 3.5 and 2.20 with 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 Act. 11.28 and 21.10.11 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Prophets spokē of Ephe. 4.11 The Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as having appointment direction by the Spirit or the Apostles preached the Gospel abroad and brought the Churches to a setled estate according to the order prescribed them by the Apostles whose companions and assistants they were going whither they sent them and returning whither they would have them Act. 21.8 with chap. 8.5.12.26 29.30.35.39.40 2 Tim. 4.5.9.10.11 with Rom. 16.21 1 Cor. 4.17 and 16.10 2 Cor. 1.1.19 Phil. 2.19.22 1 Thes 3.2.6 1 Tim. 1.2.3 c. and with Act. 16.1.3 and 17.14.15 and 18.5 and 19.22 and 20.4 Col. 4.10.11 with Act. 15.39.40 Tit. 1.4.5 and 3.12 with 2 Cor. 8.23 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Evangelists spoken of Ephe 4.11 The Propositions of these particular reasons are evident by the scriptures annexed vnto them The Assumptions are so playne as they need no proof at all And if any would deny them they ar bound themselves to shew the contrary by the Scriptures Which none can ever do Now as the Prelates Priests Deacons of the church of England are not Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 so neyther are they Pastors or Teachers there spoken of by the Apostle Which now we wil also prove But first for further clearing of the truth and better discerning of their estate it is to be observed here that albeit themselves take it for granted
Prelates therevnto is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is the Ministery of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto Therfore the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of England is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition of this Argument is proved first thus 1. The Ministerie of Deacons and Priests which accounts it self to be Christs yet was not set by Christ in his Church for the work of his Ministery that is the Ministerie of Antichrists apostasie But the Ministery of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto accounts it self to be Christs and yet was not set by Christ in his Church for the work of his Ministerie Therfore the Ministery of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto is the Ministery of Antichrists Apostasie The Proposition none can deny The Assumption hath two parts The one that the Ministery of Deacons and Priests ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto accounts it self to be Christs Ministery Which themselves will graunt The other that this was not set by Christ in his Church for the work of his Ministery Which is proved already in the first Reason here before and in other Reasons hereafter following Agayne the Proposition of the Argument is proved secondly thus 2. If the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have such offices government as be speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie then the Ministery ordeyned by them therevnto must needs be the Ministery of that Apostasie But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have such offices and government as be speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie Therfore the Ministery ordeyned by them is the Ministery of Antichrists apostasie The consequence of the Proposition is manifest because the fruit musts needs be such as is the tree Neyther do men gather grapes of thornes or figs of thistles Mat. 7.16.17.18 And who can bring a cleane thing out of filthynes Not any one Iob. 14.4 The Assumption is proved first thus 1. Whosoever besides Christ Iesus himself have such offices and government as thereby they clayme to be spirituall Lords they have the offices and government which are speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie are indeed very Antichrists themselves But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have such offices government as thereby they clayme to be spirituall Lords Therfore the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have the offices and government which are speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie and are indeed very Antichrists themselves The Proposition is proved by the Scriptures which teach that there is but one Lord the Lord Iesus Christ Ephe. 4.5 1 Cor. 8.6 and 12.5 2 Cor. 3.17.18 with Psal 110.1 Micah 5.2 Luk. 19.12.13.14.27 Ioh. 20.22.23 1 Cor. 11.23 14.37 Rev. 1.11.12.13 and 2.1 and 3.1.7 Now that these Scriptures and the like do speak of a spirituall Lord is playne both by the circumstances of the places themselves and because the Scripture other where giveth allowance of many civil or temporal Lords but no where of any spirituall Lord save Iesus Christ alone whose kingdome is not of this world Gen. 40.1 45.8 1 Sam. 16.16 and 26.17 1 King 1.11 Psal 149 8. Dan. 3.2 Act. 25.26 and 26.25 Rom. 13.1 1 Cor. 1.26 and 2.8 Tit. 3.1 1 Pet. 2.5.13.14 Rev. 17.14 and 19.16 compared with the Scriptures here cited before And moreover whosoever is a spirituall Lord he may require spirituall honour to be yeelded vnto him and hath the Spirit of God to give vnto his people and through himself by it can sanctifie them and their actions and service of his Name c. Which things who is there that can require and effect but onely the Lord himself And who then can be a spirituall Lord but he alone So as hereby also it appeareth that all other which take vpon them to be spirituall Lords are indeed very Antichrists The Assumption is proved by the Lawes and Statutes of the Land whose words be these Be it enacted by the Kings most excellent Maiestie the Lords Spirituall and Temporall and the commons in this present Parliament assembled For by the Lords spirituall is meant here the Prelates And to the same end it is to be observed that in their Canons and practise they take vpon them as if they were spirituall Lords not onely to prescribe their own ordinances to the Church for the worship of God but also to bynd the spirit and conscience to the acknowledgment and approbation thereof and yet further in their ordination of Priests even to give the holy Ghost saying to the Priests when they ordeyne them Receive the holy Ghost c. as if it were in their power to give the Spirit of God to whom they would or that they were authorized herevnto by Iesus Christ who onely is the spirituall Lord of his Church and giveth his spirit according to his own will to whom and as it pleaseth him Ioh. 1.14.16 and 15.26 20.22 1 Cor. 12.4.5.6.7 Ephe. 4.7.1 Ioh. 2.20.27 The Assumption aforesaid is proved secondly thus 2. The offices and government of such Bishops as are over Diocesan and Provinciall Churches and exercise ecclesiasticall jurisdiction over all the Ministers and people therein are speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have the offices and government of such Bishops as are over Diocesan and Provinciall Churches and exercise ecclesiasticall jurisdiction over all the Ministers and people therein Therfore the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have such offices and government as be speciall parts of Antichrists apostasie The Proposition is evident inasmuch as the offices government of such Bishops and subjection of such Ministers and Churches are onely to be found in Antichrists apostasie and were never appointed by Christ or his Apostles For now in the tyme of the Gospell Christ hath set no other forme of visible Churches to which he hath given offices of Ministery but onely particular congregations such as may come together in one and joyntly perform all publick dutyes layd vpon them by the word of God As may appeare by the constitution of †Act. 1.15 2.41.42 with 6.2.3.5 6. 11.22 and 15.22.23 21.17 18.22 And 13.1.2 14.23 16 4.5 and 20.17.28 And the epistles to the Rom. Cor. Gal. Ephe. Phil. Col. Thes c. all the Churches planted by the Apostles and written unto by them in so many severall epistles also by the Churches to whom Christ wrote by Iohn in the Revelation Rev. 1.11 with 2. and 3. chap. Other formes of Churches therefore no men have power to institute And when where they are erected what other can they be but Antichristian And as for the examples of Timothee Titus and the like vsually alleged for defence of the Prelates authority and jurisdiction they will nothing help them For these were Evangelists which the Prelates are not as we have shewed in the * Pag. 5. former Reason And the particular Churches have in
by the constitution Canons and observation of that Church And to the end that this poynt may the better be considered because it giveth great light and proof to the whole controversie concerning the Antichristianity of their estate I wil here note a few special things which among many other apperteyning to their office calling may to this purpose be observed First for their Deacons they are at their entrance into that office presented to the Prelate by an Archdeacon or his deputy saying Reverend father in God I present vnto you these persons present to be admitted Deacons 2. Then the Bishop commending them to the prayers of the Congregation with the Clerks people present is to say or sing the Letanie and Suffrages with the communion of the day and a number of stinted prayers Collects borrowed from the Papists 3. They promise that they wil reverently obey their Ordinary other chief Ministers of the Church that is the Lord Bishop of the Dioces the Archbishop Archdeacon Chancelor Commissarie the rest of that sort whose offices are Antichristian 4. After this promise made they are then ordeyned Deacons by the Lord Bishop or his Suffragane laying his hands vpon their head and saying Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the Church of God committed vnto thee in the name of the Father the sonne and the holy Ghost Amen 5. And then the Bishop delivereth to every one of them the new Testament saying Take thou authority to read the Gospel in the Church of God and to preach the same if thou be therevnto ordinarily commaunded 6. Then one of them appoynted by the Bishop reads the Gospel of that day And they al are injoyned to receive the communion with the Bishop 7. Also among the works and duties of their office they are appoynted to read Homilies and divine service to instruct the youth in the Catechisme to Baptise and to preach if they be admitted thereto by the Bishop Whereas it cannot be shewed that the Apostles ever layd these dutyes vpon the Deacons but such as are * Act. 6.2.3.4 Rom. 12.8 plainely opposed to the ministerie of the word and prayer namely the charge of the poor and Church treasure for the gathering and distribution of the Churches benevolence Wherevpon some of themselves seeking reformation have published heretofore that ‡ Defence of Eccles Discip pag. 102. their Deaconship is a mere humane institution a degree to the Priesthood and nothing like the ordinance of God that †Admon to Parliam first treatise though the name of Deacons be remayning among them yet the office is fowly perverted turned vpside downe and that * Defence of godly Minist pag. 108. it is manifestly contrarie to the word of God The example of Philip who was one of the seven Deacons preached baptized which by some is alledged for approbation of their practise wil not help them For he was in a true and lawfull office not in an Antichristian he had a lawful calling by the Church not an vnlawful entrance by Prelates as these have whē where he was Deacō the Apostles ministred the word and baptized neither was he then ordeyned to the administration thereof but attended to the tables of the poor and afterwards when he preached and baptized he did the work and office of an Evangelist by which name the Scripture expresly calleth him Act. 6 2-6 2.14.40.41.42 21.8 with 8.5 6 7.12 26 29. c. Next for the Priests first they must be Deacons that is set by the Prelates in the office and after the maner aforesayd 2. Then having continued in that office the space of a yeare except it seem otherwise good to the Ordinary they are agayne presented to the Bishop or his Suffragane by an Archdeacon or his deputy saying Reverend father in God I present these persons present to be admitted to the Order of Priesthood 3. Afterward there followeth the Letany and some Collects and stinted prayers taken out of the Popes pontificall with an exhortation an Epistle and Gospell wherein they abuse and pervert the Scripture 4. Then the Prelate asketh them Do you think in your hart that you be truly called according to the wil of our Lord Iesus Christ and the order of this Church of England to the Ministery of Priesthood And the partyes that are to be ordeyned answer every one for himself I think it 5. At which tyme also they promise agayne reverently to obey their Ordinary other chief Ministers of the Church that is the Prelates and other Officers aforesaid 6. So after a few questions made and prayers read they kneel downe vpon their knees at the Prelates feet he with the Priests present lay hands severally vpon the head of every one of them that receiveth orders saying vnto them Receive the holy Ghost whose sinnes thou doest forgive they are forgiven and whose sinnes thou doest reteyne they are reteyned be thou a faithfull dispensour of the word of God and of his holy Sacraments In the name of the Father of the sonne and of the holy Ghost Amen 7. And then the Prelate delivereth to each of them the Bible in his hand saying Take thou authority to preach the word of God and to minister the holy Sacraments in the congregation where thou * Note how they may be made Priests though yet they have no charge or flock to attend vnto shalt be so appointed Thus are they made Priests when at any tyme they enter into a benefice they must besides have the Presentation of the Patrone who may be a Papist or Familist c. the institution of the Prelate who is an Antichrist to whome now also they sweare to yeeld Canonicall obedience by whom otherwise they stand alway subject to be silenced suspended degraded and deprived And for the works of their calling some are such as Christ hath not prescribed to his Ministers in his Testament such as be their solemnization of mariage buriall of the dead churching of women reading of homilies stinted prayers c. some being such as Christ hath prescribed yet at they not so administred as he in his word hath ordeyned but according as is appointed in their book of Common prayer in their Canons Injunctions Advertisements c. according to which they are bound to pray and to administer the word Sacraments and censures among them Other particulars many and straunge vsed in the entrance and performance of their Office of Priesthood I omit Onely I will annex this one thing more how by their Canons they have now provided further and made it a constitution of their Church * Canons of Anno 1603. Can. 36. †That no person shall be received into the Ministery nor admitted to any Ecclesiasticall living nor suffred to preach except he be licenced by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces c. and except he shall first subscribe That
because they pretend in show one thing to the Prince people and State and yet performe another thing in deed They pretend and seem to stand by the Princes lawes by the authority of their calling had from the Prelates for otherwise they could not stand Ministers in any of those assēblies and yet they practise the contrary if they stand not by this but by vertue of some other calling and authority as sometymes they affirme But let vs suppose that which is not namely that they had some other calling which were lawfull yet also receiving or reteyning this vnlawful calling of the Prelates this were but to halt between two opinions and to set their thresholds by Gods thresholds and their posts by Gods posts even their inventions by Gods ordinances Of which kind of worship the Scripture witnesseth that it is nothing els but to set a wall between God and them and to defile his holy name with their abominations Ezech. 43.8 with 1 King 18.21 Finally whatsoever they pretend of another calling ‡ Mr Hild. to Mrs N. Mr Iacobs comparison of mariage His Reasons for necess of reform p. 50. Offer of Conf. pag. 39. by their Churches or peoples chusing accepting willing subiecting to their Ministery c. yet it is evident that in very deed they preach the word minister the Sacraments and execute all duties of their Ministery by vertue of their calling taken from the Prelates As may appeare by these reasons following 1. Because they cannot stand publick Ministers of the Church-assemblies of Engl. vnlesse they receive of the Prelates the Deaconry Preisthood aforesaid And at their ordination they have this authority given them of the Prelates when the Bishop delivereth to every one of them the Bible in his hand saying * Book of ordering priests fol. 14. Take thou authority to preach the word of God and to minister the holy sacraments in the congregation where thou shalt be so appointed 2. Because that also by the law of their Church they are †Canons of Anno 1603. Can. 8. excommunicated ipso facto if they affirme that they who are made Bishops Priests or Deacons after their fourme of making and consecrating them are not lawfully made nor to be accounted by themselves or others to be truely Bishops Priests or Deacons vntill they have some other calling to those Offices 3. Because the people even the best most religious among them as now they stand in the confusion and bondage of those ecclesiasticall assemblies officers canons proceedings have not the liberty of the Churches of Christ nor power in that estate to choose and submit vnto the true and lawful Ministery appointed by Christ Of which point see further in the Treatise of the Ministery of the Church of Engl. p. 119.120.121 4. And lastly because without against the peoples consent by whose approbation and subjection to their Ministery they would seem to stand they are by the Prelates alone silenced deprived and degraded from exercising any Ministery in those assemblies Whereby even themselves professe to the world that they have their Ministery from the Prelates that they exercise it by vertue of their calling received from them that they still remayne in bondage vnder their Antichristian authority Not to shew further in particulars how their estate is such whatsoever they think or pretend otherwise as both themselves their Ministery and people stand all of them subiect to the Prelates and to their Antichristian Courts suspensions excōmunications absolutions and all other their proceedings officers canons and constitutions ecclesiasticall In the Scriptures wee read that the Apostles being true Ministers of Christ would not at the commaundement and threatning of the lawfull Magistrates and Rulers leave of to preach in the Name of Iesus Act. 4.5.6.7 8. c. And why should not these preachers if they were in a true Ministerie much more refuse to leave it at the appointment of the Prelates who are vnlawfull vsurpers of the jurisdiction which they challenge and exercise in the Church Yea if so be their offices and authority were lawfull yet when they forbid that which God hath commanded all the Scripture teacheth in such cases not to yeeld obedience vnto them any more then the Apostles did to the Rulers of Israel in the matter afore said If it be said that the Apostles had an immediate calling of Christ and therefore refused to obey the Rulers We answer that they had in deed an immediate calling of the Lord but they made not this the ground of their refusall neyther might so have done if the Magistrate cōmaundement sayd vpon them had ben lawfull Here therfore two things are to be observed First that in all lawfull things the Apostles aswell as any other Christians were bound to obey the Magistrates in the Lord. And so they both did themselves and taught others to do saying Let every soule be subiect to the higher powers Every soule aswell the Apostles and Prophets as any other whosoeuer Rom. 13.1 1 Pet. 2 13-17 Secondly the Apostles being at that tyme so injoyned and threatned by the Governours of Israel layd this for the foundation and ground of their answer and refusall that they ought to obey God rather then men Act. 4.19 and Act. 5.29 Which is a duty as necessarily required of all Ministers and Christians as it was of the Apostles namely to obey God and not Man when Man forbiddeth that which God commaundeth or commaundeth that which God forbiddeth An example in deed there is of Uriah the Priest who at the commaundement of the King of Iudah made an altar after the fashion of that of Damascus and sacrificed thereon 2 King 16.10.11 But therein he sinned greatly notwithstanding that he offered vpon that altar to the Lord such burnt-offerings meat-offerings peace-offerings and at such tymes of the morning and evening sacrifice as God himself had appointed And if in that tyme of the Law he ought not to have done this though the King of Iudah commanded it but should rather have lost his life for refusing it much lesse may the Church-Ministery now vnder the Gospell at the appointment of any Princes Christian or other beframed or exercised after any new maner devised by Man and least of all after Antichrists that Man of sinne Yea though in that Ministery many doctrines of the Gospel be taught and such Sacraments administred as Christ hath ordeyned For the other was but contrary to an ordinance given by Moses whereas this is contrary to an ordinance given by Iesus Christ who being the sonne is worthy of more honour then Moses the servant Heb. 3.3 And here agayne concerning such as plead that they teach the truth and many excellent points of doctrine It is to be observed that yet none may therefore heare their Ministery vnder colour of learning the truth and receiving comfort from them neyther may for this cause cōtinue in subjection to their Ministery and ordinances because that
Levite and Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben with other famous men of the Congregation conspire and strive against Moses and Aaron touching the Priesthood challenging them that they took too much vpon them because as they thought the Priesthood belonged not to Aaron and his sonnes onely as Moses had appointed it but seing all the Congregation was holy and that the Lord was among them therefore others of them also might have and execute it Where further it is to be noted that Corah Dathan Abiram and the rest differed not from Moses neyther strove with him in any point of Religion but towching the Priesthood and Ministery onely They held that the true God onely was to be worshipped and not after any idolatrous maner but according to his owne will with the sacrifices and the incense which he had appointed and in all other points of Religion accounted fundamentall they agreed with Moses Onely in this they differed opposed concerning those offices and Officers by which the incense was to be offered and other duties of Gods worship to be performed that is as towching the Priests office Moses holding that the Priesthood perteyned to Aaron and his sonnes Corah his company thinking otherwise The matter is brought by Moses before the Lord to be decided He ended the controversie first by bringing destruction vpon Corah Dathan Abiram and such as abode in their tents secondly by the budding of Aarons rod and the not budding of the other rods of the Princes of Israel and herevpon also giveth strait charge that no straunger come neare to do the Priests office or if any do come neare that he dye for it Num. 16. 17. and 18 1-7 Now to apply this to the question in hand we may thus consider of it That now the controversie conspiracy being not against Moses the servāt but against Christ the sonne not about the persons who are to be in the true offices but about holding keeping in of false offices not by Corah Dathan Abirā others sometymes visible mēbers famous men in the true Church but by the officers of Antichrist the great enemy of Iesus Christ yea by Antichrist himself in his officers in the false Church That therfore if the people then were bound to hearken vnto Moses †Num. 16.25.26 perswading thē to depart from the tents of those wicked men and to touch nothing of theirs least they perished in their sinnes then it behooveth the people of God now to obey Iesus Christ ‖ Rev. 18.4 requiring vs to depart out of Babylon and not to partake in her sinnes least we receive also of her plagues and therfore not to abide or have any spirituall communion within the tents that is vnder the jurisdiction in the conspiracy of Antichrist yea not so much as to heare the word or receive the Sacraments ministred in a true Church of Christ by any officer of the kingdome of Antichrist such as the present Ministery in question hath been proved to be For if at that time none of the children of Israel might execute the Priests office being strangers as touching it then now may no Canaanite no stranger specially by office administer before Iesus Christ nor be received into his Church But all the vessels brought before the Lord must be holy vnto him and therfore must be clensed first and purged from the filthynes of Antichrist before they may be vsed in the house of the Lord of hosts Numb 16.40 with Ioel. 3.17 Zach. 14.21 Esa 35.8 52.11 and 66.20 with Heb. 3.1.2.3 and 5.4 If any think that yet notwithstanding they may present their bodyes at these assemblies so as they do not hearken nor cōsent with the heart to that which is done among them they both deceive themselves and dissemble with others and above all sinne against God who in the second commandement hath straitly forbidden vs to submit eyther body or soule to any straunge worship or inventions of man in religion Exod. 20.4.5 As accordingly the Prophets in the defection of Israell taught the people not to come to Gilgal nor to go vp to Beth-aven vnles they would multiply their transgressions Hos 4.15 Amos 4.4 and 5.15 And the Apostles likewise have taught all Christians what to do in such cases Save your selves from this froward generation Come out from among them and separate your selves and touch no vncleane thing And Goe out of Babylon that ye be not partakers in her sinnes Act. 2.40 2 Cor. 6.17 Rev. 18.4 Even as in the history of Corah Dathā Abiram the rest hath ben seen what heavie destructiō came vpon such as departed not from their tents but continued with them Neyther wil it help to say that they which were in that company of Corah and his complices consented with them in their conspiracy which these pretend they do not For it is playne notwithstāding that when once they were warned to depart from their tents such as departed not were destroyed in that destruction all of them even to the young children who having not vnderstanding could not give consent to that which was done Num. 16.26.27.32 c. Neyther can the example of Naaman sometymes alledged warrant such practise For first it is manifest that Naaman spake of two things wherevnto the Prophet giveth but one answer The first that there might be given him two miles load of the earth of Israel because he would thenceforth offer no burnt offring or sacrifice vnto any other God save vnto the Lord. The other that the Lord would be mercifull vnto him when his Maister went into the house of Rimmon to worship there leaned on his hand he bowed downe in the house of Rimmon that when he bowed downe in the house of Rimmō the Lord would be merciful to him in that matter Which two things when Naaman had propounded Elishaes answer vnto him was thus Goe in peace 2 King 5.17.18.19 Now whatsoever men would think of the latter of these yet the first is such as all will graunt to be superstitious and vnlawfull For there was no holynes in the earth it self and Ierusalem onely was the place appointed for sacrifice at that tyme. So as by the Prophets answer whether it were onely according to their woonted maner of bidding one another farewell or to be further otherwise mynded yet there cannot be proved a consent approbation given to the things spoken of Next let vs suppose that Naamans bowing down in the house of Rimmon may have a double consideration one as being a religious action the other as being civill Religious if Naaman himself worshipped there Civil if the King onely worshipped and no other with him so as Naaman now was with him but for to leane vpon there as in other places at other tymes Which being admitted yet then if it be considered as a religious action in him all know it to be vnlawful * 1 King 19.18 Rom. 11.4 to bow the knee
the book of Common prayer and of ordering Bishops Priests and Deacons conteyneth in it nothing contrarie to the word of God and that it may lawfully so be vsed that he himself will vse the forme in the sayd Book prescribed in publick prayer and administration of the Sacraments none other Also That he alloweth the book of Articles of Religion agreed vpon by the Archbishops and Bishops of both Provinces and the whole Clergie in the convocation holden at London in the ye are 1562. and that he acknowledgeth all every the Articles therein conteyned to be agreeable to the word of God In which Articles although there be many truths yet there are also errors not afew to which they must subscribe that they are agreeable to the word of God and that they do thus subscribe willingly and ex animo Lastly for their Bishops Archbishops 1. there is with other things aforesaid at their consecration also to be read an Epistle Gospell and Credo 2. After which ended the elected Bishop must be presented by two Bishops vnto the Archbishop of that Province or to some other Bishop appointed by his Cōmission the Bishops that present him saying Most reverend Father in God we present vnto you this godly and wel learned man to be consecrated Bishop 3. Then the Archbishop demaunds the Kings mandate for the consecration And after a lawfull oth concerning the Kings supremacy they must take an vnlawfull oath of obedience to the Archbishop which is thus In the name of God Amen I N. chosen Bishop of the Church and Sie of N. do professe and promise all due reverence and obedience to the Archbishop and to the Metropoliticall Church of N. and to their successours so help me God through Iesus Christ. Which oath at the consecration of an Archbishop is omitted 4. Afterward vpon the Archbishops demaund he answereth a number of questions 1 Of his perswasion that he is truly called to this ministration according to the will of our Lord Iesus Christ and the order of the Realme 2 Of the sufficiency of the Scriptures and his determination with them to instruct the people cōmitted to his charge 3 Of his study faithfully to exercise himself in the sayd Scriptures 4 Of his readynes with all faithfull diligence to banish and drive a way all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to Gods word 5 Of his care to deny all vngodlynes and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this world 6. Of his purpose to maynteyne set forward quietnes peace and love among all men and to correct and punish such as be vnquiet disobedient and criminous within his dioces according to such authority as he hath by Gods word and the ordinance of the Realme 7 Of his carefulnes to shew himself gentle and mercifull for Christs sake to poore people and strangers To all which they answer affirmatively and walk for the most part negatively as their estate practise sheweth vnto all men that will open their eyes to see it 5. Then must be sung or sayd Come holy Ghost c. whose direction given in the Scriptures for the offices ordinances appointed by Christ they reject and follow the Papists and their owne devises so making the commandement of God of no effect through their traditions 6. For the consecration it self the Archbishop and Bishops present must lay their hands vpon the head of the elected Bishop the Archbishop saying Take the holy Ghost and remember that thou stirr vp the grace of God which is in thee by imposition of hands for God hath not given vs the spirit of feare but of power and love and sobernes Where note agayne their vayn presumption impiety in taking vpon them to give the holy Ghost having no power frō the Lord therevnto Yet I suppose this consecrated Bishop takes asmuch as the Archbishop gives the Archbishop gives asmuch as the Bishop takes which of what quantity and quality it is let their estate and works be witnesses 7. Then the Archbishop delivereth him the Bible saying Give heed vnto reading exhortation and doctrine Think vpon the things conteyned in this book Be diligent in teaching and doing them c. Be to the flock of Christ a Shepheard not a wolf feed them devour them not c. Wherein their practise is as contrary as their office is degenerate from the ordinance of Christ And thus is their fourme of consecrating Bishops and Archbishops Wherein I omit to note in particular their great abuse and profanation of the Name and word of God in the Scriptures and prayers then vsed from the beginning to the end of that their consecration Neyther will I stand to speak of their administration and government nor of their other degrees functions of Deanes Prebendaries Chauncellors Archdeacons Commissaries Officials and the rest of that sort among them seing there are so many vnanswerable treatises already published of this Argument concerning the Antichristianity and vnlawfulnes of their Offices callings works and maintenance Yet before I end this poynt I wil here set downe two of their owne late Canons and some of the sayings and testimonyes both of the Martyrs of old and of the seekers of Reformation in this latter age that so their opposition against the truth and amongst themselves may by this meanes yet further appeare Their Canons are these 1. * Canons of Anno. 1603 Gen. 7. Whosoever shall affirme that the government of the Church of England vnder his Maiesty by Archbishops Bishops Deanes Archdeacons and the rest that bear office in the same is Antichristian or repugnant to the word of God let him be excommunicated ipso facto and so continue vntill he repent and publikly revoke such his wicked errors 2. And ‡ Ibid. Can. 8. Whosoever shall affirme or teach That the fourme and maner of making and consecrating Bishops Priests or Deacons conteyneth any thing in it that is repugnant to the word of God or that they who are made Bishops Priests or Deacons in that forme are not lawfully made nor ought to be accounted eyther by themselves or by others to be truly eyther Bishops Priests or Deacons vntill they have some other calling to those divine Offices let him be excommunicated ipso facto not to be restored vntil he repent and publikly revoke such his wicked errors These are their Canons among many other the like by which all may see how earnestly they set themselves to hold vp the falling apostasie of the man of sinne as other before tyme have laboured to heale the deadly wound of the beast 2 Thes 2 3-12 with Reve. 13.11.12 c. The testimonies of the Martyrs to the contrary which here I will mention are these being of such also as were of our owne countrey Iohn Claydon burnt in Smithfeild at London in the yeare 1415. held †Act. Monum Edit◠5. pag. 588. that Archbishops and Bishops speaking indifferently are the seats of the beast