by the fire are made to be in some sort greeted Gods how is not that God whereby they are made hot If lights illuminated be Gods is not that light which doth illuminate them God thou commest to the light and art illuminated and art reckened among the Sonnes of God c. If therefore the word of God make you Gods how is not the word of God GOD And indeed such must needes be the meaning of our Lord that the same word of the Father was incarnate and sent into the world because his Disciple Euangclist S. Ioh. 1. Iohn affirmeth him to be the word yea the word by which all things were made Reu. 19.13 and saith plainly His Name is called the word of God Reu. 19.13 and that indeed because when he himselfe was asked by some Iewes Ioh. 8.25 what art thou he answered From the beginning that viz. that word of God which I speake vnto you therein as also in diuers other places affirming and proueing himselfe to be from eternitie the very wisdom and word of God which he speake and declared vnto them and the same to be the Sonne of God and the promised Messiah which point though it be proued more at large by Scriptures and Fathers in another * Character of a Christian pag 25. to pag. 88. treatise yet may it not be wholly omitted here because ye see it is the only thinge for which he is accused before Pilate deliuered to death and euer since rejected by the Iewes and it is a shame for Christians to be ignorant in that principle which distinguisheth thâ—m from Iewes and wherein Iewes are to be conuinâ—â—d The things then that wee haue to proue at least breifely before wee come to the other part of his confession are 1. That the prâ—mised Messiah was to be the word of God and that way the King and Gonvernour of his people viz spiritually 2. That Iesus Christ was this word incarnate the true Messiah Whence theese things will follow which are in his confession that he is King of the Iewes and indeed of the Gentiles also that he had and hath a Kingdom that his Kingdom is not of this world c. as he confesseth before Pilate For the first It is said in the second Psalme Christ was to be the Sonne the Word Psal 2. I will declare of the Decree Law or Word the Lord saide vnto me thou art my Sonne Wherein it is spoken of the Decree or Word thou art my Sonne And so indeed el in the Hebrew is taken for of Gen. 20.2 Abraham saide of Sarah his wife she is my Sister And twise in another Chapter Iob 42.7.8 also 2. King 19.32 Others reade it more plainely thus I will preach the Law Decree or Word whereof the Lord hath saide vnto me thou art my Sonne That is of which Law Decree or Word the Lord hath saide vnto me thou art my Sonne And thus it is read in the translation appointed to be read in the Churches of England And indeed the very name Sonne is so â—endred by some vers 12. for that which is saide there Kisse the Sonne the Septuagint reades receiue instruction and the Chalde receiue doctrine as if they both saide receiue and embrace the word of God which is the Sonne of God Also Psal 7. where it is saide Iehovah shall iudge the people the Chalde readeth Psal 7.9 the word of the Lord shall iudge the people And indeed the Prophets Isaiah Isa 2.3.4 Mich. 4.2.3 and Micah doe plainly affirme as much saying The Law shall goe foorth of Zion and the word of the Lord out of Ierusalem And he shall iudge amonge the nations He that is he the word who indeede is the Arme of the Lord he shal iudge According to which our Sauiour saith Ioh. 5.22 first The Father iudgeth noe man but heâ—h committed all iugment to the Sonne the Father only iudgeth by Christ Rom. 2 16. and then sheweth who the Sonâ—e is Ioh. 12.48 saying He that reicteth me and receiueth not my words hath one that iudgeth him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word which I haue spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He shall iudge him in the last dâ—y Amonge which words there is an emphasis and a verrie gâ—eate proofe in the pronoune relatiue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which pointing out a verrie person and namely the person spoken of before proueth the word which he spake to be a person yea to be that person spoken of before August in Ioh. Tract 54. the one that should iudge Saint Augustine on theese words comparing the places together shewes they must needes be vnderstood thus and therefore concludes he hath sâ—oken hâ—mselfe he hath shewen himselfe c. * Idem Tract 41. And he is the word of the Father which he spake to men Wherein therefore Christ shewes that â—errie word which he spak to be the Sonne and that verrie woâ—d where of the Prophets prophesied The law shall goe forth of Zion and the word of the Lord out of Ierusalem And he viz. the same word shall iudge amonge the nations Act. 10 42. whereof Peter sâ—â—th It is he which was ordained of God to be the iudge of qâ—ick dead and whereof the Father himselfe saith I haue set my Kinge vpon my holâ—hil of Zion Psal 2.6 euen the word to whome in the next words he saith â—hou art my Sonne Isa â—1 4.5 of whome also he saith A law shall proceede from me and I will make my iudgment to rest for a light of the people My righteousnes is neere my saluation is gone forth and mine Armes shall iudge the people the Iles shall waite vpon me and on mine Arme shall they trust That is on my word on the Sonne as Psal 2. Blessed are all they that trust in him Therefore the Prophet speakâ— and praies to this person euen vnto the word of the Lord when he saith in the same Chapter Vâ—rs 9. Awake awake put on strâ—ng O Arme of the Lord awake as in the ancient dayes in the generations of old Art not thou he that hath cut Rahab and wounded the Dragon Art not thou he which hath dried the Sea c. to shew vs that as God made all things soe did all his great wonders by this person the Word which brought lice and locusts on the Egyptians Psal â—05 31.34 Which also was he that went before them into Canaan Exod. 23.20.21 chap. 33.2 as Captaine of the Lords host IoshuÄ™ 5.14 This Arme is the glorie of the Lord which taking flesh should be reuealed Isa 40.5 and after pâ—t to death according to the flesh as the Prophet saith Who hâ—â—h beleeued our report Isa 53.1.2 3. and to whome hath the Arme of the Lord beene reuealed that is beeing incarnate for saith Isaiah He shall grow vp befo rt him as a tender plant c. that is he the Arme shall Cyprianâ— adveâ—â— Iudaeos liâ— 2. cap 1.
thy Name Ioh. 12.28 Then came here a voice from heauen saying I haâ—e glorifie bit and will glorifie it again He had glorified the word which is also the Fathers Name because it is his word when so greate myracles were denne by it and so many conueâ—ted thereby and so it was glorified againe after his death by the miâ—istrie of his Apostles and others to the healing of many and the conuersion of millions of people Lastly at his transfiguration on the mount Mat. 17.5 beholdâ— a voice out of the cloude which saide This is my beloued Sonne in whome I â—m well pleased heare ye him As if he saide for he is the promised woâ—d To his Apostles which heard him were witnesses of his resurrection he gaue commissioÌ„ to preach to all nations and so his myracles Heb. 2.3.4 life doctrine and resurrection were confirmed to â—s by them that heard him who also sealed the Truth of all with theire bloods God also bearing them witnes both with signes and wonders and with diuers myracles and gifts of the holy Ghost As the heaâ—ing of a man lame from his mothers wombe and many others manifested to his and theiâ—e aduersaries All which proued that Iesus was as he taught the word and that word the Sonne the Messiah which was to come and that he did not blaspheme when he câ—â—fest as much to the high Priest Mat. 26.69 For this yet doe they pâ—esently spit in his fâ—ce buffet hâ—m smite reuile him and leade him a â—ay to Pilate to be for this only thinge put to death this beeing all they could proue or he finde and that not that he made himselfe a temporall Kinge but spiritual for when he vâ—ged him with theese words Art thou the King of the Iewes what hast thou donne Iesus answered my Kingdom is not of this world if my Kingdom were of this world c. and when Pilate gathering by theese words that he confest himselfe to be a King therefore saide vnto him Art thou a Kinge then Iesus answered thou sâ—iest that I am a Kinge As if he saide and I must not denie it for to this ende was I borne and for this cause came I into the world that I should beare witnesse vnto the truth euery one that is of the truth heareth my voice This then beeing his plaine answer concerning his Kingdom and the true subjects thereof wee may consider in this confession theese things 1. A KingdoÌ„ acknowledged in theese words my Kingdom which are thrice repeated in the former of theese verses 2. That this Kingdom is not of this world as he saith my Kingdâ—â— is not of this world â— A proofe or reason thereof in theese words for if my Kingdom were of this world then would my subiects fight that I should not be deliâ—ered to the Iewes 4 A conclusion following from the premises in theese words but now is my Kingdom not from hence In the first there is the Kingdom of the Messiah and that claimed by out Sauiour who here calleth it his as he saith my Kingdom First then wee will endeauour to finde out of the old Testament what the Kingdom of the Messiah was to be whether spirituall or temporall and where the seate thereof should be And secondly whether this Kingdom properly belonge to Iesus the Sonne of Marie who claimes it while he confesseth himselfe to be the Christ and saith my Kingdom Where first ye know it is already manifested The Kingdom of the Messiah that the Mâ—ssiah was to be the Word and that therefore his Kingdom and gouernment must needes be spirituall ruling mens soules for God his Fatheâ— as was proued from tho second Psalme where indeed the Father also calleth him his Kinge that is one ruling for him saying I haue set my Kinge vpon my holy hill of Sion psa 2. Isa 40.10 where also while he saith my holy hill of Sion he sheweth it to be his Kingdom So of the Father it is saide His Arme that is his word shall rale for him It is his Kingdom for the Kingdom is the Lords and he is the Gouerno or of his people Therefore it is added vers 11. He shall feede hâ—s flocke like a Shepheard he shall gather the Lambes with his Arme to shew that Christ succeedes Dauid as a Shepheard of the people feeding theÌ„ with the spirituall foode of the word Fzech 34.23 chap. 37.21.24 and so ruleth in his throne spiritually He shoul be theire Shepheard â—zek 34.23 and Chap. 2â— 22.24 So Dauid saith The Lord saide vnto my Lord sit thou on my right hand that is rule thou for me vntil I make hâ—â—â— enemies thy footestoole psa 110.1 Thereby intimating that all enemâ—es of the word shall be either subiected to the word or confounded thereby Therefore it is added vers 2. The Lord shall seâ—de the Râ—d of thy strength viz. the Word out of Zionâ— to this word therefore he there speaketh saying Rule thou in the middest of thine eâ—emâ—es Isa 2. Mic. 4. aâ—cording to that of the Prophets Isaiah and Micah Thâ— Lâ—â—â— shall gâ—efoorâ—h of Sion anâ— the word of the Lord out of Hierâ—sâ—em Aâ—d he shall iudge â—monge the Nations He the word shall as the Father saith Miâ—e Arme thaâ— is my Word shal iudge the people From which places wee may see that this Kingdom was to begin to be preached in Sion and Ierusalem vnto it was the Kingdom and dominion first to comâ— Mica 4.8 and thence to goe Foorth into all the World haâ—eâ—ng noe other certaine seate then there wheresoeuer the Word should enlighten and rule the Soules of men Isa 42.6 therefore the Lord saith to him I will giue thee for a couenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles to vpâ—n the blinde eyes c. Isa 55.3.4 And in another place I will make an euerlasting couenant with you euen the suâ—e Mercies of Dauid Behold I haue giuen hiâ— viz. the Word or couenant For a witnesse to the people a leader and a commaunder to the people Viz. a spirituall leader therefore he saith to him in the following words vers 5. Behoâ—d thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not and nations that knew not thee shall runne vnto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the holy one of Israel for he hath glorified thee this then is the gloâ—ie that he giâ—es the Messiah who is the Word that he should call nations to the knowledge and obedience of the Woâ—d therefore in this sense God saith to the Word in the second Psalme Psa 2.8.9 Ask of me and I will giue thee the heathen For thâ—ne inheritance and the vâ—termâ—st parts of the earth for thy posession the most remote nations shall come to the knowledge and obedience of thee or else as it is added Thou shalt bâ—eake them with a Rod of yron that is with thy owne power as he saith elsewhere with the Rod of thy
strength Psa 110. thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters veâ—â—â—ll that is if they goe aboute to hâ—nder thy Kingdom will not suffer the Word to rule in theire dominions but either hinder the preaching thereof and soe the raigne of the Word or doe not further it but sâ—t vp or suffer another Word new and contrarie doctrines a thinge endangering the bruising and ruin of any Kingdom or nation as it was of the cheife Preists and Iewes and may be of others as it followeth vers 10.11 Be wise now therefore ô ye Kings be wise in this point be instructed ye Iudges of the earth be contenâ—ed to be instructed in the Word Serue the Lord wiâ—h feare viz in obeying and farthering his Word and veâ—â—yce with tremblâ—ng Be glad his Kingdom may come into youres embrace it for it will honour and strengten youres and noe way endanger it vnles when ye neglect it vers 12. therefore he addeth Kâ—sse the Sonne lest he be angri and ye perish from the way c. Where to Kisse the Sonne is nothing else them to receiue and embrace the Word of God as ye saw proued aboue All this is confirmed vnto vs in the vision which Daniel saw that is to say that the Messiah was to be such and such his Kingdom for when Daniel had beheld the fower beasts See willer on Dan. 7. which were fower Kingdoms the last of them beeing indeede that of the Selucians and Pâ—olomies signified also by the two legs Dan 2.33.40.44 the Dominion whereof should * vers 12. vers 13.14 be taken away aboute the time that Christs Kingdom should come â—he addeth I saw in the night visions and behold one like the Sonne of man came with the clouds of heauen and came to the Ancient of dayâ—s and they brought him before him And there was giuen him Dominion and glorie and a Kingdom that all people and naâ—ion and languages should serue him hâ—â— dominion is an euerlasting dominion which shall not passe awâ—y and his Kingdom that which shall not be dâ—stroied Loe this Kingdom of the Mâ—ssiah must endure for euer but then it must needâ—s bespirituall and last after his death for it is after shewed him that the Messiah should soone be cut off euen a litle before the destruction of the citie and sanctuary chap 9.26 and the Prophet Isaiah saith plainely Isa 53. that he should die for our sinnes Isa 53.8.9 that he was cut off out of the land of the liueâ—ng for the transgression of my people was he stricken And he made his graue with the wicked c. But though he should suffer and die according to the flesh yet he should rule still as he is the Word and more after his death then before as it followeth He shall see his seede vers 11. men begotten againe by the Word He shall see the trauaile of his Soule vers 12. the fruite of his death and sufferings for when he had saide He shall beare theiâ—e iniquities the Lord addeth therefore will I diuide him a pertion with the greate and he shall diuide the Spoile with the stronge because he powred out his Soule vnto death he should haue the heathen to his inheritance the vtmost part of the earth to his posessioÌ„ His Apostles and ministers should conquer Kingdoms and bringe whole nations to be subiect to the Word Dâ—n 7.18 vers 27. Which thinge is soe expounded there vnto Daniel But the Saints of the most high shal take the Kingdom and posesse it for euer and againe And the Kingdom and dominion and the greatnes of the Kingdom vnder the whole heauen shall be giuen to the people of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an buerlasting Kingdom and all dominions shall serue and obey him Loe the greatenes of the Kingdom vnder the whole heaâ—en is giuen to the Saints for Christ theire Maister is out of this World yet they shall subiect people to him whose Kingdâ—m is euerlastiâ—g therefore it is added all dominion shall serue and obey him the Kingdom is giuen to them yet the subiects thereof serue hiâ— which could not be after his death vnles he were the Word and his Kingdom truly spâ—rituall Gods Kingdom Which is answerable to that Prophesie or promise â—â—z k. â—4 Ezech. 34.23.24 I will seâ— vp one Shepheard ouer them and he shall feede them euen my seruant Dauid he shall feede them Dauid the type of Christ was now dead therefore this was meant of the Messiah who was to be Dauids Sonne soe it is added And he shall be theire Shepheâ—rd And I the Lord will be theire God and my Seruant Dauid a Prince amonge them One * Chap. 37.22.24.25 c. King shall be Kinge to them all they shaâ—l haue one Shepheard who should clense them and make them walke in his iudgments and obserue hâ—s Sâ—atutes soe his Tabernacle should be with them aâ—d he would betheire God There is but one cheife Shepheard the rest are his ministeâ—s and they â—ubâ—ect people to hâ—m they are all gouerned and fed by the Word as well after his asâ—ention as before Thus the Angel saide to Marie He shall be greate and shal be called the Sonne of the highest Luk. 1.32 and the Lord God shall giue vnto hâ—m the throne of his Father Dauid And he shall raigne ouer the howse of Iacob for â—uer For that is he the Word should raigne for euer as the one and only Spirituall Kinge and Shepheard And indeed at last when the Iewish nation that had refused him and was therefore scattered should be called and brought back into theire owne Land Mic. 4.6 then as it is added The Lord shall raigne ouer them in mount Zion from hence forth euen for euer Where he that is called the Word that should rule and iudge amonge the nations vers 2.3 is now affirmed to be the Lord to shew that he is God and Lord and indeed that his Kingdom is the Kingdom of God his Father and that it is so meant in those places of Ezechiel aboue mentioned and in others that speake of the Messiah and his Kingdom Now wee haue already shewed that Iesus was the promised Messiah Iesus Christ preached the same Kingdom and consequently that he had and hath this Kingdom but to proue that accordingly he preached the same ye may finde that when he the Word was come in the flesh and now ready to be baptised and so to enter vpon his ministration and gouernment by reuealing himselfe and thereby the Father his pâ—ecursor Iohn Baptist came preaching in the Wildernes of Iudea Mat. 3.1 Mark 1.2 Mal. 3.1 And saying Repent ye for the Kingdom of God is at hand As it is writen in the Prophets Behold I sende my Messenger and he shall prepare the way before me And the Lord whome ye seeke viz the Messiah shall suddenly come to his Temple viz * Ioh. 18.20 there to teach
theire Champions and come to that which now they seeme to haue of theire owne How many greate dignities and officies haue they in theire Church endowed with proportionable meanes for theite greate estates What a greate number of Cardinals are there who from a meane place * See the Apologie for the oath of allegiance also Tortura Torti pag. 2. office and begining are come to be held in dignitie equall to Kings besides a number of Arch-Bishopwricks Bishopwricks verrie rich and potent in this world as Cullen Ments Treuiere and others with an number of other places of proffit and honour in Cathedrall Churches Colledges Monasteries and orders of religious howses The hope of rising to some of theese makes a greate number of Preists Iesuits friars and others contest practise and striue to intrude propogate and increase in all contries the Popes Kingdom and prower with all the labour and might they can inuent or procure often venturing theire liues I might say theire Soules to worke his ends and bringe people to his obedience because they see he and his cheife prelates haue wherewithall to reward theire greatest seruices Noe Friar soe meane but he may hope for his deligence and seruice to be Prior of his Couent the Prior to be prouincial the prouincial to become General of that order And soe Preists and Iesuits may in like manner hope to come by degrees to be Bishops and Cardinals and some to clime to the verrie papall throne What will not fraile men doe for such rewards Which made many that were noe true Pastors but * Ioh. 10.12 Sunt enim nonnulli qui dum plus terranneam substantiam quam oues diligunt meritò nomen Pastor is perdunt non enim Pastor sed mer cenarius vocatur qui nō pro amore intimo oues dominicas sed ad tem porales mercedes pascit mercenarius quippe est qui Pastor is locu tenet sed lucrum animarū non quaerit terrenis commidis inhiat honore praelationis gaudet Gregori hom 14. Aquin in Ioa. 10. hirelings contest daube excuse practise by hooke or crooke maintaine points in the councell of Trent who were after rewarded according to theire seruice and some before hand as the historie sheweth For they followed the way of Balaam who loued the wages of vnrighteousnes 2. Pet. 2.15 And thus both before and since in theire diucrs cases causes Which hath made many venture far Wee haue seene also that those follewers of the Trent practises the Arminians haue had theire rewards for straining theire wits and consciences And true it is that both the one the other may rise in iudgment with many who professe themselues theire aduersaries and Christs Seruants against Antichrist and all opposers and yet doe not striue soe much nor with such true zeale to winne Princes people by all honest and lawfull meanes from Poperie and Arminiaisme to the obedience of the Word nor indeede to strengthen keepe and confirme such as doe yet embrace the Truth and not oppose it in those points nor in others but rather by theire slacknes and coldnes suffer them to preuaile daily and proceede further and further in conquests and practises which the Aduersaries doe prosecute with feruent zeale to aduance and propogate theire religion for theire Kingdom is of this world Luk. 16.8 it is from hence And as our Lord saith The children of this world are wiser in theire generation then the children of light more vigilant more zealous more circumspect and constant in the prosecution of theire ends and in perseuerance therein because thereby they attaine and keepe a little momentarie bubble of wealth and honour then Christs Seruants are for the seeking of that Kingdom and the righteousnes thereof which makes truly rich and honourable here and rewards those with euerlasting life and happines hereafter who fight the good fight of faith for Christ and his Kingdom for so inseperable are the worke and the reward that Saint Paul saith to Timothie Fight the good fight of faith 1. Tim. 6.12 lay hold on eternall life To shew that to fight this good fight is to lay hold of eternall life to make our calling and election sure and therefore he saith I haue fought a good fight I haue finished my course 2. Tim. 4.7 I haue kept the faith Hence forth there is laide vp for me a crowne of righteousnes which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall giue me at that day and not to me only but vnto them also that loue his appearing And so liue as those that loue it and looke for it But the children of this World that fight for other Kingdoms that giue them somwhat in present they will haue somwhat in hand they will haue wealth and honour heere And so they that will be honourable and haue commaund as they that will be rich 1. Tim. 6.9 fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts which drowne men in destruction and perdition this also doth the loue of a money the roote of all euill which some coueting haue erred from the faith Amonge other lusts they fall into this of fighting for Antichrist or Hereticks for the present honeur or proffit they hope to haue by it the loue of theese makes Iesuits and others venture to disturbe Kingdoms and States to further the Popes Kingdom that rewards them And this is a maine reason that moues some Kings Ren. 17.14 free Princes States to hate the whore and make her desolate and naked and burne her with fire That is to take all from her and fire her that she may not haue to giue rewards to them that disturbe theire Kingdoms and hinder the Kingdom of God and his blessings from theire Kingdoms which they should be sure to enioy in all peace and plentie if in matters of faith and saluotion they were only gouerned by him who the more to animate them to those warrs hath giuen them all the riches that are hers and indeede her champions also for therefore they are also called to the Supper of the greate God Reu. 19. to eate the flesh of Kings and the flesh or Captaines c. That is to take theire wealth riches and honours and posesse them which besides the heauenly reward is a feast of fat things that God will then make them But in the meane while Christ while he is to suffer giueth noe such things and therefore saith But now my Kingdom is not from hence Pilate therefore saide vnto him Art thou a King then Pilate therfore asked this question because Christ in saying and thrice repeating theese words my Kingdom had confessed that he had a Kingdom and consequently that himselfe was a Kinge and yet not out of any ostentation or desire that he had to speake thereof here before Pilate where he was sure it would cost him his life but beeing vrged by theire examinations to tell them Isa 53.9 he would
CHRISTS CONFESSION AND COMPLAINT Concerning HIS KINGDOM AND SERVANTS Conuincing Iewes of obstinacie Romish Catholickes of Conspiracie Seducers of Sedition Arminians of Apostacie and diuers others of Coldnes Schisme Treachery Hypocrisie By J. P. 1. TIM 6.13 Hee witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate Bernard De ordine vitae Vbinam quaeso vera prudentia nisi in Christi doctrina Soli ergo qui eius doctrina imbuti sunt prudentes dicendi sunt Printed M.DC.XXIX TO THE HONOVR OF ALMIGHTIE GOD. ETERNALL and incomprehensible Lord God who hast giuen to thine only begotten Sonne Iesus Christ dominion and a Kingdome that all people Nations and languages should serue and obey him and who hauing first sent this Kingdome to the Iewes who reiected it and since to diuers other Nations that haue fallen a way froÌ„ it and follo wed Antichrist hast of they great goodnesse vouchsafed among other places to haue thy Kingdome now these many yeeres in this Iland yet haue not we O Lord in humilitie and thankefulnesse in all matters of faith and saluation subiected our selues to the same but the Corner stone hath beene in sundrie points of diuers Builders refused who haue brought in new and contrarie doctrines against the word of they Grace and Kingdome and many O Lord haue followed their pernicious wayes We haue sinned and done wickedly and haue rebelled by departing from thy Precepts and thereby haue deserued that thy Kingdome should also be taken froÌ„ vs and giuen to a Nation bringing forth the fruits thereof But O Lord God if the foundations be destroyed yet what hath the Righteous done What hath they holy SoÌ„ne Iesus done that he should lose his Kingdome so many people here and in other Nations or if he lose none that thou hast giuen him yet that he should not haue them to serue him with more freedome He is worthy to be serued of all without feare of Enemies vvho redeemed vs to thee by his blood out of euery kindred and tongue and people and Nation It hath beene said The Kingdomes of this world are become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall raigne for euer Wee know O Lord that thou wilt make good they Word and if we beleeue not yet thou abidest faithfull Neuerthelesse the Kings of the earth haue set themselues and the Rulers take counsell together against thee and thy Christ In many Kingdomes and Prouinces where the Gospell hath beene lately preached they seeme to haue preuailed and reduced people to Antichristian slauery but thou O Lord hast promised to speake vnto them in thy wrath and by thy Word to ouercome them Vp Lord therefore and let not man haue the vpper hand Awake awake put on strength O Arme of the Lord awake as in the ancient dayes when thou didst deuide the Sea and brakest the heads of the Egyptian Dragons in the waters take vnto thee againe O Lord they great power and raigne ouer all Nations Iewes and Gentiles though they and we haue deserued no such King but rather the most contrary yet in the multitude of they mercies burie the multitude of all our transgressions suffer not them nor vs to walke in darkenesse but for thine owne Names sake send out thy light and thy Truth and let them leade vs and bring vs to the sauing knowledge and obedience of thee and thy Christ Giue a blessing O Lord to all good meanes conducing to the same namely to these few proofes obseruations gathered by thy assistance from the Confession and Complaint of thy deare Sonne In them O God defend what is thine owne And let not those O Lord God of hosts that put their trust in thee de ashamed of the Truth because of me for who am I dust and ashes one of the lowest ranke of thy Seruants that when many great and learned dare not or doe not I should aduenture to shew the wrongs done to the Kingdome of my Sauiour that am not able of my selfe to thinke a good thought Thou knowest O Lord that most men haue the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ with respect of persons looking more who writeth then what is written though they confesse that it oft pleaseth thee out of the mouthes of Babes and sucklings to ordaine strength because of thine enemies for their greater shame and confusion that so thou mightest still the enemie and auenger when they shall see that if they could get all the wise and learned and mightie men in the world to be on their side yet thou canst choose and enable the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and the things that aâ—e not to bring to nought the things that are Thou O Lord God art to such weakeones the best Patron the surest Shâ—eld and Buckler Shew therefore thy marueilous louing kindnesse O thou that sauest them that trust in thee from those that resist thy right hand Thou that canst manifest thy might in weakenesse Bow the heauens O Lord and come downe and make thy Name knowne to thine aduersaries that the Nations may tremble at thy presence Cast downe the strong holds and high conceits of proud Heretickes exalted against the knowledge of thee the only true God and thy Sonne Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent Bring into captiuitie euery thought to the obedience of thy Christ for thine O Lord is the Kingdome that then thou shouldest rule all thine the power and the glorie of giuing and effecting all good things to thee O Father together with thy Sonne our Sauiour and thy holy Spirit three Persons one true and euerliuing God be giuen as due is all obedience honour praise and glorie now and for euer Amen TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTIE PRINCE CHARLES by the grace of God King of great Britaine France and Ireland Defendor of the Faith c. THere was a Law Dread Soueraigne among the Romans Gueuara in his Epistles That vpon paine of death none should presume to approach the Tent where the Emperour did eate sleepe except such as did serue him by day and guard him by night The Emperour Aurelius being in the warres in Asia against Cenobia in the night a certaine Greeke Souldier entred the Emperours Tent who being taken to be executed for the same the Emperour from his bed cried out with a loude voyce If his man did come to sue for any thing for himselfe let him die but if for another let him liue The matter being examined it was found that the poore man came to sue for his three companions that were taken sleeping in the watch who therevpon were then all saued whereby that good Prince got to himselfe an immortall name of clemencie Novv seeing I also a common Souldier come not to sue for my selfe but my Sauiour nor in my ovvne Name and vvords but in his Confession and Complaint and aboute those who if not in your Maiesties seruice yet in Christs Camp haue been taken asleep being of the watch no
the same person as heâ—s nâ—aÌ„ shâ—ll gâ—ow though he be wounded and suffer for vs as it fâ—llowe hâ— there Weâ—l therfore doth Saint Cyprian vnderstand that Christ the Sonâ—e is the Arme mencioned here and also chap. 52. Isa 52 1â— The Lord hath made bare his holy Arme viz his holy word in the eyes of all nations and all the ends of the Earth shall see the saluation of our God And indeed Saint Iohn seemeth to vndeâ—staâ—d Châ—ist to be this Arme while he saith of the vnbeleeuing Iewes They beleeuâ—d not on him that the saying of Esaias might be fulfilled whâ—ch hâ— spake Iâ—â— 12 3â— 38. Lord who hath beleeued ouâ— report and to whome hath thâ— Arme of Lord beene reuealed For saith Saint Augustin on this place August in Ioan. Tâ—aâ—t 53. The Soâ—ne is the Arme because all thâ—â—gâ—wâ—re made by him lâ—ke as that is called thy Arme by which thou workest soe the Arme of God is hâ—s word becaâ—se by the word he made the world And indeed the Word is the Arme 1. Cor. 1.24 the power and wisdom whereby God maâ—e the World and doth all things and soe as the Apostle saith Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God Isa 40 10. Ioh. 12 48.49 And soe Isaiah saith of the Father The Lord God will come with stronge hand and his Arme shall rule for him That is his word shall rule foâ— him Therefore Christ who is the Word saith The word that I haue spoken he shall iudge for I haueâ— or spoken of my selfe c. therefoâ—e as in the following words he proues the word he spake to be the Fathers and the same to be * Si ergo vita aeterna est ipse Filius vita aeterna est mandatum Panis quid alind dictuÌ„ est quam ego sum mandatum Patris Aug. in Ioan Tract 54. Eternall life so also in foregoeing verses he that is the Word saâ—th there vers 44. He that beleeueth on me beleeueth not on me but on him that sent me that is whose Word I am as Augustine excellently vnderstandeth the like * Quid est audit verbum meum nisi audit me credit autem ei qui misit me quia cum illi credit verbo eâ—us credit cuÌ„ auteÌ„ verbo eâ—us credit mihi credit quia verbuÌ„ Patris ego sum Aug. in Ioâ—â— 19 words Ioh. 5.24 for wee beleeue him whose word wee beleeue and wee vndeâ—stand and see him whose word wee vnderstand hâ—t declares him therefore Christ addeth vers 45.46 And he that seeth me seeth him that sâ—nt me I am come a light into the world that whosoeuer beleeueth on me should not abide in darkenesse as Iohn saith of the word That was the true light which lighteth euery man that commeth into the world And so indeed wee may heare God saying to the Messiah Isa 42.6 7.17 I will giue thee for a couenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles to open the blinde eyes to bringe out the prisâ—oâ—s from the prâ—son and him that sitteth in darknesse out of the prâ—son howse Where ye may see that both here also Isa 49.8.9 it is expresly shâ—wed that he is the Covenant viz. the Word and â—herein the Light that reueales the Father touching the Saluation of sinners and that the end of his comming should be to enâ—ighten those nations and people Iewes and Gentiles which lay bound and overwhelmed in the prison of sinne and ignorance as it followeth there I will brâ—nge the blinde by a way that they haue not knowne I will make darkenesse light before them and crooked things straight And chap. 25.7.8 He will destroy in thâ—â— mountaine the face of the couering cast ouer all people and the vaile that is spread â—uer all nations To the like effect chap. 29.8.24 chap. 〈…〉 chap. 11.9 All this should be as he saith chap. 40 5.10 When the glorie viz. the Word of the Lord should be reuealed and all flesh should see it together when his Arme should rule for him and be made bare chap. 52.10 for therefore is the Faâ—her called the Father of glorie Ephes 1.17 and Châ—ist is saide to be raised from the dead by the glorie of the Father Rom. 6. that is by the almightie Word of the Father which is the Sonne and the Fathers glorie as our Woâ—d or tounge is caâ—lâ—d our glorie because it * SpeculuÌ„ enim mentis plerunque in verbis refulget Bernard de ordine vitae Psal 66.7 expressâ—th and â—eâ—ealeth vs and somtimes ruleth for vs Psal 16 9. howsoeuer Gods Word ruleth for him for as he made all things by hiâ— Word which is his power so saith the Psalmist He ruleâ—h by his power for euer that is by his Word which is the power of God Now if he rule by his power for euer then the Messiah who should rule for euer for him must needes be his power but he doth rule by his power for euer therefore the Messiah should be his power And that the Messiah should be the word of God the auncient Iewe The auncient Iewes proue him to be the Word Isa 45.17 Hos 1.7 proue out of Isaiah where it is saide Israel shall be saued by the Lord with aâ— euerlasting saluation And also our of Hosea I will saue them by the Lord thâ—re God Both which sayings Ionathas translateth by the word of the Lord theâ—â—e God And it is not to be doubted but that by the saide word they meant the Messiah For in psa 110. which as themselues affirme conteineth the mysteries of the Messiah Psal 110. where it is saide The Lord saide vnto my Lord c. Ionathas readeth The Lord saide vnto his woâ—rd sit thou on my right hand til c. And soe indeede howsoeuer the words be The Lord saide vnto my Lord sit thou c. to shew that this person though he be Dauids Sâ—nne iâ— Dauids Lord yet seeing it followes there Rule thâ—u in the midst of thine-enemies it must needes be meant of the word of the Lord because it is saide His Arme shall rule for him that is his word Isa 40.10 chap. 2.3.4 chap 51.5 which he saith shall iudge amonge the nations and whereof he saith mine Armes â—hall iudge the people and on mine Arme shall they trust the word bâ—eing the Sonne and the Kinge mencioned Psa 2. as was shewed before And Rabbi Isaack Arama vpon Genesis 47. expounding this text of Psa 14â— He sâ—ndeth out hâ—s word saith expresly that this Word is the Messiah who should be Gods word Iob 19.26 So likewise that of Iob I shall see God in my flesh c. Rabbi Sâ—meâ—n vpâ—n Genesis â—oâ— gathereth therevpon that the Word of God shall â—â—k flâ—sh in a womans wombe Philo that leaâ—ned Iew shall ende thâ—â— point touching the nature and person of the Messiah as himselfe writeth in hâ—s booke De Exulibus By tradâ—â—on wee haueâ— saâ—t â—he that wee must expect the
and rule spiritually this Temple beeing indeed a figure of the Chuâ—ch where in he should rule which came to passe not when Antichrâ—st came to sit in the Temple of God as God whereof in the sâ—quel but when Iesus Christ who is the Word came and declaâ—ed himselfe in the Temple and thereby signified his owne gouernment in his Church which is there where the Woâ—d ruleth this was accomplished suddenly after the preaching of his forrunner Iohn Baptist Luk. 3.4 who came ye see as it is written in the booke of Esayas the Prophet saying The voice of him that crieth in the wildernesse prepare ye the way of the Lord make straight in the desart a high way for our God Euery valley shall be exalted Isa 40.3 4 5. and euery Mountaiâ—e and hill made low and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plaine the Scriptures should be so clearely expounded And the glory viz the Word of the Lord shall be reuealed and all flesh shall see it together And a litle after vers 9. Say vnto the cities of Iudah behold youre God Behold the Lord God will come with stronge hand And his Arme viz. the Word which is his Sonne shall rule for him For that wee might be sure that this Kingdom belonged to Iesus Christ Iohn preached I baptize with water Ioh. 1. but there standeth one amonge you mightier then I whose shooes lachet I am not worthy to vnloose this was Christ who could not haue vndeâ—stood by Scriptures what manner of King the Messiah should be noâ— haue preached and wrought myracles so according to the Prophesies of him if he had beene a deceiuer and had not bâ—ene the Christ the Sonne of God but he was approued to be the Châ—ist For when Iesus was baptized of Iohn in Ioâ—dan Mâ—k 1.10 â— and came out of the water Iohn saw the Heauens opened and the Spirit like a doue descending vpon him And theâ—e came a voice from Heauen saying Ioh. 1.33.34 Thouart my welbeloued Sonne iâ— whome I am well pleased Which comming to paâ—â—e as God foretold Iohn he saith I saw and bare record thâ—t this is the Sâ—nne of God and consequently that his is the promised Kingdom of the Mâ—ssiah Which was soone manifested for after Iohn was put in prison by Herod Mark 1.14 Luk. 4.43 Iesus came into Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God That is the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God Aâ—d so he saith I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also Therefore he calleth his doctrine the Word of the Kingdom saying Mat. 13.19 When any one heareth the Word of the Kingdom and vnderstandeth it not So he saith Euery Scribe which is instructed vnto the Kingdom of God is like vnto a man that is an howseholder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new old New that is the treâ—sures of the Gospel and Old that is the testimonies of the Prophets which foretold and prefigured this grace that comes to vs Luk. 16 16. Luk 17.20 Since that time the Kingdom of God is preached and euery man presseth vnto it And when he was demanded of the Pharises when the Kingdom of God should come he answered them saide The Kingdom of God commeth not with obseruation Neither shall they say loe here or loe there for behold the Kingdom of God is within you That is they shall not say it is in this nation or in that in this citie or in that haueing the seate thereof here or there for the Word is within you Rom. 10.8 in your mouth and in your heart illuminating ruling some of your Soules therefore the Kingdom of God is within you And indeed God who by voices from Heauen by miracles appâ—oued him had promised foretold that so it should be for Behold the dayes come Ier. 31.31 saith the Lord that I will make a new Coâ—enant with the hoâ—se of Israel not according to the former when I brought them out of â—gypt which my coâ—enant they brake but this shall be the couenant that I will make with the howse of Israel I will put my law in theire inward parts â—ndwâ—iâ—e it in theire hearts And they shall all know me for I will forgiue theire iniquitie c. and in another place I will giue them a new heart with many the like promises Loe he would write the law in theire hearts the word should rule there and enlighten them with the * Isa 54.13 c. 53.3 c. promised knowledge of God and his remission and saluation in the death and doctrine of Christ Isa 53. and soe his Kingdom should be in theire hearts and soules within them Tit. 2.11.12 Ioh. 8.32 Character of a Christ pag. 329. c. as Christ saith that is when the grace of God bringing saluation was preached and the same taught meÌ„ to denie vngodlinesse worldly lusts The Truth knowne maketh men free from seruing sinne euen as Ioseph was taught by the fauour of his maister to denie the vngodlie lust of his mistris and escape away for soe men escape the pâ—llutions of the world through the knowledge of Christ as did Zacheus Luk. 19.8.10.11.12 to 28. soe he saith there The Sonne of Man is come to sâ—eke and saue that whâ—â—h is lost And as they heard theese things he added and spake a parable because they thought that the Kingdom of God should immediately appeare A certaine noble man went into a far countrie to receiue for himselfe a Kingdom And he called vnto him his tenne seruants and deliuered vnto the tenne pounds and saide vnto theÌ„ Occupie till I come c. This noble man was Christ who before his ascention deliuerd the Word of truth vnto his seruants and since giueth of the same Word to others by his Spirit and so will till his second coÌ„ming theese ten seruants are his ministers and other his seruants the pounds or talenâ—s were seuerall portions of the Word of grace of the mysteries of God dâ—uers * Rom. 12.3 1. Cor. 12.11 measures of the knowledge and faith of Christ wherein they ought to increase and to shew the fruite thereof in a holy life also to vse theire skill to bringe others to the knowledge and obedience of Christ which is to giue him his owne with vantage for they are Stewards of the mysteries of God 1. Cor 4 1. and it is required in Stewards that a man be found faithfull Deliuering nothing for doctrine but that which was * Chap. 11.23 receiued of the Lord by his Apostles and Prophets neither hiding his talent of doctrine nor teaching for doctrines commaundements and opinions of men things not commaunded in the Word For as when amonge the Romans there was difference aboute meates the Apostle saide The Kingdom of God is not meate and drâ—â—ke that is Rom. 14 17. the Word of God doth not commaund and teach theese
things which are held abonte them But righteousnesse and peace c. Soe may it be saide for other traditions and preceps of men the Kingdom of God is not the single life of Romish Preists theire obserued fasts and feasts inuocation of Saints the Popes succession in Peters chaiâ—e as head of the Church priuate masses drawing Soules out of purgatorie and the like which as themselues confesse are not commaunded in the Word but righteousnes peace and all such things as are taught in the Gospell Ministers must be faithfull Stewards and dispensers thereof by preaching and others that haue the gift by perswading exhorting writing and the like As euery man hath receiued the gift 1. Pet. 4.10 euen so should he minister the same vnto another as good steward of the manifold grace of God He that had one talent dit not so others did The Citizens in the parable that hated him and saide wee will not haue this man to raigne ouer vs were such as opposed the Woâ—d or any part or portion thereof deliuered in tâ—â—ents hâ—ting the light manifested by them which is to despise and reâ—ect him the Word that commeth to rule theire hearts to enlighten them and raigne there of whome therefore he saith Those mine eâ—emies that would not that I should raigne ouer them bringe hither c. All which proofes of Gods Kingdom duely considered doe manifest that the Pope and church of Rome doe grosely deceiue and are deceiued The Pope can not be Christs Vicar nor the Church of Rome his Kingdom who oppose the Word of grace reuealed in teaching for doctrines those precepts traditions of men aboue mentioued and diuers other strange doctrines of free will ignorance force of theire traditions merrits worshipping of Images with many the like not commaunded but forbidden and confuted in the Word and yet beaâ—e the World in hand that the Pope is Christs vicaâ—generall head of the church that the church of Rome is the true church of Chrâ—st and so that Rome is the seate of Christs Kingdom that Gods Kingdom is there when yet God by the Apostles saith 2. Ioh 9. 1. Tim. 6.3 He that abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God If any man teach otherwise and consent not to the wholesome words euen to the words of our Lord Iesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godlinesse he is proud knowing nothing the man of sinne and his ministers proud aboue all other hereticks and ye see Gods Kingdom is there only where though men so nâ—ime sinne of infirmitie yet as is requiâ—ed the Word of God is consented to receiued in all things not reiected in any thinge it teaches From all which wee may reason thus Christ is the Word reuealed in Scriptures and that Word aloâ—e must rule in all matters of faith and saluation Whosoeuer therefore shall not consent to that Word in all matters of faith and saluation but shall of his owne pretended authoritie set vp for doctrines any that are not taught in the Word or that are new or contrarie therevnto he is rebellious and an vsurping Autichrist and he that doth it in most points and so as none other doth he is the grand Antichrist But the Pope doth nâ—t consent to that Word in all matters of faith and saluation but of his owne pretended authority sets vp for Doctrines many others that are not taught in the Word and that are new and contrarie therevnto therefore he is rebellious and an vsurping Antichrist yea the grand Antichrist because he doth it in more points then euer any did and so as none euer did as in those perticulars aboue mentioned diuers others which wee shall haue occasion to pâ—oue in the sequell here it needes not because also many haue sufficiently donne it Now from this proposition and conclusion followes another They that doe not consent to the Word in all matters of faith and saluation but receiue for Doctrines those new and contrarie precepts of the Pope which he of his owne pretended authoriâ—ie sets vp they are conspiring rebels and giue him the Kingdom he power and the glory of commaunding and beeing obeyed in such things But the Papists doe not consent to the Word in all matters of faith and saluation but receiue for Doctrines those new and contrarie precepts of the Pope which he of his owne pretended authoriâ—â—e sets vp therefore they are conspiring Rebels and giue him the Kingdom the Power and the gloâ—â—e of commaundâ—ng and beeing obeyed in such things Both theese are so manifestly true that all that are of any reasonable vnderstanding must needes perceiue and confesse as much vnlesse because they haue not receiued the Loue of the Truth nor continued in the Word they can not know the Truth but are by God giuen ouer to beleeâ—e lies or because they teaching or receâ—â—ing for doctrines precepts of men the wisdom of theire wâ—se men iâ— hid and they in Gods iust iudgment are giuen ouer â—o such blindnes that they can not see things see euident that is to say Rom. 10.11 Psa 66.7 that they are rebellious and conspiring vsurpers a disobedient and gainesaying people * Psal 33.6 Heb. 1.3 Rom 1.16 1. Cor. 1.18 Heb. 1.3 2. Peâ— 3.7 see Character of a Christian pag. 47. For God ruleth by his power for euer that is by the Word which is his power whereby he hath made gouernned and vpheld all things and Christ is that Word the power of God and the wisdom of God 1. Cor. 1.24 therefore when he had saide he ruleth by his power for euer his eyes behold the nations who obey it and who not he addeth let not the rebellions exalt themselues viz. against it or aboue it in any point as psa 107.11 they rebelled against the words of God that is against the power by which he ruleth against Christ But in the Pope of Romes Kingdom the Word is not consented to â—n all things as is requâ—â—ed 〈◊〉 Tim. 6.3 But reiected and opposed he * IdeÌ„ pag. 249. 293. and they are rebellious and exalt themselues against the word in many greate maâ—ters of saith and saluation which it teacheth and so aboue all that is called God so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God as God shewing himselfe that he is God viz. most maister in theese things one whose Word is the supreame law must be beleeued and obeied which the Turke doth not he giues not foorth his words for lawes binding the conscience in matters of faith and saluation as the Pope doth and soe taketh the Kingdom the power and glorie from God and his Word to himselfe and his errours therefore Gods Kingdom is not in the Romish church the Pope is an vsurper and Papists that defend or follow his lawes and doctrines against the Word are rebellious conspirators giueing to the Pope Christs gouernment the Kingdom the power and the glorie choosing rather to be ruled by him
then by the Word and soe reiecting Christ and his Kingdom they breake his bands asunder and cast his cords froÌ„ them In further proofe whereof Psa 2.3 obserue He who is the Word saith to his Disciples Luk. 10.8.9 Into whatsoeuer citie ye enter and they receiue you say vnto them the Kingdom of God is come neere vnto you that is because in theire preaching the Word is come to rule and enlighten them in all things needefull to saluation the Arme that should rule for God is come the Word of which is saide He shall iudge amonge the nations and to whome is saide Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies vers 16. for he saide then to his Apostles He that heareth you heareth me viz. me the Word and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me viz. whos 's Word I am vers 11. and who should rule for him therefore he saith there And if they receiue you not say vnto them the verrie dust of youre citie wee wâ—pe of against you notwithstanding be ye sure of this that the Kingdom of God is come nigh vnto you viz. in the Word there preached though they will not receiue him to rule them but * Psal 107.11 Dan. 9 5. Rom. 10.21 Mat. 21.43 Chap. 23.37 rebell against the Word and conspire to expell him and his Kingdom out of theire citie First then wee see that this beeing the fault of Ierusalem of the cheife Preists and other Iewes who gainsaied his doctrine put him to death and persecuted his seruants Therefore saith he say I vnto you The Kingdom of God shall be takeÌ„ from you and giuen to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof Often would I haue gathered thy children together as c. and ye would not Behold youre howse is left vnto you desolate for I say vnto you you shall not henceforth see me viz. me the Word till ye say blessed is he that commeth in the Name of the Lord. viz. with the Word and Truth reuealed And secondly hereby also wee may see the greate wickednes of the Pope and Church of Rome Vers 13. who also shut vp the Kingdom of God against men like the Scribes and Pharises Luk. 11.52 neither entring in themselues nor suffering others that would for they also take away the key of knowledge they will not suffer the Word manifested in Scriptures in diuers points of faith and saluation to be preached amonge theÌ„ nor read in a knowne tounge but fight against the doctrine of Christ and his Apostles persecute the professors thereof giue theire traditions * Concil Tri. Sess 4. Mark 7.13 equall authoritie and reuerence with the Word obey them more and indeede make the Word of God of none effect with theire traditions and in all theese things conspire and rebell against the Word and expell him and his Kingdom out of all theire Cities Vilages and Howses Which in some degree is also donne by such carnall and feigned Gospellers as call themselues Protestants and yet are enemies to preaching hearing and writing or what worse is set vp new and contrarie doctrines against the Word of Grace such as those of Pelagius Arminius and others for false doctrines are by Christ called tares Mat. 13.25 and he that soweth them is iudged an enemie of Christ and his Kingdom and if that be true which our Sauiour saith of Neuters and lukewarme Ministers Who doe not seeke the Kingdom of God and the righteousnes thereof but their owne gaine ease or honour He that is not with me is against me Mar. 12.30 and he that gathereth not with me scattereth How much more will they be found against the Word who either oppose and scorne preaching or set vp new and contrary doctrines hindring his absolute raigne and the peace of his Kingdom this doe all Hereticks and Seducers who bringe in another word to rule in matters of faith and saluation Theire word eates at the Word and Kingdom of God 2. Tim. 2.17 and so at the roote like a canker or gangrene and therfore they are seditious Preachers in Gods Kingdom moueing people to fall from Gods word obedience to theires and what in them is â— Thef 2.16 Forbidding men to speake to people some things of the Gospell that they might be saued to fill vp theire sinnes alway for the wrath is come vpon them to the vttermost This Kingdom Christ had in some Christ had and hath this Kingdom as in the Apostles many other Disciples beleeuers who by the Word were regenerated gouerned in all matters of faith and saluation and to such he the Word Mat. 19 2â— saith Ye which haue followed me in the regeneration when the Sonne of man shall sit in the throne of his glory ye shall also sit c. and inherit euerlasting life Chap. 24.14 This Gospell of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witnesse to all Nations Walke worthy of God 1. Thes 2.12 who hath called you to his Kingdom and glorie Who hath deliuered vs froÌ„ the power of darknes Col. 2.13 hath translated vs into the Kingdom of his deere SoÌ„ne This Kingdom he coÌ„mended to his Apostles Ministers saying Seeke ye the KingdoÌ„ of God the righteousnes thereof All power is giuen to me in Heauen in Earth Goe ye therfore teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to obserue all things whatsoeuer I haue commaunded you and loe I viz. the Word am with you allwayes euen vnto the end of the World As if he saide because all power is giuen to me therefore ye may goe into all Kingdoms of the world and teach the Gospel noe man noe King ought to forbid you because if they doe not subiect to him it is saide Psal 2. He shall bruise them with a rod of yron and againe Be wise now therefore ô ye Kings Kisse the Sonne lest he be angrie c. And when after his resurrection they asked of him Act. 1.6.7 saying Lord wilt thou at this time restore againe the Kingdom to Israel He saide vnto them it is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father hath put in his owne power But ye shall receiue power after that the Holy Ghost is come vpoÌ„ you and ye shall be witnesses vnto me both in Ierusalem and in all Iudea and in Samaria and vnto the vttermost part of the Earth Act. 26.17 I now send thee to the Gentiles to open theire eies to turne them Dan. 7.27 c. Wherein that of Daniel was fulfilled The greatnes of the KingdoÌ„ vnder the whole heaueÌ„ shall be giueÌ„ to the people of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an euerlasting Kingdom and all dominions shall serue obey him For theese brought whole NatioÌ„s to
and consequently to take away both our place and nation Our place that is where our God is somwhat worshipped in sacrifices c. This is somwhat and better this then none at all if wee goe any further to suffer a deale of preaching of a new law and Kingdom that is further from the heathen religion and soe wee may anger them more and loose all seeing in policie to please them wee should rather come neerer them at least in things indifferent Therefore also when Paul preached at Thessalonica Act. 17.5 The Iewes which beleeued not moued with enuie gathered a Company and set all the citie on an vprore and drew out Iason and certaine brethren vnto the rulers of the citie crying Theese that haue turned the World vpside downe are come hither also and theese all doe contrary to the decrees of Cesar saying that there is another King one Iesus Whence wee may see that though they knew that Iesus had longe before left this life yet they wilfully infer that his followers contest to haue him to be another Kinge besides or against Caesar Iewes say that preaching disturbeth Caesars Kingdom and that this Kingdom in the preaching of the Word turned the World vpside downe and soe disturbed dishonoured and endangered Caesars Kingdom And this the high Preist and Elders say of saint Paul We haue found this man a pestilent fellow Act. 24.5 And moâ—eth sedition and a mouer of sedition amonge all the Iewes throughout the World and a ringleader c. That is by preaching Iesus Christ and obedience due to him as if they saide this doctrine maketh them stuborne and seditious against Câ—sar and his ministers This or the like hath beene and euer was the wilfull assertion of all enemies of the truth whether Infidels or Papists and other hereticks and prophane scoffers of preaching and hearing but against this out Sauiour saith my Kingdom is not of this World and consequently hurteth not the tranquilitie of temporall Kingdoms but rather makes them floorish and excell in Iustice and honour as the experience of all ages hath openly shewen in the sight of all traducers of the Word preached And first that the same doth not make nations of a contrarie religion the more ready to inuade them Preaching of the Gospel doth not cause inuaâ—ions or if it doe the more the true preaching of Gods Word is maintained by a Prince in any Kingdom the more doth God defend that Kinge and Kingdom from inuasion and ruin and to the honour thereof turne the destruction vpon his and theire inuaders and enemies Dauid was a greate louer and maintainer of the teaching of Gods Word also of prayer reading holy conference for theese haue theire due and how exceedingly did his Kingdom florish and he prosper and preuaile against the enemies thereof 2. Chro. 1â—2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord He tooke away the Altars of the strange Gods and the high places and brake downe the Images And coÌ„manded Iudah to seeke the Lord to doe the law the commandemeÌ„t And the KingdoÌ„ was quiet before him Marke here quiet free froÌ„ sedition And wheÌ„ Zerah the Ethiopian came out against him with a thousand thousand and three hundred charets Asa cried vnto the Lord and he smote the Ethiopians before Asa and Iudah So that the Prophet saide to them Chap. 15.2 Chap. 16.2.7 The Lord is with you while you be with him But if ye forsake him he will forsake you as this Asa found when after leauing to trust in God he sought to the Kinge of Syria and relied on him Chap. 17.3.4.6.7.8 The Lord was with Iehoshaphat because he walked in the first waies of his Father Dauid sought not to Balaam but to the Lord and Walked in his comandements and tooke away the high places and sent diuers preists and others who tooke the booke of the law of the Lord with them Vers 5.10 and went aboute throughout all the cities of Iudah and taught the people Therefore the Lord stablished the Kingdom in his band and all Iudah brought to Iehoshaphat presents he had riches and honour in abundance And the feare of the Lord fell vpon all the Kingdoms of the lands that were round about Iudah so that they made no war against Iehoshaphat but some of the Philistines and Arabians brought him presents and he waxed exceeding greate behold here ye traducers the fruite of due preaching and teaching Hezekiah also did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord Chap. 31.20 21. Chap. 32. Chap. 34. wrought greate reformation amonge the Preists and people to seeke God wherefore he prospered and God deliuered him and his from the greate Host of Senacherib Iosiah also purged Iudah and Ierusalem from the high places renued the couenant betweene God and the people and caused the booke of the Law to be read and obserued Wherefore it was saide to him thou shalt be gathered to thy graue in peace and that euill should not come vpon the citie in his dayes The Emperour Constantine notwithstanding that in a manner all his Predecessors were Pagans most of them persecutors Maxentius and Licinius sharers with him in the Empire heathen Tirants persecutors and his enemies and though besides an infinitie companie of heathen people almost the whole Senate of Rome were of the heathen faction and so continued after him yet did he embrace the Christian Religion fight for it seeke to propogate it called a generall Councell to repres the Arrian heresie afther the councell caused the bookes of the Arrians to be burned and greatly loued and furthered the preaching of the Gospell and all the truest Professors thereof and how exceedingly did God defend him from his mightiest enemies and bringe them into his subiection In so much that some haue thought that that which is spoken in the Reuelation of a man child Reu. 12. which the Church should bringe foorth that should rule all Nations with a rod of yron was fulfilled in him But to come neerer our owne times Popish errour and superstition had greatly corrupted the Christian Religion and doctrine in many parts thereof wheÌ„ God raised vp in France Waldo a meane maÌ„ who yet studdying the Scriptures discouered many of theire errours and abuses and had many followers who were mightely miracalously preserued for a longe time and though in the ende they were vanquished by the Beast that for a time should warre with the Saints ouercome them Reu. 13.7 yet because the Scriptures shew that the Beasts Kingdom must also goe to wrack God at last raised vp against it Luther a Meane Monke a priuate Doctor who notwithstanding that he his Protectour the Duke of Saxonie were exceedingly opposed and persecuted by the Pope the Emperour and other mightie aduersaries yet were they deliuered and wonderfully prospered and preuailed The like might be shewed of diuers other Princes of
rapins murders alterations The Popes of Rome themselues after they began to keepe the people in ignorance and to make the Word of God of none effect with theire traditions Anastatius in Vigilio haue noâ— beene free from theire outrages and insolercies as wee may see in the liues of Vâ—gâ—lius Leo the third * Zonar to 3. pag 79. Iohn the fourtenth Gregory the fift many others and indeede seeing they would not let them know the things â—hat belonged to theire peace how could it be otherwise Whereas here in England vnder the Gospell Gods Word makes the heaters luffer and be peaceable notwithstanding all those greiuances whereof the commons haue of late yeares complained soe much in Parliaments and now this last summer in theire remonstrance of diuers leuies and other things against theire priueleidges the lawes liberties and religion established of the increase of poperie the freinds that Papist Arminians haue had in court and the carriage of many things at home and abroade by the late Duke and his faction to the greate losâ—e and dishonour of this Kingdom and aduantage of the aduersaries yet blessed be God and to the honour of his Word preached it may be spoken noe man euer saw a sword drawen to remedie theese things but the commons and diuers of the Lords haue still sought redresse by humble petition and not as in time of poperie or as the Iesuits hoped and practised who loue to fish in troubled streames The Duke and others of his partie that for the most part defeated preuented the howse with whisperings and were soe greate freinds to Arminiaisme and poperie knew that the Gospell awed Protestants and kept them from armes reuenge and that they could not haue escaped with soe many iniuries donne to any other religion whatsoeuer soe vnkinde in the meane while were theese detractours to that religion by which cheifely vnder God they haue held theire liues honours without the least violence offered by such as groaned vnder theÌ„ And whereas of late there hath beene some vnrulines in Sallours and Souldiers If men consider that the remonstrance declareth the increase of poperie and Arminiaisme the fauour that those of theese religions haue found of courtiers as wel of Bishops as others that Schollars finde the latter the way to preferment that orthodoxe preachers though conformable in rites formerly commaunded are not preferred but rather molested opposed lectures bookes against theese aduersaries prohibited or hindred theÌ„ they will coÌ„fesse that this vnrulines of Saylours others comes rather from hence that the preaching of Gods Truth which restraineth all sorts of people is not so much countenanced now as formerlie but insteade thereof contrarie doctrines finde the fauour The true knowledge and worship of God beeing failed in the dayes of Salomon Rehoboam then the people began to waxe stoute to mutinie and reuolt The preaching manifestation and knowledge of Gods Word are the * Psal 2.3 cords and bands of Christ which hould restraine men so that theese things when they are countenanced preuent such mutinies and sauâ— Magistrates much labour in gouernment The knowledge of Christ who is our wisdom maketh †Soli qui ejus doctrina imbuti sunt prudentes dicendi sunt Bern. de ordi vit Psal 18. Psal 66.7 Psal 76.10.12 men wise They are easely ruled by a few whome God ruleth It is God that subdueth the people vnder me saith Dauid and it is hard to gouerne them by many and wise whom the Lord doth not gouerne restraine who ruleth by his power for euer euen the rebellious who restraineth wrath stilleth the raging of the Sea and the madnes of the people * Psal 127.1 Except the Lord build the howse they labour in vaine that are builders of it Except the Lord keepe the Citie the watchman waketh but in vaine For if they heare not Moses and the Prophets nor Christ and his Apostles neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Heb. 4. For the Word of God is mightie in operation c. †2. Co. 10.5 Rom. 1. Bringing into captinitie euery thought to the obedience of Christ and consequently to the higher powers to whom he hath commaunded euery Soule to be subiect as to the powers ordained of God And that in euery ordinance that doth not resist â—he Word or the manifestation thereof Act. 4.19 but if they doe then whether it be right to hearken vnto you more then vnto God iudge ye If any say that preaching and writing aboute Predestination Free will perseuerance and the like cause discord and trouble I answer there may be a time when men may be to buisie and curious in disputing and writing on such points that is when in them the Church is at rest in the Truth But if Pelagians haue peruerted the truth in those points and infected people with the poisen of theire doctrines then it is noe time to forbid preaching or writing against them 1. Because Pelagian Arminian Prelates may presse such decrees with all power to suppresse Orthodoxe labours in that kinde and sparing theire owne mens works at pleasure may preuaile thereby and this were not to worke a right peace and vnion 2. Because the Truth of God must be vindicated least as a worthy Bishop inferred Bishop Carlton Examinat of the appeale pag. 126. the infection should spread further the greah mysteries of our salvation should be shakeÌ„ by giueing libertie to theese beginings a more generall apostacie should follow that as much in other points as in theese 3. Luk. 19.41 And principally because Christ with teares sayde to Ierusalem of the mysteries he taught that they were the things that belonged to her peace wishes that she had therefore knowne and receiued theÌ„ because he knew they would worke peace and that when they were hid from her eyes sedition and ruin must needes follow and soe they did as ye may see in the Acts Iosephus and others Act. 21.29.30 Besides as the faithfull Bishop proueth they are the Appealers doctrines B. Carlton in Exam. p. 214. if not confuted that endanger the State though he say they are not apâ—ae natae to breede dangers like a desperate man that sets a howse on fire and sayes there is noe danger The ignorance of Gods Word and Truth therein contained soe deepely concer uing Gods glory is able not only to breede danger but to cause destructions of Curches and States The Prophet complaineth that the people of the Iewes were destroud and led into Captiuity for want of knowledge Then the want of knowledge of God and of the holy doctrines of Gods Word is a thinge aptanata to throuw States and Kingdoms into destruction And the true knowledge thereof is a thinge apta nata to keepe States and people from destruction To preuent such ruins and the cause of them apostacie from God he saith I desired the
pray which was called the Temple and which seemeth so to be in the vision must not be measured but Saint Iohn is commaunded to leaue or cast it out that is not to reckon it the Church of Christ as not continuing in the Word and so not in Christ but fighting against those that doe Which things are so apparant in the Church of Rome that therefore her head the Pope and her true members are in Gods account as Gentiles or heathen many of * See the Originall of Idollatries printed an 1624. whose idollatries and superstitious rites and ceremonies they haue taken vp and vsed with verrie litle alteration therefore that part of the Temple signifying this Church is reckoned heathenish not to be otherwise measured and they that are of it as heathen Gentiles for it is giuen to the Gentiles And not in the other part but in this Antichrist sits and so is saide to sit in the Temple of God in that part to which God hath right as well as to the rest though it be pofessed vsurped by one that sits as it were for Christ but commaunding things contrarie to the Word and so shewing himselfe that he is God that is most maister in those things and one whose lawes binde in matters of faith and must be obeied though this Church hold some of Christs doctrine as other hereticall churches haue donne yet by other doctrines and traditions contrarie to the Word she makes the Word of God of none effect and indeede warreth against the true Church and the members thereof and they against her Seauen Angells come out of the true Church and powre out theire vials vpon her and other enemies and her members blaspheme his Name that is his Word therefore God will not haue her reckoned to be his he will only haue the inward roomes measured for his Temple with them that worshipped therein Reu. 14.9 the holy place place the Altar with the most holy place which was the Arke of the Testament which John saw there when it was opened there was noe other Word therein none in Christs true Church but Gods Testament noe other Word receiued in matters of faith and saluation the Papists in receiuing Antichrists are not of this Church but * Character of a Christian pag. 214. and 288. are saide to haue * see pag. 292. the marke of the Beast to worship him and to fight for him against Christ especially since the Councell of Trent for which hell fire is assured to them Now it is not possible that they that are so marked soe fight shal be soe tormented should be a true Church of Christ or of it Her oft pronounced fall her scarlet die in the blood of the saints her fighting against them and against Christ that sits on the white horse and whose Name is called the Word of God her cup Reu 19. and names of blasphemie with diuers other things doe all proue the contrarie but to leaue her wee heare what Christ saith before Pilate If my Kingdom were of this world then would my seruants fight that I should not be deliuered to the Iewes Yet surely as for fighting with swords to keepe him Why Christs seruants did not then fight for him Mat. 26.53 at that time from beeing surprised taken and deliuered to the Iewes he saith to him that smote the high Preists seruant Thinkest thou not that I can not non pray to my Father and he shall presently giue me more then twelue legions of Angels But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled which shew That thus it must be and after his resurrection he saide Thus it is written and thus it behooued Christ to suffer euen thus that of his seruants not one should then fight for him to rescue him thus it behooued then not that they were bound to forsake him but that though they should haue followed and defended him by all lawfull meanes yet thus it behooued him to suffer thus forsaken of all that the Scriptures might be fulfilled But doth it behooue him now he is risen and entred into his glorie That there is not the same reason now that thus he should suffer forsakeÌ„ in his cause in his members that men should not now fight for him Surely noe For he sheweth that his seruants should stick to him and follow him better after his resurrection then they must confesse him and contest for him before Kings Princes and euen Emperours Kings and Princes should fight for him and his cause when they should embrace the Christian faith greate rewards are propounded to him thâ—t ouerommeth Reu. 2. which though it be principally meant with the sword of the Spirit yet in Princes that may draw theire swords to desend the faith it may also be taken that way When Iohn saw them that had gotten the victorie ouer the Beast Reu. 15.2 and ouer his Image and ouer the number of his Name questionles there were amonge theese some Princes Captaines Souldiers States men and Magistrates that did it or helped to doe it by theire swords lawes as well as others that did it by preaching disputing and writing for wee know the Beast and whore are both to be ouercome by fire and sword Reu. 14. cap. 18. cap. 19. and not only by the sword of the spirit Christ is the Prince of the Kings of the earth Reu. 1.5 therefore they ought all to defend the faith of Christs to defend the Word and his cause both by theire lawes and swords and also to suffer any of theire subiects to maintaine it against all Heriticks and seducers by the sword of the spirit and noe man to forbid them For the first He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords therefore they ought to follow him be led by him to fight against Antichrist and his supporters and against his other enemies yea not to fight for him and his Kingdom now may proue a curse to them as of old to Meroz and the Inhabitants thereof that came not to the helpe of the Lord against the mightie For though it be true that the ReuelatioÌ„ saith of the Kings which are the hornes of the Beast Theese haue one minde Reu. 17.13 and shall giue theire power and strength vnto the Beast Yet this doth but shew the sinne theese Kings would fall into committings Fornication with the whore by enforcing the Beasts and her lawes on theire owne subiects or suffering Antichrist and his ministers to seduce them which is accounted a wicked warre against Christ though he at the last ouercome them therefore it is added vers 14. Theese shall make warre with the lambe and the lambe shall ouercome them viz. with the spirit of his mouth the power of the Word preached and written For he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings and they that are with him viz. that fight against theese Kings with the sword of the spirit to conuince them by
glorie wee may as it were here him againe againe complaining and resounding theese words against those Potentates and States that are cold in defending and maintaining his cause My Kingdom is not of this world for if my Kingdom were of this world then would my Seruants fight that I should not be deliuered in Garmanie Bohemia Silesia the Palatinate Denmarke Rochel and other parts to the Emperour the Duke of Bauaria the French King the King of Spaine and other Champions of the Romish religion who subiect all they can to the Romish Beast and his religion If my Kingdom were of this world that men might get Earldoms Dukedoms and other places of proffit or honour by fighting for me as the Duke of Bauaria Spinola Tillie and some others haue gotten by fighting on the contrarie part then would my Seruants truly fight for me that I should not be deliuered in my Gospel my Kingdom my Body my Church and members to the Pope and theese Popish Princes that fight feircely to subiect people to him as if I were euer to suffer and as if Princes had beene perswaded that they doe God seruice who doe not fight so earnestly and seriously for me but suffer me to be deliuered to mine aduersaries Antichrist and his Adherents If there haue beene any such perswaders in Princes Courts who to get money or preferment of some Popishly affected haue hindred timely supplies by casting in flattering scruples exclaiming against theese defensiue and aiding wars extolling peace or the like while the aduersaries haue proceded and preuailed they haue cause to feare that the iust Iudge of all the world will finde this litle better then plaine treacherie that howseuer it may also be saide to them by Christ my Kingdom is not of this world for if my Kingdom were of this world then would theese be my Seruants and fight for me at least by theire perswasions councels and purses that I should not be deliuered to Antichrist or his champions For wee may be sure Act. 9.4 that he that saide Saul Saul why persecutest thou me is sensible of all the miseries that his Church and euery member thereof haue of late suffered by trecherie officious flatterie want of supplies or the like and that he is yesterday and to day and the same also for euer in whose Word this is written Curse ye Meroz Iud. 5.23 saide the Angel of the Lord curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof because they came not to the helpe of the Lord to the helpe of the Lord against the mightie Secondly that Princes ought themselues to maintaime the truth of the Gospel and to suffer any of theire subiects to maintaine it against all Heriticks and seducers this is plaine by many places of Scripture by this that they are enioined to be nursing Fathers and nursing mothers Isa 49.23 Chap. 60.16 by this that Dauid Ieboshaphat Hezechia and Iosias did maintaine the truth of Gods Word putting downe false prophets and Idollators and commaunding others to instruct people in the true knowledge of Gods Word that those that put downe idollatrie and false Prophets are commended those that suffered them or but the high places are condemned by this that the Angels of the seauen Churches are blamed Reu. 2.14 one for suffering there some that taught the doctrine of Balaam â—ors 20. others to hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans another for suffering the woman Iezabel to seduce For if theese things were found faults in the Angels which were Pastors or Bishops how much more may Christ lay them or the like faults to Princes and States who are armed with more power to represse punish and helpe such things and who beeing â—ursing Fathers should striue to saue the Church and members thereof from Antichrist and all Herticks and seducers as parents and nurses doe theire children from beasts and wicked people that would bite deuoure and misleade them Neither ought they to hinder any of his Seruants from fighting for him with the sword of the spirit Ephes 6.17 which Sainct Paul commaunded the Ephesians to take saying also to the Philipians Philip. 1.7 In the defence and confirmation of the Gospell ye all are pertakers of my grace Therefore he willeth them to stand fast in one spirit with one minde striueing together for the faith of the Gospell Vers 27. And in nothing terrified by theire aduersaries Not to multiplie many proefes in a point so cleare Saint Iude in his generall Epistle saith vnto all It was needefull for me to write vnto you Iude 3. and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith that was once deliuered to the Saints that is against all new and contrarie doctrines Yet neither by theese nor by any other places doe I vnderstand with any Seperatists or other Sectaries that lay men may preach but that they or rather such only of them as God hath enabled may contest and write in defense of the faith against all aduersaries Those foolish weake things of the world 1. Cor. 1.27.28 Ioh. 3.8 haue of God a calling as they are Christians to confound the wise and mightie for the Corinthians had it The winde bloweth where it listeth so doth the Spirit * 1. Cor. 12.11 1. Pet. 4.10 diuiding to euery man seuerally as he will And thus Saint Peter saith in his generall Epistle to all As euery man hath receiued the gift euen soe minister the same to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God If any man speake let him speake as the oracles of God At our Baptisme wee all when wee are receiued into the congregation of Christs flocke are obliged not to be ashamed to confesse the faith of Christ crucified and manfully to fight vnder his banner against sinne the world and the Deuil to continue Christs faithfull Souldiers and Seruants to our liues ende And if lay men espetially those to whome God hath giuen gifts fitting be thus obliged how much more are all Bishops Pastors and Ministers of the Church they are Souldiers so bound to it that they should not intangle themselues with the affaires of this life as the Apostle saith to Timothie 2. Tim. 2.3.4 Noe man that warreth intangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life They are blamed if they suffer any errour in doctrine as ye may see in the Epistles to the seauen Churches of Asia where perticular Pastors or Bishops are taxed of negligence herein Act. 20.17.28.29.30 and in the charge Paul giues to the Elders to take heede to the flocke ouer which the holy Ghost had made them ouerseers or Bishops to feede the flocke and to keepe them from Wolues and speakers of pernerse things Also to Timothie and Titus 1. Tim. 1.18 chap 2.3.25 Tit. 1.9 2. Cor. 10. that they should warre a good warfare as good Souldiers of Iesus Christ instructing those that oppose themselues and conuincing the gainsayers such as Himeneus Philetus and others
forbidden espetially when Pelagian Popish errours are set vp against them and driuen in like the sharpe point of a wedge to make the thicker ende that is the whole thicknes and breadth of Poperie to follow If a Towne or Castle be beleaguered a breach made doe not men run to it and maintaine that place of all others shall any man be blamed for so doeing and if any whether Gouernour Captaine or Citizen shall forbid them and vnder some pretext commaund them to laie downe armes and quit the place is he not counted trecherours to the Towne and King thereof So is it in Gods Church and Kingdom beseiged by Hereticks who shoote at the faith and make greate breaches Tit. 1.11 2. Tim. 2.17 subuerting whole howses for theire word doth eate as a gangrene But for the maintenance of the Truth and the keeping of Gods fauour to the people that hold it fast the Lord saith Hoâ— 6.6.7 I desired the knowledge of God which of old some hindring Luk. 19.41 There saith he haue they dealt trecherously with me Christ shewes that to manifest the mysteries he taught is to make men know the things that belonge to theire peace that when they are hid from theire eyes sedition and ruin follow taking away the key of knowledge causeth trouble and that the Iesuits know to well Besides the Apealer drawes the sword of errour sets vp vnsound tenets of free will praedestination falling away and the like imprudently * See Bishop Carlton Exam. of the Appeal pag. 62.137.149.225.231.233 peruerts the Articles for his tenets and then he and his faction get it held fit that theese things should not be disputed and written against as curious desperate c. that so he and they may preuaile carry his and such like doctrines away vndiscouered vnuanquished by the Word Whereby intime as Bishop Carlton obserued Idem pag. 126. in place of Communio Sanctorum may creepe in Apostasia and all our religion might in like sort be lost and sunke into Poperie The late Duke theire honoured Lord while he liued to such ends as it seemes fauoured theise theire opinions and deuotions though perhaps he did not well vnderstand them and willingly suffered none to be preferred but such as would maintaine them or conuiue at them Which could not but be pleasing to the Countesse his Mother and her Preists and hence it came that he beeing greate in this World and able to aduance men to honour offices and wealth wanted not Schollars and Courtiers to fight by disputes reasons for theese errours Who can thinke but that he would strengthen himselfe in Court and Vniuersities with such men and theese beeing by his meanes engaged in the cause while he liued to saue theire owne stakes and reputations vphold it what they can now he is dead though it be against the honour of God against Christ the Word and his Kingdom yea and against the truest honour of theire Royal Maister whose honour they pretend to seeke and whome they would seeme to loue and against the peace and strength of his Kingdoms by them thus dangerously diuided and weakened in themselues Here yet let vs not to much wonder that so many wise and learned men of our time should be so far ouercome by theese preferments and hopes as to consent to theese doctrines or conniue at them For hopes of preferment and gifts blinde the eyes of the wise Men are apt * Ioh. 10. Phil. 2.21 Sunt quidam Ecclefia propofiti de quibus Paulus Apostolus dicit sua quaerentes noÌ„ quae Iesu Christi quid est â—ua quaerentes non ChristuÌ„ gratis diligentes non Deum propter Deum quaerentes temporalia commoda sectantes â—ucrâ—s inhiantes honores ab hominibus appetentes quisquis est talis inercenarius est August in Ioan. Tra. 45. like Hirelings to seeke theire owne not the things which are Christs who saith Ioh. 5.44 How can ye beleeue which receiue honour one of another and seeke not the honour that commeth from God only they seeke theire owne not the Kingdom that is not of this world But if it were of this World then they would seeke it Our Sauiours owne Disciples left him for a short time and made him say If my Kingdom were of this world then would my Seruants fight that I should not be deliuered to the Iewes who accuse him and his doctrine of peruerting the Nation His Seruants did not then fight for him by arguments or otherwise to cleare him in this therefore he concludes But now my Kingdom is not from hence As if he saide that all my Seruants leaue me and neither fight for me by sword or word it is manifest that is not of this World nor praeiudiciall to Caesars this argues it is not from hence that they looke not for any thinge by it here in this World He had told them that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion and authoritie ouer them But it shall not be so amonge you but that they should be deliuered vp Mat. 20.25 Mat. 25.9 killed hated and betraied for his names sake Therefore now they leaue him and fight not for him any way to rescue him Which proued that his Kingdom was not from hence who hereby inferreth that in the Kingdoms of this World Seruants and Subiects will fight in hope of the riches and honours they afford to theire defenders And here let not Papists brag to much of theire late acheiuments by sword or practises whereby they daily subiect many to the Pope For if our religion haue beene weakely theires thorowly maintained it argues that ours is of Christs Kingdom not from hence theires of this World and of Antichrist and that therefore Princes and Preists fight for them and not for Christ because they haue riches honours and such worldly rewards to giue them for theire Seruices as one proueth at * Relation of the Religion vsed in the West large Neither is it any such strange thinge that the Iesuits and other of theire Clergie and Church who effect theese things should goe in the way of Kain perish in the gainsaying of Core and be cast away by the deceitfulnes of Balaams wages Here therefore not to speake of the many greate Countries Prouinces Kingdoms titles dignities and other rewards that the Church of Rome hath conferred on such Princes Captains and Souldiers as haue defended them and theire cause with the Sword such as were Pepin Charles his Sonne and diuers other her Champions wherein yet she hath still cut large thonges out of other mens hides I will passe by that part of theire auarice pride and arrogancie who not content to get to themselues and theire Monasteries Orders by fables and flatterie the greatest part of the riches and Lands in the Kingdoms of this World haue taken on them to take the verrie Kingdoms themselues with theire titles and proffits from the right owners and giue them to
people saying this is the blood of the Testament which God hath enioyned vnto you That was a type of this Testament sealed and dedicated to all mākinde in Christs blood which sprinckleth both the Testament as a witnesse and seale of it and the people as redeemed and sealed vnto therefore this blood of the euerlasting couenant is called a witnessing Heb. 12.24 a speaking blood The blood of sprinckling which speaketh better things then the blood of Abel It witnesseth the Truth of all things declared in the new Testament and so speaketh reconcilliation grace peace life to the consciences of all them that receiue the same Testament and the loue of the Truth therein manifested in all things necessary to saluation See that ye refuse not him that speaketh vers 25. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not wee if wee turne away from him that speaketh from Heauen viz. by this blood and the representatiue signes thereof in his Sacraments therefore Saint Iohn saith 1. Ioh. 5.8 There are three that beare witnesse in Earth the Spirit and the Water and the Blood and theese three agree in one They all witnesse and seale the same thinge they agree in witnesse of one Truth one Testament Ioh. 14.26 chap. 16.13 The Spirit that is the holy Ghost that brought all things to the mindes of the Apostles that Christ had told them and that witnesseth the same Word and noe other vnto vs for he guided them into all Truth he was not to speake of himselfe but to take of Christs and shew vnto them nothing but that which Christ had * Ioh. 15.15 made knowne vnto them saue only that he should shew them things to come viz. touching the comming of the man of sinne his lying wonders him that letted Seducing Spirits that should forbid marriage and some meates the seauen seales the 7. Triumpets the 7. Vials the Dragon with tenne hornes the Beast his marke them that receiue it Babylons Ruin and the like Whereof our Lord speaketh when he saith I haue yet many things to say vnto you Ioh. 16.12 but ye can not beare them now theese can not be as the greate whore and her members most impudently affirme the traditions of the Church of Rome as inuocation of saints single life of Preists distinction of meates theire obserued fasts and feasts the Popes succession in Peters chaire as head of the Church priuate masses drawing Soules out of purgatorie c. For this is a bold diuination for thire owne proffit any other Hereticks may say as much for theire herefies if that would serue and to disproue them all our Sauiour speaking of things absolutely necessary to saluation saith All things that I haue heard of my Father haue I made knowne vnto you Ioh. 15.15 theese the Spirit brought to theire mindes and in theire writings * Act. 20.27 1. Ioh. 1.3 chap. 2.27 Charac of a Christian p. 86.96.106.110 they manifested them to vs and to theese the Spirit beareth witnesse on earth And the water viz. in Baptisme it is a seale of that Couenant and Truth it exhibiteth and witnesseth the same things vissiblie and to the Soule in a sealing signe that the Testament doth And the blood this did Christs bloods shed on the Crosse and this doth the cup in the Sacrament for therefore Christ giueth to the signe the name and sealing virtue of the thinge signified saying This is my blood of the new Testament viz. that witnesseth and confirmeth the truth of it and of all that it offereth and teacheth to youre Soules This cup is the new Testament in my blood the Testament witnessed sealed confirmed and dedicated to you in my blood as the first Testament was in the blood of Calues of Goates c. and therefore Saint Iohn there addeth If wee receiue the witnesse of men 1. Ioh. 5.9 the witnesse of God is greater for this is the witnesse of God which he testifieth of his Sonne that is which he testifieth of the Word of the Truth which is his Sonne and which God witnessed and sealed vnto vs not only by voices from Heauen and myracles but also by the blood of his Sonne and now by his Spirit by the water of Baptisme and by the cup in the Lords Supper therefore it is saide Him hath God the Father sealed Ioh. 6.27 and therefore John Baptist saith of Christ Ioh. 3.33 He that receiued his testimonie hath set to his seale that God is true that is true in his Word and true in the sealing that he giues to it he iustifieth him in his sayings Rom. 3.4 He that beleeueth him not in euery thinge he hath saide but reiecteth the Testament the Truth in any point of faith and saluation he beleeueth not God but hath made him a liar vers 10. because he beleeueth not the record that God gaue of his Sonne He beleeueth not the witnesse of the Spirit of the water of the cup not the witnes which Christ bare vnto the Truth in his blood he refuseth him that speaketh by theese yea he reiecteth Christ the faithfull and true witnesse and the Seale or marke of God Reu. 1.5 euen the testimonie of Iesus * chap. 19.10 see Character of a Christian pag. 228. receiued by all them that are in a right and saueing manner of the true Church Wherein there is noe other Word receiued in matters of faith and saluation but Gods Testament Noe vaine brags of the spirit but by the Scriptures the * 1. Ioh. 4.1.6 Act. 17.11 1. Thes 5.21 Isa 8.20 Spirits are tried To the Law and to the testimonie if they speake not according to this word it is because there is noe light in them And consequently noe spirit of prophesie in them If a man be well skilled or mightie in the proofes power of the new Testament as Apollos was saide to be mightie in the Scriptures Act. 18.24 then he hath the spirit of prophesie otherwise not for that true member of the true church endued with such excellent knowledge that Iohn would haue worshipped him Reu. 12.9 chap. 19.10 saith I am of thy Brethren the Prophets of them that keepe the sayings of this booke Which expoundeth that I am of thy Brethren that haue the testimonie of Jesus he had nothing else but his Testament he came out from the Arke of his Testament out of that Temple wherein was noe other Word he was powerfull in that nor would he allow any doctrine which was not agreeable thereto to be of the Spirit therefore he saith for the testimonie of Iesus is the Spirit of prophesie noe other If therefore men bringe not that testimonie they vainly talke of the Spirit of prophesie as Papists for theire traditions Anabaptists for theire dreames and others for theire Heresies wherein they reiect the testimonie of Iesus doe despite to the Spirit of grace Wherefore the Apostle saith Heb.
10.26 If wee sinne willingly after wee haue receiued the knowledge of the Truth there remaineth noe more sacrifice for sinnes but a certaine fearefull looking for of iudgment and fierie indignation c. If wee fall away and reiect the truth in any point of faith saluation wee haue noe benefit of that one Sacrifice for as it was a price of redemption so ye see it was and is a seale and witnesse of the Testament that conueis the benefit of it to them that receiue that Truth not to them that despise it for it rather sealeth to them the damnation assured Mark 16.16 Ioh. 3.18.20 He that despised Moses Law vers 28. died without mercie vnder two or three witnesses though he despised but one or two commaundements thereof for that made him guiltie of all Of how much sorer puishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden vnder foote the Sonne of God viz. the Word the * Charac of a Christian p. 34. new Testament not the letter but the spirit For the Lord is that spirit 2. Cor. 3.6.17 and hath counted the blood of Couenant wherewith he was sanctified that is sealed dedicated an vnholy thinge He that reiects his testimonie in any point and takes other he departs from the faith as those doe who take theires that forbid marriage meates and so he doth this verrie thinge he maketh the blood that speaketh an insufficient witnesse and so an vnholy thinge and doth despite vnto the Spirit of grace that also witnesseth the same like as all Hereticks and hinderers and slanderers of the Word doe though Christ came with his blood and bitter passion to beare witnesle to the Truth and to make him receiue the loue of it yet he receiueth it not Marke this ye Papists Pelagians and other Hereticks and neuer tell men of youre meditations of Christs wounds hopes in his blood and sufferings and in your receiuing it in the cup nor of your prayers to be clensed by that blood if in any thinge you obstinately reiect his testimonie and receiue not the Truth to which he bare witnesse with his blood because this is not to receiue but to tread vnder foote the Sonne of God count the blood of the Couenant wherewith he was sanctified sealed and confirmed to vs an vnholy thinge How theÌ„ would they haue benefit by it God hath chosen men to saluation and so to haue benefit by the blood by the Sacrament through sanctification of the spirit and beleefe of the Truth Such as receiue the loue of the Truth haue it 2. Thes 2. not others that will not The like may be saide of theire Baptisme I meane not generally because at least some of theire children dying before they come of age to receiue or reiect the loue of the Truth may yet haue benefit of theire Baptisme to life euerlasting but they themselues that oppose the Truth in any thinge or will not heare the voice of the Charmer charme he neuer so wisely and presist therein without repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth what benefit can they haue by theire Baptisme It is not that but theire beeing * Charat of a Christian pag. 81. c. and continuing in the Word that makes them such true Christians as shall be saued For Baptisme also is a seale of the Couenant by it God beareth witnesse to his Couenant and it is of greate force and virtue to him that receiues the loue true of the Truth sealed as the seale is to a couenant of this world and to him that receiues it and whatsoeuer it conueieth But if in any point men reiect and oppose the Truth and so tread vnder foote the Sonne of God they make the Water and the Blood thereby signified an insufficent witnesse and so an vnholy thinge they refuse him that by it speaketh and beareth witnesse to his Truth and what benefit then can they haue by it without receiuing his Truth to which it is a seale He that receiues the broade seale of a Kinge if either in part or in whole he reiect oppose or disclaime the deede to which it is annexed or the things therein conueied or will not hold them so as the writing bindeth whether it be in capite or other tenute but as he list himselfe or if he cut of a peece of the writing or tread it vnder foote what good doth the Seale doe him surely none he forsakes the substance and foundation of his assurance But so doe the Papists and other Hereticks by Gods Truth and couenant as in theese examples The Couenant of God witnesseth that He hath chesen vs in him before the world not that wee were but that wee should be holy He hath saued vs and called vs with an holy calling Ephes 1.4.5.6 2. Tim. 1.9 Rom. 11.15 chap. 9.11.12 16. not according to our workes but according to his owne purpose and grace giuen vs in Christ before the world There is a remnant acording to the election of grace and if by grace then it is no more of workes otherwise Grace is noe more grace c. Noe man can haue theese but he must thus hold them in Capite of God and that his eternall Truth and purpose but both Papists and Pelagians oppose this some more some lesse and will haue and hold this election calling and saluation from and according to foreseene faith and workes and so of and by them And is not this then to fall from God his eternall purpose and grace to themselues and theire owne workes From the fundamentall Truth and true foundation to a false one of theire owne The Couenant of God witnesseth of the elect that they are borne againe not of the will of man Ioh. 1. but of God of and by the Word Phil. 2. that God worketh in vs both to will and to doe The Pelagians and Papists will not hold this Sonneship and power to doe good soe wholly of God but of free will which at least must share with God in that power and honour Is not this to disclaime God in the foundation and the things it giueth Indeede they haue free will but it is to contend against the Word Iud. 11. and by gainsaying with Core to shew they are not of the Truth and soe to proue that they haue not this free will to good which they talke of Gods couenaÌ„t giues the cup to all Mat. 26.27 1. Cor. 11.26.27.28 saying drinke ye all of it and soe did the Corimhians eâ—ce this bread drinke this cup. The Papists yet take the cup from the laietie and so as it were what in them is both cut of a peece of the Coueant 1. Tim. 2.5 and breake of a part of the Seale yea forbid and denie it to Gods people Gods Couenant and Truth will haue them come vnto him and by Christ the * Heb. 1.4 one only Mediatour Papists will yet pray vnto Saints and
make them Mediatours Gods Couenant alloweth †1. Tim. 3.2.12 Marriage to all they forbid it to Preists A man would thinke this were not to depart from the faith to forsake the foundation But though sinnes of infirmitie against the new Couenant are not a departing from it yet as for teaching or receiuing any new or contrarie doctrine and not * 1. Tim. 6.3 consenting to Christs in all things in this case it is with the new Couenant as it was with the Law Gal. 3.10 Deut. 27. Iam. 2.10 Cursed is euery one that continueth not in all things which are written in it and whosoeuer shall keepe the whole Law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all and must haue forer punishment Reu. 22.16.18 as one that tradeth vnderfoote the Sonne of God c. vt supra For the Angell and Christ by him assureth eternall plauges to him that shall adde to his Word or take away from the words of his booke Saint Paul saith of theese that giue beede to such as forbid marriage and some meats that they depart from the faith Much more if they doe it in other points also as the Papists doe who in many greate points of faith and saluation doe not continue in the Word but * 1. Tim. 6.3 teach other wise consent not to the wholsom words of our Lord Jesus Christ but are gainsayers with Core Iude 11. Gods Covenant witnesseth that he doth freely iustifie his by the blood of Christ and his free grace therein Rom. 5.9 Rom. 3.24.28 Gal. 2.16 and on our part by faith only without the workes of the Law for Saint Iames speakes of our iustification before men shew me thy faith by the workes Iam. 2.18 make it appeare to vs by thy workes that it is not a dead faith Rom. 4.2 but true liueing and saueing If Abraham were iustified by workes he hath wherein to reioyce but not afore God Yet they will haue a man to be iustified afore God not by his free grace and only by faith therein but by the workes of the Law Which is against the maine scoape of the Gospell and Truth of God touching saluation and so against the foundation as also in other points Heb. 7.27 chap. 9.26.28 chap. 10.12.14 The Couenant of God witnesseth that Christ was once offered after he had offered one Sacrifice for simes for euer he sate downe at the right hand of God By one offering he perfected for euer them that are sanctified The Papists will yet daily offer him by the hands of the Preist a propitiatorie sacrifice for the sinnes of the quick and dead to get remission by an idoll or false Christ of theire owne making Ioh. 8.32 see Charac of a Christian pag. 329. c. ad finem and so by a new price of redemption The Couenant of God witnesseth that the Truth maketh men free and free indeede from the seruitude and imputation of sinne that men can not otherwise haue true freedom but as if it did not the Papists will haue freedom by pardons merrits satisfactions masses c. Surely this is to forsake the true foundation of assurance for a false one of theire owne Yet some vnaduisedly say they hold the foundation which can not be maintained For Christ is the eternall Word and Truth reuealed and that Word is in himselfe most simple and indiuisible one foundation not to be diuided though wee can not come in any measure to know the same but as it is reuealed for our weake and finite vnderstanding as it were by parts and principles yet it is true in them all and in euery part he was and is eternally that Truth of God and other foundation can noe man laie theÌ„ that is laied which is Iesus Christ Now therefore whoseuer in points of faith and saluation forsake and oppose that foundation in any one principle and insteade thereof intrudeth another for men to build vpon he forsaketh and opposeth Christ the eternall foundation and thrusts in another for men to build vpon and they that in matters of faith and saluation receiue and build vpon the intruded foundation they forsake Christ the eternall foundation build vpon the other intruded but the Popish clergie in points of faith and saluation forsake and oppose that foundation in diuers principles and insteade thereof intrude others for men to build on therefore they forsake and oppose Christ the eternall foundation and thrust in another for men to build vpon and the Papists that in matters of faith and saluation receiue and build vpon the intruded foundation they also forsake Christ the eternall foundation and build vpon the intruded If an Executour or one that hath diuers legacies giuen him reiect a dead mans Testament in any one thinge to get the same by some other right and title or adde one thinge to it wee say he forsakes breakes and dissanuls the will or Testament and so the verrie foundation of all he hath by it much more if he doe it in many as the Papists doe by Christ who reiect his Testament in diuers maine points of faith and saluation to hold the legacies thereof by other doctrines and titles and adde to it theire owne traditions which they will haue receiued pari pietatis affectu ac reuerentia For faith S. Paul If it be a mans Testament yet if it be confirmed noe man dissanulleth or addeth vnto it Gal. 3.15 Much lesse to Gods Testament which is the Truth Christ spake and confirmed in his blood seeing indeede Christ himselfe is the Truth which he spake as * Aug. in 10. trac 41. Bâ—da Feria 5 poâ—t â—â—uocauâ—t Aug. in Ioan. trâ—c 115. cum Chrutus c. Ioh. 8. Angustine and Beda shew on the words I speake that which I haue seene with my Father and as the same Augustine on theese words doth well vnderstand when Christ beareth witnesse to the Truth truly he beareth witnesse to himselfe for surely it is his owne voice I am the Truth And he also saith in another place I am one that beareth witnesse of my selfe Which needeth noe further proofe here because in sundrie places aboue he is manifested to be the Word and that Word the Truth Now seeing he bare witnesse to that Truth to the Testament with his blood and this Testament beeing the doctrine taught by him and his Apostles and Euangelists and by them left in writing is called * Reu. 19.10 chap. 22.9 Character of a Christian pag. 228. the testimonie of Iesus receiued by all that are his as of one that is therefore called the faithfull and true witnesse Reuel 1.5 one that should be beleeued and obeied in all matters of faith and saluation therfore against all opposers and Hereticks who refuse his testimonie in any point he addeth Euerie one that is of the truth heareth my voice That is euerie one that is of me and so is a true Christian in beeing of the Truth
most holy Word and to aske thoose things c. In the Lords praier diuers times there vsed wee pray Hallowed be thy Name they Kingdom come they will be donne and soe that his Word may be had in honour and his Kingdom come amonge vs in the due preaching thereof and into our Soules to rule vs in all things necessarie to saluation For his is the Kingdom the power and glorie The Psalme read saith to day if ye will heare his voice hearden not c. The praier for peace In knowledge of whome standeth our eternall life another Granting vs in this world knowledge of they truth the letanie That is would please him to illuminate all Bishops Pastors and Ministers of the Church with true knowledge and vnderstanding of his Word and what to treasure and monopolize it vp in themselues noe but that by theire preaching liueiug they may set it forth and shew it accordingly as in a prayer at the communion That they may both by theire life and doctrine set foorth they true and liuely Word In another for all the congration 2. Sund. in Aduent Blessed Lord which hast caused all holy Scripture to be written for our learning grant that wee may in such wise heare them reade c. To passe by that on 5. Sund after Epiph. which Against Pelagian pride saith That they which doe leane only on the hope of they heauenly grace may euermore c. On good Friday is begd of him That he would take from Iewes Turkes Infidels and Hereticks ignorance heardnesse of heart and contempt of his Word but not in desire to retaine it in our selues The booke of Articles saith Art 2. The Sonne is the Word of the Father begotten c. Art 6. Holy Scripture containeth all things necessarie to saluation soe that whatsoeuer is not read therein nor may be proued thereby is not required of any man that it should be beleeued as an article of faith or be thought requisite or necessarie to saluation Soe also the Articles of Ireland Art 1. The ground of our Religion and the Rule of faith and all saueing truth is the Word of God contained in holy Scripture In both theese bookes by the name of holy Scripture the Compilers vnderstand all the canonicall bookes of the old and new Testament in them recited Now that which thus bindeth vs to another Rule and warrant doth not make it selfe the Rule and warrant nor permit any Rule and warrant in matters of faith and saluation besides that to which it bindeth vs but the booke of the Articles doth thus binde to another Rule and warrant ergo For further proofe whereof obserue Art 22. The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory c. is a fonde thinge Now this Article is not the Rule and warrant why that doctrine must not be receiued but the Word for soe it followeth as beeing vainely inuented and grounded vpon noe warranty of Scripture but rather repugnant to the Word of God Art 8. saith The three creedes ought throughly to be receiued and beleeued but why the article sends to the warrant and rule saying For they may be proued by most certaine warrants of holy Scripture Wherevpon Ministers Catechising men in that called the Apostles creede doe accordingly proue the matter by the Scriptures Art 18. counteth them accursed that presume to say that euery man shall be saned by the law or sect which he professeth where the Article is not the Rule or warrant but plainely telleth you of another saying For holy Scripture doth set out vnto vs only the Name of Iesus Christ whereby men must be saued This man then that hoped that wee should haue noe other Religion then the booke of Articles and the common praier hoped it seemes that wee should not haue them as they were at first intended nor in that which they require and binde men to viz. in matter of faith and saluation to build only on the Scripture which ye see is plainely and euidently intended by the compilers of the Articles By this man one may gather the hopes of the Papists for it was Mr. Burgen theire known Newes-monger one that is frequent amonge them and heares theire mindes that preaching to aedifie some and confute others by Scripture and writing to conuince some and establish others which haue soe weakened discoured them would now be out of countenance and fashion that though wee pray for theese things yet there should be nothing lesse minded and practised that soe they and the Arminians might preuaile vnconfuted vnreproued because theese bookes though agreable to Scripture are not as ye see warrants Rules of faith they doe not quote places of Scripture to proue or confute and so consume Antichrist and Hereticks by the Spirit of Christs mouth nor indeede recite all theire errours that yet theese bookes would come to be the Rule of faith and soe ouerthrow that which the 6. Article saies of the Scripture that wee should not soe much as vrge them in theire true grammaticall sense that by this meanes Arminian prelates might hold them to theire sense that if according to Trent practises some more Arminians and Popelings could be intruded into Bishops Sees and conuocations then any thinge that they vnder the Name of the Church of England should teach or ordaine might also in time become rules and Articels of faith and at last not the Scripture but theire iniunctions should be alleadged to proue points of faith after the Manner of the Church of Rome and the Scriptures pinned to them and in some points noe further admitted or taught then agreable to them that insteade of the authoritey of Scripture the authoritie sense and iniunctions of the Church might be interposed he iudged an Heretick that should not receiue them what euer they be without further dispute and soe that wee should shortly loose our Religion and all be brought by degrees and deuises as the Churches of Italie and others were of old to the Popes tenets Whereas on the contrarie the booke of Articles saith Art 19. The vissible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithfull men in which the pure Word of God is preached and the Sacraments be duly ministred according to Christs ordinance Art 20. The Church heath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies and authoritie in controuersies of faith And yet it is not lawfull for the Church to ordaine any thinge that is contrarie to Gods Word written neither may it soe expound one place of Scripture that it be repugnant to another Wherefore although the Church be a witnes and a keeper of holy writ Yet as it ought not to decree any thinge against the same so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thinge to be beleeued for necessity of saluation Art 21. Generall councells may erre and somtime haue erred Much more particular Thus then the booke of common prayer the Articles binde Men to be of Gods Truth neither doth any man rightly hold them vnlesse as