This cut off all the Orthodox men that were already root and branch but what care did they take of the next Generation A. C They furnished the Universities with active men that might instill their Principles into all the Youth yet lest some honest men as D. H. Dr. S. Dr. G. and others should take care for the succession of true Ministers by encouraging some youth to embrace the antient Catholique and Apostolique way they set up a company of Triers as Manton Caryl Nie c. at Church door as it were who were to take care that every man should be true to their faction before he were admitted to any place bestowed upon him L. O. Yea and least any man that was approved by the Triers should afterwards embrace any of the antient Rites and orders of the Church of England they set up in the several Counties Commitees of Ejection who upon the first discovery of an Orthodox man had power to render him uncapable of any livelyhood in the Church L. W. And that they might be sure of the following age they set up new Ordinations and new associations of Ministers L. I. Yea and rather then fail if they had not the Clergy to serve their turn they were resolved to take away Tythes and all the setled maintenance of Ministers and to let into the Church all persons whatsoever that were well affected to themselves and the good Old Cause in somuch that we were like to be all Teachers and no Hearers yea in a word they intended to destroy all Law Order Civility Learning and pure Religion before God and undefiled they denyed the being of the Church and so began to set up a new Church but that God who seteth in Heaven laughed at their devices and brought their Counsel to nought CHAP. VI. King Charles the Seconds Reign COurt When a miracle restored the Church and a wonder defeated these prosperous Parties to their own and the worlds amazement we presume that they acquiesced in it and thought this is the Lords doing and it is marvelous in our sight stand off from these designes lest we be found fighters against God R. L. Especially when besides a providence that might awe these men there came along with his Majesty so much Clemency mercy and goodness as made him ready to condescend as far as reason honour ' or conscience would give him leave and content to yield them all that seemed to advance true piety he onely desiring to continue what was necessary in point of order maintenance and authority to the Church Government and what he was perswaded was agreeable to the true Principles of Government raised to its full stature and perfection as also to the Primitive and Apostolical pattern and the practice of the universal Church conforme thereto nor were the remaining differences so essential to the peoples happiness or of such consequence as in the least to have hindred the Subjects security or prosperity for the best enjoyed both many years before those demands were made Court But the violence of these men was not so allayed R. L. No as soon as ever the King set foot on English ground Smectymnuus was Re-printed the Covenant maintained the Kings engagement in Scotland was urged and many more pestilent Papers whose common business was by affronting the Law and slattering the rabble to cast all back into a confusion a multitude of persons are dissatisfied to whom his Majesty must either yield or endanger himself and three Kingdomes whereby they extorted from his Majesty an Interim or a Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical assaires which allowed them their own liberty untill his Majesty could with the advice of his Divines take further order Court Where they herewith satisfied L. R. No for I do not well remember where ever that party was ever satisfied with less then all allow these people their askings in what concernes their Discipline will they rest quiet there without further hankering after the Legislative power the Milita or some such thing C. How did they proceed R. L. They endeavoured to settle that temporary indulgence for ever in Parliament and when that would not do they endeavour to confirme the people in what they had taught them formerly and urged his Majesty to a Conference which he granted them at the Savoy between Mr. Baxter Dr. Seaman Mr. Calamy Bishop Reynolds Dr. Jacomb Dr. Manton Dr. Conant Dr. Spurstow and Dr. Gunning Dr. Pearson Dr. Peirce c. C. What was the success of that Conference R. L. The same with all others of that nature whence both parties go away as firme in their several Opinions as they came it was not very likely that a day or two's conference should perswade them out of that way out of which the last hundred years law power and reason could not force them C. It 's strange to see a few people endeavouring to impose upon a whole Nation it's strange that a novel and vulgar imagination should bear down an Apostolical institution that a private opinion should consist with a publick and solemn sanction R. L. Yet what these men could not do by argument they endeavour by policy using all meanes to secure to themselves the next Parliament by the most notorious canvasing that was seen this twenty years elections being carried with much partiality and popular heats in most places by the last endeavour of a gasping faction C. It is well they kept themselves within the compass of private policy and design R. L. Not so for at first all the lesser factions were hid in Presbytery till time and military success discovering to every one his own advantage invited them to part into several parties as Independents Anabaptists Quakers Fifth-Monarchy men who all before the King came drove on their several designes but were united since as against a common enemy C. Then these factions grew to the same excess with them in Germany who were at first an harmless people but at last made havock of all Order Law peace Religion c. and whatsoever is sacred among Mankind But what did they attempt R. L. They contrived a design so comprehensive as might take in the whole stream and strength of discontent and faction in the Nation a design for liberty of Conscience in Religion for ease of all payments as Taxes Tythes c. in estate for recovery of King and Bishops Lands to the thousands that bought them of selling all in common to all the poor people that in quiet times could not live C. O their cunning they knew that they were inconsiderable untill discontents drave men into sidings as ill humours fall to the disaffected part so all who affected any novelties or complained of any grievances adhere to that way as the most remarkable and specious note of difference in point of Religion But did they break out into any violence R. L. Yes they set up a desperate party to break the Ice as Venner c. according to whose success the rest were ready to
they said tried all serious and sober meanes to reclame the Bishops which hitherto proved ineffectual they set up Libelling in these Pamphlets 1. The Epitome 2. the Demonstrance of Discipline 3. the Supplication 4. Diotrephes 5. the Minerals 6. Have you any work for Coopers 7. Martin Marre Prelate sen. and jun. 8. More work for Coopers A new way whereby whom they could not in earnest make odious in jest they would make ridiculous for their garbs gate apparel youth defects and infirmities its strange how secretly these were Printed how speediy dispersed how generally bought how greedily read yea and how firmly believed especially among the Common sort to whom no better Musick then to see theie betters abused Court Such Bookes are altogether unbecoming a pious Spirit to print or publish or with pleasure to peruse which supposed true in matter and measure charity would rather conceal then discover the best of men being so conscious of their own badness that they are more careful to wash their own faces then busie to durty other mens An Archangel thought himself too good to bring and Satan not bad enough to have railing accusations brought against him But what was the Law asleep all this while C. N. The Law fined two Knights Knightly and Wigston for entertaining the Press Gentlemen and discovering the Press which was first set up at Mously in Surrey and removed thence to Faushey in Northampton shire then to Laton thence to Coventry thence to Welstone in Warwick shire thence to Manchester and there found by H. E. of Derby in the Printing of more work for the Cooper they found out Udal Penry Greenwood and Barrow and Condemned them Penry for being the Author of Martin Marre Prelate Udal for being the Author of Demonstration of Discipline who were executed afterwards to the great terrour of evil doers and peace of the Kingdome Court Poena ad unum terror ad omnes L. B. C. L. O the sad condition of the Church which like Rebeccab had Twins of Discipline strugling within her the Hierarchy antient and established the Presbytery newly founded by some Clergy men favoured by many of the Gentry and followed by more of the Common sort who being prompted with that natural principle that the weakest must be the most watchful what they wanted in strength they supplied in activity Court I pray wherein were they active when all these courses failed them L. B. C. L. A Synod of Presbyterians of the Warwick shire Classis was called at Coventry the tenth day of the fourth Moneth as they said that is April where they resolved 1. private Baptisme unlawful 2. Homilies useless 3. the sign of the Cross dangerous 4. not to Communicate with unlearned Ministers yet they may hear Lay-men 5. Bishops are unlawful 6. That they have no power of Ordination or jurisdiction 7. That they will privately bring wise men to the approbation of the holy Discipline and afterwards teach it publickly to the people These and other things necessary at all times were subscribed by all the Classes in England with humiliation for their former Conformity as Mr. Johnson witnessed against them when he revolted from them Court What became of these men P. H. Cartwright was cited to the High Commission on the 1. of Sept. 1590. to answer to these Articles against him 1. that he had renounced his Orders 2. that he was ordained beyond Sea 3. and there had setled a Presbyterian Consistory where he had presumed to ordain others that new way 4. that they had exercised their authority in admonition suspension c. against the Lawes of this Realm 5. that though he had promised not to oppose the Lawes yet he did it in neglecting and opposing the orders of the Church and inveighing against the Governours in publick preaching and private conference 6. that when he should pray for Bishops he used these words Because that they who ought to be Pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set our selves against them and by his perswasions others did the like 7. that he received the Sacrament sometimes sitting sometimes walking 8. that since his suspension by the Bishop of Worcester he had presumed to appeal from him and preach publickly and by his own authority to own a servant of his guilty of fornication a forme of Penance in St. Maries in Warwick 9. that he presumed to ordaine Fasts contrary to the Church of England 10. that he had nourished dissentions between Her Majesties Subjects by distinguishing them into Godly and Profane 11. that he concealed the Authors of some late Libells and said in their behalf That they who would not amend by grave admonitions should be further dealt with to their reproach and shame 12. That he had composed a Book called Disciplina Ecclesiae sacrae verbo Dei descripta allowed at several meetings in Oxford Cambridge Warwick c. and practised in several places where Mr. Cartwright was chief Court What saith Mr. Cartwright to these Articles Cartw. I think I am not bound to answer to them by the Lawes of God Bishop Almer You must then to the Fleet. Cartw. Gods will be done L. B. C. What were the discourses that were abroad of these proceedings T. F. I pray hear Mr. VViggingtons words in a Letter to Mr. Porter of Lancaster Mr. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusal of the Oath as I hear and Mr. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted so that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Court And no wonder that they talked at this rate for they had now by their private Agents procured a Letter from King James to the Queen Not to straiten men for setting forth the Evangel in the simplicity of their Consciences But did they break out into any excesses and extravagancies P. H. Yes for with these encouragements Hacket Arthington c. were animated to kill the Queen the Privy Councel and to speak and do such strange things that they were hanged August the twelfth 1591. Court What was that Hacket A. B. He was so civil by nature that he bit and eat his Mistress Note when a School boy he was at first an informer against Recusants and then by his access to great men so busie that he was the great patron of Non-conformity despising all Ministers and though in their Company yet saying Grace himself alwaies and so in all Ministerial duties so angry he was with the Queen that once he stabbed her Picture c. Court Enough of him Good Lord to see what a Schisme will come to in time Nonconformity was now much improved many State businesses are by turbulent spirits shufled into that cause it were worth the while to have before us a series of their meeting and actions in general Mr. Stone To satisfie my own conscience and for the peace of the Kingdome
very hour throughout the several Raigns of Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth King James King Charles First King Charles Second Orth. A match let us go together and call a Court and with that Gentlemans assistance try these grand Pretenders by a Jury of our English Historians Capt. Agreed and O my conscience you will find such a mystery of iniquity from time to time carried on was never managed on English ground a plot of an hundred years continuance a Government within a Government a design to blow us up with white powder first you will find them scrupulous next stubborn and at last turbulent first they beseech then expostulate now they flatter anon they threaten now they beg against a Ceremony anon they petition against King and Bishops to day you will find them creeping about the Court to morrow they are canting to the people c. Orth. Let us to work impartially and seriously that we may see the bottom of these men Court O yes O yes O ye Nonconformists hold up your hands You are Indicted of several Plots Conspiracies Disturbances Contrivance's and Designes against the wholsome orders of this Church the welfare and Government of this Realm eversince the Reformation are you guilty or not guilty Nonconf We bless God for the Reformation begun in this and other Churches but because nothing was ever by men at one timebegun and perfected much less so good a work as that was meeting with so great opposition from within and without we desire in compliance with the mercy of God discovering himself to us more and more every day to go on to perfection not as if we bad already attained or were already perfect but this one thing we do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before c. Court We must needs interrupt you and desire you to answer directly in due forme of Law whether guilty or not guilty And what Plea soever you have to offer in your own behalf shall be in due time place and order received with favour heard with patience and debated with all equal impartiality Nonconf In submission to that authority which whatever is thought of us or suggested concerning us we obey for conscience sake as ordained of God we plead in due form of Law Not guilty Court By whom will you be tried Nonconf By the great God before whom we stand whose eyes see whose eye-lids try the children of men and by those faithful men who have reported the transactions of this last age impartially concealing nothing out of fear nor speaking any thing out of favour not omitting anything through ignorance nor neglecting any thing in forgetfulness but delivering words of truth and soberness with good authority not overswayed by partiality or corrupt affection nor byassed by love or hatred G. L. B. L. When it pleased God who makes all things work for the best to make use of Henry the Eighth passions and private interest in order to a publick good so far as that his bold attempts should make a way to the pions indeavours of those that came after him for that Reformation the whole World wished as in other Churches so in this there rose up some men speaking perverse things and drawing away Disciples after them stirred up as it s feared by the Church of Rome which endeavoured to hinder that blessed work by an inward division and domestick confusion which had in vain opposed by outward power and forreign interest For as Mr. Baxter observes very well out of Luther in his Book against the Anabaptists When the reformed Ministers had spent some years in building the Church the Romish adversaries raised up some strange-spirited persons who should destroy it in few Moneths Nonconf Verily we do not remember that any of us made any opposition to the first Reformation in which many of us had the honour of being Instruments in the Lords hand which we owned with the loss of all that was near and dear to us and many of us sealed it with our blood although we must confess we did endeavour to carry the Reformation so far as might be most agreeable with the Word of God most answerable to the Primitive Churches way and neerest the pattern of other Reformed Churches with whom we desire to hold Communion in the great concernes of Christianity Court What you did the World took notice of for these things were not done in a corner but that you may be proceeded with more clearly distinctly and satisfactorily those of you who lived in King Edward the sixth dayes and practised at the first Reformation may hear the Evidence we have against them and the rest may withdraw Nonconf We submit Court Mr. Calvin Our Evidence against you is That since you had prevailed in Geneva for a Government and order according to your own humour fancy and judgement the necessity of that place and time you were not contented to see any thing established in other Churches without your consent and approbation and particularly that you went beyond your own line as an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or one busie in other mens matters about the affaires of England First When you sent Letters to Martin Bucer to take heed of his old fault for a fault you thought it was to run a moderate course as we do here in Reformation neither keeping too neer nor going too far from Rome 2 When you offered your assistance to Arch-Bishop Cranmer and being refused by him because of your rigidness you tampered in a very long Letter with the Lord Protect or Sommerset that most Ceremonies should be altered and that he should go on to reforme the Church without regard to peace at home or correspondence abroad either in altering adding taking away or moderating the Liturgy Discipline and Ceremonies And besides you writ that the Godly Homilies should by no means be allowed for continuance or be looked upon as a rule for the Church or constantly to serve for the instruction of the people contrary to the judgement of Martin Bucer to the scandal of the Zuinglian Gospellers who ever since almost declaimed against them and when your agents and arguments had raised some disputes about the Ceremonies of the Church then by Law established you writ for a peace which you would have composed not by bringing the Nonconformists to a Conformity but by encourageing them in their Nonconformity against our Law order and peace Mr. Calvin Indeed as I had done at Geneva so I was willing others should in other Gospel Churches endeavour to bring things to the pattern in the Mount and take care that nothing should be exacted which is not warranted by the word of God there being nothing more distastful in the eyes of God then worldly Wisdom either in moderating or going backward but meerly as we are directly by the Word of God and accordingly I write my poor advice to most Christian
when they heard that Queen Elizabeth was come to the Crown who they thought would favour the most moderate and prudent Reformation that the world might believe that they were for peace they write to the English at Franeford by Will. Creth Dec. 15. That all offences heretofore taken or given might be forgotten and that for the future they might no more fall out again for superfluous Ceremonies But however to make sure work Calvin writes that the Queen cannot be Head of the Church so that if she would she cannot establish the Liturgy with the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England A. B. C. See how they are improved first they refuse some Gestures and Ornaments next they mislike some passages in the Liturgy and at last they throw away the Liturgy it self and now they deny the Queens Ecclesiastical authority whereby these things are established So that now the Axe is laid to the root of Tree the very Papists being taught by the Centuriaters and Calvin to deny the Queens Supremacy Court What was the next appearance of this Party H Ch. One Mr. Gilpin a grave pions and reverend person refuseth the Bishoprick of Carlisle as that party thought to the great disparagement of that Order Court Mr. Gilpin did you refuse that Bishoprick out of any disaffection to that Office Gilpin No verily but because I had so many Kindred about Carlisle at whom I must either connive at many things not without hurt to my self or else deny them not without offence to them to avoid which difficulties I refused the Bishoprick O. o. o. o. Court What was the next attempt of this Party H. H. Having declared that the Queen was not Head of the Church they undertake to reforme it without her Court How durst you medle with the Church without order Nonconf Idolatry is not to be permitted a minute all that have power have right to destroy it for Gods glory if Soveraigns forget it is fit Subjects should remember their duties Court Do you know what you say though you may reforme private persons and families and refraine to communicate in any outward act contrary to Gods Word yet publick Reformation belongeth to the Magistrate and a good deed may by you be ill done for want of a calling to do it Non licet populo renuente magistratu Reformationem moliri Court What was the next practice of these men Fuller They procured that the 20th Article viz. that the Church hath power to decree Rites and Ceremonies c. was by the malicious cunning of that opposite faction left out of the Printed Articles p. p. p. Court But let us have further evidence concerning these men and their way Fuller When the Reverend Bishops urged subscription to the Liturgy the Ceremonies and Discipline of the Church Mr. Fox appeared before Arch-Bishop Parker to subscribe the old man produced the New Testament in Greek To this saith he will I subscribe and when a subscription to the Canons was required he refused saying I have nothing in the Church save a Prebend of Salisbury and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me Dr. Lawrence Humphry refuseth subscription saying that they should never have his hand who had not his heart And one Gilby more furious declamed against Ceremonies calling them the known liveries of Antichrist cursed patches of Popery and Idolatry worse then Lousy c. William Wittingham and Christopher Goodman would say that they did not fly from Popery in Queen Maries daies to embrace it under Queen Elizabeth The last is Thomas Sampson Dean of Christ church who refused subscription Court If any man teach otherwise and consenteth not with heart and hand to the wholsome forme of sound Words and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness he is puffed up and knoweth nothing but languisheth about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife rayling evil surmizes froward disputations of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth q. q. q. But did they content themselves in not subscribing L. B. G. No for when the first race of peaceable Nonconformists were almost all dead then behold another more active and zealous succeedes them as Coleman Button Benson Halingham who inveighed against the established Church Discipline accounting every thing from Rome which was not from Geneva Court Did they stop here Cambd. No for they began to defame the Queen who established Church Discipline endeavouring to bafle Ecclesiastical authority by overthrowing the fountaine of it For this year 1567. three London Nonconformists viz. Will. White Tho. Rowland Rob. Hawkins being cited before Grindal Bishop of London and asked this question Have we not a godly Prince speak Is she evil They made their several Answers in this manner 1. White What a question is that the fruits do shew 2. Rowland No but the servants of God are persecuted under her 3. Hawkins Why this question the Prophet answereth in the Psalms How can they have understanding that work iniquity spoiling my people and that extoll vanity Court I pray what followed Cambd. They are imprisoned by her Majesty untill they made a Recantation And in the year 1572. an Act of Parliament requiring that subscription which was before sparingly pressed and daringly denyed that every Minister should subscribe before Decemb. 20. 1562. the Nonconformists kept private meetings in Woods and Fields and private Houses Court What Mr. Cartwright are you turned Conventicler Cartw. That Name which agreeth to Anabaptists is too light and contemptuous to set forth such assemblies where Gods Word and Sacraments are administred even by your own confession Camb. O Mr. Cartwright it is you that sent an admonition to the Parliament concerning grievances with a remedy viz. The admiting of a platforme of discipline by you prescribed Court What is that an admonition that is the lowest of Ecclesiastical Censures and a preparative if neglected to suspension and excommunication what If the Parliament comply not with your admonitions they must be suspended and excommunicated you have brought things to a fair pass We intreat you Mr. Cambden give in some further evidences concerning these persons Cambd. When two admonitions made by Mr. Cartwright had been answered by Dr. Whitgift and defended again by Mr. Cartwright and at last unanswerably confuted by Dr. Whitgift Mr. Cartwright either scorning or not able or not daring to answer attempts some other designes and particularly at Wandsworth in Surrey they presuming upon Parliament favour set up their Discipline privately which they could not establish publickly with the assistance of Mr. Cartwright Mr. Field Lecturer there living in London Wilcox Standen Jackson Bonham Smith of Mieham Serretloe Cram of Roe-hampton Edmonds Clark Travers Barber Gardiner Cheston Crooke Egerton r. r. r. r. Under whose wings a Congregation of Dutch Anabaptists assembled themselves without All-gate in London who being discovered eight of them were banished and two not withstanding Mr. Fox and other Nonconformists intercession for
them were burnt at Smithfield by the Statute de Heretico comburendo Fuller Yea to countenance their way they pretended to dispossess several persons of Devils untill a trick was put upon them by one Rachel Pindor aged 12. years who deceived the Ministers of London from whom more prudence and less credulity might have been expected what prayer what fasting what preaching In a word these men grew so extravagant that Mr. Fox and others were deserted by them as lukewarme and remiss in the cause And among these rigid men Coleman Furton Hallingham and Benson exceeded all of their own opinion L. B. E. Yea one of them Deering by name was so bold as to tell Her Majesty that in persecution under her Sister Mary her Motto was Tanquam ovis as a sheep but now it might be Tanquam indomita juvenea as an untanred Heifer Court Surely the Queen still retained much of her ancient Motto as a sheep in that she patiently endured so publick and causless reproof in inflicting no punishment upon him save as they say she commanded him to forbear preaching at Court s. s. s. L. B. L. Upon these mens perverseness others were encouraged particularly the Family of Love who appeared Ao. 1580. set up by one H. Nicholas Ao. 1550. maintaining strange communion with God and venting phantastical and Allegorical interpretations of Scripture and allowing themselves to continue in sin that Grace may abound which the Privy Counsel endeavoured to suppress by an Abjuration L. B. C. To what purpose are they abjured who teach in higher Germany that God hath freed them from all Oaths Vowes Promises Covenants Debts and all carnal Obligations A. B. L. What should be the reason of this looseness in this Kingdome P. H. The turbulent Party had under hand contrived that Edmund Grindal a person a little inclined to their way should be promoted to the See of Canterbury who encouraged private Conventicles under the name of Prophecyings where all might speak one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted which if permited to take place would occasion such Schisme and faction should prove the ruine of Church and Commonwealth Court It is a strange thing to see how the vigilance and activity of these men infinuated their Cause to the favour of the chief men in Church and State how with good words and fair speeches they deceived the hearts of the simple L. B. B. And now they had gotten an Arch-Bishop that would wink at them the Nonconformists were not idle but appointed a meeting at Cockefield Mr. Knewstubs care in Suffolk where threescore of Norfolk Suffolk and Cambridge met together to confer of the Common-Prayer-Book what might be tolerated and what was necessary to be refused in every point of it Apparel Matter Forme Daies Fastings Injunctions L. K. Yes and they say they had another in Cambridge finding so much favour as amounted to a connivance at their Discipline A. Y. What was the reason of this Liberty Fuller 1. The State was so intent upon the Jesuits that the Nonconformists escaped 2. My Lord of Leicester in the Counsel and my Lord of Canterbury in the Church were looked upon as Patron generals to Non-subscribers For indeed my Lord of Leicester whether perswaded by the Lord North or his own Policy I know not though publickly complying with other Lords of the Counsel yet privately engaged all his power and Interest for the Nonconformists L. C. T. Wherein did my Lord of Leicester make use of his Power for the Nonconformists Fuller 1. He preferred the Kentish Ministers Petition for liberty of Conscience in reference to the Liturgy the Articles and the Queens Supremacy to which they were called upon by my Lord of Canterbury to subscribe and for further Reformation to the Lords of the Counsel he made Mr. Beale an able and eager Clerk of the Counsel their friend yea he procured a Letter from the Lords of the Counsel viz. Burleigh Sbrewsbery Warwicke Nottingham Hatton c. to the Arch-Bishop to suspend his severity against Nonconformists and to restore those that were outed to their Livings for Nonconformity yea he prevailed so far with Burleigh himself as to write to the Arch-Bishop that as he would not have him so remiss as to leave Ministers to their own liberty so neither would he have him so rigid as to press Conformity to the height Omnia licent saith he omnia non expediunt he set Walsingham upon writing to the Arch-Bishop for several Nonconformists intimating to him that Moderation must settle the Church Court What effect did these great Intercessions produce P. H. They produced this effect that notwithstanding my Lord of Canterburies resolution to stand to the Rules of the Church the Nonconformists at several meetings above said decreed a new Platform which they said consisted of things that might well stand with the peace of the Church Where they resolve first That Schollars should not offer themselves but stay untill they be called to the Ministry in certain charge by the Classis upon the recommendation of the Brethren 2. None ought to conforme any further then the Classis alloweth him and not at all to the Liturgy and Cannons now established 3. Church-Wardens and Overseers should be turned to Elders and Deacons c. 4. That there should be Classical Provincial and National Assemblies yea and Comitial ones too Lem. What were they Fuller That is meetings at the Commencements and Acts in Cambridge and Oxford conveniently shadowed by a confluence of Ministers and people coming to those solemnities Court To see how great a flame a little sparke kindleth to see a party who from an hand bredth is improved to a Cloud that overshadoweth the Heavens the higher power of this Nation But did they stop at this Cambd. No for one Brown of whom it was presaged at Cambridge by Dr. Still and others that he would disturbe the Church returning from Zealand to Warwick with one Harrison a Pedant inveighed against all authority and set up the Independent or Congregational way propagated by several Books untill Coppen and Thacker were hanged for it the one on the 4. of June the other on the 6. of June 1583. at St. Ed. Burg. Court An wholesome severity that some should suffer and all should fear But what became of Brown himself T. F. By the Cecils favour who were his Kinsmen and his own compliance he lived at a Church a good living in Northamptonshire until the Year 1630. when he dyed for an assault and battery in Prison at Northampton Court Where was Authority all this while T. F. It disputed at Lambeth in two Conferences 1584. to no purpose and then pressed the Subscription of these three Articles 1. That the Queen had supream Authority over all persons and Causes 2. That there was nothing in the Common Prayer contrary to Gods Word 3. That the Book of Articles was agreeable to that Word Court Were they convinced by argument or did they submit to
Puritans who thereby became the Patrons of their Country and were sure to be chosen to the next Parliament where they might joyne with their brethren the Scots who if they made a War were assured that the King should not be able to resist them for they being sure to be chosen in Parliament let them know that they would not assist the King against them Court When they got at last to be the prevailing party in Parliament what did they A. They called to an acount all persons who had pressed strict Conformity and countenanced those that refused it witness Dr. Cozens and Smart Bastwicke and Burton who came triumphantly to London and were ordered reparations for their services and sufferings Court How did they proceed A. They setled a Commitee for Religion who appointed a Subcommittee to prepare matters for their Cognizance where was CONFORMISTS Bishop Williams Doctor Hacket Bishop Vsher Doctor Holdsworth Bishop Morton Bishop Hall Doctor Prideaux Doctor Ward Doctor Browning Doctor Featly NONCONFORMISTS Doctor Burgess Mr. White Mr. Marshall Mr. Caryl Mr. Calamy Mr. Hill Mr. Newcomen Doctor Twisse C. But this meeting was only a pretence while the House carried on higher designes against Deans and Chapters root and branch for whom Doctor Hacket made a Speech in the behalf of the Church against whom Dr. Burgesse made a speech in behalfe of the faction L. C. N. Yes and they began to pull down the Bishops step by step First From the Lords House 2. From all civil power and then they pull down those Courts that kept them in Order all this while viz. the Star-Chamber and the High commission N. O. I observed that the poor Bishops went down first in their reputation and esteem they not suffering them to be called right honourable nor to have precedency N. M. And to make sure work the Rabble were stirred up against them to the danger of their lives and strange Petitions procured in so much that the poor men were in a streight to keep the House was dangerous to leave it at this time was unworthy C. What did they do N. They were trepanned by Bishop Williams to a Remonstrance for which they were all committed to the Tower and Impeached of High Treason and now the Bishops were safe in the Tower the Bill against them passed the House and they were for ever excluded the House C. Now the King could not help the Church the Bishops were secured the severe Courts against the Factions were down how did the people appear N. Q. Their restraint being removed they broke out to an excess of Riot in Petitioning Preaching Rayling a Company of Fanaticks in Southwark crying that the Law of Uniformity was the Law of Bishops and so to be repealed the Citizens crying to your Tents O Israel Court Having now almost destroyed the Church Government Discipline and Worship what do they not endeavour to set up their own way N. H. Yes by all meanes but by degrees that the Kingdome might not perceive it but think they were easing it all this while C. How did they contrive to set up their new Government N. H. They called an Assembly of that way 〈…〉 Gouge Mr. Calamy Mr. Caryl Dr. Spurslaw Tho. Goodwyn Phil. Nie c. who proposed to the Parliament the new Church Government and Directory who thereupon abolished the ancient Church Government Worship and Discipline and took a Solemn Oath as they of Scotland had done before every one in his place to stand by this new way which Oath they Imposed upon the Kingdome C. What do they Impose any thing K. C. O yes there are none more severe in Imposing upon others than those that would have liberty themselves Court Where was the King all this while L. B. N. Being not able to reach the Church but through him they having made him as odious as they could to the people by ripping up all the faults of Government in a remonstrance and having frighted him away with the fury of the incensed multitude that were in open War with him that the World may see that there are no Innovators in the Church but such as are Traytors to the State Court It was very strange the whole House of Commons should go along with them in these enormities N. H. The honest Gentlemen could not help it for they were overawed by the rude rabble who came to the House in whole multitudes with Petitions remonstrances grievances about Religion Liberties and rights to which was added all that prevailes with men of force or flattery of craft or terrour Court Now Ireland was all in a Rebellion Scotland was up in Armes and they in England practised they after some Treaties with the King and Disputations with his Divines alter Church Government and settle that Discipline which they had contended for these 120. years L. B C. When it was established did the people submit to it N. H. No for they looked upon it as a yoake which neither they nor their fathers could bear Court How did they propagate it H. J. They sequestred all the Orthodox Clergy and setled in their places such men as were ready to advance their new project th 〈…〉 who complained so much when a dozen Ministers were 〈…〉 made nothing to silence five or six hundred at a time L. H. Yet for all this the new Government was not owned for there arose other factions innumerable who though they differed among themselves yet agreed in this viz. that they would have no Government but that every one according to his own conscience might do what was good in his own eyes as the Presbyterians cryed formerly so the Independents cried now that Christians should have liberty of Conscience to do according to the best light afforded them Court It pleased God to let them set up what they so long looked for that the World might see what they are and what is their way and what is the dreadful consequence of that way when it doth prevaile their pretences before they had the Government in their own hands were such as rendred them very amiable and made them the darling of the people their practices when they had it made them the most odious of Mankind L. B. C. The people would never believe their mischeif untill they saw their practice and providence let them take a turn upon our stage to see how they would behave themselves untill they went off Odium humani generis L. H. When they had suppressed the Orthodox Clergy alienated their maintenance overcome their Friends and put him to death who they knew must otherwise avenge on them these abominations for these people had the face too before the world to lay violent hands upon the Lords Annointed they made an Act wherein it was not lawful for an Orthodox man by any meanes to exercise his Ministry being made uncapable either of performing the duty or of enjoyning the maintenance of a Minister either as Chaplain Tutor Schoolmaster Curate Vicar or Pastor L. H.
preach and write for serious holiness as they call it as if it were now leaving the Land now or never they cry a Saint or a Brute in the preface or conclusions whereof they had their dogged insinuations that the Church was an enemy to holiness and the Professors of it when it discourageth nothing but hypocrisie and when the men of the nose smell out that out-comes a Book of hypocrisie preached at the Abbey at Westminster for the brethren have the thriving way of selling their Sermons first from the Pulpit and then from the Press wherein the Cavaliers who had been formerly the profane were now the Hypocrites But he that made all sure is the man that writes the sighs and groans of the Church that party paleman that speakes high Fullam in the beginning of the Book and Colemanstreet in the end of it this maus Masters stabbed the King with his own power and he a good proficient I 'le warrant him the Church with her own weapons But above all the Legerdemaines of this party commend me to their Sermons of persecution and their preparation of people for it as if the Common Prayer had been as dreadful as a Faggot to wear a Surplice as to wear Irons to exchange a benefice of an 100 l. a year for a collection of 200 l. had been a martyrdome and to visit the Capon eaters and the sop Ladies were a misery that should compleat Mr. Fox his volumn Lord what a work is here forsooth a few factious fellowes that had gone too far in the late Rebellion dare not recant yea rather then they will recant they will leave their flockes their dear flockes for which they would die but cannot be honest for their sakes C. But did not his Majesty order a Conference between both parties F. D. He did indeed between Dr. Reynolds Dr. Conant Dr. Spurstow Mr. Calamy Mr. Baxter Dr. Manton Dr. Jacomb Dr. Bates Mr. Newcomen Dr. Seaman c. and Dr. Heylin Dr. Gunning Dr. Pearson Dr. Pierce Dr. Sparrow c. but what was the issue the sober party came off and would have acquiesced in his Majesties gracious concessions upon those exceptions they made to the Liturgy and Ceremonies of the Church But a more fiery party for all the faction was then in Town flew so high as to say That an indifferent thing if commanded was no more indifferent but unlawfull C. Sure such a position could not come out of their mouths F. D. Indeed it is strange it should but it is attested by Dr. Gunning and Dr. Pearson who had the chief management of that affair C. But would they do nothing towards a closure F. D. Upon some Parishes petition particularly that of Covent-Garden to my Lord of London some of them got Readers as too many do still to say Common Prayer which they could not vouchsafe to do C. But was there any further newes of the Conference F. D. Yes when the concessions would not satisfie them they disperse a thing called a Petition for peace to incense the people to which they annexe an unauthorized forme of Worship composed printed published and dispersed by private persons to affront publick authority C. A petition for peace from them who fomented all our Warrs whose discipline was setled with conspiracy and promoted by Rebellion conscience opposing authority men for their private conscience urging the King his own a petition for peace as if no peace without indulging the faction liberty of conscience now but what will it come to at last Lord is there no peace to be had in the world unless these people are pleased F. D. No really for now they muster up the old objections against the Common Prayer and add new ones particularly Mr. Zachary Crofton runs out into that excess that we find him in the Tower for a year together and still abroad upon Baile C. But now all will not do what shall we do then D. F. Then we interrupt the proceedings of Parliament by fly diversions we watch advantages so that one Session is over without any considerable effect towards a settlement and in the interim of the adjournement we perswade the world they shall never meet or if they do shall speedily be dissolved and besides we have a plot managed by one Philips his brother that usurped Agmond Shiam Gibbs and others to surprize Whitehall Windsor Castle the Magazine of London C. How was that plot discovered D. F. Even as the 150. plots that were managed against the Government since the Conquest by their own Agents who cannot be true to one another since they have been false to the Government C. But when his Majesty declared for an Indulgence did they acquiesce in that D. B. No! but they immediately petition for more viz. that the tender consciences of young men in the University should be free which was as much as to say that we might have a young Sett of Presbyterians Elders against the old one decayeth and over and above all this they sent to the forreign Churches to keep correspondence with them C. Now I hope they have done D. B. Not so neither but they are up with their old trade of Prophecying of Wonders Prodigies Star-gazing Conjunctions and the judgements of God which they would say were the same now as in Queen Maries dayes and in times of great alterations and changes C. But were they true J. B. No but upon the examination of particulars those were alive and well whom they writ dead and they dead of a natural death whom they printed Thunderstruck c. after all this stir they joyned issue with the Papists even when they were most fiercely declaiming against them and by that combination the excellent Act of Uniformity was once thrown out of the Lords House and likely to have stuck there for ever But when all these shifts fail they prepared themselves for persecution as they called it and preached that the lights were extinguished the dear Pastors torne from their beloved flockes then they say they preach their last and that they are dying men and that this may be the last opportunity Now they give their rules one 17. another 25. another 36. all may be reduced to these six 1. That they should not forget their faithful pastors 2. That when they cannot hear their Words they may read their Workes 3. That they should take heed whom they hear 4. That they have nothing to do with Idols 5. That they persevere 6. That they hold Communion one with another C. Had they any more hope B. D. None at all but that they thought the disbanded Souldiers would be troublesome an expectation the prudence and wariness of our Superiours defeated in that most eminent Act of his Majesties Government the disbanding of the Army C. What then D. B. No more but that they encouraged their party to go on and stand out against the Act that they might appear so considerable as to prevaile either with his Majesty for an