drawing about some bush-wood From this their dwelling in such lurking places they were afterward in a scoff called Jamnici or Cavers 58. Moreover these Brethren made a certain order among themselves that the Seniors should be chosen by votes and have the ordering of affairs allotted to them and the rest promise to be ordered by them then with the advice and counsel of these the chief of them which were of the dispersion through Bohemia and Moravia being called they held Synods in those mountains and made certain decrees viz. How they should carry it among themselves how towards others friends and foes also Kings and Magistrates and the like often setting apart times of praying and fasting among themselves with the dispersed and consulting out of the word of God about those things which were needful for a reformation of life and Doctrine 59. Their cheif care was for Pastors of souls where they should procure them when they which they now had were deceased that to expect till some of the Roman Ordination should out of love to the truth come over to them was a matter of uncertain hope And they remembred that Rokyzan did often affirm professedly that all things must be reformed to the very foundations that therefore Ordination was to be set on foot at home by that power which Christ hath given to his Church That while they had some ordained among them they should ordain others and they again others still to succeed them and their desires inclined much this way as also their judgements But there was one thing which did strike their hearts with some fear whether that Ordination would be legitimate enough if a Presbyter ordain a Presbyter without a Bishop and how they should be able to defend such ordination if it should be called in question either amongst others or their own 60. At length after many perplexing thoughts for some years together it was agreed in the year 1467. that the eminentest men out of Bohemia and Moravia of about fifty years old should with many tears and prayers poured out to God resolve to make evidence of the will of God by lot that he would be so pleased to declare whether that which was propounded were acceptable to him and seasonable at that time Then they by votes chose from among them nine men which they judged fit before the rest to take the office of the Ministry upon them and they put into the hand of a child called into the Assembly not knowing what was doing twelve hidden lots or schedules and bid him distribute to these nine nine of them were blancks EST It is he being written upon three only whereupon it might have so faln out that all the nine might have had blancks and this was to be the discovery of the negative will of God but so it came to pass that those three that were written on did alight into the hands of three among them viz. Matthias Kunwaldius a most pious person Thomas Prelaucius a very learned person Elias Krenovius eminent for singular diligence and industry 61. They imbracing these with joy as given to them by a Divine hand began to consult about their confirmation even by a new way of Ordination and they knowing that there was some Waldenses in the Borders of Moravia and Austria that they might consult for satisfaction of the scruples of the consciences of others as well as their own both for the present and future they send unto them Michal Zamberg with two others to acquaint them with what they had done and ask their judgement concerning it They light upon Stephen their Bishop then getting another Bishop and some of the Ministers to be present with him declare unto them their original the Articles of their Doctrine and what horrid things they had undergon in Italy and France They also hearing approving and joying them upon the relation they made of their separation from the Pope and the Calixtines Yea moreover creating them three Bishops by imposition of their hands they conferred on them power to ordain Ministers and sent them away 62. Our Brethren were glad to understand these thlngs and being desirous of Christian Unity they deliberate whether they might not fall in to make one people and one Church with the Waldenses They were very much taken with the purity of their Doctrine and their endeavour of a Christian conversation but it displeased them that they concealed the truth and did not profess it freely but studying to evade persecutions frequented the Churches of the Papists and communicated in their Idolatrous worship It was resolved that they would admonish them of this and some other things therefore sending again fit persoâ—â— they acquaint the Waldenses with these things They testified their good liking of their purpose to come into unity with them giving them to understand that as to the faults they charged upon them they were neither ignorant of them nor did they excuse them but confessed they were departed from the ancient purity of their Fathers and would bethink them of amending They agreed on both parts that upon a certain time they would give one another a meeting to take further order about the business but before that time came the Papists this being divulged began to rage against the good Waldenses Stephen their Superintendent at Vienna suffers burning the rest the most of them getting over to Marchia and from thence were scatterd to Moravia and especially Fulneca 63. And from this transaction of the Brethren of Bohemia with the Waldenses it arose that afterward they were also honoured with the name of Waldenses But they would never own it complaining often publickly in their writings That it was given to them through a mistake And herein they alledge for the cause both Truth and necessity Truth because they took not their Doctrine from them nor were they the Authors that founded that Unity nor yet were they reformed by them but they themselves desired to be reformed of their mischievous errors by them Again it was of Necessity because they thought it prudence not to derive upon themselves but rather to decline the Decrees made published by the Magistrates against the Waldenses yet withal that they received from the Waldenses power of Ordination and thereby external Succession they would never deny although for the present time it was their wisdom to pass over even this in silence 64. But it pleased God that the Brethren in Bohemia should be Fellow-sufferers with the Waldenses in the Austrian Persecution For George the King solemnly calling the Estates into a Convention in the year 1468. enacted a bloody Statute against them That every one of the Nobles in their respective Territories of his Principality or Jurisdiction should do his endeavour to apprehend whom soever they could of the Piccardi and severely punish them upon occasion according to their pleasure By this severity to compel the separation Hereupon there were sore Persecutions until the decease of George on March 22.
AN EXHORTATION OF THE Churches of Bohemia TO THE Church of England Wherein is set forth The good of Unity Order Discipline and Obedience in Churches rightly now or to be CONSTITUTED WITH A Description premised of the Order and Discipline used in the Churches of the BRETHREN of BOHEMIA Written in Latin and Dedicated to his most Excellent Majesty CHARLS the Second in Holland at his Returning into England If possible it may be for an Accommodation amongst the Churches of Christ By J. AMOS COMMENIVS the onely surviving Bishop of the Remains of those Churches LONDON Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Three Crowns over-against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheap-side 1661. The Second CHARLES Heire to the Royall Martyr Who for Religion and his Subiects Charter Spent the best blood that unjust sword ere dy'de Since the rude Souldier peircd our Saviours side Who such a Father hadst art such a Son Redeeme thy People and assum thy Owne C R II TO THE High and Mighty Great Monarch of GREAT BRITAIN CHARLES II. All Happiness from above Most Serene King AS there is no such happy estate to be found in the affairs of men wherein there is not some thing wanting even so that Happiness of your Britany with which your return to your ancient Kingdom through the procurement of the right hand of the most High hath blest it is somewhat defaced as by the overcast of a cloud which yet through the mercy of God and your wise and pacifick Solomon-like moderation there is life in our hopes may be dispelled the Cloud I mean upon the Church of Christ amongst you now by the blessing of God in a very flourishing condition to which the sole controversie viz. of the best Form of Church Government vexatiously agitated for the space of one whole generation doth even yet although unanimous in the rest threaten some distraction unless both the Governors of the Churches among themselves and your Self superintending in Gods stead the affairs of your World together with the great Senate of your great Council do prudently by moderate Counsels dispose all things unto peace We Foraigners in reverence to your Church which the Everlasting Bridegroom hath decked for himself with most excellent gifts beyond many others are onely able to pray for you though yet we cannot but feel our selves obliged unto more real offices of communion of Saints also if any thing lay in our power which might conduce thereunto And indeed some excellent Persons of your own of both parts have requested of me who am the least in the House of God yet amongst the Petitioners unto God on your behalf not the last some such thing viz. To Communicate of what kinde the Government of our Churches hath been ever since it hath been if any thing may be received from thence which may be of use unto peace and edification I have done it communicated and sent it dedicated to your Church of Britain But because it is not convenient that matters which concern the publique good be attempted by private persons and the Great God hath appointed you Great King the Head of the Nations of your World and the Umpire of differences as also the Defender of his Church and Faith I lay down this small Essay whatever it is at your Majesties Royal Footstool most humbly beseeching that you would be pleased to comend this endeavor in my name to the busie sticklers of the said Controversie among you that they may peruse it and see if any thing may be gathered even from thence to the asswaging of animosities and the enlarging of good affections But in the publique name of the Churches and for the sake of Christ I entreat that your Majestie would not suffer this one onely remaining difference in your Churches to burst out into a new Schism for the glory of God for the salvation of the Church for your Kingdoms and your own peace for good example to the Churches of the whole world So shall the King of Kings establish your Royal Throne and bless your self with your Family and Kingdoms to flourish and endure To whose Eternal Protection he with most earnest prayers commendeth your Majestie who is An Exile of Christs but Your Majesties most humble Servant Iohan. Amos Comenius The unworthy and onely surviving Bishop of the Remnants of the Church of the Brethren of Bohemia TO THE READER Good Reader IF thou art a Son of the Church indeed here is a Legacy fallen to thee viz. A Copy of a real Reformation A Legacy you 'll say that occasions an enquiry for Funeral Lamentation who then is dead or dying alas alas one of the ancientest soundest purest Churches in the World This is saith our Author Contra Haeres l. â— c. 3. and Reginvolcius and Aeneas Sylvius who proved afterward P. Pius and differ but little from him that Illyricum planted by the great Dr. of the Gentiles Rom. 15.19 this is that Dalmatia watered by his Son and Evangelist Titus 2 Tim. 4.10 This is that people which Ireneus their neighbour commends with this Elogy that they never did either believe or teach otherwise then as the Apostles and Disciples This is that afterward called Slavonick Church where Hieronym was born and where he and some of the Greek Fathers Cyril and Methodius bestowed their pious labours in the service of the Gospel Of this came those oriental Churches out from which by the means of the said Worthies the Gospel was transmitted into Croatia Bosnia Moravia Polonia and Bohemia where this Church took root most till in the year 1450. it ran up to an head and fruit and was formed into the unity of the Brethren of Bohemia by Wickliff Jerome of Prague and especially John Huss from whom they were called Hussites One of them in the name of the rest calls J. Huss Father in these words Hussi Sancte cinis gaude gaude inter arenas Per sobolem toto vivis in orbe tuam Vivis ostendis tandem hostibus ignea Verum Tollere quod nequeat flamma minaxque rogus Dust of St. Huss rejoyce in thine urn In us thy Seed thou dost to life return Thou livest to shew to th' world that thou canst burn Nor can dire flames truth or thy zeal adjourn As for their severe Orthodoxy simplicity purity in the truth as also withal their unity and integrity in the bond of peace and love I refer thee to the Testimonies of Bucer Luther Calvin P. Martyr Musculus Zanchy Beza Lasitius Olevian Vergerius c. wherewith thou wilt finde this Author as it were adorning this Churches Herse page 32 33 37 49 50 52 c. even Maximilian the Emperour though induced by such as in the Courts of Princes have the arts to tie their hands and sway their Scepters for them to afflict this people by some Edicts yet page 49. acknowledgeth them before all other the nearest conforming to the Apostolical Church They were branded by the mouth of prophaness and
this Bishop presents us with a refracted moderate godly Episcopacy wherein we have a Bishop 1. A degree for order not of order 2. For labour not secular Dignity Dominion Domination 3. Having no more power but what is freely delegated and devolved on him by the election and consent of the Ministers not some but all concerned 4. Performing Ordination ordinarily in a general Synod and Jurisdiction in an Ecclesiastical Senate to which he himself is subject 5. Not countenancing male-administration by admitting any unworthy person to Orders or the Lords Supper 6. Without the leaven of Arminianism page 52 7. Promoting the vigilancy of Pastors in the exercise of Discipline 8. Not imposing snares on the Conscience by the made-Religion of Romish Liturgie or Ceremonies made necessary Exhort page 28 29. 9. Not taking the wicked by the hand nor giving life to looseness to bandy against a real Reformation but of vehement goodwill and zeal for the power of godliness Would the Lord bless us with such a Bishop we would not contend whether Bishop or no Bishop whether by election only or by imposition of hands also whether the rite be essential and constitutive or consecutive and declarative only of Ordination whether the consignation should be by the hands of one in the name of the rest they being acknowledged to ordain Actu Potestate or by the hands of all the Session whether the prudentially invested Bishop be temporary or perpetual whether Ordination be an act of simple Office or of Jurisdiction it being acknowledged that ad ordinem non gradum spectat ordinare and who shall live when the Lord works this great work for us But Reader I will not wrong thee by withholding this Legacy much longer from thee onely give thee an account of my purpose in preparing this book for thee and I assure thee and all the world that my design of making this book speak English is not to carry on any design to smooth or please any party but to advance the common interest of Christians in promoting the union of the Churches all but one which this discourse shews how it may be rendred practicable if men would a little unhusk themselves of their own singularities divest themselves of those prejudices they have entertained and minde the things that tend to peace and edification The first motion to the said translation was from a Reverend Brother whose travels in the work of Pacification the following ages will more gratefully acknowledge then the present The Translator thinks himself sufficiently rewarded with thine and his own edification in the assured knowledge of some momentous matters which are herein contained and communicated which are as followeth 1. That there have been and are some in the world that do evince to all men that the Gospel is not a Fable but that the truths thereof do make real impressions and work strange changes upon the mindes and conversations of men and that the Discipline of the Lord Jesus where but so much of it is practiced as is owned by all Christians hath that majestie and power with it that it needs not the whole secular arm to uphold it nor fears the same power though it be against it for the Church had never better Pastors and Government then in Persecution nor ever thrives better then when its Pastors do wholly attend their flocks and retrench themselves from Secularities and Courtly concernments to minde the good of souls the rebuking and suppressing of wickedness Heresie Errors Schisms advancing Piety and Godliness in the strict observation of the Lords-Day expressing more zeal against the Prophaners of the Lords name and those that live so unlike Christians in the world I am but an obscure person in the world I dare presume to say that this way to prosperity and establishment will never fail but I do verily believe that there are not greater enemies in the world to Episcopacy then some Bishops and that the ready way to throw it down is to set themselves up with the premunire of their Jus Divinum and Secular Domination 2. That it is possible to maintain Order and Decency in the Church and disparity among Ministers without a rigorous imposing of Ceremonies and Forms or advancing Bishops into Superior Order above Presbyters Let but Ceremonies keep their proper place and station and be looked upon as things indifferent and the use of them left free to Christians we need have no more contest about them If it appear by experience in them that use them that they do really tend to Edification and Charity as they must or else they are nullities and mockeries the greatest part I believe of Ministers and Christians in England will take them up nor yet are we sure that even in Heaven we shall be all of one size or posture if there be such excellency significancy and teachableness in them and yet no Superstition Let them stand a while without the bolster of penal Statutes and let us see what ground they get For if this were done that Ministers might use them or not as they finde them most convenient in times and places possibly many if not all Ministers might sometime use them For suppose that a Minister were to preach at the Court some Cathedral or Oratory that were trained up to these things prudence would direct him upon such an occasion and for that instant to do many things which he doth not do in his own or in an ordinary Congregation as in Vniversity he would use an hood which it were ridiculous for him to do at home So if a Bishop were to preach in an ordinary particular Congregation or charge where the people were wholly strangers to the usages or forms of the Court Colledge or Cathedral if he came in the ordinary garb of the Minister of the place and preached in the ordinary mode of a countrey Minister I believe it would get him more reverence and esteem in the hearts of the people and tend more to unity and edification then if he should come in his Pontifical formal Procession with a pompous train of attendants For the Apostle became a Jew to them that were Jews that he might gain the Jews and a Gentile to them that were Gentiles c. that is in indifferent things for we abhor to think that he would transform himself into more Religions in any respect whatsoever To this purpose Augustine tells us That he knew no better course for a serious prudent Christian to take in matters of Ceremonies or Custom then to follow the example of the Church where he is for whatsoever is there observed neither against faith nor manners is a matter of it self indifferent and to be observed according to the custom of those with whom we live This was Ambroses counsel I think to Monica Augustines Mother When I am at Rome saith he I fast on the Sabbath day but at Millain I do not so do you likewise when you come to any Church observe its
custom if you would not be offensive to them nor have them so to you Which judgement of Ambrose Augustine saith he always looked on Tanquam coeleste Oraculum As for the state and pomp of that pretended Order which is as the Alder in our Garden I 'll tell you a story There was a Garrison of Souldiers and divers Commanders over them amongst the rest there was one a true Veteran that had been trained up in the School of War under most of the Princes of Christendom This Captain instead of those soft delights other Gentlemen and Commanders wasted their time in spent his inconversing with and training his Souldiers would be upon the Guard when his turn came himself no weather could prevent it his house instead of being furnished with silken beds rare looking-glasses curious pictures was stored with barrels of meal rice pease so placed low that they served instead of chairs and stools his rooms hung with flitches and gammons of Westphaly bacon dried beef fish c. materials with which he kept a constant table and welcomed all his Souldiers in the Sum was always in fight or service and he had these Souldiers close to him they would go through fire and water with him what men soever failed of their duty his never did but were all of a knot and unanimous in their attendance upon him in any service I 'll only apply it thus that would our reverend Fathers of the Church be more upon the guard themselves be employed in the Churches duty and not commit that Solecism in Government which the learned Bacon thinks one of the insolubilia to do their work by deputation of a Chancellor would they instead of keeping distance converse more familiarly with their flocks and step in now and then to a Countrey Minister on a sudden whom it may be they may finde standing sentinel and encourage him in his duty would they instead of giving and forcing on the people Quelchechoses of Forms and Ceremonies give them solid meat and nourishment the pure Word of God in the institutions of Christ suffer that only to be read expunded urged in the Church would they instead of making their houses Lordly Courts to fright poor people and Ministers from coming at them make them Oratories for Prayer and expounding Scripture of Gods institution setting up catechistical and expository Lectures so many days in the week either by themselves or their Chaplains or calling in the assistance of some learned and pious Presbyters would they enquire in their Visitations after prophaneness and censure that more deeply then some have done non-conformity to self-invented will-worship and encourage painful conscientious Ministers more then their Predecessors have done lazy idle drones I durst become their bondman if one or both of thâ—se two things did not follow that all the godly sober religious people in the Land would become their fast friends and strive who should do them most honour or else the Devil and all his Instruments would be as mad against them as they are now again already against the Puritans 3. Once again we see what it is that makes the Church glorious and unanimous viz. living up to the noble principles of Religion in self-denial humility piety in all ranks of people For till the love of the Lord Jesus and the desire of the salvation of souls hath taken more root in the hearts of Pastors and Christians we cannot expect any Settlement Beauty or Order in the Church 'T is not the priding of a mans self in the name of a Son of the Church can advantage Religion no more then the Jews boasting they had Abraham to their Father did promote it among them For our Saviour tells them when that cry was loudest the state of Religion was at the lowest among them No the Church the Spouse of Christ is meek-hearted and lowly full of tenderness and goodness and her children indeed are like her But they which instead of this spirit fall a beating their Brethren or scoffing or envying at them may indeed be in the Church but yet as Cain in Adams and Ishmael in Abrahams family onely the spots and blemishes thereof 4. Yet again I observe the ligaments and soder of these Churches to be their mutual consent in Discipline which we see required not onely of Ministers but of all Christians how necessary this is experience doth demonstrate For the first primitive Church had no other bond nor have the Reformed Churches abroad in many places any other not but that the Patronage of Princes and Magistrates is a great Strength and Bulwark to Religion and that people are bound to bless God exceedingly when he raiseth up such Nursing Fathers for the Church to be over it in the Lord. Yet we see that meer Politique bands do snap asunder and make way for schism and division especially when the Prudential superior Order of the Clergie do ride and the inferior grind for then they are apt to take the first opportunity to unyoke themselves But if a superiority among Ministers in the Church on a prudential account be thought necessary for Humanum institutum episcopatus non damnamus sed tantum negamus a Christo esse Imperatum as we say with Junius let it be set up by the mutual consent and choice of the rest or the Body of the Ministry and their obedience will be more constant in the Lord and more fixed then by any subscription of oaths of Canonical obedience whatsoever In a word let the poyson and what was not from the beginning be taken out of the Ordinances and offices of Christ in the Church and the power of godliness in good earnest endeavoured and this Church which is otherwise giving up the ghost will yet through the blessing of God recover and do well and we shall have great cause to bless God for this true Protestant Bishop Comenius his pious Endeavours in laying this Book at his Majesties feet as an expedient for an Accommodation not with the Romish but the Reformed Churches Which that it may effect is the earnest prayer of him how is Thy Servant in the Work of the Lord JOSHVA TYMARCHVS Books printed for and sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Three Crowns over against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheap-side Folio's THe History of the Evangelical Churches of the Valleys of Piedmont containing a most exact Geographical description of the place also a relation of the bloody Massacre 1655 and a Narrative of all Transactions to 1658. Justified partly by divers ancient Manuscripts written many hundred years before Calvin or Luther By Samuel Morland A Commentary upon the holy Writings of Job David and Solomon viz. Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs Being part of those which by the ancients were called Hagiographa Wherein the diverse Translations and Expositions of all the most famous Commentators are propounded examined and censured By John Mayor D.D. To the Church of England Hitherto tossed with divers tempests
but now within sight of the Haven of their Rest Greeting in the Lord. THe troubled state of Affairs which is every where to be seen at this day is in it self sad but yet to them which do but heedfully mark the way of Gâ—ds works all along of old it seemeth to speak the hope of some excellent change 2. To wit even as in the beginning of all things God brought light out of darkness a most beautiful order out of the confused Chaâ—s So in the course of his governing whatever he suffers to come to pass to the disturbance of the Sons of men all that he always turneth to good unto them if they be godly at least to exercise them if they be wicked also frequently to bring them out of the darkness of ignorance into the fellowship of the light So that the Church evermore even by her very ruines may grow either bigger or better 3. Even in the many vicissitudes of that one people of Israel if they be observed it is apparent that all their chastisements captivities removals here and there were always onely fresh occasions of declaring the works of God 4. Who is it which seeth not that even Abraham the Father of the Faithful with travels dangers and promises in appearance a long time but vain was therefore so tired out that his faith being thus trained up he might learn to bear up in hâ—pe against hope and that the Church might have a very glorious patern of that Heroick faith which utterly vanquisheth all the difficulties in the World 5. That therefore his seed was in such an horrible manner oppressed by the Egyptian bondage that in Pharaoh there might be taken an occasion to shew forth the power of God and thereby the name of God in all the Earth God himself is his own witness Exod. 9.16 6. What could be more sad to see then that the People of God being overcome by their Enemies the Philistines should lose even the symbol of the Presence of God and the hope of help from Heaven viz. the most sacred Ark of the Covenant that this very Ark being taken by the enemies carried by them in triumphs and brought into the Temple of Dagon should be made such a laughing stock before that Devillish Idol and Idolators and yet even this very terrible disaster and dispensation to what excellent purpose did it serve to set forth the glory of God and detect the vanity of Idols 7. 'T was sad that the people of Judah and in them the seed of David to which so great promises were made even to all generations and also many holy men were led into the Babylonish Captivity yet even there Ezekiel being raised up to be a Prophet with what notable Revelations did he illuminate the Church and Daniel by wonderful works and sufferings in the same place how great and many Kings and people did he bring to the knowledge of the true God as it is to be seen in his Book Chap. 2. ver 46 47. 4.1 2 3. 6.26 c. 8. The Plots of Haman against the dispersed people of God the Jews how far did they proceed they were doomed to perish all in one day and yet this very dismal exploit how great salvation joy honour did it bring to that people for a monument unto all Posterity of the Providence of God as always watchful for the good of his people as is plain in the book of Esther 9. How great was the rage of Antiochus against this people but did it not produce so many glorious Martyrs Maccabean men of valour with so many excellent cordials to the Church for the experience of Omnipotent Divine Providence directing all things according to its own pleasure 10. The dispersion of the Apostolical Church at Jerusalem was very sad and yet it was nothing but the dissemination of the Gospel amongst other Nations Acts 4.8 c. The banishment of John into the Isle of Patmos with how vast a treasure of Prophesie did it enrich the Church 11. Also how many soever any time afterwards either assaults or persecutions without or bickerings and contentions heresies or schisms within brakâ— forth in the Church so many occasions evermore were found either of setting out the most glorious Army of Martys or of compiling the most famous Writings and thereby confounding the wicked by the constancy of the Saints and the further irradiating the godly with the clearer light of the Truth 12. Finally touching the last times of the World which now are although the great Prophet our Lord hath foretold terrible things viz. That it shall come to pass that we shall hear of wars and rumours of wars Mat. 24.6 That Nation shall rise up against Nation and that there shall be Famine and Earthquakes ver 7. yet he hath added See that ye be not troubled for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet ib. For the Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all Nations and then shall the end come ver 14. 13. Then let there be even now before our faces through the violence of second causes howbeit to the very great grief of the godly Nation dashing against Nation Kingdoms and Empires falling upon one another Let the earth tremble with horrour and let Cities Churches Schools yea and all places private and publique be piled up in their own ruines yet for all this that same God which formed the most beautiful Structure of the World out of the most rude Vast which also he powerfully preserveth and wisely governeth hitherto for the sake of his Church knowing how to produce even out of these concussions that which is better then we all can think to wit as he hath promised that the Gospel may at last pass away from sharply chastised Christendome to the other Nations of the World That so as it was long ago our stumbling may be the enriching of the World and our diminishing the riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 14. The consideration of this so much to be admired Eternal Providence doth gently allay the grief which I have taken by reason of the ruine of the Church of my native Countrey of the Government of which so long as she kept heâ— station the laws are here described and set forth in view Even my self alas being the very last Supeâ—intendent of all am fain before your eyes O Chu ches to shut the dâ—or afteâ— me And that I may shut it faithâ—uâ—ly I determined by this shâ—â— meditation to justifie the Divine judicial proceedings against us as also to furnish my self together with them which are yet left of mine and whosoever will take heed of miscarrying by our example with some comfort and some advice 15. For the deluge of most raging Peâ—secutions for these forty years hath sâ— defaced us that in all Bohemia and Moravia we have not verily so much as one Church remaining onely some few reliques of the flock dispersed through
might be an Admirer of our Order and which would give more ample satisfaction in these things But my friends were instant with me and unanimously urged the putting out of the formerly mentioned work so that I made them a promise I would satisfie their desire in this matter 23. I therefore save my credit and behold here I send that which I was requested with manifold Copies in the substance of the matter I have changed nothing it being not mine but the Churches publique piece Onely where it was judged pertinent and to good purpose to set down some things of special reference that the close bands of that Order might be the better perceived and the practice more easily observed I have there added some notes more fully explaining that which was briefly spoken 24. And because the Preface seemed something dry and insufficient for the information of Foreigners I have premised a short Historical Narration viz. How that the Churches of Slavonia being planted by the Apostles themselves propagated by Hierom Cyril Methudius took root especially in the Countrey of Bohemia and run up to a head and ripened in the Vnity of the Brethren of Bohemia So that this may be useful for the better understanding of the sequel 25. Farewel Holy Brethren and best w but the use of a double hour upon me while I acâ—uaint you with the conflicts and sorrows of my Church and especially the ways of our Ecclesiastical accord I commend you to the Spirit of Grace may he by that of the Apostle Let a l things be done decentâ—y and in oâ—der being written on your heart compose câ—ncorporate consolidate you all even the whole body with his most glorious Head and all the members of his Political and Mystical bâ—dy with one anâ—ther with the band of faith love and eternal concord even indissâ—luble that as Brittain hath been behold of late the sad tragical stage of Contentions so now it may be a lively pattern of Concord to the perfecting of the power and glory of Gâ—d and the happy treading down of the Enemies under your Great Constantine not called out of but recalled into â—ritain in sâ—ite of the Maxentians and Licinianus Finally to make your Châ—rch by the assistance of God after so many shakings fair as the Moon clear as the Sun and terrible as an Aâ—my in Battel-Array even the mirrour of all the Churches in the World Amen Jesus Christ Amen So prayeth from his whole heart The most vehement Sollicitor of the Peace Order and Salvation of the Church I. A. Comenius of Moravia A SHORT HISTORY OF THE Slavonian Church PLANTED By the Apostles themselves enlarged by Jerome Cyril Methodius taking root principally in the Countrey of Bohemia and running up to a head in the unity of the Brethren of Bohemia Pious Reader THose words of Christ the Everlasting Brideâ— groom touching his Bride the Church spoken as with admiration Cant. 6.9 are well worthy of our consideration WHO IS THIS WHICH COMETH FORTH AS THE MORNING FAIR AS THE MOON CLEAR AS THE USN TERRIBLE AS AN ARMY OF BATTLE IN GOOD ARRAY as which whether taken in a divided or a conjoyned sense afford us very excellent Lessons 2. If we take them in a divided sense of the Catholick Church divided into particular Churches it is plain that the Churches may and ought to be so distinguished and reckoned of as they are really and truly in the account of God That is to say as some Churches are novel coming up but of late the Light whereof is as the Morning so there be others of longer standing having the advantages of clearer light as the Moon Others also joying in the full day of Faith Love and Hope of Eternal mercy even as the Sun Others again over and above this glorious light within sparkling terror outwardly to thâ—m which are round about as an Army well marshalled â—â—riking horrour into the Enemies the very Battel being set and Colours flying 3. If we take the words in a conjoyned sense of the one onely entire Catholique Church of which Christ speaks in the former verse My Dove is but one entire without doubt we have insinuated the several ages and statures of it viz. that the light of the infant Church newly come forth in the Apostles times was verily the Morning the godly mostly glorying herein that the night was far spent the day was at hand and it was now time to awake from sleep Rom. 13.11 12. 2 Pet. 1.19 at which time the truth is Divine Knowledge was not improved as it was afterward Neither was there such a clear and distinct understanding of the mysteries of Faith as there was after that the dotages of the Hereticks had exercised the wisdom of the Church yet it sufficed them even now as to this effect viz. to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light and to walk honestly as in the day Rom. 13.13 as their then zealous piety shining in their Martyrdomes plainly sheweth 4. After this came the time of priming and waining light as of the Moon in the days of the Hereticks with whom the Churches conflict was with various success one while the truth prevailing against errour another while errour against the truth until the time that it suffered an horrid eclipse under Antichrist 5. But there was by the Grace of God and the benefit of a Reformation a restoring of the light which was extinguished in the Church with a new addition and that was according to the promise made Isa 30.26 The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun There being a more through search made after the truth even to the very lowest foundations then was ever known in former ages 6. Yet because the very Sun in our firmament though nothing is more bright may and sometimes doth fail Eccles 17.31 and by the permission of God even the Reformed Churches still again suffer the hour of darkness the goodness and wisdom of the everlasting Bridegroom gives us hope that it shall come to pass that the Church shall at last become terrible to her enemies and intimateth in what way this shall be effected to wit if through Gods blessing differences being ended the Church shall sometime at length so unite it self on every side within it self and knit together by the bands of Order as that after the manner of a well set Array of battel she shall be impenetrable by her enemies but run through rout and quash all contrary forces or powers whatsoever that rise up against her 7. And this is none other but that which the Apostle urgeth upon the Ephesians and requireth of the Church now grown up saying Endeavouring to preserve the Vnity of the Spirit in the band of peace c. then further Ascending up on high he gave gifts to men some Apostles some Prophets some Evangelists some Pastors and Teachers for the compacting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery for the edification of the body
man can minde and do all things at one and the same time All things as they should be we cannot do all Nor yet to one do Gods gifts wholly fall As Luther himself writes in his Piece de Servo Arbitrio of Enslaved Freewil ripeness of mans knowledge hath and doth still come on by length of time Adde this many things are wanting in some to be supplied by others Thus far Lasitius 78. Now these Transactions with Luther being over writes the same man there came out of France to Bohemia two learned men bringing commendations from the Brethren the Waldenses to acquaint them with the calamities of them which sent them by reason both of the continuance of the Hostile Persecution as also their difference arising amongst themselves that giving them fully to understand the better condition of the Brethren of Bohemia they might receive some consolation and to carry iâ— home to their own To this end they stayed with ours six whole moneths seeing their Order and unity in all matters the diligent care of their Pastors over the flock the observance of the youngers to the Elders and their daily performance of all kinde of labours and services c. as also ours beholding in like manner their pious Conversation and zeal and by these two were able to judge what the rest were And inasmuch as they found them sound in Doctrine and Faith they admitted them into Communion with them So at length the beloved strangers take their leaves of each other with mutual consolation c. 79. The Divines of Strasburg having some counsels in hand for the repairing of Ecclesiastical Discipline amongst themselves write to the Brethren of Bohemia Anno 1433. by the hand of Fabritius Capito and received in writing an answer thereunto again Anno 1540. by the hand of Marvin Bucer then the Brethren send Mathius Erithreus one of their own to them These Transactions are set down by Lasitius but it may suffice here onely to present you with some few Elegancies out of the sayings of the most pious Divine Bucer Ecclesiastical Discipline saith he is the Throne of Christ reigning in the Church And when Mathias entreated him to excuse his impolite speaking Bucer answers â—iety is to be looked at in a Christian not quaintness of speech it is apparently from the Divine hand that you being not so learned have yet so well a governed Church But as for us though we may seem more learned yet because we neglect the care of Discipline we profit very little wherefore we are thinking by all means how to settle it And when Matthias the Divines being now come together to hear his message was relating to them the usual way of the Brethrens Order in the Church Bucer not able to refrain from tears turning to the Divines sitting about him said Now verily this Hierarchy or holy Government is rather Celestial above then Ecclesiastical here on earth He also yet further inserts in his Letter to the Brethren Many with us have shaken off the yoke of Antichrist but yet refuse to take upon them the yoke of Christ c. I am perswaded that you alone are they that at this day are found in all the World amongst whom onely flourishes sound Doctrine pure edifying and wholesome Discipline I have perused the Confession you sentime rejoycing very much to finde amongst you so great a lustre of the Truth and such Order and Purity in your Administration Great indeed is the goodness of God toward you in that you retain the Doctrine so pure and have such disciples as diligently take care to bring back the Discipline into the Church as it were out of banishment Truly we are much ashamed of our selves when we compare at any time our Church with this of yours And publiquely in his Piece against Latomus in print thus That way is surely the most excellent which is observed by the Brethren called the Piccards who alone in all the World again still retain among them together with the purity of Doctrine also the Discipline of Christ in force The thing it self is so plain that we cannot but as give them the commendation thereof so praise the Lord which hath so wrought upon them Howbeit those Brethren are lightly esteemed of some Preposterous though Learned men 80. At the same time there wrote to the Brethren of Bohemia also two other Divines Fabricins Capito and John Calvin Pastor of the banished French Church then at Argentorat Part of Fabricius Letter runs thus The Express of your Faith which came to our hands was very acceptable to us it containing your Church Order absolutely the best that I finde in our generation in that together with a solid Confession of Faith and right use of the Sacraments it beareth the sweet savours of holy Discipline and the watchful Pastoral care among you of your Pastors For Calvins Letter it is extant in the Volumn of his Epistles under this title To the Bohemian Pastors of which these words are a fragment I heartily congratulate your Churches upon which besides sound Doctrine God hath bestowed so many excellent gifts whereof this is none of the least to have such Pastors to govern and order them and such people as are so well affected and disposed towards Government To be constituted in so excellent a sorm adorned with the most excellent Discipline which we worthily call the most excellent yea and the onely bond whereby obedience can be preserved I am sure we finde with us by woful experience what the worth of it is by the want of it nor yet can we any way attain unto it God bless me this very thing makes me often faint in my minde and feeble in the discharge of my Function yea I should quite despair did not this comfort me that the edification of the Church is always none other then the work of the Lord which he himself will carry on by his own power though all help besides fails But yet this is a great and rare blessing to be assisted with other necessary advantages therefore I shall never take our Churches to be in any posture of strength or firm establishment until we can be knit together with that nerve c. This excellent man was not long after by prime choise called to exercise his Ministery in the Church of Geneva where he erected this kinde of Discipline and it is famous at this day in all the World 81. In the year 1542. was made another and that the last application of the Brethren from Bohemia unto Luther and it was not so much by Legates as in the way of a personal friendly Visitation For John Augusta himself the then chief Antistes of the Unity taking with him of the Ministers George Israel and of the Nobility Joachimius Prostibore comes to Witteberg to understand what hopes there were of the Gospel-Churches their receiving and embracing the Discipline which the Strasburg Divines had expressed themselves so much desirous of They being kindely embraced
a matter of necessity that we must give you a meeting for we must absolutely obviate the various attempts of Satan which with all craftiness they make amongst us to disturb the Church and hinder the progress of the Gospel For there are that neither will in all Articles allow our universally received Doctrine nor willingly will submit to Ecclesiastical Discipline we must therefore have mutual consultation to know how to deal with men of this sort and the Lord give his blessing to us that our meeting may not be in vain c. Thus that excellent a Lasco hoped well but was frustrated for they came together to no purpose both this and some years after all the Antitrinitarian Turn-coats as yet hiding their poyson but always bending another way according to that of our Saviour He which doeth evil hateth the light 99. This good old man a Lasco being taken up into his heavenly Countrey another Synod was convened in the Town of Xians 1560. wherein the haters of Truth and Order being very daringly bold affirmed That the Senior or Superintendent was not to be chosen out of the Clergy but out of the Secular men perswading themselves they could more easily instill their poyson into them They pretended two Reasons 1 That the Pastors had enough to do every one with his flock 2. Lest any thing savouring of Popery be still left among them which were separated from the Papacy The Legates of our Churches which were there Laurentius and Rokita not yet founding the depth of Satan in this matter nevertheless being required their opinion said Our custom anciently carries it an other way affirming also that Order with the Authority of Scripture and Arguments To which the Pastors agreed the Nobles dissented and there was a great stir 100. At last the haters of Order broke out to that height to affirm That there was to be had a more perfect Scriptural 〈◊〉 fâ—â—mation of the Church then that of the Brethren of the Waldenses Arguments therefore were drawn up by our men that this very way of Reformation was such as was settled according to the pattern of the ancient Apostolical Church and that the most famous of the Evangelici did attest it to be such at this day nor was this out Reformation rashly made or by any one man but whatever the grave and serious Counsels of many could finde to be best whatever could be learned from experience what the temper of all times could afford or custom could confirm that onely was agreed upon to be admitted why then should we try new and uncertain experiments since that in our experience now for these forty years we have sufficiently been deluded with c. rather then seen by humble and obedient practice any fruit of the Gospel as if the Gospel lay onely in Temples and lips without reformation of life the onely suitable return for so great a light of Truth So true is the Testimony of Speratus Bishop of Pomefania of holy memory now six years agone deceased wherein he finding things then not much otherwise complains We preach saith he and do not our people hear and believe not Well unless the Evangelici of Polonia knit together on all hands in the bands of order nothing will be of any durable standing for Posterity now Order is that some govern and others obey for constant mutual Edification 101. But still they objected That the Brethren did not open their Churches nor had they any full Communion of Saints but administred the Sacrament to some onely which were of their own way at their Devotion To which answer was made Christ for bad to give holy things to them which are not holy and that Christianity must take its beginning at repentance not at receiving the Sacraments nor is it according to the Institution of Christ to pronounce Absolution save onely to them that repent and believe Both of which viz. Repentance and Faith that they be not superficial and counterfeit there must necessarily be a discovery made by examination had to that purpose in some appointed fit season And inasmuch as to attribute salvifical vertue to the naked Elements by reason of the work done is the Basis of all error in the Papacy that that errour cannot be corrected unless by a certain tryal that not huddled over till the secrets of hearts be disclosed and the newly converted be a long time carefully both informed and examined that Cyril well observed that Christ did not presently commit himself to them which made a profession of their faith in him and that Chrysostome called them abortive Christians that were admitted to the use of the Sacraments before they had been learned and taught to renounce all things forbidden in the Decalogue So that 't is the concern of a true Minister of Christ that he makes not abortive Christians to insist upon the fruits meet for repentance as requisite before admission to the Sacrament and that because there be three parts of the Ministery 1 Doctrine 2. Keys and 3. Sacraments The Sacraments may not be administred save onely to such as unfeignedly embrace sound Doctrine and subject their life and conversation to be tryed by the Laws of Discipline If any man refuse this how is he a part of the flock and before he be a member how can he be joyned or received as such are the Constitutions of Order to be disturbed in favour of such Libertines as exempt themselves from all Law of Order 102. The things at that time more largely discussed are well known yet it seems there was then no such force in them as to make the obstinate to yield Yea the conclusions of that Synod were so drawn up that it was plain to be seen that Politique and Carnal Prudence got the better of Divine and Spiritual wisdom For the body of the Church was not formed as the Apostle would have it Eph. 4.16 that by the inward working power it may encrease unto edification of it self in love But it was with them as the Apostle forewarned ver 14. men being unstable as children tossed and carried about with every wind of Doctrine through Satans long experienced craftiness artificially to deceive This I say was apparently the Frenzy-like Arrians spirit everyday more and more impotently putting forth it self and troubling the faith and tranquility of the Church So that at last the Orthodox were fain of necessity to be very watchful to rid themselves of those unquiet spirits to gather up into a more close body by the yet firmer bands of unity in the Spirit 103. For at length the many Counsels of pious and wise men took place so that the Churches of Polonia the less received th Order of the Brethren of Bohemia they constituting out of their number of their Pastors for their own Churches which were scattered all about the Provinces five Bishops or Presbyters of Cracovia of Sendomiria of Lublin of Russia of Belsa and so many Compresbyters with all the Solemn Rites used
Heidelberg then piously solicitous about the erecting of Order in the Churches of the Palatinate under Pious Frederick as appears in their Embassy and Letters to the Brethren of Bohemia for Zech. Vrsin in his to Andreas Stephanus the Antistes of the Brethren writes thus We are fully certified by your Confession both of your consent with us in all the heads of Christian Doctrine and also of your care and diligence to keep up a conversation worthy of a Christian and indeed upon this account we must needs joy you with an happiness far beyond us And we entreat you to help us in your prayers to the Lord that we may obtain his grace for some further attainment of the beauty of Christian Order amongst us also and that we judging our selves may not be condemned of the Lord for notwithstanding our prayers and endeavours many a day have been reaching hereunto that something of better Order may at last be seen amongst us yet because the name of Church-Discipline some imprudently and importunately urging it others bitterly and altogether rejecting it is become so odious that a great part do not onely decline it but would have it demolished and we can scarce hitherto enjoy the name or the least slight shadow of Discipline Therefore with shame and grief we are sensible that you ascribe more to us in your opinion then is to be found amongst us yet this advantage we have by it that from hence we apprehend you ply us as with a spur to quicken us to endeavour to be more answerable the better to answer to that good opinion which you and the rest of the godly conceive of us c. Mart. 19. 1574. 114. Answer hereunto being received the Church of Heidelberg dispatch to the Brethren one Badius with Letters to the same Antistes written by Mr. Olevian to this effect Mr. Vrsin shewed me your Letters and them of Mr. Languet whereby I understand that you of a long time have vigorously laid at that design whereto also we aspire namely to place the beginning middle and end of Religion not in disputing but in doing i. e. in true conversion to God and solid faith in Christ Let me therefore beg of you not onely in mine but in the name of the Brethren which are here in the service of the Church that you would furnish this John Badius with understanding of the whole Oeconomy or Administration of your Church and make him welcome for he is a learned and very pious man Mr. Vrsin and all the Colleagues salute you At Heidelberg April 28. 1574. 115. Now what opinion the Divines of Heidelberg had of those things which Badius observed in the Churches of the Brethren is evident by Olevians Letters again to Stephen given Sept. 6. in these words It cannot be expressed what high thoughts I have of that work of the Lord which he hath not onely began but also carried on so many years in your Churches The extreme corruptions of this age makes me and my Coleagues not a â—ittle desirous to confer with you about the most excellent Government of the Church for we would so build that the building may stand firm for after ages but we see how great differences and what sudden changes there are in those Churches which are deprived of their Priviledge and wholly depend upon the Civil power unless we seasonably obviate these evils many of the godly will think at least in a great part that they have run in vain I mean as to the stability of the building and the preservation and propagation of the whole Oeconomy of the Kingdom of Christ Wherefore we thankfully own what the Lord hath given us and we desire to make more full acknowledgment thereof and beseech the Lord that he would supply us with sufficient means hereunto to that purpose Veriâ—y when I behold the sad face of the Reformed Churches in Germany I am utterly afraid I apprehend that secular powers have been heretofore the Churches entreatments but now in many places they are turned into a kind of Dominion to domineer at their pleasure over the Churches and the heavenly doctrine Of the causes hereof this seems not to be the least that many Churches have too much given up themselves to the Polities of the world as if they were an essential part of the Kingdom of Christ Therefore I cannot but extoll your way of edifying who would have your Churches so subjected to the Polities of this world yea and to all men for good as yet to part with nothing of that liberty which Christ hath purchased for them with his blood 116. Hubert Languet mentioned before was the Elector of Saxonies Legat in Cesars Court at Vienna a man of great authority I find some letters of his to Andreas Stephanus and in one of them these words The Pope fears nothing more then our consent and uniting together which is his sure destruction if it can be effected but we have some unsound Divines amongst us which reject all good counsels and therein do much advance the Popes interest I would have the Churches of Bohemia which you write desire the Augustan Confession first joyn themselves with your Churches But these things are belonging to the good pleasure of God onely unto whom we must earnestly pray that he would defend his Church against them which labour to dissolve it Of the Gentleman D. of Z. I think as you do he seems to me to be of that sort of men which prudently and simply judge of things as nothing at all byassed by their affections of which there are to be found but very few Tho most and those not otherwise wanting parts and ingenuity being so hurried away with their affections that they seem sometimes when they give their judgement to be destitute of common sence At Vienna 15. Feb. 1574. 117. There was come forth before this time an 1572. the famous four-languaged Bible of Benedict Arias Montanus printed at Antwerp and not much after that was the new Latin Translation of the Bible of Francis Junius and Imanuel Tremel printed at Heidelberg This put the Brethren upon preparing in like manner a new version of the Bible in their own language conformable to the Original for all that they had hitherto had was the Latin version they therefore set about this business and in pursuance hereof they send to the Universities of Wittenberg and Basil some Candidates in Divinity to give themselves diligently to the study and thorough-knowledge of the holy Tongues To these was adjoyned a Jew born Lucas Helitz of Posnania a learned and pious man ordained also a Minister of the Gospel among us and that these might be able quietly to attend this sacred work there was assigned them in the heart of Moravia an accommodation for their dwelling together viz. the Castle of Kratlitz a Printing office being there also erected under the patronage of the Right honourable Lord John Baron of Zerotin having his Mansion in the next adjoyning
persons in the World giving us just cause to fear that in extolling such they did the rather impaire their own reputation This is evident in Erasmus Hist 70. Yea and if any man will but seriously weigh these things in the ballance of his own Judgment he will scarce evade his being of the same mind Viz. If he considers a that not any one but many began this Unity Histor 45. Annot p. 78. b and these not lead by self conceit but the zeale of salvation c not out of luxuriancy of wit but sensible and tender conscience ibid d not precipitantly but with manifold deliberations for many years Hist 47.99 e not with presumptuous confidence of themselves but with fear and trembling making many and heart-breaking Prayers to God to this purpose 48.50.60 f and with great respect had to Judicious men seeking counsell whereever any could be hoped or looked for The Romans Greeks Waldenses Hussites Lutherans c. 61.66.68 g also with full purpose to try all things and hold fast that which was any where found good insomuch as they ordained it a Canon among themselves if any appeared any where better reformed they would be obliged to joyne themselves to them 67. In no wise therefore doth this Unity savour at all of Schism h Now all this while whatever they had collected among them they so diligently and closely stuck thereunto in their practise that it may be said to be throughly proved by the fire of Persecution for the space of two generations without interruption Neither yet hath any thing to this day been found which is better viz. more consonant to the Scriptures and the practise of the Apostles or more for the satisfaction of the Conscience But moreover we want not for these things more weighty and as it were demonstrative Arguments As First that this Church of the Brethren hath all along been such a body as the Apostle would have the body of the whole Church to be a Conjunction of Saints by the work of the Ministry for mutuall edification in the Unity of faith and unto the exercise of unfeigned Charity fitly framed together and compact by that which every joynt supplyes from the inward working power Ephes 4.12 for here all are in this manner some being members of others knit together by common Lawes unto common edification not by the charmes of any outward Splendor Wealth or Honour or chaines of any compulsory violence but set together only by the inward working power and glew of the same Faith Love and Hope Secondly because such a Polity as is that of the Brethren-Church is of that nature that however it submits it self to the Polities of the World yea to all men for good yet it will lose nothing of that Church-liberty which Christ hath purchased for it with his own blood as Mr. Olevian observes Hist 115. and which is more that it alwayes comports with every well-constituted State and never disturbs it that which is altogether to be wished seeing that the State and the Church both combining for the welfare of humane Society must differ only as Outward and Inward For such a Church-government as this is sutable to a Monarchical State because it hath Episcopacy to an Aristocratical because it hath a Senate to a Democratical because it hath Synods Therefore Calvin and Bucer both for the Order of the Brethren Hist 79 80. being called unto divers Places to reform the Churches each of them so applied himself that he accommodated with the Secular government Calvin in the Commonwealth of Geneva constituting a Presbyterie Bucer in the Kingdom of England leaving there what he found Episcopacy to continue and remain But whether or no they did well to part asunder things which when joyned together have a better operation those thence arising and unto so much mischief among the Brethren molesting controversies and contentions give too much evidence Perhaps if they had hearkned to that of Solomon a threefold cord is hardly broken they would not have had so much sad experience of those breaches Thirdly Another Argument of much validity for such a Form of Church-government as this is It carries within it self antidotes against the evils which may annoy it viz. Order and Discipline whereby it either prevents disorders or else if they steal in suppresses them v. g. a that there is no place open for Ambition and Simony no man running of himself or before another but all coming when they are called and going when they are sent not otherwise to another place or at another time Nor is any preferred to any function at the pleasure of any one with acceptation of Persons but of all there being less hazard in the common judgement of all then of any one and because all are as any one in their lyableness to erre they alwayes faithfully make him of their Counsel which cannot erre i. e. God First in all their Synods before the Election of any Ministers Pastors or Bishops making prayers unto God joyned with fasting an whole day as Acts 13.2 3. b As for Covetousness the Antidote here is their very poverty unto which they are all accustomed both by necessity it self they being not allowed any large stipends and by the Laws forbidding them the care of scraping riches See Annot. p. 98. 6 7. c the bar which is here put to Arrogancy is that this vice of pride being discernable as hateful who ever bewrayes any swelling thereof puts a stop to himself in that very thing as to his own preferment d an Antidote against contentions is not wanting here being the endeavour of brotherly love in all Or if any thing breaks out of humane infirmity some friends are alwayes at hand for the reconciling thereof e nor is here any place for Heresie or Heterodoxie where none use to have any thing singular but all frame all things unto Consent and Harmony and where all are exercised rather in the practise of Christian love then in subtile speculations about Faith f Neither doth any one by disputing or writing rise up against another whereof there are sad examples in other places because of the common bands of Order he neither dare nor can g Lastly there are no occasions of curiosity such as are vast Libraries wherein busie bodies may at their pleasure tumble and dangerously involve themselves for all are here taught most what to delight themselves in books of Divinity Besides the Apostle pronounceth those Churches blessed where the servants of God are received as the Angels of God yea as Christ Jesus himself Gal. 4.14 15. Now it is Mr. Altingius's observation reading the Order of the Brethren that all things are there among them directed with singular care unto Piety and due Reverence of the sacred Order But if it be so we have the true Picture of the Kingdom of God and hope of that blessing and life for ever promised to Brethren that dwell together in unity and having all the ointments and dews of divine
enamoured me with the love 1. Of Unity especially that of the Church 2. Of Order especially in the Church 3. Of Settlement especially of the Church 4. Life and Vigour especially of the Church cannot but be in pursuit of those things with all my desires and having lost the less our Unity Order Bands Life I cannot but pray for the greater even the Unity Order Bands and Life of the whole people of Christendome in as much as Unity in the Community is far better then community in paucity I would some greater and more famous Church which is as a City set upon an hill Mat. 5.14 yea lifted up above the Hills Jos 2.2 would begin and set an example to the rest I mean of perfect co-implantation perfect Co-ordination perfect connexion and perfect reformation after the life of Christ as much as may be on this side heaven for in these doth the perfection beauty and salvation of the Church consist We ought to pray for the Unity of the Church because he which could not desire but that which was best even he who is our Saviour sanctifying himself to be a Sacrifice for us prayed for this and that with tears Father I sanctifie my self for these that they also may be sanctified in thy Truth Joh. 17.19 even all that shall believe in me 20. That they all may be One as thou Father art in me and I in thee and that they may be One in Vs 21. I have given them the glory which thou gavest to me that they may be One even as also We are One 22. I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in One and the world may know that thou hast sent me 23. Alas Christians be afraid having lost Unity we have lost that whereby the world should know that we are God's people and that Christ was sent of the Father to be the Saviour of the world had we kept this we might have gained a thousand worlds O then that yet yet we may return unto Unity that the world may know c. But what Unity do you desire Even that which the Apostles began by the Command and Example of Christ under whom the Church was one Heart and one Soul Acts 4.32 i. e. there was no study to make and maintain parties but the same sentiment and consent in all and the same designe of common edification as among the members of the same body O that God would please so to give to us one heart and one soul that all the Pastors with their several Flocks and all the Flocks with their several Pastors the whole Clergie among themselves and the people among themselves all the Rulers with their subjects and subjects with their Rulers and every Church with it self and all the Churches of the same Kingdom and Province within themselves may all be but one body and one soul Open but your eyes O Christians how without Unity there is in the very foundation of the whole Fabrick of the Church no strength at all but all to tumble and running to ruine In all things Natural Artificial and Moral the only Base of Peace and Prosperity is Unity unto which all things first and last above and below on the right and left hand must be so reduced that if one goes all go In such a frame hath God made the world and all and every thing in the world to wit the body of every living creature yea and every Plant too hanging together still with certain ligaments in every part To the like form of necessity must all humane Society and the Church also be reduced because where ever multitude is there is confusion unless that multitude by vertue of Order be brought to an Unity break but Unity it 's unpossible but that the multitude should fall in pieces and so to ruine For it cannot be otherwise but that plurality not united together with the band of Union must come to division and from division to contention and from contention to confusion 2. But Unity is not enough for the full safety of the Church and therefore Order must be added because the Church is not a Body made up of Similar parts all of like nature and name with themselves and the whole as an heap of Sand or a stack of Wood or a flock of Sheep or the body of a Snail where 't is not enough that the parts are together but such as consists of divers members of distinct places scituations forms and offices as we see in a House City Army and the Humane body where every thing the top and the bottome the end and the end the middle and the middle according to their degree contains it self in its own place and acts what it hath in special charge in its own sphere and it must be thus or else all is in a despairing case But what Order do we wish in the Churches Such again as Christ hath instituted and the Apostles observed viz. That there should be some to govern and go before and some to follow and obey in a legitimate subordination of the lowest to the highest and especially that every one abide in the Calling wherewith he is called not forsaking his station nor intrenching upon anothers 1 Cor. 7 17. Christ hath set us an example herein who executing the Office of a Prophet in his life of a Priest in his death and of a King in heaven whilst he was yet in the exercise of his Prophetical Office and they would make him a King he declined it John 6.15 they would have him take upon him to distribute outward possessions he refused it Luke 12.14 and he commanded the like to his Apostles not to intermeddle with secular affairs Luke 22.26 It is then confusion in the Church when persons called to Ecclesiastical Offices shall entangle themselves in Civil Ministrations Possessions Dominions Judgments Wars or contrariwise hereto Of the former way of confusion all see a plain instance in the Papacy where Church-men having gotten into their hands the power of both swords exercise Spiritual and Secular Government Of the latter they which are any thing well-sighted may see it true in part of the Reformed Churches where those of the Civil Power have forced away the power of the Spiritual Sword out of the hands of the Pastors of the Church and do not indulge them the exercise hereof To this purpose Olevian that godly Divine hath an observation which gives me occasion to give a seasonable and useful warning to the Church of God and indeed such is the abominableness and mischief of the danger I would give warning of that a kinde of necessity is laid upon me so that I must speak Thus Olevian as before Hist Ps 53. § 115. When I behold the sad face of the Reformed Churches in Germany plainly I am all over set in a trembling I perceive Secular Powers have been the Accommodations of the Church but now in many places they are turned into Dominations and they Lord
it securely at their pleasure over the Churches and so over the heavenly Doctrine c. What this means John Valentine of Andreas a choice Divine of the Lutherans in his Auguration Sermon or Speech at Tubinga in the year 1642. tells us in these words The impotent Usurped Power of the Pope over Emperours Kings and all power of State and Magistracy which one may call by an unusually but not an unfitly name Papal-Magistracy with a Divine Spirit of Power set at liberty their Rights Dignities Crowns and Scepters and being restored upheld them by the Authority of the Divine Word Now Satan easily perceived what an incurable wound was given him and how the very foundations of his Kingdom were shaken by this liberty of the Magistrate restored therefore superseding all force and violence he takes to his Arts and Stratagems and attempting that which no man suspected an unworthy return indeed for so great a benefit instead of Papal-Magistracy the Tables being turned he institutes Magistratical-Papacy and foisted it into the Church scarce as yet gotten out of the Roman dungeon Would you know what this word means 'T is sad indeed and that which is very prejudicial to the proceedings of the Church affairs I had rather you should have it in the words of Conrad Schlisselberg formerly an excellent Divine of Ours than in mine own Imperial-Papacy saith he is the confounding of the Church and Civil Power wherein the Secular Lords in Courts and Cities under pretence of keeping both the Tables snatch to themselves the Spiritual Sword and make themselves Lords over the Church and the Ministery of the Word Prescribing Forms of Obligation and of Teaching Praying making Sermons Honouring the Magistrate Taxing offences and Errors Administring the Sacraments and Keyes and setting up Ceremonies in the Church such as are now dangerous doubtful and contrary to the Word of God and they will have to be in their own and their Courtiers and Senates hands the Supreme and Dictator-like power of hearing taking cognizance of and determining all Ecclesiastical causes and of chusing and calling Ministers and dis-officiating the same whom and when they please whether the Church will or no consent hereunto or dissent and all to this end that themselves may not be reproved and admonished by the faithful Preachers from the Spirit of God and that the Civil Peace as they account it may be preserved Thus Schlisselburg And John Valen. of Andreas Printing on purpose a little Book entituled Apap i. e Papa inverted to shew the prodigious abominations and fatal effects of that new Monster Imperial-Papacy That it is the most desperate crafty stratagem of the Devil to frame for himself of Ministers of the Gospel Masters of State and transform the Servants of Christ into Servants of men and to hang fetters upon the Prophets to make them either dumb or fearful to speak lest they should be Reprovers Ezek. 3.25 26. Chrysostome was in the right This is the cause of all evils that the Authority of the Governours of the Church is lost and they be not had in Reverence Honour and Fear Hom. 2. on the 2. of Tim. for verily when the Magistrate will not be reproved neither will the people For Let 's but see th' Mode Royal And who 'll not be Loyal And then the Church becomes such as it was in the time of the Prophets Licentious Contumacious and impatient of all Controul Let no man strive and reprove another for this people is as they that strive with the Priest Hos 4.4 Whence it comes to pass that in those Churches where Imperial Papacy rules one of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven is neglected despised lost I did not know it the Omniscient is my witness and to this very day for what hath an incurious man to do in another man's charge for ought I know I might have been ignorant of it but that some 14 yeers ago by chance I came to the knowledge of it Excuse me as to the name of place and person and I 'le relate it to you in few words It hapned that in the chief City of Germany I had some speech with the chief Pastor of the Church in that place He told me he had a good while longed for an occasion to know whether a Book which he had read viz. The way of the Discipline and Order of the Churches of the Brethren in Bohemia did contain the true story of that Church or only a Model how a Church should be constituted I asked why he doubted it He answered because I cannot imagine any such Church should or can at this day be found in the world I answered 't was an History not a Fiction there related and that indeed there was really such Orders and Constitutions though they were not enough observed and therefore now we that would not be governed thereby are under the chastisements of the Discipline of heaven Saith he O happy you that had both the Keys we have lost one of them that is the binding Key We are appointed to be such Stewards in the House of God as are bound as it were to set open the Barns Cellars Chests and all Treasuries and not at all to shut them so that we cannot but give holy things to dogs and cast pearls before swine I have known saith he some persons in my Congregation very prophane covetous extortioners drunkards adulterers admitted to Confession and the Supper which must be by me absolved to day and for certain would be found to morrow returning to wallow in the mire I told him they were not to be admitted unless they would engage to reform He answered I tryed that but could not carry it on they defame me as some new Papist or Calvinist my life is bitter to me c. and so began to sigh and weep I tell you a true story before God who is a most faithful witness if haply even by this the enormity and deadly mischief as well of the Imperial-Papacy as the Papal-Empire may be made manifest for by the one as much as by the other is the Order of the Church shaken even in the very foundation fin and judgment being filled up to the measure by such breach of Order Is there not some likeness between the Papal Empire of the Evangelici and that Micah of Mount Ephraim making himself a new God for his House and having a Priest to perform the Service as should be by him prescribed Judg. 17. Doth it not resemble the Policy of Jeroboam setting up Calves to be his Gods and Calvish Priests to be Ministers because forsooth the reason of State so required Mark I beseech you the Founders of the old and new Church and the many Reformers and Transformers their divers and even contrary wayes God will not be mocked that which any man sowes that he shall also reap Aaron the Priest with Miriam the Prophetess go about to shake off the Authority of Moses their Prince and they are punished by God with
Leprosie Numb 17.10 11. King Vzziah again on the other side casting off the Authority of the Priests usurps their office and he is also punished by the same hand with Leprosie 2 Chron. 26 16. Now then whilst among Christians both these offences are committed shall we wonder if those of both the extreams be avenged with a spiritual Leprosie and other plagues Would to God the Roman Aaron with his Miriam his Regulars would confess their errour and render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's contenting himself with that which is allotted to him the spiritual charge and care of Christ's Flock John 21.15 But behold in Aaron and Miriam some hopes of pardon Numb 12.15 which comfort we finde not for the Imperial-Papacy for it is written The Leprosie cleaved unto Vzziah the King unto the day of his death 2 Chron. 26.16 I would therefore they would make haste to get them out of the Church v. 15. i. e. to restore the power of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven which is given to the Church from above but by the corruption of men and the policy of the Devil now taken away from it Verily 't is high time to repent and repair the impaired Order of the Church 3. I pass on to Discipline as the Mean Ligament and Bond ordained from heaven to keep the Church in Unity and Order Christ calls it Salt Mark 9.50 because as salt resists putrefaction and makes food savoury and wholsome so the Discipline of manners heals corrupt manners and makes us careful to keep our selves within the bounds of our duty and therein to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling It was not without cause that our Lord said Every man shall be seasoned with salt and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt v. 49. and it must of necessity be understood of the Discipline to be extended to every man which offers himself up a sacrifice unto God For the command of God is strict Lev. 2.13 Whatsoever thou offerest to the Lord thou shalt season with salt Thou shalt not with-hold the salt of the Covenant of thy God from thy gift in every offering thou shalt offer salt I would those Imperial Papists which would have their Churches to be without all Discipline and their sacrifices themselves without all salt would seriously consider how in despight of God exempting themselves from all Discipline they affect a most dangerous licentiousness of spirit But who shall administer this Discipline Who shall apply this Salt to the Sacrifices of God to sanctifie all souls to God Christ makes the answer to his Apostles You are the salt of the earth Matth. 5.13 They are then to be the Pastors of the Church the Successors to the Apostles in their Office They therefore that wrest out of their hands the Church Discipline would have them to be salt without all savour What is it to deceive a man's self if this be not it To have food sweet rather then wholesome After Christ had said Ye are the salt of the earth he addes immediately but if salt shall be as if were not rendred insipid or lose its savour wherewith shall it be seasoned it is henceforth good for nothing but to be cast away to be trodden under foot Consider I pray which of you would have your Salt your Apostles to be without salt such as yet you do what in you lies to make them to be in the sight of God O how deserving these things be of our utmost consideration But granting the necessity of Discipline in the Church of what kinde would we have it I answer Such as Christ instituted and the Apostles observed Watchful strict and severe wholly spiritual and for edification Watchful to be extended to all that are exorbitant though yet according to the degree of the offence Mat. 18.15 Severe to be exercised without respect of persons even them that are dearest to us or them which are the principal members of the Church and seem to be most necessary Concerning which very remarkable is the Order which Christ gives that no man is to be spared which gives a just cause of offence If any shall be to thee as thy right hand saith he to the Church directing and governing all thy actions viz. the Presbyter himself or Bishop or Pope or as thy foot bearing thee up as the Magistrate and those in Power or as thy Eye giving thee light as all the sublime Doctors whosoever cut off both those and pull out this saith he for it is better for thee maimed lame and with one eye to be preserved unto life then to perish with all thy members full and entire v. 8 9. It is better then that by the vigour and strictness of Discipline the Church preserve it self from scandals should be small obscure and lame than tolerating scandals and enormities to advance her self to never so much largeness wealth honour and glistering pomp in the world Finally the Discipline of the Church ought to be proportioned to the Kingdom of Christ which is altogether spiritual and therefore revilings banishments pecuniary mulcts prisons stocks gibbets or capital punishments which are the kindes of Civil punishment are not the weapons of our warfare but admonitions shame terrour and last of all delivering up to the Divine judgement and to Satan the Executioner thereof Yet all these things not without an holy designe viz. That others in the Church may fear 1 Tim. 5.20 and they themselves which offend may be snatched with fear out of the flames of sin and death Jude v. 23. It remains only that and how the body of the Church being well united well ordered and well knit together with the bands of reverence must over and above this be all filled with the Spirit of Christ This is yet a further matter and differing from the former For any Philosophical Colledge or Secular Commonwealth the Lacedemonian or some other yea and Ants and Bees too and the Synagogue of the Pharisees may be a company well united and well ordered and knit together and yet not be the body of Christ the Church being destitute of his Spirit For if any have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8.9 What then is the Spirit of Christ Even the Spirit of the life of God quickning them that are dead in Adam 1 Cor. 15.45 i. e. turning to God them which are turned from God and them which are transgressors of the Law to be obedient to the Law and they that are fierce to be milde humble patient in a word making men new brought off from Satan the world and the flesh and offering themselves up to God alone to do and suffer all his Will This verily is the meaning of that which Christ speaketh If any man will come after me he must deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Matth. 16.24 and whoever cannot or will not do so he denies that he can be his Disciple Luke 14.26.32 Because
in the day of Christ I commend to you in particular a glittering pearl of Mr Olevian out of the premised Hist 115. The late extream corruption of this generation saith he moveth me and my Colleagues not a little to have some conference with you about the best way of Governing the Church for we would so build that our Fabrick may stand firm unto posterity We see what great differences and how sudden changes are made in those Churches which their Right and Priviledges being taken away are wholly at the devotion of the Civil Polities Unless provision be timely made for the stopping of these evils many of the godly even the greatest part will conclude they have run in vain and so on there many golden sentences following most deserving not only reading but our serious considerations And here even you also may take notice of some excellent pearls worth your observation 1. That in the design which you also now drive whether of Reformation or Confirmation you should be fixed and resolved that what you do may be firm and durable for the generation to come 2. To tremble at that word what differences what sudden changes are made where the Churches are deprived of their Right and Power 3. That unless some timely course be taken to withstand these evils as indeed we did not timely obviate them in Germany the godly will think c. Ah! they do think and feel it and Luther while he was yet living felt it that they that were under the grace of the Gospel were become worse then they that were under the rigour of the Papacy as if the unclean spirit were returned with seven spirits worse then himself c. And how could it be otherwise no bounds of Order and Discipline being set for preservation and the keyes of Christ being more perniciously curtailed then the Eucharist in the Papacy 4. As to which matter we ingeniously acknowledge what God hath conferred upon you and desire still more fully to acknowledge it c. and that in things of such concern counsels are by no means to be precipitated but exquisitely laid together and God from heaven is to be called upon for counsel with greater vehemency then in any other thing that can be named As for that question which is chiefly controverted amongst you concerning the best way and Form of Governing the Church I will say no more having in the Tractate of Independency said what ever I thought could be said in this case for accommodation and peace Only thus much That that golden rule of Christ of a Reformation in Life first rather than in faith and outward Ceremonies John 7. v. 17. is of golden use in this business for that man who-ever he be which seeks not himself and his own Interest but Christ only and in him salvation his own and another's will more easily discern what tends more or less hereunto being taught by that anointing within himself which he hath from the holy Ghost 1 John 7.20 27. But yet I query Whether or no if a Civil Society be well and rightful preserved in one place by Monarchical Government where the people commit their safety to some one person as the ablest and the wisest In another place by Aristocratical Government where the care is committed to some few of their own as able and wise In another by Democratical Government where the people govern themselves by turns Religious Society may not be in like manner so provided for i. e. whether Episcopal Government may not as well be endured where it hath long been as Consistorial where that obtains and Presbyterial or Classical where that is in use It seems probable it may be so for as much as every one of these Governments hath some good in it conducing unto the publick good so it be guarded from abuse v.g. The goodness of Monarchy is an uniting vertue preventing the ruine that may quickly arise from differences by reason of the multitude of counsels The goodness of Democracy is a diffusive vertue suffering no member to be easily overslipt in the dispensation of the common Cause or Interest The goodness of Aristocracy is a collective vertue knitting together Superiours with Inferiours and Inferiours with Superiours and causing many Members to keep themselves under one and one to diffuse himself unto many .. Hence some Nations have pleased themselves with one others with this or that and so it is at this day and they all keep up themselves in their several Forms of Government the one and the other which is an argument that there is in each one of them a proper and peculiar vertue to contain humane Society within its due bounds by the bonds thereof Only indeed through abuse admitted Monarchy easily degenerated into Tyranny Aristocracy into Oligarchy and Democracy into Anarchy which is worse than any Tyranny But againe of all these 3 kinds of Government may there not be a contemperation or temperature which may make for the improving of that which is good in each of them and correcting of that which is evill It may seem possible by the Rule of Christ This doe and leave not the other And that of the Apostle Try all things and hold fast that which is good Viz by holding in each of these Governments that which is excellent that of a threefold good may be made one very good v. g. of Monarchy and Episcopacy the uniting good of Aristocracy and Church-Sâ—nat the Collective vertue of Democracy and Presbitery the diffusive good Of such a kind of temper was the Common-wealth of the Lacedemonians having one King but to whom they put their Ephori as the Overseers of Actions and the power of chusing residing in the Common-people So in the Roman Empire which was of great strength the power and strength was in the peoples hands the counsel in the Senate and the executive part or execution belonged to the two Consuls The like prudent temperation is at this day to be seen in the Venetian Commonwealth and in some Kingdoms especially that of England and Polonia There is a King for Majesty yet therewithal a Senate consisting of the Optimates or the Nobles and there is also the very Commonwealth it self by the Commons their Legates or Representers suffering nothing to be enacted touching themselves without themselves And this course seems to excel all others for stability having remedies alwayes in readiness in reference to all grievances whatsoever Now whether or no we may not see such a temperature also in the Ecclesiastical State under the Apostles when as there were for the management of businesses and deciding of controversies 1. Apostles 2. Seniors 3. The Church Acts 15.22 And whether or no it be any where more evident in our Age then in the Churches of the Bohemian Fraternal Unity under Bishops Consistories Synods I leave it to the Churches to judge It is queried further Whether or no those inconveniences and hazards which have been found in this and the other