This Spiritual Power doth the like upon the like penalties as all know The Romish Power doth give Titles to his Ministers which are the Titles of God and Christ as spiritual Lords great Bishop and many more This spiritual Power doth the like as all know The Romish Power doth set up Lords over their Brethren in spiritual things unto whom they command Honour and great Livings to be given great Pomp and Pride This Power doth the like as all know I shall not need to speak of this in that all Books are full and all Consciences except those that are seared with hot irons convinced hereof Let but Mr. Fox or any others who have described the spiritual Power Rome let but their Description thereof be compared with this spiritual Power in all their Laws Courts Titles Pomp Pride and Cruelty and you shall see them very little differ except in their Cruelties which glory be to God the Kings Majesty who thirsteth not after blood hath something restrained although it is most grievous Cruelty to lye divers years in most noisom and filthy Prisons and continual temptations of Want their Estates overthrown and never coming out many of them till death let it be well weighed and it is little inferiour to the cruel sudden death in times of the Romish Power in this Nation Indif It is very apparant it is that image or similitude of that Beast spoken of Revel 13. Ch. Oh yes for there is no such Image of the Popish Power under the Heavens as this Well our comfort is the strong Lord hath said The Kings of the Earth by whose Power both the Beast and his Image is supported shall take their Power from her then shall she stand naked and desolate And to this purpose his Majesty hath a worthy Exhortation to all Princes c. in his Apologie pag. 103. The words are these For as she did fly but with feathers borrowing as well her Titles of greatness and forms of honouring her from You as also enjoying all her Temporal Livings by your liberalities so if every man do but take his own again she will stand up naked c. Oh that the words of God might be accepted of his Majesty set down by the holy Ghost Rom. 2. Thou that teachest another teachest thou not thy self For if he would take but his own their Titles of Greatness and forms of honouring them and their Temporal Livings this Spiritual Power would stand very naked and desolate Indif Well the hears of Kings are in the hands of the Lord and he can turn them as the Rivers of waters but I desire your advice for my own estate I know every one must bear their own burden I have a long time remained subject to this Spiritual Power partly through ignorance and partly through fear Ch. I will first declare into you the Judgments of God against such as submit thereunto that so from an utter abhorring thereof you may come out never to return thither again Secondly I will do the best I can to shew you the way the Lord requireth you to walk in and that only out of his Word The Judgments are so fearful as I tremble to think of them greater than which is not manifested in the whole Book of God Rev. 14.9 10 11 And the third Angel followed them saying with a loud voice If any man worship the Beast and his Image and receive his Mark in his forehead or on his hand the same shall drink of the Wine of the Wrath of God yea of the pure Wine that is poured into the Cup of his Wrath he shall be tormented in Fire and Brimstone before the holy Angels and before the Lamb. And the smoak of their torments shall ascend evermore and they shall have no rest day nor night which worship the Beast and his Image and whosoever receiveth the print of his name Indif I confess these Judgments are to be trembled at but how do you apply them properly to such as worship in these Assemblies Ch. For the satisfaction of all consciences herein that it may appear plainly not to be gain-said let us consider the words of Wisdom set down in order as they lye And first what is meant by Worship 2ly what is meant by the Beast 3ly what his Image is 4ly what his Mark is And lastly what is meant by Forehead or Hand And first for Whorship It is plentifully manifested in the Scriptures that it is Service Subjection or Obedience to such things as are commanded by God or others as Mat 4.10 Exod. 20.5 Deut. 13.4 and therefore his servants we are whom we obey Rom. 6.16 and as the Lord saith If I be your Master where is my fear if a Father where is mine honour or worship Mal. 1.6 Secondly by Beast the Scripture speaketh sometimes of cruel men in power and authority as Dan. 7.17 Luke 13.31 32. 2 Tim. 4.17 Sometimes of a blasphemous Spiritual Power exercised by men received of the Dragon exalting it self above God making war with the Saints and overcoming them and that hath power over every Kindred and Tongue and Nation so that all that dwell upon the Earth worship him c. And this is the Beast here spoken of even that Spiritual Power of Jurisdiction of Rome which first wrought in a mystery and by degrees was exalted till at last it was exalted to this cruel Beast described Revel 13.1 c. which Beast openeth his mouth to Blasphemy against God saying and practizing that the Commandments that God hath given for his Service are not to be regarded but instead thereof setteth up Commands of his own unto which whosoever will not be subject Excommunication and all cruelty even unto Death will ensue yea even with Gunpowder ere it fail and for this his cruelty he is called a Beast Thirdly By Image is meant any form shape similitude or resemblance of the thing spoken of as Deut. 4.15 16 c. Exod. 20.4 so that wheresoever such a spiritual power is as this above described there is the Beasts Image as in England the like Power or Beast to the first is not to be found under the Heavens in exaltation and cruelty Fourthly By Mark is meant Profession or Practice whereby we are know from others as Mat. 7.20.1 Joh. 2.3 Joh. 13.35 As Badges of Marks do put difference between this mans and that mans in cattel or servants as by such a mans Mark we know these are his Sheep and by such a mans Badg we know this man belongeth to such a great man so they are said to have put on Christ that have received his Baptism Gal. 3.27 even as a servant is known by putting on his Livery Lastly Forehead or Hand the holy Ghost useth that phrase from the Old Testament where Gods People were commanded not only to lay up his Commands in their hearts and in their souls but to bind them for a sign upon their hands that they might be as frontlets between their eyes Deut. 11.18
Persecution for Religion JUDG'D and CONDEMN'D In a DISCOURE between an ANTICHRISTIAN and a CRHISTIAN PROVING By the Law of God and of the Land And By King James his many Testimonies That no man ought to be Persecuted for his Religion so he Testifie his Allegiance by the Oath appointed by Law Proving also That the Spiritual Power in England is the Image of the Spiritual Cruel Power of Rome or that Beast mentioned Rev. 13. Manifesting the fearful Estate of those who subject to such Powers that Tyrannize over the Conscience And shewing the Unlawfulness of Flying because of the Trouble men see or fear is coming upon them To which is added An humble SUPPLICATION to the Kings Majesty Wherein among other things is proved 1. That the Learned usually Erre and resist the Truth 2. That Persecution is against the Law of Jesus Christ 3. Against the Profession and Practice of famous Princes 4. Condemned by ancient and later Writers 5. Freedom in Religion not hurtful to any Common-wealth and it depriveth not Kings of any Power given them of God 2 Cor. 10.4 For the Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Printed in the years 1615. and 1620. And now Reprinted for the Establishing some and Convincing others 1662. To all that truly wish Jerusalem's Prosperity and Babylons Destruction Wisdom and Understanding be multiplyed upon you IN these dayes if ever that is true which the Wiseman said Eccl. 12.12 There is no end in making many books and much reading is a weariness to the flesh yet considering how heinous it is in the sight of the Lord to force men and women by cruel Persecutions to bring their bodies to a Worship whereunto they cannot bring their spirits we thought it our duty for Gods Glory and the reformation thereof in this our own Nation to publish this little Writing following wherein is manifestly proved by the Law of God the Law of our Land and his Majesties own divers Testimonies That no man ought to be persecuted for his Religion be it true of false so he testifie his faithful Allegiance to the King What shall men do striving about matters of Religion till this be ended For if this be a truth that the Kings of the Earth have power from God to compel by Persecution all their Subjects to believe as they believe then wicked is it to resist and the Persecutions of such is justly upon them and the Magistrates that execute the same are clear from their blood and it is upon their own heads but if the Kings of the Earth have not power from God to compel by Persecution any of their Subjects to believe as they believe seeing Faith is the work of God then no lesse wicked is it in the sight of God to disobey and the Persecutions of such are upon the Magistrates and the blood of the Persecuted cryeth unto the Lord and will be required at the Magistrates hands Wherefore in all humility reverence and loyalty we do humbly desire of our Sovereign Lord the King and all Gods Ministers under him as Judges Justices of Peace c. by whom this Persecution is executed themselves to consider not whether herein they please Lord Bishops but whether they please the Lord Jesus Christ who after a little while shall judge all Judges according to their works without respect of persons and therefore are commanded to kiss the Son lest he be angry and they perish in the way Psal 2. Our humble desire is that they would consider what is testified in the Scriptures That the Kings of the Earth shall give their power unto the Beast till the words of God be fulfilled then shall they take their power from her If it be granted as it is that the Kings of this Nation formerly have given their power unto that Romish Beast it shall evidently appear that our Lord the King and all Magistrates under him do give their power to the same Beast though the Beast be in another shape For as that spiritual Power or Beast of Rome sets up a Worship as they pretend for God and force all thereto by cruel Persecutions the Kings of the Earth giving their Power thereunto So this spiritual Power or Beast of England sets up a Worship as they pretend for God and force all thereto by cruel Persecutions the Kings Majesty giving his Power hereunto Oh that all that are in Authority would but consider by the Word of God which shall judge them at the last day what they do when they force men against their souls and consciences to dissemble to believe as they believe or as the King and State believe they would withdraw their hands and hearts therefrom and never do as they have done partly through inconsideration and partly to please Lord Bishops being in favour with the King It cannot but with high thankfulness to God and to the King be acknowledged of all that the Kings Majesty is no blood-thirsty man for if he were bodily destruction should be the portion of all that fear God and endeavour to walk in his wayes as may be seen in the primitive time of this spiritual Power or Beast of England after that K. Henry the eight had cast off the Romist Beast and since so far as leave hath been granted them by hanging burning banishing imprisoning and what not as the particulars might be named Yet our most humble desire of our Lord the King is That he would not give his Power to force his faithful Subjects to dissemble to believe as he believes in the least measure of Persecution though it is no small Persecution to lye many years in filthy Prisons in hunger cold idleness divided from Wife Family Calling left in continual miseries and temptations so as Death would be to many less Persecution seeing his Majesty confesseth that to change the mind must be the work of God And of the Lord Bishops we desire that they would a little leave off persecuting those that cannot believe as they till they have proved that God is well-pleased therewith and the souls of such as submit are in safety from Condemnation let them prove this and we protest we will for ever submit unto them and so will thousands and therefore if there be any spark of grace in them let them set themselves to give satisfaction either by word or writing or both But if they will not but continue their cruel-courses as they have done let them yet remember that they must come to Judgment and have their Abominations set in order before them and be torn in pieces when none shall deliver them And whereas they have no other colour of ground out of the Scriptures than that they have canonized a Law viz. That whosoever shall affirm that the Kings Majesty hath not the same power over the Church that the godly Kings of Israel had under the Law c. Let him be excommunicate ipso facto The unsoundness of which
Princes the other Subjects and Subjects must be obedient Ch. Most true it is but is it not also true that Princes must afford all their Subjects Justice and Equity although they be as Heathens and Publicans For if Princes be freed from doing Right and Justice and protecting their Subjects that be excommunicated why are not Subjects also freed from Subjection and Allegiance to their Princes being excommunicated if Excommunication be Christ's Law to all alike that will be saved without respect of persons And also Is not that Law of Christ herein to be observed That whatsoevr ye would men should do unto you even so do ye unto them Mat. 7.12 And therefore as Princes would that all their Subjects should be faithfull and obedient unto them so ought Princes to be just and equal to all their Subjects in maintaining them in every just and equal cause between man and man For For this cause not for Religion saith the Apostle the Saints at Rome payed Tribute to Caesar their Heathen Prince who was against them in Religion Shall they not escape Damnation for this accursed doctrine and practice and think ye you shall Thou that judgest another judgest thou not thy self By this it may appear as also by exceeding many other doctrines and practices how near you are to that bloody spiritual power what pretences to the contrary soever you make Ant. It were a lamentable thing if that bloody Religion should be practised again in this Nation Ch. I acknowledge it a bloody Religion but God hath cast down the Power thereof in this Kingdom blessed be his Name but I would you could see your own cruel bloody Religion But that God of his mercy hath restrained it by the Kings Majesty who thirsteth not after blood How many only for seeking Reformation in Religion have been put to death by your Power in the dayes of Qu. Elizabeth and how many both then and since have been consumed to death in Prisons Yea since that cruel spiritual Power hath been set up hath not Hanging Burning Exile Imprisonments and all manner of contempt been used and all for Religion although some for grievous Errours and yet you see not this to be a bloody Religion Further You cry out of their bloody Cruelty the reason is because you will not be of their Religion And when you have done your selves are most bloody and cruel so far as is in your power because we and all men will not not be of your Religion Ant. If men hold Errors and will not obey the Truth do they not sin against God and deserve punishment Ch. Yes such deserve punishment but God hath appointed their punishment and the time thereof Their punishment Rom. 2.8 9. To them that are contentions and disobey the Truth and obey unrighteousness shall be Indignation and Wrath Tribulation and Anguish shall be upon the soul of every one that doth evil Mark 16.16 He that will not believe shall be damned 2 Thes 1.8 In flaming fire rendring Vengeance unto them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which shall be punished with everlasting perdition from the Presence of the Lord and the Glory of his Power The time thereof is mentioned in the last recited place ver 7. When the Lord Jesus shall shew Himself from Heaven with his mighty Angels And Rom. 2.5 The day of Wrath. And ver 16. At that day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ And Mat. 13.40 41. At the end of this World the Son of man shall send forth his Angels and they shall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend and them that do iniquity and shall cast them into a furnace of Fire c. Here is shewed the Punisher the Punishment and the Time thereof This Punisher hath commanded you to wait for their repentance by his own example which is in his hands to give them and not to cut them off and send them to Hell as you teach and practise which is contrary to God who is patient towards mockers which walk after their own lusts 2 Pet. 3.3 Because he would have no man to perish but would that all men whatsoever should come to repentance But you contrary to Him use all means you can to cut men off that they might perish in that you seek to destroy their bodies whilst they remain in their errors Ant. I confess that God commandeth Matth. 13. that the good and bad must grow together unto the end of the World but that is in the Church Ch. Well if that be the true exposition I pray you why do you then excommunicate any out of your Church contrary to your own acknowledgment And here let all men take notice that by this Exposition you overthrow your own Excommunication quite and accuse Christ for giving a Rule Mat. 18. and the Apostle Paul and the Church of Corinth for practising that Rule 1 Cor. 5. in casting out of the Church For you say all must grow together to the end in the Church But the Exposition of the Law-giver himself is against you that the Field is the World ver 38. Yet in that you confess that the Wicked and the Godly must be let alone in the Church unto the end then much more in the World unto the end For if the Wicked pollute not the Church sure it is they pollute not the World This then you are commanded unto ver 29 30. Nay gather them not let them grow together unto the end of the World Ant. Let them come to Church and they shall grow together unto the end Ch. Indeed I think so Hereby you manifest you regard not how wicked and ungodly men be so they come to your Church you will not destroy them though they remain in their abominable lusts but if they will not come to your Church let them be Wheat or Tares you will gather them and as much as in you is send them to burning Herein all men may see as I said before that you seek your own Glory and Obedience and not Gods and so exalt your selves above God 2 Thess 2. Indif Well I bless God I see this as clearly as the Sun shining in his brightness That it is to fight against God to compel any contrary to their consciences to perform any service unto Him in that there are so many places of Scripture commanding the contrary Ch. The whole New Testament throughout in all the Doctrines and Practices of Christ and his Disciples teach no such thing as compelling men by Persecutions and Afflictions to obey the Gospel but the direct contrary viz. to suffer at the hands of the wicked when they were persecuted for Righteousness sake to suffer it when the unbelievers and wicked curse them to bless and pray for their repentance and that God would forgive them and never lay these sins to their charge as our Saviour Luke 23.34 Stephen Act. 7.60 and the rest did And for a conclusion
Gospel an Israelite doing ought through ignorance or through frailty as Peter and Barnabas with the rest of the Jews mentioned Gal. 2. or the Incestuous Person 1 Cor. 5. there is Repentance for him This is it that confounds all true Religion That because it was so in the time of the Law therefore it may be so in the time of the Gospel by which reason men might set up as truly the whole Law as some part and utterly abolish Christ I pray you seriously consider what is here said Ant. Hath not the King the same Power that the Kings of Israel had who compelled men to the observation of the Law of God Ch. First I answer you That the Kings of Israel had never power from God to set up any thing in or for the the service of God but that only which was commanded by God Deut. 4.2 no not so much as the manner of any Law Numb 15.16 and 9.14 and therefore this will not serve your purpose that Kings may set up within their Dominions such spiritual Lords and Laws for the serving of God no nor the manner thereof as may best please themselves under what pretence soever thereby making God for his Worship subject to their pleasures And his Majesty acknowledgeth that Christs Church after the establishing of it by miracles in the primitive time was ever after to be governed within the limits of his revealed will Speech at Parliam Anno 1609. Secondly the Kings of Israel might compel men to the Sacrifices and Ordinances of the Old Testament all which were carnal and purged not the conscience Heb. 9.9 10. as Circumcision the Passeover c. But no mortal man whatsoever he be can compel any man to offer the Sacrifices of the New Testament which are spiritual and purge the conscience except he can beget Faith in him and convert his soul The Ordinances of the Old Testament were to be performed by the posterity of Abraham according to the flesh that thereby they might be taught Christ but the Ordinances of the New Testament are to be performed only by the posterity of Abraham according to Faith that have learned Christ and have put on Christ and so having Him all things else appertain unto them But one thing I demand of you Who now is King of Israel Ant. I confess CHRIST is King of Israel Ch. Yes CHRIST alone is King of Israel that sits upon Davids Throne and therefore mark the true proportion In the time of the Old Testament the Kings of Israel had power from God to compel all to the Ordinances of God or to cut them off by their Sword from the earthly Land of Canaan and the Promises thereof So in the New Testament the King of Israel Christ Jesus hath power from the Father to compel all to the Ordinances of God or to cut them off by his Sword from the heavenly Land of Canaan and the Promises thereof The Kings of Israel only had this power under the Law and the King of Israel only hath this power under the Gospel And therefore whosoever will challenge this power under the Gospel he must be the King of Israel in the time of the Gospel which is peculiar only to Jesus Christ unto whom all Power in Heaven and Earth is given And let it be here well observed that by this opinion of yours you make the Kingdom and Ordinances of Israel under the Law and the Kingdom Ordinances of Israel under the Gospel all one directly contrary to the whole Scripture for the Kingdom and Ordinances of Israel under the Law were of this world but the Kingdom and Ordinances of Israel under the Gospel are not of this world as Christ the King thereof himself testifieth John 28. And therefore you setting up a worldly King over this Heavenly Kingdom and Ordinances you and all of your Profession declare your selves to be of that worldly Kingdom and so to look for that Heavenly and Spiritual King yet to come in the flesh being of the number of those that deny Him to be come in the flesh and so are Deceivers and Antichrists whatsoever you say to the contrary Ant. Well yet I cannot see but that as the Kings of Israel had power from God to compel all their Subjects to the Worship then appointed so the King being a Christian King hath power to compel his Subjects to the Worship now appointed Ch. You may see if you shut not your eyes that what power the Kings of Israel had under the Law in matters of Religion Christ Jesus the King of Israel hath under the Gospel but I pray let me ask you this Question you say the Kings Majesty hath this power as he is a Christian King my Question is Whether it appertain unto him as he is a King or as he is a Christian Ant. Neither simply as he is a King nor as he is a Christian but joyntly as he is compleat in them both for I grant that no Heathen King hath power to compel in matters of Religion but a Christian King hath Ch. Then you confess that if a Christian King may be deprived of his Christianity for of his Kingdom or Kingly Power or any part thereof I affirm he may not be deprived he hath lost this power you plead for in compelling men in matters of Religion What say you to this Ant. I confess if he may be deprived of his Christianity he hath not this power I plead for Ch. Then I demand this Question Whether every Christian without respect of persons ought not to be subject to Christs Laws for his Salvation Ant. Yes it cannot be denyed Ch. Christ hath given his censure Excommunication for the Salvation of every Christian That he that will not hear the Church is to be as a Heathen and a Publican that is hath lost all right and title in Christ and in his Church till he repent Now I know it cannot be denyed but every Christian whatsoever is subject to sin and so to Excommunication to be as an Heathen c. If you say that Kings either are not subject to sin and to impenitency therein and so not to this censure of Christ of Excommunication for their impenitent sin then consider what you make them and God you make a lyer If you grant as you cannot deny that Kings as well as others are subject to impenitent sin and so to Excommunication for the same then they being deprived of their Christianity by your own confession they are deprived of power to compel in matters of Religion the which if it were any part of their Kingly Power they might be deprived of a part of their Kingly Power by being excommunicated Consider what a wicked doctrine you teach herein Ant. Doth not the Prophet say That Kings shall be Nursing Fathers and Queens Nursing Mothers to the Church And also it is said that Kings shall hate the Whore make her desolate eat her flesh and burn it with fire Where we see that
extends no further than over the body or goods and to that which is external for over the Soul God will not suffer any man to rule only He himself will rule there Therefore wheresoever the Civil Magistrate doth undertake to give Laws unto the Soul and Consciences of men he usurpeth that Government to himself which appertaineth to God c. The same upon 1 King 6. In building of the Temple there was no sound of Iron heard to signifie that Christ will have in his Church a free and willing People not compelled and constrained by Laws and statutes Again he saith upon Luke 22. It is not the true Catholick Church which is defended by the Seculare arm or Humane power but the false and feigned Church which although it carries the name of a Church yet it denyes the power thereof And upon Psal 17. he saith For the true Church of Christ knoweth not Brachium Seculare which the Bishops now a dayes chiefly use Again in Postil Dom. 1. post Epiph. he saith Let not Christians be commanded but exhorted for he that will not willingly do that whereunto he is friendly exhorted he is no Christian Therefore those that do compel them that are not willing shew thereby that they are not Christian Preachers but worldly Beadles Again upon 1 Pet. 3. he saith If the Civil Magistrate would command me to believe thus or thus I should answer him after this manner Lord or Sir look you to your Civil or worldly Government your Power extends not so far to command any thing in Gods Kingdom therefore herein I may not hear you For if you cannot suffer that any man should usurp Authority where you have to command how do you think that God should suffer you to thrust him from his seat and to seat your self therein The Puritans as appeareth in their Answer to Admonit to Parl. pag. 109. That Papists nor others neither constrainedly nor customally communicate in the mysteries of Salvation Also in their Supplication printed 1609 pag. 21 c. much they write for Toleration Lastly the Papists the inventers of Persecution in a wicked Book lately set forth thus they write Moreover the means which Almighty God appointed his Officers to use in the conversion of Kingdoms and People was Humility Patience Charity c. Saying Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves Mat. 10.16 He did not say I send you as wolves among sheep to kill imprison spoil and devour those unto whom they were sent Again ver 7. he saith They to whom I send you will deliver you up in Councils and in their Synagogues they will scourge you and to Presidents and to Kings shall you be led for my sake He doth not say You whom I send shall deliver the people whom you ought to convert into Councils and put them in Prisons and lead them to Presidents and Tribunal Seats and make their Religion Felony and Treason Again he saith ver 12. When ye enter into the house salute it saying Peace be to this house He doth not say You shall send Pursevants to sansack and spoyl the house Again lie saith Joh. 10. The good Pastor giveth his life for his sheep the Thief cometh not but to steal kill and destroy He doth not say the Thief giveth his life for his sheep and the good Pastor cometh not but to steal kill and destroy c. So that we holding our peace our Adversaries themselves speak for us or rather for the Truth CHAP. 9. It is no prejudice to the Commonwealth if freedom of Religion were suffered but would make it flourish BE pleased not to hearken to mens leasings but to what God and Experience teacheth in this thing Abraham abode among the Canaanites a long-time yet contrary to them in Religion Gen. 13.7 and 16.3 Again He sojourned in Gerar and King Abimelech gave him leave to abide in his Land Gen. 20 21.33 34. Isaac also dwelt in the same Land yet contrary in Religion Gen. 26. Jacob lived twenty years in one house with his uncle Laban yet differed in Religion Gen. 31. The People of Israel were 430 years in that famous Land of Egypt and afterwards 70 years in Babylon all which times they differed in Religion from the States Exod. 12. and 2 Chron. 36. Come to the time of Christ where Israel was under the Romans where lived divers sects of Religions as Herodians Scribes and Pharifees Saduces Libertines Theudaeans Samaritans besides the common Religion of the Jews Christ and his Apostles all which differed from the common Religion of the State which is like was the Worship of Diana which almost the whole world then worshipped Act. 19.20 All these lived under the Government of Caesar being nothing-hurtfull to the State and Commonwealth for they gave unto Caesar that which was his and for Religion to God he left them to themselves as having no dominion therein And when the enemies of the Truth raised up any Tumults the wisdom of the Magistrates most wisely appeased them as Acts 18.14 c. and 19.35 c. Again be pleased to look into the neighbour Nations who tolerate Religion how their Wealths and States are governed many sorts of Religions are in their Dominions yet no trouble of State no Treason no hinderance at all of any good but much prosperities brought unto their Countries they having all one harmony in matters of State giving unto Caesar his due and for Religion they suffer one another If any object the Troubles of France Germany c. We answer They are such as have been procured by the learned but most bloody Jesuites who seek to establish their Religion by blood for subversion of whom your Wisdoms are wise to deal in Yet be pleased not to let faithful Subjects be punished for their wickedness But let most severe Laws be made for the maintenance of Civil and humane Peace and Welfare as to your Majesty and others shall seem expedient And if it be well observed it is the Learned that raised up all the bloody Wars among the Princes of the Earth CHAP. 10. King are not deprived of any Power given them of God when they maintain Freedom for cause of Conscience WE know the Learned do perswade that Kings have power from God to maintain the Worship and Service of God as they have power to maintain Right and Justice between man and man For Christian Kings say they have the same power that the Kings of Israel had under the Law For answer to which First let it be observed the Kings of Israel had never power from God to make new Laws or set up new Worships which Gods Word required not nor to set high Priests or Spiritual Lords for the performance of the Services other than such as God by Moses expresly had commanded and therefore the power of the Kings of Israel will warrant to Kings to make or confirm Canons set up new Worships and appoint Spiritual Lords and Law givers to the
Conscience and persecute all that submit not to them 2. Let it be well observed only the Kings of Israel had this power but no other Kings whose Commonwealths did flourish to them and their seeds after them to many generations and it must be granted that he that is King of Israel now which is Jesus Christ the truth of those typical Kings of Israel he hath the power according to the proportion the temporal Kings had temporal power to compel all to the observation of those carnal or temporal Commandments Heb. 7.16 and 9.10 So Christ the Spiritual King hath Spiritual Power to compel all to the observation of his Spiritual Commandments For when he came himself said Joh. 4.23 The hour cometh and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth for the Father requireth even such to worship him If Christ be only King of Israel that sits upon Davids Throne for ever as he is Acts 2.30 far be it from any King to take Christs seat from him The Wisdom of God foresaw that seeing the Misteries of the Gospel are such spiritual things as no natural men though they be Princes of this world can know them he left not Kings and Princes to be Lords and Judges thereof seeing they are subject to erre but he left that Power to his beloved Son who could not erre and the Son left his only Deputy the holy Ghost and no moral man whatsoever as your Highness worthily acknowledgeth in Apol. pag. 46. I utterly deny that there is any earthly Monarch over the Church whose word must be a Law and who cannot erre by an infallibility of spirit Because earthly Kingdoms must have earthly Monarchs it doth not follow the Church must have a visible Monarch too Christ is the Churches Monarch and the holy Ghost his Deputy The Kings of the Gentiles reign over them but you shall not be so c. Luke 22. Christ when he ascended left not Peter with them to direct them into all truth but premised to send the holy Ghost unto them for that end c. Further these Learned alledge the Commandments Exod. 23.33 Deut. 7. and Deut. 13. where Israel are commanded to destroy all the Inhabitants of the Land lest they intice them to serve their gods and to slay all false prophets c. These they collect from the time of the Law for in the time of the Gospel they have nothing to alledge for Rom. 13. maketh nothing for their purpose Caesar being a Heathen King For answer unto the places of Moses first The sins of this people the Canaanites were full and the Lord would destroy them and give their possessions unto the Israelites but the sins of the refusers of Christ are not full until the end or last hour as before is proved 2. The Children of Israel had a special Commandment from the Lord to destroy them but the Kings of the Nations have no Command at all to destroy the bodies of the contrary-minded nay they are expresly forbidden it Mat. 13.29.3 The Canaanites would have rebelled against Israel and have des troyed them but the contrary-minded will not rebell against their Kings but give unto them the things that belong unto them not so much for fear as of conscience and of this the GOD of Gods is Witness 4. The Heads and Rulers of Israel could command and compel the people to observe those carnal Rites and Ordinances of the Law even as CHRIST the Head and Ruler of Israel can compel to the observations of his spiritual Ordinances of the Gospel but the Heads of the Nations cannot compel their Subjects to believe the Gospel for Faith is the gift of God which Faith if they want all they do in Gods Worship is sin Rom. 14.23 Heb. 11.6 Therefore they cannot compel any to worship because they cannot give them Faith for which cause the Lord in wisdom saw it not meet to charge Kings with a duty which they cannot perform God will never require it at their hands the blood of the faithless and unbelieving shall be on their own heads He that will not believe shall be damned Mark 16.16 Again Seeing it is true as your Majesty well observeth in your Highness speech at Parl. 1609. That the Judicials of Moses were only fit for that time and those persons And also it is confessed the Law for Adultery Theft and the like is not now to be executed according to the Judicials of Moses nor directions for the Magistrates of the Earth to walk by Why should these be any directions for them seing also our Savior and his Apostles have taught the contrary as before hath been proved If all false Prophets should be now executed according to Deut. 13. the Kings of the Earth would not onely be deprived of many of their Subjects but the Cities of their habitation with all the Inhabitants of the Cities must be destroyed with the edge of the sword the cattel thereof and all the spoyl thereof must be brought into the midst of the City and the City and all therein by burnt with fire be made a heap of stones for ever and never be built again which God forbid such execration should ever be seen And if these Judicials of Moses be not now directions for the Kings of Nations we reade not in all the Book of God any directions given to Kings to rule in matters of Conscience and Spiritual Worship to God But often we reade that the Kings of the Nations shall give their power to the Beast and fight against the Lamb Rev. 16.14 and 17.2 12 13 14 18. and 18. 3 9. and 19.19 as lamentable experience hath plainly taught it Thus all men may see there is only deceit in these Learned mens comparisons of the Kings of Israel in the Law with the Kings of Nations in time of the Gospel in matters of Religion Much might be written to prove that Kings are not deprived of their power by permitting of Freedom of Religion but are rather deprived thereof by using compulsion to the contrary-minded and do sin grievously in causing them to sin for want of Faith but this may suffice the Almighty blessing it with his blessing which we humbly-beseech Him for his Christs sake for his own Glory sake for the prosperity and welfare of these Kingdoms and for the comfort of your faithful and true-hearted Subjects that are now distressed by long and lingring Imprisonments and otherwise who of conscience give unto Caesar the things which are his Which is to be Lord and Law-giver to the Bodies of his Subjects and all belonging to their outward-man for the preservation of himself and his good Subjects and for the punishment of the evil In which preservation the Church of Christ hath a special part when their outward Peace is thereby preserved from the fury of all adversaries in which respect Princes are called Nursing Fathers as many are at this day blessed be our Lord. Oh be pleased to consider why you should persecute us for humbly beseeching you in the words of the King of kings Mat. 22.21 To give unto God the things which are Gods which is to be Lord and Law-giver to the soul in that Spiritual Worship and Service which he requireth If you will take away this from God What is it that is Gods Far be it from you to desire to sit in the Consciences of men to be Law-giver and Judge therein This is Antichrists practice perswading the Kings of the Earth to give him their power to compel all hereunto But whosoever submitteth shall drink of Gods fierce wrath Revel 14.9 10. You may make and mend your own Laws and be Judge and Punisher of the transgressors thereof but you cannot make or mend Gods Laws they are perfect already Psal 19.7 You may not adde nor diminish Deut. 4.2 Rev. 22.18 19. Nor be Judge nor Monarch of his Church that is CHRISTS Right he left neither you nor any mortal man his Deputy but only the holy Ghost as your Highness acknowledgeth And whosoever erreth from the Truth his Judgment is set down 2 Thess 1.8 c. Rom. 2.8 c. and the time thereof Matth. 13.40 and 25.31 c. Rom. 2.16 This is the Sum of our humble Petition That your Majesty would be pleased not to persecute your faithful Subjects who are obedient to you in all Civil Worship and Service for walking in the practice of what Gods Word requireth of us for his Spiritual Worship as we have Faith knowing as your Majesty truly writeth in your Medit. on Mat. 27. pag. 69. in these words We can use no Spiritual Worship or Prayer that can be available to us without Faith This is the sum of our most humble Petition thus manifoldly proved to be just O LORD GOD of Glory raise up in this High Assembly the heart of some Nehemiah of some Ebed-melech That may open their mouthes for the Dumb that cannot speak for themselves in a Truth so apparant as this is lest it be said as Isa 59.16 And when he saw that there was no man he wondred that none would offer himself Therefore his Arm did save it and his Righteousness it self did sustain it And now we cease not to pray for the King and his Son and his Seed and this whol High and Honourable Assembly now and alwayes Calling the all-seeing God to witness that we are your Majesties loyal Subjects not for fear only but for Conscience sake Unjustly called ANA-BAPTISTS
Question Do you seek the Glory of God and the Salvation of my soul herein or your own Obedience Ant. I seek the Glory of God and the Salvation of your Soul and not my own Obedience Ch. Then manifest it not by words only but by deeds and truth which if you do you will not threaten me with punishment to cause me to come but with meekness and patience satisfie my Conscience by the Word of Truth for this is the duty of the Minister of Christ 2 Tim. 2.24 that I may come with a willing mind so shall I be accepted 2 Cor. 8.12 Psal 110.3 For if by threatning me with punishment as Imprisonment Banishment or Death you cause me to bring my body and not my spirit or soul so shall I come near to the Lord with my lips when my heart shall be far from him which he accounteth vain worship and hypocrisie Mat. 15. Ant. I perceive what you aim at you would have none brought to Church but such as come willingly of themselves so should every man worship God as himself pleaseth Ch. Your Conclusion I aim not at for I acknowledge that as there is but one God so there is but one way of worshipping him out of the which way whosoever is and repenteth not thereof shall pay a dear price and therefore it standeth all men upon not to please themselves in worshipping of him But you perceive aright that I aim at this That none should be compelled to worship God but such as come willingly for I will by Gods assistance prove most evidently by the Scriptures that none ought nor can be compelled to worship God to acceptance by any worldly means whatsoever Ant. Prove that Ch. Well I prove what I have affirmed thus First Heb. 11.6 Without Faith it is impossible to please God and Rom 14.23 Whatsoever is not of Faith is sin These two Scriptures prove most evidently that whatsoever I have not Faith in in worshipping God although it were undoubtedly true I may not offer it up to God for it is displeasing to him and it is a sin against him As also it appeareth plainly by him that came unto the Kings Supper and wanted his wedding garment Matth. 22. Ant. It is the Kings Law that you must go to Church and therefore you must be obedient Ch. The intent of the Kings Law is not so as appeareth both by the Statute for the Oath of Allegiance and also by his Majesties own words manifested in his Apologie for the Oath of Allegiance as is hereafter more fully declared For if the intent of the Law were to make me come to Church to worship God and not of Faith the intent of the Law were to compel me to sin which his Majesty requireth not Ant. I deny not but whatsoever is not of Faith is sin but we would have you come to Church to worship God in Faith Ch. It is not so you regard not whether I have Faith or no for if you did you would not urge the Kings Law against me which is but a carnal weapon and cannot beget Faith and therefore is no sure ground of Faith For in my obedience to God I must not presume above that that is written 1 Cor. 4.6 For the Word of God is the only ground of Faith Rom. 10.17 and therefore if you would have me come in Faith you would only urge the Law of the King of kings against me Ant. Have not all the Learned of the Land considered of these things and set them down Are such simple men as you likely to see more than all these Ch. I demand of you whether they be not all subject to erre as all men are and therefore I must try their spirits whether they erre or no 1 Joh. 4.1 For I may not hold either that they cannot erre or that if I find them to erre I must obey them notwithstanding do you not herein teach me that Popish and accursed Doctrine that you inveigh so much against in the Papists That I must believe as the Learned of the Land believe Ant. I do not hold that they cannot erre Ch. Yes you hold either that they cannot erre or if they do erre I must obey them for if I do not obey them you threaten me with punishment Ant. Nay but I hold that they being Learned do not erre and therefore you must obey them Ch. Then this is your Argument The Learned do not erre and therefore must be obeyed The Bishops and the rest of that rank are learned and do not erre and therefore they must be obeyed Another Argument as vain as they may be collected from this ground The Learned do not erre and therefore must be obeyed The Pope and the rest of that rank are learned yea as learned as yours and do not erre and therefore they must be obeyed The one is as true as the other but both abominable If you prove that they that want this Learning must not meddle with the wayes of God but as these learned men teach them then indeed you say something but if you cannot as most certain it is you cannot for the Word of God is against you herein then for shame to God and men leave oft your cruel persecuting For why do you persecute men that cannot in faith submit to your direction concerning the wayes of God upon which consisteth their Salvation if they walk in the true way of Faith with the love thereof and their Condemnation if they walk in a by-path Ant. Then I perceive if a man can plead that he hath not Faith in any thing which the King commands he need not to be obedient Ch. Would God all men could see your dealing herein This is your usual course when your mouth is stopped by the power of Gods Word that you know not what to answer then you run to the Kings Command and so make your matters good like unto your predecessors the wicked Scribes and Pharisees who when our Lord and Master had stopped their mouthes that they had no word of answer then they sought to make him a trespasser against Caesar but I have learned in some weak measure that as there is a Caesar unto whom in conscience I must be obedient So there is another King one JESUS that is King of kings unto whom if you will not be obedient in giving unto God that which is Gods He will tear you in pieces when there shall be none that can deliver you and cast you into the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone for evermore where there shall be no rest day nor night and therefore agree with this your adversary quickly whilst you are in the way with him The Power and Authority of the King is earthly and God hath commanded me to submit to every Ordinance of man 1 Pet. 2.13 14. and therefore I have faith to submit to what Ordinance of Man soever the King commands if it be an humane Ordinance and not against the manifest Word of
of this point that your Faith may be full herein consider that we are to wait for the Jews Conversion and not to destroy them Indif It is true that might give all men satisfaction in these things Ch. Oh yes if men had any regard of God or his Word they would never deal more in this thing the Lord we see Rom. 11. hath promised That when the fulness of the Gentiles is come in the Jews shall be converted Now if the Jews who are such fearful Blasphemers of Christ and his Gospel that contemn him and his Testament with all despite if their Conversion must be waited for that they may not be destroyed from off the face of the Earth then who may not see if they shut not their eyes that the Conversion of all is to be waited for and that no man for blaspheming Christ and his Gospel may be destroyed or afflicted by Imprisonments Death or any Calamity whatsoever Indif It is not to be gain-sayed with any shew of truth I would God the Kings Majesty would consider of this point seeing that the cruel Bishops by using his Power commit such sin against God in this thing both in persecuting them that cannot in faith yeeld and also in forcing them that do yeeld contrary to their consciences to sin against God and to perish if they repent not Ch. I am perswaded that if his Highness did but once well weigh and consider it he would never suffer such high iniquity to be committed against God contrary to his express Commandment and all to be done by the King's Power for nothing have they else to bear them out The Lord perswade the hearts of his Majesty and his posterity unto it seeing his Throne is established by him that he and his Posterity may sit and reign over these Nations and Kingdoms till Jesus Christ the Commander of these things come in his Glory to recompence every man according to his works without respect of persons Ant. If wicked Malefactors should be let alone to the end of the World then where is the Magistrates Sword it is of no force if evil men may not be cut off Ch. I acknowledge unfeignedly that God hath given to Magistrates a Sword to cut off wicked men and to reward the well-doers Rom. 13. But this Ministry is a worldly Ministry their Sword is a worldly Sword their punishments can extend no further than the outward man they can but kill the body Luke 12.4 And therefore this Ministry and Sword is appointed only to punish the breach of worldly Ordinances which is all that God hath given to any mortal man to punish The King may make Laws for the safety and good of his Person State and Subjects against the which whosoever is disloyal or disobedient he may dispose of them at his pleasure the Lord hath given him this Sword and Authority fore-seeing in his Eternal Wisdom that if this his Ordinance of Magistracy were not there would be no living for men in the world and especially for the Godly and therefore the Godly have particular cause to glorifie God for this his blessed Ordinance of Magistracy and to regard it with all reverence But now the breach of Christs Laws of the which we all this while speak which is the thing only I stand upon His Kingdom is spiritual his Laws spiritual the Transgressions spiritual the Punishment spiritual everlasting Death of Soul his Sword spiritual no carnal or worldly weapon is given to the supportation of his Kingdom nor to punish the Transgressors of the Laws of this Kingdom The Law-giver himself hath commanded that the Transgressors of these Laws should be let alone until the harvest because he knows they that are now Tares may hereafter come to repentance and become Wheat they that are now Blasphemers Persecutors and Oppressors as Paul was may by the power of Gods Word become Faithful and a faithful Witness as he was They that are now Fornicators c. as some of the Corinthians once were 1 Cor. 6.9 may hereafter become washed clensed and sanctified as they were They that are now no People nor under Mercy as the Saints sometimes were 1 Pet. 2.10 may hereafter become the People of God and obtain Mercy as they did All come not at the first hour some come not till the eleventh hour if those that come not till the last hour should be destroyed because they came not at the first hour then should they never come but be prevented Ant. Were not Blasphemers put to death in time of the Law Lev. 24.11 c. Ch. Yes an Israelite blaspheming the Lord or doing any thing presumptuously which was Blasphemy Numb 15.30 no Sacrifice was to be offered for him But would you from hence have the Kings Majesty put all his Subjects to death that contemn the Truth of Christ If yea see what will follow All Papists ought to be put to death who are direct Blasphemers Rev. 16.10 11. When the Vial of Gods Wrath was poured upon the Throne of the Beast which all England confess is meant the Popish Power they blasphemed the God of Heaven c. All the Jews that speak many things blasphemously against Christ ought to be put to death Yea of what Profession soever he be doing any thing presumptuously against Christ ought to be put to death by your Affirmation no Sacrifice to be offered no Repentance to be admitted dye he must under two or three Witnesses But that this is most false Christ and his Apostles in his Testament do manifestly declare as is before shewed Was not Paul a Blasphemer yet received to mercy But this the holy Ghost teacheth from Blasphemy under the Law Heb. 10.28 He that despised Moses Law died without mercy under two or three Witnesses Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy that treadeth under foot the Son of God and counteth the Blood of the Testament as an unholy thing wherewith he was sanctified and doth despite to the Spirit of Grace speaking of such as had received and acknowledged the Truth ver 26. This is now the due proportion an Israelite according to the flesh in the time of the Law presumptuously sinning against Gods Commandment by his Command must die by the worldly Sword no Sacrifice was to be offered for him So in the New Testament or time of the Gospel a spiritual Israelite according to the Faith contemptuously or despitefully sinning against Christs Commands which he hath formerly acknowledged despiting and contemning them by his Command must die by the spiritual Sword no repentance to be admitted seeing he crucifieth again to himself the Son of God and makes a mock of him Heb. 6.6 David and Peter came not within this compass though they sinned of knowledge yet they did it not contemptuously or despitefully but through frailty If an Israelite under the Law did ought through ignorance as Numb 15. or through frailty as Levit. 6. there was Sacrifice for him So under the
Kings that have power and authority shall destroy Antichrists Kingdom and nourish and cherish Christs Kingdom Ch. Most true it is the Lord hath spoken it and therefore it ought to be a great comfort to Gods People but what is this to the purpose in hand namely That Kings may persecute the contrary-minded The words of the Prophet Isaiah prove that Kings and Queens that have formerly persecuted and destroyed the Church their hearts shall be turned by the power of Gods Word to be lovers and preservers of the Church And the other place Rev. 17.16 proves that Kings shall make that Whore desolate c. not by their temporal Authority or Sword as some say that make more shew of Religion than you do although themselves be now persecuted yet if Kings were of their minds would be as cruel as you for they maintain the same thing but by the Spirit of the Lords mouth and the Brightness of his coming 2 Thess 2.8 For this kingdom of Antichrist shall be destroyed without hand Dan. 8. 25. only by the Everlasting Gospel the true Armour indeed wherewith the Witnesses fight against the Antichrist As the Kings Majesty acknowledgeth Apol. pag. 93. Ant. You are so stiff against using of outward weapons in Church matters Did not our Saviour make a Whip of small cords and whip the Buyers and Sellers out of the Temple And why may not we follow his example Ch. In this and many other actions of Christ our Saviour we are to consider him as the fulfiller and ender of the Law as in the action of the Passover and sending him that was clensed of his Leprosie to offer to the Priest the gift that Moses commanded in which things we are not to imitate him for by him the Ceremonies are fulfilled and abolished and the everlasting Gospel established in the which we are to walk and it were more than foolish to reason thus Christ whipped wicked men out of Gods Temple made with hands with whips made of cord therfore we may whip wicked men out of Gods Temple made without hands with whips made of cord There is a wholsom doctrine to be collected from the Type to the Truth as thus Christ drove out wicked men out of the Temple made with hands by a carnal or worldly whip So Christ by his People must drive wicked men out of the Temple made without hands by a Spiritual whip even his Word which is called a Whip or Rod. Rev. 2 27. and Psal 2.9 So is Excommunication 1 Cor. 4.21 Ant. If freedom of Religion should be granted there would be such Divisions as would breed Sedition and Innovasion in the State Ch. Thus when your shews out of the Scripture are answered then you run to conceits and imaginations of Sedition Innovasion and the like thinking thereby to disswade Princes and all that are in authority therefrom knowing else your kingdom of iniquity would fall But that it may appear to all that you deal deceitfully herein let us consider first the Scriptures secondly behold the success of suffering of Religion free in other Countries And first Christ our Saviour who is that Prince of Peace Isa 9.6 not of Sedition hath taught Mat. 10 and Luk. 12. That he came not to send Peace on the earth but Debate to divide five in one house two against three and three against two the father against the son c. And a mans enemies shall be they of his own houshold And his desire is that the fire of such Sedition should be kindled Where we see this Prince of Peace putteth difference in Religion by preaching his Gospel which some receive as the savour of life unto them others refuse it and so become enemies unto the Truth and witnesses thereof as they did to Christ Jesus himself and his Disciples and as you do to me and others Secondly behold the Nations where freedom of Religion is permitted and you may see there are not more flourishing and prosperous Nations under the Heavens than they are Indif The Convocation of Bishops and the rest have made a Canon That whosoever shall affirm that the Kings Majesty hath not the same power in Causes Ecclesiastical under the Gospel that the godly Kings of Israel had under the Law let him be excommunicated ipso facto Ch. Yes they have so In the beginning of his Majesties Reign when they had gotten him sure unto them of the which they so much doubted as with my own ears I heard some of their chief followers say when his Highness was coming into England Now must Steeples down and we shall have no more High Commission with a lamentation they spake it then they made this Canon because their consciences are convinced that they stand only by his Power and if his hand be turned their spiritual power of darkness falleth to the pit of darkness from whence it came and whither it must go though there be never so much means used for the supporting of it for the strong Lord hath spoken it Revel 18. As for their sending men to Hell as they suppose with their ipso facto Excommunications if they had no stronger weapons for the supportting of their kingdom it would stand but a short space If Israel now were of this world as it was under the Law then they said something but if it be not of this world as it is not John 17.14 then the King of Israel is not of this world for when this King came the worldly Israel knew him not Indif I see evidently that all are but cavels and that no mortal man can make any man offer Sacrifices under the New Testament until he be a Believer and converted for he must be in Christ before he may offer Sacrifices for in Christ only the Father accepteth us But what say you Have they not power to compel men to come to the place where the Word is publickly taught that they may be converted Ch. Well then you see that the example of the Kings of Israel who had power to compel them to Sacrifice or to cut them off applyed to earthly Princes is gone as a meer doctrine of man and not of God And for compelling men to hear that they may be converted we can learn of no better than of Him who if we hear not we shall have a dreadfull recompence He had all power in Heaven and in Earth for converting souls given unto him and sent his Disciples as his Father sent him Joh. 20.21 charging them that when they should come into a City c. if they would not receive them nor their Word to shake off the dust of their feet for a witness against them saying it should be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment than for that City or house And so the Apostles went from City to City accordingly Here were no Temples made with hands nor worldly power to compel all to come unto them to hear the Word of the Lord but they were commanded to go
from City to City and from house to house Indif In those dayes the Magistrates were Vnbelievers but the question is where Magistrates are Believers Ch. Christ had all power needful for that work if Magistracy were a power needful for that work then Christ had not all power Magistracy is Gods blessed Ordinance in its right place but let not us be wiser than God to devise him a means for the publishing of his Gospel which He that had all power had not nor hath commanded Magistracy is a power of this world the Kingdom Power Subjects and means of publishing the Gospel are not of this world Ant. A goodly thing indeed that men must go about the Country to preach Ch. In your estimation it is base and contemptible your Pomp and Pride will not bear this it is more easie for you to hunt after Promotion till you come to the highest in getting to be chief Bishop of Bishops within these Dominions and then cometh your fall full low if you repent not But the wisdom of God hath appointed the chiefest Officers of Christs Kingdom even the Apostles thus basely to go up and down to and fro to preach the Gospel yea that worthy Apostle Paul preached this Gospel night and day with many tears openly and throughout every house Act. 20. Indif But if this be thus as for my own part I am fully perswaded it is then I see the High Commission cannot stand for as I take it it is only for Causes Ecclesiastical Ch. So far as it is over Church-matters it is most unlawful for the Commission for judging and punishing of the transgressors of the Laws of Christs Church is given to Christ the Monarch thereof a part whereof he hath left to his Disciples which is no worldly Commission or Power but only the Power of the Lord Jesus the uttermost of which Commission is Excommunication 1 Cor. 5. Ant. The High Commission is from the King and dare you once call it into question Ch. If I do take any authority from the Kings Majesty let me be judged worthy my desert but if I defend the Authority of Christ Jesus over mens souls which appertaineth to no mortal man whatsoever then know you that whosoever would rob him of that Honour which is not of this world he will tread them under foot Earthly Authority belongeth to earthly Kings but spiritual Authority belongeth to that one spiritual King who is KING of Kings Ant. Well all your pleading will not serve your turn either you must come to Church or else go to Prison Ch. I have shewed you by the Law of Christ that your course is most wicked to compel any by Persecution to perform any service to God as you pretend Now I desire also to shew you that the Statute Law of the Land requireth only civil obedience and his Majesties Writings maintaining the Oath of Allegiance testifie the same The Law of the Land requireth that whosoever cometh not to Church or receiveth not the Sacraments the Oath of Allegiance is to be tendred to them which that it may be manifest to all that not only I but all that profess the Faith with me are most willing to subscribe unto it in faithfulness and truth I have thought good to express it The words of the Oath Anno 3 Jacobi Regis I A. B do truly and sincerely acknowledge profess and testifie and declare in my conscience before God and the World That our sovereign Lord King James is lawful King of this Realm and of all other his Majesties Dominions and Countries And than the Pope neither of himself nor by any other Authority of the Church or Sea of Rome or by any other means with any other hath any Power or Authority to depose the King or to dispose of any his Majesties Kingdoms or Dominions or to authorize any forreign Prince to invade or annoy him or his Countries or to discharge any of his Subjects of their Allegiance and Obedience to his Majesty or to give licence or leave to any of them to bear Arms raise Tumults or to offer any violonce or hurt to his Majesties Royal Person State or Government or any of his Majesties Subjects within his Majesties Dominions Also I do swear from my heart that notwithstanding any Declaration or Sentence of Excommunication or Deprivation made or granted or to be made or granted by the Pope or his Successors or by any Authority derived or pretended to be derived from him or his Sea against the said King his Heirs or Successors or any Absolution of the said Subjects from their Obedience I will bear Faith and true Allegiance to his Majesty his Heirs and Successors and him and them will defend to the uttermost of my power against all Conspiracies and Attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his or their Persons their Crown and Dignity by reason or colour of any such Sentence or Declaration or otherwise and will do my best endeavour to disclose and make known unto his Majesty his Heirs and Successors all Treasons and traiterous Conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against him or any of them And I do further swear that I do from my heart abhor detest and abjure as impious and heretical this damnable doctrine and position That Princes which be Excommunicated or deprived by the Pope may be deposed or murdered by their Subjects or any other whatsoever And I do believe and in conscience am resolved that neither the Pope nor any person whatsoever hath power to absolve me of this Oath or any part thereof which I acknowledge by good and full Authority to be lawfully ministred to me and do renounce all Pardons and Dispensations to the contrary And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to these express words by me spoken and according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words without any equivocation or mental evasion or secret reservation whatsoever And I do make this Recognition and Acknowledgment heartily willingly and truly upon the true Faith of a Christian So help me God Ant. This Oath was intended for the Papists and not for you Ch. It is not so for his Majesty at the last Session of Parliam Anna 1609 saith thus Some doubts have been conceived anent the using of the Oath of Allegiance and that part of the Act that ordains the taking thereof is thought so obscure that no man can tell who ought to be pressed therewith c. And therefore if there be any scruple touching the ministring thereof I would wish it now to be cleared c. And thereupon this Statute was made Anno 7. Regni Regis Iacobi c. Chap. 6. towards the latter end And if any person or persons whatsoever of or above the age of eighteen years do now stand or at any time hereafter shall stand and be presented indicted and convicted for not coming to Church or receiving the Lords Supper according
their Traditions Mat. 15.6 And Act. 13.27 The Rulers of Jerusalem the High-Priests Scribes and Pharisees knew not Christ nor yet the words of the Prophets which they heard read every Sabbath but fulfilled them in condemning him And our Saviour saith Mat. 11. I thank thee Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and men of understanding And none of the Pharisees nor Rulers believed on him Joh 7.48 And 1 Cor. 1.20 Where is the Wise where is the Scribe where is the Disputer of this world Hath not God made the wisdom of this world follishness And ver 26. Not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called c. And for the Learned since the time of our Saviour The Council of Ephesus were where 132 Bishops Of Seleucia where were 160 Bps related by the Protestants How grievously did they erre in decreeing the detestable Error of Arrianism Who is ignorant knowing the Histories that from time to time both particular Popes and general Councils have grosly erred in many things only one we will mention passing by Trent and others The Council Lateren we mean Pope Innocent 1215. which for universality was behind none where were present 2 Patriarchs 70 Archbishops Metropolitans 400 Bishops 12 Abbot 800 Conventual Priors the Legats of the Greck and Roman Empire besides the Ambassadors and Orators of the Kings of Jerusalem France Spain England and Cyprus In this Council it was decreed That all Hereticks and so many as do in any point resist the Catholick Faith should be condemned c. And also that the Secular Powers of what degree soever they be shall be compelled openly to swear for the defence of the Faith that they will to the uttermost of their power root out and destroy in all their Kingdoms all such persons as the Catholick Church hath condemned for Hereticks and if they do not they shall be excommunicated And if they do not reform within one whole year then the Pope may denounce all their Subjects absolved and utterly delivered from shewing or owing any fidelity or obedience towards them Again that the Pope may give that Land to be occupied and enjoyed of the Catholicks to possess it all Hereticks being rooted out quietly and without any contradiction Tho. Beacon in his Reliques of Rome printed 1563. And the Protestands confess that this imperfection hath hung so fast upon all Councils and Churches that Nazianzen saith He never saw any Council have a good end Thus are here sufficient Testimonies proved from Scriptures and Experience That the Learned may and have usually erred and therefore the holy Scriptures often warn us To beware of false Prophets for many are gone out into the world Mat. 24. and 1 Joh. 4. And will not your Majesty your Highness your Honours your Worships be pleased to consider of these things but will your selves submit the guidance of your Souls to the learned Spirituality as they are called without due examination by the Scriptures which if you will stil do we can but bewail with the sorrows of our hearts and not so only But will you with your Power which God hath given you to use well compel and constrain your Subjects and Underlings to believe as the Learned believe not suffering us to reade or search the Scriptures Which if you abhor as being the Romish practice Will you do that which is worse letting us reade the Scriptures whereby we may know the Will of our Heavenly Master and have our Consciences enlightned and convinced but not suffer us to practise that we learn and know whereby our Sin and Condemnation is made greater than the blind Papists as is proved Luke 12.47 And not only so but will you consâ—â—ain us to captivate our Consciences and practise in that which in our â—â—â—ls we know to be evil and contrary to the manifest Law of the Lord and that only because the Learned have so Decreed whom you acknowledge are subject to erre aswell as others or else lye in perpetual Imprisonment and be otherwise grievously persecuted May it please you to observe that the Church of Rome seeth and acknowledgeth in words That Jesus Christ is come in the flesh and hath abolished the Priesthood of Aaron and the legal Sacrifieces but the Jews see it not to this day nay the High-Priests Scribes and Pharisees saw it not but for the publishing thereof persecuted Christ the Lord and his Apostles unto the Death calling their Doctrine Heresie and them seditious Enemies to Caesar c. For the which we all justly condemn them for their wickedness so often as we reade the holy History And the Church of England seeth and acknowledgeth divers damnable Doctrines of the Church of Rome this among many That the Scriptures are not the only Rule of Faith but that men ought to be constrained to believe as the Church believes The Protestants see the iniquity of this because they see and acknowledge all Churches are subject to erre But the learned Papists see it not but have decreed That whosoever resisteth in any point shall be judged as an Heretick and suffer fire and faggot and every Temporal Magistrate that doth not root such Hereticks out of their Dominions shall be excommunicated and if he do not reform he shall be expelled his earthly Possessions and his Subjects freed from owing any fidelity or obedience towards him c. For the which height of iniquity the Protestants and we justly cry out against them for all the innocent blood that they have shed And we see most manifestly that what soever is not of Faith is Sin Rom. 14.23 And without Faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 And therefore that no mortal man may make a Law to the Conscience and force unto it by Persecutions and consequently may not compel unto any Religion where Faith is wanting as hereafter more largely we prove But the Learned of this Land see it not or rather will not practise it but for our not submitting herein procure your temporal Sword to persecute us by casting us in Prisons where many of us have remained divers years in lingring Imprisonment deprived of all earthly comforts as Wives Children Callings c. without hope of Release till our God for the practice of whose Commandments we are thus persecuted perswade the hearts of your-Majesty your Highness your Honours your Worships to take pitty upon us our poor Wives and Children or His heavenly Majesty release us by Death Will not succeeding Ages cry out against the Cruelty of the learned Protestants herein aswell as they cry out against the Cruelty of the learned Jews and Papists yes we are assured they will as many millions do in other Nations at this day The Scriptures declare the cause of the Jews blindness was not the obscurity of the Scriptures but that they winked with their eyes lest they should see that which would deprive them of their honours and profits