that they have these offices in their Church yet they neyther have agreed nor can agree among themselves who they be that have them whether the prelates or the other priests c. but are at a great jarre and in deed at a playne contradiction among themselves hereabout Many of the Prelates and Formalists say * Bridges Bilson c. that their Archbishops and Bishops are Pastors Teachers Some of them say ‖ Whitgift against T.C. p. 137. Andr. in the 2. Confer with M. Barrow that a Bishop is superior both in office and gifts to a Pastor Many of the Reformists say that ‡ Mr. Sperin M. Egerton in the Confer M. Hilders M. Iacob in their writings the learned and painful Parsons of Parishes and Lecturing preachers among them are Pastors and Teachers Others of them say †Mr. Chaderton in the Sermon on Rom. 12. p. 33. c. Admon to the Parliam 1. 2. they want Pastors and Teachers and all the offices appointed by Christ to his Church that the Prelates robbe the Church of of lawful Pastors Elders and Deacons that their Parsons Vicars Parish Priests Stipendaries and the rest came from the Pope as out of the Troiane horses belly to the destruction of Gods kingdome that they are the Prelates new creatures and that the Church of God never knew them And all the seekers of Reformation have shewed to the Parliament heretofore that the names and offices of Archbishops Archdeacons Lordbishops and the rest are together with their government drawen out of the Popes shop and contrary to the Scriptures that the Parsons Vicars Parish priests and Stipendaries be birds of the same fether and that â—hey have an Antichristian hierarchie and popish ordering of Ministers strange from the word of God and the vse of all well reformed Churches in the world Thus are themselves confounded and thus are their tounges divided Yet cease they not still to plead for Baal and to bring balme for the sore of Babel which cannot be healed Ier. 51.8.9.58.64 with Rev. 18. chap. And now to proceed we wil shew by the Scriptures that none of the Ministers of that Church have the office of Pastors or Teachers spoken of by the Apostle Ephe. 4.11 which we prove thus 1. The Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 have their offices callings administration and maintenance ordeyned by Christ in his Testament But the Prelates Priests Deacons of the Church of England have not their offices callings ministration maintenance ordeyned by Christ in his Testament Therfore the Prelates Priests Deacons of the church of England are not Pastors Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 The truth of the Proposition appeareth by that place of Ephe. 4.8.11.12 Rom. 12.7.8 Act. 14.23 and 20. â—7 28 Heb. .5.4 Col. 4.17 1 Thes 5.12.13.14 1 Pet. 5. â— 2.3 Rev. 2. and 3. chap. and 22.18.19 1 Cor. 4.1.2 and â— 4.5 and 9.14 and 11.23.24.25.26 and 12.28 Gal. 6. â— and throughout the Epistles to Timothee and Titus with other â—ike Scriptures The truth of the Assumption appeareth by their constitution and practise inasmuch as their offices of Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry their calling entrance according to their Pontificall and Book of consecrating Bishops and Archbishops and ordering Priests and Deacons as also that which some of them pretend to have by the ‡ Mr. Hilders letter sect 10. Mr. Iacobs comparison of Mariage and Pastorall calling His Reasons for necessity of reformation pag. 50. Offer of Conference pag. 39. choise acceptance and consent of their people who stand themselves vnder Antichrist and vnseparated from the world and are no true visible Churches of Christ their ministration by their owne and other popish Canons Articles Injunctions and Book of coÌ„mon prayer their Maintenance by Tithes Lordships c. were never ordeyned by Christ for his Ministerie of the Gospell but derived from Antichrist and his apostasie as hath been proved * The Discovery The Refutation of Mr. Giff. Answ to Mr. Hilders And to Mr. Iacob The Apologie c. by vs in divers Treatises published heretofore And if they still be otherwise mynded it lyeth vpon them to shew that Christ in his Testament hath appointed these their offices things aforesaid for his Ministerie Which none of them have yet done nor ever wil be able to do 2. Againe The Ministerie of Pastors Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 is the ordinarie and perpetual ministerie given by Christ to his Church such as the Princes of the earth neyther may nor ever shal be able to abolish seing Christ hath appointed it to continue to the end of the world Ephes 4.11.12.13 Rom. 12.5.7.8 and 13.3 Heb. 12.28 1 Tim. 3. chap. and 5.17 and 6.13.14 with Mat. 28.20 But the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry of the church of England is not the ordinarie and perpetual Ministerie given by Christ to his Church but such as the Princes of the earth may and ought to abolish out of their Dominions Rev. 17.16 1 Tim. 2.2 Rom. 13.4 with 1 King 23. â— c. Deut. 12.2.3.4 Psal 72.1 c. Therfore the Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry of the Church of England is not the Ministerie of Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11 3. Also The offices of Pastors Teachers ordeyned by Christ in his Testament are such as did and could â—tand with and vnder the offices of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Ephe. 4.11 Act. 15.4.6.22.23 20.17.28 Heb. â—3 7.17.23 Epist to Tim. Tit. 1 Pet. 5.1 Rev. 2. and 3. chap. But the offices of the Prelates Priests and Deacons of â—he Church of England are not such as did or could stand â—ith or vnder the offices of Apostles Prophets Evangeâ—â—sts Which if any deny let them shew the contrary â—y the scriptures Light hath no fellowship with darknes nor Christ with Antichrist And suppose the Apostles were alive in their persons as they are in their writings and were in England it were worth the knowing whether they and the ordinances given by them should give place to the Prelates and their Canons and constitutions and whether they should be suffred to preach the Gospel and minister the Sacraments without acknowledging the Prelates authority subscribing to their Articles wearing of the Surplice signing with the Crosse in Baptisme c. for if we look to their * Canons of the yeare 1603. Can. 6.7.14 30.36.37.50.57.58 c. Canons Lawes practise and Church-constitutioÌ„ these tel all men playnely they must yeeld vnto theÌ„ that vnder payne of excoÌ„municatioÌ„ ipso facto c. Not to speak of their imprisoning persecuting of such as witnes the truth against them eveÌ„ vnto death Therfore they are not the Pastors and Teachers ordeyned by Christ in his Testament 4. Moreover The offices of true Pastors and Teachers are by the ordinance of Christ set in the Church and employed in the Ministery of the word and Sacraments and Church goverment so as they may not with their
commandement there are set opposite on the one hand ‡ Exod. 20.4.5 the making devising of any thing in the worship of God or the submitting to any such inventions and on the other hand †Exod. 20.6 the keeping of that onely in the worship of God which he himself hath commaunded Exod. 20.4.5.6 Where also it may be observed that the same words of keeping the commandements of God are vsed in both these Scriptures and †Exod. 20.4.5.6 in the one opposed generally to all inventions in religion whatsoever ‖ Rev. 14 9-12 in the other specially to the constitutions and abominations of the Romish and Antichristian iurisdiction As the faithfull therefore which in religion submit themselves onely to the truth ordināces of Iesus Christ prescribed in his word are sayd to keep the commandements of God and faith of Iesus having this as a signe vpon their hand and being sealed therewith as with a mark on the forehead so they which in religion submit themselves to the ordinances constitutions of the Romish Antichrist are accounted by the holy Ghost to worship the Beasts image and to receive his mark in their forehead or hand And hitherto of the exposition of this Scripture Now to apply it to the matter in hand it is to be noted 2 Thes 2.3 c. 1 Tim. 4.1.2.3 1 Ioh. 2.18.19 4 1-6 Rev. 13. 17. chap. c. first that this Antichrist the man of sinne hath made apostasie from the ordinances of Iesus Christ Secondly that he hath brought in and set vp in stead thereof his owne errors constitutions the inventions works of Sathan and particularly that opposing and exalting himself against the kingdome of Christ he hath turned the Ministery and government of Christ his officers which be Pastors Teachers and Elders into the Ministery and government of Archbishops Lordbishops Suffraganes Chancelours Archdeacons Commissaries Priests Parsons Vicars c. entring and executing their offices not according to Christs ordinance but after their owne orders canons and constitutions Thirdly that notwithstanding many popish enormities be already removed out of the land by the mercy of God yet the present constitution of their Church-assemblies still is such as every one of them is subject to a provinciall Archbishop to a diocesan Lordbishop to a Chancelour to an Archdeacon to a Priest being the Parson Vicar or stipendary Curate of the Parish As also to a Book-worship devised by man to the Prelates popish courts suspensions excommunications absolutions consecrations orderings degradations deprivations and other such proceedings according to their Canons and courses which in their order were erected and are reteyned in the Synagogues and kingdome of Antichrist but were never appointed by Christ for his Church and people to observe and yeeld vnto as hath bene proved Whereby it appeareth that the publick Ministery of their assemblies now is such as none can have spirituall communion therewith but in so doing they observe and submit vnto the ordinances of Antichrist and consequently worship the Beasts image and receive his mark in their forehead or hand according as here before hath bene declared Yet before I conclude this point I would advertise the Reader that some vnderstand this receiving of the mark in the forehead or hand to be meant of submitting vnto Antichrists ordinances eyther openly with a bold face or secretly vnder hand As also that such may be sayd to receive the mark in their hand which receive to execute any office or performe any work in the kingdome of Antichrist by his power and hand that is by vertue of any authority received frō him or of any subjection yeelded vnto him Which may well be applyed to the buying selling by vertue of the mark received spoken of Rev. 13.17 But how ever it be for the propriety of the phrase yet herein do all these expositions agree that thereby is vnderstood the submitting to Antichrist his ordinances to be implyed and therefore come all to one end as towching the matter in hand And long since Iohn Claydon spoken of before a Martyr of Christ burnt in the dayes of King Henry the fift in the yeare 1415. held that the Bishops licence for a man to preach the word of God is the character of the Beast that is Antichrist Act. and Monum edit 5. pag. 588. And after him agayne Mr Ridley another Martyr burnt in Queen Maries dayes in the yeare 1555. writing largely of this matter to the Christians then afflicted sheweth his judgement concerning it thus * Act. Monum edit 5. pag. 1618. Doth not Paul command to the Romanes which perteyneth to every Christian soule †Rom. 6. As you have in tymes past given your members to do service vnto vncleannes and wickednes from one wickednes to another so now give your members to do service vnto righteousnes that you may be sanctified And I pray thee good brother what doest thou think is to bear the mark of the Beast in the forehead and in the hand that Sainst Iohn speaketh of I know we ought warily to speak of Gods mysteries which he shewed by the spirit of prophesying to his servant Iohn yet to read them with reverence and to pray for the same so much as God knoweth necessary for our time to know I think it necessary and good Wherefore what I suppose is to beare the Beasts mark I will tell thee and commit the iudgement of my interpretation as in all other things to the spirituall man I suppose he beareth the Beast of Babylons mark in his forehead which is not ashamed of the Beasts wayes but will professe them openly to set forth his maister the beast Abaddon And likewise he beareth his mark in the hand that will and doth practise the works of the Beast with his power and hand And likewise I will not let to tell thee what I think to be signed in the forehead for the servant of God is whereof Iohn also speaketh reckoning vp many thowsands so to have bene signed of every tribe I suppose he is signed in the forehead for the servant of God whom God hath appointed of his infinite goodnes hath given him grace strength cōstantly to confesse him his truth before the world And to have grace strengh to cōfesse Christ the doctrine of the Crosse to lament mourne for the abominations of Antichrist I suppose is to be signed with Tau whereof Ezekiel the Prophet doth speak Thus I suppose these Prophecies are spiritually to be vnderstood And to look for other corporall marks to be seen in mens foreheads or in their hands is nothing els but to look that there should come some brute beast out of Babylon or some Elephant Leopard Lyon or Camell or some other such monstrous beast with ten hornes that should do all the wonderfull things spoken of in Iohn And yet of a beast speaketh Iohn But I vnderstand him so to be called not for
although men heare much truth from them yet in yeelding to heare receive it from Antichrists Ministery they defile the Temple of God in themselves if they be the Lords even their soules and consciences and become the subjects of Antichrist the sonne of perdition Not to speak of the many errors and falsehoods which they also teach and mainteyne And for the truth which they preach it is no new thing as we have shewed before that the Ministers of Antichrist should in divers things teach and bring the truth with them For when Sathan cannot by falsehood vtter his wares merchandize ordinances Ministery worship c. he will be glad to vtter the same by teaching the truth He is beyond measure skilfull in framing delusions and making them meet that they may be received therefore when he perceiveth that he cannot get men to submit thēselves to his ordinances by heresies falsehood he yeeldeth himself to bring the truth with him to the intent that his ordinances may thereby be received which otherwise would be rejected and to the end they may be had in estimation and obyed even for the truths sake which they bring with them Of which thing see what is further spoken here before in the other Reason Pag. 66. c. And Mr Beza against Saravia hath a good saying concerning this point which he sheweth by the practise of Christ and his Apostles spoken of in Mark 1.24.25 Luk. 4.34.35 Act. 16.16.17.18 vidz vide licet that although Antichrist teach that which is most true as sometimes he doth to the end he may vnder colour of the truth more easily seduce men to beleev his lyes yet the truth is not to be heard and received from his month but even then ought we to stop our eares least vnder this pretence talking with him we be deceived by him for the truth is not to be received from the spirit of lies and vntruth And I would to God saith he that this were diligently observed of those wise Mediatours who think that composition and agreement may be made with Antichrist seeking a mean there where it is not at all to be found Beza contra Sarav cap. 25. p. 193. Moreover who knoweth not that Antichrist and his Ministers have bene and still are in show hypocriticall frends but in deed great enemies of Iesus Christ even vnder the name of Christ fighting against Christ Which thing how could they do if they did not professe and teach many truthes of the Gospell of Christ For if they should deny every truth thereof and say plainely that they were not the Church and Ministers of Christ then were they presently espyed to be such as they are who would follow them any longer But Babylon is * Rev 17.5 2 Thes 2.7 a mystery and therefore not easily perceived or avoyded till God reveale it and draw vs out of it And whosoever will aright discerne the condition of Antichrists apostasie must with Iohn be caried as into the wildernes in the spirit that we may look vpon it not according to the show and account it hath in the world but as it is in deed esteemed of the Lord and discovered in his word Rev. 17.3.4.5.6 And when it is shewed vnto vs yet are we in our selves like Lot lingring and finding delayes till God being mercifull vnto vs take and draw vs as it were out of Sodom whereas we should be like mynded as David who said I have considered my wayes and turned my feet into thy testimonies I made hast and delayed not to keep thy commaundements Psal 119.59.60 with Gen. 19 1-16 Rev. 11.8 and 18.4.5 The sixt Reason IF the present Ministery of the Church-assemblies of Engl. be a straunge Ministery then is it not lawfull in the worship of God to heare it or have any spirituall communion therewith But the present Ministerie of the Church-assemblies of Engl. is a straunge Ministery Therfore it is not lawfull in the worship of God to heare it or have any spirituall communion therewith The consequence of the Proposition is necessary and cannot be denyed 1. Because Christ setteth it downe as a property of his sheep to be observed that they follow not straungers but flee from them for that they know not their voyce Ioh. 10.5 Rev. 2.2 2. Because he that ministreth in the Church being a straunger presumptuously approcheth to minister before the Lord and polluteth the Sanctuary and holy things of God Num. 16. chap. and 18.4.5 Ezech. 44.7 with Rev. 17.1.2 and 19.2.20 3. Because by having spirituall communion with such we embrace the bosome of a straunger and so commit spirituall whoredome against the Lord. Prov. 5.20 with Num. 15.9 Psal 106.39 The truth of the Assumption is manifest if we consider what a straunge Ministery is namely that which is not by the Lord ordeyned and given for that work As some of themselves have published heretofore that the holy Scripture accounteth such for straungers in the Ministery which have not their offices limited by the prescript of Gods word And it is all new which is straunge and straunge which is not commaunded by the word of God T.C. his 2. reply pag. 438.439 And here before we have proved * Reason 1. that their Ministery is not appointed by Christ in his word Which themselves also have confessed and published writing in an Admonition to the Parliament ‡ Admon to the Parliam treatise 2. section 20.21 that they have an Antichristian hierarchie and popish ordering of Ministers straunge from the word of God and the vse of all well reformed Churches in the world Where also they call all the Ministers made by the Prelates and others their Church hath none by the name of New creatures And in †Sermon on Rom. 12. another treatise speaking of divers of their chiefest offices they write that the Apostles never knew them Sion hath not heard of them Ierusalem which is above will not acknowledge them that the watchmen being a sleep they crept into the city of the Lord and have no title nor interest in the Church as publick members but are rather members and parts of the strumpet whoore of Rome then of the pure virgin spouse of the immaculate Lambe Thus was their judgement heretofore If now they be otherwise mynded eyther they must shew out of the word of God the offices entrance administration and maintenance of their Church-Ministery or els seing this cannot be done the sheep of Christ must and will account them as strangers and therefore flee from them and the tents of their assemblies least otherwise they perish in their sinnes Ioh. 10.5 with Numb 16.26 and 18.7 Rev. 18.4 And to the end this thing may the better be observed let vs here a little consider the history and conspiracy of Corah Dathan Abiram recorded in the book of Nūbers ch 16. When God by the hand of Moses had appointed Aaron his sonnes to the office of the Priesthood Corah a
Christ himself Thus the Assumption is cleared And thus the cause is yeelded by themselves who in their owne writings speak and reason in such sort as hath ben shewed Which I thought good thus to apply to their present estate further manifestation of the truth And thus much cōcerning these Argumēts Reasons Which now I leave to the consideration of all that are of judgement and conscience exhorting them as they love the truth and their owne good 1 Thes 5.21 Psal 119.59 to try all things by the word of God to consider their wayes and to turn their feet into his testimonies And I pray the Lord God of all glorie and goodnes to discover and consume the apostasie of Antichrist daily more and more to make the light and power of the Gospell of Christ shine forth and prevaile against all enemies and hinderances to give his people of all estates and nations to walk in the light and comfort thereof to the praise of his Name and eternall life by Iesus Christ who is God overall blessed for ever Amen Ier. 50.29 Call together * the mighty many against Babel all that bend the bow besiege her round about let there be no escaping for her recompense her according to her work according to all that she hath done do vnto her for she hath ben proude against the Lord against the holy one of Israel A Table of some principall things conteyned in this Treatise THat it is not lawfull to heare or have any spirituall communion with other Ministerie then that which Christ hath given vnto his Church pag. 1. 17. 51. 63. 70. 78. 87. 93. c. That the Ministery given by Christ is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4. p. 2. 4. 5. 7. 22. c. That the Ministers of the Church of England are none of these p. 3. c. Of the obiection made about hearing the Scribes and Pharisees p. 14. That the Ministery of the Church of Engl. is the Ministery of Antichrists Apostasie p. 18. c. Of the Prelates being spirituall Lords Diocesan and Provinciall Bishops Antichristian vsurpers c. p. 19. c. and p. 70. 71. 101. 102. 110. Of the examples of Timothee and Titus alledged for them p. 22. c. Two Questions about the ordinance of Christ and the apostasie of Antichrist touching the Ministery and governement of the Church p. 26. How the Ministers of the Church of England are made Deacons Priests Bishops and Archbishops And wherevnto they subscribe p. 30. c. That the Ministery of that Church obeyeth not Christ in his ordinance as their Prophet Priest and King p. 39. 105. That it is set against and exalted above the holy things and constitutions of Christ p. 41. That it apperteyneth not properly to any estate civill or ecclesiasticall but onely to the body and religion of Antichrist p. 42. 43. That the King may and ought to suppresse it throughout his Dominions p. 44. That the Lord will abolish it by the light and power of his Gospell with the spirit of his mouth and brightnes of his coming p. 46. That the Ministers with the people in that estate worship the Beasts image and receive his mark in the forehead or hand p. 51. c. That they derive not their power and functions of Ministerie from Christ the head of the Church p. 63. c. That though they be of good gifts and teach many true doctrines yet it is no warrant to communicate with their Ministerie p. 66. 75. 92. That they work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spirituall calling p. 70. 109. 110. Of the Apostles not ceasing to preach in the Name of Iesus at the commandement of the Rulers of Israel p. 73. 74. That the Ministerie of the Church of Engl. is a straunge Ministery p. 78. c. Of the conspiracy of Corah Dathan Abiram c. p. 79. That it is vnlawfull to present our bodies at false worship p. 81. c. Of Naamans example alledged for that purpose p. 82. That the Ministerie of the Church of England is not from heaven but of men p. 87. That it giveth honour to Antichrist and is derogatory to the reformed Churches p. 95. Divers testimonies of their owne and of the Martyrs others against their Ministerie and Church estate p. 6. 13. 15. 21. 30. 33. 36. 41. 44. 59. 65. 73. 76. 79. 88. 93. c. Also the grounds of Mr Bradsh Arguments and of the London Lincolnshire Devonshire and other silenced Ministers their Exceptions Abridgement Answers and Offers applyed against them p. 93. c. Faultes escaped Pag. 63. lin 6. 7. read thus of Engl. is such as deriveth not Pag. 78. lin 22. Num. 15.39 Pag. 85. lin 8. will from the hote Pag. 94. line 29. annex this in such of the books where it is wanting and God must have no solemne Worship in England except it be in communion with the same Pag. 95. lin 19. put in the margent Mr Bradsh Argum. 2. Pag. 110. lin 10. annex this And their owne reasons alledged against the vse of the Ceremonies do also prove it
as Lord and King therof whose appointment therefore may not be altered or disobeyed 1 Cor. 12.5.28 with Heb. 3.5 6. 9.10.11 Mal. 1.6 Luk. 6.46 and 19.27 Col. 4.17 1 Thess 5.12 Rev. 1.5.13.16 22.18.19 3. Because he buildeth and worketh by and in his owne Ministerie as God who is gracious and powerful working all in all to whom therfore in his worship all submission and obedience is to be yeelded in his own Ministerie onely and in no other whatsoever 1. Cor. 12.6.28 with Heb. 3.3.4 1 Thess 4.8 1 Tim. 3.1 15. Rev. 1.8.16.20 and 2.1 3.1.14 4. Because to his owne Ministerie onely he calleth his people and promiseth his presence and blessing so as in rejecting it admitting another men do as much as in them lyeth reject and refuse his blessed presence and deny the obedience which they ow vnto him Mat. 28.20 Luk. 10.16 Ioh. 13.20 1 Tim. 3.1.15 6.3.4.5.13.14 Rev. 2.1 and 3.1 with Lev. 26.11.12.15.16 Deut. 33.10.11 Isa 62.6.7.8 Ier. 3.15 Zach. 14.20.21 2 Thes 2.3.4.10.15.16.17 Rev. 22.18.19.20 THe Assumption or latter part of the Reason is proved thus The Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church is of Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers spoken of Ephes 4.11.12 But the present Ministerie of the Church of England is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore it is not the Ministerie which Christ hath given and set in his Church The Proposition is playn and vndenyable The Assumption is shewed thus The present Ministery of the Church of Engl. is of Prelates Priests and Deacons But neyther the Prelates Priests nor Deacons of that Church be Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors or Teachers spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 Therfore the present Ministery of that Church is none of those spoken of Ephe. 4.11.12 The Proposition is manifest by their Law constitution The Law of that Church establisheth not nor admitteth any other Ministery but that of their Prelacy Priesthood and Deaconry received among themselves or from the Papists Their constitution is such as al the Ministers of that Church must be Priests or Deacons And these also eyther in a superiour degree as the Prelates the Lordbishops Archbs Suffraganes c. or in an inferiour as the Parsons Vicars Stipendaries Chapleynes c. The Assumption is thus proved And first concerning the three first spoken of Ephe. 4.11 The offices of the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists were extraordinary the chiefest appointed by christ for special imploymēt in laying the foundatiō of the christiā church religiō through the world preaching the Gospel every where erecting the kingdom of God in al nations opening foretelling the things revealed vnto them by the holy Ghost planting the Primitive Churches and setling them in the faith and ordinance of Iesus Christ which should continue to the end of the world c. But such are not the offices of the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 More particularly The Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as every one of them had were to have these properties That with their eyes they had seen the L. Iesus 1 Ioh. 1.1 1 Cor. 9.1 and 15.7.8.9 Act. 10.39.40.41 That by him immediately they were appointed to that office Mat. 28.18.19 Act. 1.2.24 25.26 with Prov. 16.33 Gal. 1.1 That of him and not of man they received the doctrine and commandements which they delivered to the Churches Mat. 28.20 Act. 1.2 4.13 Gal. 1.12 2.6 c. That they were sent into the whole world to preach the Gospel to everie creature to the Iewes and Gentiles of all nations Mat. 28.19.20 Mar. 16.15 Rom. 15.19 Act. 9.15 and 13. and 14 chap. c. That as Maister-builders they layd the foundation which should alway continue to the end Math. 28.19.20 with 1 Cor. 3.10.11 Ephe. 2.20 4.11.12.13 Rev. 21.14 That they should all be of equall authority Mat. 20.25.26.27 2 Cor 12.11 Gal. 2.9 Rev. 21.14 That they were filled with the gifts of the holy Ghost with variety of tongues ability to prophecy power to work miracles and to shew vndoubted argumēts of their Apostleship c. Act. 2. 3. 4. 5. ch c. with Ioh. 16.13 20.21.22 1 Cor. 14.18 2 Cor. 12.11.12 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons in the Church of England Therfore they are not the Apostles spoken of Ephe. 4.11 And Paul sayth that God set forth him and Barnabas the last Apostles appointed to death c. 1 Cor. 4.9 If they were the last how shal we now look for any mo after them Or if any wil yet so think of themselves or others we may be sure the tryall of them by the word of God wil evince them to be such as the Church of Ephesus foūd to be lyars which said they were Apostles but were not to in deed Rev. 2.2 The Prophets spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as with the Apostles had the Gospel revealed vnto them by the Spirit and delivered it for the foundation of the Christian Churches and religion and by speciall revelation opened applyed the Scriptures of the former Prophets and in waighty cases foretold things to come as by the holy Ghost was shewed vnto them Ephes 3.5 and 2.20 with 4.11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 Act. 11.28 and 21.10.11 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Prophets spokē of Ephe. 4.11 The Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 were such as having appointment direction by the Spirit or the Apostles preached the Gospel abroad and brought the Churches to a setled estate according to the order prescribed them by the Apostles whose companions and assistants they were going whither they sent them and returning whither they would have them Act. 21.8 with chap. 8.5.12.26 29.30.35.39.40 2 Tim. 4.5.9.10.11 with Rom. 16.21 1 Cor. 4.17 and 16.10 2 Cor. 1.1.19 Phil. 2.19.22 1 Thes 3.2.6 1 Tim. 1.2.3 c. and with Act. 16.1.3 and 17.14.15 and 18.5 and 19.22 and 20.4 Col. 4.10.11 with Act. 15.39.40 Tit. 1.4.5 and 3.12 with 2 Cor. 8.23 But such are not the Prelates Priests or Deacons of the Church of England Therfore they are not the Evangelists spoken of Ephe 4.11 The Propositions of these particular reasons are evident by the scriptures annexed vnto them The Assumptions are so playne as they need no proof at all And if any would deny them they ar bound themselves to shew the contrary by the Scriptures Which none can ever do Now as the Prelates Priests Deacons of the church of England are not Apostles Prophets or Evangelists spoken of Ephe. 4.11 so neyther are they Pastors or Teachers there spoken of by the Apostle Which now we wil also prove But first for further clearing of the truth and better discerning of their estate it is to be observed here that albeit themselves take it for granted
the book of Common prayer and of ordering Bishops Priests and Deacons conteyneth in it nothing contrarie to the word of God and that it may lawfully so be vsed that he himself will vse the forme in the sayd Book prescribed in publick prayer and administration of the Sacraments none other Also That he alloweth the book of Articles of Religion agreed vpon by the Archbishops and Bishops of both Provinces and the whole Clergie in the convocation holden at London in the ye are 1562. and that he acknowledgeth all every the Articles therein conteyned to be agreeable to the word of God In which Articles although there be many truths yet there are also errors not afew to which they must subscribe that they are agreeable to the word of God and that they do thus subscribe willingly and ex animo Lastly for their Bishops Archbishops 1. there is with other things aforesaid at their consecration also to be read an Epistle Gospell and Credo 2. After which ended the elected Bishop must be presented by two Bishops vnto the Archbishop of that Province or to some other Bishop appointed by his Cōmission the Bishops that present him saying Most reverend Father in God we present vnto you this godly and wel learned man to be consecrated Bishop 3. Then the Archbishop demaunds the Kings mandate for the consecration And after a lawfull oth concerning the Kings supremacy they must take an vnlawfull oath of obedience to the Archbishop which is thus In the name of God Amen I N. chosen Bishop of the Church and Sie of N. do professe and promise all due reverence and obedience to the Archbishop and to the Metropoliticall Church of N. and to their successours so help me God through Iesus Christ. Which oath at the consecration of an Archbishop is omitted 4. Afterward vpon the Archbishops demaund he answereth a number of questions 1 Of his perswasion that he is truly called to this ministration according to the will of our Lord Iesus Christ and the order of the Realme 2 Of the sufficiency of the Scriptures and his determination with them to instruct the people cōmitted to his charge 3 Of his study faithfully to exercise himself in the sayd Scriptures 4 Of his readynes with all faithfull diligence to banish and drive a way all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to Gods word 5 Of his care to deny all vngodlynes and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this world 6. Of his purpose to maynteyne set forward quietnes peace and love among all men and to correct and punish such as be vnquiet disobedient and criminous within his dioces according to such authority as he hath by Gods word and the ordinance of the Realme 7 Of his carefulnes to shew himself gentle and mercifull for Christs sake to poore people and strangers To all which they answer affirmatively and walk for the most part negatively as their estate practise sheweth vnto all men that will open their eyes to see it 5. Then must be sung or sayd Come holy Ghost c. whose direction given in the Scriptures for the offices ordinances appointed by Christ they reject and follow the Papists and their owne devises so making the commandement of God of no effect through their traditions 6. For the consecration it self the Archbishop and Bishops present must lay their hands vpon the head of the elected Bishop the Archbishop saying Take the holy Ghost and remember that thou stirr vp the grace of God which is in thee by imposition of hands for God hath not given vs the spirit of feare but of power and love and sobernes Where note agayne their vayn presumption impiety in taking vpon them to give the holy Ghost having no power frō the Lord therevnto Yet I suppose this consecrated Bishop takes asmuch as the Archbishop gives the Archbishop gives asmuch as the Bishop takes which of what quantity and quality it is let their estate and works be witnesses 7. Then the Archbishop delivereth him the Bible saying Give heed vnto reading exhortation and doctrine Think vpon the things conteyned in this book Be diligent in teaching and doing them c. Be to the flock of Christ a Shepheard not a wolf feed them devour them not c. Wherein their practise is as contrary as their office is degenerate from the ordinance of Christ And thus is their fourme of consecrating Bishops and Archbishops Wherein I omit to note in particular their great abuse and profanation of the Name and word of God in the Scriptures and prayers then vsed from the beginning to the end of that their consecration Neyther will I stand to speak of their administration and government nor of their other degrees functions of Deanes Prebendaries Chauncellors Archdeacons Commissaries Officials and the rest of that sort among them seing there are so many vnanswerable treatises already published of this Argument concerning the Antichristianity and vnlawfulnes of their Offices callings works and maintenance Yet before I end this poynt I wil here set downe two of their owne late Canons and some of the sayings and testimonyes both of the Martyrs of old and of the seekers of Reformation in this latter age that so their opposition against the truth and amongst themselves may by this meanes yet further appeare Their Canons are these 1. * Canons of Anno. 1603 Gen. 7. Whosoever shall affirme that the government of the Church of England vnder his Maiesty by Archbishops Bishops Deanes Archdeacons and the rest that bear office in the same is Antichristian or repugnant to the word of God let him be excommunicated ipso facto and so continue vntill he repent and publikly revoke such his wicked errors 2. And ‡ Ibid. Can. 8. Whosoever shall affirme or teach That the fourme and maner of making and consecrating Bishops Priests or Deacons conteyneth any thing in it that is repugnant to the word of God or that they who are made Bishops Priests or Deacons in that forme are not lawfully made nor ought to be accounted eyther by themselves or by others to be truly eyther Bishops Priests or Deacons vntill they have some other calling to those divine Offices let him be excommunicated ipso facto not to be restored vntil he repent and publikly revoke such his wicked errors These are their Canons among many other the like by which all may see how earnestly they set themselves to hold vp the falling apostasie of the man of sinne as other before tyme have laboured to heale the deadly wound of the beast 2 Thes 2 3-12 with Reve. 13.11.12 c. The testimonies of the Martyrs to the contrary which here I will mention are these being of such also as were of our owne countrey Iohn Claydon burnt in Smithfeild at London in the yeare 1415. held †Act. Monum Edit◠5. pag. 588. that Archbishops and Bishops speaking indifferently are the seats of the beast
some Archdeacons some Lordbishops some Archbishops c. 2. Now these be such offices as were left in England by the Pope and are still reteyned in the kingdome of Antichrist neyther were knowen in the Churches of Christ planted by the Apostles but rose vp with the body of Antichrist perteyne therevnto as hath bene handled before 3. And the Scripture teacheth plainly that Sathan out of the bottomeles pit is the author and head of those offices and functions which were formed and erected in the kingdome of Antichrist the man of sinne and consequently of the offices aforesaid yet remayning in the Church of England 2 Thes 2.9 Rev. 9.2.3.11.20 and 13.11 and 18.2 20.10 4. And if Sathan be the erecter and head of these offices and functions then it is certayne that Iesus Christ is not For what concord hath Christ with Sathan 2 Cor. 6.15 1 Ioh. 3.8 Wherevpon ensueth that whosoever administer by vertue of the offices aforesaid as the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of Engl. do they derive not their power and authority from Iesus Christ the head of the Church which is his body even the fulnes of him that filleth all in all things but from the dragon that old serpent Sathan the head of the body kingdome of Antichrist the Prince of darknes even the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience And this have the seekers of reformation a long time synce vnderstood and published to the world who speaking of the ecclesiasticall government of the Church of England say it is * Admon to the Parliam sect 14-20 T C first reply pag. 88. 204. Mr. Fenners Answer to the Confut. of Nichols recant pag 61. c. Antichristian and divelish and contrarie to the Scriptures That whatsoever commeth from the Pope who is Antichrist cōmeth first from the Divell and out of the bottomles pit That the Names and Offices of Archbishops Lordbishops Archdeacons Commissaries Deanes Prebendaries Parsons Vicars Stipendaries and Parish priests c. came from the Pope and are an Antichristian hierarchie That Sathan is the authour of the false Ministerie in the apostasie of the Man of sinne and in the kingdome of Antichrist the beast That their offices and callings be such as were first devised and still are reteyned in the kingdome of Antichrist whereof they cannot deny but Sathan is the head Now therefore let all men judge whether any can with a good conscience heare the word receive the Sacraments or have any spirituall communion with their Ministery in this estate yea though the men that be in it be of never so great gifts and teach never so much truth Is it divelish and may the people of God joyne vnto it Came it out of the bottomles pit shall we serve the God of heaven by it Do they which preach by vertue thereof derive their power from another head then Iesus Christ even from Sathan the head of the false Church and shall the members of Christ his Church by hearing or otherwise submit their soules and consciences to be wrought vpon by it God forbid Know we not that as the true Ministery was ordeyned by our Saviour Christ for the edification of the Church salvation of the hearers so the false Ministery hath ben erected by Sathan and is reteyned by Antichrist for the subversion of the Church the deceiving and destruction of the hearers We deny not but many of these Ministers be men of good gifts and preach much truth and comfortable doctrine but this we say and it is found too true that the more gifts and truths they bring with them the more they vphold this mystery of iniquity Ministery of Sathan the more deeply they inthrall the hearers vnder the bondage of Antichrist and the longer they deteyne them from the way and ordinances of Iesus Christ For who seeth not that the dumbe Ministers though they have the same kind of Ministery among them as the rest even the same Deaconry and Priesthood received of the Prelates there being no other allowed in that Church yet being of no gifts to call and intise them that passe by the way to come vnto them are therefore much despised and rejected of the best and most forward of the people And would not the preachers also who by their gifts allure the passers by to come and heare them be as much despised and rejected Prov. ◠13.14.15.16.17 if they should teach falsehood onely and no truth impiety and no godlynes But how could they then so colourably entise and entertayne their guests as now they do how could then their stollen waters and hid bread be so sweet pleasant as now it is how could they so greatly vphold this work of Sathan and so long deteyne their hearers in subjection to Antichrists Ministery and in defection from the way of Christ as now they have done So as all may see that by reason of the gifts they have and of the truth they teach the abomination of their Ministery and Church-government is so coloured as few consider it is * 2 Thes 2.7 a mystery of iniquity few conceive it is ‡ Ibid. ver 9. the work of Sathan few know that †Prov. 9.18 the dead are in their assemblies and that their guests are in the depth of hell And Sathan himself that subtill serpent and deceiver perceiving how by falsehood onely he cannot continew those offices and ordinances which for deceiving of the world he hath framed set vp in the kingdome of Antichrist is content for the vpholding of his work to receive many truths to have the word preached and sacraments administred so as it be by his owne offices according to his owne ordinances because by this meanes his wayes and constitutions are reteyned rather then by abandoning the truth vtterly to have all his Ministery and works of iniquity discovered and quite abolished Neyther can we think otherwise but he wil rather choose to maynteyne the strength of his kingdome in reteyning his officers and ordinances though it be with losse of some false doctrine and admission of some truths for a tyme then otherwise by an vtter refusall hereof to suffer losse of all his merchandize at once not onely of his false doctrines but of his false offices also and constitutions by which he ruleth and administreth his Antichristian kingdome and hopeth by them in tyme vpon fit opportunity agayne to bring in his former heresies to remove those doctrines of truth which for a season he hath in a sort ben forced to admit He that can * 2 Cor. 11.14 transform himself into an Angel of light can be content to yeeld something for a tyme vnto the truth that afterwards he may have the more advantage against it and them that professe it Therefore also it is no great thing though ‡ Ibidem ver 15. his Ministers transforme themselves as though they were the Ministers of righteousnes whose end shal be
according to their works In the meane tyme let none marveile if they see the estate of things in the world to be such as plainly bewray that Sathan and Antichrist so as they may have their Ministery reteyned chuse rather when they cannot otherwise do withall to have some truths of the Gospell taught by their Officers therein then to have both their Ministery refused and every truth of the Gospell freely taught by the Officers of Christ thinking it to be better for them to continue their constitutions with admission of some truths then that both Christs ordinances should be received and the whole truth yeelded vnto in obedience of faith But let all yet in the feare of God take heed vnto themselves how vnder colour of learning the truth hearing the word enjoying the Sacraments and the like perswasions they be drawen to have any spirituall communion with that Ministery aforesaid seing they derive not their Ministeriall functions and authority from Christ the head of the Church but from Sathan the Prince of the world so as none can heare the word receive the Sacraments or learne the truth from their Ministery in this estate but they shall therein submit themselves to that Ministery which Sathan hath set vp in the kingdome of Antichrist and continueth vnder these and the like pretences among his subjects Fearful to be remembred alway is the verdict of the Apostle * 2 Thes 2.10.11.12 that God wil send them the efficacie of delusion that they shal beleeve lies be damned because they beleeve not nor receive the love of the truth that they might be saved And hitherto of this further declaration of the Assumption Another cōfirmatiō therof is that the Church-assēblies of Engl. whervnto their Ministery belongeth are not true visible Churches of Christ as now they stand Therefore also it cannot be that the Ministers thereof can in such estate derive their Ministery frō Christ for the edificatiō of those Churches as being his body wherof he is the head That their Church-assemblies are not in their estate true visible Churches of Christ hath often ben proved heretofore and may be seen in that they are vnseparated from the world not joyned together in cōmunion of the Gospel by voluntrrie profession of the faith of Christ submission to the government which he hath prescribed to his Church not having the power of Christs Churches for the receiving of any truth or redressing of any evil among them but standing in bondage vnder Antichrist in their Prelacy Preisthood Worship ecclesiastical Courts Canōs Officers proceedings c. The further handling whereof may be had ‡ The Apologie to Oxf. Doctors pag. 44. c. Refut of M Giff. Answ to Mr. Stone Mr Iacob Mr Hild. p. 62. c. Counterpoys to Consid Argum. p. 127. c. in sundry other Treatises to which I refer the Reader entreating all carefully to observe this here that the Ministers of the Church of Engl. not deriving their functions of Ministery from Christ the head for the edification of the Church which is his body it must needs be vnlawfull for any and specially for the members of the body of Christ to hear or otherwise to comunicate with thē in their worship vnder any pretēce whatsoever The fift Reason NOne may heare or have any spiritual communion with those Ministers which minister the holy things of God work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spiritual calling But the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of England minister the holy things of God and work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of a false spiritual calling Therfore none may heare or have any spirituall communion with the Ministers of the Church-assemblies of England The Major or first part of the Reason is proved 1. Because the ministration of the holy things of God is a speciall part of Gods spiritual worship and therfore neyther to be done by any false spirituall calling nor to be received from any so ministring Mat. 28.18.19.20 Act. 20.17.28 Ephes 4. 11.12 1 Cor. 3.8.9 4.1 5.3.4.5 11.23 24. 25. 12.4.5.6.13.18.28 2 Cor. 5.19.20 Col. 4.17 1 Tim. 3.15 and 6.13 16. 2 Tim. 4.3.4.5 Heb. 5.4 with Nū 16.40 Ier. 23.16.21.22 Ezech. 43.8 44.6.7 8. 9. Rev. 2.1.2.7 c. 2. Because the consciences of the people of God are the Temples of the living God wherin he dwelleth by his Spirit ought therfore only to be subiect to the Lord and taught by him in his owne ordinance 1 Cor. 3.16 2 Cor. 6.16.17.18 with 5.20 Ioh. 13.20 Heb. 13.7.17 Rev. 22.16.17.18.19 3. Because the Lord Iesus Christ alone must have this preeminence the Church may not suffer any whomsoever to beare rule over them at their owne pleasure Col. 1.18.19 and 2.18.19 4. Because in submitting the soule to a false spirituall Ministery men defile the Temple of God and withdraw their subjection from Christ and become the subjects of Antichrists as it is written The Temple of God is holy which ye are And No man can serve two maisters for eyther he shall hate the one and love the other or els he shall leane to the one and despise the other And of whomsoever a man is overcome even to the same is he in bondage 1 Cor. 3.16 17.18 and 2 Cor. 6.16.17 with Mat. 6.24 Luk. 6.46 Mal. 1.6 Rom. 6. 16. 2 Thess 2.3.4 2 Pet. 2.19 The Minor or second part of the reason is proved because they minister the holy things of God work vpon the consciences of men by vertue of their Ministery received of the Prelates frō their spiritual authority which is vsurped and Antichristian and therfore by vertue of a false spirituall calling as hath ben shewed before in the second Reason and is proved in * Mr Bradsh Argum. 10. Mr Iacobs Reasons for necess of reform p. 4.44.52 c. divers of their owne writings Yet here is somewhat to be annexed for the clearing of some exceptions specially concerning such as are of greatest forwardnes among them Some there be which say they preach not by vertue of their Ministerie taken from the Prelates but by vertue of some other calling and authority Let such consider and answer 1. Why they would seem to renounce that calling received of the Prelates 2. Secondly if they disclayme that Ministery appointed by Law of the land why they blame vs for doing the like 3. Thirdly if they preach by vertue of another calling then that they have received of the Prelates how then they stand Ministers of that Church where no other is allowed and how they impose themselves vpon any of their parishes or assemblies seing the lawes of the land allow onely the Prelacy Priesthood Deaconry aforesaid 4. Fourthly how they can avoyd but needs they must be therein both intruders hypocrites Intruders because they take vpon them exercise a publick office in that Church against the publick lawes and constitutions thereof Hypocrites
Prelates c. Their administration of the word prayer Sacraments and censures according to their Constitutions book of Common prayer Injunctions Canons c. For this is the way this only to warrant their estate stablish the cōscience of such as are troubled about it Yet this they doe not but partly by cavils and exceptions against the truth and witnesses of it partly by vaine pretences of antiquity and humane authority partly by abuse and false gloses of Scripture partly by reproches and persecutions of all sorts set themselves to obscure the light of the truth now manifested and to turne away the people from the knowledge and obedience thereof Which is the more lamentable considering what divers of them have judged and written of these things themselves One thus * T. C. first reply p. 83. The Ministerie of the Gospell and the functions there of ought to be from heaven of God not invented by the brayne of men From heaven I say and heavenly because although it be executed by earthly men and the Ministers also are chosen by men like vnto themselves yet because it is done by the word and institution of God that hath †Note this not onely ordeyned that the word should be preached but hath ordeyned also in what order and by whom it should be preached it may well be accounted to come from heaven and from God Seing therefore that these functions of the Archbishop and Archdeacon are not in the word of God it followeth that they are of the earth and so can do no good but much harme in the Church Another thus ‖ Demonstr of Discipl in the Preface to the Reader Albeit many nations that have renounced that whore of Rome are heynously sinful against the glorious Maiesty of Iesus Christ yet is there none in the whole world so far out of square as England in reteyning that popish hierarchie first coyned in the midst of the mysterie of iniquity and that filthy sink of the Canon Law which was invented patched together for the confirming and increasing of the kingdome of Antichrist Wherein as great indignity is offered vnto Iesus Christ in committing his Church vnto the government of the same as can be by meane vnderlings vnto a King in committing his beloved spouse vnto the direction of the mistresse of the Stewes and inforcing her to live after the orders of a brothelhouse A third thus * Removall of Imputations laid vpon the Minist of Devon and Cornwall pag. 22. It is a matter which by all the straynings of men therein employed could never yet be cleared that Provinciall and Diocesan Bishops are by Divine Right rather then by Humane Pollicie We for our parts hold these things firme First that that Church-calling for which the scripture giveth no expresse warrant is meerly vsurped and vtterly vnlawfull The office of Iohn though it were extraordinary yet we see the care of the holy Ghost to prove it by the Scripture ‡ Mat. 3 3◠This is he of whom it is spoken by the Prophet Esaias Let any divine tell me what doctrine he would collect if he were to preach vpon that place Secondly that the Holy writt makes no mention of any such B. as is now amongst vs. Shew me who can the title Episcopus or Bishop given there to any mortall men in respect of other Pastors and not wholy and onely in respect of the flock And divers others of them thus †Admon 1. and 2. Not onely the office of Elders but their name also is out of this English Church vtterly removed and in stead of them in every Church the Pope hath brought in and they in England yet mainteyne the Lordship of one man over many Churches Which Lordbishops being not able as the Elders to execute their offices in their owne persons without substitutes have therefore their vnder officers as Suffraganes Chancelours Archdeacons Officials Commissaries and such like Also They with their Canons and Courts are drawen out of the Popes shop take vpon them which is most horrible the rule of Gods Church thrusting away most sacrilegiously that order which Christ hath left in his Church and which the Primitive Church hath vsed yea robbing the Church of lawful Pastors Elders and Deacons And In a few words to speak what we meane Eyther must we have a right ministery of God a right government of his Church according to the Scriptures set vp both which we lack or els there can be no right Religion nor yet for contempt thereof can Gods plagues be from vs any while deferred Thus much more have sundry of themselves written in former tymes how ever it be that now they would seem to plead otherwise But to let them alone by this may appeare how needfull it is for all both Ministers and people to take heed to their wayes and to lay them to heart Towching the Ministers it should herein be with them as it was with Iohn Baptist who proved his calling by the word to be from heaven Ioh. 1.22.23 with Mat. 21.25 And they that are in deed true Ministers will have speciall care and alway be able to shew their offices and callings to be of the Lord from heaven approved by his word So were the Priests and Prophets in the tyme of the Law So were also the Apostles and Ministers of the Primitive Churches vnder the Gospell Yea Christ himself likewise And if we may certainely affirme that the Christ who cannot approve his calling by the Scripture is not the true Christ but a false Christ and therefore to be avoyded notwithstanding any truth he professeth and publisheth then may we as surely conclude that the Ministers which cannot prove their callings by the word of God are false Ministers and therefore not to be joyned withall whatsoever truth they teach or bring with them otherwise And if the Prophets Apostles Iohn Baptist Christ himself would not take this honour vnto them to be priviledged from having and shewing warrant of their callings out of the word of God who and what are the Ministers of the Church of England that they should be exempt from this so equall so needfull so generall a condition And if they be not exempt why are they not ready and carefull to shew it for the satisfying of others and defence of themselves And for the people howsoever the Ministers do it should be with them as it was with the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and half tribe of Manasses who sayd God forbid that we should rebell against the Lord turne away this day from the Lord to build an altar for burnt offring for meat offring or for sacrifice save the altar of the Lord our God that is before his tabernacle Iosh 22.29 So should all Christians be likewise mynded and say Far be it from vs that we should rebell against the Lord Iesus Christ turne this day from him in appointing