these his doings do not my words doe good to him that walketh vprightly Therefore trust ye not in lying words saying the Temple of the Lord Ier. 7.4 The Temple of the Lord are these as the English crie the church the church The church of the Lord are these Bishops and theire defenders Chap. 18.18 For the law shall not perish from the Priest nor counsell from the wise nor the word from the prophet The Lord answereth such proud men How doe ye say wee are wise and the Law of the Lord is with vs. Chap. 8 8.9 They have rejected the word of the Lord and what wisdom is there in them for from the least to the greatest every one is given to covetousnes from the prophet to the priest every one dealeth falsly For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people sleightlye saying peace peace when there is no peace They are wicked in these things Isa 57.21 and there is no peace to the wicked saith my God And therfore whereas som say there are still some good preachers yea som that are conformable I answer so were there in those first ages after Constantine But the zeale of these Canons and inventions did more and more take vp mens mindes and eate out the other It is true in this case as in that of riches The church hath brought forth riches dignities diocessan dominion Canons ceremonies cringes Altars masses c. The daughters have devoured the mother in Romish churches and so they will in England if God prevent it not And therefore whereas others say so long as wee may have the Gospel well preached in som parishes why should wee trouble our selves with these things I answer ought not such men to take care that the Gospell may be continued to them and theire children in that puritie simplicitie wherein it was left by the Apostles Which as ye see can not be Ier. 2.35 if those things be not reformed for they turne from the Truth yet thou saiest Because I am innocent surely his anger shall turne from me Constantius could never have spread the Arrian heresie so far as he did but by the helpe of Bishops For a Bishop beeing like a King or a Pope in his diocesse the most will out of feare or flatterie follow him as he doth the Prince or mightie favourite what ever his religion be because he can either raise him to more honour or trouble him And therfore it may be saide of the hierarchie ceremonies and ordinances and theire defenders If they be not with Christ and his kingdum in these cases they are against him Mat. 12.30 and if they gather not with him they scatter helpe the Adversaries For in these times those that are Christs seeke to get the victorie over the Beast and over his marke Some by preaching or writing Rev. 15.2 others by theire lawes and swords and others by theire professing and contending earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saincts others by theire praiers and other honest indeavours While on the other side Papists and popelings contend as earnestly for the observation and authority of tradâ—tions and ceremonies which is the marke of the Beast though they covering the matter call them the vnwritten word of God Bellarmin in his 4. booke of the vnwritten word of God Chap. 2 maketh three sorts of traditions 1. Divine which were spoken by Christ but not written 2 Apostolike spoken by the Apostles but not written 3. Ecclesiasticall which he saith are introduced from ancient customes by the Prelates or by the people and creepingly by the silent vnquestioning agreement of the people have gained strength of law And indeede have at one time or other beene confirmed by councels A man may here see what mischiefe followed the first vnquestioning agreement and consent of the people For of this sorte as the fountaine of all the rest is the authority of diocessan Bishops theire power in theire Courts and Canons excommunicating imprisoning c. and ruling both the ordinarie pastors and people with force and crueltie in divers things which as was shewed did creepingly by the silent and vnquestioning agreement of the people gaine the strength of law and supplanted the presbiterie ordained of God and the power of each congregation in choosing theire minister and excommunicating the refractarie and so made of none effect that law of Christ Tell the church the presbyters and people Ezech. 34.2 to 12. And then the diocessan office served not to feede the flock of God but themselves the flock became a prey to such Shepheards yea diocessan power beeing thus invented and established became a snare and net as the Prophet saide to the Priests and howse of the King For then followed theire traditions the distinction of meates Hos 5.1 the observation of holy daies feasts and fasts wearing the surplesse and more then sixe hundred yeares after Christ the latin service singing antemes by the sound of the organs setting vp of Altars bowing to them and at the name of Iesus building guilding adorning and consecrating of cathedrall churches endowing them with greate revenues signing themselves with the signe of the crosse setting vp Images in churches to a religions vse and likwise candles invocation of Saints and praying vpon beades the Popes succession in Peters chaire single life of Priests purgatorie and persecution to those that would not beleeve these the like things All which were introduced froÌ„ ancient customes by the Prelates or people and creepingly gained strength of law one after another and in short time served men for a religion the defence of the first making way for all the rest as men do now begin to perceive in England where as the hierarchie it selfe so divers of these things beeing popish are preached by Bishops and others and begin to get the strength of law and naturally to make way for the rest and indeede to serve men for a religion if God prevent it not 2. Cor. 11.3 So soone doth the Serpent through his subtiltie beguile men and corrupt theire mindes from the simplicitie that is in Christ for as wee shewed they doe not tend to edification as is pretended but to destruction seeing Bishops by them doe rule men with force and crueltie Ezech. 34.4 The word of God such observations as rightly arise from it doe truly edifie so doe the Sacraments to men that know the truth the inventions and ordinances of men haveing but a shew of godlinesse and Wisdom are but beggarly rudiments yea turne from the Truth Col. 1.23 Gal. 4.8 Tit. 1.14 And yet so things goe as if the authority of the Prelates which puts all men to silence or makes them flatter might give them the strength of Law and make men beleeve that Gods will is that they should be obeyed which is in effect to make them his vnwritten word For his will is his word But this is as the vnwritten
out of the Church millitant against Antichrist and his adherents And if he come thence he is certainly one of them that worship therein keepe his sayings and contend for the truth which things men doe He is a man for so he saith J am thy fellow Servant and of thy brethren the Prophets and of them that keepe the sayings of this booke that haue the Testimonie of Iesus As all those must needes haue that haue the marke of God they are such as continue in the word such as are the true Church because they continue in the word defend ma ntaine it and no other as the Church doth which is called the pillar of truth 1 Tim. 3 15 And not as some in England doe who serve for little else then to defend theire owne ambition canons and ceremonies and yet would be called the Church of Christ If one of theese through flatterie grow so greate in favour with his Prince as to rule all as he list to turne Religion into Popish complement and ceremonies to mould it after his owne humour If therefore many out of feare flatterie or hope of favour follow and justifie him is he the Church not he nor he and all his flatterers If he could bring fower or five or all the Bishops to his Religion are they the Church They might see that so the Church of Rome came to be corrupted That theese in the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimonie are onely the true Church because they continue in the word and will receive no other that the same must needes be the marke of the true Church which is here the marke of true Christians These as wee have seene are set out by the Iewes the first Testament who neither in doctrine nor ceremonies might receive any thing which God had not commaunded but were to hold in all things to his first ordinances and institutions Crowne of a Christian Martyr wherein when they failed they were plagued and that it would be so with Christians if they changed Christs ordinances or let in any innovations hath appeared by his constant comparison to the seaven Churches and others of Churches compared to a Ierusalem and an harlot to the Temple of God and the Synagogue of Satan to the inner Temple and the court without he will not yeald theese later to be Iewes that is Christians because of other Lords they hold other Lawes in Religion in order in ceremonies and other things they doe not hold fast the word and ordinances which he left without receiving innovations or inventions of men therefore they are not of that part of his Temple which he alloweth to be accounted his Church but of the court without which is giuen to the Gentiles Reu 11. that is to Antichrist and others who in Gods account are as Gentiles such as in divers things will not heare his word but make it of none effect with theire dominion and traditions They hold som Christian truths but not all Those in England that are defenders of the hierarchie or Arminians hold more then the Papists yet not all Christ will not yeald som to be Iewes who perhaps failed in fewer things Iudge therefore I pray you whether they be not of that sort or like them of whome Christ speaketh Chap 2 which say they are Iewes and are not of the true Temple are not viz. not of those secret parts of the Temple 1 King 8 8 As there was nothing in the Arke saue the two tables of Stone so there is nothing in the church of Christ in this Temple but the Testimonie of Iesus and his government the Eldership no Popish dominion nor traditions If there had Iohn who tooke exact measure of it saw it opened would haue reuealed it in his Revelation but there was nothing else seene save that and them that worship therein Who therefore must needes be those that from the heart receive and obey that word and no other for there is no other there This was then so greate an honour that Iohn was readie to worship him that was such a one as if that were the best nobilitie to be thus stamped sealed with the Image of God in all doctrines and Lawes of Religion Act. 17.11 to haue recourse to the Law and to the Testament like the men of Berea to see if the Teachers taught according to this word And yet in England he that is such a one is in contempt called a Puritan hated and scorned and that by the Prelates themselves who therefore despise all that are of this Temple Because indeede if diocessan Bishops theire power canons and ceremonies be not according to this word they that are of this Temple care not for them Ephes 6. Phil. 1.27 They have theire loines girt about with the Truth they stand fast in one Spirit with one minde striveing together for the faith of the Gospel they have the testimonie of Iesus as here one of them saith they continue in his word and so are Disciples indeede They confesse and professe this word and so have his name and marke on theire forheads to which the binding of the law to the hand and forhead did point in a figure Deut. 6.8 and both that and this doe shew that in matters of religion the Lord is our Iudge the Lord is our King the Lord is our lawgiver 1. Tim. 1.17 Phil. 3.16 He is the King only wise Every man had neede to beleeve and receive this and to say with Paul let vs walke by the same rule let vs minde the same thing for this ye see is the marke of a Christian And by the Rule of contraries the marke of Antichrist must needes be an impression of that his doctrine law and superstitious rites which is more then the word revealed or against the same the profession and observation thereof is the marke as the observation of the heathenish rites is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Mac. 4.20 the character or marke of the Grecians The Pope would that all men should receive defend and professe his doctrine and superstitious rites and so should receive his marke in theire right hand and forheads For in the forhead that is by profession and in the right hand that is by operation as the ordinarie glosse expoundeth Antonius also and Lyra teach that A character or marke is a certaine manner of liveing according to the law of any Agâ—tho in epist inter acta sextae Synodi constantinop Bonifac 8. in extran de maior obed Clement in lib. 5. ad nostruÌ„ in gloss D. 18. c. si qui sunt whereby men are distinguished from others So the Pope causeth all men to take his marke for he saith Everie soule that would be saved must confesse the forme of the Roman tradition Wee affirme define and pronounce that it is altogether necessarie to salvation for every humane creature to be subject to the Pope of Rome
saith They blaspheme against the Lord severing and dividing Iesus from Christ and Christ from the Saviour and againe the Saviour from the word and the word from the only begotten Now if the Bishops doe not sever the Saviour from the word and the word from the only begotten yet it is an heresie somwhat a kin to this to change the truth of God into a lie to refuse part of the Testament touching the presbiterie and to say that the same ordinances aboute this and the power of each church to choose ministers and excommunicate called the power of Christ are not now his word and ordinances nor the power of Christ to be followed of all churches that these things might be taken from them and given to one in a diocesse which is indeede to take them from Christ who hath trusted the churches with them that they are things indifferent that councels and Kings might change them or set vp others that turne from the Truth and are soe contrarie that his will is that these should now be obeied and followed and not those which himselfe ordained which is to say his will is changeable All this beeing in effect affirmed by them is downright the marke of the Beast For so papists argue in the same cases and in those of Images communion in one kinde the primacie and the like And yet we know that the new Testament and all the ordinances thereof are from everlasting yea eternall and vnchangeable Mat. 13.35 Rom. 16.35 Ephes 1.9.11.2 Tim. 1.9 Ioh. 12.48 and Ioh. 1.1.2.3 1. Cor. 2.7 Heb. 13.8 And so the Apostle saith Iesus Christ yesterday and to day and the same also for ever Thus they that in the Revelation weare white hold fast the testimonie of Jesus The Bishops neither doe so nor suffer others that would but with flaterie and threats make many preach and write in defense of theire power traditions ceremonies and so to make war against the lambe Bishops themselves therefore had neede of one in these cases to open theire eies to turne them from darknesse to light 2. Tim. 3.8 and from the power of Satan vnto God For as Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses so doe these also resist the Truth men of corrupt mindes and by theire tyranous imposing of these things cause divisions and offences Rom. 17. contrarie to the Apostolike doctrine and therein serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but theire owne bellie and with faire speeches deceive the hearts of the simple I would they that are counted both learned and wise were not as commonly deceived by theire flatteries and false glosses They likewise make men bow toward the Altar and at the name of Iesus not at other names of Christ or God his father and kneele at the receiving of the Sacrament as if they did more reverence and obey Christ the word then others that doe not these things though as wee shewed it is but a popish and a late devise And yet they themselves can not bow to Christ in his ordinance of the presbiterie and the power he gave to each church nor endure to heare of it but hinder others that would Can they be Christs Bishops When Elijah heard the voice of God he wrapped his face in his mantle for the reverence that he bare to Gods word When the Spirit of the Lord came vpon Iehazel 1. King 19.2 2. Chro. 29 14.18 so that he spake the word of the Lord Iehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground and all Iudah fell before the Lord worshipping the Lord. 2. King 20.19 And when a sentence was pronounced against Hezechiah for his sinne yet he saide Good is the word of the Lord that thou hast spoken And Iohn so reverenced the word of God that he was ready to worship the Angel that shewed it him who thereupon saide see thou doe it not worship God All these and the like places shew the greate reverence that is due to the word It is the name of Christ Rev. 19. His name is called the word of God A name that could never be given to any other a name above all names and therefore this is that name of Iesus at which every knee should bow where yet it is not so much meant of bodily worship with the knee as receiving the word with faith and obedience obeying the truth is the true worship Those that doe not this are called stifnecked such as will not bow And such are the Bishops Act. 7. who yet in the meane mock God with a beggarlie signe of such obedience which therefore is not apt to stir vp the dull minde of man to a remembrance of this duty to God but is a meere complement a shew And indeede this and other theire ceremonies insteade of doeing good serve thousands for a religion or a shew of one and in place of that wich God commandeth For brevitie sake I omit to speake of other cathedrall ceremonies and to observe the like poperie tyranie and abuse in many of theire canons courts and customes as is shewed in the Curtaine of church power Curtaine of Church power certaine it is that many have litle religion besides and that many who defend them doe it on purpose to make them inductions to other poperie and because they are fit maskes to cover theire popish or prophane practises So that beeing thus grossly abused they may and by theire owne rule ought to be taken away and cleane rejected But they will have nothing reformed or changed yet they themselves as others before them have changed the ordinance of God which is a most adulterous fact and therfore whereas som say if wee goe aboute to alter or reforme any thinge wee shall never be quiet till all be brought to Annabaptisme or Brownisme I answer this is as if one should say you may not turne a woman from poperie or adulterie for feare she turne Annabaptist They should therefore deale plainly with vs and say to maintaine theire hierarchie the greatnes of a few Prelates theire pompe theire coaches and pallaces the truth must be suppressed the church and common weale corrupted and the whole world disturbed Mic. 3.11 The heads thereof judge for reward c. yet they leane vpon the Lord and say is not the Lord among vs None evill can come vpon vs. Her prophets are light and trecherous persons Zepha 3.4 Eze. 22.26 Haba 1 3. her priests have polluted the sanctuarie they have done violence to the law There are that raise vp strife and contention Therfore the law is slacked and judgment doth never go forth for the wicked compasse aboute the righteous therefore wrong judgment proceedeth They so wrest the truth to maintaine theire hierarchie and traditions and will not see the truth of God in these things that almost all men after theire example turne prevaricators Mic. 2. â— O thou that art named of the howse of Iacob is the Spirit of the Lord streitened are
might if they would and yet scorne and reject them as follie and matters of reproach and worthy correction persecution it is a plaine treading vnder foote the Sonne of God who hath * Reu. 1.1.11.19 and Ioh. 16.13 reuealed the Father in theese things and counting the blood of the couenant an vnholy thing wherewith the new Testament was sanctified confirmed or dedicated as the first covenant was with the blood of beasts yea this is to doe despite vnto the Spirit of grace which first shewes vs Gods grace in ordaining these things and after in promises of restoring them And indeede seeing it is manifest Act. 14. chap. 20.28 1. Pet. 5.2 Tit. 1.9 that the Apostles ordained Elders in euery Church that theire office was to feede the flock ouer which the Holy Ghost made them Bishops that they were to take the oversight thereof by sound Doctrine to convince the gainsayers reproue correct and instruct in righteousnes and if this would not serue after the first and second admonition to excommunicate in and with the consent of the congregation who can denie but that all this is of the substance of religion necessarie to the salvation of the people and proper to euery Prosbyter Euery man will be readie to confesse that it is better there be a Pilot a Maister and a Maisters mate in euery ship to watch ouer the same and all that is in it as the Lord in Wisdom ordained Elders to be Bishops in euery Church or congregation to watch over it and all the Soules therin leaving them in his Testament a card and rules to steere and saile by the word of God beeing theire Rudder then that there should be but one in a whole fleete one Bishop in a diocesse and all the rest but shadowes or lesser wheeles to be led and moved by him as it came to passe by the wisdom and encroachments of men wherby Bishops neither leaving the brethren nor yet the presbyters any voice in censures or part in the government doe themselves bring in the inventions and evils Christ would keepe out get dominion over mens faith and by theire power and traditions make the word of none effect in divers perticulars A thing which is expresly forbidden in the new Testament My brethren be not many Maisters knowing that wee shall receive the greater condemnation Iam. 3.1 that is because in the causes and controversies of hereticks Psal 100. Schismatiks and other delinquents it is saide of the word Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies He shall judge amonge the nations the Presbyters and members of the church doe but rule and judge by him as steeres men by the Rudder judges and jurots by the law not by theire owne inventions or pretended authority And therfore our saviour who was against all such dominion in the church saith to his Disciples Mat. 20.25 Chap. 123.8 The Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them But ye shall not not be so Be not ye called Rabbi for one is your Maister even Christ and all ye are brethren Therfore when there is cause of accusing or censuring any he doth not say Tell the Bishops but Tell the church And accordingly in the times of the Apostles Chap. 18.17 and longe after as the epistles of Cyprian do manifest they were judged by the word in an assemblie of presbyters and brethren as the incestuous Corinthian which shewes us that neither one man nor the presbiters alone were judges in such cases but the church which by the Scriptures either cleered or censured any person accused as by the word of God he appeared either guiltie or not guiltie for so doth the word judge among the nations And therfore seeing God hath so ordained and it was in the primitive church so practised it is not a thing indifferent as some thinke whether Presbyters or diocessan Bishops hold the government but in effect a matter of salvation espetially to every church and by consequence to every Soule in it as the well or ill guiding of a ship concerneth the salvation of every passenger embarqued in it For though in a tempest some are saved without good Pilots and some in the shipwrack by a board yet others are not without skilfull sea men and soe in the church but for the most part not without helpes in government God hath in nothing given this to one in a diocesse and his officials but to the presbyters of every church elected according to his ordinance For though the provision of Bishops and Pastors have beene somtime in the hands of the Clergie and people somtimes in the hands of K ngs and Patrons then in the hands of Popes and then againe in the hands of Kings and patrons as now in England yâ—t as many have proved for the first seaven or eight hundred yeares after Christ the people in most places did choose them according to the practise of the primative church and the power given them in the new Testament For so saith Cyprian The people have principallie the power either to choose such priests as are worthy or to refuse such as are vnworthy Cypri 1. Epist 4. Act. 14.23 Beza Annot in Act. 14. Tit. 1. And so saith Luke They ordained them Elders in every church by election Where saith Beza the force of the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be noted that wee may know that Paul and Barnabas caried nothing by private will nor exercised any tyranie in the church nor lastly did any such thing as at this day the Romish harlot or her pages doe whome they call ordinaries And by this place saith he must that be vnderstood I left thee in Creete to ordaine them Elders in everie citie as I had appointed thee that is by election as the Apostles left it to the church and people there assembled to choose one in the place of Iudas Beza Annot in Act. 1. And they appointed two Nothing saith Beza is here caried privately by Peter as by one endued with a more excellent dignitie but publickly and by the suffrages of the whole church So as he sheweth were the seaven Deacons chosen and so is that to be vnderstood Lay hands sodainly on no man that is to make him a presbyter amd so give him a part in this charge of the Eldership till he be tried the church or people have chosen him and praier be made for him as at the election of Mathias and the seaven Deacons It is ill for the Soules of Kings Bishops and patrons and indeede worse for the church that any one of these have the choice or confirmation of Pastors helpers Elders which are lawfull callings or of diocessan Bishops Deanes prebends and others which are vnlawfull For this makes divines flatter all such Princes Patrons and Prelates or theire favourites and so is cause of exceeding greate corruption and hipocrisie in church and common wealth For by this meanes Princes Prelates and theire favourites though they
doe what they list in religion shall be sure to be flattered in it as the popes were as soone as ever they grew greate and to have any power over the Clergie and this indeede made them attempt what they list and carrie or obtaine it while verie few durst call it incroaching or corruption such was and such is the fruite of this power in the church and therfore God would neither commit the election or confirmation of his ministers nor the government to one in a diocesse but to the presbyters and members of every church as abovesaide Men will not see these things but if wee tell them these all doe contrarie to the decrees of Christ to stop our mouthes with those Iewes and others of the baser sort they say These all doe contrarie to the decrees of Cesar Act. 17.5.7 saying that there is another King in these cases namely Christ making a verie heinous matter of it that wee are so bold as to affirme it But it were to be wished that they would so give vnto Cesar the things that are Cesars as not to take from God the things that are Gods to give them to Cesar These are things that have been manifested to be Gods Why then will they perswade Kings that they doe God service and shew love to his church his Ierusalem while they strengthen the Prelates that vsurpe these offices suppresse the verie name of the presbiterie and make Princes beleeve that as they doe more or lesse vphold theire hierarchie so God will more or lesse blesse them theirs Wherein they reason like Baronius Baron in an 452 who speaking of the law of Valentinian abovementioned which curtailed the power of Bishops saith That the making of it incensed the wrath of God and caused Attila with the Hunnes to come downe upon the Empire When that was rather because he left them so much power as he did and did not rather reduce them to that order and power wherein the Apostles left them taking away all that which made the word of God in divers particulars of none effect or is contrarie to his ordinances though it had been given them by Emperours or Synods They should have all knowne that it is the King eternall and immortall who is only wise 1. Tim. 1.17 Isa 30.22 Pro. 8. mark that word onelie wise especially in Spirituall things The Lord is our Iudge the Lord is our lawgiver the Lord is our King Christ beeing the wisdom of God saith By me Kings raigne and Princes decree justice that is when what they can they governe according to Gods revealed wisdom Much more then in matters of religion they are not set in the throne to doe and require the doeing of theire owne will but Gods as David acknowledged and therefore saide Give thy judgments ô God thy judgments not mens not mine to the King and thy righteousnes to the Kings Sonne Psa 70.1 2. Chron. 29.23 2 Sam. 22.51 1 Chro. 29 11.12 So it is saide Solomon sate on the throne of the Lord insteade of David his father who is saide to be Gods King Every king therefore should acknowledge God King of his kingdom as David of his Thine o Lord is the greatnes the power the glorie the victorie and the majestie for all that is in the heaven in the earth is thine thine is the kingdom o Lord thou art exalted as head above all that is theÌ„ above Kings who beeing set on the throne of the 〈◊〉 that is to see his word his lawes Statutes observed to se◠〈…〉 the righteousnes thereof for then doe they bring theire glorie honour to the new Ierusalem Hos 2.19 then is he maried to them and theire pepole Ãn righteousnes in judgment in loveing kindnes in mercies as he promiseth that is when Kings make priests and people live and doe according to the order which he appointeth them in his word as both Hezechiah and David himselfe did when he saw Vzza slaine for breaking that order He sits on the throne of the Lord that gives his power strength to God and to his ordinances as the Kings which are the hornes of the Beast gave theire power and strength vnto the Beast to enforce his lawes rites and errours on theire people which was a war against the lambe But at last as is graciously promised The lambe shall overcome them Rev. 17. For he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings If therefore they will be saide to sit on his throne they must doe the like for Christ against Antichrist and all enemies of his truth seeing God hath set his King vpon his holy hill of Sion to rule all nations in matters of religion and therefore addeth Be wise now therefore o ye Kings Psa 2. Let it not be saide your subjects dwell where Sathan hath his throne for Antichrist or any other David knew the true wisdom when he saide 2. Sam. 22.22 J have kept the waies of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God for all his judgments were before me c. And when in an assemblie of all his Princes Captaines 1. Chro. 28 1.8.9 and 〈…〉 to them Keepe and seeke for all the com◠〈…〉 â—th Solomon and 〈…〉 thâ—e but if 〈…〉 â—â—â—â—re did God 〈…〉 â—e a King among his Sonnes He wâ—s a King indeeâ—â—or God seeing he thus raigned psa 47.3 and in this â—ense had ever such sayiâ—gs in his mouth God is the King of all the Earth The shields of the eartâ— belong unto God For the Lord is a greate God and a greaâ— King above all Gods The holy one of Israel is our King The prelates and theire adherents say there must be order in the church diocessan Bishops to be over others Objection question and reje◠〈…〉 â—ers God hath not appoin◠〈…〉 therefore Kings and councels 〈…〉 I answer this is to say 〈◊〉 God hath not had a sufficient 〈…〉 â—rch and to accuse his Testament of insufficiencie as if th◠〈…〉 â—d not as well provided for his church in this case as in others when yet for these ends he ordained Elders to be Bishops 〈◊〉 every congregation Now all his ordinances are perfect His worke is perfect Deut 32.4 for all his waies are judgment He is God and changeth not therefore to say that this was only for the times of the Apostles and as the church increased and those times changed the wisdom of men might provide better is a greate presumption yet such hath beene the wisdom of the flesh Act. 15.18 and of the world to thinke so But knowne vnto God are all his works from the begining of the world Men cannot in time better them If the Eldership had not beene sufficient he would either never have ordained it to be so soone abolished or have foretold and given authority to his church to ordaine diocessans This he did not but for bad to adde
to his word Mar. 13.34 because himselfe gave authority to his servants the Apostles and to every man his worke Ephes 4.11.12 And by them he hath set sufficient officers in the church for the perfecting of the saints for the worke of the ministrie c. And what can wee have more If men would but see it the Elders in the Reformed churches do better looke to the order God requireth then diocessan Bishops do or can For this order is shewed in his Testament That is perâ—â—â—â— and he saith Deut. 12.32 Gal. 3.15 Thou shalt not adde thereto nor dimâ—â—â—sh frâ—m it It 〈◊〉 true Bâ—◠〈◊〉 us like Vzzâ— doe more then Goâ— commaundeth â—â—ey look to diverâ— things that Elders doe not once look afteâ— but 〈◊〉 is then after mens traditions and commaundements which turne from the truth are popish tyranical and superfluous while by obstinate defending these they make divisions and contentions contrarie to the Apostolike doctrine and so â—â—â—ve not the Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 16. but theire owne bellie and by good words and faire speeches deceive the hearts of the simple this is not to vphold the church of Christ but theire owne kingdom It will be saide some of them haâ—e both 〈…〉 â—d written well yea confirmed 〈◊〉 supâ—â—essed Heretâ—â—◠〈…〉 but theire numbe◠〈…〉 â—h as 〈◊〉 did in the churâ—h of Rome wherein ma◠〈◊〉 arâ—â—aâ—â— Bishops Monkes and Iesuits confute som heâ—â—â—â—â—ks and preach well in all things save for the maintenance of â—â—â—ire orders and superstition So doe English prelats How soeâ—â—â—â—â—at hath beene as well if not better performed by other miniâ—â—â—â— at home and in the reformed churches Histor of the coun of Trent p. 24. There have beene divers honest Popes who have confest som errours in the power and practise of the church as of late Adrian 6. who sending to the Diet of Noremberg confesseth many corruptions in the sea and Church of Rome and promiseth reformation But this makes the calling of Popes neuer a whit the more Lawfull or necessarie As it was with Popes so it is with Bishops the better som of them haue beene the worse for the Church for they doe but hold vp the reputation of the office and so hold way for worse successors theire traditions Neyther is it better for the suppressing of heritikes and leude liuers that one in a diocesse hath this power for he cannot looke to all the Clergie much lesse to all the people though he should minde nothing else How then can he doe it if he be a counsellour of Estate and a judge in the Starchamber and high commission Among the Clergie in England and much more among the people many are saide to be drunkards coueteous contentious hereticall Arminians non residents dumbe ministers zealous defenders of canons and ceremonies preaching litle else Popelings dunces drones persecutors of those that preach and heare the word diligently If the Bishop who cannot looke to all see not the most of them countenaÌ„ce others or be by any meanes made to connive they may keepe theire Churches and others from preaching in them and doe no good but much hurt in them which is not so in the Churches of France where there are few or rather none of this kinde that discipline hath easy meanes to remedie these things both in the Clergie and people or rather indeede it preventeth them so much better is that which God ordained then that which men after invented to mend it Againe because the Bishop might be hereticall or wicked to helpe that they ordained Archbishops and because some Archbishops might be such they ordained Patriarchs and because some of them might be corrupted as they were they admitted of Appeales and ordained a Pope and then because he might erre or be wicked as Liberius Honorius Iohn 13 and others they were forced to affirme the Pope cannot erre and in all these things men were still perswaded to contribute to theire honour wealth and power as necessarie to the kingdom of God and therfore still as this honour and power increased the Scriptures were by flatterers wrested to defend it therfore though in the invention of diocessan Bishops there was not so greate coueteousnes ambition and wickednes yet the prosecution of it to bring it to its grouth was onely to make themselves fat with the offerings of the people 1. Sam. 2.29 as God saith of the presumptious innovations and coveteous desires of Elies Sonnes Thus from the first step in ordaining diocessan Bishops the mysterie of iniquitie could not rest till it came to the height Some will say it hath not yet donne so in England But what remedie is there in the meane against the Appealer or any wicked Prelate non resident or other delinquent If as of late in the Star-chamber Bishops set themselves to defend the vse of Images in Churches yea those of the Trinitie what other Bishops or Ministers dare oppose them in pulpit or print They beeing greate and able to prefer others are sure to be flattered and followed and by this meanes theire honour and power beeing daily increased they may prevaile in these and many other cases as the Church of Rome did in theese and the like theire office therfore doth not make ready a people prepared for Christ Reu. 11. but rather for Antichrist If the witnesses will Prophesie against them it must also be in sackcloth bonds and imprisonment for they haue obtained or rather retained so much Romish power as to bring them to it and punish all that reproue them God telleth them of Babylon the greate the Mother of Harlots Chap. 17 to shew them she may haue daughters there may be Babylon the lesse yea many lesser Babylons Harlots in corruptions and fornications The counsellors of the Parliament of Paris opposed against the authority that the councell of Trent gaue to the Bishops in this kinde where the Ecclesiasticall authority they saide Histor of the councell of Trent lib. 8. p. 819. was enlarged beyond its bounds with the wrong and diminution of the temporall by giueing power to Bishops to proceede to pecuniarie mulcts and imprisonment against the laitye whereas no authority was giuen by Christ to his ministers but meere and pure spirituall that when the Clergie was made a member and part of the policie the Princes did by fauour allow the Bishops to punish inferiour Clergie men with temporall punishments but to vse such kinde of punishments against the laiques they had neither from the Law of God nor of man but by vsurpation onely Yet commonly the most grievous they inflict is for taking part with the Apostles in defense of the presbiterie taxing the Prelates of worldly policie and tyranie or for some disobedience or irregularity to theire power inventions and ceremonies wherein note theire hypocrisie who in the meane will not permit men to preach against images Altars bowing to them c. Much lesse any thing that sheweth the presbiterall gouernment
to be ordained of God and necessary when indeede it is theire owne office that is not necessary seeing it onely serveth for such things to persecute men for the Testimonie of Iesus and more to force vnnecessarie then necessarie ceremonies For kneeling in prayer good order and reverent gesture in the Church are vsed in the french Churches as commendable and necessarie and yet in men that in those other thâ—ngs are disobedient to the truth theire verie prayers are abhominable and but mockeries much more theire owne deuised cringes and gestures as in Papists who abound in such things and as if a man should with all order and reverence bow his body to the King his chaire of Estate Image or seale and yet despise or neglect many of his wholsom Lawes and commandements The orders and ceremonies which God ordained are indeede to religion as the barke or leaues to a tree that is a comely part of it but as for other ceremonies and inventions with theire pretended significations which beeing devised by man are more then are in the reformed Churches of France or were in the Apostles time they are not to the religion and truth of God as they say like the barke to the tree which if it be taken off the tree withereth but as the ivye to the oake which seemes to adorne and embrace it but indeede binds shadowes and by degrees wasts and destroyes it For these shewes serve many for a religion and a cloake of persecution and the power of Bishops serues for a tyranous terrour to keepe men from pâ—aching and writing the truth and setting theire names to theire bookes in the cases of the hierarchie traditions Altars images pelagianisme or the like and consequently to beget flatterie and lukewarmnesse in Clergie and people and eate out that loue and zeale of the truth in all things that they either doe now or may hereafter prohibit or maintaine Such was and such is the fruite of theire power and therfore certainly it is not of God but of men of the world of the coueteous lust of the eyes and of the pride of life and therfore what matters it who gaue it them whether councels or Kings they cannot make black white nor euill good nor that Lawfull which is so unlawfull and pernicious to the Kingdom of God Constantine no doubt thought he had offered a greate sacrifice to God in giueing them so much as he did other Emperours Kings therfore haue augmented it But he that forbiddeth to adde to his word or take from it saith to obey is better then sacrifice 1. Sam. 15. Therfore Asa to doe that which was right in the eyes of God did not vrge his owne or other mens inventions 2. Chro. 14.3.4 but tooke away the Altars of the strange Gods and the high places and Images other Kings had erected and commaunded Judah to seeke the Lord God of theire Fathers and to doe the Law marke and the commaundement Chr st beeing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords though Kinges as his deputies haue greate power in matters of Religion yet that is so as in theese things not so seeke theire owne but Gods will donne in earâ—h as it is in heauen I saith he Ioh. 8.26 chap. 6.34 Tract 40.41.54 speake to the world those things which I haue heard of him J came not to doe mine owne will but the will of him that sent me He saiâ—e this that was the eternall word and Wisdom of God yea verie God and eternall l fe For indeede he was not his owne wisdom word but the Fathers as August n doth mâ—nâ—fest on theese the like places of the Gosspell And shall not Kings then who are but his Deputies much more say it yea doe it either by causing the word of God to be faithfully taught in theire cities as David and Iehoshaphat or by rooting out all monuments and stumbling blocks of superstition and idollatrie and by suffering theire subjects to preach freely against them and to worship the Lord in the beautie of holinesse as Hezechiah and Iosiah did that is in a word by causing theire subjects to worship God aright and take his marke in the puritie of his ordinances and not to worship the Beast and take his mark in receiving professing and defending his corrupt traditions and ceremonies For to serve God and make others serve him in the beautie of holinesse Psa 110.3 is to make men serve him in the holinesse of the truth according to all that is written in his Testament Ios 1.8 and not with cathedrall service and musick after the pompous traditions and inventions of Prelates and theire Canons as some infer For the Image of God is renewed in all righteousnesse and holines of the truth Ephes 4.24 and if God would not that wee should be again in bondage to the rudiments which himselfe ordained in the ceremoniall law Christ haveing nailed them to his crosse much lesse to those which the pope and church of Rome or other men have invented or established It were good that Princes and theire chaplains would think of that Ezra 7.21 whatsoever is commaunded by the God of heaven that is in matters of religion let it be diligently donne where mark he saith not commaunded by Kings for why should there be wrath against the Realme of the King and his Sonnes That is either for neglecting Gods commaund or vrging inventions of men for therfore wee are willed not to thinke of men and theire power above that is written 1 Cor. 4.6 It is the necessity of conformitie imposed upon Ministers that furnisheth them as it did the Papists with arguments to defend traditions humane precepts and Canons against this truth and so to make a fearfull war against God Which I observe not so much of them who haveing subscribed follow theire ministrie preach the word and never speake of English traditions hopeing God will reforme them as of those that defend and preach them Isa 1. never thinking that God may say vnto them who required these things at your hands What Gospell is this How doth it helpe the Kingdom of God What knowledge what fai h what holinesse of the truth doth it worke They yet strive to justifie these ordinances and all the power of the prelates 1. Cor. 14.40 saying the Apostle saiâ—h Let all things be donne decently and in order therfore Synods may ordaine diocessan Bishops and all such Canons as are in England and doubtlesse the will of God is that they should be obeied I nswer the Apostle by this decencie and order can not meane any thing that shall overthrow any of the ordinances of God or make his word of none effect in any particular He speakes it of things before mencioned in his Epistle Chap. 11.21 Chap. 12. There were divers who did eate theire suppers when they came to the Sacrament one is hungrie and another is drunken this was not decently and in order If any
beeing suffered among the Isralites were a snare vnto them Iudg. 2.2 so must it needes be with these popish offices altars and ceremonies left among protestants The parliaments therefore should have struck at the rootes and stocks of the trees wh ch bring out such fruits in matters both of the church and common wealth and better they never did nor never can bringe foorth in any nation It is a just plague God hath sent on the Clergie because like the Angels they kept not theire first estate of presbyters nor receive the love of that ordinance For now since the death of the Apostles prophets and Evangelists by the Testament of God all degrees of Clergie men that since crope in are not branches of Christ the vine he gave some to be pastors Teachers and Elders but never any to be diocessan Bishops Such as are not content with the callings and offices that he hath given for his church but aspire to others that make them Lords of Gods heritage they abide not in him Ioh. 15. â— 5 6.7 1. and as he saith As the branch cannot beare fruite of it selfe except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me Euen as he is the word he is the vine and his ministers are the branches by which his fulnesse is spread abroade wherfore he saith If a man abide not in me he is cast forth as a branch and is withered He saith abide in me and I in you and sheweth what that is If ye abide in me and my words abide in you and that as well in matter of office and ceremonies according to his ordinances as in other things Herein is my father glorified that ye beare much fruite soe shall ye be my Disciples as if he saide otherwise not Bishops therefore that have not theire callings of him of his Testament are branches of some other trees not of Christ Iesus the vine and that makes them bring out such fruite as they doe It will be saide if kings may not give Clergie men such honour and power as Constantin Iustinian and other Emperours gave them where is theire prerogative And if councels may not give them such authority as the councell of Nice and other Synods of those times gave them where is Christs promise of the Spirit To the first I answer wee are willed to give vnto Cesar the things that are Cesars Math. 12.21 but vnto God the things that are Gods This as wee have shewed is a thing that is Gods And who then would thinke that Christians if they may be so called would ever teach that Kings or Synods may gâ—ve a power to Prelates that shall make any of the ordinances of God of none effect most of those prelates Antichrists and one of them the grand Antichrist Kings indeede are nursing fathers to the church but that is then to see that theire people be fed with the sincere milke of the word of God and not with the traditions of men or leaven of the Pharises Isa 52.2 which beeing not the bread of heaven satisfieth not Yet Prelates are ever buzzing Princes in the eares with theire prerogative in what they have established They may as well reason thus 2. Chro. 12.11 Iehoram made high places and so caused men to commit fornication He compelled Iudah thereto therfore Kings may s t vp diocessan Bishops and Sees which are high places never ordained of God and so cause fornications and compell men to theire obedience 2. King 16 â—0 Ahaz saw an Altar at Damascus sent the fashion of it to Vâ—â—ah the Priest made him make such a one and offer on it therfore Kings may set vp Altars cause such things and divers others taken from the heathen Iewes or Papists to be vsed in theire churches Ieroboam set vp golden calves Nebuchadnezar a golden Image and caused all to worship it ergo Kings may set vp these golden Images the B shops and cause them in all theire power traditions and ceremonies to be obeied that is worshipped Christs Bishops would rather say Kings are commaunded to write them a booke of the law not to depart from it as God willeth Iosha but to mediate therein day and night that they may observe to doe according to all that is written therein Ios 1.2 therfore they may not make theire subjects worship the Beast and take his marke not though he pretend that they are the things of the Spirit either invented or confirmed in councels If Christ by whome Kings raigne be the King only wise the best and noblest King as he is the word and wisdom that ruleth his then it is the greatest and best prerogative to be renued into his image and seeke his kingdom seeing the father saith Psa 2. J have set my King vpon my holy hil of Sion to rule all nations in all matters of religion be wise now therfore o ye Kings c. Col. 3.10 Eph. 4.24 Now his Image is renewed in knowledge righteosnesse and holinesse of the truth Marke not holinesse of mens inventions and traditions but holinesse of the truth The rudiments of the world as Paul sheweth bring men into bondage and ignorance Gal. 4. Ioh. 8. Chap. 17. Chap. 14. but the knowledge and obedience of the truth and continuance therein as Christ also saith maketh men free and Sonnes of God which is the greatest honour that can be He saith Thy word is Truth I am the Truth His name is called the word of God Such as yeeld to Gods word yeeld to this truth they truly bow at the name of Iesus and doe him homage as the King of Kings Princes are rightly called Gods Deputies and truly honourable when they labour to bring men to this true holinesse For there is no true holines but the holines of the Truth No man can serve two Maisters not God and Mammon much lesse Christ and Antichrist who commaund and teach contrarie things But Christ is the Truth And every one saith he that is of the Truth heareth my voice Ioh. 18.37 Chap. 10. To be of the Truth then is to be a true Christian My sheepe heare my voice and they follow me and a stranger they will not follow This stranger is one that bringeth false doctrines or for doctrines the traditions and inventions of men His servants ye are to whome ye obey He saith not to whome ye pray but to whome ye obey Rom. 6.16 Him ye serve worship whether Christ or Antichrist God or any other potentate The Papists and all that teach or observe for doctrines commaundements of men will say wee worship and follow Christ Indeede his is the kingdom the power and the glorie But as he is the eternal word and wisdom of God Ioh. 12.26 he saith If a man serve me let him follow me that is to heare beleeve and obey me and me only as I am God with the father and the holy Ghost or as I only am the
word made flesh that reveale the father for thou shalt worship the Lord thy God Mat. 4. and him only shalt thou serve And above all in this in beleeving his word only who can not deceive nor be deceived Otherwise though thou pray vnto him and vse all externall devotions he will not account that service or following him but following a man knowes not who what or wherefore for how shall they call on him in whome they have not beleeved Rom. 10.14.15 And how shall they beleeve in him of whome they have not heard there can therefore be no true serving him without hearing and beleeving nor no hearing to salvation without hearing of him nor indeede without obeying or following for therfore it is added But they have not all obeied the Gospel Some obey it not at all as Iewes others would serve God and Mammon others Christ and Antichrist others Gods word and the precepts of men but this is not to obeie the Gospell to follow Christ to worship him aright for he saith In vaine they worship me who teach for doctrines the commandements of men Thus doe they who teach that diocessan Bishops should be received and obeied Mat. 15 9. which make Gods word of the presbiterie of none effect and this they also doe by other theire traditions and precepts which not only crosse the Gospel in other things See the crowne of a Christian Martyr but serve men for a religion and so make the word of God of none effect And while they hold that Gods will is that they should be obeied that is in effect to teach them for doctrines they are no longer things indifferent but necessarie or rather presumptions that turne from the truth Mar. 7.8 and make men lay aside the word of God for laying aside the commandements of God ye hold the tradition of men As if he saide ye cannot hold the tradition of men but ye lay aside the commandement of God as wee finde true in matter of the presbiterie and other things Againe No man hath seene God at any time Ioh. 1.18 the only begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the father he hath declared him All things are delivered vnto me of my father and no man knoweth the father save the Sonne Mat. 11.27 Ioh. 15.15 and he to whome the Sonne will reveale him But he saith to his Apostles All things that I have heard of my father J have made knowne vnto you so he hath fullie declared him And the Apostles have declared vnto vs in the new Testament all the counsell of God If therfore the Sonne Act. 20.27 have not revealed these traditions and precepts of men in his Testament it is a greate presumtion to say they may be imposed or that Gods will is that they should be obeied For because Christ only is the word that revealeth the father therefore that only should be taught which he hath revealed by his Apostles Evangelists but he hath not revealed these precepts of men and therfore he saith In vaine they worship me who teach for doctrines commandements of men As if he saide rejecting God his word ye worship him whose traditions ye receive Ioh. 4. and that with the greatest and trewest worship The true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and truth Viz. in obeying the truth and yealding themselves to be wholly governed by it as by a perfect and necessarie rule which requireth not a difference of meates or such triviall things but righteousnes and peace Rom. 14 16.18 ioy in the holy Ghost He that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God He is a true worshipper For so Paul saith After the way that they call heresie so worship I the God of my fathers beleeving all things that are written To beleeve the Testaments and no more Obejed is the true worship This must needes be the worship vsed by them who are saide to worship in the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimonie Rev. 11.1.19 because there was nothing seene in it but the Arke of his Testament they beleeved and obeied all things that were written therein and no more 1. Sam. 15.22 To beleeve and to obey is better then Sacrifice and to hearken then the fat of rammes It is the best service and worship as the very Iesuits prove from this place Ignati de obed virtute sect 5 and thereby condemne themselves who give this best service to theire superiour by beleeving and obeying him as one that can not be deceived though they cannot perceive but he commaunds things contrarie to God and so make him theire God Thus the Pope sits in the Temple of God as God or as men say most maister in things and thus papists worship the Beast and his image For his servants ye are to whome ye obey And yet this worship in matters of religion is only due vnto God whose word alone is the spirit that giveth life yea men have more or lesse the Spirit of prophecâ—e 〈◊〉 â—â—â—uld be obeied as they speake according to that word and thâ—â—â—fore the Angel saith worship God for the testimonie of Iesus is the Spirit of prophecie Rev. 19 His testimonie and no other For the church is subject to Christ not to the preceps of men This testimonie ye ought to beleeve and obey Ephes 5.24 as Paul did in beleewing all things that are written and so to worship God in Spirit and truth For the Father seeketh such to worship him The Papists then in receiving and teaching for Doctrines precepts and traditions of the Pope and Church of Rome so contrarie to the word do certainly giue them this true and greate worship which only belongs to God and so are like them who changed the truth of God into a lie Rom. 1.25 and worshipped and served the creature more then the creator who is blessed for ever Thus they are saide to worship the Beast and his Image Many thinke that some such thing is done by those in England that defend teach the authority of the Bishops theire hierarchie Canons decrees and ceremonies because many of them are popish and more pressed by many then some points of the Gospel And though divers doe not doe this with a purpose to set vp poperie vnlesse in a few things neither can be perswaded that the hierarchie is a limbe of the Beast yet the obedience to it in these things if they or it be not of God is a worship to it and a serving the creature more then the creator which indeede is much more donne by the Papists to the Beast and his Image And here by the way it is a thing worthy observation that if in the primative ages of the church vnder the first Christian Emperours some were touched with some of the popish opinions as very few were and those only in some things yet they did neither maintaine them against such light of doctrine
as is manifested now a daies nor give theire false doctrines and interpretations for lawes as they have donne in these later ages and since the councell of Trent which is the thing that makes them and theire followers so abhominable Therfore after one Angel haveing an everlasting Gospel to preach had cried feare God Rev. 14.6 7.8.9 and worship him and that the second had denounced the fall of Babylon by which two seeming to be wicklife Luther and theire followers came greate light of doctrine The third Angel followed them and denounced eternall damnation to every one that should after this time worship the Beast and his Image and receive his marke And because some would rather suffer martyrdom then doe it that is added Here is the patience and the faith of the saincts vers 12.13 Here are they that keepe the commandements of God and the faith of Jesus Blessed are the dead which henceforth die in the Lord or as others reade for the Lords cause Here then wee may see theire impietie and danger who continue not in the word but either more or lesse receive and professe the Doctrine and superstion of the Pope and Church of Rome which is not taught in the holy Scriptures they receive the marke of the Beast and worship him and his Image To receive and haue which marke is to receive or have an impression of the Popish Doctrine and Religion in part or in whole either in profession which is to haue the marke in the forhead or by defending or helping the same by som meanes which is to haue the marke in the right hand as will appeare by shewing how men haue the Seale or marke of God The eternall word and Wisdom of the Father is his expresse Image with which the elect are sealed in theire forheads by saueing knowledge and profession thereof with faith and full assurance Which is when they receive the Doctrine of the holy Scripture and it leaues such an impression in them that they professe they will receive it and no other vnder any pretence of the Spirit vnlesse it follow from the same Testament of Christ who to shew that the Holy Ghost brings no other Doctrine he the truth calleth him the Spirit of truth and saith He shall not speake of himselfe Ioh. 16.13 But he shall receive of mine and shall shew it vnto you He shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoeuer J haue saide vnto you So he leadeth into all truth And he shall shew you the things to come that is touching the generall Apostacie vnder Antichrist and such other things in the Revelation Councels therefore doe vainly pretend the Spirit if they speake not according to the Testament of Christ The word was made flesh Ioh. 1. the Disciples saw the glorie thereof in his Doctrine and miracles full of grace and Truth This cannot be saide of the canons and inventions of men Of his fulnesse saith Iohn haue all wee receiued Grace and Truth came by Iesus Christ Whosoeuer brings not this word 1. Ioh. 2.24 this truth of God is a deceiver But the anointing which ye haue receiued of him abideth in you and ye neede not that any man teach you but as the same annointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie Idaicus taketh Christ to be the anointing here meant and Lorinus on the place giues good reasons why the word is saide to be the Anointing Indeede the Spouse saith to him Thy Name is an ointment powred forth Cant. 1.3 Now wee know his Name is called the word of God And indeede this eternall word seemeth to be the anointing meant because he saith it is Truth and is no lie And Christ that word because he addeth and euen as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him or it in the anointing And now litle children abide in him that when he shall appeare wee may haue confidence and not be ashamed before him at his comming v. 12. to iudgment for the word shall iudge vs at the last day Ioh. 12.48 and Christ is that word as Augustin proueth on that and many other places of Iohns Gospel As many as receiued this word this eternall Truth to them he gaue power to become the Sonnes of God euē to them that beleoue in his Name whose name is called the word of God Therefore he saith to them that beleeued on him Ioh. 8.31.36 If ye continue in my word thē are ye my Disciples indeede and ye shall know the truth the truth shall make you free and sheweth the same truth to be the Sonne that maketh Sonnes free saying If the Sonne therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeede This comes of the saueing knowledge of Gods word 1. Ioh. 3.2 Therefore Iohn saith Now wee are the Sonnes of God and it doth not yet appeare what wee shall be that is because wee know but in part But when he shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as he is And euery man that hath this hope purifieth himselfe euen as he is pure Thus as Paul saith men put on the new man Ioh. 17. which is renewed in knowledge after the Image of him that created him and that saueing knowledge is the cause of loueing and obeying him and of purifying of a mans selfe as he is pure Therefore it is that Christ saith M. Downam Guide to Godlinesse cha 5. Rom. 10. Psa 119.27.33.34 this is eternall life to know thee and him whome thou hast sent Saueing knowledge as one saith beeing the ground of obedience and the roote of faith and all other graces For how shall they call vpon him in whome they haue not beleeued and how shall they beleeue on him of whome they haue not heard Or haue no knowledge Divinely therefore saith David Make me to vnderstand they way of the precepts so shall I talke of thy wondrous works Giue me vnderstanding and I shall keepe thy Law And therefore Augustin saith that wee may loue things vnseene but not vnknowne For to shew that the first conversion of a Christian is wrought by illumination knowledge and a liuely faith that followeth thereupon Christ saith to Paul Act. 26.18 J send thee to the Gentiles to open theire eyes and to turne them from darknes to light that is from the power of darknesse to the Sonne of light as he addeth from the power of Satan vnto God Ephes 2.2 chap. 4.18 Wherefore he sheweth that the Gentiles in times past walked after the Prince of the power of the aire and were aliened from the life of God because theire vnderstanding was darkened through the ignorance that was in them because of the blindnesse of theire heart that beeing aliens from the common wealth of Israel and strangers from the couenants of promise they were at that time without Christ haveing no hope and without God in the world Hence it was that they beeing
past feeling gaue themselves ouer to worke all vncleannesse with greedinesse Which ignorance and blindnesse is so greate a sinne and so greate a cause of sinne that the Psalmist saith Psa 79.6 powre out thy wrath vpon the heathen that haue not knowen thee and vpon the Kingdoms that haue not called vpon thy name And the Apostle saith that the Lord Iesus shall come from heauen with his mightie Angels 2. Thes 1.7 8. in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God That is because they care not for this greate favour he vouchsafeth to reueale himselfe in revealing his word in theese and other things vnto sinfull men that by receiving the loue and knowledge of his eternall word and truth they may be made Sonnes and friends of God to obey him better then they haue donne For as Ioseph by the favours his maister shewed him was taught to denie to sinne with his mistresse So this greate grace of God Tit. 1.11 bringing salvation hath appeared to all men Teaching vs that denying vngodlinesse and worldly lusts wee should liue soberly righteously and godly in this present world So that the more saveing knowledge there is in a man there will be the more faith pietie righteousnesse and holinesse of the truth The Angels in heaven doe Gods will better then we because they know him better rhen we and wee shall doe it better when wee know him better when wee shall see him as he is Therefore Peter saith Grace and peace be multiplied vnto you through the knowledge of God 2. Pet. 1.2.3 Chap. 3.18 Exod. 34.6 and of Iesus our Lord. Therefore when Moses desired to see and know God he shewed himselfe in theese words The Lord Jehouah strong mercifull gracious long suffering abundant in kindnesse and truth reserving mercie for thousands forgiveing iniquitie c. This beeing a summe of the Gospell And therefore also Paul prayeth for this as one of the greatest blessings that can be that the Father of glorie may giue vnto you the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him Ephes 1.17 the eyes of your vnderstanding beeing inlightened that you may know what is the hope of his calling and what the exceeding greatnesse of his power to vs ward that beleeve That wee may be filled with the knowledge of Gods will Col. 1.9 in all Wisdom and spirituall vnderstanding Knowing as was shewed that this worketh sanctification that the Image of God is renewed in knowledge Ephes 4.24 and thereby in righteousnesse and holinesse of the truth Not holinesse of mens inventions and traditions but in holinesse of the truth Which is when they are confident that they neede not that any man teach them but as the same Truth teacheth them of all things and is truth and is no lie That while Prelates teach other things it is more then needeth That wee should all speake the same thing to avoide divisions but that must be the Testimonie of God 1. Cor. 2.1 which the Apostles declared vnto vs otherwise divisions cannot be avoided For men must contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the Saints holding i◠fast and when they professe as much that is to haue the Seale name or marke of God in theire forheads For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Character or marke comes of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifieth to make a deepe impression Letters are therefore called Characters because those elements wee first learne leave a stronge seale in our memories So doth the Doctrine of God in the heart and Soule where he promised to write it Ier. 31.33 I will put my Law in theire inward parts and write it in theire hearts So doth he his promises whereby wee are made to beleeve obey and consequently sealed with the marke or Image of God Ephes 1.13 In whome also ye trusted after that ye heard the word of truth in whome also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise Thus the Lord sealeth men by the ministrie or his word and cooperation of the Holy Ghost God saith Paul 2. Cor. 3.3 6 17.18 hath made vs able ministers of the new Testament not of the letter but of the Spirit which giveth life and consequently sealeth Now the Lord that is Christ the word is that Spirit Namely which wee administer to the Soule and vnderstanding and which sealeth Wherefore he addeth That is the word of the Lord. wee all with open face beholding as in a glasse the glorie of the Lord are changed into the same Image and consequently sealed therewith And that seale is in theire forheads when they professe it and that they will receive it and no other So it is saide Hurt not the earth nor the Sea nor the trees till wee haue sealed the Servants of our God in theire forheads Theese are such as receive the Testimonie of Christ and no other Doctrine vnlesse it follow from the same Such behoulding Romish superstition prophesied in Sackcloth yet could not be hurt by the locusts the Monkes and Friars all theire tales of purgaterie affright not them They haue the Fathers name written in theire forheads because the word is called his name and expresseth him as an Image on a Seale doth him whose Image it is I haue manifested thy name vnto the men which thou gavest me Ioh. 17.6.8.11 that is thy word as it followeth I haue giuen them the words which thou gauest me they haue received them Keepe through thine owne name those which thou hast giuen me That is through thy word 1. Pet. 1.5 Heb. 1.2 who are kept by the povver of God that is by the word of God by which all things were made and are vpheld Now then this eternall and divine word by which the world was made and is vpheld is called the Fathers Name as beeing his word the brightnesse of his glorie and Character of his substance that is his expresse Character which expresseth him and wherewith wee are sealed which Character or word the Sonne is therefore they are also saide to haue the Sonnes name on theire forheads Reu. 19. Now on his head were many crownes and a name written v. 12. which shewed what he was and his name is called the word of God Of which therefore and for which all Kings should hold theire crownes and not of the Pope nor for his traditions and service Thus Iohn saith He that continueth in the Doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Sonne 2. Ioh. the Father and his word Therefore it must needes be the marke of God Reu. 19. Chap. 15.6 chap. 11. Reu. 21.17 Chap. 22. which he had who saith J am thy fellow Servant and of thy brethren which haue the Testimonie of Iesus And that is also proved by this that he is one of the seaven Angels that commeth out of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimonie that is