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Case
o n
A
A N
ANSWER
TO TWO
TREATISES
Of JV" . loHN Can .
fe)
THE
Leader of the Englifli Brovvnifts in Amflerdam,
§ . The former called,
^K^ Neeefsith of Separation from the Church <»/ En g l a nd,
g proved by the Nonconformifts Principles.
B The other,
^ ^ Stay ag^ainft Strafing : Wherein in Oppofition to
^ M. loh» Kobinfont he undeit.ikes to prove the unlaw- i
^ fulnclFe of hearing the Minifrcrsot the
|b Church oi England, I
,§ Ver) feafonahle for the prcfcm times, :
By the late learned, laborious and faithfull fcrvant of Jcfus Chrift
JohN Ball.
Andnowpublifhedby SIMEON ASH.
i-^i
tie that is firfi in his ovfne caHfefeemcthjuIi , hut his neigbhoHr commeth
Atidfearchtbhim, Prov. 18.17.
Prove all things, ho/dfafi that which is good, i Thcf. 5.21.
L ON DON,
^ Printed by ^. -S . and are to be fold by John Burrouehesy at hio Shop at
^ the iignc of the Golden Z) ragon necre the Inner Temple gate,
:n Fleetftreet. 1641.
^^^^^■^^^'^ '^^^^*^'l^
*;&*i^^^„_, , ^rfSii SiL^^i^*^
The Chriinti^n iv £ ad f b^
Sound KnO'vedge and love of the
Truih, logechc- w" b ^nward peace and
Spiiitua)] iov>t'"iro':gh 0)mmun- mi with
Chrill, iii the Ordinances of the
GofpeU.
C^'i^'ian R 5 A t r,
iis cnfuing difcourfe was prepared for
the PicfTc by the Revtrend Author,and
committed to one of us, that it might
be made publike : of which we will fay
nothing, but fliall freely venture it to
ftand or fall by the p\vard of an imparti-
al! jiuii^emcnt. Neither fh ill wee prefent thee with the
Authors defer vtd praifes/ceing his rare piaie and great
learning weiefufficiently knov^-ne to very mary f,f vari-
ous rankes , who were well icqiainted with him, and
his workes already Printed have given a competent
prnof hereof unto all others who have pcrufcdthcm
without prf^judice and parcialitie.
K )nl\ by occafion or publilhing this pi. cc, wee crave
leave to cieare him from fuch arpcrfions , r 5 by fome,
A have
The Efijlte
h avc cauiltfly bccnc caft upon him, and by others toe
much and too eafily believed agdnft ltinT,ta thii^ inci-
dent to men moflcnVmcnr, and innocent, asinftanccs in
all Ages will cvincej not only to the blemirtiing of his
JLift e(Hmation,but alfo(as we conccivejto the prejudice
of tne truth it fclfe, and in favour of many fprcading cr-
rours and exorbitance:.
Thofcafperfions which wee fliall endeavour to take
off Zi c t wo, which though they openly contradii^ caci:
other, yet they unhappily agree to defame our worthy
friend, whofe credit wee judge our fclvcs many waycs
bound to vindicare and prefer Vt
'i he one/mtimaang fomc degree v f declining from his
former inconformitie, in dcfcrting the Nonconformifts
caufe and grounds, being too iruch inclined to favour
the times in our Ceremonies and Service book.
The othcr,cxpreffing his advancing beyond the won-
ted limets of a Nonconformift towards the caufe and
courfe of feparatioQ.
Two things are pretended to confirme the former.
I . A paflage in the Preface of his BooV c^Xicd^A friendly
try all of the grounds tending to (epardtwi ^c, pag. 3 . his
words arc thcfe. Marty are the ohjeSims vphich are madi
agaiftfi fit formes of Prayer , and fartieularlj agaiwB 9nr
tooke of Common Prayer^ Allivhich 1 have endeavouredto
anfwerfeverally^ not hecaufe they art of fo great weight., hut
he caufe 1 dt fired fully tofatisfie every douht^^c. Secondly,
that in the whole frame of the fame bookc he fpcakcs
more covertly and coldly a^ainft the corruptions of our
Church than became a man who continued ftcdfaft in
the wayes of Nonconformity.
For Anfwer whcrcj ito. weaffirme in the Generall,
That upon our knowledg he lived and dyed a ftrii^ for-
bearerandfirraeoppofcrof all fuch corruptions as the
Nonconformifls (heretofore foufually called) had com-
monly by their publike writings difallowcd. Nor have
we
the Rea3£r.
wee knowDC any man in that kiadc more prcdfe, imi*
forrac, and conftantto his opinion in dircour{c,praycrs,
and pra^iccs, yet alwaycs carried on with Chriftian mo-
deration and ineckcncHc y which graces areof (ingular
arcincontrovcificsofthisniturc : yea fomc of us can
wicncflfc his purpofe, ( if God had lent him longer lifc>
by a fee Treatifctohaveflicwcd himfclfc a plaimifFcfor
the N$ncoftfermiJls againft the corruptions in our
Church, as in this hecappetres their defendant againft
the Calumnies of CM^Jlcr Cm. Thtfc tcftimonies may
fatisfiethc fober minded -that he continued cordial co the! :
caufe; w'nercunto more might be added, butwcedefirc
not to revive the remembrance of thcfc differences a-
mongdeare brethren: Becaufc wee pray and hope that
through Gods mercy-,Dy roeanes of our GracioHs Sove-
reigne, and of the prefent Parliament, they will in fuch
fort be buried, that they (lull arife no more to our diftm-
bance and difcomfort.
More particularly to the pafTage objecfled out of the
forecited Preface, we Anrwer,That the words thcmfclvs
doe not neceflfariiy imply any (uch fenfcjbut they may ad-
mit,yea they will carry a better conftru<5lion, if the Rea-
der will be candid and well advifed. For he faith norjthat
he hath anfwered the objcdions,as fuggefting little or no-
thing blameworthy in our Liturgie, but becaufe they arc
no: of fo great weight as to inforce the unlaw fuInelTc of
thofe fct formes, or warrant a fcpaiation from our Chur-
ches, and publike worfliip in regard thereof. All which
both the title of the Booke , and the tenour of the whole
difcourfe therein, together with this Treatife exhibited
will fufficicntly clcare unto the indifferent and attentive
Reader. And that this was his meaning, fomc of us can
teftific from his owne mouth, which alfo he would have
manifcfled to the world (if God had lengthened his life)
cither in an Epi ft le annexed to this workc, now brought
into the open light,oi fome other wayjas might have been
judged moftcojivcnieflt. A 2 But
e^t. But voii will fay. 1 he othti ground of this imputation
isa> rcprcgn..ni, for why did he not fpidkc our againft
Thccoirupii.^nswf the tunes as others did^ N 7, why did
hv Ic k roclea'c the book ^i Coinmon Prayer of /omc
thir;gs cnai:>cdupon it ?
Ai^fv, Two th niis we conce'^c nriy fully tjke ofFth- ftrength
of this objc(^!on. i . Becaufc it was impertinent here to
aggravate or aiultipiy corruptions objc^ed, but rather
to fhirw, that as in fo/ne things the booke by them was o-
verch irged, fo -lotwirhftandi/g all that could be ylledg-
ed gauirtit, yc t frparation from our worfhip could not
be lawfull', muchlcfle necefliuie.
2 The ftateofthofe times wherein this piece was pen-
ned would notbro >ke more plainnclTc in that and fuch like
points 5 this wc could fif it wlxc expedient) aboundantly
evidence, by declaring with what difficultic it pafTcdthe
Preffe, what excf ption<. were taken at (bnic harmeleflc
cxprelTions5and whitamendmems were <"xa(5ied in fome
phrafc s, which fcemed fomt what openly to hint the Au-
thors heart-workings towards that Reformation which
inthtfr rimes rs muchdefircd and endeavoured.
The fccond imputation remaines to be removed f'y/*.)
that though nur Reverend Author had both reafoncd and
written againft the opinions and pradiceof feparation in
the time of his health, yet on his death bed he did rctradl,
and wuh grief c rcpenr whatinthatkindchchad done.
This is commonly reporrcd, confidently believed, and
gladly em.braccd, not only here at home, bur alfo in for-
reig^e parts,cven in America,2s by divers letters and other
. waycs fome of us have beene informed.
It is high rime thercfote to give open check unto thefc
groundles rumours, left the caufe here maintained fho'ild
thereby fufFe; prejudicc,cirherin the mindcs of them who
are friends, or of thofc who be idverfarics thereunto. And
for thi<^ end we inrrent the Rco'dcr firftto confidcrthat
tbisjmputation being dircdly contrary to the fornjtr, ei-
• ' ' thcr
tothe Reader.
ther they muft confute each other, or clfe argue the man
ftrang'^ly light in wheeling from one excieame unto ano-
ther, or guilty of a fowler fault, in writing one thing and
thinking another; from both which charge s we afliirc our
felveshisgieatfoliditiein j-jcigemenr, and pitticinpra-
d\cc will fully abfolve him in th'^ confciences of all fuch
who were acquainted with him
And as for others,we hope they may bee aboundantly
fatisfied by the enlbing evidence.
Fii ft,in that fourc or five daycs before his drath he ex-
prcfTed to Tome of us his willingncfleto have this Trea-
lift prcfented to publikc view, which hee had compo-
fed lince the former.
Secondly, fo foone as he had finiilicd this booV, he un-
dertookealargeTreatifeof the Church, wherein he in-
tended to difcover the nature of Schifme, and to dcalein
the main controverfics couching the edence and govern-
ment of the vifible Church.
Concerning thefe matters, we have alivoft fifty fheets
of Paper written with his owne hand,wherein many paf-
fages exprefle his continued diflike of the feparations,
both then and now in pradice. And tbcfc writings, toge-
ther with his other papers , he on his death bed commit-
ted to the care of fonie of us,to be difpofed of for private
or publikc ufe, as we (hould judge expedient.
Had there beene any gricfc upon his Spirit, or alterati-
on in his j udgeroent, in reference to what he had fpokea
or primed againftthe fepararion, we know none fo likely
to have beene acquainted therewith as our felves.For one
of us dwelling nearc unto hijn,wasfor many years his bo-
fome companion, and in his 'aH Icknefrefcldomefrom
him. Another Cbeing reque^- '2'^ during,his weaknefle , to
fupply his place)rojourning in the fame towne, was daily
with him.
The other three of us ( being his familiar friends ) did
^U vifit; hiiDj wiihin one^ two or three daycs before his
A 3 cnd»
TUEfiJlk
cad. We arc all of us, aiwc hope ^'though mofi unwor-
thyyhc MiniftcTS of Ief»s chrtft^who dcfirc to be faithful.
Andwc doe each for <Mir fclvcs fanoufly protcft in the
prcfeticc of Almighry God , that we never heard any fyU
iabk from liim founciog that way.
Yea5il^rc is one :hmg more to be added, which may
for cv^cT fiicncc all gaincfaycrs ( zf/z,,) That one of us
thropgh Gods good providence, fufpcding what hath
fince fallen our, and being dtfirous to prevent fuch falfe
jiiinoui?s,v/ithin lefTc than two dayes before his death^and
not many hourcs before he was fpecchleffe, asked him to
this efFed, Whet hvit he had any remorfe or difquict in his
mindc for any thing hee had written in oppofi ion to tfic
way of Separation, whereto he' thus anfwercd, Ithanke
God I have not art) , but I rather take comfort in rvhat 1 have
done^ and could have Mftred ( if it hadbeene the will of God) '
tohdve lived d nubile bngert» have giv€n further afifldnce
in that workt. And this queftion was propounded to him,
and the Anfvvcr returned by him , not only in the audi-
ence of fomc other of uSj but alfo of fundry other godly
friends,who can atteft the truth of this relation.
Laflly, We boldly challenge any perfon to come forth,
and to make proofe either by word, or writing, that this
Our Reverend brother either repented his paineSjOr chan-
ged his judgement againft the way of reparation • which
jf he dial! accordingly doe, then will w.' be content to un-
dergoethe fevertft rcnrijres,that are due unto unjuft fup-
prcflbrs of the truth. But if any frling herein, fliall here-
after perfiff to promote cither by fcaitering or crediting
the forenamed reports, wee leave them to the judgement
of all indifferent men, wh'!ther they deferve not to be ac-
counted defamcrs of die cieaJ, and lyars ag.iinft the truth,
ifnotfubtile promoters of their owne caufeandcourfe,
by pretending falfly the Patronage of their Adverfary,
when they could not ffand before his Arguments.
JBut in probabilitic fame will thus reply to our Apo-
lo.
t^ ihe Reader.
logic. That if your kkpd did not r'-tradjthc niorc was his
fin,and the Itfle his hoiK)ur. Uuto whom we rciuiric tlus
anlwcr. That thiscenfurcftrorglyprcfuntshisfoimcr
dilcourfc in tic niainc matter to be erroneous and unjufti-
fiablc, whereas thai is the thing ftill in qucftionjandCas we
vciily believe j cannot be folidly proved. And though
our Reverend Brother be dead, ('vhom God had extraor-
dinarily fitred for diiputes of this naturt:)yct' we doubt not
but the Jiving Lord wil ralfc up for himfclf fome other in^
ftrumcnts to maintain the tiiith which he had undertaken.
There is one thing more CChrif^ian Readcr)which wc
dcfirc thee to takenoiicc of, viz,. Thar whereas i: is often
reported, that this Authors former bookc was fully an-
fwercd, before it pafTed the PreflVjand that therefore fur-
ther anfwer there: oc«innot becexpcclcd,vvee iliall relate
the truth for thy fatisfa(fiionin that particular.
Our worthy Brother, having by Cor. ferencefas fome
of us, and others know^ with unfhakcn ftrcngrh defended
the luwfulnesoffct formes of Prayer, he was afterwards
by aLciter/entfromaworthy Gentleman, M. Richard
Kmghtl)^it(\\iP.^zd to flatethatqucftion, then much in
agitation, and to give in fome arguments for his perfon-
all/eding. Hereupon in the (pace of one day fthe Mef-
fengei ftaying for an anfwer to the letter^ he did fct down
his judgmem, with fome grounds thereof, and fcntthem
unto his much honoured friend : from w liom a copie be- .
ing procured and conveyed into New £;i^^/W,itfeems
an Anfwer was undenakcn by a reverend brother there.
Inthemcanctime, the number of them incrcafing who
withdrew themfclves from our Church Aflcmblies, be-
cauf e of the Liturgic there ufcd, he was importuned both
byMiniftcisand others froni .'ivcrs pans of thisKmg-
domc, to take fome further ^>aines in that Controvcrfie.
This occafioned the perufall of his former papas, and
the examining of thofe Arguments which he met wkh-
all,cithcr in Printed bookes^ManuidiptSj or the Relaii
on
The EpijVe
on of friends5again{lrhcure offet forms of prayer in ge-
nerall , a^id ot our Common prnycr booke p^rciCularly.
And thas :bc Embriobiggcned, and bring ready u) be
brooght fvjtth into chel:gh!:,ananiw.ruiiio the Hi ft con-
ceptions came to the Authors hand,whvtein was nothing
matenallC'ji he conceived} but vvha: was avifwercd in the
bookCjth n about tobe licenced : yet by reafon of fome
cxceptio.is m another ramc luggcfted, he judged itfuf-
cient to annex a few marginall notes unto his booke, as
thounfiayeftobfervejpage 13, 15.24. 33. &c. being un-
willing in a more open way to reply upon the private an-
fwer of hirajwho'^ he highly prized, and intending (if
God had fpaicd lifejto have returned more large and par-
ticular animadverfions to himfelfcln private.
The Almighty fpecdily caft out of his Church all cau-
fes of offence, cleare up doubtfull truths unto the hearts of
his people. Compound all differerices amongft Brethren,
make us all of one minde, neart, and way in hi^ worlhip,
that our divifions may no longer diflionoiu' the Gorpeij,
diftrad the weak confcience,difinable us tc do that good
•we defirc , or put weapons into t he hands of them who
oppofcthat reformation, the pcrfe(Sling whereof our
foules long for , through JesUs Christ.
T H OMAS LaNOLBY.
WllLlAM RATHiJAND.
Simeon Ash,
I'rancis Woodcock.
George C& o s s b.
An Advcrtifement to the
Reader-
THiii !Booh T^as divided andfent mto fi"
Verall Trejjes^ that it might thi fo'mtr
come ahrdady yet hy nafin of the multi-
tude of Pamphlets ifhich it met with daily , it hath
beenethrujiing through the throng for thefpAceif
halfi ayeare at kaft^ before it cduUfee the li^ht. In
which regard alfo, itpkadesexcufe^ ifintheprin^
ting it henot fomd eViry fi^ayf^ fun^udlyOS might
btdefired.
Farewell
A 2
-'A
\\l
•«'->,
37£^
( )
THE
A iSF S W E R S
TO THE
EPISTLES.
fmmmm
mmm
Leffedbethe Lord, We fee now in iTheC ».«.
good mcafure, that accomplii]v
cd which the Apoflle foretold,
touching the rtvclition of the
manoffinne, and heartily beg the
full confuming of him by the
brightncffeot^Chrifts comming.
But the d/fiover/e ofth't mjjlerie of iniquitie^and cdnftt*
ming ofthxt monTler cfdbomindtions^ fliiyideth not infi'
parntienfrom chriflianficietieiy tyitirely profefiing the
true f Alt h,\vorf})ij>ping the Lord with that pure worjhip ,
which he hath appointed^ and holding communion in thofi
ordinances^ which God hath blefjed to tijt comfort of thou-
finds and ten thoufands •, even their foules, who with mctfl
bittemeffe ep^pofe thcQ congregations^^ fever the) felt found
a 3 comfort
( )
i ^Cf/ifor tin deed. SefdrM'ien frQn. the true Churches of
' Chnfi^yhis O\iimfierynfidw0rfhfp ( of which fort I fhAtl
trove that to hehy the fTord of God jf or u,jich I plead) ten-
deth not to the overthrow of Antic hrifij but to the renting
ef the church , the dif grace of Religion , the advance^
Mem of pride, fihifme.^ contention^the offence of the we^k,
the grief e ofthefodly^ who be better fciled^ the hardening
^ the wicked and the recover ie or rifmg againe of {^nti^
chrijiianifme.
They that condemne om j^ffem^lies, J^'tnifierii , and
Worfhip , and volmtarily Jepar ate from the preaching of
the Word , Prayers y and Sacraments as Antiehrifltan ,
if in words they doe not maintaine Antichrili^ redly they
doe him more credit than his chief e upholders. For ofne^
cefsitic they muficonfeffe, that in Afttichriftian Churches
the intire faith may be purely profeffed, the doBrine offal-
vation plentifully preached^ thefeales of the covenant for
AmhuiaLMc. fManecriMy admimflred, and by the hlefsin^of Cod
ckiUus eH, fitndu' Upon his ownc meanes Chrtltianjomes ordinarily converted
menmn Ecciefia fi- aftdnourijhed unto life et email , which is much more than
tfiiinET/4Z all the favors for ^ntichrifl jhall ever bee able to make
ris. PeiraefiGh.i- goodi, and i f true ^ nothing cmld be fpokenmore to the
ftus. Hicron.is Pfa. p^^jC ^r AntichriUUnifme. In effe^,what doe they lef^e,
■ubifidei vc^efiAc- than evenperjecute the Lord leju4 m hts hoajt^ which they
ckfiu Autem vera ii- yevik in his ordinances^ which they dijhonour, and in his
S,"'S«S ftrvmts«.hefffjleps they^nder, M graces tbeydc
omes has ccckftas Jpife^wkofe office ihcj trample upon with difdatnef Which
fofiidtbaTit, A«gi» if the forward abators and promoters of this feparation
%i (Jem mater eel did advifcdlj confidcr, and take the Lord be f ore them ^
tleji.i, &Hberaejns
dua TeftatmiU divinar'/m Scr. h'mc fugatur lac omnium Satramefttsyumpre aUrm faliae Jto^rage"
ftotum. Et In yfilm^ 1 1 . VbicuTique t'metuy 'Deus & laudatuy ibi efi etciefia. Parkert Ep. pab-
lifliedinthcprophaneSchifmc ofthc Browniftj. G aN Aftay ajainft ftraying, aafvy. §.
1 . p. 44. Medium tenune beau. The true and pure worfhip of God is called grofle idolatry.
Can ftay. §. 4. p, i %. Filthy fuperftiti on. Id, fcft.i.p. 4<?" Our aflemblics the harlots
houfe.Id.fcft.^. p. <»i. The beft Preachers are the woi ft. Id.fcft. f.p.7^. In Scriptures
a?c faidtobc Robbers and Thievs^yca fpiiitviall foiccrie is charged upouthein.Id.(e*t|).87,
they
{ )
they W6uld net fur Joufiy brand and ah 4ndone that w or [hi f
andmimjieriey r^hich hath the Approbdtion, and carneth
the feale of God. As it is unlaw full to apprsve that
thing which ought to be fondemned^ Jo to co . dcrnne, what
is to bee juflijied, much tntre to cafi off and reject the fe
^od/y ajfemblies, which Chrijl hath and doth grace wth
the prrfcnceofhis grace^ asfalje\ and that wor(hip which
is tendered to God alone, inthe mediation of ^e fits Chrifi
according to his will , ^ idolatry ^ and that ^Miniflerie
which God hathj avd daily doth bleffej to the gaining and
edifying of foules , unto life evtrlajitng , as C^nti-
fhrifiian.
Humble mindcs arc afraid of novelties : Bui this c i n %.feft. *.
tf the great eB no veltie that ever was heard of in the Chur- ?•"**♦
ches of the Saints. All that wefpeakwe iliowldaffirai
out of the holy Scriptures j foundly interpreted^ and
rightly apply ed. But this judgement is not of God, ii
not taught in Scripture, is not confonant to the doci rine of c*^^ ^^y fe^-* «
Chrift, our only cMaBer, asintheexammaticnofparif- l;,']^;^^ ovimAque
cularsjhallbe j}Hwed? If it bee a great fmnetoberajh mdcntium pon'uur
and adventurous, upen opinions in matters of Religion, ijoim,iHsnd}n(ni
wheremen are not fir ft well informed tn -judgement b-j i^^r.injcr.ii. o»
true grounds of knowledge : What is it to condemne the ff:r,e dogm ctHt'cyi.
churches, M Men, W>rjhip.«d Serves, ftk Lord ■^^;^^J-
Jefus,againji the exprefe Sentence of our heavenly {JMa- t^covfiimU Main
0er and Teacher? IfanldollbcfctuplntheChurch, fen;i fua. mcv. i*
when a new Opinion is broached {as fome cite Jt ota of Magifiri difjmicv^
Hicrom) they ef the Separation upon try all will be found «.< adoStiiva. mid
the f range fl idoll makers in the world, becatife they have ^^'f.'x^'lt*
broacheu iheftrangefi noviltie that ever was maintained ^ Swy fed. i.pag.
in the church. ^J'-. ., .
Such as lay downe rules (faith the author of chc ^X^S«,';
Stay) to find out the truth by, write thus •, What the a^fvifu, t-c. Vin-
Fathcrs all with one confcnt have held and written, "^'^^'^l;'^^^^'^'*''
is a ncccffarie token to know the truth by. And what- ^^^^^ If^i^ Gb.lj^.
foiver hath been ho'dw at all times and in allpliues by all 4 j .;. 17 > ..
" Chripans
f
( )
Chrij^ians,thAt have mt beenemtedfdr mvelttt , fm^u-
Urttieanddtvifton y is to he received as the undoubted
trii:h of GoL ijihcjc Ajjertio;}s be trney then is this con-
dcmnjiforiefintcnce mofi uny-ifl and tmtrtte. For net only
all old writers generally , b^t the most learned of later
times •, yea and all Jeffs andjorts of people prof efsi/fg Chri-
fianitie {thcmjdves e.acpted) areagainfttt.
Therefore ci^ they confider the terrour of the
v^^ ''''' ^ * Lordjand that great day in which the Lord lefus {liall
appeare in the briglitneffe of I ij Father , to avenge
the quarrel! ot his le.ift QomvL\vc\dcr[\cT\z^and to judge
the wrongs^ inyiries and reproaches , which are cafl upo/r
Or g-ric to ? />« ijij church and Sa/ntSy ordinances and worjhip^they would
?4^5^/7fauh th^s not fpeake evill of what they know not, reviU his heritage,
Tu quid chriifo urn- dcfpfehsworjhfpyCondemntherighteous, viltfe the or-
•vcrj.xluecc'tjj^cnp'.. ^.^^^^^^ of aracCyahuf^Scriptures , mifalled^e K^uthors.
dMum es exam'tvc; cauje div!jions andjchilmei ,in the Churches of Cod , at-
qui cH-naacjiii mm- Jlra^ the mindes of [owe ^ o '^ftinate others ^ and expo fe re~
ti:^^;S« Ughnitfclfetocontemp. Let mc fpcah mhm as thi
fuppme, c. great eft z,eal)r in that catife at this day, [pea keth to his op-
c AN ft7 a^amft ^^j^^^ .^ ^ ^^^^^ oflcffe importance. Wher> God arifcth
r"/J^!fthe crofTc up what Will they anfwet him^ what will they ^^y,
part 2 c.9.fcft X. when hee jhall not ondy charge them^ that they have
paTc^ifome^of Tn- ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^^ '^^ Churchybrought an evill report upm his
fuii: rraJe Brne- ana purpose : »iii aip if^ai ivuy rjauc lay^itrm jviifj rnigrjc
ftus to c«.le the andmane to draw Others tKto the fime tranfgrefsion, by
inorc hnrdiy wuh ^.^^^eswhereef his name isbUfphemcdytbcweake fcanda-
cf a fear rhey were lizcdj thegodl'i made fid^ And that when WAS halting
all of ih: lame fpi- ^^;Y^ turned afidt f
the . end procu c 'f ^^ befire, t hat a more grievous puniihment is re-
likcmifchictc.w-w. frrvcd for them that caafc othcrsto offend , than for
l>otM in Dan. c,^. ^\^^^ which doe fiich things t'lcmfclves, let theadvi-
fr iveighferioujlyj whether it doth not concerne himjelfcy
as
( ) '
is much as any other » to tremble and ft dH din am\
It is A vain^ haft , that ar this day there arc few, if C A N ftay.Epil^f
any, except Formalifts and Famiiifts, and m^n of ^°hc^'„'^'^n't aiid
corrupt mindes, who fuppofc that gainc is Godlincs, pra^^^cc^ oHomc
that will appcarc in defence of our pariHi Churches "'^n of fpeciaii ac-
Mili:(lericand Wor/liip. For the profeforj (as hers cCch of God]
fleAfedto ftile them) are of the fame judgemenc y Pouching ^^"^ to this da/
thofe things that former N thes have bcene of. and fiand ^ l.'^ 'i^'s hnprc/ii-
J I t o ■ ^ T ■ n ^ ^ onmmc, thatlc-
t0 he the true churches of lefusChrift^ aridt/jcir tvor/Jjip f""''"^"^^ And-
Ubecfhhholii«pmu0». if of Uter t,mu the-, have Stt-T^t*:
beertefilent in thefe matters y it is not becaufc they are the honour of any
better informed i or that they fee aiid acknowledge ^".n°"^'^r ^^^
their worfhip and Miniflcry to be fals and idolatrous: on. s. B*^ X" nl'
hut they rvould sot fpcnd good h cures in vaine, feeing what ^"S o^ t^e founda-
foever was written in this kinde had beene Icarnedh and ''°" "^u^'.^T""^/;
J7|//faf;;//jfrf;»/«>^r^<^j not With reproaches, taunts, and anRadcr.
6oaftings as tsptggefledy but with Jolid proof e out of the can Ncccf. of
hokeofGod. Chiiftian Religion teacheth men to fe.^P'^*''^ '^'
occupicthcmfclvesothcrwife , than to mi'pend their Gaifthi'iUoMxaiA!
time in anfvvering that, which in the cares of all indif ?P''^; ^^'^f^'^^-^'f*
lerent men carry cth a liimcientcoiifutacion with it, or p^o-ofida.
is fufficiently confuted already : Jpecially when experi-
ence had lejfoned them^ that they muft deale with fuch as
will overcome by peremptory cenfiringy when weight of
reafon is wanting to them»
Nevertheleffe, leafl overmuch filence [heuld be inter- Ifnot. reply if ?Tic>
freted covfent^c'' beget too gre^ coKJidcnce in men, of the plcafc and when
goodnejje of their caufe^ and oth:rs jhouldftttmble at their '^l'^^ ^plft.^vvhm
*vaunts,asif nonedurfly becaufe they dot not undertake the undertakers
their a»fver,l ampurpofed by the grace of God to examine ^*'^^ fin'fl»e- thck-
the grounds and arguments ^whereby they would per [wade ^.^^ '^' publiflifd
the Neeefsitie of Reparation from our Affembltesyand from bis m^ny things
the wcrjhip of God performed among ft us . ^^^^^^^ «' iVl/ft
Sundry things M. C4;?w lequeftcth of him that ^^.^6,
b . . flinl
( ;
^ V^' feay. «piftic (j^rj^w undcftake fo read and an^vvci hisbookes^i That
- - ---• when he fetteth hlmfcUc to read hee fliould fct hira-
felFas in Gods prefence^and look on with a fingle and
unpartiall eye. 2 Thatheliveby hisovvne faith,ind
build not upon another mans fcincie. 3 . That he dc-
nic liimfdf and be contented to be guided by God a-
lone. 4. Tiiat for a particular faile hee doe not con-
demne the whole. 5, Th^t hee change not the
fnte of che Qjefcion. 6. That he may findc pliine
Wk fcft T p ^^'^^^^g' 3"'-^* ^^'^"^^^^ is brought againft hinijbe read out
Sajims scriptu/is Vtinthcr the[e conditions be obferved hy the Author him-
?:;Ji;rA'rA fdfeMs<^'nmgs,letthe,nd,fferm judge, asmmelji
•vQcat. Got!, torn. 1. ivhetherpafftges of Scripture be truly alledged^ K^uthors
i,-i.<~.%. omiMquad- ri'rhtl'i c.uoted. nr^timcnts pldinh propomdcd .concluftons
mk-nmedeScriptH- jo'-inalj drawne, h/s adverjanenngentimijlj aealt iVithxUi
rUfdHciu, Hier. in Whether in writing hefet hi*nfelfe in tht pre fence of Gody
p/ai 9 8 . tom.^.wi- ^^ Y mi'zh in the B a fiance of the Sdf75fuarie what he com.
I'ltms inodiium '. eft mcndeth unto his Reader ? Whether he cenjure not before
ilefnJe)uiuw,ETxrm. he make prodfe by S^riptnre^ and rather infult i>ver his ad.
*x:^bmimumTj- '^^^fi^^^^ ^^f^^ infolent and reproachfulltearmes^ thm con-
la a fdfafidftnti' fiM their grounds with fitlfsiantiall reajons ? and whiles
.am.VcT.adRom.c. ^g cOmmendethpU'ne dealing, ftmpltcitie andinte^ritie,
%. fed. 4. p. 51. ^^ «o^ nor play the jugl;:r, who pretends plaKincfle,
& fed. i.p.4 4. that he might beguile and deceive thefooner.
For when he makes femblance ofz,ealefor the fwitie ef
toOieRode^^'^'' ^^^^g^<^^y wijljeth tendcmeffe of confcience t o his Reader y
CAN Necef. of ever and anon obje^eth to Ms fpofites what abominations
r^?^"^^*"- ^P'^- and vikcorrtipt ions they labour to jrifl/fiej which formerly
- * they co-idemned, beareth in hand that the Scriptures fpeak
expreflyfor him , and the learned of all forh ancient and
moderne, who would not ixpeti faire cariage and Iwnefi
Elding < whereas y let the whole frame of his ^writings
be lookt rUntOjW'th ufi;i((le heart and unp art ialt eye ^and it
will befmndvjery cwrt4^/t^ loofe, dsceitf till for the mattery
mi
( ;
gn^fiuffedrvlth fcornc^ rtproAeh.jlandtr^infolemy ,and fnl-
ftfcAt'tom for the manner. Herein whether I fpede the
W0rds of truth af^d lohernejfe ^ let the Reader jearchj and
then give fentence.
Butfor mine orv/se part T depre to 4'rifver iff the feare
cf God^ and not to flrive with hi?n in the like meA(itre of
'pnuing. tA goodcatt(e needs no fich tricks f 'vit , hat
dsit is of Codjfo it is able to maim. line and defend it felf^
and the more fincereiy it tsp^opoitfjded , therr/oreitwiU
trevaile. In controverftes^ if men will kcepe a good con-
fciiMe^ their zealc mufl be tempered with wifedome^truth^
d»d meckneffc cf fpirit , the-^ mufi fpeake as in Gods pre-
fence J give the right f:i(e of Scripttirc , ai^d make ft ap-
plication of it, Jccke the truth in love, and that vi6ferie
a'offe tvh.ch truth will Carrie. According to the mea-
fire of grace received from God, I fi)all defire to walke
within thefc bounds and with this rcfolittion 1 come to
compare caufe wit h catifc , and reafon with reafon , Letth^
Scriptftres be the only judge beiweene us , upon which all
^ conclufons inDivinitie^ if feund^tire grounded^wherc- * ^j'o- .^P'!^-. 4^.
b^ dldiflinci^ions^if true , are warranted, rafter the J-Ji!l''^en quidJil
voice ofGod in Scripture, the cietei-minati<Dnsand pra- ckDonenus.&cEt
ftkes of our Guides, who arc no ^ reeds, but men fca- 'f^g^cm^Mi^n^
ble in the truth f})dl be produced^ for they are nor light- quWe^'egede vfatm
ly tobeeftcemed , thoni}) their confint cannot bee the ^^- Hieron. i>t
tutboriuuem 3 &c^
Bafil. devtiAfide, Nos omricm a. Tyominica docb-'m lal'itnam & vocem, & femcmiamfiigi.mus. Chr.
VI x cor, hom. i j . Obfcm & tro oimia vbs, tit rclhiqiutii quid buic veliUi, videalur, & dc hii/cri'
piuiishxcoKftiaifiqtiiyite. Ambr. torn. i- lib. ^. c(>:(f. -^t. Call myfletiu^ deccat m Deus iffty
nmhom eiiafeipfmrignoravh. Petii^i de ^liaco pr^'.c.Qzvion. T^jiU/m prmdpis edhlumj ant
ecckfia dccreiumcM ]uUum^ ?ii(ifi Diuhja legi confmim. T^ovum Tcft-ivrntHvi cfl maHens^qui uni-
verfrsharefesmomit, estzc'M lucnva limenexbtbcmi rumrendum cfl ad Jvlas Scrip:uyasu!<C'
wniiin faluiem adipifc.imur.
h Mat. 11.8. Luc. 7. 14. i Reg. 14, i?, fc. cdamM arui.iincus, non aroma' ktis feufftefi'
for'iHs. Can ft.iy. anfw.fcd.i . p. 47. Howfocvcr we niuft liye by our ov.nc faith, not-
withflanJingj wee irc not lightly tc ft-, mcof the dctermin.ntion: and nnv'ticcsof our
Guides, fpecially wbenwcknow thL/.i.cRoreedcs, busmen ft.iblc and unchangeable in
the truth. C/'/^^Chnftianrubjiapait i.pag, j5i. Many Bifliops havctau^ht lyes, ii\^.
The
md udiiccJ' Prin- ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ mercie give us lo know the things whicfr
cesinihe Church ccncemc our Peace ^ comfort ^idjaivdt/Ofty and make US
niticbut chcirdo-
drinc is !c that princcJ muft regard for neither prince not people ftand bound to the per-
Tons of men. but unto the truth o: iod, and unto their teachers^ fo long as they fwcrrc
not from the truth. Id. Abfolutc jadge of truth, neither prince nor prieft naay chaficnge
to be, for God is truths and of God i truftnoman may bee judge. The fonae of God
faith of himfelfc, I am truth, e;^c. Aaguft. denuptii{,acirale?Jiin. i.i.cap. ■;i. Optat.Ub.^,
ad p Armenian. And, page 551. Only God :s to limit and appoint by his word , what fliall
ftandfor truth and what for cri our Cf. And a$ Bifliops ought to difcctna which is the
truth before they teach, fo muft the people difcctne who teachcth right,6cfore they believe.
Idem page. 3^5. As the paftors hate authoritie from Chrift to preach the truth,and woe
be to them that refift the preachers ©f truth, fo have all hearers both libertic to difcerne,
and a charge to bcwars of feduccrs, given them by the feme Lord» and woe be to them
chat doe it not.
Chap.
CO
Chap. T
He Qucftlon betwixt us is , ^mthr liy the
Scrlptfires, and principles 0ft he NonceftforMffij^-, «
f r 1 ^t t /♦»<*'» // The ifate of
SeparattOK Jrom the Church of England Wjij^Qoff^
ion.
Kece^ary or lavfrU ? Thofe that hold it law-
full to be preftnt at the preaching of the
Wordjbut not to partake in the prayers of the Congregation^
nor 10 be prefcnt at the Sacraments there adminiftrcd , I leave
to their owne defence: The neceflity or lawfellnefle of Separa-
tion is that whicii I deny.
Neither is it here queftioned, TVhether the principles of the ^^ ,^, y^ , „-
Noncottforrmsls be trfte andjuftipablc^vHt Vihether the necejjtty ofScpar-Ewft
9r Idivfulne^e offeparation CAntrti/y ^.Hfdjufily,^ inferred and lo the R^jtiitr
concluded from them, Thiy Pofition therefore Ilaydowne, as
diredly contrary to tlie other; That ieparation from the pray-
er: Sacraments , and preaching of the Word of God in the
congregations and affcmblies of the Church of England, is
unlawful by the Scriptures, & that whatfoever complaints
(whether juft or unjuftj the Nonc«ntormifts , judicious,
learned and holy, liavc made of tiic corruptions ri our
Church government, Minifterie,Worrhip, Prayers, Admi-
niftrationofthc Sacrament, and people, received, or ptrr-
mitred as externall members, they doe not inferre, either in
their judgements, or in truth, aiiecc01tic or lawfulneffe of
Separation from our Chu: ches,as notruc Churches of Chrift-,
ourMimftciicasfilfeand Amichrii^iarpurVVorl'hip as Idola*
B xx)\
try And therefore , i (hall diall ho^.t. fuch as have fcparafcd
unadvifcdly , if men / tendjcr matu , .lit, will ^-cpcnt
of their rafhncffe , feeing the grounds where upon they
build are rotter , the building ruinous , and the pradicc di-
redly tending to the Irandall of Religion , and difcon:-
fort of their Youlcs. And now I proceed in the fearc oi
God , by the beamcs of Truth , to try and examine what is .^
obj eded, to Hie v;. the necelTitie of Separation froiii th« Non- ,
conforniifts principles^
Sec. I.
, . , nro Co»*mHmC(tte in a falfe Miniftrie,u certainly a breach
S^latf^aV?. ^ of the Second Co7»f*}^nderHent'^ For^'hat doethey ^ hntin-
'-■ ^p]g. : 6,17. deedfet Hp an Idoll.jea a. J bo\\> do^^ne unio ity vphoferve god in,
1 he Chii 1 ch ^„^ yy a devifed andufurped Mini fiery An Song ? .jyS.Thefaith-
a^s ot Anti- r^ entreat Chrift to he Jhfaed \>phere he by hii C^liniftery .with
tcI'^^^\To^^SfnU mrd,Sea/eSyCenfures,&c.feedeth his Flock^, that
iitiou$.i</.Siay. there they miahtflace ther»felves for InjirnBion And Government,
feci. ' .pag 5. <^ And not iurriafide to the fiocki'of hii comf anions ^that iijihe congrC'
/ 4- p*'^-^'i gations of falfe ChriHs, and falfe prophets, nhich came in hii
^^^'^'(,f'^^ Namcy faying, I am Chrifi y and deceive many, tAgaine, E' '
&.14 <; -4. fhralm ts joyned to JdoUs -, What Vpere they / among others
H of. 4 1 7 . s c t they VPere Priefis which J eroboam ordained for the high Places : .
ynn. on the ivhat folloVcs ? let him alone , that ii , have no communion^'ith
th- place Se« ^^-^ ^ ^«jl,<r in hu falfe MinifteryyOr other Idolatry. Often doe the
^Zl^^'f^ , ■Frofht\uC^in y and hiftApoHleSy forbid n)en to heare thofe,
^."^4 J i^ '^hieh thrufi themfelvesintominifierialloj^ces, not being jent of
Icrc. J J . 6. Gody and from the Church. To communicate in a falfe minif^e-
Prov. 5 . { . ^i^^ if fQ g^og a vaine ^orftjip ; and therefore unacceptable altogC"
M.w . 7. 1 5 .loh 1^^ ^^^^ ^^^ Lord. In this men doe abet the party in his liny and
JO 4,5 Phjl.3 , .... , . . J- J.I rt -
z.'^ccStay 3. fomakett their cwne by tmputatton , and mwr ap themf elves tn
cai;i!l,^C(fr.ii. the fame gullt^ith the offend-r. Cjod hath promifed no blefpng
/ ,;v, 1 1 6 , 1 r 7 . to his Word, but in his d^n Ordinance , though I confejfe he may,
5 8,1 J 9. & y yga,and doth grant oft times that , through his infinite CjodneQe,
\\'' -f''^ ^ Vchichf^oman can challenge by an ordinary promi/e. Todoeother^
Rom. 1 2". 1 ' 1. ^if'i ^ to-rebell grievofrfly againB the Lord, and to uphold, •vt>hat
NaiT.b. 16. tn w Ijeth y that "^hich the Lord will confume : thereforeyO* no
rfal.^o. iS. oDodSubjeEipjculd affifi or communicate ivith any perfon in thf
J Tim. ^.z 2, *^ -
5/^7 r.g.iinit Stray. /f^ ^-piig- ^y.^^. 9ii.fdt.Ji.f^.g.i^.'^\x\.]h.x^,i^yX0. Luk.io. x6.
a Ihiil". i.aj3,4.ReYclj.i4 5) li. ^ iS.-j.
AdminijtrAthn yfciviUjHfttyC to the Kings SuhjeEis ( :io at
thoHgh ,> AcibftimLer the fame never fo tegailyjjufilyy imparttaUy)
except the fame perfon had a commijfion from the Kingfo to doe :
ft neither ought the SabjeHs of Chrifls Kini^tiowe y to partake Adumb Mir.'i-
ttvVA any perfon^hatfoever in thedisfenfat'iohofanySpirftua/l^^^'^ '"'Rg
mSn^nce (thou;^hmitfelfe never (o holj ) Without fufilcient Tu^^'^'^K^''^
warrant ana commijjion from the m(^ abjolutt and ooveratgne ((.p^f^^^^
King of his Church , Chrifi fefus. Such ^> have IfirituaU from, their
Comrwtnion inafalfe Mtnifiery Jae embrace th bofome of a flran- Mmittcrs for
ger^andfo commit Ipirituall'^horedome againH the Lord. Chrifi ^^'^ greaccit
{etteth itdowfteas apropertie of his /beep to be obferved, that they \i,',^*fter ^c'^h
follow not ftrangersfsHt flie from them for ;hat they know not their "Tv^ceU'.ef'Sr.ii".
voice. ' /'•^S-4--
Answer.
'T'His Rcafon is grounded upon the complaint which "Non-
conformifts make of fomc great abufes in the Miniftcry :
but in them it is not to be undcftood of all Minifters , nor to where arc t'lc
infcrre a nullitie of the Miniftcry It is nor to be underftco J of words , or
all Minifters , for amongft them there be many learned , wife, what be thf y,
godly and painfull , as the truth is, and they acknowledge , du- '^^' cond-. mnc
ly called and appro -ed, whofe Minifterie God bath fcaled , and « ^ /^. ^*^J^,
blclTed. It doth not infcrre, a nullitie of the Miniftcrie of b- ^\^^^ fjy ^\\
thers: for even the idle, unlearned, fcandalous, being in the Minifters are
s-oome of Minifters,are Minifters to otherSjthough not to them- unlawfully ad-
, icHes, and their Miniftery , fo long as they Minifter the things J"'"'^ ^°^
of God, is eft'^(5tuall to the people of God. If then your mtan- ^^^^ i,^or.c
ing be- that the whole Miniftcry of the Church of Eng-good, bccaufe
land i: iaiij, impure,unUwfull, according to the principles, and (otic are bad ?
complaints of the Nonconformifts, it is notorious ; If that the if thi-rc be no
Minifter il of the Church of England in gcnerallis a nullitie, ^^''^^',jj^'"^
by rcaibn of fome maims and dtfeds tound therein,which they the m any luch
defire might be redrcCd , in that alfo you doe them apparant Anfc y che/>
wrong. yo" tin wrong • :
InthePropo{it;cn^as it is fctdown, that we may under -'^ yourbrcr
^•wA the fcnfe tnereof , two things are to be confidered. t o"j' {,ie{]c
and encicafe an hundicd fold the god'y , wife, learned, grave MiniOcrs of this Church. -
T.C-xepL i.pag.x^.And fo otUettimhtir complaints, aic lo be undciftood. hiob oHletn Ht
■ quis cxiflimct per aa, quae ecc/ifi,ijU:oi%m maiiffafunt^mi omnei ^rmfm ecckfiafUcOii vitliOjexce^"
to , co?/}t>;ch'.nde t veUc Nic. Clem; SVccul. Ecckf.
A 2 I \yhat
(O
i . What is meant by a falfcMin'ftcric 2. What it is to com-
jnimicate in a falte Minifteric.
In plainc and diftind dealing , a falfc Miniftery is not to be
confounded with a maymcd, defcdive, or impure Miniftery,
for as the Gofpd may be preached truly when it is taught
impurely, fo may the Miniftery be true for fubftance , when xt
is impure in fomc refpeds. But feeing in your language, eve-
ry unlearn ed/cundalous, negligent Minifter, is a falfc Minifter,
andthcMinifterie which he exccutcth, is a falic Miniltery;
therefore to omit further conteftation about the word , It
muft be noted, That a falfe Minifter\' is twofold, i. Abfo-
lutc, vi^- fuch as is no way cs appointed ot ''S od , in rcfped of
the fubftance of the office, whereunto he is fct apart , as if a
Minifter be called to preach pernicious and damnable do(ftrine,
or to offer Sacrifice propitiatory for quick and dead , and this
-■Minifter)' isa meere nulJitie. 2 Comparative , or in fomc re-
Ipefl, as that which is maymed in the qualities , or care of the
party cholen ; or defigne'd, as if a man unlearned , fcandalous,
idle'be cholcn ; if he feed not the flock , or teach without po-
wer and authoritie. And this Miniftery is defedive,but of force
and efficacy to the people of God : for fubftance, it is of God,
fior the good of hisriock, and what is done in the adminiftrati-
on is done by the authoritie of God, but the perfonsthcm-
ftrlves,ifin no mcafure qualified, are not allowed and appro-
ved of God.
The lecond phrafc , To communicate in the falfc Mini-
ftery, may import two things. Firft , to communicate in tne
r ' k ifi fi'"»"es of the Miniftery, and this is altogether unlawfiiU. For-
^uaftcx.-i>rn:a- GoJs people , when ^e matter commeth to their pradiccj
ri vif'ip.itiiur. muft liave the judgement of difcretion ( and flirther they crave
'Yi.n.:7i.4yoi. not ) the judgement, I fay, of difcretion to try the Spirits,
Nmumiico- whether th:!y DC of God or not. Andin cafe the Church, "^'Ix-
errp ruran.ei ad i ,. •' . t r t i
iibUnu'Mfn aikim '"' v ig^'^'^^^'^^ or contention , or a man-fUajing humonr , deter ^
ra-hm perpia- rn*nein doUrlnt againfithe fVord^ or in ceremonie agairtj} the
dere dihe/it ( te
it^s^qitx fcnbunitfi' upio /wmtbela. Djinpolit. Chrift. lib.^^ cap. 5. Courfc cf confer,
p3g.i49.Gratii'>- t^s^cr. j.difl. ii.cip.:. Billon Chrift. Sub jc&.par.i.p.j^ j.? 54.J^A«3-
«w io verii d Icidir/ut'' uh :/Hpi: v hgin'fiiibus ? Mamm diffiml lud. nc. Si ab ipf • mpore d:vdli p f-
(umHSi &n*iad nxl-ovts unfem^onmm d';(/e//.iis :/ed fapi fii , ui vJis noln ,' in medio imp »~
rnrn4t vejiiri cpoHCit : caztas igi.ur ab amai iiud.ii & operihas^ HtUtmU'cw/i ioqiiHur. Lavat.
Jijl2jck.c3p.i- Worn. I J.
CO
gtnerail B. nleSy tMr ebttj^ i»to •kty God , rather than nutn. Buf
the fmncsoFtheMiniftcr, oi otHcrpart of the Congregation,
ihalluot be imputed to him , who doth only communicate m
tiie ordiiwnccs of vvorlliip. 2 To communicate in a falfe Mini-
Htcricuiay import, to communicate in the ordinances ofwor-
'hip with them, whofe calling is not in every refpert approved
of God rand this is lawful!.
If then the Icnle of this reafon be,That ow Miniilerie is abfo-
lutcly falfe, ora meerc niillitie, it caniKDt be made good by
Scripture grounds , or Non-co.iformirts principles , but the
contrary is mofl. c\ ident. And he that IliaJl undertake to prove
fuch a delperate Propolition.muft grant that there was neither
Church or Sacrament, nor Miniflcvie in the world for many
hundred ycers paft , it he finde notji^lt caule to queftion his
ownc Chrilkndomc, But if the meaning bc,that it is not law-
ful! to communicate in the worlhip of God, with Minifters
not fitly qualihcd, dilordci iy callcd,or careldly executing their
orticc and fundion, then it is diredly crofle to the. Word of
truth , found reaf«n,ap.d confent of ail the learned.
If youd(!mand,asyou^^v of y nr Pijlolcr , vphereweerc.idin^^,, ,
Scripture of thefc t^o kirtds of falfe CMimjlerSy and commnnicA- ^^^ j^p yj^
tingwithetther ifj the ordinances of wor/hip g VPemi/Jhe^'jou tfx rc2d m ih.-
piacej tke chapter andthe "jerfe, Scnptures of
When the Prictfs were ^w^ ^o^j, rW cqhU not bark^, '^^'^''^.^^d^nl\^
greedy dogs^ that could never have enough ^ was their Minillerie churchc" '*
true or falie, were they qualified > as becomes the Minilteis p:ak outmm.-
ofthe Lord of hoafts or nof The fir angers and uncircumci-ih^wus tiic
fed^whichrv refet to take ilx charge of the Lords Sanfiuarj ; plice,thefhip.
wae they true MiniilcrSj orfalle ? When the 7*riefis ^^**£^^ ^^cvi^^ir^nu-
for^hirey andthe Prop' ets prop'oefed for mowjr -^ when the i '''^ ous dcaluio rc-
phets- prophe fed lies y andti.e Priefis hare rule hy their meAnS'^i^\\xc%\t.Stayt
Was their Miniilery true or fali'e / Were the Sonnes q{ Blil'^^i- j./>.7g jo.
true or falfe Miniiters f qualilyed as becommeth the I'crvants ^^'- ^-^ . ' ? ^ ' "
of God, they were nor, but the funftion which they executed, J ^" {^{'j.^;.^ '?*
was of Go J. When the Prieils bought and iold D^vesinthe ii.Mtl.^.i.
Temple, or took upon them to provide Doves, or fuch like £^f(* 44 7,^»
things for them that were to ofier , was their Miniftcric , true 9- 'O- i>ee /««.
orf&.^ Did they that whcreunto they were appointed o^ 'Lwaccr?6rf^
4f.<. J. 1 1. Jcrtm.'i-li. I Sam. z. Ill U'^i^l' ^S"- » 5"jw. i. i,*,? /'fe. ai^; Stec
Cunfi^ot. £inKio>: Com.in iMilh.
A3 Goi
God ornoe"? WhcA the Scribes aixi Pharifces ct>mi|>ted the
f/^^J]^5^;^'Lawbyfalicgloflcs, tAHghtforJoBrines me»s precepts , made
I «• ? , 4 J S • ^^* Ccrmnandtntent of God of none efeSl bj their tradiiioMS, JhHtr
Mjt /* 13. t J. ufthe Kingdome of heaven before men , neither going in thertf
^y [elves ^mrf offering them that -wonld , making thole ot their pro-
feffiontxoof old more the children of hell than themf elves : When
they tnught Juftiiication by works , and pcrfcft obedience to
the whole law, and denied in Chrift, both the Perfon and
office of the Mediah , blafpheming himia his doflrine, as a
deceiver of the people; in his life, as a glutton and wine-
drinker, in his glorious miracles, as one that wrought chem
Mitthw i.>^. by the DeviU ; and when they hated to be reformed, was their
Lull 7- ? o . Minifterie true or fallc ? Were they called of God, or did they
>/7;7. g 1. ^^^^ jn thsmfelves before they were fent f If their Miniftc-
MMh. 2.1.4 f J rie was true, then an ignorant, idoU, profane, idle Minifterie,
* * which defpifeth knowledge, opporethGodlinc(re,prophaneth
the holy things of God , corruptcth the Law , polluteth the
worrtiip, ftrengtheneth the hands of the wicked", and lead-
cth the blinde out of the way, may be a true and lawfull Mini-
fterie of Godv . ■<
It is befidesthemarkc here to anrwer,that the Scribes and P ha-
rifees did neither miniSier to any bnt the Lords people, norin an un-
lawful place, nor by an unlawful entrance :Yot the Qucftion now
is of their Minifterie,& the quslificationof their perf^^ns to the
officcjwhich they took upon them, Whether fiich a Minifterie
as theirs was to be approved of God, and iiich Perfons to be
choien, or continued in their ftanding. For be their out-
ward calling what it wil!,and the people to whom they admi-
• nifter , as. they may ; if the Minifterie be not of God ; if the
perfons be not qualihed as God requireth , if they execute not ■
tiicir office for God, according to his will rev'eabd, and the
good ofhis people, but againft God; according to their ovvnc
. corrupt immaginations, and to the griefe of the godly , their
Itanding in tliat place and rooms , without qucftion^ is not of
. Gods approbation ,* nor tlieir -Ceiling lawfull. Itmi^ht .bead-.
!^/^;«^ '; 9>^^ ^g^^ tt^g^ though tb^ tribe q^ Levi onely was ulcd to theMini-
ft :rie, yet ail that tribe was not-^pply ed . that wayes , nor thole
at all adventure, but by choice, according to their abilities.*
. .And therefore, iftlie Pharisees were not fitted in fome mea-
fure for their office , the choice w«sn6t by ufprobatioh from
God,nor their entrance lawfuii. If
C7)
If then their Miniftcric was falfc, cither it was unlawful to
communicate vvith them in thsordinanc^-S of worihip, which ''^'''^"- ^' ^*
is direflly croffe to Scripture , the examples of the Prophets, ^g j2^^1\^l
our Saviour, his Apoftks, and all the faithful! ; or to com- li.y,'.
municate with,. or in a falie Miiiiftcrie, is not a breach of
the fecond Commandcmcnt.
They that freacLed ChrifiofenvU, to adde affiiElion to Funis Tlni, i.i j.
b/indsj were they true Minillers or falfc ? W^hat focvcr you
will ,lay^ to heafe them preagh Chrift, was no breach of the fe-
cond Commandcment. Jf in fome refpeils they were true j;^ ^.^^ ^^^^^
and fulfe botli , then the Miniftcric \s not abiokitely falfe, which p,v///,'.' jj ohd
jnfome con(iderationsisnotpurc,as it ought, and is to bed e- ihuthr Go-
fircd; then the miniftcric may be true in one refpe<5V , and falfe 'pel is preach-
in another ; then alfo it is no (innc to communicate with , or ^,*^ although it
in a falfe Miniftcrie, fo far, to wit, as it hah truth j and ^oth bu "he woaia
carry the ftampc of God, ibfarre as thcfuthfyU arc allowed ncrcr h'.vc
to dcfuc, and they have authoritie (though not approbation) been gl.id, if »>
from God, to difpcnce his ordinances. ihould hive
An ignorant ^^nifter is an Idoll, having eyes when he ^ceth^"^^.^^^^^^^"'^
not, and lo is a Icandalous idle Miniftcr, yea an Hypocrite , and tm! v '&c ih;
hollow-hearted Minifter, having only the outfiic of a Mini/lcr, w int of a
but wanting the life and loule, the approbation and allowance ooo-^ "Hing^
of God. Butthcfaithfu/ldoe neither lfffw4ow?te unto an J?^/,//^ '"^yg've occi^^
^orfet up an Idoll to themfelvtSy who fee Ue and defirc the ordi- 'Ju?u^„ "J ' V "'
/ L- 1-11 1 /-> I • 1 • x> tiieWoidot
nances or grace rrom their hands , unto whom ( jod m his Pro- Goii is not fm-
vidcnce hath committed the difpenfation of holy things, for arcly taugh:,
the good of his pcople,though not for the prortt of themielves. ^^^-^uff there is
Who U blinie, but my [ervant i* to witj^/r^/jwhich iTiould ha\c '& o?ti '^^^ '''^^•
moft light, becaufe of my law : or dcafeas my Mejfengcr that I liaJy/xl-'plS
fent ? The Priefts and Levitcs whom 1 lent to te.ich the peo- i pltg. i8.
pic. The Idojl Sheephcard,the Lord c^llsth his Sbepheard, not '/« 4 '- ' 9.'^'^;
bccaulc he doth the will of the Lord , but he is ferit of- God io ^^^^'' ^'^i ^'^.'
the people, who by juft means doth revenge the impictie ^^ oYoiK^nt'ov-
niQa. He entereth linfully, that is never lo well able to teach, if 7^^. '^ ' ° ^
cither he H vc profanely jOr teach corruptly, or be altogeflier re- Sec /.».- an-
mifle in his office ; when yet to hearc him once being in of- "^^- '•■»'oc"
fice, and well gifted, was never deemed an humane invei> k 5" z "h
tion. Somtimcs it doth lo fall out, that to avoide fome great , 7 . ' Tarnov.- *
ill loc. Rjilge/p'
hiTii:: Mctapb, ca.; dc iJm: p-ig • 1 7 f •
>Airl>. :
(8)
hurt or danger ,or for iome other end , ^Tome things may la vv-
fiilly and ordinarily be intended, which without fuch peculiar
circumftances, whereby evill is fcparated from them, would be
unlawfoli. And though it be unlawfuV to choofcluch a Mini-
fter, or to have private familiar focietic with luch a fcandalc^is
peribn, yet it is lawhUl tujoyne in the ordinances of grace,
bccaufc God hath called us thereunto , and (o ordained.
So Ty lints -^^ ignorant or Icandalous Minifter is given in judgement,
reiouc by Gods but fo, as God rcmcmbrcth mercy for his, which he will reach
Pioviicncc, forth by them. IfGodfet Tyrants over a people in wrath,may
but not by his j^qj. ^j^g Righteousfcek proteAion under them,or receive right
^Hols'^^Tert by their government God takes no pleafure in an ungodly
apo'l cap. in/& Minifter, but he is pl^fed t\j place them here and there, tHat the
adscapul/ap.-'i. children of bleflfing might receive by their Minifterie, what
orig.mlib.iul. the Lord hath promifcd, and knowcth to be expedient for
f>of^'i/^y?-'^P'ft them. The Church-ads of ungodly Minifters, are to them-
hIaT II. See feIvesunprofitable,andin.themfinfijll, abominable, but to the
Deodui. amct. ^ ongregation, they may be profitable , cftefluall , acceptable,
jtai: in loc. as they are done for them, not without fome calling, by Pro\ i-
Or'igenHoma,, dcnceot God, and authoritie from God. . " --^
m lui. ^ug. tj-y q)^j^^y.j ^cording to Cjods o^»€ heayt,vjhom he gives, of
Tam.hh.x.cap. Ws matrimoniall love, and Ipeciall favour, are fumilhed widi
^.uln-yjoji.Hom. the gifts of knowledge and holineflc : but others are called of
poji. m Hclir. God, not without his over-ruling ftroke m that which is done
SicHierioolm bymep. fii^ Lord threatens to rejev5l them, ytho delfife
^ct (ccmd kie^ h?°^^^^S>^i '^•'^^ thej Jhdll he no Priejis unto htm : But rhisthreat-
i uirtrj'is ah im- niug IS not a prefent degradation, or turning them out of of-
pn JmyAo.Vjm fice,difinabling them in that they could doe, and making all
cdib a a. hr. J - their acls void , hut a menace of future evill in Gods time , for
r • r-scd that they ought to have done, but did not. And even from this
tfnH-numy q vw- comination ir will folio w,That if y iniiters who dt Ipife kno^v-
zis d) i/r>piu tc- ledge and underftanding, be permittcd,by fuch f s have power
7iu'ur. Gm.ck to caft themout, lut doe not; they rctaine their power and
'^H.ebt[li&pci . authpj.i„e i^jn , for th- good of the faithfull, untill God be plea-
Gra'taci-rnf. ^^^ ^^ "^*^ ^^^'" *^^j ^'^'•^ tumc them out of orficc, though their
par. ? d'^Ltiufcc. fundion be not pleafing unto (jod .
dfl.^ cap. i«. ^ . ...
i5, ?.7 i^. Hof, 4. k6 T. CiCpi. i.p.i'^. • >' - ^-id.^.oi.it. i.0g 47- C A iJ. le t-jjii. of Se-
pa a'.p-rg 4V • 7. .ffC'i ui h'f 4- ^. Ki'jii. i.-i Hf.^/>. £i(i cb himinib.ts n^a nptlLnmy^ nt jaur-
tl» <; exit:nfc, Ui in £a ejrafuni^m ur.
Efhmm ( faith the Prophet) isjcynedtojdols ; that is, hath ^of.^n. Sept.
left the true God, and folIowcthfaWe Gods, or Idols j he ij-:^*K>:*« '^«*'
glue(!!, and ftickethfaft unto them, that he will not be pulled 'cLVnauiT'
away ; Let him aloMy that is. Have no fellowlhip or commu- id In, tran^fugu
o'on with him in his Idolatrie. But that which is truly alledg- a Deo vcro ad
cd againft communion with Idolaias in their Idolatry,or faUc '^^/^^ • ^^''«'-
worT>>ip, is unjuftly wrefted againft communion with a true '^'^'^^'^^'''\
Chriftian Church.in the holy things of God.The faithfiiU muft TJl/)',c^o7j!l
not enter into^'^^^^jnor goe up tOi5(r/W<r»,though thePriefts clui au: al/iga-'
that there facrificed, were of the Tribe oi'Levij becaufe Ido- /«* ii._
latry was there committed, the Office or Ser\ ice there pcrfor- •^f 'J«5"«>'
mcd was dire(5lly contrary to Gods Commandcment. But JJ^^uT*/?^^**
they were bound to goe up to lerufaUm , though the Priefts iUnm, /. c. tm
there Miniftering had cntrcd unlawfully , and executed their oUhxii^ndni
Offices corruptly : becaufe God had appoin^.^M they (hould ap- ^*'« '^^ corfrnin-
peare before him in that place, and the Service there tendrcd ^".^J^"'.?^''^^-
was of the Lord , and by his appointment , though the '^,^ iL'com,»u^
Priefts were ignorant, proud, profane, covetous, or tht rceffo.r^xnuy.
like* ^il"'- ijukquam
The Faithfull entreate Chrlft, Tojhe"^ them ^here hefeedeth ''^'^ "'"" '''^("^
hUflocki that they mi2ht««f«yw4/r^ ( if the words wiUlT'^'' '^- '^^'•''
,-','. ■ \ I n 1 ri ■ • 1 • ne arpiiito cum
bcare that interpretation J tothefiocki ofhtacompantofts^tmt is, „tii(btim.
the Congregations of talle Chrifts, and hlfe Prophets. That /a/. 4. i\.
which you adde, hy his Aiiniflerie with hU Sfirit,WordySealeSy Sep. oiwv av,
andC^nfmes: ^nd that there they might place t hem/elves for Aj.c/x.o;' «//-
in^ruBion and government y\% not found in the Text, and may ^^j.;,;j'sym
be received or refui'ed, as it is undcrftood. It your meaning be, d^ioi Hoca.
that Chrift by thefc means doth io.^^ or rule his Flock, it will Aq. &• Sym.
eafily be granted. It it be this , That no Chriftian may lawful- 'f-cprratijuat
ly lit downe in any conercsation, where any one ot thefe is '"''^ ^'^a^^^'-.
wanting,ornot executed in aiJ points as it ought ; you fpeak, «// f;;^, /^^ Hicr.
ofyourfelfCjaninotby the warrant of Gods Word. Yov nbfeia'.Coml
where Chrift doth feed his flock, there may the Saints of God w Hof ca.yac
communicate, in the ordinances of Grace and Religion, "^ ''"Z?^^^^^"
though fome be wanting, or not fo purely performed in all B^thd*"^//'^-
Lim ijfc Bet ha-
ven, 't.e.d»uumin!iti'tm, nt q:u mh.lfrnfi ,jh/e dortiona fdtl , <>b viiu'osinea poJitoi.Rai^
no\:\.de Idokl'.ljb.Z.'-J.^.^, r]rT.l^,i 1. • .
Song, 1,7.8. 1 he word may be read, as one. th.ii Covcreth her ftlf ,is .in harlot, G'».
58.14,1 ?. Miixey. orm CaTt'. .7. Or is one thai covcreih her fclf in moHrnin2.I.ef,ij»
4,;. Mic.^ j.Bnihi.M ioc. Stp-. <t^'i'tn ouSpif Sym. pi^'n.
B points
C'O
points as they ought ; though the Miniftcr in feme particular
cnternotashcought,orbenot qualified as tne Word roqui-r
reth.
Dcut. 115. It is one thing to facriHce at Bethel, which God hath ftrait-*
//O.4. 1 <;. Ams ly forbidden, where is neither God, Triefl nor Lxvo ; anotlier
^ '^'c^ ^* to worlhip God according to his owne appointmait, though
d^^i/r? 14, the Miniftct be not Inch as lie ought. I wonder, if men doe
I5,t<.d^I^ not tremble thus to abufe and mifallcdgc the holy Scri* -
5,10.1 1,1 i. pturc. —:y.'iv.
3.^ .^ ^ Often doe the ?r<r^hetSyChnf^^^ndhu AfoTlles (^youfay ^for-
Maltb 7 15. b'ldmento hetare thofe ^hich thrtiji themfelves into ,nimfieritt&
ojfices,n(^ being fent of^od f and from the (^hurch. This laft
c^mie, And from the C 'rf^,'isyourglofle, but not found jn
the Texts of 'cripture, quoted by you. Perhaps you would
cunningly uifinuate. That all Minifters not called by the
Church or particularGongrcgation,where they arc to admini-
fter,befalfe Prophets. But this is to begge what you fhall ne-
ver be able to prove, not to make proofe of that which is quc-
Bllfon. ckiH. ftioned . Moft certaine it is, the Prophets, Chrift and his Apo-
sub]t£l.\^o.a 1 ftlesdoeallwarneustobcwareof felle Prophets? But who
P-^^7- The are falfe Prophets r They who are not chofen, called and or-
kfh Beware *^^^"^^ ^7 ^^ communitie of the faithful! , where, they arc to
of falfe J^ro- Adminifter i" No ; or they whofe outward calling in the
phcts, notcth Church, is fome what defective and difordered , nay corrupt
thcrf ilnll be andfirthill .'' Not fo neither. But they are falfe Prophets , liho
'P^o^'^yhy ^-Mke withfaljhoody andjirengthen the hands of the kicked ^ that
which th.'u1)c ^^^y ^'^£^^ ^°^ returnefrom their Wickedne^e^ rohojpeakjhe i/iji-
found falfe by ^ of their ovfne hearts^ not from the mottth of the Lard, Whof^y
their teachme, to themthat deffife the Lord,yee Jhall have peace, who run vehert
3s S Petit zMo they were not Jent, and frophefed when Godjpake not unto them.
wuncfleih.7'c7. ^y prophefie'' falfe things in the Name of the Lord, the
guiflitdfiom deceit oj thetr hearty ^and thinke to make th» people forget
Godly Tea:h" the Name of the Lord, and fednee the people with their
fis,notbyot lies : fVho prophefie om of their owne hearts, and follow
fee, but by do- ^jj^i^ ^nelpirit. The Apoftle dtfcribes them to be ftlle
i^yV. i4.i»i^ Prophets, w^*? bring in damnable do Brines , contrary to the
lere.n 1 4,1 ^ doiflrine of lalvation, which we have received, arddenying the
V. z 1. Lord that boftght them. But this cannot be applied to them,
lere 6. 14^ 8.
who
00
who preach the Truth of the Gofpel intircly, difpencc the ho-
ly things of God, according as they have received authoritie OF falfc Bre-
nrom God, and labour to winne men from finne unto God, *'"^"» ^"^^ ^'''•
though in the entrance into their office, or in the execution **J^ j^ ^g
thereof, there be fomewhat erroneous,faulty and of men. Con- ^,th Here-
(ider then how loolely the Premifesofthc Scripture, and your ticks and Apo-
conclufion hang together : Wee muft not joyne our feives to ft.«acs,be they
Congregations or Aflemblies that are without Chrift .. fo the P""*^" °f P"-
Scripture : We muft forfakc Churches, and Congregations ot q^ iftun pa-
Chrift ; this is your conclufion. They muft be for^en that ftor or people
rcfuG the Covenant , and worfhip ftrange Gods , fo the may Commu-
Scripturcs : Wee miil forfake them who have received "';*u'^*' .^
the Covenant , and worlhip the true T ^d in the mediation suHpitt'fp
of Jefus Chnft , becaufe they obfe. 'c it imperfedly, 78; '
thus you muft conclude , or you fay nothing to the pur- Inficielh be
pofc. without the
If Prophets in the Old Teftament had an ordinary outward ^^^"•"'^^^ ©^
calling, the falle Prophets might have a lawfull externall cal- cord/and ^He-
ling, as well as the true,and then God faith,He fent them not, rcticks be put
becaufe they preached the vifioii of their own heari',lying and out. idem. 79-
deceitfuU words, to ftrengthcn the hands of the wicked, and ^'^"'^ ^'r/ir
not the words of Tnith^to tunie men from finne. They were Pr^h^j,
not called ofG*d, becaufe the work they went about, was not Apent'tfrChry^
the Lords, but their owne. But this reacheth not to godly Mi- foftomo qui
nifters, who preach the Faith of Chrift intircly, and labour to posirtmm vo^
draw men unto God; nor yet unto them, who in fome fort arc [^^^. J/^5^j'*"
called ofGod, according to bis Will ( but not in favour, ^ Zapltquivubi^
becaufe he is i leafed with their Adminiftration ) to doc hisi^3j7^~^„(,;^,.
u'orke.thougn they be neither qualified as hee requ-res , nor mdi^tbanm.
difpence the holy things of God fincerely and purely as they '^akiammi^e
ought. When you teU us we muft beware of felfe Prophets, f-'' 5^^^?';:
^ r \ t ^ t n^ • • • 1- ^* r lam L nam Spec n
you IpeiiKc tr.c words or Scripture : but m your application ot , ;,,/,;^j ^ ^^^^
it to the Miniftersof the Gofpel, and Congregations in Eng- teg.m'. Lucas
land, you robbe and fpoile the fenfe of Scripture, which is not nifai'or cnfdem
the leaft degree of theft. f^""''"' ^d
The Pricfts many times, were no better than the falfe Pro- '''^,(r^o.xo^ '
phets:but the people is never forbidden to communicate with li^f^.^erc/aa.
them in the ordinances of prefer ibed Worfhip , though they u Matth.
dt fiLo. Lucram dqrx'Liha^im- illi,fmftm aKUmfuffn.fJjrniui-
C 2 muft
C"0
imift take heed to tlicirfoulcs, that they be not deceived by
i>iM. 15 • ' <5. .^h^n-i, The Scribes and Pharilet s were blinde guides, vi'ho did
H'M. ■^,1 . neither teach the way of life, nor walke therein, and yet our
Saviour forbad not the taithfoU to hcarc or corrmunicate^
with them '.n the WorlliipoFGod, He charged his. Difciples*
?t?/'fw<?>-i?fl/"f/)f;>/(f/ii/tf», andktthcmdone,becaufe thfj ttVrr
'& li 16 ^ hllnde leaders of the blinde '.{.xxt {o long as they preached the
Li'k.. 1 1. f . truth, and wolliippcd (^ od aright, believer prohibited then^
AinfvT in Song, to heare and communicate in the ordinances. .' . , ' ,' v
c.ip. I. V.6. Jq beware of falfe Prophets t'xn , i^ no: evermore in' Body
A T)co vocxtl to feparate from them, but not to receive their do(^inc , or
atquc conp.iiiii heai" ken to the devifes of their cwnc hearts, Vor of falle pro-
/««.', uijtgc-n phets that teach corrupt things, and.mangle the Word of life,
^^h^o'floT* ibme have (landing ift the houfe of God, and doe performe the
%ti-ni H!"*' office of teachers, and difpencers of holy myfterics, whole de-
^nitfLunn'.te viles we muft forejcf^, as t4iat we depart not trom the ordi-
rr.oci fua:, naoces, nor calt oft'that which is of God. Others fet up a
dtannxejl rca- {Grange WQrlliip , which is not of God , teach their owne
^7i(itc^fb^a- dreamc5,and not the Truth of God, be fet apart for rcall idola-
?A-i, rei ciexdj try, or have no ftanding at all in the Church of God, and with
'^erafi £jje»e.i- thefe, wc are not to communicate,becaufe thefe things are not
nca. fiCcit. in of Go J , nor to be performed by any calling or authoritie from
Au"''i^'i *h^ ^^*^ whatfoevcr. But whiles you fpeakeof faHe Prophets
tiaci.A6. ° without any diftindion, you faine a new forme of fpcech, and
s,u vmjive'ia. bring in a new dodrinc.
dicere wUte an- Solomon cxhorteth to attend unto ypifedome , and ks^p under-
direyoiitefice- jianding, becaufc otherwife, he may be deceived by the lips of
s' c autem fit erui ^^ ^-^t^iterous woman y ^hich drop as the honj combe. But with
'mviim'fi:Yn^- whatface or confcience can this he apply ed to them who
■nemjin^.mt, ni- pieach the faith of Chrift intircly, and adminiftcr the feale of
varnd.,Cimam the Covenant for fublbnce according to the plcafure of the
^dfu'^BaT I"ftit"^or?Or to them that be not rightly qualified,who yet arc
<4 J/c»!pa<». ^^^ 2?^"^^ to teach the truth, read the Scriptures,& difpencc the
J *9 1 . ** Sacraments in focieties, profeifing the true faith, and dodrinc
P/«/. 5. ? .7. oi: lalvation-''It will be faid, Falfe teachers are ^dulterejfes. In
Aug. ep. 100. fome rcfemblance and finuiitudc they may be fo called, but
^kmtalem v$^ Metaphoricall fpeechcs muft not be over- retched. And who
c^uli , quavt 7Dndif.erntt quotidlam, illudprofmividtcaur^ qmdeft in'it/ucumnorh.vi Chrifli-
ano : ?^u» debcmus coufitcthdmcfn ftrmonk humam mepta (cq^acitate lanfundeit. Lyra cx-
poundi this place of the falle Chiirch. Tern, ».p,5 14. Can Stajf, §. 4.f .^1.
ara
are tliofe falfe Teachers f Not every man who is not rightly
qualified FortheMiniftery, enters dirorderly, exeaiteth his fi\r,\\w.mSojig,
ot-Hcc remilTcly : nor every one that now and then mingles his "^ ^- * ^•
ownc deviles with the Triuh ofGod . Per any one,or all thcfc J^-^ ^'^^^^ ^^
may be founi \\\ hiui, who liipplieth the place, andllandeth in \\^^ diiwV. n^
the iGc^me ofa true Teacher, with whoii] the ix;ople oF God and refuting ©f
may and oughi: to coxiimunicite, net in his fin, but in the true '^^'^ crrou.s,
-WorlliipofVjod.Sufficient hath been faid ot this matrcr be- '^- j'-^^g'^g.
fore. From tlK example of the Pfierts, Scribes and . Plitrifees ; cSlno'tlcin
.To which this oucthin^ may be added. That ifall muftgoeoiu ouhc
for FuchtJlleProphetc),tad/ili.Uterefles, with whom it is not Church,* r^w,
la wFuU to communicate, againft whom any exception may be »•?•'*> '9>»o.
taken, in reipeJt oFentrance, execution, doctrine and admini- V ^^°."^'"S
Oration, I Fe.ue diere wfU Fcarce be,foiind a Church or Mini- t,c^,^ue onhc
fteric lince the' Apoliles times, \vber^,vYitJii the FaithFuU might Church. i uh,
lavvFuUy holdCoihiiKU'iio.i. .• ^ ,,;.-. - i;>.
It is well knowne, many erromsand fuperftitions crept in- °^'" »ieen"ir
to the Church,im.nvdiately after the Apo^les death, and the ^^^.^S^J,?
Paftors had their hands deep in the maintenance of theiii. '^pbrlui^dcni
what on€ faith okChryfofidme ( as yoUcite him ) ix\vj be Faid c^ue improboLt
ofothers beForeand aFtev him. He xifAs not withoHthis fau/ts, '^Q'^ dmnati^
His golden mouthy w'.ereinhefApdothersJornetimehMi ieaden '^»-7"'^'''/"'A'-
■xrords^ which) eelied to tl.eerrom Aidabtife ofothers. lam not [Tlit!ki^mncft
ignorant t that in his dales mAny evtll cufiomes wen crept into the Kolloc. in
Chmchy^hichinhs vrorl^es he reproveth mt. And Fo much ' Thefi.^.ii.
the aForcfaid Author had cxprelTc^d a little beFore ; There is not C^'fehiW trut,
■ Any of them {f^ith hsc ) that the \Wrlddoth mofl Wo der at.hm ''^ '^ ^^"^'^'
have ha I their affe^iona^ nor I thi>ike^ that yon ( aiv^rfaries to s:Ty. s^' linft.
HS and to the Trnth ) -nHll in every rejpeB admits all that any one S .• ct .- 1° p. x .
ofthe Fathers wrote. My felfe were able fr^m the very firjiafer '<:•''• P^g.^i-
the t^po files timely to run them over Ml^ and fir ait ly examining ^'\ ''^"f^'^.
their words and ajfertions finde iraperfe^ions in au : and thus nig nI^ .^
farre the Authour. 'ccan^ fuch
What then, muft the Fai.hfull difclaimc them all as FalFcw^e'is flouri-
Prophets, and AdiilterefTes, and ("hun all Communion n jd fel- '^^'^ ^^"'x ^^'
lowQiip with them in the worlhip oFGod^/* iFboyfterous zeal d"n"on§e'^"
did net blinde mens eyes, I ihould wonder, iFyou be not afto- lo" d! is u noc
>Tiorc f^fcfor
us ^ihinkc youj to keep th u toundation of ihc Apo files anJ Prophcts,on whith Chvifts '.
Ch irchi* baiUcd, than to builJ upon the boggs of after vrritcrj.
B 3 niflied
niHicd at your ibufe of Scripture in this matter: And *vhcn you
rite Scripture silegorically in this nianncr ^ you may doc
well ^o call to remembrance, what your felfc have noted out
C AK. Staj. $. of M'. Knevfiubs againft the Hcrcfies f^f N'.N, faq. 6 1 . To
ij.p.igf' H^hold the lierefits fff N . N. this is one ^eciall attd principall
praBicgythat the hifioriey and native fenfe of the Word of ^od is
dltogethtr mgleHtdofkimt and in flead thereof u entertained an
allegoricall andhoHardly conftrM^ionyfofili/h and fond cU^in^i-
onst ^hlch thing utterly defaceth the eertaintie of the f acred
Serif ture, and tnaketk no other thing f't^than a mfe of ypaxc.
rhiii-i.' The Apoftlegiveth charge ^tfA'?W^;*^^di3^J^ But who are
DeodatMa'. Bi- ^jQgj ? Falfe TcacherF, who didbarke againll the doftrine of
^: . falvation by Chrift, prcfled Circumcifion, as ncccffarie to lalva-
fene andTm- tion,were returned to their old vomite,and being formerly oi
pure J thus he Jcws made Chriftians, were fallen back to Judaiime. And is
callcthfrlfc there any v^ftion, but we muft take heed of thefe, and all
Pi'opJ^^^jw^o others of the fame kinde ? And this is that which Zanchy con-
jrhtebufntflb^ firmcth, by many other Texts of Scripture, T/*. That not onely
and falvation theTeacher&^hut theV aithfullmufi learne to kson» and be"^ are
of m«n did of ravening wolves^ blinde guides, who bring not the doSlrine ^
cenfift in part ChriHy denie all the Articles ofTaith^or fome at leafl jpeake frr-
*Vh*^L°^*^ 'i^rf^*hlngs,a»ddra^Di/Hples after them. But what is bt-,
and impoivd a ^^^^ of fhamc and honcftie , when men apply this againft
necc Tuic to them that preach Chrift truely and intirely,and adminifter the
obferve the holy things of God purely, by authority received from God .'
Mofaicall cere- Q^ againS Communicating with them in the Ordinances of
monies, ^a. Godjwhoprofeffe the faith, are called to difyence the ordi-
zanch inPh uances of Religion, becaufc in fomc particular, their calling
2.sed de Co.- was not orderly,as it ought, or the perfons endued with gifts,
•vcndis falfis ' .
Do5ior.Bern.fup. Cant, fem.^i. A\o(ten contagion crcepcth at this day through
the whol body of (he Church^the widerjthedefperarerjthcmore inward,thcmore dcad-
ly,&c. Ye be cr.Ued Pallors, when indeed ye be fpoilcrs,and w uld God the nulke and
fleece iidfuffice you, ye thiiJl for blood. IheArchPricft vifiteth his charge to fill his
purl'ejhe bctraycth in nocent blood, he fcliethmurders,.idulteiic$,ii.icc(tj-, fornica ions,
6:c.Holcot hi fap. lib. k£liiz. The Priefts of our age are like the Piicfts of B'?'z/> they
are wicked Angels : theyrefemblc dtc/'iicifts oiDagon^ they arc /rielb of pmpin,SLnd
Angels of He !>
ii(Jli/T.\'ovel.r0:^ji. iij. DiV.^rs complaints hwc been brought us agiiriir Cl« rkes,
^^ogks and ma^y B iliops, thu lomc h adc not rhejr lives accoroii g to the iacrcd Ca-
r^-ns, others cannot the publike pra^ eri,which fltould i e 'a/a at the fa re i ol'lation,
or ba;titir.c
as
C'5>
as God requireth. Further aiifwcrc may be taken out of that
which hath been fpoken,to the former p^flages,fbr one anfwcr
Will nt-tbiL^m all. ,., , -
To cominunioatc in the true VVorHvp of God , . witK Mioi-
ftcrs no better than ignorant, idle, proud^ crue!!, ,coveto^$and '
profane Priefts, no better than Scribes and jPhaf ilecs, v neither
4 vaifie Worjhip, nor ^n abetting <^ the party inhii [inne, nor to re-
tell agai/iji the Lord^ nor to Commit ffiritual/Vfihoyedome , «r r»
ernJbr^^e the hjofnc of an harlot. Thcf? are gre^ft words to af-
fright, but they a"'re of no For'r* to hurt, if a man will not co-
wardly yecld without ?ny combate. No, to communicate
with luch, when God called us thereunto , is to wormip God
aright, to revere; iC>: ,his ordinance^ , to rely on his grace, to
hearken unto hi^ voice, sini fubrf^it unto his cood pleiafure. To
fuch communicating he hath promifecf and vouchfi'fed his
bleHing, their fcrvice is acceptable unto God , became com-
manded by him,and they have found him gracioufly prefent to
cheere and rcfrclli them. It is without qat;fl:ion, the Prophets,
our Saviour , the ApofUes , the Faithful! in all ages
have comnunicated with fuch in Gods Ordinances, but
not in their fmne : And what man well advifed will % of that
pradlicc, that it was either Rebellion againft God, or fpirituall
whoredom, or vaine woriliip t The Faithfull mufl: not com-
municate with thofe focieties in mind or body , where Chrift
is not at all preft^nt with the prefence of his grace and love,
nor in tliofe polluted Congrcgations,where reall Idolatrie is io ^^y ,8 .
pra(!^ifed, that they cannot be prefent , but they muft partake
thereui : They muft not communicate with falfe Prophets in Wc have fbr--
things of their owne devifing , and which they bring mcerly faken the
upon their owncbraine, and not at all from God : but if igno- Strumpet
rant,lcandalous, corrupt men, who neither pieafeGod, nor^'^^^ '"■dc
arc approved of him in their Office and Miniftration , in a £o- *^™"jj^5 ^^^
cietic profcITingthe intire Faith of Chrift , doc by authoritie '^"f j^e earth
difpenfe the Ordinances of God, the Faithfull may and ought with the wine
to communicate with them, if they want power to redreflc cf her forni-
and amend things out of order. They muft not Communicate cation , and
are gone out
of her. if'1 wee fliould be partakers in her finnes, and receive of her plagues,
othcrwif'' wee have divided our felvcs neither frem God nor h s Church. BUfon-
in .
in fin, but they may and ought to hold Communion in the ex-
crcifes of Religion, with the true Church of Chrift.
Thfjbeef ofChrtfi he^e hii voice , bnt Wtll not heart the voici
M.1C.5. ofafirsttger f But '^hou that Jhanger xi^hom the fltee^ vpill not
heare ? From whom they fie both in minde and body Vfith y»hom
CAN.y/d>.§.n they mnfl hold no Cofftmuniony inward or outward ? Thusfarre
p. iizjuj. you extend the words of our Saviour , and unlcffc they be (o
meant, they conclude not what you purpofe. Is every unlaw-
DeodM. ital. full Winifter this ftrangcr ? Is every unlearned,(candalous, cor-
foh. I ©. 1. rupt Miniftcr this ftranget? Is every one whom Chrift calleth
^L '^* ^ thiefe and a robber, who enters not in by th: aorCyt^ut cUmbe< up
[he fiVe Do- /^'*^ ^^^^^ "^^3^ *^^ ftranger ? Is every one that fmiteth , but
dors, who feed: ih not the flocf^', that niaketh fad the heart of the Godly,
thvuft m ihtm- firengtheneth the hands of the wicked, mingleth the Truth ofCjod
ftlves wit hout y^ifij Ij^ f^yffjjg dnames , this ftranger ? 1 f thefc be not ftrangers
hif ^vvith f ![fe ^^^^ant by Chrift,much lefle the painfull , godly, fincere Paftor,
doftrinc,and who feed eth the flock with found andwhollome foode, and
an eviU ir.iiid. kadcth them unto the waters of life f And then this paflagc
The true is impertinently alledged. But all thcfe cannot be meant ac-
flje P^"'^ . " cording to your interprctation,for then abfolutely, all com mu-
ihe reft arc his »"'icating With them in the Ordinances of God is not forbid-
fci yarns, and den, but to receive their doflrine, embrace their errours , or
not the own- follow their manners ,• which was evermore unlaw-
crs of the full,
^Qc tnuft not ^^^ Godly and Faithful! among the Jews, might not refijfc
ruk thcii'r to hc3xc the Saibes and Pharifecs,when they had no power to
fiiephcaids, caftthemout, and yet they were thieves and robbers, who
but they have corrupted the Law,and without queftioiflpake moft reproach-
1 cave to di- ^^^ things againft the way and worlhip of God. The godly
as^and*flie could not be furc that the Pharifces would not deliver fuch
fromihicvcs things, neither did they offend in being prefent at the wor-
ind murde- ftiip of God : and yet it will not follow, that a man may heare
rets. Q/). lb. i. any one, or any where. Thieves and murderers in the Church of
'fh^-'^'f ►h" ^^^3^^^' Iprung up with them, and continued amongft'
jjgJjj^Q^pgg/ them, and neither departed themfelves, nor were caft out by
yk (.'bc/ ii'g Others that had authoritie. In the Chriftian Church divers falfc
the Lords
I'KiCcpts, andfeningGoQjOughtto fcp nte tbeaifclve.- from a finfuil B fliop BdC n.
Ch'/ji. Suhjeil. part, .^.p.i^f. ?or. 5 5 ;. Can Stay. § j,}*. 26. /«vzj.'i-4;if .-//^j i^-* Yj,
C>7)
Teachers, ravening Wolves, Antidirids rofe up, not from a-
mong the heathen, or Jews, but in and from themfelvcs, '/**•' '■'^'
whereof fome went out from the Chiirch,«nd fcparated tlicm- ^t^' '^;
fdvcs, others were call: ojt by excommunication, and delive- I tm 'i^**4.
red up to Satan, that they might learnc not to Ualblicmc. O- Thd. I'i^.
thers were tolerated in the Church, either becaule their here-
fies wer'c not fo pernicious at the firft,or tlie better fide had not
power to catt them out , or they preached the fundanientall
Truths , but of cv ill mindcs Thcle in reiped: of outward or-
der, were lawfully elecfrcd or called, buttalfe Prophets disco-
vered by their dodrine, no^y their calling, and lome of them v\ he lU a
continuing in the Church, the Faithfoll arc not forbidden to polil" cihor-'
partake of the Ordinances of God, bccaufe they are prcfe'ir, tcitiTimothy,
but to beware of their errours, that they be not infeded by "ottopurtikc
them. But, if by ftrangers we underftand onch' fuch as did a- '" ^^^^^ ^^^^
rile from without, and brought blafphemous dodrinc,diredly ''"' • ^°^^ ^"^
contrary to the foundation of the Faith , orfuch as are juftly th°t utX^ un
caftoutbytheChurch, that they miehr learne not to bhl- able, unworthy
pheme, then the Faithfull might neither communicate with ^'"''^ffs
them m publike, nor receive them unto houfe , but flic from T'^^^ ^^ **'"'
them both in minde and body. But thieves, who lead not in churdiS ^^^
by the doorc,Chrift,who have ftrangp voices, which the llieep thougJi u"'
acknpwledgcnot, who bring another foundation befides Je- 'awfully ^
fus Chrift, thefe are not to be enrolled with fuch as teach the
dodrine ofVaith truly '.for they are not ftraneers either i^'^f^^''^fi>t'tar'>-
rcfpcdofSed, Religion, ©rLawes, they arc of the houfhold'""'''^ '^T^'
of God, they fervc the Lord as he hath prefcribed , and.walke Sft c«-
according to his Law. And what is it to wreft the Scrip-yi//^, That
ture,iffhis be not, when that which is fpoken againft utter vvhcrcas the
aiemies of our Saviour Chrift, who reefed to be fhep-^'^°P*.'"
heards under him, and his Enligne, is applied to them who arc'^^^*^ ***'"
chqfcn by the people df the placc^ and fu^itiently cxamme j,^nd allowed by other Bi?
ftiopsi adjpyhing.arid'openly crested in the Chiir Ji, C^'ifl\vit'im \\\ ffcad of the Chui^cli?
would have his^ Faiace fuccecd,and for the* mtiltuude of people , and right AH'emblics
( to elcft ) he commanded three Eunucbes to Vz prcfenc, and three of his Spies ( or
Prolcrs) for you cannot call them Bifliops Jthat they iixe m his palace.might create one
i^c/iKa liiihop.And npung what rosier jhe Emperor and his Eunuches madcjhc faith.
In iilorum locum juveneiUbidk'^fos.e.hnUds^iecMydnf^ qmacm tmbutoSynec non & bigams,
& maximis crimm'bKi ma'caadtcnm, modi iurrum diO^at, veUiii cmptrnt eforo nd EpifcopA-
iuifummijoe. B^Con C In ifiiM Sub j.^n z.p^d{,z<^f.
..•.■CiV-'ij'.. .
© hit-
(18)
furnldied withfingular knowledge, wifedome ?:kJ utterance,
tea<. 1: the truth of the Gofpell intirely, and leadc the fhcep ot'
Chrift to the wa*-crsofhfe, whole labours God hath bleHcd,
whole voice the -heepheare and receive, in whofe meflagc
they rejoyce, and whom they follow as ihey teach Chrift.
You pretend the tcftimony of the learned in this matter , but
let the places be examined, and they will be found, either to
make directly againft you, or nothing for you, as I lliall
havcoccaliontclhewinthcnext Se<Sion, and fliall be done
more fully, when you (hall let do\"ne the words of the Au-
thors^ whereupon you buHdj and attempt from them to make
good your concluliort. In thcmeanefpacelwillforbcaret^'-
dioi'ny to repeat over and over again, that fuch and luch make
nothiiig for you ^ and fuch and ftich arc grolTely abufed and fal-
fifyed.
Now let us lay the Principles and IhfcrenGc together , and
fee if they clofe; ''■;"■
The Nonconformiffs complain of many grofleabufcs in the
Minifterie , ^n the Eledion, Ordination,Qmlities of the Per-
fdn admitted, and execution ofthe funfHon; as,that ignorant,
ncgHgent,prolanemenarefct over the flock; andNon-refi-
d^ntSi Pluralifts , men of corrupt mind es, who dilcouragcthc
godl/i and heattcn the proftne. But this complaint they
put not up againft all, but many in the Miniftery. The Infe-
rence you would make upon their ground is, That it is unlaw**
full to communicate, not onely with thcle men, in the Ordi-
nance^of Gods WoTlhipjbut even with the moft'lcarncd,god-
ly and painfull, who teath the Truth, live holiiy, dilpcnccthc
MyKeries of GodlinelTe purely, be approved of the Congrega-
tions, and blefled of the moil high.
If I took pU'afiirc in your veine f callitaByoupIcafe) I'
C AW. Stay, couldfay, 1 Inf^cltwy fight ^andJ Askeofmj [elfe avdne Md^'
§,ii ,' p. 1 1 4- gMtie, conld'the Treat, "^ritefo unskilfttllj : For *f thii be not d
Non JequitHr, then FooUs cannot ^eaki Nott^fenfe. You may
take it home. For I know not t© whom it can be fo fitly ap-
ply ed as to your felfc. When this Inference is made good by
Scripture, Reafon, or Learned Author , I fhall lidpefl that tfcc
Non-conformifts doe.not walke according to their Principles;
But till then, tliere is juft ground to think,that in making fuch
Ii^ferenccs, you abufc both your fcUt and others, That which
you
\,
09)
yoi^audcconc?rniiig the dumbc Mimftcrs oat of\M. Pfftyy^
isfecfidcs thcppini , for he was oo Non-confo^raift^bllt a St-^ '^ a^- Nccef.
f^iratift, by your c©nf«sifion ; ^ ifnoputu, ffietk Wi// fkMii; °^ ^^*P'J ^ .
fitr thim,yet men of piety, learning, and /udgc^icnt doc , and s^..^ g "^* ^^
muft plcade {.tor it is a truth) that there is not an ahlblute Nul*- the Reader.
litic of tbcir Miniftcric: and this I pr«fuine upon better advice,
you will not denie, or iff ou doc, ^oamuft not ftay in the Se-
paration, which you have nwdc.
, ^: £ c. II.
C A N J Neccfiicic of Separation,
pag. zp, JO,
NOnt ma^, iif^re, or,)oyne -n SfwdtUAll ConmtmiiatL with
t^atAiu^i^erit^^'hidhhatb mt a. true vocation And
catting hj tle^ton^ H^rebahon^ amiordination ef that
FaitJgfu/l peopUy'^ijere hf u tottdminifier : But thf frefent Aif- Id pag. ^6.
niSferit of tht EccUftafiicaU <iA^entt lies ef England, hath not a ]^^^^^. '^^^-
true vfi€ation and calling by etc^ion, approbatton and ordination p^"-^ 79^"*
sfthc FaithffiUp€ofh Ww^ they t/4dminifitr. Therefore none Stipcndiariw '
mt{ft hear^^ cr f^ynein Splmttall Cojunmnion'^iththfprejent &c. be, neither
Mit>ifierie of thfEcckfuiflicaU Afemblies of England, '" elcftion nor
muhofthe Propofttions the Non^ironformip ^iU dtnie I ""J^^^^^^^^^
kno^>f$t:butfure fam, they are both iioiirs. HoW'beit ( it ^^rs a-rccablc
fn^^ be ) th^y doe not ft Wel/rtri^b their.fiTA^nePrwcipleif^ as they to the vVord ot
/hanld ; Andhe^e it it, that their pra^ice it notfo iiri^ly an- God, then is
fWn-ablc to their ?Yofejfion , and therefore doegiVe Jkfi occafiom ^^^^^ Miniftt-
( I ffeofkeitroith griefr ) unto the Frtlates, and their'ParaJites<, \^:^.^y^^^[\'^ati-
toinfinnate againfi them hypocriticall et^ds. In condemning /<»chrjftian,an<i
fo ccnfequent-
iv rhcydcalevtith the holy tilings of Gnd. Can. S"r.;T' §; i i. pag. i i?- All thcfi:
affirmc, Tlui wlvjfocvcr take th upon liim :o preach, without* lawtull fending, iom-
mrth in not by alav^ifullcle^lton, andholy Church ordinance jbutbreakcih in againfi
order, bv force and favour of men, and by humane Iaw:S , he is a Str.mgcr, a thiefc , a
miirdcrtr. accordino toChrillsfaymgs m fthn i o. And thus bavc the old Writers ex-
pouruicd cbc pbcis, as lrie,icui lib. 4. cap. 4 Clar-ens jikxan. lib. i.. '^titu:. Cypr,
lib. J. Epift. <i\&j6^.^idit/iUi m lohir I©.' A«j)^/\.v^ i«bn 10. c- iheodtrtt ibid,
and others. . . - ■-■ • ~
D 2 grii-
(20)
W f C^'*^^^) '**'^ ^^^ to far take in the kncv/fneevills and Ahnfes there-
Ccv^^tplii. to *'/•' "^f^^fi^ «;f'»^'» lamBthet^ifc minded than the Bijhofs in
t he Reader. thij things and ^ae thinke^ that they doe ofconfcience condemne the
VVhubettcr fiateofthtChttt'ch,bHtdoe not maturely conjider therefyonfive
(houldwe ex- conelftfoxSj'^lnchfoUoVP upon their Priheiplet, For which caufe
pcft troin J have vcrittenofpurpfethisTr«atife,tdprave they cannot JH-
leek to put out ft *fi^ ^^^^ Tenents Againfi that Churchyand ^and members i(W-
the light a- fnlly thereof.
game, v^hich
hith been by themrdvcs chiefly revealed unto many i fcnovr wh.it I fay , and hatrc
good expericQcc of this thing.
An s w e r.
HA N N I B A L faidmce ( {aith M. 7arker ) There
-WAS notfo much as one in all the enemies campe, that W^/
called G\(co :So may it truly befaidno^y Notfo much
publ"o *d ia ^ one of the godly J^hifterSy thlitfujfer in England about the
the prof.inc Difcipli*:c. that may defervedly be called a 'BroWmJf. And the
rehif.ofthc Nonconforoiifts doe iTD iDorc lay the grounds of Separation,
^'°r"' f ^ ^^""^^ ^^^ Refci mcd Chi'tches fowc the kede of Libertinifme,
CrciTo°pii t\ ^^^ x^rabaptiftric, which of all others they have moft foiindly
C.9. §^z. " confuted, and judicioufly laid open to the world, without
Asforthofe fecking to juftific ought, that clfewhere upon good reafon
tfthcSepara- ^i^cy condemned to be evill. But it is no new thing to re-
non , ^^ proach them as the Authors of crrors,here(ies,cr fchifmes,\^o
thim m"ore principally laboured the fuppreiTmg of them. No man crycd
than wee ? downc the ErrouT of the Manichees concerning a good God
ov who hwe and an cviU, fo much as zAttfiine : and yet their opinion is
writtcf* mote ^ ^.^a^ged upon theni that hold his opinion of abfolutc Predefti-
s?mcthines ' nation. ThcpofitionsoftheStoicksanl'wcretothe opinions
cf iraththfy
hotd , with which we thinke it no more finnc forus now to agree, xhinCyprian once
to agree with 'i^vauafiHi m that which hce cftecmed right^cJ^c. So whatloeverftirre or
ledirion wo-s moved by the uiibeletvjng Icwcs, it was imputed to the lews that were
Chriflia >s, who were thought to be all one With them. Cafa/.Barifi. Annal. in anno 20 1.
^heitnpiuitieof the Gnoft:cks,was drawnc to the defamation of all other Chnfhans,
no difterence being made between them Cicer. rar,iii. z. M Sutcl.traii.de dj/c.Cd ly.
vag. 16^ Bell ifCh.Gozern.cap.ii.pag.xsi.J $i.Ba?iCi0fi,trafi.u/d/fcip.cap.i ?.M.43«>.
4 J 1.4 3 X LAtis^juri}».EceIef.pag.6i.6i. So whereas the Egyptiam were diriyveniu^j
^u t'jundL, ja^iameSi ■vaWyUbtn^ nroariim return cupieniti : the Chnlti:;ns , ind all that arc
there dwelling, ate thought to be the very fame.
f>f
00
oi the Remonftrants concerning "Free VVlU and power in
Man : but the contrary fide is burdened ther-.with. The
grounds of the Nonconformtfts ftand dircdly oppofitc to the
fpcciall grounds ol- Separation, and yet they ''carc from fome,
diat they be Separatifts in heart , from others, that they have
laid the foundation, and the Separatifts build upon it., and tliat
fuchas have m^dc anfwerc to the Separatifts, doe againft
confcience put out the light, which hath been by thcn/elves '
chieHy revealed.
It is true, they complains ofabufcs in the Church ( and not
to excufe humane frailty ) Ibmetimes with heat and fervour
cxcellive, and humbly fuc for reformation. But to fcek rc-
drcffc ot what is out of order, is rather to endeavour the re-
pairc of what is ruinous, than the plucking of it down, ft is
one thing dutifully to urge the proceeding of cur Church unto
ferfeBion, another, fckijmatically to leAve^andforfakc her. Be-
twixt thefe /W<7, tlxre is as much difference , at U hetyveene that ^' ^' ^^ ""
child that in tender a fetlion reprovethy<tnd. lairoureth the ^^for- i^^^^^iy ^5,
.mation of his Mother, whom hefeeth bj her indifc*rst kehaviour Hpifl. la the
to become a reproach among Vromen-^ and him that under pre- Kcackr..
fence of the hate of her uncomely behaviour, JhoMd plucky out her
boypellsy andforfake her.
They complainc of abules remaining in the Reformation,
not denying that a wonderfull and gracious reformation is al-
ready made, but moving to a through and perfed reformati-
on of what is wanting and out of order. For willingly they
confefle, that next unto the Lord God, every one of them is
moft deeply bound unto the Kings and Princes, whom he bath
ufcd as excellent inftruments to deliver his Church here , out
of the fpirituall Bgjpt of Poperie. ThU they "Willingly confejfe ,. ,
before men, and in their prayers daily give moji humble thanks tOg'^^ '^ * ■' ""
God for J And by their earnefi fuite^ and h tmble ds fires , vehich
they have for further reformation ^they arefofarrefom unthankc
fulaejfe, that they dejire the heape offelicitie to tfx Church and
Commontrcalth.
Which of the Prophets doth not cry out againft the Pricfts
»n time of the law ? Againft their pride, oppreftion, covctouf-
ncHe., tyrannic; that they defpifcd knowledge , oppofed the
true Prophets of the Lord , countenanced impietie and pro-
fancneffejandftiewcdthcmfclves enemies to all goodnefle?
D 3 Did
C")
Did the Prophets then, whokncw what it was to workc ac-
cording to their o wne Principles, teach a neccffitic of Se^ra^
♦•ion, Of give prcfiJents to ethers to fcparate by their example I
Plathd Im'tta in all ages of the Church, complaints have be n r>ade agaiim:
MarccUift. Hivic abufcs of this nature, by all forts, arcient and mouemc j who
autem caimiid- ^^^^^ dcnj'edthe Churches where-the true fait> was profcl-
^'^^>^;'-'''''"^'^'' Ted, to be the true Churcl^es of Chrifl- : Cjv^m tomplaincs
ifJj^l^t^'U^y3S,,BtreIJimmevoHnjtriHhkd, th^t the Church hath mar
Eufcb. &c. *^y P^fiors , »«<; not onely doe not oppoje their hpeUes agatnjf the
Cjpr. de dhplicl incurfions afrmlves^ hnt alfo they themffk/ei doe yUj the parts of
Martyr. Hie ^olves^ yfhtles they defiroy thefouLt of thejimple^ they themfelves
difaucwr qiwd ^^^i„^ ffj^i^ bellies ^ gaine And ambition ; and make merchandife
^ao}ts"haleat "ffthe fVord of Cjod^ and adftlterate it V^ith ungodly opinions. The
ecclejta qui non Counfell of Nice makes complaint. That many things in the ad'
JoiHfnnonoppO' fuljfionof Presbyters and 3iJhops\>:>as done cortrary to the Rule^^
nuntpia corpora ^^^ j-^^^ ffjg o^ceofa Pafior, and gcvernment of the Church
. '" 7^"' VCM committed to men altogether Hvrporthy^ Hierom reproach*-
Jo^m etiam ip- cth the Bil"hop of lerufa/em, thzt he conld, as himlclfe boaftcd,
fiiupos agavt, make in one houre a ihoufand Clarrks : and condcmnctb it in o-
^^' thers , Thiit Qlarkes run to the 'Bijhops fuffraganes certaine
C(mctl.l<tc. 1 . ^lJ^J oftheyeere^ and bringing fowefuTmne of money, they are oT"
dih 4^ cat' ^^^^^> being chofen of none. Ambrofe {he WCth the abuie in his
Lea ad Afritan. timc, to be this, If a man asked fome of them who preferred them
Bp'ili. 8 5 .Grat. to be T^riefts^anfrcere is made by and by ^ that the (iyfrchbifhop for
dilf.6i.ca.'). an hundred Jhillin^s ordained me Bijhop. Naz>ian3jen in Apo*
Uicon.adOce- j That they which handle holy thinos ^^ith unwajhen hands,
^^ ^ and polluted fouls, are more tn number than they, over whom they
• T.C. I (pi. I .pa^. rule ; iJ^iiferi inpietate, miferi in Iflendore. And ad; A'iaxi'
41. mitm. Ad P aft or alls muncris adminifirationem nihil centnle-
^■irnbr (\c offic. y^yif^ yiiji quodcomam quam turpiter alere Muduerunt , raferunt,
lib. \,up. so. j\nd in the fame place : Depecuniisiamin ecclepabellum oeri-
cjp. 2i. Ex MO *^'^' ^Vl^a^ Bafi.1: of an MeathM was made a Christian, he
in Ecdifi.s,fi- i^ith That he did greatly reoHder at the dij[entio>is , \^hich Were
cut in imperii in the Ch»rch concermnff Faith ^ and the contentions of the Go-
homciw, crevii i-crnors : hecaufe every one leaving the do5lrine of OHr L<srd le-
txdeicCTdoie f**^ C^^^f^ > ^^^ (challenge to himf elf , by his owne authoriti" , cer-
c> zijltfdc t/-' taine rules and orders : Alfo 9 perceiveddijfeptions to an fe from
pheta. hence, be^aufe there was no difcipline, no knowledge of Cod , or it
J^afin Afi ctichrp^ perverfe if any . Cliryfoftomc; ' Ncque iiktneritos folum ad-
t r\.r:r;i'cr. legKnt^fedor idoneos eiiciunt. The T'<'/(fm» Councdl^ com-
pbinc,.
plaints that for eighteen yferesy no Synod wAi heldy Whence came
^rojfe ignorance, and corruption of the (^Unifiers, It would
be too long to fet downc at large the grave, ("harpc and lai-nen-
table comphints, that Nichob.s de Clemmg-^ Tetrus de Alittco^ ^<^( '^(jcM.
^fr»/<r</, andour9//i«J,havepublil"Iied againfl; the Ecclefia- /^^^''^'"^^- ^^^''-
fticali Govcrnours of their times , for their ignorance , pride, 'rtirMdc Aiiaco
luxurie, riot , drL:p.kenncfle,perfecution of all true godlincfle, ^efumat .eccIc.
covctoufncfTe, rapine, contcntierw , brawlesj fimonie, and ^crtumconv.
what not ? And fince the time of Reformation , not the In- ^' ^-fi'-^-Hcu
conformifts only, but the godly Bil'kiops,;; and Martyrs them- f/f^r"^^^^'
felvcs, have obferved, be wailed, and reproved thefc abufes. Fa- pt'r/eculiZe 'tta
therZ^jf»*rr,inliis Sermons generally, but in his Sermon ofp>im',quivi^cn-
the Plough, is plaine and large a^ainft the pompe and idkneiTe ^''"' '^ r^<^cliCn
of Billiops, who LorcL it over, hut feed not the Flocl^ ofChrtfi, ^ f^'^^^t^fn
muz^e the people in ignorance And profay;e>jejfe ^ live *''*otouflyy\^^J/L i^
hunt after preferment , but feek^not the winning of fouls unto God, Pa-rum en w-
Bifhop Hooper compIaines,laying, It is great pity to fee how^ris viiiUbus^
farrethato^ceofa'BiJJjopii degenerated from the original I in 1"'>'^ "o» /^>-
the Scripture, itn-as nctfo at the beginningywhen BiJIjps ^ere at ^^i ' r^
the beji, as the Epifi. o/Paul to Titlis tefiifieth-^tka Willed him to sle i^gir.de^C
ordaine in eveyy ptic ofCreete a "Bijhop. And as lliarply and fm-d. Ecelcf.
dofcly hecaiiureth the Billiops ot his daics , for arrogating to ^i''^-
chcmfelves fo much witt, as to Rule and favc in both States, ^''p'^*' °" ^^'^
in the Church, and in the CiviUPolicie, and to the contrary, ^,^°'J^ '5'
piofeflethjT'^^r one of them u more than any m.in u able tofatif- wolulitr. de
fiei andthjt it i^ not poffible that one Jhould doe both well ^ andpont.Rom.pre"
that it is a great overjight of the Princes y and higher Towers of.''^^-ad^uduo
the earthy fo to chargt them with two burdens, when none of them, \^'^ j^ff^^'^'
AS hefAtthy is able to beare the leafi of them both. The accuia- pyhno invwi^
tions which are brought againft both the Miniftcrs and mem- est, quodipfo
bers in the Separatifts Congregations are not few , nor light, '"^'"■*<' riugU
notfuchascan be wiped away with reproaches. All t\\t[tt^'Z'''*'''-^'^"''f'^'
have borne witnefle of the great difordcrs and corruptions,^^;^f^''J^^*
dcmesjiidica-.-
runt- ^i»d quamqiiam yumfiatim apparult , tunen mifcra exper'iatua de'mceps demtn/liO'
vit.Tum eaim ambtt'io inpfii m Eahjiam, & Epifcupi aeferunt inn minus de di^aUate Ci^rum
fcdium^ qium de Chr:fti grc^e cogitarCy &c. Cicge-i: A'4^'4»^. orut i. pjg. 3 ^p. They in-
trude thcmlclves unto the molt holy Miniflenes vrith unw.ifhen hands and minds , -as
they fay, and bcfoie they arc worthy to come unto the Sacramcntf,tkcy aftcd the San-
cluarie it k\ k,& ciramficrofaJiSlam menfamfreniuniH,- & proicndi*^m-,c{iQcm[ng this or-
der no: an example of vcrtur, but a maintcn.mce and kclucoflUe.
wuich
which have been in the Church of God, but they never dcen>
eu the focietie w^s to be abandoned ,. bccaiifc of thcle great
^id erroneous blcmillies, rather they fough the redrefle and
reformation of what was amiflc .
If fome things of man be mixed with thj." /hich is of Cod,
as humane fuperioritic with divine Miniflerie, ':hc pure wheat
with Ibmechaffe, the holy Sacraments witi. rites favouring
of fuperftitionj a found ChrilUan is not to caft away what is of
God, as a nullitie , fruitleflc, defiled, Antichriftian, Idolatrous,
becaufcfomewhat humane is annexed unto them, nor in de-
fence of the good to be charged or condemncd,as going croflc
Aug. defid. & ^q ^^^^t which hc taught againft the cvill. If an unmeet Mini-
^°"' XTiw'i ^^'^ ^ ^^^ ^" °^*^^' ^y whomfoever the elcaion is made, hc is
p'iam^^i^aam of men, or humane : "but forthwith there foUowcth not a nul-
ptrtinere arhi- litie of his Minifterie. If a fit Miniftcr be chofen diforderly,
cramurt ut & in that choice '.'icre is fomewhat humane , but the Office or
ctmesin eccUfu ^4inifterie is of God. In the body we can diftinguifh between
%XsITkrt-- ^hc ftibftance and the fickncfTe which clcaveth unto itjbct wixt
mtii.iurt . ani. the fubftanc 3 of fome membcr,and a bunch or Iwel'ing, which
Nkui. in Bell, is a deformitie, but deflroyeth not the nature, taketh not a-
conir J./. I «. 5 . -way the ufe of that part or member.
i. I .ca. ? .mt.z^. j^^ ^^^^ anfVcere can be given to the ttrgnntent dra^n from
Popfn*ofd?na- *^'^^ grounds ? tphichTropoftion in the fyllogifme frofOHnded,
tion, faiih, ^^^ ^"'y denie, feeing they are both theirs ?
A parne ad to^ If both be thcirs , they cannct denic them, but hc that hath
ium ntn pme- fgen you by your writings onJy,knoweth by experience, iflie
dii argument a- j^^^ ^^^ ^ „ ^y^jj j^ jj ^Qt lafq to truft your oarc faying, or
imealKiuidm. confident Afifertion. ^ ' ^
hill faciunty trga The Nonconformifts dilQ^mc the Major,as none of theirs:
nihil! faciunt or- andthc AfTumptionjfofarrcas it is true, makes nothing ?»
dhuiiamm. gainftthem.
SfZa ^'^^^* ^^^ Nonccr.farmi'ls never held Oidination by the
efiy ptma-nt pcople, where he is to adminift er, to be necefTarie or effentiall
facimus; quod a in thc calhng of a Miniftcr^ For in their opinion , ordination
malo efifadmus
nrhili. Cdvinits atttem co in loco agit dc yitibm advc7Uitiiifol'm,no)t de oidi^atione tttaftfnplki-
tor. {mpofition of handSjWhcrcby thc extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were g' .en un-
to BelccrerSjVfai peculiar tothe rtpoftIcs./i(5?.8.i4, i 'i.ii).6.&videBe\a.aKrjet,fKajoT.in
xACI. 19. Synopf,purfor. Theol. dijput.z^.§. J *• 3 } -Jja Pafto- es eligCTidi, eft fates Ecdtfiam^ac
pmnde pkbi cmvenit cum fresbyte-fU Jaseos ordinandi folis Preibyteris ejt propriu .C an V ^cef.
o£(epjc.i.p.i./utt. aniinad.mBeil.ion{.^.l.\.ca.i,not.$iio. BelLdetUr./.i. ca.^.^.Accedai.
bq-
bdongcth not to thccommunitieofthcFaithfizll but to the
Prcsbyterie, or CcUedgr Ecclefiaftiait , and may and ougut to
'^^ performed b the Presbyters of neighbouring Congreg
tbns, if theyhavc none of their owne, or not "a competent
number. Thus y^u your felfe relate their Pofition. More<mer, =
ever J officer ia the Chnrch , mufl be ordained bj impojition of
hands of the Eloirfhi^^ the ^hole Chnrch joyning with them in
falling and prayer.
Secondly, They give not the fole power of Election to the
commiinitiecfthe FaithhiU, but require their confcnt in the
deAion, by the guidance anu diredion of their Governors, and sec ca 'vh Epilt
the Ecclefiafticall CoUedge, to whom the Government of iji.c^/«/?if./4.
the Church is committed. They allow not that every fmall'^'^/'. 5.§. if.
companie fhould doe as they pleafe, or (land upon their owne ^- ^- ^'^P^-'^-P'^g- ' •
bottome; But as the Church is to be governed by common l^^V^/,
counfell, and confent of the Ecclcfiafticall Cc^^dge, io the Cie- Zfi!^t'JiJr' Qd
aion and choice of the Paftor or Teacher, is tc be made by tlie pr^cme ©• mdel
diredion and counfell of the Senate. A Paftor ihould not be ^<^"'^ c'^''" '^i'rciby^
thruft upon the people without their knowledge and approba- ^'^'^'^l ^''^', ^^'"*
tion.neitherihouldthepeopleproceed therein without dire- Swlr/!:'
aion of the Governours. . ^ pulusfolus digc-u.
Thirdly, The Minifter doth not derive his power or authori- ^on eft autm ab (9
tic,cithervertually or formally from the people, butimmedi- f'^f'ifipericuium.Hbi
atelyfromChrift, whofe fervant he is, for the Churches uTc ^"J^^^^^^^^.''"^'
and benefit, in whofe name lie muft execute his office , whofe Pmbymmm, Vaflr-
mcflage he muft deliver, whofe feales he muft difpencc, and to timcmfiiw & auitn-
^vhom he muft give account, "^his is that which Framifcus^le ^^^^<^ vidmru/n e-
rr<^tfW4,the matter of C*<««faffirmeth C though his words be f '^^''^'^'"* ^^^-f"'':
ignorandy drawnc to another purpofe, 1 fuppofe you know by ^S"o/ur'tJ!! '
.vhom) That a/i'SiJhops doe derive Inrifcbiiion And fswer im- ca.y.fwf.i^^' '
mediate/jf from God. ^mctliti hi ^.Stnt.
Fourthly, If the people have guren away their power •£ c- ^^■'^*- ^^- ^-^a.^.
ledion, or be not fit to chufc, through their ignorance or Cm- J^^/,&/^'f^
mduue a Chriflo'
Horb. Lenk.l.z.tap.i.i.prop. 1?. pag. ly?. Jfaque potencuiguaM^&c.Fr.de/^iaor.i/trel. de
fotcft. crdc. ^z.iV. B. The church plea. '§. ^.pag. 78, A difpute.par. g. cap. 8. pag. 167. Of
hirnv;!' j i<> obtruded and thruft ui^'on apeovlc wiihout their ownceleftion, it ij well faid by
Zofichrui, 1 hat he can neither excixife his Mimftenc with a good confcienccjnor yet be ore-
fitabk to the people. Sec Ftdf^iu Rhem, in Epbe. 4. 1 3. A$ foinc people be of that diip«£.
tion, that they know better to He govciucd, thi 1 to govetnc. Grai. de JHre belli, lib. i. t. 5.
pj^.4^. fo it farcth with fomc Chriftians, that it is better they fliould be provided for , than
left to provide for themfeWcs.
E pH-
Elicitic, or that libcrtic be taken from them, they conceive it to
eamaiKTcordefcftinthecaUingoftheMinifter; but this dc-
fcCt doth not mak'^ a nullitic of the office, or a6.s done by vertuc
of that calling,which he hath: For in every true Church, where
the Word of God is intirely Preached,and rec';:i\ ed, and the ;>a-
craments for fubfrancc rightly adminiftred, there i«? a true Mni-
fterie^andatruccallir^ to the Minift'eric* though in f€>tne
things maimed and faultie. In the Church of God , and no
where eHc» all found and faving truth is to be found : for the
Church is the pillar and ground of Truth j and where the pro-
feflfion of all faving Truth, with the right adminiftration of the
Sacraments is found, thae is the Church,which ordinarily can-
not be had, maintained or continued, without a true Miniftc-
ric, nor that without a true calling.
The laving truth of G od, and a true Minifterie are eflcntiall
G><tfw».7)f<rmJ^. .(Qttietrue Church, confifling of all it parts, and partaker of
6 J . rj/?. 2 z, a 3 . ^^^ Ordinances of grace. Something oi thefe remainc in every
campletcfocietie, which hathany thing of the Church, and
i^a m vfta Bene^ ^^^ &ftance and ctTence, they are true in every true and lawfull
jn the Primitive complete focietie ; But as the profellion of the truth may be
chutch,thc people found in all fundamental! points, though mixed with many er-
whic h were Lay- rouTS : fo for Truth and exiftence,the Minifterie may be lawfull,
men, chofe their tj^ough in many particulars delinquent and deficient.
fon ETme"h?BL In the true Church then, there is a true Minifterie, But the
fhoi^s 'of Rome true church hath continued -there by the ble/fing of God,
thcmielvcs were where the Election ofMiniftcTs hath been given away by the
n )t chofcn wi th- people, or taken from them.
T-^p^in °" &c °^ ^" '^^^^^ ""^^^' ^^^ ^^^^ Priefthood xvas bought and fold for
IndthTEmpcron fiionie,^ and fomtimes it was made annuall, that every yeere
were poflefleii of ic ncw Priefts Were created, as thofe GoAiemours , whom Kings
!is their rig,ht, ever change every yeere : that as every man wouW lay out more or
fixe the staiegof telTe monic, he fhould obtaine, or lofe the Priefthood. Which
^cb'vtstTfa' m ^^^ ^^ ^^*^" ^" ^^^ examples oif lafon and Menelatts, Never-
3 pag.r68. '^ *^^ thclefle, fo long as the Church of the Jewes continued
s'oi.imbi.' the Church of God the Priefthood continued alfo.
t Mac.^ iA^6, In the Primitive Churches, when the people had a voice in
^7 . W(p' ^n!iq. the choice of their Teachers, oftentimes there were fadions in
'ti^up the Church, the people ftood againft their Guides, and the
o'rmLiairnwide Guides againft their people , and the people were divided one
pJjftffaic. cap. 1 8. cmil Laodc.cap. ij. NQaesl^efmiuemimi mbis, &c, lan.mmaflv' U
againft
againft anotho*. And fometimes, either thrc#ugh flotb , or tor
pcacc,thc t^aftors l^ft the eledion of Officers to the pecpk^iid RufSn. lib. 1 1 c : 3.
thf. i>cople challenged it unto themfelveSjand fometimes 'aeaine '^' •
they took it from cheir people, and challenged it to them- ^^''^- ''''^- ^'^' '^•
felvfc.^ ButintWc nids of thefc broyles, he was accounted a Au<7ufl.£fy/?.iio
t^ii^ Miiiiftcr, who.wa$ eleded, whetlier by the Guides , or by & 22 j.' ' ' "
thcpeople,orbycheEi«perour, fo he taugiit the dodrin^ of ^'^^/./j/j^./i^.z- f-?-
Salvation truely. And if this be not admitted , what (hall be ^^'5^-^9-
done, when the .people and their Elders be divided in the ^7*''^''"'^''"*'
choice of a fit Officer or Guide. If the people prevaile againft Sozom. hift.izxg.
their Elders, he whom they chufe is no Minifter to them , be- 1^,1?.
caufe notchofen by their Suffrages : ]£ the Elders againft the ^iazianz. mEfit.
people, he whom they approve is no Minifter,becaiife he wants ^^'''"' , ^
the peoples voice. And it the people di{Tent,thc\' muft feparatc Thf^\'^/?t'^
and cxcommurncate one another, became to the one part he is xj.
no Minifter, whom the other approve. GTdtia7tMn.6i.rj
Though Qj^rian teach, ThAt MimSlersJhould be ehof«nby the i.' > ' - •
feople, yet this forme of Efedionwas not in fome Churches ^^/^''•'' ? '.''V^-»4-
in Cyprians time, who were cfteemed true Churches, and true n-. b. The Church
Minilters. And Cjp^^'*^ himfelfe appointed ttAweliHs a Rea- pica. §. 8. pag. 00!
der, without advice of the Church, by thcauthoritieof his fel- ^•^- 'fp^- ^-pai;*.
low-Miniftersthen prefent. C:**^-
FinUnfts was ordained of the people, Elder of the Church, a- (JY' 'e1% \ Ij
gainft «^if*j^«/?t«^j minde and will. ^thmAfius made Frtir- i^.\plfi^j!'^ ^'^^
Tftettt'tHs Billiop , and fent him to the Indies , he created Pres- ihe like he did for
bytefs in other Churches, and. when he came into Bgypt^ g^optatus, Saiuus
many as he knew addidied to the Arian hCTefie, hee put them ^J^j^^'"^ ^ ^"'"^
out of their place, and whofc Faith he tryed and approved , to Cai*r. infi.i 4.5.4.
them he committed the Churches. The Church of ^«ir^«4 §. ,0.
gn ve this honor to tx^mc^i, that without his confcnt, it could a uguft. «;?//?. i»j.
not chufe a Billiop. You will not denic but the Minifterie of ^ ^^°'^-'-.'.:*,*^- *^
the Church for the firft, fecond, and third , and fourth hundred ^^l^^' "'' ' ^'
yeercs after Chrift,was true, and might be joy ned withail. For So'iom. ,'. i . c.zo.
thuswritethafrieridofyours ( and as it is fuppolcd by your Socrat./;i;T,/;^.7.c.i.
aide. ) Jt^ a^rmedby the Centuries of Magdenburg , that from ^S.
{^hrifis afcexfion, unto TrSLJins time y which is about an ^^^^^^p^^f § 3^p3<, g"^
yeers^every partictilar Church iA>as governed by the Bijhops ^ •^^" Cciuur.i.c3.4.
dersnnd Deacons , and dcfcribing thefiate ofChriBian Churches, Centpr.d^y.col.
from Tra j ans r eigne unto Severus (that is, from theyeere of C hrij} s^ f .
I GO /«? 195 j thus they wrrte , The order of government yvas po- --eitur. i.c.y.p.
fulai Jor all Churches had cqu.ill poWer if teaching purely f/x'^^'*^^'
E 2 fVord
(z8)
irordofnodyAdminiftrAtion of:the SaCramentSy exeimffMmcAtioft
0fhereuckiand^'kkedf€rfonsyloojing the pnitenty the eUii'ton
*f }]doruination ofMinifiers^ And the defofitlon 9f them t^aine for
jufl caufe. And even unto Conftantincs tinKy The Primitive pu-
rity of Church Government yvas not yet defounu^ with the dregges .
of mans invention. Neither had Satan brought in Preiaticail
pride into the Jheepfold of the Lord; butPafiors looked every one
to the health of his orvne flocks And a litle after he citeth Epipha-
niuSy Hierome, Ambrofe^Cyrill, Hi/Mey and Cjregorie Nazian-
z£ne,K making for him in the matter of chufing Miniftcrs. But
moft certaine it is, within this fpace of time, many things were
done, in the eledion and ordination of Miniftcrs, which are ai-
redlycroflfe to that which you require as eflentiali in his cal-
ling, ifat any time you can prove that all things v/cre obfcr-
ved; which I doe not beleeve.
e^w^ro/fhimfelfe was chofcnBifliop, when he was onely
Catechumenus , before he was baptized , fothat he was con-
ftraincd to teach that which himlelfe had not learned; ycftcr-
day catcchilcd, to day a Bilhop. The Eleflion in all things not
to be approved as confonant to the rule (for the Canons were
ftrong againft it, and Saint Paul fecmeth not willing that a no-
Socr. hijt. 1 5^/. 4- vice fhould bc a Bifliop ) but never thought or efteemcd to
be none at all. Of the eledion o^NetiariuSy fee Se^mene and
Socrates, lufiinian ordained y If any man build a Church , or
houfe ofprayeTy and would have Clerkes to be planted there, if he
aUo^ maintenance for them, andpkcefuch as be worthy, theyjhall
be ordained upon his Nomination. And the Toletan Councel de.
creed. That oi long as the founders of Churches doe live, they f^ all
befufered to have the ch'iefe and continuall care of the /aid Chur-
chesy andjhall offer fit Retlors to the Bijbop to be ordained : And
if the B'lfhop negleElingthe founders fhall pnCume to place any o-
therSy let him know, that his adrmffion fhall be voide , and to his
fl)ame, but iffuch as they chuje be prohibited by the Canons as un-
worthy y then let the Bijhop ta^e to promote fome whom he thinketh
more worthy .In tht{t particulars,thc cofent of the people is too
much abridged, as in Ibme other particulars they tooke too
much upon them, or they gave their right away, when yet the.
not' any refponfatic witting thereof; which thing Wjj nercr attempt e J under nny of the Prin-
cfS;yourprcdeceflor$,<^f. Yet 1 obeying thcjr grace* l^recepts . did from my heart rcnr.it
unto the faid Maxim»Stxh^% his preUiinpiionjas treclyps if he had been ordered by my [t\i,&c.
l9/.eil. torn. z. Cvfxil. Farjf/nt c;in.S^
cal-
Brigbtm. m Apoc.
See Inn.ecclA.i.
cap.i.
Sec Socrat. 1.4.C.'>.
lO.lI.
Or e.\6,ij.8ic.
;?5.Gr.lat.
If. & ca. i^. Gr
ca. ^o.kt.So-^^m^
Ezagr.p.i.c.i
e lo.j J. & rhco.
/.4.C6.
Ambr. offic./. r.
J5i//. Chriftrafi Su'->.
p.irt i. pag. i3 I.
5o^c»j.1. 7.C3p.8.
SocrJt. h/fi.l.'j.
/.'tflm-Novd.iuf.
21 J. cap. 18.9.
ConciLT»ktan.
fa. 1 1
Greg.ty.U.lb^o.
To Confiantia
the Eroprcfle.
Tbe Bilkop of
SakuA WAS orde-
red, ruither I,
C^9)
calling oftbe Minifter , or the office whereunto he was called
inthofecafeSjWasnotanuUitic. Jn many things ( faith the
CounceUof pAria, which was the complaint of the Niee*^
Councell long before ) the oldcHjiom U negUCied^ and the decrees
of the Canons are hrol^n. But the Minifterie of the Word ^ and
Sacraments was not made voide thereby. ; .•».,/.,,.■*..*/'<
The godly learncdjConfonant to the Scriptures , have ever-
more diftinguifhed betwixt an error in admilfion into an of-
fice, and a tiatnullitie of the office it felfe. The Minifters ele-
(Jtion into his office, ought to be according to the Rules of the '^cqiu lamtn uhi~
Word : before he enter into the Minifterie, he fhould be blame- '^'^^ ^^ "' panefdix
lefTe, apt to teach, found in Faith ; and much more is he to ap- ^''^f ^ yf^!* '^-'Z""
prove himfelf to be fuch a one in the execution,confidering that cumdwmdiTdepd
falls in the e:;ecution are much more dangerous to the C hurch, fum .• dkubi mam
than before. But defeds in the ele(5lion doe not make the cal- "'«# accuraia diti-
ling it ielfe utterly unlawfull. If one blame-worthy be eleded ^^^^''^j irruecat'me
or tolerated after, he is not to be reputed as one that minifters tLffr!^SLis-
altogether without a calling. Therefore the Non-conformifts /,t„t pniiii, utm-
never taught that the Minifter is not to be heard , or that wee ?/*w adt^iOonm
muft not hold communion with him in the Ordinances oiT'-'i^^s tefiaiur.
Worlhip, who is not elefted and ordained by the focietie ^^f j'^^f''\^f^*
where he is to adminifter; thoaghthey maintain the confent GubtiTi!'^'^'
of the people to be eflentiall to the fuU.compleat call of a ^lini- riatina w ^-ta Da-
ftcr to that place and people. Thus they doe profefle in anfwere »»■'/ *. ^deo emm
to this and liicb like accufations. Where ( laith T. C. ) doe they "^"/^-^ ''^ ^'c mos,
reafon thusXhe Word of God is not freachedJ^eCanfe the Mnifiers f if'^.^'f ;7*^-
.If J J I rr J -^ -r . ,, ^ . ■ ^'^l" llC^'i'^^ Petri
are not rtghtiy proved andeletted, q^c. Is tt altene4ofay tt ts not fcdcm invudm.
purely preachedj(^ it is not tyulypreach€d,(:^c. They nverfaid,that fd. in vita Benc-
there Pi no Adiniflerie in England , nor yet doe ever conclude, that ^^^-^-^ Vbi-cum^
thfre ii no Word, nor Sacraments, nor IDifcipline, nor Church. '^^' "f^^"^ 'f^^' ^
Herein they affirme or teach nothing, but what the godly '^'_^f^),f/,X^^
learned in all ages have acknowledged, ayfnatolttts confecrated a/cve,itate ad
ofDiofcoruSyWasap^TovedoiLco and Tharajius, The Qt- Lfnvlam^&c.
thodox Fathers profeflcd , fo the 7)onatif}s would returne to ^ .^-^^Z^- ^-P^Z-^^l
the Catholikejtrue aiid Apoftolicall Taith or Doflrine, they f^\.i^ ^o
would lYot difallow their Bifhops, that they flight- -ttnderfiahd Conri'. Nice-!, z.
(faith ^Hgnfiine) that CathoUkes did not detefl C hr'iBian con- Auguft.<y>?r brev.
fecration,htit humane err onr. We ufe this moderation (^ii.)xh coU.it. cap ^.&ii.
George Prince -^Anhalt ) That they who are called forth to Paro- * "^'' '[ ^ ^^'"
ehiaU offices , if they promife that they for the time to come , niS cl^'rz T^>'mce ^n- ■
jretirh thejVord ftfrely^ and adwinifier the Sacraments, according ha't Jt/.66.
E 3 ta
to Chniisi'nflitiiH^.'^e receive them, Hotftinqiie tonteHtivo'
See Gr^t. Vccrct. catroffe \^ ntuneVh HUmaruiati comm£idue,orldi?tatfortem (^wa-
» p ai t. ca. i. Qu.7 • n7> r impjitipneiii mn iteremw . So. v^rf . Sntal. Si Epifcopi /ho
ca 8 . 1 8 J 1 9; lo . offt-ii, reBefitn^rentWy xS* ttirim% tcclrfiA c^ Evangelii gete»
9. Art.Smal. f^r.j. Pareu'/is prayled by .your felt , as an interpreter one ot a
ojt.io. tboufend, and oft cited by you in *his matter, as one' that cdn-
SLty. %At.p.iii. demneth the hearing of them that arc unlawftiliy fent. But •
Par. inHeb.^.4.& according to Paretisx Be tj liim>fullj fern ^^ho is calied y according
Tm'. in Km lo. I ^ t^ f^ o'^'otrr^ich ii inftitHtfd hy puhliefue amhmtie in every
I ^ . Ugitlrm tu. Chnrthyfor order fake'i and to edification. D anattf fharply tat-
tem vocatio ccdcfia eth the manner of calling Miriifters, which be conceived to be
eji, (j/i^ m qudvi4 jj, yf^ \^ England, and is againe and againe allcdged by you in
'thltlfor'dtk' ^^^s queftion ; but he doth admonilli withall , that We muft di-
caii(a ad tedificaiio- ftinguifh bctweene a calling maimed, and none at all, Ex his
nan injiuma. atttem omnibtis ( faith hee ) apparet^uam nulla. Jit /vel non Itgiti"
Dan. m i .Tim ?. ^^ eorum ver9i Dei MiniHrorumyVel ealejia PaHorftm vocat'^o,
P^- J ^ 3 • 5 ^ + • 5^" quifolius rtgis, vel regin<Cy velpatrOniy vel epijcopi , vel jiirchie-
paf. 2o d^ /i"^' pl^<^p^ authoritate, diplomat e, hn/lisyjujfu ^jtfdiciofit veleligi-
pag.xi^, ' ' tfir. Idejuod dolendumefiyadhuc fieri in iis eccfejiis , (juatamen
For, iren.l I. cap. fiitum Dei verbtim habent c^ fea^uantur^ veluti in rMdia Angfia,
ii prop.i^. tit. de ^am Anglos homines^ dlib z^iA [Afienrijfimos ^ acntiJfrmoSy c^ pien-
Haretic. Ctm id ft/n^ffos, in ifiis.tamen papifiic£ iddhlatri£y& tyr4nnidis reliqttiis
bm ehricis iuretxts, ^g'fy^^^dts c^tolkndis.jctentesprudentepjue CACUttre mtrnm efi.
quoad jui liciti e.rtf- ItaqfieprxclarefentiHnt,qHioj>tnem i/lam chartulariam (^ epi"
citiiy& quoad alio:, fcffpMticatn curioHum c^pafiorUm Ecelefia Creanderum ra tionenty
.1 ' a'; eomm commit- j^g^ ex Tola eplfcopi confenfii. ^ diplomat e mimftrorum verhi c*-
7iione abftmeait, & t a- \ . '^ -' '■ , . J. ■■' t ,
cis non obcdi-irtt • fui J vocattonem, approbationem or tnmgttrationem damnant^ol'
mnefi accipimhon l^ndamqueex reformat a ad Dei verbum Ecclefia. cenfent : qmd
deomnibitihtermch ordo Dei verbo prafcripfus in ordinatione hnjufmodi perfonarum
qiinadvalormcxer- fit pratermijfuXyac violatuSy (icut perfficne apparet. Denique &
mum^^Zio. S'^^-^tmEcclefiafiico & popnlo Chrifiiano jus omne fuum .tque
nc: licet iuiuiia ft*^'^agiummi[ere fit hoc rutione 0-inhoc genere vocationum rr-
eoyumcevfur^.ctia clefiafiicarumadeMptunty^ in unum qttendam Spifcopunimag'
tf^fomeuuUxfiu. natyrannide at que abufu tranfiatum. Dominm Dens talibus
corrnptionibusy qua adhuc in Ecclefiis tpfius fuprrfunt , CT defen-
duntury mederi magna fua mtfericordia dignetur dr velit , qudt
tandem certemagnamecclefia Dei ruindm fecu^ traJjent O'tp-
J urn facrofanElum verbi minifierturH rcddent efficient que vel
mercenariumy velomnino contemptibile & abjeClum. ^od'Dc'
minus avertat.
Vn^
Vmt medo ^naflh fuferefi, in hoc ay^ununto, Nimirum /[Hid
dcearnm adnrniflratioHefitfpntietfdjmt^ cjui nonfunt legitime 'lui^
cati, atque utrtim iis fana confcientia adh<ireYe debeamt^s ? Jn
ijHacertedsJiifjgmndHmcfij Autenim efi omnim Ulegitirmvo-^
catio ejus, qui ecclefiam Allquam adminifirat, vet non efi omnino
illegitimAyfedtantum ex forte. I Uegitima omnino efi ea , in qua
omnia Dei ferbo pr^/cyifta,funt pratermijfa vel violatt: , utji
qniifeiffHmintruferitfrivataay.iiontate. Npn omnl^Oyfed tan-
tum ex parte illegitima, cfi ea, inqHatantHm qtiadam ex illis non
chfervatafueruntyfedpraterwiffa. Eraocuius omnino ilUqitima ^ ^ ,. ^„
vocatioeir,t4Certe proprivatohaben.ihsejt^.ac mjufmodt. voCOr /in, stubs
tio pro nnlLi. Itaque neqne [acr>:.r»entA conferre potefi , neque reli- T his is the ftonc
qtM neqotid ecclefta gerere, (^ qttxgejftt pro nullis habentur^ nifi that you often , oi-
fortajje ejfet ex:raordinaria ejus wcatiojdeft, quxfignix tefiimo" "tncr ilwayes
niifque certU a Deo confirmata ejfet. Sola enim propagati Evan- if th'-r/bc'^an ^"
ge/ii (^fru6ifts qui ind£ multus emergit, confideratio non confir' thin^ wantmcr in
mat hujufmDdi omnino tlUgitimam vocatipnem , Htiqtte neque fd.- the Church, which
ti^s enatHs ilkgitimam copulam, qu<^ intercejfit inter adtilteros, '^^ ^^'^^ ^^^ re-
Vit'mm dtttem illudtolli potefi/fipofiea ordine & leaitlme voCetur S""^! * ^]t^^ /?
. . ■„ • ■ ^ ' fiji- -n. ' r I * ^ • itcad you ftiould
ts/frnprimnm ilUgittmc tn CMinifierio verjabAtur. J^ui amem thereof conclude
ex parte tAntumillegitime efi eleBiis cjr vocaitu ^ velftti fi per thn the Chatch it
Simomam quis mutms adeptHS eli, c^ non legitime popu/i velSe- vvith us impcrfcdi
natids ecclejiaftieicmfenfuy confenju tamen gnadnm obtinet, von efi yo^fonclude it ii
habendapro omnino nnlUhujttfmodivQCAtiOy fed vitium illnd efi \\[^cit%% in^tiic*
corrigendum. ItaqneifiiSacramenta conferre pojfunt , quia ut' conftitutionof a
cunque non omnino veram c^ latis legitimam vocatione habeant^ mans body, fomc
habent tamen aliquam. Sic Scribal. & Tharifei in cathedra Mo- P^"^'* ^^^ required
(^edebant. Sic Caiaphas in Pontificatu fummo erat, quern pretio J^^^^ ^ a?"fe H * d
reOemerat. Itaque exemplo q^ Apofiolerum & C^rifii ipfius , qui heart'sccand feme
eos monuit cjr reprehendit^ non autemfecejfionem a corpore Eccle- to comehncflcjas
fafecit^ab iis nos fegregare in a/ium cxtum non debemus, nee a to- funds, &:c. So it
to Ecckf}<i corpore ( 7d enim e(fet Donatiflarum hare (in revo^ "/" ^ '^v °^* i
\ri -c 1 r . • /• ci 1- Church :fomc
care )Jedpace7n Eccleju6, quantum w nobis est jColere nos oportet J ,t,inos 3^^ j-eaui-
etfi iU*id vitium qmd in eorum ptrfonU c^ eleElione inh^rety red totUcbcin^ of
damMre oportet, G?" qiMntnm pojfumus turn emendare/um tti.im a Church,and otht r
tmendatumvelle. , , . ',j .. ! ,.• \\ things to the beau-
Hacrationeft.utetiamafacrif^ulis ? aptniets calUttm 'Bap^ JJJ ■" iHt he no'J
tifmns non fit in Ecclefi^ Deirepetendus^ & pro nuUo hakendtts. ofjhe beinoofa
•' >>>.,, " . Church, alwaycs
to have a Minifteiie, much kfil \i it of thcbcinjofthc CKoith , a!\v.iycj to have the free
cb^icc tbereof.
Et
£tfi enimin'EcclefiADeillUgiumam vocationem PdpifOci Sa-
crificulihahm,tamcn ex Conjertfft fo^nli habent aliejuam, Efi
Avj^uft. contf. Par- ^^^^^ ^^^^ ( ^^ ^^ Aiiguft. ) alietmd frorfus non habere , aliMci
mniATi. l.c.ii. aute aU<^Hid permcioje habere-^aittidaHteaUqHidfaluhriter habere.
^uodtert'tHm jolnm nobis eligendfim efi. Sed famen, uti C^la-
gifiratus vitio ereAtrtsjJMagp^ratHS tamen efi propter populi cori'
Lib.^.del'B'r Lx' fenfumjC^uernadmodHindocet Varro ; it a ifi'tSacrifici,etfi vitlo
tin. creatifunt Epifcopi dr Presbyteri, »t tret^iTrl cko'koh potl$ts qnam
i''Ti(rK.'roi,fi»t werlto appeliafidi , tamen quadantenus Presbyteri
furtt & Epifcopi, prafertim apud eum populum qni in eo confenfit .
Thus farre Dan£us, whofeteftimonie I have rehearlbd at large,
that every man may fee with what fidelitic you quote Authors,
1 sAimomt.p i . 33 making for you. You cite out of the admonition , that the
Can. A_ecef. of ]sJon-conformifts complaine, That they have not (caree the face
ep f.4. §. r./). ofaChnrch, But this accufation, long fince hath beerl anl'wc-
redythzt i» faying the face of the Chttrch doth not fo mttch ap-
peare(^orib the whole procefle of their book doth declare,
that they meane when they fay,That we are fcarce come to the
r. C. rep] ip \7< outward face of the fame : ) they grant that ^ee have the true
Albeit i have ' Church of ^od : b fit that for tvant of thofe ordinances which it
fliewedhowui- Jhould have, and through cert aine the deformed rags of T*operiet
true it 1$ , that the -^fjlch itfhouldnot have, the Church doth not appeare in her native
mtTh"th°t"hfrc' colours, aHdfobedUtifuU,asitumeetJheJhouldbe prepared to f»
1 s no' C hurch in f^Ioriotu an Husband, as the Son of God.
HnglanJ,yetic.m- ^ Mafter C<«rf»>r/^k fevercly reprehendeth the abufes of the
not paflc by the fe- Ignorant Minifters, which in refpe<5l of the place which they
crct Phjlofophy, occupie,are Idols:becaufe they ftand for that,and make fhcw of
fior wo^uld prove' that,which they are not:and thcrupon he Mcth^admit you them
that the Authors of ^ rf^^^ osyou rvill,the Lord pronounceth^that theyjhallbe no Mi-
the admonition nifiers to him,^hich have no ktiorvledge. This you cite many
affi r me it times. But in two things, Mafter CarfWright cxplameth him-
r.C. repl. f.p.ii. ^^ip^ . ^T^^^xhat through ignorance of that which they doe , fame of
^ j'ywjj,,* , * them may be good men^'xc^i'icondXY, that his meaning was to
f i6<). ^ note, how unworthy tiicy arc, as of the office, fo of tne name
tiof.1^6. of a MinifteroftheGofpcl; not to make void their Minifte->
Can. Necef. of rie.'fuch as it is, in the adminiftration of the Sacraments, which
re ^f'etitplr I ^^^^ ^^^' ^ confijfe, M in the Popijh friefis Baptijme, for that
p^ , ^ / ••;'•• ^ij^y ^^ the pub/ike oj^ers appointed thereto, although unduely ad-
miniflredy to be the holy Sacraments of (jod.
Bright .'m A^as.^, Out of Mailer 'Brightman, you make a large difcourfe of the
bafe and rhamefiiU bcggerlincflc of the Clcrgie ; as that the
Curates '
CiKatos arcix)thi.'i.-*cry 4cpii ,iov1 in all mcti^^count, -a ^ip-
pany of Qc^gar]y/.Uo>v^;^aq(i,^|i9iv^vtbar^byi papnp ,^f;^hcir
more fnX i>aiiess \'si^^moee l4\^ji^4}^y rqa^up^nd. downe, '
bribe, im\ -ikkx^ily^ i>i>ot^iitwI.y U^ff ^ge , ai^aatt^r.,- to coin- c an. Ne«{r. of
palTaEcqleiiafltic^H .[^roirKKisi^s^cj/f .,.^%youteU^i^ q^ , hoMi(-.^cp. p.i ^, lo. i u
and ccrtfucs jKiiiT'-iiCi^rAtRi^^ ^vici^^i^n4i^Qd4:/M/;hicu OC7,
6au(c you,Oii>!t ^ l.wiiU m^q^}SWi9'zU%^'^h^^
Jtd^^i'^&A.dht^fK^im^.fU^^ fM'^J^i', .Wfio^^m primHn^ cH,
. onf/t4tfliK4p*id Ck:*'ftf*r»M(^'*^^'i'0^ lUnd^efi 4iflf'Jfi^^Pf[hUUt
i4m.r.ifififH(^i(?t]il(iJlHnf^^uoelpcrcipimtSantii, qmtits Oii/ver^
bumprffMc^ttM*^ ^perir.i c^rda per fioem opera Spir'tius fentiunt,
Tmia vKtm.hgreMPtr Q- fobtfiumfAnat^ impe''tu)uL>f(ipfum bt- p^-Lf,. f,r u
vi^mffVfki^ J^Jf»ii£jmii ^^.^m^^\ ^'f'^'ko^^^Ztohxiim CroUe pi. z.cap.
(iHpleti/:em'^**'P9f*4^*^^y^&MSj<{0fmr^¥m'^f^^ defepndere 9 § ipa^' n;. '
}M{ftty& .fibi pArHrc /{pud (e he^'ititim, .Lu|^'. ip. 5, &Q. Nee ^"^^ Second (Un-
«^!riic.fo<^-A.< Cif^nAtyqmJic amkOtmbw ekm hoc\iltribHi^\ m fi- '^^^^^ cercmo-
lu1Jafi4fft. Job,! ,i%,>^:^if Victim npscxcim,. uthn, e^utneo D..,..uiJh, .vhoai
€AnioiHt^<!lHqti^ii^f^g(^U ani^idytccedintfif ^adSagr(m:nt^m eic. -, the An^ibapti ft j
tu. In qnaperfid/tm naiCarjtefungHlnequeftio.pafcit-,, li{HtiJfimi* revive, with either
dcUciks^fupra omnc qHodveldici velcogitan potefi. !^o fenfu '^^ '^'^ ""^ ''*^^ *^'-
^HPrefiMMdUxantf^ap. ii.ig.THncxy^enieHt ^ah Ortettte ^ 7. °'^L.°'^ ^^'
^ J ■ r, ^ / n. ^ y-r ') • K . . "vies that wcc
Ocaciente a;- Borea ^fxAHjtro, & djcumttent tn regf^o Z>«, t. e, make .loSep.irati-
hkifhtt^ ex.&rmiilM^ oxis ^d Ev^^nceUumc^^^ on, as ih-.ydici
<;rpie»uP.in(m<::^'L/^'mHm,(^fcttfnbentei.^ eiMwenfam tn ceU- V' '*T' ^'^^'^ ^^
/ ' K" o " « r • J ' ..• ^ ■ ■ I ir both from
tr/tfuiaSA^ra cam. >.L9<fUktHrtiHm(i(ypC:itipt^ y-entiui^^ , ipt .- ^ .j^. ,jj„^rntnt
rHmfidff»Cr/'fce»Ji9pemmtot^mva-ifi:tef;nperj^^ :m f^rafpert— r.-id fio-n* their
. •» ,- <»■ . . p - ^ • ■> ' * V ■ Chinch is purc^
without rpot,'ah<2 Without wrinkle jri this ij^, and 'W^c'rcas'Ctjrjftian Churhcs tokrated fo-
. inous tuei), 3dv:3ti<:.-<f alio one (^^er'i/ an, .itcii/eti of+ef jyVcv'thc y held it iht ir duty f') fcpTatc
from ihe-n, asbenig no true Chtirchrs.- i -tee here a perfeft na'.gc of the Biownifts; inJ-oi
»hc An-ibaptii's, but not lo much as ahy li i amcat o-f Aay Eng'ifli Protcftant Preacher , tHi:
4* defirous 9f refjM-mation]..
^Mai^tesfiBi^i^ttHml^f-y^ter frifl'mam familiamAtfm eJimU^
yi^Hlkiiiinf^fts cvfy.fpftff(,ffepr/*. V. 2i6. ^. d. Nofftpi, *I>omi*
ffe^eommftnieufi frktifatttk hUaye eowoh^iftm tecttm aguavitmu^'
c'den^ e:€ tri^pia^ifiim ': a»forernunc Cofttm nas obfutabM /• Hmi ■■
enimrAtitiiteJf4d£iiidemfratclhm fserificitrMtn^ efttod fuaU ^
itihtteShrft^'fiitthus k'tjiuviU ciyeumferibiretu^t^fedifHiiLCAiat
qka ^&a^twii^l^fs, ejfpi^us atehtfi cohvivii m t<ilu, HdC
ig^tttr'aorens d«ffex 4d^c s:^ ir^em ^onum in <i»^HgticaM jEtf*
clejia. rejidere, ^rtcdicAtioftem mmirum verhiy Gr iegitimatn So*
(^affieiit&jim adfhpmfiratiortem. Jnquihttiitrif^ fe (^hnfint
ffr'a^Ml}>n^amlfh^xceptas, e^ndecttfta fm €drpcri4f»s vi-
ii^m excipieni. O nos igitHrfordiS^ffimos, isjmtiej a vtrho <m*
vTi^f^do refngintus, (^rifium enim comi'VAm reiff4imHs. O mi^
imf^idi contetnpores^ ijfifotTes r^ctpiefnU'Stteraffteftto rnrnff atriSmx
ncrsfuyit^ihtfts '^ChfrfiuiH h^vi}cdnterf^ad Canam ^cmimus*
Sedjjdt^difChiMr^.hjikgulifre foiatm : Btemm tjtti
fjfintyepj^dtirent (^' 4^ ptgiendo tjuamprhmm ak has EcclefiAC^gt"
t^tnt\ cum dudhcnt exofi^.m e^e (^iftt (SdndaUrtc- minlfir*"
r^m, duos brevt- mtfrefipifcenus ev»mitHffis ft* 0xc-^e,mfi vtvbu
ipjitu\ Chrtflit^iidresferentde-fpta, cnm to ffintmikAsioHe fLoffs
ighptrtiiii,miHj^tfie»}fgfsey ijmforer octtuji^ t$wtr4 ^fffttdejt^
Hon Jiatimtep'oripis furore jtrcitus , nofijffeproTnentiiomHira*
t'tone [aIu^U orbas , fed luculentum adhuc tui C9plAm relmjim
oTfirii^m,, qui tiPiper i'ef^um fnlfanti aperittitt, e^ fnavijftmam
tkam mviraHoftemper Sactamertta mnifWnmt .' f^tur fbeUfius
^ yb^hep$us efieorum error ,^m fjc )ih hacecclefa defciuHty
Parker dt polh Eccl. ~^uaf ChriffUi him prorftts exukret'^ fhd nlUfpes^falHtis maw*r^
lib.i.ca.i^. ^f/'t^ytt^eftpW- 'Ot'ttim kic Chri^um ewviiMm^m cum fifk.
p^ltiumcmn AniliA ^^^*f»^btt eostutc 0pumbere, ubt vident ChnjtutH.mn^Hder«i
-verba viu £tcin£ -^fiiHit f^n&loTes & mundioreferHnil Sed^ar^ftnoncomiim-
habtaL loh . 6 . Cmtfuo itfoTUm nfU f ^'ofi pofuufiW^ciari,^i»prit*f in Chvit-
^ ^ '■ 'd^-^R^"^^ 7d -1^^^ (^fd^d^fmty ^^hfieeruvt aiivbia di^rtinm : sffulehrefi^
"i^/Ldim ttilpfiui ^ ^ Ofnrt^ftex pr'Aikatione fn noftr4 Ecclefi/t ? Num^mdergo
donolitu-ncfeparat'w dHnyaXialuua. Jb'id* AqHivHStaJepavale? i Tim. ^■■l-\. Ac loqHiiw Tah-
UiidcfundoiiCnlalJcoirupuomdunm.eilliHsquacJiftcm.pictaicv. Seo.ir4-oit Tijfcipulos "Pofdnf?
y\ ft . r 9.9. z 8 . /^/ bte- fcparatio a ludttk oaf ipfn Eva^igclu fundaininu blafphmgnUbfU. 't^ftiemo
feparAtw/;emil!Amqiia pY'Jtc pittn: i Cor. 5.1 i. ViA, 17. 4 zPet.z 8. iTim.^.^, jftuullam
his Scrip'hr<e hck wfi/'f-iraih prrjaUpracipitHrifjua foiijiliaf^^^ hnninum
nonn ccffjna.T^tUum igitHr ftpwraimii ve[lr.t in Scyij>iM>-is ^ aui ixcmplu/apioraffshomimft , aui
friceptttmpiopbtdtrum & ApoUyleturaixtat/s-i,
Q1)
frtMcdfequisfotefittiftmittatur? Rom.xo.ijjf^r. ^iderg^
ver b urn frcfterUbemaHqHAm externa vocatienu tarn pen erf e
'/eff>uunt , CHJHS vimdivinam in cor^bus fentium ? Ethmjl
fruSlus ipfe ncn magi4 cnlpa liberat depYAvationts nofirai , qujm
vera prsles adultermm. Nee igitur nobis in iu actjuiefcendum
eji , nee iii a nobis propter ^alicftMS naves dejiciendftm. ^u^m^
•brem redite ad unitatem EceUJitc, <jua vesgennit (27- alnit. Si
fngiatit hunc (^hrifium, qni rnm eieUid in nijirii catibm canity
AC eos vicifsim excipit, profeSlt nufc^uam inventetis, Interim
€ogUemHs etiam ru>s , quxntum nobis tpfis malum aceerfmrns, (jm
mor(UcMjretinendofuperJ}itionesnofiras,fratres in tantttm pert-
eM/ftmvcniiei?nfis. (/ertejicjutdmontenti habet , tjucd oii».' con-
jirmdvit ipf/t Veritas , prajiaret hujufmodi hominibns fufpenfA
mola ajtnaria in collis^ntergi in profunda mArts. Watth. 1 8. 6.
Vtri/qke fanitatem mentis precor.
Here wcc fee the Non-conformifts agreeable to the Scri-
pture, found realbn,the confent of all Antiquitic,ancl their own
Principles doe plainely diftinguifh betwixt a maimc or defcd
in the calling of a Minifter, and no calling at all : that it is great
ignoranc>. or(tofpeak moft favourably') inconfideratcneflc *
to charge th'-jn, as if they went againft their own Principles,in
holding Communion with the Churches of England in the or-
dinances of Gods worlliip.
And if haft e bad not blinded, this you might have obfervcd f^obirfun aoainft
out of the Separatifts thcmfelveS. There is (faith onefpeaking Bern, rcafons di^
of Baptifmc^ in this point a further cofifideration to be had, unto TculT.p . i8 ^
'vhich both the Scriptures, and our o^'ne experience doe lead us:
namelji, that as the Ltrd hath his people in Babylon , his I meane.,
both in refpeSl ofeleflion, and of perfonall fanHif cation : fo hath
he for their fahes thert pre fen ed ( not^ithfi.mding all the j4pO'
fiafie andconfufion which is found in it ) fundry his holy truths
and on&n^nces,amongfi which 'Br.ptifmeis one. But if his or-
dinances be prefervcd, or any one of them true for fubftance , of
ncceffity Ibmc truth of Minifterie, whereby thofc ©rdinances
be adminiftred, muft bee prelerved alfo.
It is an injurie to the people ( as the Non-conformifts hold) v\ hiiTk'depsnt.
Kom. anir.^uiu.i.
c^ff. T . Si vclimtff Chrifltim ipfinn rr/picere , fuit fetpper ecckfite legmen mon:ochtcum , fi eccUfix
Prahytcoi, qiii hi ddhim & dijcifiiufuoipaiies .igchant , ^r flocrJicum : fitoium cd;piu (cc!e~
fia, quaiMus inelecl.'ooi eptfcoporum & ^reibytererum ftijfr:sgii finbMy iui tamcn kt ivTet^i'x feftt-
fcr Trxibyxrii ftrvarciM f Derwcraticwn.D.w. m i Tim, 5. pag. 352.
F 2 that
(?<5)
that a Minifter fhould be thruft upon them agaitift their mUst
or whoiti-tbcy nevcrTaw,riOr heard of. But it the people be
few,Tin:iplc,apttobedeceived, unable to judge oCtbe fitneiTc^
of a Minifter, they ft and in need of dircdion , not oncly from
their ownt Elders, but from other Churches. The pradlicc of
the Apoltles willconfirme this : for fometimcs men were pro-
pounded un^o tlie Church to be chofen, and fometimes tkc
choice was wholly left unto them. And was not this for our
dircdion, that more libertie may be given, where the danger is
lefle,and more caution and refeaint uic i , where the danger is
jipparant, that if they be left unto themfelves, either an ill, or an
unfit choice fhallbc made ? In reafon it is evidcnt,for thechilds
confent is required in marriage, and the more able he is to chufc
for himfelfe, the more liberty may Parents grant him in his
choice, but it he be not able, or Icfle able, the more watchful!
muft they be over him ; and fo in this matter.
The Presbyters are to goe before the people in the cxami-
mb. 1 8. 7-" nation, approbation and dcfignemcnt ot a man fit for the Mini-
Tni.ifiapoU.i^. |^gj.jg : for they are guideSjto whom the chiefe care and diredi-
on of things E'.clefiafticall doth belong. As for the people , it
is not their office, and for the moft part, they are unable to
judge of thofe things. To the people therefore it pertaineth
onely to give their confent to him that is chofcn , or to fhew
their reafons why they cannot approve of him , who is pro-
- pounded, but no teftimonie of Scripture,no example, no reafon
KocUn.carsch.yal' teacheth, that the whole bufinefl'e lliould be committed to the
lauJ. de iegif, i ocat. ^^^^czs and requefts of the whole and fole multitude.
A/;«/^. Th I o ^^ confci it of the people is not required to the common ele-
Vuoi d.imiii pnefta- ^. it j ji • 7 rr >.* u r
tef/i y,opomncUft dion, whereby a goo J, godly,iearnca, ht Man was cholcn to.
ejiia: habet ; e nfa- the Mmifterie, but to the fmgular eledion of a Minifter,whcre-
tio^iis ca:fCa:. j^y he is chofen to be fet over this or that congregation. Or if
that expreiHon be lyable to fome exception , The confent of
lun. aniKvadv in ^^^ people is not required in this,Whcther luch a man be fit for
faz.nst I &ia. theMinifterie and meet to be (et apart for the worke of the
BtU COrVi.'^.l.
■j'jM. 7' ' Lord : but whether he be fit or meet to be 'their Minifter, by
ib.cLmt- ^^■~c. whom they may be edified, and builded up in Faith and holi-
nefle. Of the former, they have no calling or right to judge :
but in the latter they have great intercft.
Brotherly locietie requiretb , that we mutually admoni/h,
exhort, reprove and comfort each other,is occalion is ofF;;red,
and when ne^d requiret:h,it is the duty of neiglibour- Churches
to
Cv)
tolendhelpe to their brctliren, in the choice and clcdtioi, of
their Minillcr. For if Churches have not fit men amongft in^. Ecck/J.i/a.i,
them for the Miniftcrie, nor able men to make choice for tlicm-
lelvcs, they are to be holpen m love,without prejudice to their
libertie, and not to be dilcarded and cafl: off as unworthy the
namcof a Church r. When the Scripture willetb,that one fhould
adinonilTi another,it is not only a comandcmcnt to every fingu-
lar man towards his fellow , but alio to one whol company to- ^cb y i> ro
wards another Ibciety. St /*^«/,whenheteacheththatallthe i^. ^' '^'*' '"'
faithful are mebers of one rnyfticall body of Chrift, who ought Aw. nit Ca>nv.
to have a mutual care one oFanother, laid the foundation of this '^P' ^-par.i.p. 13 1 .
po' icie. Cellar . askcth, Quo jure unus fo^ulus efifcofum al'^erifts
fopuUeligerej^oteli ? Junius anlwereth ; Certe charitati^ prre Ucllar.i/etV.r,;.!.
0- comntHniom fanElorum : nantpopulus infidelii ipfe non potefi ^- ''•
eligere^utpotenQndurnvocatuSyfedpofieavocandHs ^d (^"hrrflum. ^^\^ ^&cccu\
Andalittlcafter>to-5tf'//rfrw/w, obje<?ling the dangers which ^.i' ^'
may follow in popular elcdions, hee ani wereth. The danger U Not h-
not Jo great ^ubi conjunHusefi (^/cruSy o- aftionem dirioit Preshy-
terium, pufertim conjilio cr au^oritate vicinorum Epifcopo-
rumc^ EccUftarumaccede-fJte. And after that, Et hni vicini
quoque accedant ex or dine , c^ fratres ait't ex commum oj^- 7\j»/. 27.
cio charitatisjfe quando opuj '(},proHt ay^mbrofmm fccijfe L^'e-
dioUnenfi Eccle^u narrat Thcodor. hifi. lib.^. c^ip.J-
In the Primitive times, one Church might eled and chufca
Pallor for another, and the Governours of one Church were
chofcn by the confent and fuifrage of others. Ignutius writeth
thus to the Tl.iladelphiansjt behovethyoH^n tke Church of God,
tochufe ^Bipjop. Otwhat Church would lanat'ur have the
P hihidelphiAns to chufe a Bil"hop ? Not of their ovvne, -r^^ pi, ..
for in the beginning cf his Epiftle, he greatly commcndeth the cii,,i; ^y^^ -uidcH
Billiop which they had already. But he exhortcrii them to e- by rhc comirJoa
\c^ a Partor of the Church at Antioch,as the words before go-' conieir, and mu-
tii.iii, a^'Cf mcntof
both p.nts, ."s wi II Eafl :s Wi fl . as .i;pf 3: es ia the c.ifi of .■iikntsjhs. v 4:hay. apo! amir. ^-/.
rxiv. Hicc qi:idcK'ic/£^^\1)lliar^ ofnr^Ci & ad ip'fcnpup} Rv/fxvnm lidam fcfiPf^e. '^iho'tjf. apo.'. i.
Sozom I. i.e. J, io,i I. .l^nv, ad 1^1 ibdclfh. •150475:' €57? i7<^^"w> esJiMiJ.'rf ^^ yH^97zh\<nu
cTTiTycoTr^r. Thcod. '. JW.4.B!|il. £7?.48.rtrf Aihair C>>-i, o-.cukm jhl vui tr- 6^. UuL d-
Calli* o-70.GjU.st juLip.fi. c/^ 7 4. flcc^dcnl.ipjc. Ste zidJ.ii )g!iac nd Phi'jihfi-h. Or to
ft I'.d ferric fnfHcic It legate co hc.^lc the breach rhac w.is maccjatui atieuch theHanic th.it wis
ifii.dled iiihis Chur.cha: A'Avoch. Btf.lnr^c'.Gozeift c.\ 7.t.i. 7t>. Cvmr. i.;. Epifi. I 5. ('■;.
prianmcm: tliis of fiKh mutuall aid ai\U concord, ns mi\;h: frolic the. Chuuh , and well'-n-
fcecn the fcrv.in;s :.f ChA-iIl, hui .Mlows not that men Ojou't! run to Rome tor helj'^c, rai :
the juJijement and a6s of lU-ii Paii'jii, C}pr. },.i .'f'pijQ. 5 v"^ -1.
f 3 ' ing
C5S)
ing doc make it evident. tAU'Biflio^i (^ faith Cjfrian) funt
mutfitc cimcortU^glutine copuUta, that if any, one hold hacrcfie,
^ the rclt fl^ould hclpe ; and therefore he moved Stefh.znMs the
Pope to write to die Bifhops in France , that they fliould de-
pofe the Bifhopofv4r/w, and t© the people, that they fhould
chufe another in his roome. Theedora tp ftiiieth , In the or-
Tixcodl.^.c.ii. dilation ofaBlJhof^ All the 'Bijhofs of a Proviuee §uffht to he
Scl\\iriicckr.li.c.\ ^^llfdtopther \ C(»rw/j«/, Bifhop of Rome, was confirmed of
Amb cpi/?.8i.i« the Bi(hopsof Africk. (jr^-^tfri*/ Presbyter, in the life o£N^
vshit socrajcsvt- «*A«,?iw^, affirmeth of tihe Biihops of Macedonia and Egypt,
poncch of the elc- ffj^f ffjgy controdiEledthe eUBion of N u^Unzjene , keeaufe he Veat
bocr" Zff'fc^'i '^^ ^'^'? ^/'"'^ ^^^ ^'^'^ •' ■^'^'f'^ writeth, Thai his cle-
Theod b}u.^.c6 ^ion was confirmed of all the Bijhops of the EaFi attdfVefi : ami
See Thcod. h!jl/.'i. Theodoret, That Vdentinian the Evfferor confirmed it alfo.
c.%. Sozom. 1.7 c. EMion therefore wasnot ever made by the particular con-
s . Socr/,6.f . 2. liin. grcgation, where the Pafto^ or Teacher was to adminifter, but
%i'flmum talis Other Churches, and fpeciaily the Guides,by common confent
poliiU in Ecckfuji- were called to alTiit the Church in that weighty bufincffe. And
cm mmbronim m this the Non-conformifts judge not only la wfiill,but meet, ex-
uno curpcje, uhi om- pcdient, neccflary in feme cafes. And therefore in many par-
nia unt compatiun- ^jculars, they except aeainft the propofition, as none ot theirs,
mcdmur. Illirici ^nd againlt your conhdcnt aflertion^that you were lure the pro-
catal. uftjib. i. pofitions were both theirs, when as it is neither found in them,
p.io9' nor in any writer, ancient or modcmc , nor injthe holy Scri-
ptures.
Rhenusii anm. in And when you perafe the teftimonies alledged , be jndgc
loh. I o. §. I . your felf e, whether you did not groflely miftake, or abuic your
Reader, when you cite the Rhemiib,as if they pleaded for the
Parochial eleflion ot a Paftour, as onely lawfuU.
As for the Affumption, It is truc,thc Minifters of the Church
ofEngland are not ordained by the particular Congregations,
where they adminifter^ nor is it neceflaric to a true and entire
callmg , that it (hould be fo. That they be not approved pf the
particular fociety , is falfc in many of them : for they are chc-
ien by their conient, to be their Minifters, though not abfolute-
ly to the Minifterie it lelfe. And in cafe they be not fo called,it
Parker </fMiV.£f- is a maimc and defed, \yliich fhould be reformed , whether it
fil.x.c i^. Dedu'
cere ijuidcm conavtHY till ex major-bui n'pU mmorcs quafdatHi fed & abfuidai & huO/;fi.quiiitis. '?(c-
queenim rraCiCffaru dfcipina. /&, c> <a i^erlo Del li<uU{aid£iriO,Jifx/^j!oJiitjbi corrun/patm:f^ciuidd
liAum cU^iii'.Un confsxiotik "^i hocfuriju:ufeciii::w:
be
(19)
be throngh the ignorance of the people, or the LavVcs of the
Kingdomc, or die pride and covetoiihcfl'c of them that thruft
tbemlclves into that calling, orneglcd of Patrons, or j^hit
cUc focvcr '. But this maimc doth not make a nuUitie of their
calling, nor the Word and Sacraments difpaifcd by them to be
inc^ftuall. For in every Church where the dodrinc of fal-
\ation is loundly andintircly preached and proteflfed , the cal-
ling of the Minifterie is for fubftance true and law&U. The
Nonconformifts therefore in reproving the abufcs of the Mini-
flerie, and yet holding communion with the Church of Eng- Sec Calvin. ;«/?#;.
land in the ordinances ot worlliip, doe walke according to '4 f.«.§.i»,> h
their own Principles, the doftrine and pra^icc of the Chur- ^^'^ ^' ^*
ches of God in all ages , and diredion of the holy Scri-
tures.
The Non-conformifts reprove the tumults of the people in
eledion, without the dire^ion of the Presbyters , both their '^^J^l^'^f ^^;
owne and Neighbouring Churches ; fo did the Ancients. The c.xp.\ o.uav^-
OrdinatbnofBiiliops by thcmfclves alone, or their Ch^^ rmg'aeji popuii mul-
laines,andthatofmanyata clap : fo did the Ancients. '\hc '■'ttud's.iitvltAyemr
thruftingofMinillersupon the people without their know- "'^'^ °?C'^'j^°^''*'_
ledge or confent : fo did the Ancients. The ordination ^^,l."^^^':]!!2a.'
of Minifters without cure or charge : fo did the Ancients.Thc i^:^ 2.
ignorance, idlcnelfe, pride, kmurie,pompe, covetou(helle,con- Bilfan.perpct Gtv.
tcntion and fchifrae of fuch as thruft thcmfclves rafhly, ambiti- i^piftxo the Read,
oufly, profanely into offices, by &vour,monie, flatterie, or o- BJ^g^f^vvcrerlKh
ther corruption? fo did the Ancients. They reprove the/e , and ^l^^l\^(x. or fcnt
fuch like abufcs, and humbly feek and fue for reformation, but by the Apoftlcs
tolerate what they cannot amend,and hold communion with to be Paftors of
the Churches of God inthcOrdinaixesof adigiqi ; andfo did the Chuich,and
^1 A • ^ ff 1 Governors of the
theAnCK^JtS. ,., . ^ , . • . ,^ P.esb.tcnes i.c-
And It the Ancients did natber lay -the grounds of Separa- verycuy thuhe-
uon, nor walke contrary to tlicir owne Principles > in holding Icevcd, fo long a«
communion^it is great ignorance,. at lcaft> to- charge the Non- 'hey ruled well :
conbtmiib, as if they walked notaccordine to tlieirowne'"'"'^,'"/!^" n-^^'
,,, j-'^r ^ ^ as thru (ucccCors,
rules, wlicn they doe not fepaiate, _ . . to reccire charge ^
•A.\ i . ' ' ^ . ' -^ _ ' i^;i?,^'~v oford-iining o-
iherJfor inc worke df the Mmiftcric, and giiiJin^ tkc, Keycs vtith tfi? advice and canleat of
fuch.aj laboured vviihtJv:ra in the \Sord and D^/^flrinc. /<//c^. 4. Without proofe , \\\z
•CfiBrch'mul} not bclecvc, nor rtgard'thy.fprech •• md proofe thmrhail none. One aad tiie
fame ptrfon cannot 4i€ both Accitiaiit and Ifcponent ; ami iq the mcatd of one wiiocfte,
though his ttihmony ncrc receded , ytt may no man ^ coadcuuicd. Sec £e^i annot, *^iw-
PT. mHatih.ii.j.
Nay,
C40
Nay, if the Npn-conformifts fliould not difallbw botli your
jx)fitions and pradice of Separation, tFicy (hould not walke a-
grceablc to their owne Principles , or the truth of Scripturej
For you hold, the power of the keyes originAliter ^ and execu.
rtV^, is given to the community of the faithfull , many or few,
yea though but two or three joyned together In a Church way:
This the Nonconformifts approve not : You hold it is necef-
fary and cflcntiall to the calling of a Minifter , that he be appto-
ved, Chofen and ordained only by that congregation, where he
is to adnainifter. This the Nonconformifts altogether diflike.
YouholdallMiniftersthat'be not chofen ^nd ordained after
ypur 'forme propounded, to bd unla^vfoU, IdoJ,Antichriftian Mk
ilifters. This the Nonconformifts 'judge. to be AnticWftian.
The confequence of your Pofitions is this , That fince the
Church of the New Tcftament was^ eftablilhed upon the
earth, there was fcarce a true lawfull Miniftcric to be found,
whercv^th the faithftjU ■ might IttwfoJly ' hbld communion in*
the worihip of C >d: This the Non^-conformifts doc deteft and*
abhor re. ^^ OF other yoiii pofitions in. the Sediions ibUOw-
ms.
'"ifo'jin
Can. Stay'againft Stray^.Se<3;.^,i.
A\ . f
Conhd CtWi.
j4r:-rfo.m I (*«r. lo.
§. 2 1 . /M 1 Reg. cnp
5-. v.iy.
'HAtfoever CjodhM beUo^ed upon his ^furch , as
herfrivilea^e,thefameistol;e fofind in his iVord :
But it « mt mentioned there , that Beleivers '( as
their priviledge ) VKght to heare ^yfntichriHuin Teachers.
TketropoJitionifUHqutsiiondyij certaine bj thefe Scriptfifef,
Pfal. ip. 7. -2 Tifii.'^. i$}t6/4ki.S. io. loh. if^jj/'k^:.
20.27. BejidtSytkiiiithe unammoHS confent of learned ipriter/.
The Scriptures ( faith ey^thatiaJiHs ) doe helpe us rrith the kftoiv-
ledffC of every trftthy^-c. ... ,' -' .^ t '''-."!
The fir Fi part yvhich u only c ontr over f outs evident and cleere,
by thefe Scriptures. Lcvit. 1 7. 3. 4-. Deut. 1 2. . 5 . Prov. 58.
Hof4 15. Matth. 7. 15. ^ Cor. 7. 15,16, 17. Rev. 18. 4.
Song. I. <5, 7. To this alljorts of Writers f.jfentyZznch. on Phil.
3.
C40
g. 2. Th k/^Hthors of the ^Admonition. p4^. 27 , c^<r. Tm
ihe FafiSls themfdivesy RhemiHs andDeway Trattflatorf.
Answer.
THcfinewcscfFthis Argument arc cut already in the
firft Scdion, if ever it had any , and therefore a few
words may now fuffice. In this reafon you take for
granted, that which is moft talfe, little Icfle than blalphemic ;
to wit, that all Minifters in the Church of England be Anti-
chriftian. For they are in reaped of the fubftance of their of-
fice, the Minifters of Jefus Chrift, fet apart to preach the Go-
fpel, difpcnfe the Sacraments, and adminifter the Difcipline of
ine Lord Chrift: and many of them the approved fervants of
Chrift, furniftyed with gifts fi-om above , lent forth by autho-
ritie to preach the Gofpel of God, and difpcnfe his Sacraments,
which they faithfiilly exccute,according to commidion recei-
ved from their Lord and Mafter, the King of the Church , who
worketh by them, and blefleth their labours , if ever ordinary
Minifters had caufe to fpcakeof^ and re Joyce in the blclTing of
God, to the praife of his name.
But to let that pafTe, Antichriftian Teachers ( if I muft fpcak
in your owne language ) be <rf divers forts :
1. Such as be not called in every point according to your
platfonne, or at leaft whofe calling is in any refbcd: maymed
or defcdiv e, though they be godly, learned, painfull, every way
fit/et apart by authority, and approved by the Church. If An-
tichriftian Teachers be taken in this fenfe, true Bclecvers living
in fbcieties with them are bound to heare the Word, and par-
take in the Sacraments, becaufe they be the ordinances of the
Lord Jefus, who is prefcnt, knocking at the doore of the heart,
and will come in and fiip with them that open unto him. Look ^
what reafons foevcr can be alledged to prove that Chriftians te^ch^L^aiJI^
ought to joyne together in holy communion, the fame wiU>ioArinewhkh
Ibongly convince, that ordinarily, or occafionally we muft hold the Apollles did,
focietie with fuch Minifters in the ordinances of piety and god- ^^^ Ir^ve the fame
Uneffe. And if this Minifterie be Antichriftian, divers , if not ['."y'^Vo' Pre "ctr
moft worthy Martyrs of Jefus Chrift , that have withftood An- y^i-,,^.}^ ^ jj^^ '^^^^ *
tichrift unto blood, have ftood under lome ordinanccs,in their Bi'.f.chnp. /ubj.fan
firft originall, Antichriftian, or of men in fome relpcdls, which « . p'i^ y, .'
G did
(40
did not overthrow,thougli it might be fome blcmidi unto their
Minifterie.
2. Such as be not rightly called by men, becaufe not rightly
furnill-icd with gifts, or faithfiiUy executing their place, or
teaching erioneoiis do<5lrines and traditions ot' men, but yet fet
apart to anotiice which is of God, and in communion of men
profelTing the true Faith , are called Antichriftian Minifters.
And ifit be taken in this ferife, the faithfuU are bound in con-
{cience to hcarc fuch ^ if they live in their focieties : becaufe
they be the Minifters ofChrill in a fort, though they be not
approved of him, and dec his worke for the good of them that
be hoires of i^ilvation. But in fo doing, they doe not communi-
dite wirh the Minifters of Antichrills apbrtafie, but with the
Lord Chrift in his holy ordinance, by fuch meanes as he hath ap-
HicronJ.'.co/a pointed. H^V/'^zw^ noteth, that there are foure forts, who arc
k Eph. ad Gdat. ^„,pioy ^^j jj^ the biilinefles and affaires of Almighty God. The
^'^^' ^' firft, (iich as are fcnt neither of men, nor by men, but by Jciiis
Chrift. The lecond, fuch as are fcnt of C . od,but by man. The
thii d are fuch as are lent: of man and not of God , who are they
tbatsro orAuned by favour of Men, not rightly judging of the
quality of them who are to ferve in this calling. Who yet are
not {imply denyed to be fent of God,as if they had not commif-
fio'ii from him, but therefore only, becaufe if the choofers and
ordainers had done their duties, they Ihould have made a better
choice For being lent by men that have authoritie, though a-
bufing the lame, wee cannot fay they have no true or lawfull
Miniftery ; for then were all miniftration of the Sacraments,
and other (acred things void , performed by fcandalous , un-
godly Minifters,and luch as by finifter meanes get into thefe ho-
ly places- The fourth are of fuch as are neither fent of God,
nor of men, nor by men, but runne of themlelvcs, and have no
calling at all : who are neither Minifters of Chrift for thcm->
fclv'esj nor others. Thus farre Hierowe.
3 Such are Antichriftian Minifters, as teach f^ifc docftrine,be
fet apait to an office meerely of men, contrary to the Word of
God,.and live in communion and focietie with men profelling
reall idolatrie,as members of that focietie,though fomcv.'hat of
God be loyned in this their profelTion, Whereunto may be
Inferred fuch as being tried, are found to be falfe Prophets, ccn-
fured and caft out of the Church by them that have authority.
blF which ibrt arc thofe Hercticks s, whicli are condemned oif
their
their own confcicncc,and after once or twice admonition, arc
to be {hunned.
4 SuchareAntichriftian,asbcmecrelyfrommcn, difpenfc
onely the things ofAntichrift, and have nothing of God at all.
IfbyAntichriftian Teachers be meant ftlfc Prophets , in this rhom. Bectm, hit
third and fourth acceptation, I grant the faithful! mufl hold no humble fuppUcK.
communion with them, becaufe God hath forbidden it, and "-toGodjc^f.
thefe are falfe Prophets, who have no calling, teach their owne '^'•"<=" '" Q»cen
dreames , minifter not the things of God, but of men , and ei- Pa^'^otftciT'lV'
ther never- were members of the true Church, profeding the in- of!il!^Po**pifl! Tb* ^*
Ok
cc re-
tire faith, or upon their difcovcrie, are caft forth as unfavoric mmations, of ..„
lalt. And this tne paflages of Scripture, quoted to prove the *"°"'">of 'mages*
controverfall part,as you fay, doe confirme,Whereunto anfwcre °f'^"">o'"Co} cj,
hath been given already. And the authours of all forts alledged, P,xes ^croir/s
doe confent : for it is moft manifcft, they fpeake of falfe Pro- of Cenicts, Jf Ho-
phetSjWho have no calling, teach ftlfe do<5b:ine, were never ly Water bud cis,
members ot the Church , or fpringing up , and continuing in *^^ ^'^-y 2f"<i
the Church fora time,arecenfured and caft out,that they might "^^''^"» of chif-
notmoleft, tare and devoure the Flock, But in this fenle , the tlj'vc alT' U6[l. '
Minifters of the Church of England be not Antichriftian • that trou$ Pric{ts,and
which is ipokcnagainft falfe Prophets, cannot be applycd unto ungod y ignoianc
them. Cui.ites.
And here confider how plentifull you are in proving that a^nd cror^of H^il
which was never queftioned ; as that the Saipture isperfcd, rcfie. Tius^changc
to make the man of God wife unto falvation , that falfe Pro- of their ufe, by oc-
phets muft not be heard or belccved, that the FaithtuU muft"^**" of Altars,
come out oi'Bahylott^&c.^^ua that the Minifterieofthe Church ^''^ otherccrcmo-
ofEngland is. Antichriftian, and tlie Teachers falfe Prophets, "s^j^^^y^J^*"!?^^^!"*
as the Scripture uleth the word in the Texts alledged , this we of the figurative
miift take upon your bare w<>i;dvOr moft grievous miiapplicati- fpecches of the
on of the holy Text. ' " S , A ncients,^-^.
P4Hhhc Fift fyou fay) In a certaine BuU,fent to the Catho- 1'^^ "^f^^:^^ '^^
likes in England, chargeth them by all meanes not to goe to the the cha- ge of ihe
Parilh Churches, or heare their Sermons, leaft they incurre the fut.ftjna>,e^r.
wrath of God If this teftimony will ftand in any fteed, the The Pop cfirft
Pope himfelfe doth not efteemc our Parifti aflerablies Anti- '^^'•^^*
chriftian,for then his Catholike.'? (liould not incurre the wrath
of God by going unto them. And what you can gaine by this
witnefTc, I know not, unlefle it be to (hew, that how contrary
foever you (eeme to be unto the Pope or Antichrift, ycT in this
you confent and agree with him, to condemne Chriftian com-
G 2 muni-
raunion in our Aflcmblies in the holy cxerciiqs;- pf Reli-
CAN. 5/(7}'. §. I. gion.
p.6 & §. J .p. <5o, Nay, the fentcncc ofthe Pope is milde in comi>arifon of that
J'* brand which you let upon communicating the ordinances ot
th'uTlieybdlT''' C-odinouraflembiies, viz, ^ That it tendcth to tlie putting
not thtmfcivcs ui.- down o " our true King, Chrifl: Jefus, and to raife up Antichrift
dtragicaiercmrc, againC; that bioody Tyrant; which bold ignorant ccnfuremuft
by uiing their i-jecds workc the foule of every fober minicd Chriftian to fu-
trrtif^u^n^^amr ^jp^ift, that in defence of this caufe, you confulted with furie,
one mi "cf fhe"*^ more than with truth, and hoped to winne more with fwel-
Kir.geiomc of the ling words of vanity, than vveight of reafon. But my purpofc .
ic.iif., nhich the is to try your ftrength, and for unadvifed cenfurcs, vaine (coffe.
Lord be fo: e hiJ gj^ J mif-appHcation of common received Truths , I will leave
b^retr ofTi ' yo« ^° ^^^ examination.of your owne confcience.
mouth.
Sect. IV.'
Can. 5rj>' againft. Se<5^.3. pag. 16^17. 6c Seft.
2 . pag. 14 & Se6t. 4. pag. 6i. &: Se<5l. 7.
pag. 8c;.
T
Vcorjhi^ God in any other wdy or manner than he hath In
his Wordfrefcriledjis unU^^fulLBHt to henre Antichru-
fiian AiiniFiers in falfe ^htirches^ ii to T»orJhip ^odin a
iray and manner -which he hnth not prefcribed.Tke Major, No man
dires denie^ lajfure myfelfe. For it ii manifefl and certaine by
therpholeeourjeofthe Scripture, Deut. 12. 8. Levit. 10 20.
Pfal.iip. i33.Mic.7.i8. Hor.9.i5.Ioh.^.2g. Matth. 15.3.
4. Col. 2. 8. 2 Job. id. 1 7. Moreover , allforts andfehsof
I -writers achnowledge this for a Truth . Zanch. explic. in Coloflf. 2 .
23. tom./^.fAg. 319. Luther com. in Galat. ca^, 6 pag. 871.
Brent./« Amos.cap.^. ■ ,
Touching the Jecond part : J may If are alt proofs", anajt.'id
them to their orvn confciences^ That this hearing ii a roorjhipy the
HQwCon fc,-m. i?i fame is manlfefi and cleere to any that have an eye of reafor- and
Tfai i\Z p.7^ any light ofR eligionfhining in them. ' None to my knowledge, fa~
Zfing a Popijh Parafete or two ^ ever held otherVcife. That thia
'^orjhip ii done in a Vcay and manner^ -which the Lord never appoin-
ted,
C45)
tedjt ti44 there M the Suyf <^n noon duy^ And t^inat ffUh itty-i
modcH face bed nyed,c^c. '■ . •,• ,;:':'}.^ ;•'';•» •,t
Answer.
T His is an old garment new turned, and ti|<? iamcapf /•
{vvcrwbich wasmadeto the former, might Tqji^e
to this : wherein the thing to be proved, istairely a n-
palVed over with a brave fiourilh of words , and no- ^^^ clm^.pd,^.
thing elfe. If yon meet witb liich company as will be a- G^aliiih^Aot
(liamed not to fee, becaufe you cry out fo vehemently, It is, m chnrgcd u« to be
cteere ai the S'tny'tt cannot he denied With any modefi face ^ Yoircurioos infcatch-
may lead him blindfold. But if a man will build upon his owne ["o his Efscncc,
faith, and not be led by your fanfics , he (liall never fee it proved "'^^jj / "r^I^c
by any evideix:c that you Iiave, or can brmg,Tnat by communi- wmi. Hs neuh-.r
eating in our AfTemblies in the ordinances of Religion, (jod is c.ikes, nor requites
wor(hipped in any other way or manner than he hath preicri- "iny thing ac om
bed. But feeins; this realon is broui'ht fo often , and for fo ma- ^^""^l '^^^'"^f ^'* -
ny pnrpoles, I will examine it more particularly. ^^ ^,,^1^ bi^ ^.^.
Ifthe meaning' of your propofition bee. That no pofftive cording to his
worlliipjOrUibftantiallmeansofworiliipislawHiU, but what Will, we honor
is in fpeciall appointed, or itiftituted of God, and that no du- 'V'" asourCoJ (
ties of Religion be neceflary to falvation , but what are taught ^hSiVc h^h ar-
in Scripture, then we grant it is true , and confirmed by the pointed for him-
courfe of Scripture, though many paifages cited by you , will felfc, or addc any
not reach unto it.Tor the law of nature commandeth all men, thmg ur.to it, he
whohavf anyfenfc oF a Godhead, to receive, aiid not give '^^''^^^'^^'1°"'^
rules of Religion and Worlhip. The holy care of the Patri- „q. m^^'JJ^J!^ \^^
archs was to reverence and obey that which they had received, to tt e concnc oi
and to attend upon further diredion , but of themfelvcs not to ->ur licarts, \vl«ch
appoint or undertake any thing as neceflary to falvation. Di-*^)' "^cure is no
'\ ine inff itution of legall and Evangelicall obedience, and wor*- f^^^ ^J' ^ ^^ ,^
lliip , is equally full and complete in all things neceflary, which //.lor! s? li ^i '
An2,.(^e Confer. EvangJ. I. c.i^- Soams feu ent hi c/}, Z'fiuf/iqncmj., Dcum^ [:c cn'-iopncrc^rjiinrui'
doje ipfe iolendumclfc prace^c<k. Aug. ta ^.cxvctetil'cjlum. ^t. 43. Con/i:l fldzm ou'.ttvn
voiijniummhimcpro:i-(j'e,'fdctiamok(Jc. Chry. vi Matth.hof/t. 5 i. D':jca,?:M cffi^fi^ "x i^'jus
voLmioic hcno:\rre. T^m tjui h.viorjtur, ;o muxtmc h6fi«re Utatur f^uem ipfe vul'y i'- ^ quern noi o-''
ramus- ai^f c{ffei:belw.Cl}^''ft. Subj. p.ii-i t p.7. Teaching the SicramcntS; I r;KJ'i Baptifir.c
and ibc Lords Suppci,e>c, VVc fwetve not a jot trom the example olChiili .md his Apoftksi
ilic Scripiuics will not lie, let them be judges.
G 3 it
it fccmcd good t© divine Wifcdomc to determine, not leaving
any thing dfthis nature more undetermined in time of the (5o-
fpel, than it was in time of the Law. As the Jews had a com-
mandcment, either to atUe ought ftnto, nor take ought from the
Deut. 4.r. law, which the Lord gave unto them : fo the Apoftles recei-
ved a charge, to teach ^hatfoever the Lord commanded tkem :
Matth.i8.io. Wheuce it is truly obferved,that men may not teach their own
Zinck.de Script. doftrine,but whatfoever Chrift hath taught them ; for hec
referveththisauthoritieto himfelfe, to be the onely Teacher
Gcnev, Bibky amot. and Author of the doftrine. The King of the Church is her
ira Matth. i8 . zo. ^^y Lawgiver at all tim6s.
^^^di ^rmTn'tor But if the Way or manner of Worfliip be ftretched to the
rak)n addTd"o'°'^ circumftances of time, place, order, phrafe of fpecch , and fuch
mined, or altered like, not determined by God in particular, but left to the liber-
in cither of them, tie of Chriftians,fo the generall rules of Scripture be obfcrved,
&c. CiU.inp. then the propofition is not true, the Scriptures doc not confirm
i.^.ca.io.%. I. it, it was never acknowledged by Divines of any fort or fed
hI. Ainfw. firR that have appeared to the world. For what is in generall on-
anfvv.p.zfi.That ly Divine, but in particular left without determination from
he taught any God, that in it felfe is indifterent and variable : of which fort
thing as needfull ^^^^ ^^^ houres of the morning and evening facrifice , their
ou't w ^'^am fTom ' Synagogues, Oratories, and places of Worfliip throughout the
the Scriptures , 1 land of Canaan, their courfe of reading , and many the like,
denie. What God hath commanded in his Word, that is not left to
Harm co rjcff'. He!- ^he libertie of Chriftians : What is prefcribed as neceflary, worr
vettc.cofifijjxap. 24. ^jp^ ho]y,that he hath not left undetermined ; But that which
il^T)edImmMbo- "^^y be done this way,or anotber,at this rime,or another,in this
ri^m. ' formc of fjieech and method , or another , that in refped
Chamier./pw 4 '/^ ofthisorder, time, method,or phrafe oF fpeech , is not necef^
Sacram . /. i .t. i ^ {^^^^ Jloly^ or WOrfllip.
Bufdifih bctro "^"y circumftance, as time, place , or whatfocvcr elfe, if it be
chrifiSHtj. par. i. either appropriated or commanded of God, it is neceflarie in
;>. J 5. point ofconfcience, holy, and worniip,as in conscience it muft
Thjsistbedu;y beobferved, and lubmitted unto. But to place neceflitie, ho-
rh.u Bapcifmc re- n^^ff^. qj. worlHp in thefe things, when they be not dccermi-
bciecve no"teac°hcr "^^ ^^ Commanded, is Will-worftiip, or fuperlHtion ; lawf uil
butoae,v\hkh IS
Ghril} tofoUovvno Granger, to regard, or obey no Lord or Law irwikc in the Chaich,i;ut
oaly the Son, whom the Fatherappoinccd lobc Matter , Leader and Ruler ofcUc Gtiuilcs.
Balil.lcr. dsfiilc. It isantyident Hiding from the f.iitb,&«. tuhcrto dt-part tfom ihit which
isWii:en,or to receive that which is not written.
flhcy
C47;
they be, as agreeable to tlie Word; but not ncccfldtyi becaufc
not determined by tlie Word. -
The time was when it was lawfuU to offer faaifices upon the
high places, viz,, when the place for Sacrifices was undetermi- ^lu^-^-^^?^.-. ^o*.
ned, and then it had been Will- vvorl"hip to put holincflc in pla- ^ '^'- '' .^ "'^J '•
ces, or opinion ot worihip. But when God had cliolen dijtj Aiuiw. a^;iet. m
and appropriated one place f"or Sacrifice, and none other ^ tVfGi^ u.u. 17.5.
it was a matter of necellitie, ' olinefle, and v/orlTiip, to facrifice ^^^■<i^<t^t-ifjLevit.
there, and a great linne to doe it any vv here ellc . y s.&imKeg.
The realon hereof, was not fimply bccauic it was not com- Yul'^ ,„ rhdobzU
manded,for when it was lawhiU to the Fathers of Old, it was bomm cft.quDdne-
not commanded, bur left undetermined only, and uled by them '/* P'^rcpii, lex
as acircumftanceoradjiinrlalbwed, not as a matter of ne^- '"•'^ '^"/^'^^<^=i ^Jf
cenitie,holineneorworlliip; nor could they have ded it ^Z!i»ji^ff'^
without lupe. ftition ; as on the other fide, after the ftrid: com- )-,ro)}ihi-wT^fvrJs^
mandement given to Ifracl, to facrifice in the place which God pcrfciu cd m-tex
had cholen , and none other, and the place of wonliip pre- T<^c:)!oo,cui malii^t
cifely determined for typicall fignification, it was a part of^'-'^^.
true worlTiip, in conference necelfaric : for them to doe other- . j'!*, 'e^^"), ■^''^•'
vviie,was grievoudy to tranfgrefie, and not to do? that which ons of Godj Lavv
was commanded as necelTary , holy; and worihip, had been by them uh of
prophaneiielVc. For that which is commanded, may not be '^'^ '^''^''^^'s,sre
neglected, neither is any thing to be done, which is repugnant ^r!/, » g^^-S^r*
thereunto. n • r^ . .V^n\.r.rWons,
But many things in the worlnip or God are not comman-fjch is God for-
ded or determined by (iod,but left to the libertie of Chrillians; bids Gd. i,\ 5-.
many things were unprofitable, and necdiefle to be determined 't <^j''' queftion i$
particularly by divine authoritic, as being eafily difcemable by ° ^^^ '■^^'°JJ^°^
the light of nature , and common realon : and many things ^.^nes than God
could not be determined, bccaufe one order in them could not hath tanghc
fit all ages, times and places in the world. The divifions oi^'^'>'r-iCoifcif.art.
the Chaptcrsand Yer(es,as they are in our Bibles, and the Scl^i-^?* \nuhef.thcoU
£ .1^ r - .. ._.\- T C .. ... J /■_ :..L._ '••' '"'"/^ II. 12.
ons o{ the Law, as among the Jewes, are of men : and i^o is ^^<^ hifaLa^" vco'
phralc of Ipeech and method ulcd in Praj?er, Preaching, Admi- u cQamii.iitm o^
I'lberM co:tofdmu! ; ^fque harum ^j;Uem lr.idt:mum qaa in ci; cumflansils vcrfa;-?!.'u lex fertirr a
Tano 1 Cor. i4,dr-i::Din in i Trn. 5.15. Calvin. /.//V.4-/.C;. 15 $.l^.& 17.5. 45. OW.
ttjp.ad lib. depli viri o^:.p.^ ' J . Fh Bcia. cor-f (j.Ci.aTt. 18..
atr
(48)
at what hourc, on what day, in what place, the Paftor fhal!
preach, which arc particular determinations of the Church,and
variable. If you lay, thefc things arc prefcribed in general!
and by confequcncc, becaufc they are done according to the
rules of dirc(flion given in Scripture : Ol: neceflitie you muft
conf^iTe the propofition is ambiguous : for fomctimes prefcri-
bed, fhall import, as much as determined, inftituted, comman-
- -ded, fandifyed ; if not appropriated: and fometimes it fliall
note no more, but left at libertie , or indetermined. Neither
SynopCpj/rioi thcot. wiU that fenfe ftand in the propofition, for then it fhould be!
difp. i i.thcfij. lawfull to place opinion of necc/Tftie , holineflc , or worfhip
^b enmi traditb- in thofe things which are undetermined , er not commanded
«umhimana)um of God, which is Contrary to the whole fcope and drift oi:
jugohkrju kabem Scripture, and the judgement of all Orthodox and found Di-
I'usDeifit.resad. vmes, new and oU.
rdigtonem pertinen- To proceed more diftinftly, becaufe it is a matter much in-
tes frtefcnbire. lifted upon, and IS much miftaken, and mifapplyed by ma-
ny.
Worfhip is as large as the Commandement,nay as the whole
B Id ^ . Word of God. For fb it is ordinarily defined, A workecom-
c \ To7hc pn:- ™^"^^*^ y '^one in faith, and then it muft needs extend it lelf as
ccpt$ofGod,no- far as the Commandement. And if to obey God in confcience
^hlng is to be ad- of his Commandement, in all adlions, Civill and Sacred,of Pic^
ded.'D;«Ai2.Ncwtie, JufticeorMerciejbetoWorfliip him , then to beleeve
mandcd^'t'hetr whatfoever the Lord hath taught, rel;fing upon the truth and
thinos which arc credit of the Revealer , is w(?rl"hip alfo. And hence it is , that
neceflarie. the Worfliip of God is ufiially divided into Immediate and
The rites of the Mediate Worfhip: which comprehendeth all duties which we
^^^"ff ^ ^l^ ?°^ ^^^'^ ^° ^°*^ ^^ ^'^2"' Now if the way or manner of Worlhip
fo7e if ?hc^Ibroo'a. ^^ ^^^" "I ^^""^^ ' '^ptation : then the fenfe of the Propofition
iion,or ufui-pati- muftbcthis. That no acflion, great orfmall,done to God or
ou of any rite be man, religions or fociajl , is lawfull, unlefle it be prefcribed of
urged uJ ncctfla'^y, God.
m^'dVto'ire'^cim''" ^^^ ^^^ ^^ confider the paflages of Scripture , alledged by
mandcmcnt of"'' y*^"^ ^^^^^ ^"'^ Others, whether if rightly quoted , they doe not
God, which n for- affirine as much,
hid den in the fVhatfoever 1 Command joti that Jhallyee cbferve to dcc^ Thau
Word,&c
l>tit.\x.i%<i^ n^ \i^.&S 5» Uv.\'6.i^. \r,w.-),o. 6, /KmbcJe pawl c- 12 tom.t^. ^(ihtlvii
ia:f'm:i,- giai'ui adyaiieri n>xd.b.muiiruNd.iin. Nihil eel <}.wd havum ti4f:lm aAdmiHtn. Addenda
depYopna-'fmipiniirr) Qej mtcUcxU cffc P.andniHM.Tioictvin iiHur ^rajeyiiUJtiieiUciienii^itqUi de-
{^ahe^i d.ijinU dcbcrc divii.i.s;yund.u^yjieq^:e.'.ddcre. ' "
put
C4P)
JhdkH9t Aetde thcrHc , whhifjhalt thoHtake ^Hghtfrcmit^ To ?^
what might they not Rcide? From what might they not dlmi- -^^
niili ? Is it not ft om the whole Law of God , which teacheth • .
the whole duty of Man, both towards God, and towards Man
for the Lords lake ? Hereby the Lord eftabiiO-ieth his Word,
and his only, and his whole vvord,to be tlie intirc rule of Valtli
and manners. Hereby God appoinreth his ovt>ne H'ord And Lav,
t9 be the only rule of his Scrzice , ^S'ithotdt im'itdtingthe cufiomes
of others t or devijjna any thing of tWiro^ne, fl:ith Mafter yfinf-
"Worth. But ifby the Service of God^he iindcrftand the pofitivc
Worfhip of God only, or the immediate onl\', he ftraitncth the
meaning of the Text overmuch ; Vor it ipeakcth plainly of the
whole Law, and is fitly allcdged to prove the perfcdion of the "^"""^ '« T>ch:.ix.
Scripture in all matters neceflar)' to falvation, and not ccnccr- J,*- .
ning the Worlliip of God only. Ifrael might not adde either ir°iS*S p,^] :
to the Statutes or Judgements of the Lord : and if by Statutes cumpie^ia &pcr- *
be meant Decrees for Religion, or the Worl"h'pof Cjod only,/"?<» exiffantaund^
( which cannot be proved by the ule of the Word ) by judge- '^"f** "nl^'um ad-
ments, they cannot be under ftood like wife. By this faith ^'^'l*}^'^^ .
Mai^Qt tAin[)>eorth , Cod forhicUeth all inventions of men. Ec- tJJi^,adTim'
c\.'^.2Cf.thc ^erkes of their o^ne handf.'^er. 21^,6. and the Statutes i^m. 1. S: quidcm
gf the Kings^f Ifrael f which they after made without the ^om~ f/dci dogma pcrzcr-
mandeptent oj the Lord. But the inventions of men refpcd the '■*'' ^''^'"T? an^jhs
Commandments of (Sod in generall, and not the Cercmoniall ^'^]^n»finLtv\ %
Ordinances only, nor yet the immediate worfhip of God a- Tcn.'dcprJ/aipi:'
lone. HefhalldoegoodfervicetotlTcPapifts, thatrhall limit rf^tf?/.^*m. jti*
the Texts in that manner-ibr by fuch like diftindions, they fcek "o^ hwioll for us
to elude them, when they are produced to prove the perfeftion ^o devi.e any thing
of the written Word of God, in all things neceflary to (aiva- foUomhu which
tion. others Hjtc dcvi-
Ye rhall take heed (faith the Lord)to all the things that I have fed. see Cham,
faid unto you. But this cannot be reftrained to the ccremoni-^-^'^'^'-^^'^- "•'•'*•
all precepts concerning Gods Worfhip, but muft be referred to ^r; *^' t j , , /•
all things that God gave them in charge. 1>avid prayeth, r^'"° ".^^'^ j'^,'^*
ZOJ.
Hen k'ix\(vi.pan i.p.\%o. He inferreth,thjt generall admonition touching all the wayci of
God, and not the Ten Commandenicnts only. Dofvay totnoi. in 'Dent. 4 i. & j 2. j 1. Hcniy
Ainfw. 1. j^wrjp /.5S.7>r»i/. J0.6 Loe here all .ddiiions , and j ot onl) things contrary iue
forbidden- Ex,ii-^i-^^ry>oli.8pc>,:/^fe)fifl. heir..%o. iny.cap. Ma.!h, Every Teacher is a
(civ3ntt|f the Law,becauic he may fccuhcr addc oi h js cwne fcnft unto the L:.w, nor accor-
ding to hit ownt conceit, takiig any thing Irom the Law,but peach that or.ly v^hichis iouid
in the Law. ^u.Co.p. ^7. '
H P>/.
rjal. 119. I ? 5 Tfiteti: kiy fikf^yf^mfrd;*^ let nwte hfi]i^\
tie ya^y^^niimbft ovtr m^J- ]But whdt cAn be more plaine , than-
thStZ)^Wdothnot'fpeakeofthe'worfliipot God alone, but '
dcfires thatnll his counfeirs-^ thouglns, manners, actions might
b<5dire;^edafccording'tb<>ocl&'VVord : becawfe the Word of ^
Gad i^tht rp[h ofall- c^n^ anions ? in which fenfe alfo it may bd '
affirllYec^^TA^f ]Negiiti\;e'^o>'clnJiijns in mntters of faith, anddH'
litn hv(vi.r.Anfjies,fbfh\\'y^lt.fromSVriff^^^ ,'V:-:0.*
p.<i^. The icr. Iftli^way or manncr'of Worlliip, be put for immediate
cited /:'.Dc///.5.?i.\VQi-(^ipj then itextends as large as the Commandemcnts of
*Gods'conv tHe'/iW:Table,andtliefenfeofthepropofition muftbe, Thit
nir.ndemcnis"Ci gc- no WbrfliTp, puhHkc or private, muft be performed to God for
jiciail j ybutakc liibftance,mannerbrtime , other thari that which God hath
one in particular, prefcribe^d in his Word: which holdeth not tnie , unlefle it be
'"^ bc""ff ojc IS adcied,Thatnb worfhip muft be performed as ncceflary and
alTinuh notbr^ ho|y for fubftance, manner and time, which God hath not pre-
aih"" "°^ \, ifcriWd Forv.hatrhallwcfayof the time oPprivateP'ray-
A b.Tputc, p.irt I . er in the fan^ilie or clofet, the forme of catechizing , and- tran"-*
(ap,^. p.^. flations of the Scripture, the times for publikc Lc(^]rcs,and cx-
chur'TJechV^^'^ ercifcsoFRcIigion Upon the week day, and ordering andgo-
anto usVhat^h fit. vcrnmcnt of Schooles,and Univerfities? for thefethings are r«ot
tell in fach things foi* time,words and manner prdbribed,or determined of God)
as arc in their own Ifthc word,Wor{hipi be taken more ftridly for lubftantiall
mture in^iftercnf, \Yorfhip, Commanded in, or referred to the firft and- fecond
fed by 'the law^of" Gommandenxnts, ufualiy known by the titles of inward and
Cod,nordatu.c. outward worfhtp , Naturall and pofitive inftituted Woi'fhip
jd.p.zt. (though perhaps the tcrmcs be not To fit;, if better were found
As when the qqi ) then the meaning is , that no Worftiip of God , inward
^^h ka^'^n ' °^ outward , rwturall or politive, is lawful! j but what is pro-
great^Towncs fcribed and determined of God in his Word. But then there
there fliall be a Want not difficulties : for how (hould Worfhip be naturall,if it
Sermon on fuch a muft be inftituted and prefcribed ? If the light of nature or
♦^'X °f '^^, ^"^' reafon teach it, which is planted in the heart , by the finger of
er", every d^y't^' God, how can It be unlawFall, unlefTc it be prefcribcd by an cit--
fuch an!iourt,&c.
I^irftbook ofSco;ifl> D.fcip. In great Towncs , we thiokc expedient , that ercry day there
be cirher Sermon, or Common Praycr> &c. Zanc. in quartum praepiurn in tradl. Medrfcip,
Eulifrr! fine. Calv Itijlit.h'^.c. 10 §, jo,? i. Eififatcanmrnm inviti ex injjui & natural: Dei
CQ'iTut one. aficvirupujequi etiam in gmcrc Vcnm tjje coltndum. Item n$nfolum iwerno affe^u cul'
tm ilium ficridebere , fedaitm (xteinoa£ln. NegamM tameUi natfuali (egi determinoiafn effe jpneiem
Ham cxh-rmiulttt^s. Rivet, in Gen. exercit. 42. See Sculict. Ethx. lib. j, NcJihcr Angtis nor
ternall
tflrnailwofdofin^tution^ Wbat ftiaUfiycc^^y of outw^d
eeftivcs, H}ad f }}>f»p4 «P°" ^^^ ^^Yt to doc^f ^ t(ic liidjien ^^ ,
§j^on 9f:tbc,(<?ijle ;^ xniift ;hdc be prcipritw^f j.^pd.detcriiiincdy '
or faHonder th^o ccnfurc/' When the Wofd informcth mti
to call upon God in the Mediation of Jefus Chrift •• dott».
notircafonitfdfe W4tjh9utanyf\iithcr^itution, teach (n;ic to'
k«eclc,ltiftHjpfl;iyiiands, &;q. , At leaft, if wxs-^^p bf j^jatjiirall,
orp0fitiv?ynwft'thcrcb<:u4iftin^i9n ofthc int^tutjioftacprei,
fcription pfc this worfl\ip alfo ? Poth not pofiwivc ^^fliilup; ifC?
quireonem5Vincrof-inQ:^utiQn,;naturaUanothqr7-.of{j V. -^^ro
If the way or manner of Worfhip be rcftrained to pofitjvc,
or inftitute,d only^t iS)in<|>ft tpue;,IS[o \Vor(liip isiawfiili,wl^ch
)$ noit in fpeaajl qqnirnand«4j .or Jipp^jnted. of C^od^iivhis
Wocd. But then ithe Tejcfs of Scpiptyrc, quotp^^cyPJ? M
proofc , will not fpcakunto it. _ , . . . „ j . j
Ye fhali not doe ( i'aith o%>/« ) after all things, whicK wee ^'*-'- ' * • * -
4oc here this day, et^^ry inan , ail tl^t it> rjghc in his ow«^ ^yes*
Some Gr?ck copijss have it , ^iVu i,ui7i 7mi»%a ■/* ^rf.^tejK.; ,<Pth^9
fit >v;^«<.7rei«^, which is according to the Hebrew, And.th« AmiVt. «»«?/. «
fpoech oiMofes feems to mean the true Service of God, which ^'*''- ' ^- *•
was not yet perfe<fted,neither could be in their travelJs,as it was
aftf r in/4»A(w,Y.ip. 1 1 .Not that they facrificed after tUcir fan- 1""^^''<'' •'» ^ent.
Cic(iaith the (?tf/<tf f^ notes)but that God would be feed more ^' p ^i^^r^'/i'*
purely in thelaynd<3f(f<«»A<«./«;*. upon this pl3cc notcth. Etfi , Kcg.i. "^'^'"'
obUtiotw lex tMaftrnperjuit ab witis prtcfcripta a Deo,no»potHit '^cizbX.i^ffcccr.tity
tdmen ufque adeo in ambnUtorits ijraelitarum cafh-is obferVi',hy '^ "'^.' "^^f-^tttii
autfummojure ab Ul'n exi^iy prout ofiendit <i^mitkefis,Wesf. 1 1 '"^["'^ "^ rios,&c.
vuicNum.i^.6, TheZ)ott'^;Divincs,onthcplacc, give this t'^l^Sf^
obfcrvatian , , In the Dciart, they could not obferve the Cere- huf:/:mui,i. extra.
monies of the Law, but comining to reft , they were bound to 'erramfanifam.
J<ccps all one ict forme of holy rites. The coi.^ufion from this ^°^^^- ''■«'«;•
Text is , That God is pleafed to difpcnce with his people in his fj^c rnina f/' •
owne prefcribcd Worfhip, untill , if he hath appointed, deter- fi°c y^tht%^o{
mined^ or appr^ria^ed a certaine forme, time and place , they which they did not
have oppottunitie to fervc him at that time, in that place, and obferve exaftly,by
after that forme. But thence it folio vveth not, that he hath de- '^"S^" °^'^^
coniinuau wan-
dringof the people. ^Tifjv mnot.'in Rev lO.i 9. De .iaf. IL2I m Lci-.io :^. ThcLordhuk"
llicwedgrciit Wijth agiii.il me by j;hc death ot my Tons , howthcncani eatc of this facrificc
to bcaic th^ fins otjLbc peojjle, according to ihe orJinvy law , the Lord noc tcing pleafed
with mcmyfclfc. OthcrswQuldhavcitj Thaiilie crtuid no: c5tc , btcaufe he wasinhcavi-
— '^" h bting meet ke Ihould Cttc thofc things wuh ;cy and thaiifcfgivmg.Z/j/4i'/. amoi in Lh.
> '--,):::.- •. . H 2- -^ • terixS-
ntllc,
terhrinecl, or appropriated a ccrtairjc forme of pUcCj' ©r tfeat.'no
> other'WorOiip may be tendred, but what hcliath in particular
appointed, or prefcribcd; This I lay ,cannot be' concluded from
the Text, though I gjrant it is a truth rightly underftood , as I
iaid before. ' , '" ^
Such things (faith«-^-<^*«^havcbcfaUenme,and if Iliad
eaten'thcifin'oflferingtoday,fhouldit'have been good in the
cyesi dPtfic Lord ? -In thefe words Aaro» excufeth himff Ifc, by
rcalonofhistorroWjWhich made him unfit and unworthy to
eate of thofc holy things. "Dff^r, j^, y; ^ a^. 14. Htffi
9.' A'
' ThciC^ew^^'DisSnes, ibmcwhat tothc fam^^purpofe. Natural
griefe oftoiiide,' madee>i^r<?« bot^ unw'illirigtd cate jand Icifo
apt to complete all the ceremonies :(& without fin he omitted
that pertained to his ovvn comodity, offering it untb God.Thq
,G^wz'^ notes , Mofcj bare with Jiis infirmitie , confiiering his
great IbrroWi'but doth not leave an example to forgive them
tiiat-nihlitic ily tranfgrcffe the commandemcnt of God. The
KuX^t rc^dziitj, ^<»»0di^potmc&Mfdrree/im^ ant flacere D<7-
minsin ceretmniis ntente Inguhri ? Vatchlus, or Leo Inda, Tali^'
(jH^ mih'uaccidertint^etjicomedijfew hofiiAmfrofeceatiihodie\,nHm
hoc bene faSl ant ejfet in ochUs Domini ? Or , Mihi OHtem ueci-^
Jerunt huJHfmodi, Ji i^ifHr-comediffem-, hodie ehUtionemiffAm
pro peccato, an plac;4i(J}t Deo? And the fenfe.of the place' he
gives thus, Mthi t4*»en Tnortfiiffint fiiii me't , e^uod certe ^gf^'
mento eFi illorumfacrijicium Deo no» flacmjfe ( ignord^at eniift
Aaron cmjam mortii f/iorHm ) Si igitur comedijfem ejt,od mi'
hi dcMatHTy ex eu obtAtione cfHomodopUcHi^emDeo ^ cjuum eh'
laio ipfa non placHerit ? "cf. 4. Non futavifore Dep grMHfh^
<, _^i v . ,. cjnum eA vlUlmA.nen fuerit plodftt^.^Iuti. cives the words ano-
'^ ■ tnerlenle. Ego cjuoquenonjaw attend ad ojpaum mtht impera-
tHmlege^fedperimprudentiampeccaviHtfliimifHperfiites : e-
jufdem negligentia gt" pertHr^^tioni) remfttm : gratumne ei fff^
retjfiegoadhfic in pecoato havens, pccc at ftmpop»li expiandnm in
me trarjjlfilijfcmi-
The coijclufions from this Text of Saipture, may be
fuch as thefe ; That - oftentimes the letter of the law
giveth place to great ncceluties ; or that Gods worfhip,
where be hath prcfcribed and determined the manner, muft be
performed as be hath appointed. But that no other fervicc
may .be tendered untoGod,, than he hath ipf^ituted ( though
that
(n)
i^^bczTtuth ) or that in eventide he hath determined the
manner of his. Service, that cannot be gathered from this
Text.
All their wickcdnefle is in GilgalCfaith the lord by the Pro- n,./.^. if,
phct ) tor there doc I hate them : for the wickedncflc ot their f^of 4. » 5 f^" ' >-
inventions I will caft them out of mine houfe ; I will love' ^•^^'^-"^''-^^
them no more : all their Princes are rcbells. The vvickedneiTc ^'^'
of 5"'/^**^ was that horrible idolatrie, wherewith it was pollu-
ted, and by their inventions, wee muft uuderil:and their idoli-
trousWori"hip,fetiipdire(4lyagainft the Commandcment of
God. And by the houfe of God, neither the land which the
Lord gave them to poflcfle , or tlic family ot Cod is meant : but
the condition of the people oiIfr.u/, will not fufl-cr the San-
duary or Tabernacle to be undcrftood. For they fet up Al-
tars, and facrificed in Gilgal, wncre was neither the Arke , nor
Sanduary of the Lord, and when Cod had cxpreCly forbidden
cither to multiply Altars, or to faci ifice in any other plice than
that which he had chofen unto himlilfe. But how doc thefe
things hang together , Idolatrous worlhip, diredly contrary '^''.'"■•5^^''*^/''''"':'.
to Gods Commandcment, is unlawfull , therefore it is unkuv- J^.* ^^- "^I'^jw/?^
full to worlhip God in any other way or manner than he hath /^jjo'pim^^ 'cPoci
inftituted? The thing concluded is true , but it hangs to the jo iwcm^cumpe/
Premifes as a rope of fand.. //..i.w) Prnpheun
Two paflages of Scripture are rightly alledged by you ( the '^'^^^ ''qit-tt'^y ^
reftaremufteredupmeerelytomakeathcvv, and argue y^^^ J'^J JhLme*
great inconlideratenelTe in citing Scripture ) againft will- wor> tf,tir,d.ita & ioan-
Ili'p, and (iiperftitious rites,or emptie lliewcs of Religion. For m^ h'mmum chccn-
the foule of Religion, is to doe ads with relation, to Gods"^ & uerhnt Doml-
Commandement,and where there is no Commandcment or '';^' "^ "^ ' '^'"^^ "''"^
Inftitution, there can beno conlcience ot worlliip, no txpecta-^^^^/p ;^ ^^^^
tion of a blelTing. Inthlsfenic therefore :::c propolkion is to Masih.is j,*.
be admitted. But in a matter of fuch importance, fo much in-cvU.8.
filled upn by your fclfe, it became you to de.ilc diftindly , and ;" «• ''^ ^^'f^Z
prove (ubftantially what you affirme, and not to confound J^^J.J^^^^'J^^^^^
things that diflcr> confidently to atiirme what you can t^^sz^ abhim'mbiisinlli'
tH /•«' fue Delm:n-
datQyVAVUMcfl. ifat. 19.1 ?. Mat /?. 1 ?.8, Hc^.i i6. Rom. 10. 17. !?{;« ta^r^i ?r(gcr^ffs p^ffc cos
qHitickfum rcgmt prefer there ai'-.-.M^ifirgubrc de ctT'Wtricmt'th,^ Dti cut um ter:ivo tsv.ts, ex vlt--
t)i 1>a "tncrul hui, tximt'Oin ut de kcu<^ tern^'iTit phili amm er.nvtntuum &ftmi'uhifs qi:a adpnia-
tern itc:tfi.ifluafn pcrimcnt, fed Tif^jmui intdihu^fotfndiitefiHliHrn DticB^il'ioc. Can, ^tcty ftci.x,
make
make goodjand hcapc up Scrij^turcs and Authors to no pvirpofc.
Toufaj/ ,if is a certaine rule {as Logicians teach ) Things art
re^llj to be dtftif^gftijbed, which in themfelves are to be.[ef orated
each from other. But the rule is , That all things arc rcUly diftin-
guiilicd, which may be feparated each from other,as the body is
really diftinguifhed from the apparrcl,becau(c,ttc garment may
be feparated from the body,&:thc body from the garmcnt.How
trucly you underftand,or fitly apply that Waxi'me, it is needlcfie
to examine further : but what you obferve in your Piftoler ( as
you ftilehm) that is mod true in your felfc andfomc others,
that ignorance or negled of diftinguilLing things that difler in
this matter of Gods Wordiip, i&one maine caulc of great error
and going aftray.
In proofe of your propofition alfo,you lavilli fomewhat,when
you lay without limitation. That all forts and {q^s of Writers
acknowledge it for a truth; For the Papifts generally hold the
contrary, as you know. But this is a thing with you very uliiall
and common. / . '
The later part of your rcafon , which you fmootiily pafle cv
ver,as a matter cleere, and manil^cft^and for proofe whereof,you
lend us to our confciences, in confcience we utterly denie, and
by the Word of God are alTured of the contrary, viz.. That t*o
joyne with ou** congregations in the ordinances of Grace, is a
Worflifp ot'God prcfaibed in his Word , comended of Chrift,
and blefled of him to them that in confcience obey his Com-
mandements. The Wordiip there performed , is that which
the Lord hath inftimted, the dodrinc of falvation is taught in-
tirely, the Sacraments rightly adminiftred , the facrifice of
Prayer offered unto God in the Mediation of Jefus Chrift , our
onelyhighPrieft, who is prefent in the Congregations,by the
prefence ©f his grace , gracioufly inviteth men to come unto
him, and fweetly refreilieth them that in truth of heart draw
nigh unto him. Thus God is worlhiped in our alfcmblics, and
this worfhip is performed byfuchasare called of God, and
many approved of God in their Office and Miniflcric.
That the Preaching and hearing of the Word is a Worfliip of
God, if the word, Worfhip, be taken largely, to comprehend
both all naturall worfliip, and all means inftituted and ordained,
whereby God is pleafcd to teach and inftriid his people , will
cafily be granted, and fuch as denie it J are juftly to be taxed.
But that diftindion of Worfhip mufi be admitted , which is
taught
c^o
tatight in Scripture, and the more cxa(5VIy tcarmes are diftin-
guifned, the more cleercly the fraud of the Adverfary is difco-
vercd , and the better able fhall wc be to confute them, unkffc
we Jiad rather doe it with bigge words,tlian weight of rcafbn.
Onely here obfervc your partiality. For to (hew the nccef- CA^r.NcccfT.of
fitieof Separation, f peaking of outward Worfhip ufcd in the Sep.p.? z. /aVw.
afrcmblies ot Engiandj you lay; As for Preaching , it is held to »*».
be no part of Divine Service , and for proofe, you quote H<>1V-
fofjj Serm. in , 'fal, 1 1 8 pag. 1 8 . C a n , i p ,Sjo» plea, 326. And,
Touching Preachins, it is no Effentiall part of their Minifterie.
But againft your Piftoler, to prove that hearing is Worrhip,you Can. Stay. §. 3.
fing another note ; None to my knowledge ( laving a Popi{h ^ ^^•
Parafiteortwo, He^fotiySerm.in Vjd. iiS. pa^. 78.) ever
held other wife ; tjU. but that hearing was Worfhip. And
they by men of better judgements have been fharpely blamed
for it. But let us hearc how you goe forward in this Argu-
ment.
Can. Stay againft Stray. Sed, 5.
pag.17,18.
Thf Chirch is AH Ido/l Chnrch, and th Mini fiery an Idoll
Mtnifierie : i^^ndifthe Church he an Idoll, the MlniHerie ^c/^ 1 4 8.1 Cor.
an Idoll, the Government an Idoll, &c. In theivords then of f ' ^; ^^^''f^'"' '"* '
the Prophet, What hAV6^'e to doe any more ^ith Idolls? * '^.^o^-'4.
what agreement harh the Temple ofGodmth Idolls .? Z/f-
fle children, keep your felves from Idolls^ o^gaint , my
dearely beloved, Flee from Idolatrie. But ho\Sf , mente &
corpore,/^<V/> Parens, that is , the vcorjhlp and reverence of
Idolls,
A N S W E Ri
The Aflfumption you leave naked ,to fliift for it felfe, bccaufe
you finde it an eafier matter to declaime againfl Idolatry, and
holding communion with Idolaters , in their Idoll-fervice
( which.no maiievcr doubted) than to nuvke proofe, that to
joyncv
V _ /oyne in the ordinances ofRcligion in our aflcmblics, is'will-
worfliip or fupcrftition. But if" you prove little , you have
learned ro accufe manfully. An Idoll Church, an Idoll Miniftc"
ric, an Idoll-govcmment, who doth not tr-mble at liich thun-
der cracks ?
But firft you (liould call to minde what you anfwcrc to your
Cam. Stay.§.j.». oppofite. As for your bare faying, it is farrc from proofc. To
20' affirmc or dcnie ( according to Ariflotle) is of no confcqucncc.
Anft, de inierpret. Wcc cannot take his bare faying, dejnrc O" fide , to be a rule of
' J "^' ^'J^ ^'^ ""/' ^^"^ ^° ^' ^'^^ ^^^ confcicnces are not ( like Sam/ons fhoul-
t^^c&MZ ders)ftrong enough to beare it. If it may fufficc to accufe,
CxN.Stjy. §.7. who ("hall-be innoccnti'Andif the caufc may be carried with
l),Sp. clamors and out-cryes , you are furc to winne the vi-
^ry.
2 Suppofe our Church and Minifteric be an Idoll in fomc
rcf pcdl, it is not a reall Idoii, but Metaphoricall , not abfolutc,
but in fomc confidcration : for the Word preacheuj and the Sa-
craments Adminillred in our i'ocieties, are the true Gofpel, and
intirc Sacraments of Jeliis Chriftj which could not be , it' our
Church and Miniftery was abfolutcly an IdoUja mcere nothing.
But to draw illimited conclufions, from a reall Idoll, to a Meta-
phoricall, from an abfolutc Idoll, to an Idoll in fomc confidcr^-
tionorrcfpecf^jisancwLogick never taught in the Schoolcs,
nor learned from the Scriptures.
The idle, carelelTc, unprofitable, covetous, proud, fcandalous
■^^f ' * ^ •'^' ' ^* fliepheard, who fillcth the roome, but doth not the office of a
£t'V?4-'°i>4>^ fhepheard , is an Idoll fliepheard : But the faithfull were not
They Will not'be to Hie fromrthcm, both in mindc and body, io as to have no
able to doc the communion with them m the Ordinances of God .
workeofpaitors, In the daics of the Prophet leremity the men of Jcrufa-
*]i^'^'*^ mc'^^h' ^^^^ ^^^ ^" gcneralljboth rich and poore, were Idolls,who had eyes
!hey"w^f never be but faw not, carcs, but heard not. But the Prophet had not
buc idoils. T.c. learned in minde and body, to fly from , and have no focietie
rcpi.i.p.i.p,^6g withthcmintbe worfliipof God. The fliffc-neckcd , and
Jtre. ^ I , i. difobcdient lfraclites,the uncircumcifed in heart and life, were
iJm.i Z.1J, J. ^^gy j^Qf jJqJj ? ^ people not a people ? Though thofe their
vices muft be fhunned, yet we have not found, that LMofes and
the Prophets did riy from the ordinances of God, becaufe they
muft have nothing to doe with Idols. Every thing that is em-
ptie of goodncfle required, ^nd fo doth failc or fruftratc cxpc-
clation, may be called an Idoll, a thing of no worth, vainc and
fruit-
C^7)
fruirlefle. So an Hypocrite is an Idoll ; the husband, wife, fa-
ther, friends, who arc not faithftill, doc not their office , may ^< "- 15.4,
be called Idols. /^^faithtohisfriends^YcarePhyfitiansof no S»^K 7>(thi/i , «
value, bccaufc they had deceived him, as Davidimh, All the ^^^'^ '':''^'"- \'*-
gods ot the people arc vanitie, or vame. The covetous perlon ^^
is an Idolater, and his goods are Idols : muft thaeforc thcfe 1 ob tf . 1 r .
goods bee deftroyed , and the pcrfons be abhorred ? Nay the 1 c ht. i ^ . > ^y^'f^-
outward Ordinances of God thcmielves , Cixcumcifion, Ba- ^*P'- "^hrh^
ptifme, the Lords Supper may be called Idols, things of no va- ^^^a* ^ft,e..7;.^^..^
luc, that profit not, as feparated from the inward grace or ^t'^lcj!' uuvun.
thing fignificd. And if wee (hall annex your AlVumption, „«; ex Heor.fi'-
and, now then in the words of the Prophet , What have we pt ic £j>h y , .CoL
any more to do with Idols ? What agreement hatb the Tern- <-5-v»uii"Ji.i.i^
pie ofGod with Idols? Will you grant the conclufion , or
condemne the inference, as unlearned, foolifli, perverfe, not
tree from grofTe abulc of Sci ioture ?
3 Our Church and Miniftery is not f^zc from (jwtsand lob ^24
ftaines, wee freely confefle to the praile of Gods glorious fj'"'**\'^
grace, and heartily bcfcech his HighnefTc to fupply whatis 5«V/,;'J,,'^ EdtfiA
wanting, to amend what is out of order, and to remove what r/?, <•-; xtum chi-
isfuperfliwus.But notwithftanding any defe(5ls or corruptions ppi'nc vnMdiar,
that can be charged upon us, the Church and Miniftery is "fi -^ '*• obcdunti^
true and found , "enjoying whatfoever is eifentially neceflaric ^,!c.l^lfu\p^\^
to the lite and foulc of a true Church and Miniftery , given by ^/, Ej^^afmo n<m
Chrift, andiuchasthc Kings of the earth are bound by Gods fk£.ity:fr,mata A-
law to proted and maintaine. For our Church is built upon po- j .1. TA-k-ut^v
Jeliis Chrift, the fole foundation of his Church. Wc acknow- /"•^''^^•'^•» - '^-^i -
ledge Chrift ( ur only King, Priell:, and Prophet. God hath ^^^'^ ^*"''"- "" '^-
givDi unto us the Tables of his Covenant ,and we have rccei- Ambr. L LuM 6,
Ycd them : and his free and gracious Covenant is confirmed cap.^. Tm.^.Fi.^.ef
by the true «nd efFcduall feales, which he ha:h annexed unto ^gt.ia .-« p/imu Ec-
hispromife, andcommirted unto his Church as their prcr»- -^fi'^l'"^^^
gative. Chrifts Name is truly and only called upon m our f^,^^ hlbrlor fit
AlTemblies: his Gofpcll is intirely Preached, and favinglyre- h^uddubit kg'-Mda.
ceived by liis people, and hee is prelcnt with his Ordinances si qua efl (uiefia.
qi4it j^dem rfpuat
dcfe tndaisi. Ibid
Petralva ( h i/?u: (fijfun^.-lamenfufil Bed Jt/e fide: cfi, Stmn'mptt a fiuerU,'r,iEcchfi.: cris ipctra e^
Ch-iffi^i Hieron. in Syrr.-'.ie! tom.^^ liu t// Ecc'efia fa>:ila,q dtf.ttt.i CbrUli n.%.gra^ferVAt. Sta-
plctoii tclcCt.cti: I qu.^.art. <i. FueiVc;a.Ei;atfiievnath. ^\]hn ChriJfiM/djeCi.pan.i p.
j^f.Whirt filth UiUch, the CU'jr<h t lUth; anii hce thai aifirnies )gui c'»drti»c to b«
{lUcf dcnifiyouf ^iicn'blici Jj.d aiultiiudcj to Ht the Chuich.
I to
toblsiTcthcm, Cb the worthy partakers. Ifanyftubblcbcc
laid upon the foundatbn in rcfpoft of /the Chur<ii or focictic,
it is done ignorantly , for ought wee can judge, and with a
mindc teachable and ready to give place when light doth
evince it : atleafl:itisnotinpointsfiindamentaU,tha!tis^iJch
asare lb maine, that without tlieiflihere is no (alvation, or
offo cleareconfequence from them, that who fo is truly per-
fwaded of the one, cannot but fee the otljcr.
The paflagcs of Scripture annexed, arc grofly abufcd , and
ib are the Authors alledgcd : for they {peak of rcaU Idolatry,
and Idols, from which we mufi: fly ; but cannot fo much as
colourkbly be applyed to feparation from the worfliip of God
in our congregations, becaufc of fomcabufes which are not
reformed . But you goe forward* and we muft folk>w you.
Can. Stay. Sec.}.pag«i8.
[fit i»a& Ifraels great Jin to carry the »hLmoHs mder the U^,
to a f lace (hoyvheitfometimes la:^fHll, Ajidivhere their ^oeL-
ly Aiiceliors had before trnly worfiipped) becanfe they had
necommandementfatodae: then certainly y fn»re in fault
are thofe ()^hich with the ^orjhip of the G of fell) goe rthere
it was never la^full pithlikcly toferve Gody and where their
forefathers never t» this day rightly jerved him.
Answer..
Here you beg what we Chaii never grant,, nor you bcabic
Lav"" b"ai ?cc!Ifc ^? P^^^ ^° wit,that our Church isan Idoll Church, our Mi-^
and judge ,aiid oro- "i^cry an IdoU Miniftery,and that our forefathers nev^r right-
cccd wpon no bet- ly ler.ved God in our A&rnblies : which is an eafie kind of
icr ground tiaan difputing , if you get a reader as CTeduloos and willing to bca
fufpirion. you ro?y miflead, as youarc percmptoric in palfing fentcace. , But if
any iTian Tf tJre- ^^^ ^o"ld believe you herein , wee fhould bely the mercy of
fie. B..yo,7. *Ciiri. ^od, and condemn the generation of his Saints.
?ar^ J .oag.so j . As for the high places of which wee read often in Scri-
pture, it was lawful! for the Fathers of old to offer Sacrifi-
ces upon them , when it was not precifely commandccf, but
only the place tor iacrificc undctermined»But after that God -
liad
had chden, determined, and appropriated a peculiar phcc for
(acrifice where it was to be offered and not elfcwhcre, thai -^iMp'tc$g.i}h.i
it was ^ great finnc for them \^nthoiit extraordinary difpenla- p^g. ^^9.
tion r-commandcmenttoofferinthofe places, where their '^'^'^'^'"<'>i'>!atMi»
godly Anceftors had truly worfhipedbcfore^notbecaule they Jam'^G J^""^ i!'^
had no commandement lo to do (for that may be faid of their lawforb^ %ml
Anceftors, they had no commandement to o£:r there ) but inude to be made"
bccaufe it Avas cxprcny forbidden. And here yon may fte how ^"'^ ^y ^n ct traor-
thefirftpartof the fcntcnce doth croffe the later: For if '^'"•ryprfccpt co-
godly Anceftors did truly worlhip God in tlie high places , Tudcl^ilhlhT^"
when they were not commanded, then the ifraelites did not Terpcnt ^ \^o "b^"
finne grievoufly in carrying their oblations thither, becaufe it "^ '^c .- which may
was not commanded. What moved you fo to write and to ^^ ^Pi \y^'^ to this
alledgc Authors, as it they affirmed the lame. Heave it to W°''«>^'tli a lii-
yourconlcience to judge. This is lure,neither Scripture «®r Diut"j^7"&
Author cited, doth fpeake with you in that matter, but plain- ^^ *'^' ^^*
ly profellc, that it was unlawfull, becaufe it was exprefly ' chr.17^.
forbidden. Thatcxercife( faith Zwwc^V) didfeeme praile- -^^^^^6.6.
worthy to the I(raelites,aixl yet it is to play the harlot : Why? ^^^^J ^ • * '•
becaule it is lacriledge to depart from the Word ot the Lord. c^Ld" vclf^'i^li
But the Word of the Lord had commanded, that they fliould *« /» cni/toui en \~n
worfhip the Lord only at la-Hfalem, and by fuch rites as hec ^■^' ^ (t^ cmra Dei /?~
had inftitutcd. jf'"^ « ^^*^ pr^-
Thc Kings who are commended in Scripture , who yet LtnCn'inUof
tooke not a^vayt^ic high places, zs JfaJehojMfhat, Amaji^^ LaudJil etmul
A^cariM, and fothiarty they were not commended for fuffer- '//«^ ifraeiitis vide-
ing the hi gb places, but that they were conftant in faith and ^'''"'■' ^ ''»«»^ ftl
religion, although they fell into Ibme peculiar (ins. But with- f^°^.-'°'^' ^^f ?
aH, the abufe or the high places in the worlhip of God, was ^dJficJ^e'Jt'h vt
no light (in , but very grie\ lus , becaufe it was properly tmni.verbuma.Doi
and expredy againft the divine law and precept. mtm jufcrat u't taji-
As for the ten Tribe s who departed from the houfe of 'Da- ^f" ^'e*''fi)ynis,^'
vidy they finned grievoufly, in that they worfhippcdthe ^'^'^'"'^.o^" ^^>'«-
Calves, and that in a place oK worlhip circled of tlu mfelves, ^JS'* ''' '^"^'^
contrary to the word of God, leaving and toi faking that place S^cjun.Annot.in r.
which tliw Lord had chofen to hi mfe,lfe. They profefTed the ^^g. j j . ^ j Reg]
true God , and turned not afide to tlie gods of the Heathen, *V ^•
> King. I J.I 2, 1 4,
Kiig 22.45.
zKirtg. It. z KingMy.4 iKing. I^jj. B»'^'«Chil'Vfubj-a,}art4 pag^40. Gods
aa»be»cTi»s\3*v, isno vtifranilop youto btcikehij lavy. By his Ijw hcc reftrainetk )■»»*
not hitnUlic fromihcmaVm™ ofanyiuch liiiilitudes. 1 Kiogs ^4. ij.i^,
• I 2 and
C6o)
Hoi 9 i 5.
1 Kins tr.51.
Lev. 17.7. Hr'-.
He/,. DIV^'7
e'.ttrntr.ibus,
D(:u.ji.i7.i Cf.r.
»o.io. H*.^ 1.1.3
Ad* 7.4'. • Cor
iO.7. I K Mg. 2.
23. and 14^ .9. *
Chrou. I I H V.
Uc6Ttf./C(K
See Ai (:v. Ann«jr.
la Lev,' 7.7.ff "<»
I if. 5.. 1 1 a, 44.
*,.. KH Siu. ^.l pag.
B .Uir:ii ;n Ltv. 17.
btc iunjii^cs 1 7 .
andinthatrcipcA arc called the houfc and fimily of the
Lord ; But as they lacrificcd at Bethel, and committed Ido-
latry in worfliipping the Calves, fo their fcrvicc was abomi-
nable, and their Pricflihood appointed for ihatfcrvicej I mcer
nullitie and huinanc device.
Thus all the Jevves and Gentiles are faid to facrifice unto
Divcls, who facrificed in fuch fort and place as God had for-
bidden r cfpecially i- tliey facrificed unto Idols, though in
them they facrificed unco the true God in their imagination,
asthelfraelitcshaddoiie when they made the golden Calfs,
and facrificed unto it : and leroboAms Idols are called Divcls,
and he is faid to make Priefts for the high places and for Di-
vcls. Further this Ordinance ot God was typicall , and did
£hadow forth Chrift^s the learned do obkrvc. and nc« with-
out ground and warrant. All Altars, Sacrifices, Priefts, and
the Temple it felfe where the Altar ftood , were but types
and ihadowcs of C hrift. You your iz\{z cite out of Bifhop
^4^i«^f««,that hereby was figniiied, that only in the Church
by faith in the chiefe high Prieft Chrift Jefus, lacrificc and
fcr^ ice accepted of God, '\s, and can be offered and done, and
no where els. By the e rudiments ('iaith another) Chrift was
rhado wed among thejcwes, aiid ejcpiatiop made on the
croffe by his blood.
From hcnccbticfly let thele things be obfervcd. i That
the Jewes finned by facrificing m the high places, and the II-
raeiitesat ^^n and Tethel^ becaute God had forbidden it exr
prc-fly , but againft communicating in our affcmblies, no fucb
prohibition can be brought forth, which haply might bee the
rcafon, why you had rather fay, becaufe they had no divise
precept for it, than becaufe it was forbidden, which yet you
know to bee moft certaine. a Though it bee not law.uU ta
communicate with the people of God in their fins , yet wee
may partake in the ordinances of w^orftiip, with fuch asof»
fend grievoully in the worl'hip of God , as the Prophets and
bithfulj, communicated in the ordinances of God at prufa^
lem, with them that facrificed upon the high places. 3 . That
in Idolatrous and. falfe Churches, that which ismeerelyof
niai is vaine and fruitlefle, and a mecrc nuUitie, but if among
them,, fomcthing which is of God rcmainc , it is not to bee
cfteemed a thing of nought. 4 Wee muft neither forlakc all
fociaies>. wherein wcc efpic many things repugnant to the
word:
(60
Word of God, nor call off every thing in thofe fodetics,
wherewith we mult nat hold communion, as inlie^ v^ine and
ineffe6luall. I n Idolatrous focietics, there may be lome truth
whic! I mull t .oc Cill away, though I mull not hold fociety in
their Idolatry. In the true Churches of Chrift, there may be
div'crfe errors and ahuies, wherewith I muft not commnni-
iCate, rhouiih I inull live and hold ftHowihip in the lociery.
i am bound to ke^pe the unity of that livingbody, vyhcrc-
of I am a member, even with feme inconvcmence of licke-
i!clVc a'ld u ilound pares, but I mull not joyne my felfe to a
itrange body and lo beeome a member ot Satan, j. They
tiiat Loramunicace in the Worfh'p of God in our AUcmblies
doe neither hruig a llrange oblation, nor goe to ^ place forbid-
dcnvtbr the worhip is ot Gcd, and the Congregation aflemb-
leJ in his N^me,and he is there prelent to fcall them that draw
nigh unco him in truth of heart.
Cjf.lib.x.c.4. The'
people malt not
partakt vfich tha
facrifkc of afacri-
legious TTielf.
S. B. Second an-
(yftr, fag.xo.
Can. Stay. Sedt. j. i'ag. 19.
Off^ht we fsot to beleeve, that as 'God hud commanded, m t»
Tvorflnp Him, that «, to heare hh fford, receive the Sa^
CrAtnents and to ufe other His Ordm*»ces : fo Hie hath
al/o called and feparaed unto himletfe a Churchy a (Jom-
munioft of Saints , and holy ones, in and amongjh whom .
thefe htly things are to be u fed, and that xpe are to looke »»
vhAt fellowlhi^ wee receive the holj things of ^od, as
what the things are we doe receive. In award, ought we
not to beferfrvaded, th^t ^s the iefall Sacrifices out of the
Tabernacle vr T'emple, rvithinwhofe circle thej were pre-
fcribed by the mouth of God, were unlawfully offered : fo
all the Ordinances and exercifes of the Church under the Deur.i t.^;6,7.
GefpeH done out of a true conflituted Chttrsh are altoge-
ther and every way finfulL.
Answe Ri
God bach feparated unto himlelte a Church, and amongft
them hee is to bee worftiippcd according to hisowne appoint-
mcQt. But this Church is of Urger extent than that which yoa
ii, cali
Call a true conftituted Church j wee rcade that the Lord did
Deuc. 1 1 f ,<»,7. '^huCe a certaine place for ficriiices, arccr which k was unlaw-
full o ladtifice in any other ; anU fo we read glib that the re-
Eir j.i 2. 10. malndec of the l^aichalf Lamb was to be buiiit and the rieih of
Bxod.xp. j4. cheRamme of Conlecration with the bread that remained un-
IcTit , » s • « J- . to the morning, and the flelli of the peace- offering : But that
lyceldthe Sct^p-^^ ^jj Ordinances ot the Churchdoneout of a trueconlti.uted
my^(cnul^lnd my Chorch, in your fenfe, ftiould be altogether unlawfully or that
cxpoC^ionwukout the Ordinances are tyed to your Church conlHcution, as the
the Scripture, let it Sacrifices were to the Ti^mple, that wc rcade not : and how
bee of no credir. ^j^^j^ q^jj we be pcrfwaded of it ? R«member your owne re-
e AN^^*" Vof fc- queft. Let the Scripture fpeake in the points betwccne us,for
par. »W. 11 1. Can. Without ic nothing is to be affirmed, and beyond it nothing to
Stay, bpiftlc to ihc be~concluded.
deader. Pciocipally , of" old the Temple fliaddo wed Chrift, in and
lohn I. ijjir . through whom we mull preient our fervice unto Goa, andrhen
S the Ak^ ut ^^^ Church of Chriltians : but thatthe exttrnall conllicutioa
for Cbrift in tke of * Congregationall focietie is reprefented thereby, inluch
Ancients. Ignat. ad fort as if it be thus, or tlius conftituted it ihould be lawful! to
Magwfian. To one joynewith them, but if this oi that exteriuUntc be lacking,
Altar, to one Lord -j. ([^Q^Jl^ ^g unlawfuU to joyne in the worlhip ot' God, is molt
TitL./ one Alfar "npfobable. In all ages the Lord hath had his ChurJi,
to all the Church, in which he hath beene worlViipped. But evermore the faith-
ire?}, adv. bxref.l 4 full were not to bring their lacrifices to the Tabernacle, or
C.I. ^ 4. ell Ergo At- Temple. And if the Lord liad cliolen not that place for iacrifice,
It^l '^Z* ^"^^■^'^" other fervice pleafinji and acceptable mi^ht and ought to bee
Hlft.iltf.lO.cap. 4. r J- L 1
■' ^7 performed mother places.
ruike l\M3tth iz. ' ; -Tl^^J^efora that Sacrifices fhould prefigure all Ordinances
Se^.j. The Lords aiid exerciles of the Glwiftian Church, and the Tabrrnacle
Altar that was in and Temple the extcrnall frame and conlhtucion of a Church,
the Temple, was a is an Unwritten tradition.
tfoutc of ChHits jj. is more realonable a great deale to compare the extei nail
once^oSwed^"' ^^ frame of the lem/h Church with the outward order which
BiihopEabiN.com- God hath inftituted for the Evangelicall Cliurches, and vvor-
toit, neici 0^0-'' ihip with wordiipjfubllance of Religion with Ihbftance, and
hxod.»7. tlien it will follow that as the laithfiill and religious /tf»^/
might and ought to hold focietie in the Ordinances of Reli-
gion, when many things were amifle in the externall frame
and conrtitution of the Churdi ; as the Pri .l idle, covetous,
prophane, the people diflolute, impendent, rebellious : fo the
faithilill in the Chriftian Church mull hold Communion
in
in the Ordinances of Grace, theugh in the conftitution of the
Church the Officers and members much be our of order. The
DewAj glofle hath much moi c problwlity than yours. To con- Doway ann^t ii j.
ferve unKj/fay chey)chete was but one Tabernacle <fe one AI- ^^^^^ o^Kmgs/
tar for lacri/icie in the wljole people oiljrtnel: VVliea3pon,wlien ^^^' ^ ' '
tlie two tribes and a<5 iwlfe on tiie ocIjci htle /#r<i«« had made
a feverall Altar, aJi tlieTnbes that dyyck w Crf»44*, fu(pe6t-
lagKWASt'oF.Ssc ifice, iintpreiemlytoadmonilhchem, eJr.
but what end il>aH wc have, if every mm upon his ownc licad ^"S.^^'/'^' ^*/j
jpay a^vifc or Coyn? ligmHfaiiow ot Gods Qtdinanccs ? ^"^ S'^f^^!
Wlw.t IS this, luit to biiog .n anew worj, to lit up Sacra- Onmk e/^tf%i%l
ments upon our oyvn heads J Herein we fay to you, and them '«''f T}?eo!ogka e/f
as you to your oppolite ; 1 require the voyce of the Siiepheard, "^'^"" f^''*-> n^'^txr
Reid It mec out ofjch^i Fiopiiets Siiew ic meeoutof tiie ^f"^"^*^'^^fi'"<^'
Plalmcs, c^r. In jheinteiprecat.onQf^theTjvesand Figures ^^fT^^'^^^V-
of the La vv, races judgements if theiScr^Turf goenotbcf-W famdequAgituv
them are of (mail credir. t«Uit, &c. /^/ar/w :
de fffon.! Cbrifti
p.igc. 6 1 2.
Can. Stay. Sect. 5. Pag.10.21.
Jfthdt he true in the Thilofofher.Offofite t h'wgs in fMture are ^ ,-
alike ^gajne, Th'^^ goodwhofc contrary t^evilt : If Jj^^l^^^
mftp needs foliorces^ that as fome ^ hurchts are vt^blj / b6.
true in refpe^i ef faith And «rder : fo etbsrs msy bee true 5'^«w efi cupu coa-
teo^havifig outward order y alheit the members thereof *^'^''"^"* 'fi malum,
have no fatth at oH, The which Mffertion i^ not to bee ^l^""''^-^'
Mnfwered but Charred. The tenneTribes which d^par- view and enqoVe
ted from the Lord, from huTempie, Sacrifices, Priefts, of ihat Miniitery,
^ttary and other holy fignes of hii prefeMce at lerufa- ^^orfliip and Go- '
lem ; frotn the time and ft Ut after were not Gods C'hnrch, ^crnment , whicli
fo the Scriptures Jhe^, Ho f 1.2, znd 2 fhron.ic.,, fer. ''^7 »f ^ at D<t» «e
o J a W J I rr It Betht/i It VTlll 3p-
3.8. ^mosg.-j.^c. ^yidthe IfraeUtes when prar cv,dently,dic
they worfifippedat Dan and Bethel, i»ere not in refpeB of the fame w*» not
faith And Deiirine M§re corrupt^ thati the other how it, mortfalfe, idola-
M^ Ainfworth, ttnd theNon confarmifis, afrmethat "ous^nd anJawful
Reltgion at 1 1( not better i ham the Other ^ ^^ Govemmot
of the Engli& Af-
Kn^bhc* is, by the Non-confermiUs affirmed to be Jtrchoams Apolog.in his Arrow againft .
Jdolairy. Can M<:fy:.o£.5c/;.p.5j 86,87,88. Coucfcof CoiBfox./'.i6i.x5».
Ans-
(<^4)
Answer.
AriiX dtCdloM.t.
Arift. CeUeg(h\\xM
Jtcomtir.
The Philofophicall Maxime to which you have reference
i s. 7oftto un§ efifttrariorum ponitMr d* alt€rt>ni. Bur as yoii
cite it, It is as haid to be found as yourtranlUtionif tobcun-
derftood. That it is not univerfall, appc.irethoutof <iArift.
himfclfe, who putteth down the contrary Maxime as true and
certaine. 2^h tfece(far$um efi. Si contrarior urn alter urn Jit
0^ dlterMm ejfe, J^iam fi omnes fint fanitoi quidem eyity mor-
bus ncn erit. So in the firlt Oeation of all things, all things
were very good and there was nothing evill. All things crea-
ted are finite in aft, butamongftth igs created there neither
is nor can be a naturall infinite. Truth and falfc-hood, good
and eviU, Piety„ and Idolatry are oppofire, and that before
ever faUe-hood, evill or Idolatry had any being in the world.
Contraries we know expell one another, Or if onebenec^f-
iary in the fub;eft the other cannot he in it, ar leall in the in-
tenfe degree, as if fire be hoc it cannot be cold ; Now it is
neceflary, tliat every tihing created be finite and good as created^
and therefore good bad a being before evill. If itbeob/cft-
ed, that oppofites are relatives, and relatives are together in
nature, tl^e anfwer is, they are relatives fecundum <iici, as they
4)eake, not fecundum ej[f, which may bee laid to be together
in nature; Not that both are in aft exigent out ot their cau-
its^ but becaufe the nature of one being knowntr t.'ie nature of
the other may be knowne, whether it be, or be not, wheciitr \t
may bee or may not bee. W'?e know likewiie, that not only
good is oppofed to evill, but evilI to evill, as covetoufnefle t«
prodigality and this the Philofopher himfirlfc confeffeth. So
that thelepropofitions Hiult be rightly limited or tliey are borh
Thele Philofophicall Rules are impertinently alleJged by
you, for the externall order or government and incireproft (-
fion of faith are not oppofite, theym^y i^elqiarated inpait,
and the) ,nay and ought to be joyned together. Tlie faich and
doftrine Itriftly taken may be intire, when the external! order
is pure and holy ; and the order maybe mairntd and dcfeftive^
0Mtasexu<ita.fid vvhea the doftrine i? found in points fundamental! .: And the
''kruu Ecckji^ re- jQ^^ine may l^ce very corrupt and rotten, when die exrtr-
nall
Far. mR»m.io.i<i
Legivtna Vo alio ic-
vif iccUfia. publica,
authoritaie ordivis.
caufa ad adificatione
m^itua. '2^q\»m'
fof'mu est ormium
ubfg] fjWad.cmH^-
t lall order is obfcrvcd according to the rule- amd therefoTc
A JH'irchmay be true in doftrin and protbfTion of faith,<tri6l-
!)<• laKf* f when for matters ot order it labours under grta: dt'
{•e.ih j"* rh'-'ugb in refpett of outward order and^ottrnment,
u catinot be the true Church, when it deftroyeth the foundati-
on of tiie faith For if tlietaith bee taught intirely, and the ^i^^^ ^^ Hofcj
Sacramen'S rightly adminirtred, it cannot be but the minifterie 6. Etfi adtrdimtit-
in that Church mull bee true fof fubilance, what other de- mmextanimi nihil
fefts focvcr it labour under. 'jid^fet, &fepro
Buc if the foundation of faith be ovcrthrowne, or the mi- f;;''^^^/''''''^'
niltcry whereunto men be fet apart be ftran|t,e and meerely de- ^^'^^'^ ^^slcymiii-
viftd, there can be no true calling or miniltery, butfallcand cwrm Jacerd'ttes ad-
impure. hnc ntinent ahquam
If this diftindbon of - true Church and Miniftery, for fub- f^'^'M'jfo^niaMtx^
rtance oF E>o6lrine in poiars fundamental!, and externall cal- r a^'s*^ c ji
'vig andgovernmentj bedcnyedabiolutely, I ihalldelireyou *j», i'i< *
to unty a Knot or two, which your felfe have knir. Tlic
Scribes an 3 Pharilees were blind guids, corrupt Teachers,fal{e
Prophccs, in refpecl of dicirdoftrine : co/etous, ambitious,
and otherwife prophaiie, in refpeft ot their x^mverlation : up-
on what grounds then were they to bee heard ? bccaufethey
were called and f^rdaincd of God, thxr they ihould preach the
Law o'' God in the Synagogues to the pcoplc,and exhort them ^ * ^ Suy.Se^. j
to the obfervation thereor. Is not here chedilbn^tion of true f^' ^* «^
and falfc Teachers, in diverfe rtfpcdls ? Rebellious /«<^4i& s./'io'n. ^'
juflificd her firter 5'4w4rM in lone relpefts, and in lome other Ezck.! 6,', 7,4^,49
continued the true Churthcf God. From the time that the ^^^t 11.11,22,
tennc Tribes depajted from (he Lord, h;s Temple, Piielh-, Al- * Chro.i i- 1^,14.
tar, c^c. it was unlawfull 'o holJ comirunmn with them, be- Hofea ^ *6 it <
caule they committed Icolatry, and willfuily left the place i. jReg.ia!'io,it
which the Lord approphared for liis iervice and facrificc : but 2 Reg. 7.1 8.
rtill they retained I'o.TJcri-ungot aC'i.orch, and wcienottabe ^^'O*- '""^om.u.z,
elbemeJ alco^etltcr as heatiicns as the very places quoted doe ^ ' ^ ^^^- ^ • '^'*"
nr ° J I ^ rnj.ia etiam erat di
That the JfrAtUte^ Wren th.-y "sN'omv.ppcd at UAn and ^e- Uetcor.u^ugirru <^
th>;i, uhen they committed reail liolairy with the Calves^ AttflatuA Siqui-
played ri f Harlot upon every high hill, and under c\ ^.y gr^n '^"* Jfraehu etiam
Trte, ti^ fo^ke wilfully the place which God had appointed '"^f Z'^^^fJ"^
for lacrjF :?, and ofTered facrifices in places forbidden, rejCvied £f,35 ^ iMxxixs
tilt f onh Piisft*, and iraie 0) thebafcft of the people Prierts aitf propbeuibi?m
for duL Ici 7 icc whicli tUe Lord abhorred : that they were not (iocicjfem.
K more
mora corrupt in Doftrinc and wor(Hp than the Church of
Enilcmd by the coi f-'irion of Non- conformifts, is an aflerci-
on beyaiid Jl credic. I nsay fitly put you la nnmi> what Ori-
C A.M.Swy.5f<!?.5 i^» f^"h of Celjtu his workes, wHigh you apply to your ad-
pagt J _;. verfary ; Thtie is lo danger lealt any fa irhtuU man ihould be c
liibverced by yaur layings; foryoutalkebucreafonnot : yea
h\ your ta Ike you keep no compafl'e^buc all men may fecie how
gtoflely youmiitake.
MaTter ^inftvorths Aiiow againfl Idolatry, Ihaveiflpf
feene,nor know not !k>w ro come by it. B ut if you vu ill bring
forch his or your ovvne dares \\\ this kindf, they ihall be; tryed
aaJ examined by the Word of God. You are not afraid nor
alhamjrd ro write,, that the Non-conformifts affirme die wor-
ihip of our Engiih Afl'emblicstohe^ifallband idoIacrai;Sas
the worlhip of the Lfraelttes at '■Dnniindi'BetbeL But for
proofe, you bring the bare ceftimony of one alone, and him no
EngU.h Non-conformift. And li hii teltimony had been tru-
ly alledged, can j ou with trudi and honelry charge that upon-
all, which you know is-dilclaimei by rnany> i'poken only by
one^iid he no member of the EogU h Juxiecies ; But that »nc
iliamefully abuicd Ukewife, for when he iaitl the Idolatry of
thcfe times doth equall, if not exceed thatot Ier§ham^ht in-
tends cl^e Idolatry of the Romifh Synagogues,but accufeth not
the En^hih Congregations, as if chey llooJ guilty of thatfin^
or tl c like degree • For he acknowle Jgeth the Giurch of Eng-
land to be a glorious reformed Church j though in ibrpe things
Couf fe of confer "^^ rhrougly reformed as (lie ought. Wherefore, faith he, for
^d£e i4i. cotiformlng toagloriom €h:irch, butinthatipherein JheewM
never reformed. And what wonder if all t he reformed Qjurches
€;oiufc of confer ^^^?^ ^^^ /^'"'^ of the l^mfh dehge etiually accompltjhed ?
fay: i j j . What greater wonder than that any (honldbe found free of the
fmell of that Wine, of Forn' cation ^ yvhareof ijoej all forfo many.
y ceres were, irunl^,
Auo. Ep. 4$. ^Kts -^^^ P^° ' unnetli over alhioft every where \\n\\ pernii ious^
mnimiMentillirffe I dolatry, blafphemy and fuch like out-crjes, aud for colour of
mi.Tivf ali/]uici.7t at- what you lay j,pretend the names of men,wlio indeed and truth-
ligoriipoficumprpfc ^^.^^ jj^g^. )^Q^xt% deteft your rad^nefrcandinconfideratnes :
Tj'!^ilS^tcL Whereas if you wouU be periwaded to tjlke le{fe,and reaioa
mmA giiti Uikne ii^orej and give milder words^^and bring iironger arguments^
■litt^nntiff cbfQwa? . aiiddealefincerely in theteftimonies which yoaufe^j'oufliould
eafe your readtr^ and fpwe your Ccnfcigice,
S'HC»
Section 5.
Can, Stay. Se<a. 5. Pagj/.jS.
THe IVord preached by falfe Minifters ia not tb^t
vord unto which G od h4t h promifed a kief ih^
sfencrenfe. Or it is not the ordinArj way ana
vfeanes, v^hlch the Serif tnre Jj>e4kes of to beget men /^.S^ ,r * ,,,
tdthefAttb, For M a jAlfe forged, onUitutionnt^kes .
a CImrch a. retdl and fubf^MtiaU Idoli, So ^Uhhat
comes from it, is iouchcdmth the IdoUtrj of that con-
ftitution. This <i ruled opinion of many Divines ,7 he
State makes all the fublikf a6iio>is toh formally good
or evill. For at theTjimpU fayiElifiethihe gold, the
Altar the offerings: fo the Ordinances of the [hurch '^^"^•*3->7-
Mulder the gofpell are faKStfied nnto m. That is (at
Bucej- trnely fpcal^th) i«the ufeof themff?adela»full «««■'''•»" M«.ij.i 7
to 144, ir that they hav»thetr rife fr cm a trne and right
foiver.
Seeing therefore thi Church in ^ejfion wants a -ight
C oMJfitfition it mufi fallow that all fpiritnall anions,
done in it (whether 'Tr ay er^ Preaching, Sacraments,
Ce^fures) oi they are there done, are none tfGods OrdU
nances, though true it if , in themfelvesthey are of God,
If tk' fal/eChnrches tf rrhcm we difpnted^ be that fpi- Can. 5tay. SeSL
rituall Babylon mentioned in the Revelation, cap. 18, i s.p- 1 j 1. 1 j i.
4. then tt is unlavpfnll fir Gods pespU to ^oe unto them, ^^- ^^^- *•/• *•
to performeany Jpirittiallor reltgiottsaQion, andfo con'
feejMenth not to heare the e^ "But the firfi is true, Er«o,
the later is trufalfo. The f/ropcf f ion needs to prpofoybe-
canfe our op^tfttes and roe herein are cfopir, ion ^li^jTbg
afumption is numifefi by tbefe reafons, i. The words ArtopnHs in Fer.
»» the Text prove It pi nine ly', ^[fome cut of her mj peo- 1 8 . /><j^. 1 p 8 , }^\ac.
pU^ that is, remove your f elves frew all falfe aSenP' ■^''^w*'" Ktfv.18.4
blies, covenant together to walkjn aII the. Wajes of God^ f '^ '"*'' '" ^^^' ^'
fervethe Lordamdng j^turfelves in fpirit, and truth ^d 'Amxl'xlHZ'^.
returne not from vhence yon are come. Bt$t Ttpent ra~
ther that yee have fuffered your Csinfciences to bee
^- 2 wrought
(6S)
2.Cor>. '. rob.5.
jki. Zcch. I x,i7.
Botlac . pr<>mpt. al--
Ugoriar. cap.ii. dc
Minilt.
it is like th.it filihy
bird, which c.irr)-
eth thii Motto,
efat.
Thcpublidierand
others With him
have cornittcd ap-
parent Idolatry,
maintained k in
jbc Church, and
fought thereby to
pcivert the right
vvaycs of the Lord.
'Jd led. i.p.7-rd
■tfi. IS- ?• M5-
•mroH^ht r*p9tt hy cnj urd^wfull Officers, Andthus doe
fhe Learned interpret the place, namely of fufhacom^
ing otttyM that we mAfn^t be Itodiij prefeut at any of [heir
yrorfhip. A falle Church (iatc ts rightly Jrl^tted to the-
/eprafie fpread in the wals of the houfes of the Lepers,
becanff ofthe:f^ftun«n rvhich if caufei h to the per/otts and
thiKes. Take for in^aMce a Cilie or Towne^ if thecivill
State ■d^ Cooperation, vphtchihsj h ve be ufurpedy devi-
fed or derived from a f iff ft pvwer,atl thdr publikj admi-
jti^ratiorts are-HntavpfMll, and every, ette pa.tal(iifg thereof
offettdeth : So all admiiiijlriitianf done in a falfe Chf/reh
{whether prayer. Preach in Sacramefih, Cenfures) are
■ ftnclcaneaElions.aKddcedcfiteeirerytecei'Oerffftfj, be-
>.'eauCedfthe fdoU State ^ yvhuhisdevifednufof amans
braine, and ufad at a mean: ij ^erv^Gvdin it and
by it, . n'-"-^^^*-/',
AH the Ordirtances done after thr invention andtvift of An-
■ tiihri^ can no atherwife be judged, than a brood common
to-.the natftre of the breeders, that /j, ike Dtvifi, and the
whore of Rome, the Fathsr and 'JMother that did beget
fh;m.
An s w e r.
Xevil.i^.ii.
l^t Fai-hfuil a-e commanded to come out of tpiritt>
all 'Babylon and not to communicate with her in falfe
wordiip or Idolatry, as the Text doth confirm^, and.
yoir oppofites grant. And therein it was nefdlcffe to tnutler
up the teftiaienies of the Learned, to give evidence in a cafe
mainuined and prailifed notofiouily, fc, that we mull flye
fioni the foriccy oi Rome, and notbeprefent to behold their
worfhip. Your labour herein is fuperfluous, but that rhe
N^.tmes of Learned men liei e numbred up, miglit fervc to co-
Yc: your nikfednefle, ,when you come to the point in contro-
vcrfie, wherein you prove juil nothing at all,
" Biit our Churches wherein the Gofpell of Chrift is purely
preached and p, ofefled in all j-oiiits fundamentaJl, tlie feales
cjf the Covenant of Grace rightly adminiftred, who arc fepa-
ritied from fpirituall Babylon in mind and body, and have fled
ftom her worllrip and Xdolatry^ v/ho ace buik upon Chrift the
C69)
true and firme foundation of his Chrrcb, and by Chrift hitn-
felfe acknowledged for his people, and graced with hic .avori-
rab.e prefcjice : Oiir Churches, I fsiy, cannot be deemed c^
reputed fpirituall Baby [on, without great in;iirie to Chrift his
truth, his Church and Saints. - .
r,y rpiritu?.ll "Ba^yhn inthisbookeof th£-ii!<rtr/4r/»», /s
meant Rome Chriftian ; departed from the ftith, guilty of thb
blood of Saint«,ft:aif>ed vvith manyroFd and fearfull Idolatries,
the mother ot fornications, who hath made dtunke the Kings
of the earth with the cup o^ herpoyfons, as might bee corr-
firmedby the Scripture it lelFjthe joynt confent of learned or
thodox Divines, and tbeteftimonieof Papi.Qsthcnifelves.
Bat to brind the C hurches of Chrift (Tnce the reformati-
on, who have rcnoiMlcrdAntichriftsdodrinc, worfhip, zni
idolatries, and emli^wcd the iirtire faith ot the Lord Jefus,
with tb.at odious hatcf-iU name, is contrary to the truth of
:(jod, evident reaibn, and the judgement ot all approved god-
ly learned men. . - . ' ■
You milcrably Corrupt and pervert the Text, wfcen you
give this to be the lenie thereof. Remove your fclzrs jrom aH
falfe A^emblies , coventnt together towa/ksiftal/theWayesof
Gotiijervethe Lord among your feltesin fpi'^it and truth, and
returne not from whence jou are come. This is not to interprt I
Scripture, and learne of them what wee are tothinke, but
to racke Scriptures to our fenie, and make them fpcakeac-
corduig to our fanfics, which is an high point ot AntichrkUa-
nifme.
If you win {land to your principles, within two hundred
ycarcs after Chrift, orlcfle, there was not one true Chrift i-
an Ibcietic in the whole world, which did walke together in
all the wayes of God, and frrvc^ jod in a Church ftate among
themlclves* And will you fay, the faithful! r\re charged ot
God, in this paflage of holy writ^to remove and icparatc from
all Chriftian alVembhes, that then were in the world, and to
fcrveGod among themlelves. If Corruption in dotfl'rinejCnan- •
nets, worChip, government, and orders, make afalfeal-
Icmbly, Rome was a falfe affembly long before the Lord gave
commandemcnt to his people to- depart thence and fcparatc
themfclvcs.
IfraeHox a time continued in Egjft indBaifyletTt vi^, un-
tilLtbcLorifcntto bring them forth- and the Church lay
K 3. feid
(70)
hid'm'S ^yi«»t and that by the providence and approbation
of God, long Jitter Rom* was miierably corrupted and defi-
led. The matter is notorious , and therefore to ipend more
words about it is ncedlcffc Hec that confidcreth the ftatc of
things, long before the faithfijll Separated inomRome, and
what is written in defence of that feparation, which the re-
formed Churches have made, cannot be ignorant thereof. It
to come out of 'BMbylon then, had becne to remove from aU
falfe aflemblies , as you gloflc it , it was necclTarie the coai-
mandLmenthadbeene given much fooncr, or the faitbhaU
fhould have departed without leave or commandcmcnt from
\ioa.
Can Swv s 1 5 ^ might fay to you in your ownc words, This is to grati-
pu^. 1 5 f ' fie the crrour of .4/wr/i«w,who profcflcd that he knew more
than the Apoftles. For the Apoftlc> knew nothing of our
removing from all falfe alfcmblics (as you uaderftand it) and
covenanting together to walkc in all Gods waycs, andlcrve
God among themfdves. If this had beenc knowne to John,
when h«c foretold the Apoftafie from the faith, and the ri-
ling of tl" c great Whore, he would have made more haftc to
warnc the taithfull to bee gone out of tlic Churches, and to
have withdrawn themfelvs, it being a matter olil ch weight
and importance, andiTo needfull to be done, divers hundred
^'earsi>cfbrc it was ever once thought upon,When the words
of a Text are piaine, a gree with the circumftanccs of the
place , the analogic of taith, and other Scriptures, for men
then to leave the native fenfe, and to force a fenfe contrary to
that the ktter expreficth, it is to wreft the Scriptures, as you
lay, and not to expound them by the true rales andCanotKof
Can A3y- § 1 5 Divinitic. Lay this rule to the prefent interpretation,which
u^^^S'-" you make of this paflage in Scripture, and whomfbevcryou
/..rv/^y' 'w 'p"pu'c accuse, you (liall findc your fclf to be a pervertcr of Scciptuns,
mi. ^t agi( .widui in decree furr- above him. Tor your interpretation iscontra*
dt Bibylone f?y!hca, ry tothcfcope and drift of the place, the rules of faith, and
d: fjna^.^ga mmpe content of other Scriptures. It lpeai<cs not of leaving ail ad-
rflT'S 1**J2« miniftrations in falfe Churches, asyou fpeakcot. falfe ad mini-
ftmdamtnUMYufn. ft rations and falfc Cburchcs, but of fej>arationiiom,fpiritu-
' Vix\t.dtplii .Lcci.i. all 'Bahjlon, which was the habitation ot Diyds^and c^cerf
«-f » 4 • every uncleane fpirit and of every uncleane and hateful! bird:
wliich cannot ixe faidof aJQ adminiftrations"whichyouafc
pleaied to accufeas faUe- If it may be, fpare your words, and
(70
let us hcare your rea(boj,fbr if they be ongfet they wtfl carry
more "weight.
A deviled conllitution (you TayJ is an tdoll , pnd ail that vvintnk dc *o>e.'if
comes from it istiuntcd with the idolatry or that conftitiiti- Ko^.'c^'h.^./u z.p^
on. Yoiivvililay, it isai-Mfe Church conrtitnrion , if the ^■k^-SifmiUicm-
X4inifterbee notchoknanci ordainedby the congregation a- j'^<-'*J^_^'ff^<^^'^^^''
loncy vvherchcistoadmiui(}cr;ifaui3n bereccrvejintothe ""ff '»^"^;'-<"'^'*.»
tocietje, whoisnota vilibk *!aint j if-any ^d!e,u'norant,9rc- dijlmamL
leflc, fcandaloiiJ, corrupt, ufurping Minifter be chofen,ordajn- n-jci, nihil i
uilihcium [k cii.vi[
i CO intfu-
n-h'U m amm
edorfiiftv-Tcd; if any notorious or fcand^oii^perfonheead- ''^'^g'oKe certim fi-
mitted to the ordinances ; if any ftinted Liturc^ie, or forme cF -J!'^^/*^ . ^emavekit.
Catcchiling, adminiftration,or prayer be ufoT: withfundry SUX/il'^
thciikcywhichinyoiirdlecm, are arguments o^' falie confti- /la^repoerl." ex-
tudons. Churches, Mi-iiftene, and Worfhip. Now tcHiis i'i'>ji-^^cr£<'>dihh>.
plainly, is every iuch Church-con(lituti©n zn Idcll , and that ^^!'-''^ '^'^ ^eru:tu &■
which is done 'in thele Societies unholy and uncL'ane ? If fo, j^f"''^ Tv^Hui'S^
then there was neverany one age, wherein the Church-con- IfrrgJ^mSL L
ftitution was not ao Idoll,and the worlliip oKicd perfornT^d m ihtAr^a f/obJi..
in that Societie, leprous, unclcane, poyioned with Idolatry, daa e(}cdisii7uliomu
The Temple ianc^iied the Gold,, and the Altar the offering: ^ ^^f "'('-''^'^ ^' '•
but the Temple, and Altar are not types and figures or e»ter- ^^'"■•''"" '^-^^'^^''^
, nallChurcI-conftitution. Where doe you read this, in the
Law, or the Prophets ? c^c. Afld if yon read it not , how
dar<jyouaffirineit» Befidcs, thefanAificationo' thed^lati- Lfr'6.o Num
ons depended upon one Temple,, and Altar therein, yet fo as- 7 k. i*Rc^.«<Jj.
bot h Temph and Altar were landificd by the oftcring.
But if wc may fpeake as you doe, A devifed conftitution
B twofold, I Abloluteand in every refpe(5l-,. wh.*n neither
Dodrin<f, Ordinances, ofiice or perfons arc of God : and
thisconftitutionisaltogetlierfalfe, anullitie, anldoli, ifycu
plcalc lb to call it. 2lnpartcorrupt,.maimed, defedive, but
having fomething of God : and that which is done in liich a
conftitution is not falle , a nuUitie , tainted witlv the idolatry,
oi-'the conftitution.Thisdiftindlion is neither dcvifedjftrangc,^ ,
nor new, but that which hath cvernwrebeenc acknowledged
in the Chwrch of Cod , and is manifeft inScripture, if wee
take the word, deviled cenftitution, as this Author doth. For
Herctikcs and Schifma tikes, though they be notof thcfpcci-
^di numbGr of them, that hold the intircprofeffion of divine
truth in unitie,- and in that refpe(ft be a faLfc ronftitution; yet
as they profeflc the truth of God revealed ki Chrift , though
nuimcd- -
C70 . ■
maimcdlyorinptrt only, and as they adminifter the o'^^i-
nances or Sacraments of God, that which they doc is not a
mccre nullitic.
* Sec T>. T''iid of Herele is Idolatry, and cannot bearc childi j.i to God, in
the Church, I. I.e. that it is hcrcGc. butheretikes * may bear e children oGod,
14. y^ug, i!eBjipt. i^ ^^.^ they prafcfle and pra(aicc, t'.at which C^riftians
\m. tlTsc^^T' ' cd that degree, order, office, Miniftery; and calling, which is
Hicron. aci^'g^- holy, by vcrtue whereof they doe adminifter the holy things
am. ^■titkhrUiuife- gf God.
Atblt in tempio T>th -j-^c ChuTch of Rome is a falfe conftiration, bat baptifmc
'ti'l^tS!'* ^i adminiftredin that Church is not idolatry , nor a meerc nul-"
mEuhfu, ut^vtn- litie. If the Church of /Jtfw? were not a Church infoujcre-
Hs arb^ti .vnw. {pc6[Sy but 3 mccre Idoll , the Pope could not be that Anti-
2 ThcU. 5 . chrift, a principall rcbell, a notorious traitor againft Ghri(k
vvhitak. de pr. jf^yg fp -31^ at)folutdyjC. Compare x\tf»w with Cb.ches truly
eTCt'cet^EcdiOa C^rillfan, it is no true Church, but the Synagogue of Satan:
); ^pifitu nwfit ve.a But if wc fpcakc of it in bppofition to the Je wcs, of Turkes,
tcd(Jt.t, ; t'met tar^m or Other profeflcd Infidels,it hath fo much of a vifible Church,
^iquas^arogaiivM ^ a man Cannot fay it is no Church at all ; (omnch true
%t^lb"^^ doarine is in it, as fufficeth to iuppert the title of Anti-
d'iqu9 md(t umpk chrift, and fome ordinances are fo adminiftred, as that it can-
Dei mif rep- >f ham- not be (aid, they are meet nullit'es.
urn, plus (jicwfi-- l^y t^c true Church many wicked ones are found, that arc
mme: tu-.m , pent ^^ j^^^ prophane, facrilegious, enemies to peace, the vaflals ot
[uml'&tH^JijTii'a. Satan^pofTcffed by the Diyell,dead in Hn and accuried of God,
tckfix Siriptic.a-^, thaiilrc-ctiksor Ichifmatiks, who yet for .huwthey have that
eJ(ctr'Upas,6-p'c- order, office, or degree of minifterie, which is holy,doc no
iif-uc igwtcLi, uma j^^^ ,-jqj. ^j^j, igff^ effe<5l adminifter the holy facraments, than
IZll^'^'&'^c ^^^^^ ^^ aretbefamplarsof allpietieand vertue.
'doCiwim faUuciYcn The faith 'ull and holy Miuifters adminifter and receive the
kiurhn'. F(i cpux Sacramcnts with gGod profit , ana benefit to themielves and
;//*f quodda'm my,i- others.The . .^'pocr iticall, with benefit to others,not to thcm-
-w"'*'//*^ ^'^^'^ ielve^:, Ths prophane being not put fro ai their places, doc
llik/fine d'^1,0 'lo^^- officiate with hurt to the 11 felves, Icandail to others, but to
mllisadfaiute I'fl .bi the evcrlafting Comfort of them that partake worthily.- The
bApt'ifmHiqu-tadfttb' hereticall and idolatrous adminifter the Sacuments, that arc
ft!oitiam,&c. C2\y. holy^ and in their owne nature, themeanes, pledges, and
'cAii'^silv%*'i^ artiirances of falvatien , but without benefit to tlicmfelves..
pi%.8f ".7.V 95*. ^"^^ '^^^''^'^'''^ thatcontiniininCn. Thus the Prophets^ Apo-
ftlcs. Martyrs, and faithfiill,riave held communion ia the Oi-
dinances
(70
dinanccs of grace, with fuch whofe calling and convcrfation
was not approved of God.
You fky , the Martyrs firft and laft would not receive this
diftindlion, Icf^toiavc their lives, they ftiould lofe their
foulcs, aniyo»reckonupmany, who, as you write, would
rather give their bodif' to the fire, thanhearc or receive the
Sacr? mcnt, in falfc C hurches or Societies. But in this you la-
vifh, as in every thing elfe, and hide the truth under the am-
. biguitic of the phraie. The Martyrs laid downe their lives,
rather than they would defile themfelves with idolatry, bte
prefent at the Mafic, or joyne the:nlelves as members of that
Antichriftian Synagogue : in all which they did , as bccom-
mcth the taithftill fervants of Jefus Chrift. But you cannot
produce one Martyr of your opinion, who dcnyed, that any
thing of God was to be found in thole Aflemblics, or that re-
fufed to jo" ic in the pure ordinances cf God, with Societies
feparited from fpirituall Babylon, becaufc of fbmc dchix 05
mayme in their «^hurch conftitution.
In the whole Catalogue of Martyrs, try if you can bring
forth one, who in thefe things was of your minde. And what
a vaine thing is it to pretend the example of all the Martyrs,
when there is not one among them that doth approve your
caufc. If the example of the Martyrs be of any weight with
you, as here you beare the Reader in band : of^ neceiTitie you
muft condemne your raili and prefumptuous cenfuring, your ^
un adviied finfull reparation, from the wori"hip and minilterie ,jj"g°" '
in our Chnrch, as /.ntichriftian and Idolatrous. For certaine
it is, the Martyrs ftood members of our Societies , and dyed in
the defence of that dodrine and worlliip, which we profeiTc
and pradiic. Many words you fpend m anlwer to this rea-
ibn , and reproaches you call upon your adverfarie, but one
word is not to be found thai makes diredly to take away the
force of the Argument.
It was the aniwcr of Frederi ck^ Duke oi Saxonic, who be-
ing priibner to C harks the fifth , and promifcd releafement,
ii hee would goe to the Mafic, Summnm in urrii T)oim~
r.MfnagntJco CAfar.m, in calii Chrifium. The like did the
Prince ot (^ondee : but neither of them did rcfule to joyne
with the reformed Churches, becaufc they deemed their
Church conflitution defec^live or crronecu?^, in this or that
particular. To pittcnd the '^onicnt of 'x)piih and protclbnt
L D-
Can NYcef. of
aratiQ
C7+)
Similjcudes bee no
fyllogifmcJiEKth-
ly fimiliti' 'es of
your making, may
not coiuroll the
hea^'cnly precepts
of Gods owiie gi-
ving. i?///a«.Chi ill.
pirt. 4. pag. ill.
Hiyc you no furtr
ground of your ca-
th/)likc do<flrine
f«r adoring lm;i-
ges, than a finglc
(imUitude taken
Jrorrj the civili and
cxttriiall reverence
that IS yeeldcd to
Princes fcatcs and
feales? Id p.j J9.
Dh ines in this matter, is cgregioiB ignorance, or impudcncy,
for it is wellknovvnc they are all geuerally of another mindc^
Your inftance from a City or Townc, if the Civili power
be ufiirped, is not to the piirpofe, nor true in all refp^^fls. Not
to the purpofe, becaufe what is of God in thcfe Socicti^es, is.
not done by power, m^-^erely. uiurped, but by power aqd vcr-.
tue from God, though in the miniliration, that which is c-
vill be not approved oF God : for whcrcfocyer any fuperna-
turall truth of Chnftian Religion is taught, at?d any ordinan-
ces of grace difpenied truly for fubftancc, th)erc isfome truth
of minillery though many waycs poljiuted.And where the in-
tire faith is profeflcd and received, and the ordinances of
grace adminiftred truly, there is a true miniftery for fubftancc
ordained of God,what other defeds or maimcs foevcr it may
labour under.
Not true, becaufe in the Civili cftate. That which is done
by power, ufurpcd, and unlawful!, in iome cai'es is a nuiiitic^
but in other fome it is available and ftands in force. For it is
a rule in the Civili law^ That it is one thing to be a true Ma-
giftrate, another to bee in the Magiftracy, or to execute the
Magiftrates office. From which diftindion, is gathered this
generall ruled cafe, or fcntence, That the a(5ls of him that was
a t'Mc or unh wfuU Magiftrate may be la wfull and juft. And
the fame may bee faid, and was ever held in the Church of
God, of corrupt and ungodly Miniftcrs, though they bee not
true Minlfters, that is, approved fit, and rightly qualified, yet
la long as they be in ihe place of Minifters, the afts of their
miniftc^ry be good, that is,effed:uall, and of force, if they ob-
ferye the forme.of adminiftration prelcribed by Chrift.
Can Stay. Scd. 15. pag 133.
, Thfi Lordliath net promifed to them his hUJfing anddcce-
ftance : tvhat the Lord mt$j accept or willyrve (^ffme not, on-
ly thU, I fay, "^hofoever hearer h in a falfe Church , cannot
hy any fromife that he hath in the )>Pord of God, exfeSl Gods
blejfing on that which he doth : the reafon iSy becaufe a true
consil-Htion of a frna Church, th^tis, where men are gathe-^
red according to the. GpffeU af ChriU^ is that only layvfuU
religions focietie^ or communion of Saiats,Vphetein Cod will
pag.59.
C75;
ifehoftfiured, thereby hie ^illbeeferved, and "thereto hee
hath framijedhisfrefence and accefimnce ,fo then howfoever
Tfie are not Iwundunto hearintr in a true (/hurchy nccc/Titate
mcdvi-yctsif gods grace vrere tyed to the meanes this'^-ay,
yet as they fay in Schooles,l^zcc^\t2itQ prxcepti: if rve confi-
der Gods comniandement , fo Wr are hound to Church hear- _
ing only in a true Church^and in no other Qhurch can voe ex- ^^ ^ ' '
peU Gods pre fence ^^rowife and acceptance. Such Churches
unto whom Godhath made no protnife in his W^ord^ to if/ejfe
the things there done, ouqht net by Gods people to be refortcd
to- but God in his ^ord hath made rtopromife toblt^eth*
things done in afalfe church ; therefore Gods people are not
togoe Ufttofalfe churches. The propofition cannot be exce-
pted againf^ : for , I, The Scriptures prove it clearly, Jcr.
23.21,22. Exod«320 24. Pfalmc 134, 3, and 147. 13.
A gain ^ there is no dutie charged upon uSy but there is a blef-
fng promifed unto the due performance of it. The ajfum-
ption is as cleare^and thus ycee prove it.Iffalfe churches have
not thepromtfe of Gods prefence, they cannot from the word
ofGodcxpe^ his blejfmg upon what they doe, but thefirj} is
true, Erpo, thefecond. The Major which is only controver-
fall we prove thus. If every falje church be an I doll, Exod.
20.4,5. And God require his people to come out thence^cs ,
y 18.4. threatnedto deflroy'it , Rev. 20.8,p. andreilldoe it,
andpromi/e his pre fence unto his true churchy Mat- 18.2c.
Then he is notprefent In thefalfe : B'^t thefrfi is truest here-
' fore the fecond.
AnS WE R*
You ftrugglc hard, as all men may perceive, but fet not one
foot forward. Our Church j<; an idoll , therefore wee muft
not hold communion with it : God hath promifed no blef-
fing to his ordinances therein, becaufe the Church is an IdoU.
This is your circle wherein you walke up and down . But to
helpc you out of this mire,if it may be : i . Where you take it
for granted that our Church is fal(e,and therfore Chrift is not caiTi^ 6
prefent with us ; wc on the contrary are affured, that we arc Rain.Jc i'dyiola. I. x.
a people in covenant with C hrift , to whom hee hath com- c. i f.z.
mitted bis heavenly oracles, and feales of the covenant, a-
mongftwhom he fcedethhis flock in greene paitures , and
L 2 caufeth
Rom-'t 2.
C7^;
caufcth them to lye downc by the ftill waters, with whom he
Wjit. 1 s. lo. is prefent w hen they meet together. He hath fet up his tabcr-
lAoi.ro.M- nacleamongftus, anddwcUeth withus, and watcheth over
PiM. 154.? us.ind vvorkethbyhis Miniftcrs, not only to call men unto
joh. 10^.5. ^ivation, but to nouiilh and build themlorward unto life e-
•YOrlaftingAVc are ieparatcd from Idols, wee hcare the voice
ot'thc true {hepheard^and h)Ilow not ftrangers, but fly from
• them ; wc believe in the Lord J eliis Chrift For ialvation, and
worfhip hiin fmcercly, according to his will. He ftandeth at
the doore knocking, and to fuch as open unto him hee com-
meth unto them, and they liip with him, and he with them.
And therefore Chrift is our Shepheard, our King, our Savi-
our , and of his rich grace and love doth embrace us ishis
people, and rhe flock of his pafture, heareth our prayers^ and
accepteth our fervice. This is our glory that Chrift is ours,and
we are his, and it were better for us to dye, than that our glo-
rying herein lliould be made void..
Secondly', feeing this tear me, Falle Church, isfo familiar
with you, we will confider what it mcaneth, and how farrc
it doth ftand true, that God hath made no promife to blelTc
things done in a falfe Church. Thefe words True and falfe
J Cluirch^are uled oft to (ignific, as much as pure and corrupt,
Ibund and languifhing Church. And as there is fcarce a
Church fo pure, whi Ji hath not lomc impuritie, nor lotrue,
which hath not fomc falfhood admixed ;fo there is noGhiirch
fohl'c or impure, v^^hich hath not fomewhat of God, or
lome iupernaturall Cuiftian truth within it. For it nolu-
pernaturall Chriftian truth bee received or profeflcd , there
is no C hurch. Infidels being cleane without the Church,,,
deny and utterly rejed the principles of Chriftianitie. He-
retikes or falfe Chriftians, in rcfped of generall traths which
they openly profeife, are Chriftians, or of the Church , but
in rciped: ol their particular errours ,. condemned of all men
that be of lound beliefe- A Church is not to be eftcemed fallc
for faTie corruptions, nor impure for Ibme dilorders , no
more, than weaccount him a fickly man who now and then
findesfome wearineflc or diftemper. Neither is a Church
to be accounted true, becauic of fome truths which they pro-
^ fcfle^ woiihip, which they pradlife> or ufe of the Sacrament^
AA'M^'*^^ • -which they retaine. The notes of a pure Church are , intirc
profeflion ot the Golp4Jij and iaYing;truth of God, the right
ulc.
c??;
ufc of the Sacraments, holinefle of convcrfation , the found
preaching of the word of life, fervent and pure calling up-
on Gods name , fubjeAion to their fpirituall guides, where-
by they may bee diredv^d and built forward in the wayrs of Bph. 4. 1 1 , t *.
life, mutual! communion in the ordinances ot worfhip, and
Chriftianfellowrhip with all Saints, and true vifible Churches
of Jeius ChrifL '
Ihoic Churches to wliichalhhdfetTOtej agree trueiie, are
CO btc elU.t'tned pure in rheif tr.eafure : but diole to whom all
doc HOC a.ree, or no: fotuiely, tlieyaretobeertecmedleffe
pure or tru. , and rhar m compinfoii more or IciTc according as
more or fewer ot cl>e(e note', common, Ipeciall or proper,lhall
be foi:nd more or leHi p, ire amoi iglt them.
Where all clitfc notes are ! o be foUnJ pui'ely, the Church
is excellent tor deor^e, pure and fimous ; where any of theJe
is wanting or impure, tlie Chjrch is fo much defe6tive or ira-
jxjie, chout;h it may be pure in comparifon of others.
Ths profefFion of tl>e tpue faich, and the fi amine ot our life . .
aad cdivtridtion according to the oiretiion ot the word, with ' '
the right adrniniftration of the Sacraments and comely order,
are fignes of a Oiurch i:\ a good llateand condition. But it I*''*' *».Mat, ij.
may fall out^ that the proklhon of farfh alone by pubhke ,^' Vi\& ^-^^a*'
preaching and hearing of the word, adniiniftration of the Sa- ^f* ' ;',* *^
craments,prayers ajid thankfgiving doth cake place,when good
ordfr is negledted, and it life degenerate from rhe profefllon :
for in this calelh? ceale^ji not to be im- true C H V R C H of
Chrif}, lo long as it pleafeth him noc £0 give her a Bill of di-
vorce, rr O'Jiii ion:- JiO --'^
True doftnne in all paints, and the due and riglit adminf-
rtrat'on of the Sacraments in all things according to the word
both for fubrtance and circumllance, is the note oV a pure
Church, and ingoodphglit, BattrueDo6hineinthe maine
grounds and Articles of faith, though mixt with defeats and
errours in other matters, not concerningche life and foule of
Religion, and the right adminiftration of rhe Sacraments for
fublhnce, though in the manner of difpenfationfometh/ngs
be not fo well ordered as they might and ought, are notes and
markes of a true and lound Church, though (oraewhat crafed
in health and foundncfle, by errors in doftrine,co:"iuptions in,
the worlhip of God, and evils in Hfc and manners.
A falfe Church is thac which hold^ neither the truth of faitb
L3 intirely
(78)
■ innfcly, i>ot; the integrity of divine wor(Hp, nor comely or-
.4pr,, which (God hatii agpoiBted; for the gove-nmenc oF his
bpijte, rv)fhol'i*^^^of>coiwerffttiofl. Bucaddetluothe Ar-
tic?2S of faith, to that which is worfhipped, and to the fubf bn-
tijll rncans wherby God is worQiipped,and to the holy Com-
mandements, which God hadigivenforthedircdionof his
people, or detraftethandpervcrtcththe right fenfe of faith,
not confidering that which is worQvppedas is meere, mang-
ling the Ordinances of God, and tiansterming the lawful!
manner of worlliip into another forme, and inverceth the ho-
ly Cotnmandement by corrupt glolfes and linilter interpre-
tations, which deftroyedv. the life and power of godli-
neflc.
One f alf e Church may bee more corrupt and rotteri tiian a-
nother, as being more deepeiy tainted m matters ot higher
importance and more generally than another ; as Tome may
bee corrupt, in mattersof faith, others in dofttine and wor-
Icr.2. 11,15. ^'P W^^v ^M ^.'"^ "^ ^^^ ^^^^ particulars mentioned^^Thus
2«eg.i^'.?.iS^g. I/rael wo'rdiipped God and the Calves, yea the Lord and
i8.zi.Ezck.i5.20 Baa/.
^ And as one falfe Church may be more corfL^pt than ano-
pa?e 62 rid not ther,or at one time than anothercfo one falfe Chui ch may have
the Pricfts rulers^ more of God m it than another, and at another time. For
and people con- the leiTe grievous the errors are which the falfe Church hold-
demnc the Pro- efh,or the leffe abominable the idolatry which it maintainerh,
phets of God fcnt jj^g'^^ore divine truth it embraceth, phe more eifcttuall is chat
JTot Srm 7he^wor{hipof God wirichic ret^^^^^^^
holy City & featc The true Church ot God which is comparatively pure.-rriay
of the Prieft-hood t)e called fallc though improperly, in rerpe6f of that corrupti-
guilty of their on m.doilirine and manners, errour?, fchifmesjdiviiions, lu-
bloud ? ^^^*jj perdition or prophanenes, which through humane frailty and
vile and gr^?ldo- negligence cleaveth unto it.
latry pradifcd of- • , , , _ ,
ten in fudah and fcmfalm by the Prielts.and Princes ? £2.ck.z j. 1 1. Did not ifUt forfskc
the Lord and turnc their Pares from his Tabernacle, fliut the doorcs of his hoitff,c|ucnch
his Lamps, and neither burfl lncen!e nor offer burnt offering in the SanAusry, unto the
God offfiail? 2 Cbro.%9. 6,7. Z/rial^ the Prieft made au Altar Idolatrous hkc that in Da-
tnafcusy and polluted GoJs Worfliip inthe Temple, zKcg. 16.10, 11, 1 1, 16. T^ifm-xhc
fonne of Immcr the Prieft bcin^ Govcrnoor.in the Houfeof the Lo'd peifccured /^rf^;^
for prcachingthetruth,.^fr.'ao. I, 2. andj;im,felfeprppheried lyc^, vc. 6. See /i^: 5*. 3.1,
And
(7P)
And a falfe Church may comparatively be called a Church
true or pure in rcfpeft of them that be more groflcly dcfilcd,as
it hacli more truth and purity in it.
AUo che true Cimrchcs of God Iwve iometimes bin dift »n6l
vi(ible lociecies trom the talfe Churclies, a-id by many degr'^es
in themlelves more pure from tindhire and infecUon, than at
other times an i lome others have becne. As in the daycs oiP
f^yiah, Iniah was by many degrees more free from polluti-
on rhan afcer wards
In PumIs time the integrity of Rome was fawiouff ; Corinth
many wayes reproved: They of Galatia much more out of
fquare. But the true and Orthodox Church hath fometimes
beene fo m)xed with others in outward fociecy, that it hath
beenc hard to Hnd in the whole world a dillinGl Congregati-
on of lound and intire profeflbrs of all rupernaturall truths,
who joyned \m the ulc oFGods Holy Ordinances, but the
members of the true viiibie Ciiurch were difperfed and fcattc-
red, an i mingled witli falfe Chriihans or falfe worfhippcrs
in fociety, and the true Church lay liid in the hlik.
Now to ^pply thtle thihgs,
1 . If by a falie Chui ch you underltand a Church erring in
points of faith exceeding dangerous, and corrupting tlie pure
worihipof God with reall Idolatry, with whom the faithfull
may not lawfully hold Communion : yet then that which
they have of God amongll them, thoagh not rightly admi-
niltred, is effcftuall by thebleflingor Gob according, to
promife.
As Baptifme adminiftred by the Heretikes holding the
forme of Baptifme, and of Popiili Pnells, is true Baptifme,and
not to be reiterated. For one and the lame Ibciety may m one
fenfe have fomewhatof thetrue Qliurch, and in another bee
the Synagogue of Satan : and their Minifters exercile the Mi-
nirtery and fervice of Chnlt, when they thcmfelves bee the
bond-llaves of Satan. It is true, God threatens to deft roy
fuch Ipcieties, and is highly difpleafed with the fervice that is
done there as luch^ becaufe it is not done as it ought : but as
he is plcafed to continue his Ordinance, fo lie is pleakd to give
it force and validity j^ccording to his iuftitution. And it is
not llrange that C.d iliouild bee diipleafed with a thing not
done according to his irjiitutioo, when the inilitutionit
Iclfe-
(Zo)
I Gov. j.g.
1 Coi,6.i, z.'
2 Cor. lo.io.
I Coi'. I $ . X z.
I Cor. J.I.
iCor.ii.x^>zo.
1 Cor. 11. lOjZi.
4mbr.in i Cor.H
They ftoodftrir-
ing for their obU.
iion%. titer, in
X Cor. II. InEc
ckfia coHvenientti
ob^atl~nei fuas fepa~
raiius offhehant.
Apoc.z.4. . j6.-
Apoc. I. 2o,ii.
Apoc.z.io.
iclte hec do:h approve .'.n J '"lefle to fomc accoiding to his free
covenant.
2. If by afalfe Church you underftand a Church maimed
aiid corrupt with errors in doftrin and manners,ncglcct o^ di-
Cipline, dilbrders in Minifters and people, then as o^cafiop
may bee offered Chrtfl hath bound thcfaitht'ull tobce pre-
fent at his ordinances in fuch Affemblie.«,and promifed to blefle
them that draw nigh unto him therein.
In the Chiuch ot Corinth there were Divifions, Se6is, E-
mulations, contentions and quarrels; going to Law one
with another- for every trifle, and that under Infidels. Pahls
name and credit was delpicefully called into queltion ther?, .
the relbrreftion of the dead was dcnycd by fomc; that wic !ad»
ncffc was tiiere wincked at, which was not heard of among
the iieathen ; the Lords Supper was horribly prefaned, things
indifferent u^ed with offence, Pornication not repented of,
and idolatry pra6lifed in eating meats facrificed to 1 dols in the
IdoH Temple. And all tliis notWithftanding, the aflerablies
were kept, the faithfull frequented the Ordinances and God
did blefle ciiem accord ing to promiie. Ephefus was extream-
ly decayed in her firlt love, and though threatne< 1 to have her
candlcllicke removed unlefl'c fhe repent, C^nft doth never
lay his charge upon the faithful to depart from his Ordinances.
Of Laodicet* it is laid, that llie was nei her hot nor cold, and
then we may eafily conceive Ilie was overgrown with cori up-
tions, the proper fruits of neglijjc nee, lecurit}-, felfe concei-
tednefle, <^ c. For which unleffe ihe repent, a terriblejudge-
ment is denounced againrt her : and yet t!)e faithfull are never
exhorted to flee from her Ibcicry, but to repent of her/inne,
ai.d the promifc is made for encouragement, that if they open
unco him, hee will come in and Suppe with tliem, and they
with him.
If by a falfe Church you undc il.mJ a vifiMe focietj'jwher-
in the farre greater part is corrupt in the profcfllon of Faith
concerning the Articles of Religion, and in the wo iliip ot
God, by adding and dctrafting in the fub/tan iail meanes, and
t-ansforming the objeft of worfliip it fclf c ; corrupt in the cal-
ling and ordination of Olfictrs, the forme of government, the
Officers fet a part for the worke of God, and the lives and con-
verfationsof the member*) of that ibciety; If inthislenfethe
faJle ^hurch bee taken, then it may and hath fallen out for a '
loni
(80
Icng time togctlter, that the true Cliuf ch of God hath lyeti
hid in tlie falfe, and that by Gods allowance and approbation, rieM af tbe chttrck
in which cale the L OR D commanded the taithtull to be l(it.i.cap,%.
prefent at His Ordinances, and promifed H'* blefllngunto
them, though adminiilred in a corrupt Cliurch and after a cor-
rupt manner.
The true Church in corrupt times hath been mixecf with
the falle, not as a6tuall members of that fociety as corrupt,but
astheyhavebeenhidin that foe iety, as good Cornc overtop-
ped with Weedes; or a little gold or purer metall in a great
clod of Earth ; God oF his infinite mercy lb providing for and
prefcrving his poore people.
In iime ot the Judges the IfrAeiites did every man that jutjocs i.'j6 Scpt,
which feemed good in \vs owne eyes, that is,worlhipped God £o?^p7o 'iv^i iv
as lice pkafed. The Prophets teihfie, chat the Church did not '6ip^^i^oi(iu/7Q
only taile in J/rael, buc in Indah like wife. I have brought up -^dbujm locifimiH-
Children and they have rebeJed aeainrt me. Ah fmfull Nation, '"'^f"' ^V ""■ •
a people laJen with iniquitie, a corrupt leeJe. How is the fuuitmahh'yege.
faitlifull Cicie become an Harlot ! Thy lilver is turned lofeph. lib! s. c.2.
into droflo > '""d thy Wine mixed wi h water. They (hall » Rcg.i9,io.
be confounded oecaule-of cheii Oakes wherein they delighted. ^?^'^ 'j?»4-
The Land (viz, of /«/^/;)is filled with Idols, they wor- fp,";**' ^'
iTiip the worke of their Hind5,the Prieltsfaid nor, where is the ifa. i ,2^5,4 1122
LcMrd? and chey that iliould mini, tfr the Law, knew mee not 29. Ifj.fr,? E«,
faith ihc Lord. TheTasIorsAlfoofeH^edagainfimf^andthe '4j^Ici-.2j,8,i4
Prophets prophefiedbj Baal, andwittt aft.r things, that did not ™ 4. M > i4- ^^^
profit. My prople have chaMaed their a lor y for that rvhich did ^ ' 'n ' ^' ^^ * -^* '
mt profit, U'dy people kdvc committed tyao evils; they have liixaix^iyiisaijof^i
forfaki ^ ^"^^ ^^^ fountaine f living waters^ to digge t hem fits, tJj (idctx.
even hrokcH pits, that can hold >70 water. The honfe of IJrael Vc/fe 26^17
w confounded, they, ^nd their Ki^gs^a^d their Trtnces, and vetle ijr.
their Prophets, (aymg t6 the wood, 'Thou art my Father, z/^H
cfjoH have foi^Jakenme^ faith the LO RD, Her treacherous
Siltcr Itidah feared not, but went and played the Harlc alfo.
Tiie backe-llii-lmg Ifrael, hith juftified her ielfe more :han
treaclie ous /«/^<?. And as lliee was thus horribly corrupted Itr.j,8,ii,& n,
with Idolatrie, lo with profanenefli', impenittncy, impuden-' ^' ** ^l^^' 'f'
cie in finning, rebellion, <tubbornnefle, ^>pprelinonjaiid what icry^i'& 6,15, &
. nof ? But when all thi/igs were thuo miferably difordered, 7, 28, & ^, i . iTay
the faithfull in 7t*da did not fepa-'ate themfelves from the Or- >' 7» h 4*
dinancesof Religion, or withdraw themlelves into a diftinft
M vifible
C80
TJfiWe-focietifi from rhe reft, la the agcbeforc our Saviour*
Mat.S^.Maif 36 time it grew exceeding wickeu agaiiie. But neither did our
Lake 7.4,5,9, Saviour, nor his Dif. pies before his death take u(X)ii tnem ta
Mat. 4. 2 J . Mir. i. ere6l a new vifiblc Churcli alco^ether dUliiici from ihe erring.
21. Luke 4. 6. SvnaeoPV.e, but lived in dut Church and-frequcnted cheOr-
lohfl 18.20, Luke ,' ° ^1 iri i ric
a. »2, 57 41 dmances, neither as abloluce members of th. Synagogue, nor
y«w. mi^md. in Bel. yet as the vifible Church diilinft from ir. But 2 s viliblc mem-
tomr. 4, B.i.c.16 btri of that Frimicive Church from whicli tliat Synagoguciiad
■^ *■*• degenerated.
-.. , I.* the New Teftamenr, the Apoftle tel leth us the myfterie
Revel. 1*7 . ^ of iniquitie began to worke in his uayes : whereby he under-
iniquitasfcdmyfl'.ca ftands not common herefies, and corruption of manners, butr
ideftyfitMUnommc fome great and hidden thing begun inthe.Apollks cimeto
palliata^ Ghjf. »rdi- creepe on by degrees, not luddenly tavaai(h> but to contmuc
Syr Myfferium mi- ^^'^ "^^'^V ^g^s,and to grow into an exceeding high mounraine^
qui 'jam indplt efi As the myfterie of godlinefie j which began prefcntly after the
caxcfe^ ''' fall, took it complement by degrees, and that at a ccrtainc and
^Mf^UeJlvkarfa appointed time: To it was inthi&alfo, whichatthefirft was
operandi, ri on autem fi„all,bur grew as things durable by degrees into an exceeding
pfntm>[2.hbT6. hu£eSigne{Te. The fpiritliath foretold, that there l-hould come
cap. 7. an Apoftafie or defe6lion, n.t from the y?ff2w<i» Empire (for
i^e/)'ch. '"H^yeiTu. that was not oppofite to Qirift/ but from the taith, and that
H£t-Ta<rvjtvci,''j7w, not light or in fome particular point, or for a fliort time ('for
frapaYatiir,adoim- |- j^ HxreMckes there had beene already) but grievous, gene-
cu^^ci ^Hoddam rail, and of long continuance.
deSiyiria: , quod fi
oxcoi fumptumeontrarlumCu fidei, Chm.pansl.tom. 1. 1. 16. cap. f ^ . »Thcf, j.j. Hcb. j.i ?-,^
Matth, fj..2 5.,3 9. i Cor. 1 i.j. i?,i5. Jun.tont.^.iib.i.SAp.i6. Cemalisdccefuo fai
^poHaJ/a dicitur unii o falls aut cmmimis.. "Jnizr.fa'cm ntgama fo-re^ fempa igitur cm LakCuiy
quamiii Uitns. Comfmriem fo>€ affirmamus,nt (>ffim;it Paulus. kr. 28^16. & 29, gj. Sepr^
That whkb the Prophet Itremy, when he fpeaketh ®f
falTe Piophets and their Prophecies, calleth U"lD, thatiSj as-
the 70;. tranllate it, and the thing it felfe requiretb, adeclia-
ing, a revolt or Apoftafie, not every oncjhut tliat to which the:
^^Utbority of the true God is pre* : ded.
And fo the departure from tlie faith is not a rcvoltto Gen-
j Tim. 4. r, s. tiliiine, but a giving too eafie lieed and attention to fome do**
^]^v''''*TJem fto»5.profeffing, yet indeed corrupting th.- Clrriftian Religion^
vefu^voca^iq; -^s when it is (aid of Patti, time he taught Apoftafiefrom the
« t>to vir»; ' ' laW}: the ^4f;aning.is 00c that he bad cevolied to the GtnpiUi^
o<" dcnyed the MdTias, or the L?.w or the Prophets, but that
under rrecencc of the MefHas he had poHuteJ the purity of the
d'o6h*ine of tlie Law and the Prophetg. This Apoftalie theu
was fmall in beginning, encreafed in ti.tifi and grew greater Aftt ti.ir;
■and greater, not perceived at firft, not oppoled by godly men, Nck paim dc(iliti»
at poflefled the lucceffors of holy Teachers themfelvcs. This * *^"^> i^tiisadma'
corruption of ^lic faith was fo brought iu by degrees, t'^^tche ''*^ fi^f^* fi^ f^
mod vigilant could Icarce difceine it, when it was firfl lowed* ^d^Zditm- "^
The fucceffors of Godly men received it, and tlie godly them- P. Ramm Epia, td
felves for a great while groaned under it, for it was a dande- CMolum utharmg,
iline Confpiracy and oppofition of the faith, notdirei^Iy but ^"•.'y7o. pequin-
obliquely, not rn exprcfle tearmes but by conleauenccs. ^.y*". chriftofecH-
- ^ ■>» »■ "' ^ in, prtmum vcrcc/Ji
UHi'im abfcederent^efe nequkra atq; dete>ma. "Uffh- de fkcccfi. ca. i .S. ». ^mi^dla'prmlpil
Mynerium- miquitaiu peran c^ptrit, ut muandummn y?/, fi ficMliiftdfequentibM WTtnuUa de-
ih-mK fomfici^ ^t^ama Jeufm &finc fe}ifuJHCcrev€rmt,a vttmbui iUityaiuidpr efmim czeniibtu
mnui anmadverf^. Eufeb. Hijf.l. ^ cap. j z. & lib. 4. cap. i z. Edit. Gr^c. 7^/cepb Hi/i U
ca. I. -^quc Mum qiapr^cejjenm vmutm affecutos, wqut Ua fimplUm. utmrnkri corMn\
«rmoTWn amfecmcsefje. ^■'^ '
So that of the firft fifteene ages of the Churd , of the Nev»
Tcftaraent, that cannot be denyed which Qtirolm Lotharin"
gM the Cardinall uttered in Perftaek reffonfione ; That the
iirft was golden, but the rcll, the further they departed, the
worfe, and more corrupc they were. Whiles the Apodles li-
ved the Church remained a Virgin, pure and unconupt : V\xt
within the three firft ages from the riling of the Golpell, her
health was aafed by errors in dotlrine, fuperftitious abul«$
crept into the worfhip of God, breach of comely order in
Government, and otfences in life, whereof we finde the Pa-
ilors to make large complaint It cannot be dcnyed but that
they that fuccecded the Apoftles did excell in Piety and God-
Jincfle, but withall it is moll certaine tbcy did neither attaine
the vertue of them that went before them, nor teach fo purc^-
\y and truely as their mafters and inftruclors, as ^^^fhorm
obferveth ; And what is fai^ of Homer in anothermatter i?
not unfitly applyed to thij ;.urpofe, few Children are like cc
theii Parents.
The liberty of mans will and dignity of workes was too
"much advanced: M-ny thought theloulesof the juft fiiould
not (ee God until! ♦iheday of judgement. The Sacrament of
tkc Supper was miniftl^a to igfiintj, which ab'ife is reformed
M 2 by
CH)
by the Church of Rome hei fdfe : They dipped the Saerameii*-
tall bread into the Wine foraetimes, and fb adminiftred thera
Clem. Alex. /?>•«?». together. They carryed it home with them, and laid ic up in
lib. i.T.Cyep/.i (CheftsJto be received privately ; Wine was mixed with water
fai,. 7 4' MaldpnA, -j^ ^^^^ adriiinillration of the Sacrament of the Stippcr. Deacon*
*»lo,<X Cyyr.dt ■■ ^ .'-...
mia. Han. apol<^ ^-^'Cyx^^lih.!. cp.'i adCac'ilium orep. (^. & fpifi.^6 Hicron. in MaK
f<i)> lA- ?ol\doY deinveiitir.Tcr.\x\y.'<,. cap.c,\. Infl Man.qu.ii%. V>M. deSpir.Sanf^
Of the cantramHe about the Peart EiftcF, Scefi«/c/^. lib. y. cap. i^. yoc^ow.I,7.cap.i-y.
Secrat.t 5 wA^^i. Altars broughc into the Church by >'>m»i the (cccft^d about r<5y. S 6^
&wi(^* oiw/'^ii. i-.^"^-^^- '^'^'^- Kcacan. j. ^'£>/» 5/;^o./7r/w.£i?/;ii'. 1563V Which others
thinkecaaiemtp die Churfch about die j'carc,.5^a. .
preachedj, Women Baptized, Baptifme ' was rtained with lir-
t>erftitious rites-and Cecemonies in daily ufe^ many ritefs and
Cuftonies praj6liied which liad no grpund rn the Word of
God, and fundry things obferved as Apoftolicall , wliich
were diredlly contrary to the ApolUes Doftrine or example,.
Within two hundred yeai'cs after Chrift, there was crept into
the Church many idle Ceremonies, and the fimplicity of
Clirifls Qrdinances refuled. Each man as 1)€ had either crtdic
or authqr-ty,^ piefumed of himfclfe to adde fomewliat to
Chrifts, infticution, and th&6elh delighting in her own devi**,
ces, deliv'cred the fame wich a ilrait charge, as if Clirift Him-
Tet-tuL de corm. ^^jp^ j-^^^ ^ ^j,^^^ order for ir» InTertuUians time we may find
^' many' ff range inventions taken lip in Bnptifme» . Three dip-
pings in the Water"; Tafting MiJkeandHoiny ; Abftaining
. from air other wafhing for a i^vQti night after. In CyprUvs
Cyfep-n-adB6W' ^^^^ i\\txQ was conlecration of water, andfuch eilimationof
C^Tdebpf.T^^ oy^^^S' ^'^^^ "^ man was thouglirtobeca-Chriitian,. that wai
Eufeb, Hijf.l.^. c. 1 baptifed without i't : . of the memorial&qf Mart) rs, and whac
bl'^miQies apJD^ared m thr converfa^fl Qf ;Chriftians^ wha
y^jfi^Encad. 7.1,4. Ii5 may read ill ^y/iri^tw and otherslr^j iiUj' :..■ i .■y^'- -
NudafuJt abmtie " j^ the tlnee.ages f9Jlowine^ though thadoftdne of fiilva-
^0 ?"7e7Jir tion anct.fubftanceof.Gods Wonliip^; was-maintajiitdinall
hlbeas^lmappa- ^^" '^'abentaJJ points,, ajid the Omnipotency of the Pbpe; was
-Koiu^ flofknowne,. npj^mages-woi'r- jped,o^he Scripture wa&read
afimd. Hift.iccleC andPrayeirs maJje in a knowne tongue ;. the Sacrament of the
anu j..l<j^c.ip.ii Supper was adminifired to- the- Peopi'^ ia both kindes * meni
iTaTfmZmt :^«^"^ci> andJCbildrea had free libetty > jreadthc holy Scrip.
mmfiipcrfiiuvfmm pilTiEs^.the Saty-^^^nt was^^^
s^immbm. '^^^^i'^9^^^^^ 9h V^l^^^^H^^W^)^^ feed s ©f Anw
tidiriil*.
tichridianifme were fowed and began to appearc in Tonic
ftrength. The ftate of the Church was lamentable, the cor-
^niptions many aiadgrcat, both in refpcv?!: of doctrine, worfhip,
'government, jandholinefle of converfation. The Paftors ot hhod.Ura.cem.A',
this age Tpake more unwarily of jiiftificationj and grace, than cap''6.co'.4%. ^ub-
was nicet, p-nyer for the dead was ordinarie, the foundation ^ '^' ^^gi^ Mag>fqu&
of prayer unto Saints, was laid and defended by the teacher:; tra^hums humar^.
<tJienileKes> w;ith ovcrgreat zcafei^riin the Inpcruitioiir vi- ,^ ^^^^ {^^ \^^
■gils,, and frequenting the Sepuldbb-srof Mar tyrs» The for- Aug. Encbixi cUep^
iner prophanation of the Sacraments by Inpcrftitious riter "o.
muchincrealed, fome whereof are abolillied by thepapife '^^^y^-fo^-^^fdpop,
. theml'-Kes, LibcFtie is taken firpm the Minilters, theBi- /.^^ "* * '^'"'* '■^'
jl^ops contend among tbenfelvcSy with ambition> hatred', ch.im.'r^^^.'ow.t
ajfle,ding high titles and prcccdencic' , ■ .nore than the good'ot 0. i o. c. y. Jcc. i ^.
X3ods Church, thepleaiurcof peaceand^ecuririetookeaway ^^'hiuk.de'PoMiK
all care of godlinefte. Now th:y feeke the reliques of Sain^, ^'^^J^^f'^ilAudi-
goe on piignmage to lerufalcm, confecrate Temples to '^!io\^^.l' j .g^
.Martyrs, efteemc it more religion to build certain e pl'ades /.c^n^d, i.^i^^
and to.pray ill them, .than in others, and to live by preicri- ii'ocrar. lisi. 7. Z
Jettons and will-worlhip of Monkes, &.c. thau to:walke ac- "• About the yeas,
cordmgtotherulcof Cods Word. Now they t^ive them- ^^^j"' ^^f Konunc
fclves to corrupt religion, with idle and impure rites : Ima- Biniops^'^Mt Ihe
ges that were not mentioned in die fird and fecondages-of c^acd funaien'&r
the Church, in thq ioiarth, fiftTi, aii^driixt'agc^ Were brought degenerated, int«o
into the Church in fbme pcWts, painted upoii the wallet, fc^ fcclUar tukj Eufcb..
tained for HilloricailandRhetortcaliufe,- to informetheun- "j'^^^'^^^'^Mt-L^.
dcrftanding, and ftine up devotion, and of fome beg^n to be Soal1?'.i.f.8 12
worfhiped, which 9'^<?g/'9' himfelff diflikai Monkeskcpt &/.^y.ii.'
thecommunion at home, .tnd wiili^$a$Jriefl:,Gommunicate ArapB.^</i,r>/;(;<:«/.
themielves. No.publikeaffemblidicb&lie found, in which ';i' .r :
the ordinances of God did Houriil uitipriy. Angtimne com- T '1'!/ Ti/f ' t
plained of the multitude of rites and ceremonies which were* c.iifh.diop.Ji'lilj,.
m his time, wherewith the Church was grie\ouily burdened^ Pref.to'the reader. '
but in the ages following, was mudi more intolerable. ' Of »-'"raiciL./>^y7/.?. 2..
the particular flips and errours pf the ancicnt& it is nbedleflfe ly^.y.7,£i:(,6.Mf.
to fay more. . ^fj^l:i^u
Here J would demand, was this Church all this while lci}*^z[adsLtad
ifi^ f:().cp.<p.
Aug.c/i;. 118,119, Si. CarwK^fuw. Ccncil.fel. Ai- lu^'m Mariy,Tcitit(l!tvti ClemtwK&mn--
B«4, L#(3««/wj and others, Were of opintcMi,' that no patticulaf judgement paiicd up9nth?>
M 3 %m ' .
(M')
Full^ anfwer to the
Khcm. in Eph 4. i j
All the tru5 Bi-
shops of the primi-
tive Church for
thus comiptedjtlic true church oi Chrift or a fals? Was thctnic
worfliip oTGod performed in thcfc aflcmblics the true wor-
iTbip.or was it pernicious Idolatry i'lf^a true Church,thcn a fo-
T. c.rcfl. I .pag 7 3 cieticvvherin corruption of Doftrine and of the Sacraments,
hurtful! Ceremonies, dominion and pomp of the clcrgic.-new
orders and functions of the Miniftcrie, is to be ^ound, may be
the truP! Church of God. And what then can you obje(5l a-
gainO; the Church of Engiand, to prove it afalfe Church?
If a falfe Church, thcn^tadlcr the faithfull werevbound to a-
voide all focietie and fellowiliip with it in the ordinances,
which a fobcr minded man will no affirme : or all com-
uvc ^.nurcn ror municating with a falfe Church in the ordinances of
fix hundred ycares God, is not pernicious idolatry. The faithfull which lay hid
afrd more, after in this Corrupted ftatc 0^ the Chutcb, and did partake in the
Chrift,jn alUccef- ordinances of worlhip, were never held and reputed I-
u j?T»d °therc7o*re I" the ages following the myfterjr of iniquitie did grow
were anceftors of amaine, for the worfhip of Images firft began, and after was
our Church. la the concluded , the Pope obtained to bee called head of the uni-
!-.„_.: »r» f_„ vcrfall Church, Saints were invocated as MediatQrs,the Com-
munion v/as mangled and delivered in one kind, the merit
and.digniticof workes ac^^anced to the prejudice of Godi
grace ; the dodtrine of rcaii prefence , and orall eating of
Chrifts flefh in the Sacrtmant by good and bad, and the ado^
Ca/fih.3gun^Mar. ^aj-jonofthe Eucharift, wastaught and received. ThefegroflTe
later times alfo for
,cvcrycigc wee cm
name divers pa-
ftours and teachers
even in the mod
darkctimcs, &c.
preface to the rea
dcr.
Oieg.epinJ.j) i»-
(iict.i,c.io.j. •
Concil T^cen.t, but
th3t Councel was
not generally .tc-
ctircd.S'gtb. man.
7T?
corruptions prevailed for a time in the Church, bcbre they
were concluded upon in Synods or Councels, oppofed by
iome, condemned by others , and manfully withftood, efpe-
cially the worlLippf n* oiPiI>mages. During which time the
faithfull who condehlHi»ei>f*'efe abominations did \iz hid in
the Church , kcepihgithi felves undefiled from thefc cr-
, , ,. rours, but feparatcd not themfclves from the ordinances of
^9^ Hmden con- grace, nor gathered themfelves into a diftinc^ body.
'"^J^<- After thefe abominations were concluded,thc firft that fc-
F^i oTtl^^cUutch parated themfelves were the fVal^nfes, Athigenfes, or poorc
l.l^cep.%. men ofZjrw/, who withdrew thcinfclves from the focietie
See Cd//f/;i/ againft of the Romane Synagogue, and worlhipcd God in diftind:
Mtrt.a-t.i.f. $8,
Biljfon Chtiftian fiib?f<a, part4, page ^^6, 117. This wjs about the ycare of our
Lord n 60. Set rfferdefucecjf. Ecclef. IMoryodhiff-'altleKfa^ lytitha Lydia taft^X.hAo-
ncr crid4) Ecclt/i par t a s fr^' ^ *
com-
(S7>
companies according to his will. Thefc arc rc|x>rtccf to be
men ot^'iounci life and godlineffc, by the teftimonie of very e-
Dcmies themfelv js , ix)t\vithftanding they were moft (Tisfnc-
f'ully tr.iduced, and srievoufly perfecured fw Chrifts fel*?.
. But after this feparation made by them, divers other god*
fy men did patiently endure the tyranny of Antichrill and
groaned under that hcavic yoake, bewailing the miftiv, anA
reproving the Imncs of the time , (ought ro recfeime«tbcry,
anid labour to keepe their owncfelvesnree, bu^ did not a^^-ii-
ally fcparate from the focietie. And this (as the learned judge)
was done, if not by Go'^s comma ndemcnt, at leafl: by graci-
ous mdulgence. Vntill tli ^ time of the Trent Councell "(faith
one) the Church althGnigh oppugned with crrours and de-
ceits of divers kinds, opprclTed. with tyranny, did not pati-
ently endure the t)'ranny of the Pope, and the impiKfency of
the Irraterculi. And though oftentimes l>efore they had
thought of feparation, yet they could never efied- it, untill
that was fulfilled which the Scripture had foretold".
It is here to be further noted, that neither the iVitldenfts,
whofirft {eparated, nor the reformed Churches Which in af-
ter times caft ofFthc yoke of Ant ichrift, and abolifhed his I-
dolatry, did make fuch a pare and oer fed: reformation in all
things as was to be defircd. And . icreforc if they be meafu-
red by your meat- wand, they muft all lye under the cerrfhrc of
feife and i<:k)latrous Chwrchcs , who worQiip God with a
falfe and Idolatrous worOiip, or elfc you muft confeffe your
great words of falfe Church and falfe conftitution to bear no
weight, or to be a meere flander.
' If you will td us diftin<ftly what yon mean by falfe Churches
you lliall fee your whole building to fall of it lelf. For, if yoti
underftand therby every Church/' \t labours under fome'dif-
order,or corruption iii gathering and conftitution/loftrine, or
difciplineit \s apparently falfclf you mean that the better part
may net oft ly hid under the worfer, the true Church in the
comjpt,whichmay joyncin tbeufc of Gods holy worfhip
by his approbation and wi i promifc of bleffing, • then the
propofition is crofie to the mainc current of Scripture. If by
a falfe Church you underftand that whofe do<5lrinc and wor-
ftiip is corrupt in the very maine grounds and eflcntials of faiti:
and worfhip neccl&ry to falyation, yom alUunption hath bo
truthinit* ' "^
May
If flirepe m a pi-
ftuic, where vcne-
mous licarbs ate
mixed with whol-
fomc, can by the
inftin(ft of njturc
make choilc ot
ihit which is pre-
per for the m> and
nbft.iinc from the
Contrary i what
m.irv.'.ilcis it if the
flocke of Chrif>,
vyho know the
voice of the true
Shcphcard from-
th; voice of ftraii-
gerSjfijould by the
gLiid:.nce of God$
aflilhng fpint doc
the fame, Chalov^
credo. Cameron, dc
Ecckf^ta^ cUjchfrn,
otc Field q£ the
eliurch./.5,'"<i^6,8,
CmUioii defcri^t, .
cm
Vlay you therefore be pkaied here to take notice ef that
C Kn St^y. ag. \vhich you oblcrve j as a cleare difference bb^ecnc trutH
§. 4- p.} J .5 4- aoi fallliood, bet wccne Cb-'ifts inftitutions and mem invent
t'ons- Whatfbevei: God will have us to doe or not -to doe, hcc
Prov.8«7 iayes dowic '"he fanrie openly, precifcly , manifeWy. All the
X Timothy 4- 1 vvords of hiS mouth , ^,rc plaine to him that underrtand^th.
The Spirit fpsaketh expreily, &c. that the truth is fimple and
p.!. inc. Ethnicks by the light of nature , could fufficiently fee
■•''^,.*'"^, «"• into fuch things one dfthcm touchtr»g.this matter faith thus.
The truth is fimple and plainc,andrjeeds not varictie of wind-
laces. Another of them ha-Ji thefc words, That phrafeorform
Gv ri>inndTo;n. of {peaking hath truth in it, which is wommon and ufcd of all,
w£ Ep'ft. stcpL. haying -in it nothing: craftily devifcd, neither cloakiag fome o-
ltcom;nctV^o.fto6 thec th}in§, than is profcflcd. Contrariwifc when Satart
muc'h |>rerumption fpcaketfe by hls iuftrumer J ts, he'fpeakcth io a«r Nignoully, and
rtid frow;rdrieflej ^loakedly, that one kiiowcih not how to take it, nor which
thcr ^ Snd his Way to apply it. And fo you goe on in many words to the like
owne,thoughicbe purpofe, which if you will apply to your owne manner of
falfc an.l notighc, dlfputing and alledging teftimonies, You fhall difcover your
thanyceld toano^ {elfc to be the decciver,whQ afted: ambiguous and equivocall
th?rs deeds an ^pgo^hes, and fceke by mifts, and fogs of ftrangc and unufuall
■fcefiit not truth to arguments and fentences wreded to a contrary fenfe , to
maintain your ce- bjindc the eyes, and puzzell the undcrftanding of the fimple.'
dit.God will fur For yon hide your felfe Under the termes of, falfc Cjiurch,
!|!ff J'"f '^'^''^-. ^^^^: miniftery, talfe Prophets, falib worOiip, flying from ido-
pLcT!''^-^"^-'- ^' latry, taking heed of idols, d-<?. which you have taken up in-
Co?u'"'!t'fiEpe!u' ickrA 3 peculiar fenle j and running along in that ftraine, you per«{
pafiorfi i^cre pr.Ji-/,-, vert the Scriptures, Wrong Authors,con:ound things-^tob&'^I'-'"
&n9>if:vinroflf)r ftinguillied, difpute fophiftically : and whiles you' bbaftoif
^iTwZi^n^'^c clearepnoofejdivine.precepts, example and pradice of fi^e-;
f4T.fclId^^ ^I'ci fa!:hers, from the firft age of the world hitherto,pofitions hol-
%mn:fira:me//?, ope- den in all Schooles,written in all bool-s.prcached every day in
mioKcmquc ipfins. Sermons, taught in all Churches, you doe only raiffe a duft to
Hieton. odYidio- ^^<^{\q the eye :, for let the matter t looked into, and youiave"
Zno.msEp:fcnpi nekher prcccpt Jivine, nor example of godly forefather »o
fmtep'fopi: ancn- julhfiejiourkparatioa. What you teach hath beenc ever-
de Pcl,um,fcd lu. ..^ilCvu 'te -u^rif-'j ■:■■ <' ''
dara cmifidcra Grat. x. q. j.c.T^nomna. %.clc^ aliquan^o v:JtM')ii eft,: nm iai)ium cumde-
fc6tlbus mdtii in docliinaidifciplKa, facyjimcnlis, ■ &.admiiu^/andi rMifac^ Jid <ui^ cnyr, v.-^rm
prj]lmsfnhivifibilii. jdjKdikWsit.aicr^vtm.'iiyVb ii&Ecc!c/.''- -'^ ^'"•- t^";-^''^ - •
more
(89)
jnore condemned in Schooles, cryed downe in Sermon;, dif-
allowcd in all Churches of the Saints,fi:om the VC7 beginning
to this day. ^
Can. Stay. Sec. 5. pag. 41.41. &
Seca. 6. pag. 86.
To heare Antichrjiian C^mificrs in their unUyvfull affep^-
hlies, isfuperfiitioH and "^Hll-yporjhip. Therefore it is Jin to
doe it. The firii frofol^tion ii groMtdedHpm,'Lcs\t. 10. 1,2.
4ml the fame ts wti * OMt exception. The fecond propojition is
thns proved, l. From thenatttre of fHperfiition^hiehis
AS ZJinchkdefcriifesit , a taking into the ^orflnpof God
morethanhereffuiresinhisvforjhip. is According to the
Schoo/emcn,that iifuperfiitij/t, vchr4 divine Tporjhipis not
txbihitfd, either to the perfon itfljould he, or not in the rvay Li. i de cult extern,
fy nMnner it ought, ulnd this is held to bee a found truth oppnf.col. j o i , ^ o a "
hj all O rthodox D ivlnes. 3 This hearing cannot be free of ^^l- ^« -* ^9 ^ii^r^.\
fuperfiition, in regard men are prefent atfalfe tvorjhip. The
vihich prefence (as the learned Write ) is a certaine commtu y'^-'*' C'^'^- f • P'% 7 >
fticatton therewith, 4 It is a freat fuperffition to approve ^'^^°^'°fy" "kcs
countenance^ or gtvekonoHrtcanyofthe^ayes of Antt' aicc,wliich isnot
chrifi. They that arefmcere chrifiians (faith B .Xcr) can- gioundcd on Gods
mt abide any thing that ii his ^ (^c. 5 It is vitiousand ^or<J> andisftria:
fuperftitiousto fymbolize )X'ith idolaters. The Scriptures *'^"^'"' heeisjtft
forbidh, and the Saints in alt (tges hmje rarefullj/hunnedit. fJmeTh aki^/ fhu'
6 Superftiticnis committed,^hen mereeflimation is had of which is written/
a thing, more dignitie and excellency placed in it '^ and more ^"^^ this is thcii
regard hadto it , thanijodallorveth, or can Band with his "^^^l>oIi"rcun-
UV//. ^^^^'J Mtniftcr*
for edification.
• t /- T-i L • A J L- • /• • • 11 . . ^"'^ ^ ''"le before
in the fame page. The hearing Itood tor, i$ a rpirituall eating whh Idolaters , and me
cannot receive the food without pollution. And page 80,8 1. Herein men vrorihip God h "v
and in a way and mcancs which Idolaters wiJl hare inftituted. ^ ' ''
Answbr.
You rowlc the fame ftone up and dovvn^ Is there any
thing h«i for fubft^icc, but wljat hath beaie repeated oft,
N but
But not proovcd once> You talkc of fupcrftition, faUc Wor-
jdiip, idolatry, giving honour to the wayes of Antichrift-, and
fuch like great abominations. But if we call for proof of thcfe
ar.cufations, you arc glad to fly off, and ta play Icaft m fight.
Superftition,,''^-e 'a uriTnip , idolatry isunlawruU, that yo-
can lay, and no- .nan will deny it. But that it is f alfe wor-
{hip , idolatry , ir faperftition to hold communion in
our iiicmblics in the ordinances of grace, in this if your
bare word, will not be received, here is nothing tobcarc
you out.
This reaibn therefore , that is, foi the fubftance thercol
nothing but a new furbifliing over of the fame broken ftafFc,.
mi^ ht well be parted over in filence. But left the credulous
reader fhould conceit it isflighted,bccaufc it contain icth lomc
matter of importance , I will in few word^ lay open the
weaknefle and vanitie thereof . Firftyoutranflatc the School-
mans words (ydCHi nm debet , vel non eo modo quo dehty^ay
improperly, when divine worfliip is not exhibited, cither to
the pcrfon it flioulc' be, &c. and indeed make his fpeech ab-
(iird or fcnfeleffe. For it was never imagined to be fupcrfti-
tion, not to exhibitc divine worlLip to God , but Atheifme
or prophaneffc rather. You fay,, /upcrftition is that which is
donc/^tfra FiatuMtHy when more tftimation is had of a thing,,
more dignitie placed in it than \s meet ; which is contrary
to the not exhibiting of divine honour to God: but this is
your common pradicc. 2., Yourrcafens to prove itfijperfti-
1/ there vYcre no tion to hcare Antichriftian Minifters in their falfe aflemblics
mere but giving o- ^gg you llile them ) arc none of the beft, though all ihould be
bedicncc ta fuch granted which you dcfirc, for though ir be no particular or-
impofed with a nc*^- dinance in rcfpe(5l ot time or place, yec it foUoweth-notthat
tcfluie upon us,& it is fuperftition : For if for fubftance the duty be of God, it
that mcercly for may be donc without fupcrftition, when it is not in partlcu-
canfcicnce of the Jar Commanded, May not the cafciall out, that it is free for a-
* ^u'^r^ inlcdthe man whctfecE he will heare the word at fuch a timc,or follow
x?!on$wUh fu er- ^^ dutics ot his calling ?' and if hec doc the one or the other,,
ituioa. A difpu:e info doing he is not to be deemed (uperftitious^ To place o-
againfl Engl, po- pinion of ncccflltic, holine{re,,or wor(liIp,m that which God
pifli. part 1 . ca. J. i^^j^ „q^ inftituted or fandtified, is fuperftition. But to do this
\l'c 10 i^efij ^ ^'^^ ^^ which is commijiided or allowed of God,, cannctr'
29. Aug. confif. CA. i^Jt" caHed ft-pcrftitionjt^cugh in feme particular circumftance.
di^fc^'wmubm. ?»boYe mentioned ,. it b^ no particular ordiiiancc; Vou-iay,
who-
wlhofocver takes tohimfdfe a practice, which is hotgrotm- Chcmnit. trxm'
^ed upon Gods word, and is ftricft therein, heeisjuftover- ^'^*"'" ^•'^^'J'-^i'
«iuch, whydoeyouad.ie, (:ind lis ftri^ therein ) if every caijrn aemef.re.
ad (imply not commanded i^e fuperftition ? forw.Ecckf. ' ^aum
Andif byfuch hearing a man did u^;"rs)^c> countenance, p'-itarmur obfervatu
c»r give honour untc any the waycs of Antrcbriii or did fiin- ^■<='f^^'!^ 'i^ homi-
bolizc with Uiolaters,yetcouli not this h-aring be cordem- f«^^'i"^'f''.>';i^'f-
jfied as wiii-worfhip^ or fupcr Htion, unlefle the breacf; of e- erm-.&cCh:
amic:
very commaudeaient be will- worlliip, or fuprjrftition. Men panjir.ioK.^.dc ehs.
may be fupcrftitious, in the uie oF Antichriftian rites or devi- ^-^iC.^jfeCi.s,^'
xcs, and (o they may in the ufe of thsir ownc devices , yaa of ^^^i'^'^^'P>'*f:7-rn'.
the ordinances ot God them(clvc5. But whoibever doth dvTir H^^llilVtcs
counttnancc or approve any of tl c wayes of Antichrift, he is to dcvHc formes of
not therein (though heebreakc the commandement lomeo- Religion in dcihu-
thcr way)rur)9rft;itious or a wil worfhii^per. '^'o" of 'he t wh
3 Iffup': ilition be committed when more eftimationor ['"^jj^ foj<^concilc
regard is had to a thing, than God alIowe*h, or can ftand with ihl' the"may"otU
his will revealed in his word, beware, left you convince your bee lulled aflcepc,
Jfclfe iupcrftitious in an high degree. F( r when you magni- T hey may not prc-
lieyour Churdi order and conftitution as an ordinance of f^'^'bc religion a-
tbat abfolute neceOltie, as that God cannot lawfully be wor- en^cndc^n^w^rtu
flipped, in any other focietic or aflemblie, and that none o- desof ia«!i, iheJ
thcr Church is true. You place more excellency and dignitie muft not ftranglc
in it, and give more eftimation and regara unto it, than God ^^^^ ^ "'^ vvith er-
alloweth in his word. I miaht adde, that in many particulars ' °"'»°.of flucklc it
t • • ^- ^L fp • J ^"Cn It IS revca cd.
you advance your owneunagmations J as the neceflarie and ^i^^^ j^ miylet
holy ordinances of God, which i^ it bee not idolatry, at loofcthc bridle of
ieafl is iiiperftition in your language. Obfervable it is (you conuptioa, e-^c.
fay) whereas one EvangeliQ: letting- downe the Tempters ^'tthcw4.9
words to Chrift, (aib, worfliip me , another hath if, wor- l^^^"^^" ^^ '^**
ihip before me, lliewing it is all one to woriliip beibrc the . chronV 1 1 • i <
Divell or to worlhip him. Whereupon you adde , now hee i Cor. i o . 20
isworfhipped when Idols arc worfhipped, oranyfalfein- Rcv^.io iTim.
ftitution is objferved, or pra<ftice ufed ; which if it was true, ^*^
I {hould not feare to charge you as a pernicious idolater , or
worlhippci: of the Divcl! : But J will nof make ufe of fuch
leaden weapons, For it is a raoft notorious and grolTe abfur- C a N.Stiy. 5*^.4.
ditie: For if every hllc inftitution and pradicc bee the f"^' ^^'"^
worihip oi the Divcl,it mulfc ncccffarily folio w,that every J^^
ror concerning the worQiip of Gccl concerning the c( m-
mandaucntsofthcfirftubk, i?;the\vji(hip ol^^thc DivcU,
N 2 ^ which
Cp*)
wbkh a CklftiaQ (liouldbluth to ipc^kc, ind abfeorre (&
heare.
4 In your cftcemc all Churches arc falfe which are not
c J .fiituted after yout manner, and all Miniftcrs Antkhriftianj
who are not ailed and ordained by that particular congre
gation where :'icy arc to adminiftcr: and being fo taken, •
anfvver, I c is neither fiiperftition nor will-worfhip t'>hearu
Antichrifcian Miniftcrs (in your ftile, but indeed rhe true
lawfull approved Minifters of Jefus Cbrift ) in their AfTem-
blies. To heare or to communicate with them , is not to
approve or honour any Antichriftian way, or fymbolize with
idolaters: buttoapprovc^inaintainc and^crciic piffelythe.
ordinances of grace,toyccld obedience tc '^ods commandc-
ment, to regard^ honour and efteeme what hee aV': weth and
honoureth, and to worHiip him, both for matter and man-
ner according to his wilL The precepts, promifes and infti-
Amef. Bell . Ere: v- tution of God,the apprwtd pradlice of the Saints , from the
iom.iU.dcEcc,zo-^ beginning ofthe world unto this day,, doth plentifully war-
Tt^Ue^ino'ioVhi' ^'^^^^ ^^^^ pra(fticc a be holy,profitablc and neccflarie , in re-
?!.'■ adcfl, dumde- fpecft of divine inftitution. This doftrine hath evermore been
Koi^ra'-w ribi Jit profefled in all Churches, defended by Orthodox Divines,
f hriftus. il/eautem taught in Sermons, received by the faithfuU, and moft i^Iainely
cxtns efi cuiciia » ^q^^^<^q^ by [hg Scriptures. But not to repeat fo many thing*
ht Inter 7 • cjnckk- fpoKcn already, I proceed to examine what you have to lay
^yny^uap'-nt 7 . cc out ofthe Nonconformifts againft our Miniftcry,,in refpeif?' of
^f-i. their orders and degrees*
Section 6.
Can, NecefT. of Separadc«i^
Pag, y.
IF the CAlttng andoj^ieofth^rlftfhops h (as theNoneon^
formifis fay It is) ofthe eanh, falfe, diveU't/h, oyintichrsjii--
an,^c, then it folloires ^ that the cAllingMd office of the-
t&hie Ministry mttfi fieceffariiy be of the fame yiatm-e^eptalitie
<<*&^ ^ondition^ tit Voityofthe earth ^falfi, divellipi^ and Amichri*
fif^i &c« f^hifh hwhliji 4tH Vfdfi'^mfP^rfbffhiyeifiveS) ffa/^
ttndtaktsitiifeandifeifjgofhonlj , and tto "where e If e, For If
their l^ijhofs have not a right poveer in themfeives, then CAn they
not trans ferre it to another, tyfs thsla^Jaithy Nemo poteft:
plus juris transferrc in aliam, quam fibi competere dignofca- 1emf.jurh.7yr
tur No mm can give more to another, than he hath 'jimfelfc. If
Corah, Dathan/<!?«^Abiram, W-hen they nfttrped the priefihood
And goverrment of the Chfsrch , fjoiild (by tku falfe power
vhich they ajfumed ) have ordained fame of the people ur.to the
Priefts offcc, no doubt all the Tfraelites ^hich feared Cod^culd
have judged tljeir place and fi.inding unla>vfHU , ht.auje they,
v'hich made them had no cornmiffion f-^»m God fo t\. doe.. Tne
cafe of their Minister j isjuflfo.
Answer.
IP romc things of men bee mixed with that whfch is c/
God^s the holy Sacraments witli humane rites, andhir
mane pompc and glory, with the MiniCtery that is from
above, a prudent Chriftian muft feparate or . from another,
and not call: away what is of God as a nuUitie, fruitlefle, ui. -
profitable, aefiled, becaufc fomewhat humane is annexed to
them. Arcidentall defers orfuperfluities,injor about the
Miniftcry, doe not deftroy the nature and lubftance of die
Miniftery.
In the office and calling of BilTiops, two things arc to be
confidcred.
1 The iiibftance of their office and Miniftery whcreunto
they 3re feparated,to wit, to preach the GolpeU,difpenfe the
Sflcramentsand admiriftcr the dil'cipline ot Jciiis Chriftjand
this is of G'od. Hieron.j;;.^j/f. a^
2 The luperioritic they ta^c or challenge over their bre- /"n'^l '%,\\tond7r
thren, which makes not a difference or nuUitic in the Tub- p^;^[ ^^ pa^^:^\\l
ftance of their miniftery ; and this is of men. AH Minifters 519, Cilv.trafUe
of the Golpell arc fte wards of ]elus Chrift , fet apart to doc nuif^^om. ccdcf,
hisworkc, wherein if any one iliall ckiUcnge more than of Caivini*/iJ^./.4, ^,^
right appertainetb unto him, or doc vA^t out of pricic, parti- zlnlhZ'T-Vr^'e.
alitie, finiftcr affedion, tyrannic or fe<iitioti: or recciveth piumcoU7ii,?^3»
fuch authoritie to hiinielfc alone,as bclongcth not to his place foi b„ I rcnic, /. 2^
arid office, or is common to many; hi that he is blamcw'orthy: /^oj',7 ;8 j^j ^ °»
but thereupon his Miniftery or minifterialj afts doqcby him^
wc not made voi4c aiKldf none effcd. ■ "^
" " N 3 Tte
CpO
The inftitution of
aChriftianmanf.
oi 'he Sacrano. of
O.ders.
Jc\r'elaBol. def.par.
9. diy.i. in I Tim,
3. in I Titn.hjm.n
^u.ex u:roq„ Te-
fimm'9 ca.ieo.
•Foib. Ircn./.i.iT.U
prop.
Carleten dt Eccic
si.°p: z8j. 184.
D. Field oi the
Thus the Church of England, at leaft the ^nmemain-
tainers of Religion, againll the Papifts have caught, That
there is I'ttle or no difference betwixt a Bifhop; ndaPreC-
hyter : to which purpol? leypfU cites many paffagtj outer
the Ancient Fathers; as of ayfmbrofe, there isoneOrdina*-
tioh of a ?.uTiop and a Presbyttr : Chrjf, betwixt a Biihop
and 3 Presb'/ter there is almoft no difference. Au^» what i;: a
Bif>:cc bur the »Srft or chiefo,Prc*by ter.And both Conforniifts
and Nor conforniifts agree in this, that minillers rightly qua-
lified with gifts, and preaching the doctrine of falvcUion pure-
ly, bee the Minillcrs of lelus Chrift, whether ordayned by
Bifljops or the Elder(hip. They that hold Bishops by Divine
right greater than Presbj-.ers, .ndthir the power of Ordi-
nation belongeth untothf^nis doc y t : .lov ' dge Ordinati-
on, given by the Elderftiip ro be true,oy the ju i^crnent of the
CachoUke Church. And they that maintame the equalitie of
Church /^i^. 5, C.J9 BiftiopsandFresbytcrsbythe Word of God, deny not thofe
Th^re'beina^tcat Minifters CO be of God, who teach found doftrine, andfecd
rcfcrabl^cf ^" e- ^hc flocke of God corrmitted to their charge, though they re-
twccn the Pope- ccived Ordinatbn from Bi(hops.
'ome and Arch-.
bifhop, I meane having regard to the bare fundions, without refpefting the Dotflrinc good
or bad, which they uphold, there is yet great difference betweene the perfons which execute
them. P.Lo»jbardl.^. fin.din.i-^. Ca^reel. in ^.fent.d^fi.z.qtf.i. Epifcopattu nonenaliii.s
difiin^ui ordo afacer-dotioy Bonavent. in^fent. di$,i^,(irt. ^. qu.i- 7b. ^qul 3. .fupW. a».
AO,(>rl.$. , . . - o.._
The learned among the Papifts themfelves freely conteile,
that tlut wherein a Birtiopexcelleth a Presbyter, is not a"di-
ftinft and higher order or pcv/er of order, buta kimd-of dig^-
nity or office and employment only. Epilcopacy is not ano-
ther order diftinft from the Priell-hood,laith CApreoim, No
Prelate hath more concerning Sacramentall power, or of or-
der, than fimpie Priells. So ^rmachnmu. As conce, ning;
Saecrdotall order, and things that pertaine to order, they are
eqoiU. Thus "BftUrmins himfelfe. Although a Bifhopand
Presbyter are d (linguilhed, yet as concerning Sacrifice they
cxercife tliefameminifl^^ryj and therefore diey make one or-
der and not two. fyanm gotdi further. All Biiliops and
Jwply alfo Presbyters are of equ*.l power in-refpeft of /urif;.
TehoK.'de'clyj, ij diction, although not of execution : which executive exe^*
E I, jC 14. CHfa?}. ^ife is (hut up and rellriy nf d by certaine politive Lawes, And
co?3^rd, Lix. I i. lohannes dc FArifijs^ d^potcfi. "K^gal, & Papd*€4, 10, Some
%
ArmachX.i i.Dotn.
nSotcl'io. dcjud.
eiej^.diSl.ii3q-zart^
"Durand. in ^yftnt.
difi.i^iqu J.
SHplt, releiit contr, i
fsy a Fresby ter lurh tlicfatne power in his Parilli, tiiaca Bi-
fliop ludi in his Biocefle. From which their conrelFion it will
evident^ follow that Minifters ordained by Presbyters, to-
whom .Me caie and government of the Church belongeth ar*^
trueMinillciS. ' Jn Alexaadm ^<£
And hereof the grounds and reafons arc cvideuc. Iroi on all e/£-)//,the Prcl-
tht one fide it appearech, the Ancient Church did not hold her byters gave Ordi-
Conftitutions to be ablblutcly effennallto the calling o^ . Mi- "3"o"^ when & Bi-
nifter or to the A./»;».r.ir'; thereof, as if the omiflloii ornon- i^nl^lguM
«>blervation therot did make them no Mmilters.oifnops by the Af/;i;rnfe both con-
Ancient Conftitutions of cli? Churcl. were to be crduined by fcflc. Ambr : ad
three other Bi hops ncere ai.^jo3^mg: But inftance" there be ^P^- ^^ ^» .''■%u^.
manifelt, that the C Tch h^th dilpenfed with thefe Canors. "^^f ; ^cTif /rT'
Tdagim the F - (as - ,?4/»/w wricethin vtV/J ?eUgi\)vi^s Vcn^dn ^CmiL
eonlecratcc .t wo Biihops only, hhAnnes defer njio^^ Bo^ ArdaLtnf,x.c.%xm
nm de Ferentino^ ^ tyindreas T^nfhyter de OJiiff Evagriw ^ffrie. cav. .6
BiQiop was conlecrated of T^Aulinu: onely. C^fofes reftfing ^^^•*' • '^ £^f^/>4»f*
to bee ordained oi Lucius was created Bifhop of them who i' ^'^f ^""j a^^'^''
were banilhed into the mountaines. ihc ii Ahopsct France c.S Tlxodoretbi^
only D ionyfimoxd7L\[\t^ It is an humane conftitution, faith lib. \y ai.
Jebames CiLajor, that a Bifhopflaouldbeordaynedof three^ Sgcratahifi.l^bf^fi
inventedforfolemnity, notasabfolutelynecefl'ary. Trefh- ^^»^^'
ten or Elders were ordained by the Bitliop. The reft of the j^Td^^i^' Z\
Presbyters then prefent laying on their hands But feeing 3i- /„,f^' ^^f>.'; olfon •
Ihops were greater than Presbyters, rather by the Cuftomcof Panf:t*o6p.6Si
tlie Qiurch, than by divineinftitution, this was not limply re- ^''^g • » > ''■f^* » *»«/-
quired to the eflence of ordination ; but according to the Cu- ' * '^^^^ ^■
ttome and Ecclefiafticall Ordinances. Ihe Chorepi/copi ^Ko cf^l^Xp'^^dfJf.
who were nothing but Presbyters, were allowed to ordame ^ j, «, 14, c^W
by the 1 ea ve of the Biflicp. 9 j, w« .• y .
And on the other lide, if they bee not lawfull Minifters Gratumipar. t,f,^
who receive their Ordination from Bilhops, the Churches of f^iij/'^lf^'^f/*
God throughout the world, have beene deftitutc of lawful! c,t^r [{''cha^t
Miiiiftcrs for tlie fpaceof this fomaeene or fifteene hundred pa>i}ir:Tm, i,lyi6
cjp.4,S.^. luni
aumad • in Bel dc clmc. c, t 4, mt.t^ &^i^ j'iot. 5 9 1 Ch^v^ikr : Ibi J : c,6, /. n. Sed Cathelici
mgaut eDnJqf{Cf/tia^& fdunl pcjje ULi omnia extare in ■,t:€d'iahxrtji,t'- inter yipffiaias: ^fdfino^i
nfgariiTjcipienc yifoHatiC, cur Fa'-rhu^ cur ejus Mecitnas, Jacob'^'DavnanmcCaydinalii, not:
renuncitirunt Eaptifmo apud noi (quos iUc difputat ^po/fafiagtfeciljej recepto : &HonjuJJirtmJc
dmuotingi ? Author, impcrfeft.opcr. in Mit. hom. 49. Ornnmhtec, qu^e furJ proprie O^ihi
mvtYitatet habcnt & harefei il.'tt infchithm . ; fmUna £ ccltfiaj,fimi\ita & , m SaiptPiras Divi-
vas :J/miliiei- Epijfo^os- c^fterojq; ordi/fes cUrHt^u^m ' fn-Miv U-tKb'VsJifarf^ & i^ttrtormia^ Cic,
. ywresj .
ytares, which tb« Non-conforcnilts will never aflstme.' As
5^wtf it felfe iS a Church, as the Church is oppofed to Turkes,
and Infidel J jinci as Herecickes, Ipecially they whole opinions
Can Stay. '§. i] are not »» y^«'>tf (as they fay) pernicious, are the Church : So
pag, II, in Rowf^ ;'.nd Arnongft Hcrecidces, lo much truth of Miniftcry
is fou9d, as the a6h they doe are not voyd altogether and of
none effeft.
The doftrine of the NicoUitans (which was, that adulte-
ry aaJ lornication were do finnes, and that men might com-
nwnicate with the kcrifices of Idolaters in their Idol Tem-
ples. Ife>t,/,i»c,2j, Epipharj, i, Tom. i.) Was not (you
;Lay)in the judgment of the Churches at P,ergam»s Sc Thyatira
efteemcU as a thing th'';: mig^; ^ net be br -i withal. UPer^amtu
and Thjfatyr4,(o grjevouily corrupts ' ^ true C^urches^ThQ
receiving of Ordination from the bauds ot a i^jvhop doth not
folcaven the Miniftery as to make a nullity thereof,or make it
unlawful! for others to joyn therewith in the worihip of God.
'P. Aurtom in^. A Bilhop oidaincd per f^ltum, that never had the C rdl-
Sent.difi, *4'^>'-* nation of aPrelbyterj can neither confecrace aiwl admmirter
Gapwoiu*rf//Z.;»j the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, nor ordaine a Prefbyter,
Ciifi. cmcord: himfelfe being none, nor doe any a6t peculiarly appertaining
cathtU lib. x . to Presbyters. Ordination tlierefore is refcrved to the Bilhop,
"P> 4. ' ^ not in refpeft of Superiority in degree of miniftery above his
Memijrfm /«j» <#- brethren, for ii he be no E resbyter he cannot malie Presbyters,
fedcupk^Tpn^^^^^ ^"^ for order iake and to prevent Schifm and divifion.being for
re dim'^m,conturbai iubftance of the fame order and Confccration with tliem. If
corpori.. crdlmm to- (,pe member in the body challenge to it felfe that office which
tHtHt Sic.fic fiigfi^O' , belongeth to many, it breed? fbme diforder and confufioa but
mm -oYmmm >m ^ ^ ^^^y ^^ ^^^^ ^j^j^i, -^ ^^^^^ >
fmt altjs coT^ruaJea "*"^ J
ThT& cibi\cit aiiena. Grathn. diil. -89, cap. 1. They that hold the Office of Biihops to be of
G oii,<iohold,that the Church ccafcth not to be a ehurch,in which this degree is n«i to be
ipund.
Succeflion in the Apoftles Do6lrine is an efTentiall and un-
changeable note of the Church,which wherefoever it is found,
doth argue truth of mimlery in thatfbciety, for the Preaching
of the Word and adminiilration cf tlie Sacraments, to draw
men to internall Communion For that particular Church is
the true Church of Chrift which retayneth unity with the Ca-
.holickes^/c-i the unity of the head, the unity of the body,the
unitie
m'lty of Dodt^nc , and unity of the Spirit; tAerlut was Miff.Majar At. fjffi
called an Heretike in the time o^ Epif^aniHs, not forh'i degcjl-.s-otor.c/tp.z.
opinion, but for his reparation which iie made togeth<;i with f'^'f^'^^^'^o^ospcf fa,-
it. For fo the Fatliers of the firrt Confiu^tinopQlirane Coun- %fe"l%ottfd
ceiljC^w. (5. which in the booke of Canon us i5;. Hargti- erndJsK^^iufqf ad
■cos autem dicitmii eos qui olimab Eeclefia a^d/cati funt, <^ ^^n. Dotn.j^r.j!.ief:9
ijui pojieaambti a»aiherKati^A7rn: prater hos amem (^ auife "^ ^cclcfi.i JcotiCa
fan^tm qMidem fidem projitiri c!ts<imi^.'j%:>ii fHba\\\**K -^u- fe- f^f^^^^J-l^-^f^io^
gregaverunt amemfeje & advtrfus Canmicosnojhos Epif- Tp^ofalfJ^^J^
copos con^rtgationem facinnt. i^eligio em Chr /la-
Howloever therefore the Non-conformlrtsdiirentfro.n ffsm fuficpit Scofra
others touching the 0?^ce andcalhngof Bilhop? as it is e- ^''-^^^-^o? fictft
ftecmed a degree c'' miniller; alrv^ PAllors ajid Minifters '^^f''''^ ^'^^rici
of the whole Die' ciic, who ic... c the care of Preaching to Ar^efMclenerv toif
particular tl: >ke5, unto others, and challenge that as peculiar -• dc Ecclef.
to thenirelve^whichiscommon toothers, or prop srly belong- ^"'^^ - in?r.hby z
eth to many: yet they never denyed the word Preached by g^^^'' P''°?-'JJ-
them that profeflc the iiitlre faith, and tlie Sacraments admj- ChurcrOovcr
nilfred by them, tobechetrueetiecuiall Oi'Jinancesof lefus «nent,tpift!ctothc
Clinft. AnJ moft that approve die calling of Biihops, deny Reader,
not th^t there may be a Prcsbyterv, but tlut a Presbytery is lb J ^^^^ alrvaycs kj
fit for a Monarchy, beins^of opinion, that the forme of oq- ^^^®« "^'nf W-
• 1 L- I j-r • / ^1 1 A t,° . ^"" rnott er them
Vcmment IS lerc to the dilcretion ot every Church. And both are Brethren for
fides proFeff, that there is not any diCrcnce betwixt them, the t.uths fakcd^^
Which rriay cither deprive tliem of falvation by the death of -^•^'« Anfwer to
C H K I S't, or barre them from living brotherly and Chrifii- '^^^ P"P'^' Articles
aniy r s members of one and the fame Church. ^ilf^Lav in Bel
It is a rule, you lay, That no man c\n give more toasio- cont.'i.l. i. cm. j,
ther than heehathhinifelfe. Butth sruleof Law isunskil- The ri^ht and'
fully applyed, or eUe while you dilpuee agauill one talle rai- po^er of giving
nifterv vou fet up anocher, or dellroy the miniltery altogether, m' ^a^^^^^c '? ^^^
injit*/ / r ,' 1 r • 1 r II 1 . ^**"iiUers of the
Tor the commuaityot the faithtull have not power to preach Charch.belonPeth
the Word,or adminifter the Sacraments, and hee thit deri/es primarily a whol-
his au hority from them, which they have not to give, is no 1/ to Chri.'>, who
trueMinirter. If they be falfeMinifters, who derive their au- ^omaiunicatcth
thority from them that have it nor then theyximt derive it Br'deThc churdj''
from the Cliurch asthe Primitive and immediate lubje£f mult Both the Bnde- '
£oe in thacnumber. For cHc Church bach not that authority, groome for his
* parr, and the Bride
n ^^^ ^^^ P^ftj have
delivered this power of Ordmatioa to the Presbytery j^w dklra, aftt r-vard the Prcsbytcty
'oiifcircd im".Ww»''thispowerupoRihcm,whowcicri'cciallycalcdBifliops,8cc
O Slid '
CP8)
BiUat.,ieSacram.\.
clinctm /acerdo-
tuii-i aT^pman. pan-
t'tfi.e perns C6nptc-
teraitt.
Hia- mD'ialog.ad-
verj luciferian.
LuciffriiVii admtic-
uant bapi'ymacoUa
turn db hay eti it, fed
7ionotArn3..i ne»!*
Bel.ui/ifupraAoh.n
iv.aLconc i.ant''-
fapa fcl)ifma;ico or'
d?um diccxcom-
ful'iti paicr yieus «•-
Ml habntt jibi, nihil
mihl dedit.
^^Mlii uliq\ & n»n
and bUlSiftnm audi-
hl'hi'Ufi'-ix.Eufib.
/«5.1. 7.c.i,j;,4j8,
& H.rm, Covf.conf.
Bohetn.. an. iz.dc
hapt.
Gjtat. pa>\ZiC,i.q.i
c.S0.5i,gJ,n &c
jfO^ 46,47. Bel.de
Jacr.\.\.iC;^^ Ode
igUur.lm. xiivtadv.
not^ 1 1.
Greg. N3a.o;vzr.40
Smduo amiiliyakcr
Cal. fn/Z/«.1.4.c.i 5
/?. 16. & ^nUdoT,
concil. Trid. ad Can.
and Tne cam ?t yv e wnat (hee liatli not . The. Claflls ©r VreC-
by ccry (you ,vi'l tay) liath no authoricy to oru*ine a h'tiniiler,
which IS r'>aclminiltcr in anotner congregation, and hee that
derives his aurhoritie from them that have ic n©t to give, is no
true Milliter , It' the people and guides of the Qiurch both
confent, they h^ve no authoricie to call or conlecrate an un-
learned, covetous, profane.. hereticallMinider^ and he that de-
rives authority rrom them that have it not to give, is no Mini-
fter, apd that which is done by hinv is of no vahdity,his pray-
;:rs are not heard, the Sacrameitsadminiftredbyhimarenot
Icale of die covenants or internall communion with Chrift
01 his faichfiill people, A falfe Church or minillery hath no
power to call and orJaine a Minifter or to give him power ta
preach the pardon of finnes, ordifptnfethefcalesof grace;,
and the auchority granted by the-n that have it not is a meere.
blanke. Thefe and fuch like arc the proper conlequcnces o£
this rule m fapplyed ; AH which no fort of Chnitians ever
admitted as found and true* The Papiits are very forward to.
challenie the reformed Churches as no true Churches^becavift-
tliey have no true Miniikrs, but luch 9 ^ were ordained by Hc-
retickes or are fallen into herefie. And yet when they have,
fpent their breath they dare not deny, but baptifme admini*
iired by Heretickes who liold intyre tlie forme of Bapti'^^c, i&.
true, and fo the Lords Supper and ordination like wile . FoCv
the impiety of the Minifter cannot pollute the pur *ty of divine
myfteries, neither (lull they be ineffeftuall to the diildren of .
Godj altliough difpenled by ludas the Traytor. Heretickes..
have not (laith TS^e/iarmine) the remiflion of finnes formally,.
but they have it miri'^erially , as a fervant who hath not one.
farthing of his owne. t- tay carry many thoulands of his Ma-
ilers to fome other man. In things natural! and artificiall the
effedl is not like to the inftrumentjbut to the principall caufc ;. ,
as heate is the inftrument of fire, though it have not the fub-
ftantiall forme of fire, and the baptifme which is adminillred,.
andtne word which is preachedof wicked men, is not the
baptilm or word or wicked men,but of Chrirt. Anarelius was-
conlecrated of 'Diofcorrs , Feli?c of the ^ritms. See
Gratian: dtcret. cap, i. ij«. 1. £/ip». ^2, 3^»34>35^3^.
37>47.
Every Minji'tei of the Gofpell derives his authority^ gifts
and office immediately from le/ia £hrifi'\ the Cburch^people,.
patron^
CP9}
pitiOr, Presbytery or B.llxjp are only Stewards to fet him in
Oifice, whom the Cord hach defigned ; wlierein it any one or Aug. c'onft(i. art-li
all of them lluli challenge more than of nghtappcrcameth Oudin.dift.i^.
to them, or doe oai>hE out of paiciality feJuio' ^Hy. tyrannical- *'^^' iS" ,?•"/"''''
« ,./ J I • / 1 / , r "^ LI ,1 L 1 cei-d. Cathol lib. i-^
ly or diIordcrIy,in lo doing thy Jelerve blanie,but that which ^ Exqwj
IS done is noc in every refpetl vty I, ar J or none ctfe6l,as it mnc apparet ad ft
hath becne Ihewed at large. The power of miniftrari ?n i$ re- l>*^cm mmbrB:uin
ceivcd from Chrill and not derived ^rom men either formal B-cckfiaif^oiinex-
ly or vertually, for they have it not to give : but tlie dehgna- }^auduermi^ftxm
tion of the perfon, is by m.nminilleriaily or inftrumen- g;^^^ Chiiftian
tally. fubj. p arc ^/>. i o »•
A A RON w seal-
led r.o tJ u office
Can Keref .^f ^enarar Paa ?8 not by Afo/«, bur
^^an. iNccci. ^rf .eparac. i ag.jo. by God Himfdfir,
though, hce vttK
The (^ofif'>rmlfis keeperKuchbetterto their grounds than the annoi'^ud by Mo-
ot her doe. For they profejfe dotvne right that their mini- fi' hands , Heb. f .
fiery is from the Church ./ Ron^e,/o that if thePopifh ^^.'^^XI.o/dI-
Bifhopf, Priefls a.u. Deacons be goody theirs bee good alfe, vinity.papc i?7.
they being fram them* T{ow no doubt thefe men doe Mafon: SuccclT of
Tve/I fercetve that their minijtery cannot pjjibly be jufli Bilhops, publillicd
fed un/ejfe it bee by thts rvaj of diffute. In thU ref^i 8k ^X ^^'"hority wfk v
i ':7eir judgment and praElice u one, and fo farre tlyej are
to bee c jmmended, and I verily thinke, that if they were
fure that the minify try brought into the Lar.dby the t re-
lates from Rome iifaKe andzAntichrifiian, oi the Nett'
confcrmifis ajfrme it to be, that many of them woft/d not
here<jfttr ever have any f^ir/t*tJl ommunion with it,
Trnely it would make a man Aar^ire tj he Jhould under'
" fiandmg/y eomp-re together the writings of thefe two com-
panies, touci^ing a Church miniftery. For tft their opinio
out about it, they are as csntrary each to other, as light tt^
darkenejfe, Chrtjlto Telial^righteeufnejetoHnrightcouf^
Me(fe, notwithfi ending though fodiftff^nt in judgement,
yet they will communicate together in one miniftery ; but
§ne of thefe againft kr.wledge offend furely^ let them hol^
weH to it. For tohm that knoweth to doe good and doth
it not, to him it is ftnnfy that is^ his fa-ih is fo much the
more, and froportionablj his condemnation pfttH be with
iwt repentance,
2 ANS-
(too)
j4nguji. dcciv. Dei
lib ^x.ij.'^Mcfi
hqHaeiia vanitate,
tfu^e mnyeopoi-9
gw^d "jan tai ^ quia
jl!voh{e.\ :,!k4 et'i .hi
daman pouft qiam
Answer.
Inftead of found argument?, wee have here your ra!li and
unadvifed cenlMrc, t'^eoneof thelc(you{ay) againllknpw^
ledge offend rurely..
Bur what evidence canyon bring to juftifie this condcna-
natorie fentence ? or how can you reconcile your lelfeunco
your felte herein? Here you tell us, the Confbrmilis many
of them at leaft offend not againO", their Confcicncc, and for-
merlieyoaeA'preffeyourCharitietotheNor.-conFormiftsjtliat
although their pra6lice i ^ not ftriftlie anfwerable to their pro*
feffion, and therefore doe give juftoccalion to the Prelates to
in/inuate againft them hypocriticall eiids : yet you for your
part are otherwife minded tiun the BiHiops in this thing, and
doe thinkc that they doe of Confaencecenderanethcftate
of that Church : but doe not maturely confider therdponlive
conclufions whi.h follow upon their principles.. There
were your thoughts then, and what (liouldoccafion tliislud-
den change ? And if you will weigh what you have writ-
ten, of neceffity you mull accuft your felfe of groffe inconfi-
deratenefie in laying you know not what, and perverting,
mens words of all (orts^orof (innc againft Confcience if you
write what you know to be falfe. Confidering how you.
deale in both your bookes throughout, I fcarce know an Au-
thor, who hath more need to look home than your lelfe,
- It is. true the Gonformifts and Non- conformifts have wric-
Cen on both fides one againft the other in matters of Church
Government ard Cererronies, (and perhaps with bitterncffe
more than bef ? er'^' wherein alwayes the forwardeft men-
have not been of the greatell judgment or beft moderation a
And therefore every thing that is written muft not be inter-
preted asthe judgment of all, or moft of either fide, but as the
private* opinion of the penrman ; v/hich falleth out in all con-
trove'-^'is am.ongft all forts, But whatfoever outcry you make of
contrarieties, there is nc point of that weight and moments,
:ontroverted betwixt them, as might juftly hinder communi-
on together in the Ordinances of Re'igion. If tlieir conten-
tion had broken, forth to (iicli an head, they might have beene
anfwered moio )uftly, the one or both fides^co offend of furicj^
0^0
Tlie Conformifls ( )xm fay ) kccpc much tester ;r. fieir Cai/ek^giioR Man
grounds than theother doj,for thsr/ confs/K dawl rigk tlvat "P- *, *^j'S- ^ ' • *>•
tliciTMiniftcrie is froin the Church of Rome: h itc^.:^^op ^^"h^ nntftlbl
did neither miicii care, normquircwhnrthsyprofeite , ellh ijt, yctmuftmc
you might hive lecne, they (ay and troftf^' in this point as trot take the hcfc
<iid receive tlieir ordination from RomiHi Bifhops, and had uoon To furc r.buil
Itich calling as was to be fcund in that Church. But doe they ''^'^S' ^h^.tcM o-
only acknowlea-;e To much ? \V9«: :.3t this evermore received f^"^J>^i^f »■ they of-
■fer a truth in the^ancient Church , that ordination received f^". ,oVd ^'^"h
from herctikes, not erring in the tmine^ndam entail truths in oth"" i^iuci%,
dire(5Hy, was true and effe(5-ii2ll -^ Doe not alJ reformed nnc!ftickto Cbrift-
Churches which have feparatcd from the abominations of ti^coniv lubftanu-
Rome profefllvhat the firft reformers amongft them received 'j^ ^"'"^ ""= ^°""~
ibme ordinary calling in the Church of Rome, which, re- ^^*^^'
snained in that time of the viirble Chitrch corrupted ? Top
fomc of them were Billiops, ibme Pricftsand Do(5lors ap-
proved of the VnlverfitieSj and ordinarie Churches: m'any
of them preached the Gofpell and adminiftrcd the Sacraments
beforf excommunication or perfecutJon raifed by the Adver-
6ries, inthatthey'wercfentunto, or fcfover feverall Chur-
ches or conc,regations, m which they ought to execute their
office or miniftration,.therein they received commandcment
to ^-i-each the Gofpel.lt"> men that fent them did mix anything
clfeto their calling, they muft be obedient to divine inftitu-
lioOjUot to humane addition.So beingafttt an ordinary man-
ner fent of God fingularly , they u.?j:e ?^:*r' ordinarily ftirred
up of him to promote and fet forward ms, i.xi igdome. Thus
Lutho-f H**s ,Wickliffe 2nd others were :3i'!^lid both ordinarilic ^'^^^" ^'^''"''- ^^'^^'
andextrao-jinariiic : an- ordinary calling they received in a gchiuz^L'dus
corrupt Church, and extrabrdmaiily they were ftjrrcdu^ ramjaLKc.'tT
tofultiUtHcMiniftcrietliey had received /accji'JIn^ tc^ the S^nn^^ietccq.'i.c,^.
commandcment of God^and not ::fter the craditio»is of men... ^^'^^^- •^'?«''«' l/oni
fuitinfiKUjJp-ne^vo,
• ;■ .. ^ •• callofit 0:dmMi(mc
EcclefrMriiii^c'i/if^jn'j/fjosvoliros cioCkrts 'Bcmuius cxclt^fiq^.iA Mitm'miJnsfifnijJe WxerL-
mUi (/jiiid conrm ^bfcicyii femifi'it: '^ur/imimced»>vcl,Jud«ei:,-vctTuiC.-e-, uel Bdrbart, a
pofh<mhitni?Ks <i(>r^fnm(mda-t(xkj!a'fnmivirt.'i fx^r- .ic nihpim vhi s/az-ifumi d-jcliflimf -
qKa&ccleJkc paftores? ^'
P^: If
.it I- ^tneraUy rc«"civeu tor a truth af this day , that'Bap-
tirmcadrru-iftrcd byhcrctikes, who errenot inthemainc
Jr.tke oiainition fundamcntaur-uiisef Baptifm'^, or deay not the cffcatiaU
ofbiih«ps.ti«faid. |-Qj^^ ofBu.ar.ac,is true for llibftancc And it Baptifmc
^^^^!r^!^!i£'!i he true aua m -Ci bee reverenced as Gods ordinance deferv-
r\-} qifantum tua ca- eth , there .j$ lomc truth ot Minilterie amongft them.
fax 4 Tkuaradivi- T^^ey that ,hinke ;he bafeft ot Rome , will acknowledge
-'nafctiptarx fe?ifiaui ^^^ paj tifmc adminiftred by Pricfts and Jefuites to bee true
\accommd<^rtv^ke-^ ' 'forXiibitaacc And if the Baptifmeot God may bee re-
^drur^is^fcr'^ptwis h- ceivcd or derived from their Minifterie, it i* no abfurditic to
Miigls,plebem mi vr- affirme, that the firft feeKers of reformatioi derived authori-
dmanduscs &ver- tie trom God to preach the '/ord and admmiftcr the Sacra-
hsdocm& ^^^^'-mcnts by their i4inifterie, or by them, is Stewards ufed of
^ih?t^dT&S^^ '^^^ diifcrences which they put
' ca pohlo Yibi com- betwcene Baptifme and the Minifterie are to no purpoCc at
m'^9 ' all to the point in band. For let them differ in what they
will, herein they agree, that in whaf: focietie foever, the
truth of" Baptifme is to bee found, therein is fomc : uth
of Minifterie to bee found, though marvellous corrupt and
"polluted.
The calling of the Pope and his adherents is earthly, falfe,
?nd divellifli, as they ftand in relation to him. But fo is
not the calling of every one that was fet in office by them
in every refped. For fbme things might bee of men, and
ibme things were of God. For they derived their autho-
ritie from God, and not from them, and therefore though
the qualitie of the proper calling of Pricfts and Jefuites bee
earthly and carnalL it is not neccffarie the calling that others
receive by themj but from God,{hould be of the fame nature,
qualitie or cond'<-io^ / .id though that calling amongft the
Papiftswas whole • rrupt, yet not whoUie, bccade that
whichisinftitutedbyGod, is not made void bythecorru-
Catteh. fit. 4, pti' ptions of men, i he Miniftcry of Priefts confidercd in the
Vhrj. This ii tny Malfe (if I may fo fpeak) is corrupt and rotten, as they are or-
fecrifice td preach daincd to ofter facr-aces propitiatorie for the quick and dead,
the Oofpcll , my it is the minifterie of the papali apoftacie and not Chrifts,
fvv« d IS r^ic Oo- 1^^^^ 2^ ^j^^y 2j.g ordained to preach the Gofpell and to baptize,
jC A *N Neccf of '^^ ^^ cannot lay their minifterie is not of C hrift at all,or that
Separ.ai^' * itisamccre nulline. If yqu had confidercd this diftinftioa
advifedlyyou v"^ I have beene morefparing inyourceiv
lure, or at Icait giv^ ifome weiehty rcafons ot your alErma-
tioji
iiov.. • But it 15 eafier to bio ^' ^\va\' zn arg"ument wth Dig
wordsjthan to untie tiic knot in due order. The p;, -its ibt'm- A zor .Df/fh. Morab
■■ {elves teach, InEpifcopohnreTJcomAnere potef.tte.K fonferendt ^\^-'-l?',
ordmes.quiaidfdctt Momtne, initUi'Uone cr it:*h.-':tdJe\Jhn-^ „ , , , v„ -« '
Jiiy tacocjue ab harettcis Epfcoft4^.orebnatos, C:' a,^ Ewiefiam re- i^t mmft, p.So.
detintes^ non iterum ordinari. AHqni etii^m te^eni h^riticos E" Sidccl. de legh >zv
flfcopasfotefiatemcjuoejUejiirifdiSiioniinon tmittere. cat.Mimjl prg. -4.
iFtheNouconformifts hold any thing cxtraorcHnarie in th<r ^^Z^'"^!!'^
calling or thole pnrae ret ormeis and lervantsot God, it 13 immeie /« intcUige-
not ablolutcly but m fome refped only. And the fame iS at* ajyqui Uj. ab uidmt
firmed by Confoiiiifealfo. Extracdmariam didmtu c^ho- "^^I'^hc kiium^dif-
rundAmcr dinar io m <^timjh^-;'- voc^tionfm, eo tantum [^j'^'^i'^j "''^"f^
fenftt quoSacerdot' ■ po-^ f.cii qtitdamab ipjis J cfuitU Mcmtur Z!uxnZr7:?uriJ^
tfgitimoJHreextraordimrio: And a little after. Sic eo nomine di^nrcumamorcft"
tantftm 2>ocatftr,efuiA rectdit in (tliefHn parte ah or^nejam depra^ ii^o enque cmupto.i-
liato^utpeffitiUHmrefiaurare, tarecediiur , ut i
Compare therefore what they have Written together , and 1^^^!^^^%^^
you Qiallnndc nothing which might hinder their comaiuni-,f^fj^/.6)y,^^«^!
onirihcworfhipof God. You fay the J^aiptures approve dimprimisn'fti'udo^
not, of rending away from true Churches, for any go: ruption.- <^* ''^'*'> «/« vtwffc
I ufe ^hc word Cany) becaufe fo lorg as we acknowledge the ^'^'^fi'^"*^-
Church to be true (whatlbever her fins are) a fcparation from „ ^,^ '^^' * *'
all communion with it, is utterly unlaw foil. But whatfoe- '
vcr the ConformKls or Nonconformifts hive written one ^-
gainft another in this point of the Minifterie, they never de-
nied ^he nature and effence of a true church to bee found a-
mong us, and therefore cannot bee thought to oft'^nd againft
confcience, in that they hold communion together , in that
which is good, and of God.
S E G T. 7.
G A N Stay ag. Se<a . j. p^g. 58^
T He fin full offce of the Teacher h%comet his fin "^hoprt'
Uifieth vpiil-'^orfhtp '^ith him. For hereby he en^rag"
peth himfelfe into the guilt ofhis-o^ce. " .• hearefnch a
tj^lini&er is to honour ^ approve J andftphold. r. ; :eof ^fi'
mUerie, Tojee/d/my approi>afion, liki^c. - merrme, ftnto
menj
>9^>/»/^**»*««»i w the exercip of religion, isfirt. But in hear"
,fr«j^4. ft. 6' ' , 'ng Ah tch'r*-jt''*.'i /limfieySy there is appro!? aUoHy likingy and
•^jteen-^ J eeidfd unto mens inHitutton in tn? exti'cife ojreligi'
Mat.15..- H.i<5^. 4it theri't.rai'ti' jiftne. The /yj^Ajor dfrmot be denyed, fn-rtbe
Co\.x.-ic,iiiS Seriptitres te^Pti ks the. very- Jitng, S^efides the mojl ']»dtciouf
H^f ' ^r Ey ^d ^^^^^^^ affir-m it *&.\
°'^ "'^ ■ ^ " The/^rnorisiisclear-e, Porfirfi,Jt^isn9tfeJft[;lethatmen
Ce^iy^ ^*9 uitttichriSiian^hurches to'^orflfip God, hit they
nm/i '^ their precence i':ere ^ psvf reverence md honotir to the
.pt^likefdlefiattfOtdmimfierie.
Answer/
f- — I and the fame arguments, whtr-.Aito a!iiwer hath- '
JP-, X beene ^ven alr'^ady. Bi ♦■ 1 muft follow you
in thai path , wherein you are plealed to goe before mee.
J WiU-woribip iirunlawl"ul,both in the teaGher,and them t'^^^t
comn'unicate with him in that W3r(hip, But the preaching'
of ttae vord and adminifttution of the Sacraments in our a(-
iembUesJSKotwiiI-worflT.ip, bat the ordinance ot Chrift.
2 To ye^H any approbationj liking, or reverence unto mens''
inftitutioni', devifed, and to be exercifed with opinion of ho-
„,. . lijiefle^.iiece/Titie, and wor(bip, isfinne. Andifthisbetbt^-
Q^\^% *lgc. '"' ' ^ meaning of your propofition, we confefletbe "Seriptores teach '
"inn^aTid. hi icc^ thisvery thing, and j udicious.leamed Divines affirme it. And^ •
Pifcac. ibid. what ule there is of heaping up Authors to prove that which •
is moft willingly affented unto, 1 cannot tell. The Lord hath
laid downe the ^'jw and manner of his worfhip, and hath not
left it to any crcat.jrf' to meddle with , but according to his
C ziN Stay,?.?..?, prescription and ippointmenft The outward worfhipof
^^* God muft be ftri fHy done according to his commandement.
A good intention 'thetf: bath no place, workes devifed by
mu re ■ 'ci"^ ha • r not oniy no promife of re ward for doing
of th^;iH, but contrariwife great threatuings and malediflions
, ?^. £/x- Injuna.j. of Qq^^ Butail inftitu^ioHsof nien in tbc excrcife of reli- ''
glon, fjch» to wit, a': be limply matters of order , or appurte-
nances cf woribip, as time, pUce . methodi phrafe of fpeech,
ftintcd^catechiliiic^'feacsof bleifing andadminiftration-oF
t'-a Srjcramsntr, . ,-i^. bee not of^tfaat nature, n&tberdoth^--
very
ciy thing concerning the quahfication and e^c.d'cc'.i mini-
fteric belong to the fecond Commandcment. So ^hat rJl in
ftitutionsingencrall are n- . condemned in ScripLUi'e, nc
diflikcd by godly ant^ iearncd men , lb the generall given fa-
dircdionimuchcalesbcobfcrved. 3 We hold it unlawftjU
outwardly, and but in appearance, to joyne with Idolater?
in their Idolatry : Many words in this matter might vv^H bee
fpared: Butweedefiretofe-^ your ,ommandcmeii .why
tor every particular a<51, that m a large Icnfe is Idolatrous, ad-
joyncd to the true worOVip cf God , we fliould forbeare our ^ ,-. . ^
prefence at the worOiip it feife, o-- be faid to communicate in ,^t 10 p^^'s . ^B6
the fmne there committed? For then no man might prefait ' '^" ''*
himfelfe with good confcience , at any publikc worlhip of
G o D, wher -ny thing is done -amirtc, for maitcr, or
manner, which 'n efteA to fay, hee cannot bee prefcr.t
at any at all. ^Zo communicate in the ordinances of God
■with the Minifters oi tne Church of England, i«J not to like,
approve or reverence the inftitutions oi men, in the exercifes
oi religion, nor to communicate wii h the Teacher in his fin,
nor in ought elie that is amifle. ""'or the worlliip is of God
both for matter and manner. And put cale, the Miniftcr
bee diforderly cholen, enter not as Ik ought, be Symoniacall,
covetous, fro ward, corrupt, idle, fcandalous, doe the people
partake in his lin,in that they make ule of his Miniftcry ? No
Scripture tcacheth any luch thing, no reaion doth confirm it,
noe approved authors ever faid it. That which you alledge
for proofe, falleth utterly fliort.
It appertaineth to the vertuc cf truth,that as a man fheW- D.w.dctcw. 7. p. 40.
eth himleUe bj v^xternall fignes, fo he is ii^dced to be efteem-
cd. And luch as frequent or repair untonnhvcfnll afTemblies,
for the publikc worlliip of" God; by theii ''ing there, are to
be reputed oi the fame religion, or cHe dilfemblers, as it were
to have no care of religion, knowing God, but not glorifying
him as God. But herein you have mifreiated the 7>n,,v^y .ran- I>oway anHfit in 4,
fiators, for their words are,But in a Chriftian count'ey,wlif;rc '^'"S- J. ig-p^T^u
jtllbcare the name of Chriftians, efpecially where men are at
-controverfie about the true Chriftian Religion , all thatfr-.-
quent or repaire unto the fame alTcmblies, for publike fer-
vice of God,arc lo be reputed of the fame religion, or elfe dif-
femblers. Bodily prefencc at faJle worflT'? ly which the j?
fiicw a liking unto it is unlawf ull. To catc of mcates ^atri-
P fiC(Sd
lour coiidcninhig
rl:c . /onliip of
God f erformcd in
our aflcmblicj ->
pernicious idolaciy
wherein is it alcf-
ferfinnc hm the
Popes prohibition
ofpubliLc prayer,
aadteftraint of the
Word and Sacra-
ments throughou:
thcReaIm?youcm
neither flicw us
warrant tor it in
the Scriptures '"^i"
exaraplc of it in
»hc Chu'ch of
Got'. You that fo
teach and ccnfure
fiand.^ guihic of
gtcatimpietie, and
they that hcarltcn
unto your feifv\a-
fions, arc partakers
of your miquity in
fome fort , of tht
wrong imaginati-
«wasot Chiifiians,
AugMTraiijoi.-).
faith, i^ua artiia
idola cordis JuM.
T.C.rtpl.i,afi. 5.
ficcd ui.toldots In the Idoll 1 emplcis to cciDfWflunicatc witn
Idolaters. Vhcfc: things are evident and freely granted : But
che Ad'embiic net to call upon God, in the mediation of Jc-
fus Chrift alone . -^o hear j the dodirine c^ falvation, foundly
and purely preached, to receive the Sacrament rightly admi-
niftrcd, is not a falfe idolatrous aflemblie : they that repairc
itnto it, be not idolatrous or falfe worfhippcrs. If you efteeni
of the; i uS they Ihew themfe) ves by outward fignes^you muft
cfteem them to be of the true religion ,and the true worlhip-
pers of God according to his- will; The miniftcrie in that
aflemblytobetrue>foundand fiaithfull and of Godforfiib-
ftancc. In this lieth the point of the controverfi(*i which
you are contented to pads by in filence, witnout ai\ proofo
at all.
But if any humane frailtie or infirmttie eavc to the mini-
fterie or congregation, in refpe(5l of doftrme,manners,lawcs,
government or order, which concernco not the life and foul,
but only the fafcty of the Church or wellfart of Religion.
In thefe a Chriftian doth not partake by lus prefencc at the or-
dinances, as the Scripture, reafon, and the approved praAice
of the Saints in all ages of the Church do plentifully witnefle.
This is the judgement and pradice ot the Nonconformifts,
and therefore they profr^flfe they praile God for this reforma-
tion^ fo farrc forth, as it is agreeable to the Word of God,
they are glad the Word of God is preached, that the Sacra-
ments are adminiftred; that which is wanting they dcfire to
be added, that which is overmuch cut off. But that a Chri-
ftian muft fcparate from the Word and Sacrament, by rea-
fon of fome fupcrfluities or defers, isnoiefponfive conclufi-
91) J that can be g .thered foundly from their writings.
Can Stay, Sed. 5. pag. 66.
}» freshing of the truths of the G off ell by a falfe MimBer,
An IdoUtroHs aEl u performed. For Divine ^orjhlp i; not
is be determined by a particnlar thing ( horvbeit in it felfe
pmodjbut as the e^entiall fart* belonging thereto ( whether
* hey are ferfons or thingsyare keft mdobfernedXhe Church
•fRomie in Baftifme ufeth water ^ and in the Sacrament of
the l^ords Suffer gives brfiM^wnt (HhcrrMfjQo ; doth
thk. .
this eledf'f their AtlntinifirAtions of Idol at fy ? / thin^ ■«// nan
d0f thinks that \zz\zh committed an IdehvroHsaEi-^ ypha ^ Chroi\-^o i6
he invaded the Priefls oj^te. BntMnt M.ideitp} tookehe " ' '" • •
mlarvfultinren[e? no, Ffedhftrangefir.' ? no'.Offeredhee
prohibited Sacrifice , or upon a rvrcng Alt or ^ No : where
then lay the fault, the Scripture telle th hs , it pertained Vcrfci^.
not to him to burne incenje unto tK^ Lord, but to t <■ .. fons of
Aaron. To apply this, ifh '< aEl >X>ere Idolatrous h.caufe he
"Wanted a c.'lling, ho'^^beit obfer-^edmany truths of the law.
By the fame recfon th". Church alls of Artichriflian Mii
nifiers are IdoUtrou-, yea, and as for the truths which they
preach, this cleares their aUs no more from Idolatry, than
Vzziahs true Incenfe andthe Altar quitted him from tranf-
greffion.
Answer.
Your great words are of fmall force, for fhould 1 fpcakc
my conlcience, (it is your phrafe, ) They are words with- ^ ^^" ^"2- $• >^
out weight of reafon. For ftillyoii preii^ppofethcMinifte- ^'^ '
rie of the Church of i^i .,;r.nd to bee falle and idolatrous,
which IS to beg, not to C( ijclude the queftion. But that be-
ing prefuppofed, let us fee how you goe forward. In preach-
ing the truth of the Jofpcll by a falfc Minifter, an Idolatrous
ad is performed, you fay. But doth the Scripture lay lb ? Do
you read it in the Law, or in the Prophets, in the Apoftles
or in the Evangelifts? The Scribes and Pharifees wcrcfiKe'
Minifters, but it was not an Idolatrous worke in them to
expound the Law ot Aiofes, or difpcnce ot!v Church ordi-
nances, at that time commanded. The po^ iili X-'riefts and Bi-
fiiops arc falfe ProphetSjbut the (implc adminiftration of Ba-
ptifme by them is not an idolatrous ad. The Minifter that
is prophane, and hateih to be reformed, is a falfe Minifter.
and hath nothing to doc to take the covenant of God into his
mouth, but the Word preached by a treacherous ///^■,proud
Diotrephes, covetous T>emas, or one that cnvieth the pro.'pe-
ritic of Saints, and peace of lerufalem, is not an Idolatrous
ad. If it be Idolatrous in him that performethit,yctitdoth
not follow, that it is idolatrous in them that jbyne in the or-
dinance. Let it bee idolatrous ^'i the priefts, who defpife
iy.iovvlcdge, and live proph^nely^ put cafe jUiesionSj to offer
P 2 facrificc
iad-ihte , it 'is idCiatious likevvife for the pccpe to appeai^e
before God ip bis noly Temple.
Vhac />.?:t.j/^ committed a grievous ofFenccj 'vvri. he in-
vaded the Priefts oilice, all men thinke. In vvbat rciped all
men conceive it -^ be aii idolatrous a(fl 1 cannot fay : but all
falfe Minillcrs uo not ufnrjje tbe Priefts office, as r^^iah: nor
Et.?o. 7,s.- Pfal. ull thin.fs done by falfe Prophets, to be matched with Fz^i-
J 4» . 1. Apoc. 8 J . akf otfji ing incenleTor the offering of Incenfc was typical!,
Hcrifi-'J/^" ''*'■' a»«i'"«igl^*.^^eafhadow u Clirids intercefTion, and le the
Dcod.Bib'iuldif. a<^ ofr^^^^r:? might be Ido.rrou;., and in that particular di-
mi ra ?Cx. 1 4- . i ' edly croffe to the inftituticii 6f God But many Church
& Aprc.s.j.Ori. acflions typifie no fuch thing. Vx^^iah had no calling to ot-
m loi.hmy^.iom. fc. incenfe, out fome /:^.irv; h:inifl:ers may have fome calling
pafcha^RhadL^*''' ^-^^ a^niinift-'^ the thingsof God, though they be not appro-
wLim/hr, A 1. vcdcFGod. T^^t./^^ could not offer incenfc in anyrefpedtby
tibliotit^pat Lm.^. authoritie from God, but a talfc Minifter in one refpedt may
fa.,t\. be called of God, in fome other to doean.i(ft minifteriall,
CWfu% a^c^ oc- that is,by authoritie ffom God, hee may dee fome ads for
% "^&^, "vo^fix fubftance law Rill and efiedual), though the Minifter himfelfc
&facerdol. A:nbr. -3C not approved. Thus the Nonconformifts, upon whofc
Knar, m ?[. wf.. grounds you pretend to build yourcT/ lufions, let it be as the
Gfcg.^/rfg./^?/:^7 ceni'irereporteth, that his word^:. are of a ' ^iniftcr, which
^mni'ch-^uT ^° cannot preach Doth he doubt whether hebeiniiiyrefpcda
An, "E^xoj '©!';; cm- * ^'jinifter or no, becaufe he faith, if I may fo call him ? In-
>,e era. i< p.ip. deed this manner of (peaking declareth tuat he judgeth him
•"hat cannot preach a man unworthy to bee a Minitier, but he
doth not deny him altogether.
But in your eReeme, all Minifters not called and ordained
of that particular Church, whereunto they doe adminifter
and performing thei- aixhortie by vertue and authoritie de-
rrv ed from their . a'-e falfe Minifters, becaufe all other ''.dmini-
i\cr by powf-r u^^rped and Antichriftian, which is with one
breati), to biaft all the worfhip and fervice, which hath beenc
doneanto God ^'i the congregations of his Saints, forthi&
fourteene or fifteene huiid r ed yeares or more.
[ Can. Stay. Sec. j.pag./d.
I-avitcrl w If>(h,i i, ^^ ^ '^''''J P^**^ f'^^ ^f "^j ^'^ oHght not to conclude of an (t/-^
h»ai,6i.^ V^on that itisgood^bteaHfcitZarhinitfomfth'i^gyfhkh^
>«/♦ f^iJTf is fo, andthh'isirue. ffthif*^sJ* hy fo Q^^g^. mjm^l^-'
in himafie too. For it is a l^now:ietefteftt of '/^hihro^ iibfMord' .'ath.i-:'^-
;^'jtrf, Th ' vpholc is cowpo/ed, mcaffirtd .ind deter mncd f^iru'Wy ?''• dtcsmi-
of all the f Arts.. '"''''■
Answer.
It is true, anafiionisnocgo&Jj unle(TeaIlciraim{l.mces i.came^onpraL^.,
required to die doing of .- gooJ a6t be oblervcd :butchea6l rm.z.^. 0,9. Amb
20od in It Telfi is cvill in the doer, if onecircumftancebe^ Cathann mthe
evill. Vor every thing that is morally good mult be contor- 1 2. „ j^.
m.ible to the rule, whichjthr/vhi'.histJertdliv'einany ';art c AT.Stay.Scd.^
ret|uircJ, cannot bf. But hovv ilull thisbeeapplyed to the page 85. Rutgcf.
purpofe ? Is every deficient a6t forthwith Idolatrous? Or :Jtit.Maapb)f\.z.
that which ishycn-cumlhnceunlawtuUinthedoer, [-.caufe "p. ^fB^«..^w;«.
or his tailing, unlawtull to every one that dotli communicate ^^^-^ ad raimalem
v\'ith him in I .c Ordinance, but not in the defeft ? If a "Mi- is^aturamfivcdi^ta-
niller preach Chrift of envie,doe they finne that heare fincers- men re£lte rationk
ly an I receive the truth in love ? If amangivealmcsin vaine- ■'^fjCurgu i7ia&Hho~
glory, dodi the poor m-infinne, who receives it in humilitie ^'pcxbomuteob-
andthankfgn ig : An aCaon done ni one forme and manner cinumUantiariim -
may be fini;e, whi'li in another forme and manner is the true ua comrayia difcoH-^
woi'lhip of God, which may be oblerved of him thit is pre- 'T^nlemiafeudefe-
lent iuourAflemUies. ein^mmalocuip^
confu,ga,ex dife£lit
illorum m aCllonCy
CA XT TLIJ itiiialivilitnnhmm
^^'^i>id. mtr:riudejit,aaus
e.xeo/t^t't^.veddatur
tAs loh faith, who can hri,.-^ a elt:,ine thi*igout »f an nn- ZmftJ Dio^yf'
■ieane? Not one. Hut the falfe b]jic is umcleane^oi is dixit. Bonw^i cjl e.r
acknowledged. Artd this further tm.j k^'t amplifiei hy meir(tCAufi,wak'n
that pa[fage of the Prophet^ where i. is fhe^ed , That '^"lem ex quohkt
holj things are pollfited by touching^ ^^*'''^' which ire «»-. ^'A''^«-
lob 14 4. Hag. 2/
12, 15. See /««.//?
A N S W f R.
lot.
Tbac which is unclcane cannot caufallyj univoca.'Ue, anc
(110)
pfpfici* br^' " fortU ^lut whicbw clcanCj but inflmmcntally
it a-ay A prour" Miniftetmay faetheinftrumentof God
to coi • ert a "nusr from the errour of his way, and ^ndif-
penl'ation ot ch. Sacrament leale to the worthy receiver the
Pardon of his fiiins, though he himfelfereapeiToprofic or be-
nefit thereby^ tut herein the good that is wrought is not ef-
feSt^d bv any vertue or power in tlie Minifter, who is the
Lords '". Jicer or inftrumcntj bu: by the power of Gods Spi-
rit anc^ his fret grace, who knowethhow toulcandblefle
€vill inftruments tbrhisownepurpofe. An uncleane Olficer
or perfcn pollutes the holy things of God to himfelfe, but
ncL to others, who ufe them in faith according to the Lords
appointment. V/hy you (hould refcrre us to /««*«/ annota-
t'ons I fte not, unlefle it be to fliew us your forwardneffe to
quote Authors, which make nothing to your purpofe. For
all t\ut lUtiiM obferveth is this, Thatthe/^w^/ being impure
and polluted in heart, did receive no fan6litie from die touch
of Tcrnple or Altar.
Can. Ibid
They need not by
his writing ieare
their unblefled
flaading; For fo
they preach the
troths of theGof-
pelljtheyfinn'iiot.
And then vrhat
need is there to by
downe their falfe
office?
I cannot fay of this
mans Logickcas
AriUnle did of
Theodorta his mik-
ing Epithit«!Sj,lti$
his whole aft.
CAN.Stay.;j.i7.
Jf in preachi)9g the truth no Idslatrous aUi^ performed
then it yeill follow ^ that a man may remaine a C^linifier
of a falfe Church all his Ufe time, provided hee onelj
teach the truths of the GofpeH. Our reafon is, for in
this^ if he doe no idolatrous aQ, then hee Jinneth not, and
fo eonfequently no jud caufe of his comming out from
among them.
Answer.
Ill might you twit your adver(arie with his little skill in
Logicke,unleflt it was done 'n policic to hide your own loofe-
nes in this and the like arguments.For though it be not an Ido-
latrous a6l to preach the truth of the GofpeJl in a h\(t Cliurch,
in other refpcfSs it inay be finne to continue a member in that
focietie, and fo alfb to teach the Golpels Trutlis, As it may be
fcandalous and cfFencive, an appearance of evil). A man may
doe d>atwhereiBitohejsnotcaHcd5fromanevillmind, Alio
(s'O
it may bee fijine co continue in a falfe l-!iurcK, ehougua'i.aB
tCAcIi norhing bjt the truth 0^ the Golpell, beraJife h' :annoc
protcllc all inaine and fundamental! truHr?, or that border
thereupon, nor teftifie againll all corruptions,grofie,h«ereticaU^
reallie IJolatrous, wliich in Confciencc cannot bee tolerated
or borne wi:hall wi'hout grofle hyoocrifieordiiTimuIarion;
or hee canno: keep himlelte from the tin6ture of T.^V^.tric in
pra(^^tct: . As for example, though it be not an Idola:'-ous a"^
for a Popifh Prieft to preach the Gofpell,or adminiiler the Sa-
craments of Baptifme, yet it is iY>t lawfull tor a Chriftian to
remaine as a member in thatfocier/,becau(e he cannot partt-'rc
with them m the Ordinances^ but he (lull commit reallldo-
latrie, or muil difiemble many grievous and hateful' abo"
minacions, which cannot bee diflembled , and fliall bee
thought to bee of the fame Religion with them, oi of no
Religion, (^c.
The multifude of Authors which yon quote again/! hear-
ing falfe Prop'.ets, or continuing in falfc Churches, doe they
not give other rcafons why wee ought to feparate fiom them?
or doth any one ever lay this down^as a truth or foundation of
ieparation ?
In the page following you alledge fixe reafons, wh'cb you
fay may bee r.pplyed agamllthegoing with others to an Idol
minifterie, Church orworftiip, dfc. But if they bee of any
ftrength, this reafdi whereof now wee Ipeake, {is noughc
worth, for tliey are direftly crofle. Here you fay,lf in preach-
ing the truth of the Gofpell he do^ no Idolatrous aft he finneth
not,but>here,you fay,be finneth m^ny other wayes.
But in all this you take that for granted, which we confi-
dently denie ,/?. That our Churches, worf- ip;, or Minifterie is
falic and Idolatrous, And therefore takitig the propofition
in your fenle,wefay. It isnotonlylawfiill, but ncccflary to
remaine Minilkrs or members of fome Churches, wb'rh lye
under your ccnlure as falfe and Idolatrous, but indeed are the
true Minilkrs and Churches of \t^\\'' Chiift, graced with his
prefence, covered with his banner, and beautified with his Or-
dinances and tokens of love. And tliat whicii you call an
unbleflcd ftanding, wee make no oueftion but it is appro-
ved and blefled af Chrill, and thercfojre regard your reviling
tkclefle. . - - - -
CAN.
Cm)
falfc Churches and
falfe Minifterjarc
reall Idols, fct ^j
by earthly Princci,
S-t. Wholcwvci
comes i-.d bowts
before thofe Idols
cannot efcapcihc
juft blame of Ido-
latry, M /7d^. 7 J.
Jati. ocay. Sees. ); ^^g-73-
Jf A PtAtt p::ij<i'fjig anaElionin o. fi^tCy and of pub like ji A'
tare he ts if> he conftdered (in reffe^t of himfe/fe) as is that
ifate and According r ■ the pnb like Ordinances : For if the
Jiate be falfe and the Officer unlawfully it is familifme for
him to fajj Hfiorv thif flate is Jet up again ft- the Lord lefm
Chrift^ and every 'ioynm^r here to wor/hip, according to the
:onftitiition, is an Id^Jiter, but I will have in my felfe a
fecret meaning from the reft . This is afurething, {and
let it hci notecC) 2^ adminiftrati4n performed in a ft ate,
and h^a power and eonflttuted office^ can be foHght , deji.
recr. and received, but 'n fo d»ing, the doer {\pioh6io)
r^aily approves of that ftate , power and office y bee the
fAme laxvfull or unlawfully <tAnd as for any jnAHS fajing^
\.o the contrary^ it is fine capite fabula, t vifion of hts
owne Head and will prove as good as the miracles which
iannes and l^xrhtts wrought, even meanes to harden his
owne heart i and fome others y at thej did Pharaohs jhj doing
them.
Answer.
Can. Stay. Scd You lay it is an eafie thin* to Conquer, if begging might
<,.pag(i 66'. Wee procure it, and if confident aiVertions will catrie a maccer,you
are no fuch *! hil- wiH not gcc without it. But we muft not be driven from the
drcn astogivethe church, the OrdJninccs and wordiip of GoJ, communion
e AN Necck of with Chrift ana .onetie of Saints, by an emptie blail of
fep.;;.2.'26.Butihis words : Nf , thougli you niamcfullyboart you have proved It
wee cannot give by cur owne writings. Doeyouthinkeyour bold impudent
a-, thexr.wncwril neither Scripture, nor reaion, nor audiontie but your owne,as
tngsmanifcft. if your ipfedixit. Pope-like were to here ftcdinJ Weeareno
Can. Stay. Seft. yj^^/; Children, fVe are not to bt feared n.ith rattles. Youmuft
r^fF '^^' i\ ^^i"g ^■'^"^^' '"aff**f t^^^" y^""^ ^'^^"^ fift ions, -and ibundcr
t'/ 1 mor if "' proofc $han vaine .^petitions of tlie fame things over and over,
C"?
-5r elfe you taiA ?xpe6t Cpu credit co'jcepireiaiiiiu—yc'*.:
words.
They tlut joyn cogetli-^r '"n t!:i: worfliip c. C c<^,ic Drdinance? ^*^'- '«LuV. 6.e,
of Religion, they approve the faitlvprorcfled.' points tiinda- .''• ^''^^ ^(-tlcfi^r
mentall, the worlhip performed tor tlie lub^V . ^1 Ordinances '."^^'"t^i C'^J^"^^*
adminiitred an J the trurh of Minillerie tor lut !ta nce.wherebv ^/ii/r) /?^ ?« ».-; i-
thefe things are diipenled. For of iicc^nitie,[it" ib.t do6Uirc of t'-^ Je^endat £i.c.^. '
falvatipn be reftored,the lawful ufe -^i the minKtery ir -eftcred %^' C ''-'-^^^'^
-alfo. W here God is truelic called upon in r'-. : Congregation, "^A^^Tfi^'
and tlic Sacrauiencs rightlie diljaenfcJ^ there is a true nuniftc- ^c^LJioni- fundctX'
rie, wkereby thefe offices arc right' ie fixercifed. But tlie par- /*- .ojftdm, r^quam
ticular Lawes, manner of Government and orders in the (aber^ perfidU yfit
Chnrchj the qualifications or qualities of the ^linillcr ot 4i:^gtrtidefr>(nda.
Ccwnmunicants. theirdiiorders,caieleincfle, or other irifcar- i ,, .^ , ,,•
>nagc in the adminiltration, hedochnotappit>vercaUi<*or m- u:ii.xjocat. %.6,
terpretatively by his prefcnce at the Ordinances. If -^he Mi- ^A'-.?r.i 6«. C ft
nilters be carelcflCj proud, covetous, luperftitious^ enemies to heavenly »«->ilcr
true godlinefle^ friends topi ofancnefle; if they afpi re after g^vc «s warning
dignitie, love p.^heminence, prateagaiiill the brethren, they nuke the pco-Scfe-
,£hat communicate with them in die Ordinances of Religion, cure touchino^cvtll
doe neither in io doin^ countenance them in finne^ norap- o/erfcers, left foe
.prove their doi gs- )i the Communicants be ignorant, earth- their fakes the
lie minded, dirobedient, propliane, fcandalous, they tliat f^^'^^ j^^^^n^"
^ommunirate with them in the true worlhip ok God, and fljouij j,^ forfaken
therein iiold extern^ U ibcietie, becaule they have not libertie And Traft. in lob,
to dtparc thonlelves, norp9wei to caft the other sout^they are 4'5- The Lords
. not defik^d v.'ich their liniie, no^ pKcakers in their tranfgrefli- ^°'^ hath fomc o-
4)n. And. the iame may be faid ot orders and rices eftalilillied children & fomc
by the conlticution of men pielence at the ordinance d©th not that be hirclinos,
enwrape a Clirillian within the guilt thereof, nor was it ever
the pub Ike intentioa of the It.'te, that aU ji.clenf: fhould ap-
prove every pariiwhrinfticpuon or ord^r. It futf ceth if tliey
approve the tait li profclled, and worlhip performed, which arc
of God.
It is trucjthjc by worJSi.worJci, example, fri'?nc^men may
i)ecome guiltie of others fms, and tlia: fome kind of uilfimu-
4ation is a denyii g oif "ChrifV. 1^'^t it is true withall, ^hat
prefence at Gods Ordinances is no diflimulation, nor par\.»ct»
•pation in tlie fmnes of others, b word, example, filene^or o-
ther vwiics. If a man doe one liiingand pretend ancw.^ef, and
'iiopetoiaveliimleite, bvhisfecretmftai\\hi,, yv-*inav rebuke
hv ^'.-pw'-'f <- as th* caufe re' •nrc'-h : But wc iay? in reparing
J tiic Orr^iaarcfs of God, our heai: ;tn i adions £,oe toge-
thc-^ apd both ^fcalioweJ and approved of ^jod.
And here 'nft'cr, whether you doe not direitly confute
your fe'^? bj: the Engine of your owne acknowledgment^as
you ph«-3fc »r.
, j^j, 5 « Fc h^r*; voufay, no adrT\iniftration performed in a flare
^' P' 78. ''' ^ *" * and by power and conliicuted ofTice can be fought, dcHred and
received. And in your Margin, There is a maine difference j
bctwecne a mans ba»-e prefence in a conftituted Ibte, as beiag
theic unawares, unwill'T'lie or bycompulfion, and prefence
7d paee 7 K there,of purpofe to partake of the adminirtrations. And a Iictle
before you argue thus, whofoever takes to himlelt-e a practice,
which !S not grounded on Gods Wordj and therein is flri(5f.
Id unT\ Sill I ^'^ i' 7^^ overmuch . And many times you inculcate, that you
are tc bee underftood of hearing in a Church way, and of
Church officers.Now if you dea'e plai lely herein,Iec tiic indif-
ferent judge whether you dcs not more than infinuate, that
all hearing in our aflcmblies is not ablolutclie to be condem-
ned, but that wherein a man is ftrift, that which is fought
and defircd. And how '"hen can it be efteemed an aft of Ido- ,
larrie, or compared to bowing do-mie before an Image ? For 1
the worfnip of an Image, though cccafionally done, and that
bot once,with what intent or purpofe focver,you wil acknow- a
ledge to bee (in : and if hearing the Word preached h our af- If
femblies occalionallie be not a iin, you H^vc finned grievouily \l
in matchir? it with Idolatric of the moil hainous kind, and
abufcd bc'-l^ Scripture and learned Authors tQ countenance
your impietie.
Section 8.
Can, S t a y againft.Seft. f.
J^ tfi heare in 4 fAlfe fhnrch, keeanj lawfuU erdinm^
'^^anr* of trdificHtioPj which Cbrifh ihe onely Teacher
^hiji Chmvi hmh ^^feinud , tfj^n ^i*fit 4ow»e by the
■Cilfj
Apo&le %n Pph. 4. i Z , i * , i j . Tit r^»;0«< >u 'jtc^fip^
Paul thev^ 'netitityneth (iU mimficriall T?fe ^vr ftf ^-je t' -
feU 4mi comp^ea^ hti'dding of the Cha.'ch, from t^^ejirjt
to the laji. nAr.A if Chrifl,. who i>^ tift^^ l.:fl dt^e,
fpt^kes evidently Ij his Gofpell maX c ^rit , hfli )udg. j^^sca, .i.f..^f
ed tt Jit, that t : child^'t Jhomd ^v ffto faffe Chfir - r ,.
ches, hee tvtnld cettAtneij haz; wade fftrffff ihe ffSr^
unto them-
Answf.t*.
The Apoftie in (ht place alledgeddefcribeswfiatofficeri:
Oirift hatli given to; and doth approve in his Church, for the
miniftcrie ot thewordanddilpeniatiouof the heaver ly r;/-
fteiies, and intimateth alio how tliey lliould be qualified and '^^^j-^^i^-* -'iedg
behave themfelves in the execuMon of their Office. Eutthe Apoftl*^'^ ^^^
Apoftlc faith riot", that the Church hath, or (liall evermore in- that in thc'^Church
joy fuch officers, boch for fublUnceof their office, qualification there hithcrcr h'v\
of gifts and manner of dirpenfation,as are there commended ; ^ *^»fiWe fucccflfior
Nor y.t that the Cliurch isonely toheare fuch as he rightly °l ^'^^°"Of J«
quahricd, and doc faitiifully execute cheir office. \nnoi ui"ph'''i
I« derogates nothing frosn the gloiy of Ciirifts wifdome And the Anfwcr
and faithfulnclTe in providing for the full and p€rfc6lin(lru- »vl>( ij reti?.-ne<t
dtionof the Churcn, that i'uch Pallors be fomctimes wanting «o t'"'" by our Di-
and cannot bee hao : for he never promifed to provide other- ^hh cafc^' S^'^r'^i
wile for them in all ages of the Church, but tol ' rhem of the anfwr to the Khem
fcircitie which might come before, and in wifJome law it to Ibid, canyp Ibid,
be moll for his owne gloiy. Chrilt ne\ er laid this charge up- ^^^nn Myroth. at
on the faichfuU to leparars f. om thole tea- '. ,^1 r, which preach- f^\ 4. 1 1. 7{rtt
cd truciy the doSfiin-cf falvai.ion,if any exception could bee pj4'J!^s^'^o!%iffe
taken agauiil their callmgquahfijation, manner of life or ex- ejufmJi qui ^tus
ccution of their office, '^'le PaHors of tlie Church Qiouid be (^ondnxoiHt ineapAf
wife, vigilant, holy .examples to the flock both in '^Ct-int ,' nd "^ 9'^^'** ^-f^^
converfanon, no: feeking their owne but,that which is Jefus Sy^f^at^it
Chrifts ; And af er they be cholen, diey ibould exCcUtc their meapafct. qui- '
[otficcwith al diligeiic€:But if they becarele(re,cpvetous,pom- b»setfi'.u,ii vlrusf^
■po^s,, inT.mgling tliemfe^ves' in things of ttiis worlds icanda- t^'^'taiMefi wide
lous, ycc - ihey preach Chrilt, and be not.or cannot betemo. ^^P^'-o^'*"*
ved, the fathfuU are bound to heare them» ~j. hcFi;initive
B i ffiops and Marty is, were neither Payors nor Dof~- ors s .cor-
Q 2 ding
Jlng to ever/ ci'- .umKancc," whicli you '. ;iil require ia a Fa*
ftor or Teacher, but ? ne faichftill in tkore times he U con muni- !
On witli; zp.^l iiuard thtcr. as they preached Qirirt and him
crucifier'j, and th^i by ihc Cftmmandement and approbation of
Cliriil liimfclfe, what was of God, tlicy were obKgcd to
fi^ijnit • rc^ vilely dilUngJ^iilnin^ it from chat which is an-
nexed of man.
In the Officers of the Church;, two things arc to bee confi-
dered.
1 . Tlje fubfUncc of their calling, which is to feed the flock,
ef God.
2. T'ieirqualincation for this office,. their care in executi-
on, and other acceflbries which may be added of man» If for
lubftance of office iheit caUingbc '>f God, wee are bound to
Rold communion with tlic.^i, though in the quahfication^ exe-
cution and other adhering circumllances, fome things bee a-
miffc, which it is not in our -^ Dwer to redrefle. This our Sa-
viour Chrill luth expreflcly taught and made fcnowne unto
us, both by hisDo6lrine and example, as hath beene (hewed
already.
Hereunto this one thing may be added; that many Pafiors
and teachers in the Church oi England be calleJ, qualified and
dbc carry themfe Ives in their charges and places according to
the diredion of I E S V S CH R I S T thechiefe lliepheard
©f his rtieepc,and other for fabftanceof Miaiftery arc Paitors
i:nd Teacher-^,
Ca ouy Sc<5t. 6. pag /p.
If to heart t/fnt^khrifti4n C^-Unifiers bee to ferve Godtn
If it Mchin the ^^d hy an Ordinance y rvaj or infiitmiondevtfed By Ido-
ttnth/of ih? Gof- '^* "' ^ ^^'^ '"^'^^ Idolaters y then it is unfawfntl. But the
j.cl m a folic cmrch firf^ is true. Therefore the fee on d. The fropofition is
no Idol^cry bee Hndentahle By theTreatifers owne tonfefsion (you Oiburd
iotic, thenmaf "^ave f aid the airumptioi>j for if the Treatifers words
O^riiTamY of P'®^^ °^^^^^* ^''^y ^^"^ ^^ ^PP^yed thereunto. As for the
his ovrnc deviftrs propcfiti.'n they fpeakc not to it at all, Butforward-
blaraele fie. /</.$. 5. neffc here and in many other places hath made you for-
foit. 77, get your tearmes uf Art) He that hearet the Miniprs
o
\ * * / .•
fff ths SiJhoyffeH'Uftg, andfif the pMriJiesjeh* ti, bt he/tre*
('>i the fittfe of the S^ripUtrs) falfe Prophet *. lint it ismt -^^ ^ g ^
tavefMllto hearrjalfe py<phetJ. The Mfi\(r c proved clear" Snch as hearken f
lyindefenC'ofottrtW'elfthobjeSHon.TLeJ'yiwor^ScertAine Antuhnlts Mini-
hj thefe reafons . i. 1 he hearing of falf . Proph'tsisfor- ^cndothcrcir ap-
l,i(Ueninthe^ordofGod,&c. " Ff°X; ""^ .'^f^
■^ ^ ci: ;ft$ unlawtu'il
. t'jlC: Ckurch and
A N S W E R. theDivcls donati-
on, or his putting
You bufic your fclfe to weave the Spiders web, whkb is °o hVcUkT Vons
good for little, long in weaving, but fooiic fwep^ downe. h^nj,lJ.§.6p.8^
Gur Miniftcrs be not Antichriftian- MiniStcrs, nor f alfc Pro-
phets, (m the Scriptures ilnle)bccaulcth''7 preach die whole
counlellof God in all points neceHary tolalvation,and right-
ly difpcnlc the feales of the Cmenant, by author itic derived
from JefusChrift, thcLo'-dard Kingot- his Church , the
great Shepheard of his Sheep. At lead they are fct apart to
this office, which was never deemed Antichriftian in the
Church of Chrift.
But if we take ^iit le words (Antichriftian- Min^rers, and
ftlfc ProphetSyinyour Icnlc, for you ufe them in a peculiar di-
aled) then it is not only lawful! but neceflary to heare fuch
as you call Antichriftian Minifters. For it 'v$ commanded in
the word, and acceptable lervicc unto God, the meanes to
build up the Church: It is to hold communion with God,
to reverence his namcto lay hold upon Chrift and It ugc him
in our bofomc : It fl\cwcth that a man is one of Chrifts
{heep, becaufe bee heareth his voice, and a member of his
flicepfold, thefervant of the raoft I •^. ' ^ : it manifefteth
love and zeale taGod,and is ordinarily bielfcd to the foul and
confciencc of the dutifull hearer. And in that which you
alledgc to the contrary, you mifallcdgc Scripture, fpeak e\ ill
of the truth, revile the heritage of the Lord, ?nd )^rievo''%
wound your owi>econ{cience^
The religion profeiTcd, and worihip performed in o\xt£-
lemblies is true, not only in refpec^ of the ob jt d:> but of na -
.ture, ufe and end, and whatibever circumftances arc necel-
larilie reqiHred to law full wor(hip An.^tii - lalfe Prophets
mentioned in Scriptui e are of one fort, yourj> of an other, «-
Yca the true Miniftcrs ot Jeius Chr'ft.
^3 J^-
0«8l
thcdcacepcoofe . ; 4t Winch here you affirmc, for tHthcr
Can StAv§. la. youfcndus. . ,.
p. 1 1 6; 1 1 7, The Trcatiler(£S you call hini)propoun' : ng this obj eftion
of yours, that the Scriptures of the old and new Teftament,
warnc Gods people of falle prophets, which the Minifters of
that Chnrch are,having an unlawftUl calling,makcth anfwer,
iFy acnying that theScripturcs warn men fimplynot to hear
hltc Pr©phets,».tf.any talfe prophet whatfocver. And th*n pro-
pounds a diftinftion of fels Prophets;that fomc fals Prophets
wcrcin the Church of<5odiand thefc might be heard, as they
had placp in the Chiirch,tiU they were orderly rcpreficd,or at
leaft difcovered; others were not in the Church, but (imply
■without,and theft were not to be heard . This is the plainc
and dired: anfwer of the Treatif cr, as every man may per-
ceive^ that is not grofly, ignorant, or wilfully blind. But fee
how you> jell and daily with it unconfcionably when you had
nothmg to anfwer, i . You fay he peremptorily denyeth the
weh&leobjeEiivn^aHdJoconfequentlyajfirmeSf thatatifa/fe Pro-
fhets ma^ he hear^. But what new Logickc is this, whereby
we may learne to draw fuch confequenccrin former times it
hath bcene thought rcafonable to deny an miverfall negative
or affirmative propofition, when they hold not true in all In-
dividuals. Nd faife prophciis to be heard. This propofition
may juftly btbenyed, if any falfe Pronhet may be h^rd,
though all might not. 2 You adde prefently and Vfith the fame
i>reath. He Twfaith vphat ketfaidb^ore. But this is a palpable
and grofle calumny : Eorhefaid not, that altfalfe Prophets
might be heard bv af. nor denyeth what hfit granted at the
.firft, that fomc Li bt'-z-^rd: but plainly imply eth adiftin-
dion of falle Prophets, which I can hardly thkike-you did not
perceive, though you be pleafed fa to pervert his words.' -
If tl^^ appeare any deep and inextricable riddle in the
words, you may fitly apply to your felfe, what in this very
place you report of Marcfts e^»f pwWs fouldiers, who una-
wares fell upon an hearb that greatly diftcmpered their heads.
Id pig. 1 1 6. You tell us , The Treatiferjince he lighted updn this Gourdyhe
is mt l^ke hmfelfe in his other rprttingsx and I can ^^Ay believe
it, for in his other writings for feparation he is infoknt, cen-
ibrioa% f cornfuU and flighty : In this mild,Ghrill:ian , and for
>thc moft part more fubftantiall.
Ci'P)
As yondra>AV!th yocr TrcatL(cr,tofcomc wJut ;, oucan-
iK)t aniwer, To yoii doc with otI.:rs in fl's- vt;} argument,
and thar imicb more abfurilie, M .Ci "Br. ini mainte-
nance oFthe Minifterie of the Church of Eng)and.as it is efta- The ufircifonafe."
blifhed by Law, diflinguillieth bctweene -lie fubftancc of the otTcpamtion, p. z,
Miniftcrie , and the execution tbcrcof, the ctTcntiall parts of l'^^ 7.
the Miniftery, and foaic accidentall circumftances adhering
unto them by man. For fubftance ( faith he) the prcfcnt ivlini-
ftctieofour Church a flemblies, is the very. Minifteric which
Chrift liath let in his Church, howiaorcrit may in ibinc par-
ticular ports of the execution happHy bee ictcdivc in iomc
places. The ordinaric minifteric of our Church, is the ordina-
rie and pcrpetuall Minifteric given by Cnrifutohii Church, Upag. lo.
and fuch as the Princes of the earth are bound biy Gods law to
protcd and maintainc. Arwi if there be any corruption in and
about the lame which they ought to abolil}i,it is accidental or
pcrfonall, and not eflentiallto dcftroy the true nature of the p.,oc 8..
minifterie of God. And though it fhould be granted that our
people ftand under ibme kinde of obfervances and oflices,
which in their own nature and firft originall arc in fbme kind
Antichriftian, yet furh a manner of Handing cannot be faid to
overthrow , though ir fo*iewhat ftaine the Miniftery of
Chrift. Thus is tlic iubftance of the anfwer throughout the
bookc. But how doe you confute or take away this diftin- ^^^^ jj r
ftion,or weaken the force of this anfwer ? That you cbc not Separ. p. s 1 6, 1 1*.
once aflay by Scri^^ture or found rcafon , but yoU cry out of
fhifts and trifling, and contradidjons, bcggerly I fay's, or ifs,
bale maintenance of the vileft abominations, anr')* unification
of corruptions ger^erally condemned, by the fame carnall and
corrupt reafons which the Prelates uf; *d -'oc *. Thatitlerves
to ftrengthen the hands of the wickea,g. Wiethe hearts' of the ^ ,„ j^^,
righteous, and to dilcovcr his ownevilt halting, and double *^ ^
dealing. The dumb dogs,catcrpillars and idlcbcUics, never had
? better prodor than this man topleadc for the. • mkwfuil
ftanding. Tor he faith, The Magiftrate is bound *:oproted
their Minifterie. But how can wee bdieve Him, feeing the
Nonconformifts teach otbcrwilc?l*hc rcftofyoor anl^ver is of
the lame marke, which for fhamc I will not Ihnd to confute. •
You lay, any one may fee by hi> worke, that he mcai:: eot to Pjgc i i *• ' •
tyc hi:, confciencc fhort, but wc 'Id m^ke a little bold with i*:
©rthcprefcnt, andfohcOTighi fetch over a fure blow "pon
US,n
Cko)
\
• ns. He cared not thougn with every urokcl'!'' . uiadc ^0Hri3s
ibrougb the fidics of his brethren But if you b^ able, brings
forth one f^^mtcnce, wherein tb^ indifferent may fee, tnaj hcc
hath madeLold vnth his conrcieucCjOr msn^r theleaft wound
:r. the fide of any brother, wherein he hath contradided him-
iclfeorthenonconformiftso juftifiedany abomination, plea-
dedfor any corruption 9 or fpoken one word in defiance of
dumbe dogs, caterpillars or idle bellies. And if you cannot do
this, let the indifferent judge , whether you have not offere4
violence to your confcience, and made tjold to wound your
foulc, that you mi^ht tieferae the Minilierie of the Golpell,
and (lander the gifts of God in his fervants. This pra<5yceis
Antichriftian , .borrcw '. f'-^n the vileft bondflaves of that
manoffinne, ifnfitffomi>atanbimfeifc. But I will not de-
fend the Treatifers opinion^ nor trouble my felfe further
to examine your anfwer to Malter 'Br. That which I am to
enquire mtb is , How you prove all the Minifters of the
Church of England, in refpecl of their oflfice and ftanding,t6
be falle Prophets, or Antichriilian, If ought -can be found-to
this purpofe, bare words excepted.
C AK Stay fe(ft.i2 pag. iip^ 120.
// an Hnlawfull outward casing make 4n unla^full {^int"
Hcr^ then it makes a falfe Prophet, For according to the
ScriptureSyit is all one thingyOnly expreffedin divers terms,
C^c. Wekno'^no meane hetyoeenc true Prophets and falfe.
Id ,p. 1 2.t . for whofoever is not a true > rophet is .4 falje Prophet, and
Vchofoevrris afalfe Trop'^^i CAKriut he a true Prophet of
Cod. } 'i that *j of Cod is atru€ Prophet^ he that is of the
T>evilli4 afalfe Prophet -^ neither doth the c'eliverie and ut
man 'e of fome truths, make him a true Prophet , for then
*he l^evil/JhoMld l^e a true Prophet, yS>hofometJfWsfpeakes
the truth, albeit to afinuflertnd. Balaam n>as a very witch,
^ mxardj a jJdfe Prophet, a true for cerer^ famous , or ra^
ther infamous for his '0ivelliflj magickj ^hich hepraflifed
timong the kicked idolatrous nation. So Atterfol andwanj
jthers/otoo,as Junius, Simpfon, .Fert^s, Canutus, Andbc'
fore tkm Origcn, Gr-^.g. Nai-iaqrene, Bafil.
A N s w..
Cut;
Answer.
M {btSaUam, whether he were a Witch, Wizard or Ma-
gician, if:, is nof; materiall to the point in hana. If the Treati'
Icr diJ put that inf^ance amifle , it will not lollow, that you
have truly ^proved the Minifrcrs of the Church of England tc
be falfe Prophets, er foundly confuted what hce anfwercd
for hirafelfe. And if the Treatifers friends be of your difpo-
fition, you may foone heare from them that you have anfwe-
rcd nothing, for you have brought the fayings and opinions
of men, but reafon out of the Scripture yi have alicdged
none to prove him (imply a Witch and a falfe Prophet. And
if the opinions and fayings of men. W'U fcrvc the turne, there
bee fonie that have thought B^ tc oe a Prophet of God,
and that for reafons not to be difregarded.T^/«//ip4» amongft I^"*^* ^"^^ ^"*^'
others, thought ^^/*<<ww to be a true Prophet,and fuch a Pro- ^^^^ n lo sc
phet, as fhould be numbred among the fervants of God , be- i j. 7
caufe he profefleth that he would askc counfcll of God , and lodi. i j,ii
thathe would fpeakc nothing bii what God fhould fay unto Sf^/. CDOn
him. And he doth not only £y fcbut inde '^c propoundetn ^'^11'. ^""'•'.^
thole things which be had received of God, and which con- qul'dii^"!^'*
fent with truth and pictir . In Scripture he is called a Divi-
ner, which word is fometimes ufed in a good fenfe , to note
one that doth prophcfie true things,or wiiely and truly divine
things to come. Divinatien or a vvife fcntcnce is in the lips of p^^y i6.\o. Sept
Kings. The Judge and the Prophet, the Diviner, and the iJUiV7Hoviii,sag:ic.
old Man. Pifc. Divhatio, i.e,
quaji dhjna:io, I'oc
^f.^ga('Ha<iiqU3lU cji dlvbiMt'iufn. Mcrcrr. in Prov. i ^. 10. Ifaia. j. 3. lum. Sagace:n Pifc. Htb.
Dninxtercm.fcdhiCACcipitiaJnbanaTrjXfiem- Scpi.sz^-lw Cdnje^oreffj^Hkron. arb!u>n.J)o-
Way. Soach("'}Cr^ Mol!cr.i..-»f»,ur 'fl, qm^hcioc» 'nhonamparUm accipitur. Car. ;'«
Prov. 16. lo. ^quidemfreqKC)UiJjimcinScriftuf2„f paiH, .n m.dam partem , p;o hlsquiartt^
tusDiabe'issaidita rirM:.tur'.Jed Aiiquando ethmi «; Ifa. 1 3 . c> Eiek. ij, 6. u/jirpaturm bonnfn
fe-.rpii pro his qui aliquid a. ctaipreponunt, quod legitime y vd rsve!ati<medivini,'veifelmiimJC^
pgai9nc aJfiquHiif/mt.
The Prophets divine for filvcr : which is fpokcn of the Pro- Mic.j .: r .^
'^hcts in fudah, Neverthclcffe, feeing he is called a Diviner, f >'^* ^*o *^'>^^
astheyarefaid to take divinations in their hands, y<r//. the n^^.'^xz.V SepK
prcc'tmi divimtionis. iPer. ». 15. Numb ij. 17. SeeKxinold.cCMfkr.prale^. zoi.fi.Hi*
I ^von. aUumnUatft iUusirmem de wizi.;ituT)cmimtxure propheticoii dx'ufci.qiiim Uilcam. Siui
\:iir inter ■qux^iomiOn'ipMOYMm banc futjfe a Hft, cm Balaam tamnjtmfe^a de Carijio pradixijjet,
' ihtm & ipfe a4 lohii.ie cognitiom Abrahan ifijJ[cdocet. D. Hcinf. exircit.fur. in Maf^i.
R wages
0")
wages oi iniquitic,and as there is no divination againft Jftoely
that is, magicall incantations cannot availe againft Jfrael^
•whom God doth protcd: with his prefencc, I doc rather ful>
feribe to them,\vho conceive that he was a Witch or Wizard,
than the prophet of God.
Neither doth the deliverie and utterance of fomc truth
make a true prophet, for the Heathen Witches and Wizards,
nay the Divel himfelfe hath fpoken feme truth, that he mig ht
the better deceive. But as the pofleflion of all fupematurajj
truth ncceffacie to Salvation is- proper to the Church: lo to
preach the whole counfeli of Cod unto his people, is the fpe-
ciall badge of a true Proplict, and the fruit whereby hee is
kno wne. Marke this well, for (to ufe your ownc phrafe ) it
* fhewethallyouranfvvcrtobc^a'^»wJ^ww»«;,avaindream
and nothing elle. It is the note of a faUe Prophet to run when
God doth not lend him. But can it be {hewed, that ever Mi-
kr. M-'4.* ^5- nifter did teach the whole counfeli of God unte his flocke,
V ^f'^'^ abl f f - ^^^° ^^^ not lent of God?Thc places cited make it evident,
paatioa'p.6". ^" tliat they whom God did not fend, they taught falfe things in
Though it be no bis name: as they riui whcn.he fentthem not, fo they prophcr
ncwtlvrngthitthe ficd when he Ipake not unto them. In Ibme cafes it is true
^'"oA," °\ ^^^a' ^^^ church for a time may bee without Minifters , as when
^crf things'' bring the paftor is taken away by death , or the Church difperfed
the truth with by pcrfecution, or the people negligent to procure teachers,
tbcmj yftthisisa and the like. But ordinarily the Church is not deftitutc of
new thm^ and ne- (^ue Minifters, nor is there a true minifterie to be found but
Sre ^Tbt rfic m1^ intheChurch. And therefore fbeing the fGcictie profeffing
nifif r$ of Anti- ^^^ ^'^"^ ^^^^^^ intirely, . and holding the communion of Saints>
chrift rhould isthe true Church : the Minifters teaching found dodlrinc in
esach the whole thofe focieties, and naaintaining the unitie of the Spirit,mu{l
""'^ °f ^J^"' of necelTitie be true Minifters.
f mc^tfaJrof- Thn ^"^ ^^^^ Unlawful! Minifter (fay you) is a falfe Prophet^
jhey fljould' op- ^ot thefc two are all one. This is fpoken ambiguoufly and -
pofe dircftly and rauftbcdiftinguifticd before any dired judgement can bee
zealoufl; againft pafTed Upon it? What then doc you underftand by unlawful!
d^LimT" dol ^i"^^^' Isheanunlav/full.Minifter.wha is -not approved
Arints -*of Antil oF^^^^li defigned by Chrift, qualified as he ought, chofen or-
chrift, &c, " derly, but out of favour^artialitie) fadionor fchifme ? Or is-
|f«ii».i^o fie an unlawful! Minifter,. whoteachcth corruptly, feekcth
Kot that which was loft >v.bind6th not up that, which wa»,
brol
Cam Ncc eff. of
Separation, page.
If one bcf ordaiu-
edaPaftoraaccor^
dmg to Chrifts
inliitution , hec
hath artainly
lawful! miniftcrie,
howro€Vfr thiags
fliall afterward fail
out , )Ci though'
hcc Diould fing
MafleandMattcns
as hce fpcaketh.
Buthteas^-fth, if
aay, that is in bis
wits will fay fa«?
broken, puts not the weakc into his bofome, gi-If vct'h tHe
godly, ftrengthcncth the hands oF the wicki^d and walkcth
prophancly ? Is he an unlawful! Miniftcr who being a fecrct
hcrctike, is chofcn and ordained by the communitie where
hee is toadminifter, without ductryall and examination,
or being raflily and unadvifedly ele(fVed,d©th after negled his
dutie altogether, teach pervcrlc things, adminiftcr coruptly,
fing MaiTe and Mattens ? If none of thcfe be unlawfuli Mini-
fters in your eftecme, it will be no lofle to us, if we grant whc
propofition : for we may boldly affirme, if you fearch our
Miniftcrie with a candle and lanthorn, it will bee found true
and of God. If you take a falfe prophet and unlawful Mini-
ftcr in that ftrid fenlc as to exclude all the fonner, there is not
one Miniiter a member of our c>hurch,that can be a falfe Pro-
phet. If you take all thdc for unlawfuli minifters, then all
onk vvfuU Mi nii K-i s are not 'alfe prophets in your account. Or
cllc,itish\vfiTiito hold coaimimioa with fomc faUe pro-
phets, which you peremptorily would feeme to deny.
jcs , and pr-vc jc
alfo; andifhec himfclfchndnotwintedfomewit in this point, he would noc thus have
confounded ohc thing fo ablur ily with another , for as a ^ cifon may bee a feirant or fub-
jcd truly and fully,ar«! /ctdocafLCtwatiUthe anions of thuvcs, rebels* trnitors :fo atnan
Biaytakcatrue MiniOine by ordination, and yet in hii life and dofttinc doc wickedly, an4
dtfcire juflly to be depofcd.
The wsnt of an outward calling, you fay, makes a man an
anlawfull minifter : and fo you might fay, doth the want of
right qualification and -conlcionable difchargeof his duty, for
'God hath threatned both the one and theother,that they lliall
De no priefts unto him ; both the one and the other are idols
in phrafe of Scripture. Buthecanncbea minifter in a foci-
etie of Chriftians, profeflin^ ' the true and intire faith, and
enjoying the blefling ot the Sacraments, who is utterly dcfti-
tute of an outward calling. In fbme Churches the calling is
more compJeat and exadthan in others, and at fome times
things have beene more orderly handled than at others : but
inallChurche^tkercisan outward calling, and effe(5hjall to
the truth of the minifteric.
Long (incc it was objeded againft the Nonconform ifls,
that they fay, the Gofpell is not truly preached in EngLnnd,
becaulc there is no lawfiill calling to the minifterie,whcrcun-
tathey have returned this anfwer : We do notfay,that there
R 2 is
Icr.i.f.
Ter. de pYafcr?pi,
advof. Haret.cib,
Vndt am em extrnnoi
^mmici Apo^o'ii
hxreth i, nifi tx di.
'vcfitaie do^ivue,
qiiom umfqHifqut
defuoarbitrto^ ad-
verfitS /ipoftolosj auC
prottUitajUiecfpir^
0^0
k no lawfull, or no ordinaric calling in England : for we doe
not deny, but that he may be lawftilly called, which is not oi>
dinarily, as Luthtr, MeIani}ho», ZuingliHs : and thc^c bee
places in England , where the Minifters are called by their
pari{lies,in luch fort as the examples of Scripture doe (hew
to have been done before the ElderQiip and government ofthe
T C repl I anfw ^hurch was eftabliihed. I know not any that faith , the Go-
to the exhigr.p. 3.' fpcll is not truly preached in England, andby thofethatarc
not of the fime judgement, that the admonition to the ParU**
amcntisofc
Can. NecefT. of Separ. pag. 55.
TheMinijierj ofEngtau^iOS it is efiablijhed hj /rfW, dotP^
certainly depend upon the 'Bijhops cal/ing Tpbollyjandfio manr
elfe : and if any in the Land ft and other nife hee Cannot pro*
perlj be [aid to be a Minifter of that Church , but rather it
Id.p. 5 7«. afchifmatikefrom ity according to the forntall conftitution
efity ^c. The moft free Parijb hath but only a liberty to
Admit of a MiniHer^ before made by the "Bijhopjyfo that the-
people give him not any party much lefe thejubf^ance of his
5d,p.6j, callings but abare permijftononly to exercije byvertueof
that calling. But none may heare or havefpiritualtcoHimu-
Id . i\M 3 . '"''^' ^'^^ /"^^^ ^ MiniUerie, ^hofe calling doth effentially
depend upon the Bijhops calling. If the minifterie of the
Prelates belong not to any orSnarie afemblieSy then w tht.
fame /IntichriSiianyandJoconfequently is that which is de-
rived from it. And fo much from their own principles wee-
Id.p. 2 E j; have formerly proved. The MiniFlerie begotten by the Pre--
latesis illegitimate andfalfe.ljay thopc^hich take their offi-^
ces and callings from them^ are baft ardlyCMinifters, T he-
Ordination ofPriefts andDeacons by the Prelates isunlaVi'm
full and tAntichriftian, andthe Miniftery isfalfe, folong
as they doe retain thatfalfe callingy Vvhich they tooksfirft of
id^.4 j; the Bijhops, they of the Pope, and he from the Diveli fVho-'
foever he bt that dealeth Veil h the holy things of God y and
Ste C A N Stajr.S, Tporketh upon the conjciences of men ^ by vertue of an ey^nti'-
^'?i7.^-7^'i chri^ian poorer, o^ce and calling , him the people of God .
ought not to receive y orjoynethemfelvesunto. But all the
FiVrfonSf FtcarSj Pmjh Prieftsyflipendmes^&ejhatftand
<ovfr ■
ever the Church Affemblies Irt Bn^!a>id, deale with the ho^j
things of God, artdworke upon mens confciences by venue of
mn tAntlchriJiimfo^'erfOlJice and calling.
Answer.
Vpon this oneprop li eth alfthc weight of your buildings
whc em you ftrangely triumph, as if you had flopped the
mouth of the Non-conformilts for ever, that either they muft
goe backe trom what they havewritenagainfttheabufesof
tlic miniftery, or confefle they have laid and unlaid as occail-
ons have changed, now maintaining that as right, which even
now they condemned £S falie and Antichriltiar. And this
you prefle ove. and over with great confidence and inlolen-
cie. But this flay I have plucked out of your hands ah-eady,
and flicwed tlut this exception hath no weioht or foundneflc,
either from truth or Non-conformifls principles.
In anfwer to this renewed blaft of words, I will brief-
ly repcatc what li.ith been proved more at large, g;//j,^ Chrifliaii
Fitlt, the Mimfters of the GoipelI,.derive not their au- fubjeApart i.f/i^tf
thority or office from the Biiliop,PatroYi, Prcsbyterie or peo- apf. Bifhopshive
pie, but immediately from /f/wrf C^rijt, whole lervanrs they '^^''' Authority to
are, whole words they preach, whofe Sacraments they admi- P^^^'^^n^J'dmi-
niftcr, whofe flocke they feed, by whom they are prorefled, mcnts* not froin
and to whom tb.ey mult give account. If he be an Antichriftian the Prince, but
Minifter who derives his authoritie from the ClafTis or Biiliop> fiotn Chrift Him-
he is A'ltichrillianlikewife wIm) derives it from the communi- ^'^'^*^> ^"^ teach aH
tie of the faithfull : for neither the one; nor the other can j uft- ^rfT' &c,on,\f
ly challenge that authoritie to themlelves. hin, ,publike libcr-
lic, 'without lct©r
difturSance to doc thit which Chrift commandcth. Id.f.^o^. The charge which the
Preachers and Bilhops of England have over their flocktproccedeth neither from Ttkeenos
7ojni,nov dependeth on the will or word of any earthly oreature. ChalhTicr Credo, fecond part
§. 1. He which confcrres Baptifrac and Orders as the piincipall Donor is Chrift : the Bidiop
or Paftor confer* them only as his infltumeni. ^4ugufi. corner. Cnfim. I.4. c 6. per nmifiros
diffarii Dei n.wiw aqu.l: tfi, quia n n illorum fed tjas eji. Can. Stay. §, 5 .0.60. Auguft. in
Tfcilme 10, Chr:ft fcnthiin that betrayed hit» ; BilfinChTiH. fubjtd : part. i.p. 8^0.
1 he ehoftly workc is Gods, the bodily fcrvice is the Prkm, wherein Jftdanht thiefc, Si^^
Ifjja the Sorcerer jCS'-f. may challenge as /amsf %K9. . .1 -• * -'
The Bifhop, Colledge Ecclefiarticall or Church, cannot
tnake a Miniitcr formally orvertually, but only as Srewards
they put hitn inofiice whomChrifl: the King oF Saints anci head
of tlic Church hath d cfigned. Wherein, if Paftors or people
(hall walke dilbrdcrly, challenging more than of righc belon-
geth unto them, or giving up iheir right through lloch, neg-
ligence, ignorance or lecurity: or noc attending unto the cU-
, re6f ion of the great Shepheard of the flocke, Ihall chuie a man
unfit or not well qualified, or (hall proceed raflily, tumultuoui^
ly upon mifguided atFe(5tion,in that weightie bulinefle ; though
they incurre juft blame and reprehenfion, yet that makes not a
nuUitie of the Miniftery, or of the Ordinances difpenfed up-
on that Ele6lion and Ordination, Your felfe tel.'eth us, and
that from the exampk of the Scribes and Pharifees, That men
being lawfully called to the Miniftery are to be heard, howfo-
ever m fome Qualifications defective* And if difordcrly pro-
ceeding in election, or want of juft and fit qualification in the
perfon elefttd, do not make the cltftion voyd : how (liall the
meere want of confent in the people caufe a nullity in the mi-
niftrarion ? If the careleffe or wilfuU negle6l ot adminiftrati-
V f lublcneffe ®" ^^^ execution of his office caufe not a nullitie of the
of Scpar. f.56. choyce, why ihall the lacke of the peoples fufiFtage, whick
They may acknow they voluntarily have given away, or otherwifc loit, make the
hdge a further cal- ordinances difpenfed by him that is chofcn to be of none efiPeft?
^^°8 dia-> '^^'^ °' 2 , Tlie confent of the people is not requi red to make a man
no^t the "in re-^^ fimply a Minifter, neither doth E^ifcofali Ordination make a
nouDcciheciUing man tlic Minifter of this or that people. Therefore it doth
re£«ived from not hinder, but a man may bee made Mmifter by the Bilhops
ihcm, for the Pre- according to the conftitutions of the Church, and a Minifter
^* Di mM^ and"' °^" ^''^^ °'' ^^^^^ peoplCj by the free choice, approbation and con-
having approved fent of the faithfoll. So m the fourth age of the Chu; ch,lora-
their gifts, and by times the people would chule a Minifter, whom they thought
words and Let- meete, and afterward bring him to the Bifliop to be admitted
""i "^^^e°f w ^y ^'"^' *^ appeareth in the worke of Chryfofiowe de Sacer:
M^cifte 'thc^lAini- o*^ ^be chufing of 'Bafl, when lohn ChryfoHome himfclfe
ilery of the Goi- gavchim thellip. Sometimes the Bi'hop would e(pic a meete
p;eU, Uicy doc net man himfelfe,and require the confent of the people to chule, is
therby thruft them j^ appeareth by Afffnfttne in the e]e(5f ion of Eradliu to be his
Aa Examin, j^V ■ 5* '^^'^ Papifts themlelvfs who ftand fo much upon the ne-
^M: Cen./. 3j, ceflitic ol fucceffion^ and oriiination by three Billiofs, accor-
■-. ' / din^
0^7)
cTing to the conrtitutions of the Churchy are );et forced to ac-
knowledge, That to know that Partors are true, there is re- ^'^^•'^£f''-'-3w
quired neither faith, nor lawflill EIc<ftion, but thisoneJy that (^'^^ •^'^^^
they be acknowledged iuch of the Church, and that they hold
the place of Chrill de fu^o, though nat de jn^e. And feeing
you pretend to builJ upon theNon-conformids principles,
you may take noiice of tl>eir jjrofeiTion, which is this. Bap-
tifme adminidred by Popifh Piiellsis good'and liifficient,, and
they are to bee accounceJ forMmiflers, though tScy bee not
gooJ and lawful! Mm-lleis, but uCuipers and intruders. The
like may be (aid of Iuch as withour ordinary calling, counter- '
feite themfclves to beMinifters, and fo deceive the Qiurch. "^" Fximin. of
In thcfe t!ie fcaet coafent of the Church receiving them ?^'^] Ccn.oy.MX
for Miwirtii'S, untill. their wicked ufurpation bee efpied, may "^
be fufhcieat to authorize their miniltery toward others.
Ca n. Neceflr of Separ. Tagc 234.
If: I were not u»rviJUng to give occafion unto the Bif^opi to »»-
fu!t over tbefe meTtj Icsfffd he»ce manifefl: much had dea-
ling in them ; hnt I will forhettre for the yrefent y and. da
referre the Re^a^er to their orvne principles, which ii-, that Jd. page x^ ^.
all Ecclefafticall officers ought neceff^rily to heemade bj ^ an. NcccfT. of
the free choice of the Conqrez^tion. wherein t her are to ^f^^-P- ii«. Aie.
administer . And, tf they can prove alltbis, J doe not fee, earth bound by
bttt the Contr over fie may eajilj be taken up, betweene them Gods Lavtcs to
and the Bifh'ps, only then they hav; jufi caufe to begge mai«tainc the or*
pardon of them y for their pleas againfi their Prelacy, and diaary mmiftcryof
the mnine heavy accufations, which they havepMt up hth to ^^^ Affrmblics-^
frinces and Tariiamejits againft them. fromiJmVto" imo.
(hamfuUy oiockcdr
and .ibufcd them*.
A^N S ' W • E K.-. ■ jn<riving To ear-
neitlyforihcic
aydcj tohayeand*
Here you play the Rhetorician, and make (hew what you* place-thereof,
could do?, but that you will for tlie prelent take fome com- Can. Stay.Scdl-,.-
paflRon upon the Non-conformifts. Whereunto I will rcturne » • M' J^*
n3 other anfwer, than what you have made corny hand As^
for your minfing figure of extenuatioHj (I could hence ma-
mfieft) I like it nor. I'or you do here none otherwife than if a
Thiefe>->
I
•>v ^
C AN.iStav.§.a;
page J J.
Vnreafonabl. of
Separ. page f ^
I know none hav-
ing'reccivcd Ordi-
nation from the
Prelates, that need
dcaythat ihcy
preach partly by
vertuc of the Mi-
ni ftcrylwhich they
have taken ftom
tbcm.
T. C. rcpl. I. Ep
By cxcrcifing un-
lawful! authority,
and by taking uRto
them partly
fuch things, as be-
long by no meancj
unto the Church,
and partly which
are common uato
them, wich the
whole Church,or
clfe with others
the Miniftcrs and
Governoursof the
fame.
TWefe, when hee hath ftri^tar^anoutof alldutheehatbj
would faine yec bee counted mercifall lathat hedo'l»not
'murder him or bindc him, as (bme^' have done, Let
any indififere' c man read your writings^ s> • '-. will fay, you
have notfparec y<^ur oppolltes, but Ihot at then. Virowesof
bitter words,and made them as odious a \d vile as man can do.
But blelfed is hec that is not offended at the truth for fuch
things. Looke upon your felfe in that which you fay agair !!:
your oppofites. You refcrre your felFe to their Principles,
and they make nothing for you,as it hath beene alreadly (hew-
ed, and you might fee yqur felfe, if you did not fhut your
rjyes,
Ths r^afo:! w. 'ch he*- /ouoriiig, i;; but you or ne fay-
ing, (aid over many times, and indeed bewrayeth more cun-
ning, than reafon, truth or Con'cienej and (to fpeake in your
phrafe) /cp'hif^ry than '^ ---Itv.
FfV ii: p.'aine term?s uii» is ^ i '- forme of arguing ; If the
Er>iicopall ordinationbenotameerenuIUcie: if the mini(te-
rie of the idle, careleffe, prophane, yea of the learned, godly
. and painefull, be not a meere Idol, then have the Non-con-
■ formills juft c^ufe to 1 "ggc paruon of the Prelates: which
hangeth together as a rope of fand. The minillery of the
Pr'efts, Scribes and Pharifees was true in time of tiieOldlv-
rtament, and in the dayes of our Saviour Chrift : had the F i o-
phets then and our Saviour juft caufe to beg pardon, becaule
tiny ?ccuffd then of ignorance, pride, tyrannic, contempt
of the truth, oppreflions, hypocrifie, as b-ind guides and rave-
ning Wolves., "ho fpoylcd and made havocke of the
Hockes.
The Non-conformifts never deemed theminifteryof the
Church ef England ^or thefubltance^rc^ rflfentiall pai:s,ther-
of to be faKc and Idolatrous, nor craved the aide of the Prince
and Parliament, to have it quite, or in part, aboHQied
(you ha"e juft ca^A to begge pardon that flander them in this
manner) But they complaineof abufesintheminifteryjand
thefe they defire might be reformed ; That the minilleiy might
be more pure and incorrupt. They complaine of the ufurpa^
tion of fome, who challenge that as peculiar to tlierafelvcs,
which belongeth to their brethren in common ; who admit
the bafeit of thepeople, into the office of the miniftcrie: doe
that by their fole pkafure; vvhich Ihouid be done by common
Counfe^l,
CoanK'l!; ind di/T?ud the confenc and approbation of the Ki"g C/muiiu
Chur'^h, both i> ' ..aations and excommunications,: and ™^<|^ * i-avv by
j>frhe nuniO;£- . ....- Churct; oi England be tri.r for liibihnce hi^Ss n rr/ik--
might 'ti\fv »iOC wichour blame dehre and cr..\-e .he reformat!- //^^ That Bifl»op«
on of tliis .ibufe ? they complai e of tlie porr pous Non- refi- fcc Picachers anJ
dents who feede themfelvts and regard not the r'j-I ,:. ftnve Teachers of Gods
Af ix prefermenc and lieape up hvings, but labour not in the J^]]^'^"^ carehiU
word and do^trincjnor look aKc i tlic welfare of mcas foules : vvorks. ug^. 26 °
dxey accufe th-fe as the poyfon and banc of the Church, or un- An6 that every
-tuthfull ll'epbcardi, who leave the tlocktobedilperfcdand Chr itianlcarnefo
fcattcred, and yec th;y will x-utiu, their mimilery is falf: oiu^lij that hccan
.or Idol'u..usor.*nc'erenuilici2, doc cht> then (hancftjllly Ih^true undetftan
. mockeoB abufe the Pi hxce or Pc^rliament, m petitioning^ that ding th-rof.namc-
.dusjgrofle corruption n?'<;ht bercfornwd J They accufe the ig- ly.the Lord's Piay-
lioranc, Caiclefle, piophancA'tfniJ* : f negletc of' d\cir of- ". and the Creed,
' fice, and unworthy apypl:..- or ftaucling nf honour ii? the r h^'if "°^ [.° ^T
houfe of GOD :' have they caufe to aske pardon of ehic ^cXr ?obee"ad
,^0, if they {ha|l,thiak;e their mmilleri^raay be eifectuall to mme<^ whiles he
•a^ihefaitlif'^U?. ,^ " r lireth to the Lords
V; AMiniilcrlawfuJIycalled (fa^ yoi-Jacco'-^ingtoChrirts Tabic, &:.
lihftitution, is incbntin'?ntly Upon, his outward lawful! calling icTdo'flt^sf^
* £ '.i-uc Miniltei, . let .jj-^ .pracuc^s^^ftcrvvard bt: good or bad. thpr^c^'tc'iT^r^''
1 t*ut caG^ cf^en the Churcjv|^ould a:qdle iuch a Miniller, utter- dus Epifnfp.t/u al-
Ily cegleiS^ing hi^, ch^rge^ cj- mfiining to fay.Mffleand Mac- (K>rtftitatu» fiptv
\ J^fcns, orlooleand fcan^aiou<ii'beb.vu)ur, a^unWortliicbis "¥'l^^'fi dUaba-
\ ^placc and office,bayctIieyjulVca.ufe to crave pardon of him,be- MainTfubtrnk'!^
\ ^<;aufe ^they acknowledged hun-to be a MitijC- ^ jbur uriworthi- magnam debet habert
]y!?' Mafiy abufesnactqbcco|9riitednjaydeH'et;otl)f^l^ cautelam; C kv.
■" nL:Lid ^iwi .::ifi3i>n5>l«fnoibnL:oi-3idllfW \(3d3,,ir;obj2i dine circumvalLn.
Jlr.^i'i'T. AuVAhi-:>\lii^^^'^.o^\ij jy^'iaUQ^ .'iO( flnis^i ...»
.... :ni (XfcT;uo\(') ;'?zn amc;! .t.;:!: Id noi35aiIqq£ 3fb nf ..vvAiMi\ih i^-iaWi-i
bnA ■r:Jivb3to- ;-ii;?dJ3.iiJ:i\.^''^^^-'T oi;3.'n>..lnc''/ " -' "^' ''
mumcateinafalfeminifterj. Tar. Csm. t?^^f^lfyff(j. ,0.^^^, i^^^
v.- 1^ rti3«f Pfal. 15.
f. $6,
Admon. i. to tac
failiamcnt p. 17-
T,_C. reply i.pa^.
Can. Stay. p. y.
61,63,71, 113, ^
118, 119, Skc.
itht a true cMiling ; and a Itttle after hr faith. That fa much
being difcovered, a (^hrifiian ntuft (hut his ettre a^din^
them, and fiye front them di from Wolves* : AitifxnlMt
in Match. 7. 15. ji^ith the like. C°f^ *** -Prov.vio. 20,
f^eAketh as much , and gheth thu renionfor it, beeaufe they
defiroy both bodies and foules of as many as either. k<leeve
er reverence them. Zanch in^PhiL .5.2. RoUoc, cow , in
lThef,%. II. page.'zz'^. Rii/Jn'^hl-, id. jtu^rfja.jg.
Oetolamp.in \(3L,ca.2,foI. 20. C7<i/. «« Pl'ai. 16, Fen.tn
Songj i.6«7, Ci>rnel. a Lapid : (^ottjjn Iohni?/>,2.
fige 505. faitb^ ^^{f^ Minifiers are favoureA and ap-
proved lift their t$nitnv'f»H vay , .Tiffhentheyar£ Jseard. Par*
in Hofca.i \ .i. .SeduL i» *i Reg. 5 . tMartjr loc xamp,
up. Vireit.Gr^tmds^ in iibi-z^m 03. Ziamh. isKfrtiC^'^,
Answer,
Blaming your- Tit«tfer that he cttnei fa naked into die
field, vou lay, I never law in my life an. error he^d by a n>an of
Hearmn^, that hath h^Q brought to councenanct it than this.
For whereas others doe commonly r^uotc Scriptures (albeit
mif-applyed) -and all^d^e' for thctelf^flves the judgemerics of
"bther men, KfrgoctH 'Aot ^istva]f''i6'wofte. And better ic
i* 'tW goe pisinely iaiit! tobly toW<ifke-iit^eyefcttcc6f his
ti^ilfejthan to Wr«ft Sdipture. mii^ailfed^e'Authors, and'libiife
a jffrew df learniri^'tolediice and beguile thefimplc. 'Blit
-you^^wvcmadt' dibyfefof thidltiofetommon, though the inoH
-feiAflP tJiorft.' : ' Vbu- ^^>etend' Scriptnres^' but handlfe f hem a-
-ftrtfft-'r^'^bt^Atfthrtb;- titat chop -and' 'cliany^ their w^fds,
force them to Ipeake, what they never meaiif * *tifi9 wh^ail
isjdone, they will bee found to make nothing for, but direct
againft y or. You make ule of Logicajl Maximes and Theo-
logical] Principles/ feut*^yoti^ rAijftkes^re grofle and palpable
in the application of them. Some men (^youfay) in mat-
ters qfc <9i?tj:9^fe. ?yt« •jyjt -^\g^:tl»{^ i^ /^If^peacc oi
Ccnlcience,fb i^iey mr>y^gainc their fuppoiedvi6^ory« And
if you have not offered violence to your Conlcience in
■tfcilfd'^lcJft^^v^yt^ l^«W)t^dVilfemyfcti^n^dfettdWbat^you
,aaciWfc,awl<^fe- *--^ 'T\)>ii^^*^«fei^te[^ln%ffie^ti6\^ats nblf^merly
C ANStAV. Scd:.
12,/>. 119,
OmhU ffidmiic in-
4£Ul^i ■Scnpn-ri^i
Ambr, iniui hi a-
n'lmoptrdant, jnodo
viHeres abfcedanl.
C AN.Ntceff. of
Scpar. p. 1 17.
Tenul. de rirfi.
veland : If Chrift
VJher and others obf erve out of TerfuQian. ) W lutfoeyer is
firll, thatistrueft, and what comes afcer, is aduJcerate. Th« CAM Sta f <a-
fiirift ifl any kind or lore ot things, is truelli and bed, fo i='*fA^. x.p. \\_ -^p,^^^ ^
This is Cpoken of the ptime,firft,originall being of each thing, chrifi. Ecckf. fuc
which is a fare proofs of goodnefle and perfeiHon. For all ".f^/?'*^-'^-i/'.'9
defe6ts found in things arelwarvings, dechnings, and depar- ^.^^^'^°'^ '^^ ^^^■
tares, from their originall and firll eltate. For truth is before c A N. StSca!
falle-hood, and good before evili, and habite before privation. ■2./>. 1 1. For with
But you miferably apply that Rule to the tiill judgment of the reverence to the
feparated Church ui London^ concerning the hearing of the P^''^^^; From the
Word preached, in our Enghih Aflembhes, asif itmuftbce noub'"^ ""^^
truell, becaufe it was firll, and their after judgement adulte- Bafii^.jg. Nort
rate, becaufe.it followed. eji aquum utqua
• You dillinguilh not betwixt the effeft and the event ; which "^pf^dipfos obtmuit
I will noc Sy wasdoneignorantiyorui^.adviiedly, «*Torca- ^^"r'*f('*^^»prol(ie
« fon from the effe6l of things (you lay) i5unlound,andun- taZTflinlTtn^
** concludable by the Scripturffs. This is, as if a man would k; Anfw. 'irftanf."
" fay, the Midwives which lyed to Tharoah, did much good /». 3 «. I grant your
*'to the IfracliteSt&c. And then you goe forward to pro- church isancicnr,
** duce teftimonieSjChat thin?, s are to be eftcemed by their cau- } "^^^^ " '° ^
■f* Ccs, and not by the cvcnt,and that things are not true,becaule ing then the moft
j*'ufeful). ancient (by your
But your Pilioier argneth from the effect , not from own grant;i« moft
the event, from the proper etTe^l, not the effect by accident, ";"e> &f.
as you might eafily perceive, butthat you tooke liberty tod e- ^^« N. Stay,
ride what you could not anfwer. Thus he argueth. The Do- r. ?. ^tepU a 70
■ 6lrine taught in the Church 0? EngUnd is the found and true d. t. w. The b«-'
do6lrine of falvation, profitable to beget ^aith, and to build <^wj of the spod,
men forv»'ard unto life eternall (not by accident,but of it felfe j .^•. ^- VVarres are
and is ordinarily bitfled of God to that end ?nd purpole: Jaul'andnotby
Therefore it is not unlawfull to lieare the word preached in their confcqucnccs
their afl'emblie'. What you talke of C4»>»« murdo', Indai Wilson Chriftian
his Treachery, the good that comes by Schifmes and Hcrefics, fubjcd pm. j.
is only to pleafe your felfe with by-matters : for the argu'-jient M« *^ ^*
is drawne from the proper effeft, in reipecl ©f meanes inilitu-
ted,appointed and blefled of God.
This Canon is true, if truly ap^. lyed, and rightly limited,
pKrittm f^r ratio ef^t¢rarior m cddemefl ratio. 'But zs CAM. Stiy. fcA.
you apply It, no good Logician would acknowledge it. For Ji^*^*',^"
though the word which doth ordinarily beget men unto God^
pughc to bee heard, yet wee cannot conclude on the contrary^
S • ' tb*;
die woiJ which doth not ordinarily beget i? not to bee heard.
For the word is but a moral I caufe or inftrument of faith and
repentance, whereby the Spirit worketh not neceflarilyjbutiir
plealurc. It" therefore the Spirit worke by the word as his in-
ftrument, it is oi' God and wee are bound to heare it : But it
God worke not by it, effe6lually to faving converfionj it isof
him notwithrtanding : So this affirmative is true, finne defer-
v«tn death : but this negative will not follow on the contra-
ry, good works delerve Ilk. Por of jufticedeathis duetotlie
Tinner as his wages, but etcrnall life is the gift of grace. The
Papifts argue thus. Difgrace done to an Image tendeth to dif-
honour God • and thercibre by the Rule of Contraries ; Ho-
nour done to an I nage, tendeth to the honour of G o d .
Their inference and yours turne both upon the lame hinges.
,y^j And I might truly lay unto you in V our owne words. Have
you not here (lie wed your Iclfe an acute difputer, for to pull
downe Bet be/ you build TahU- to condemne the true hear-
ing of Gods Word, you commend Idolatry. Confiderther-
fore your owne reafcMis, and benotforadiand hadietodil-
grace your brethren.
Cam Stay. Sea. Your oblcure tranllating of Philofophicalt Canons, Iwiil
2-. pag 54* "^ paflcover , as ReU'.A ffint fimul nathnt, which youEnglifli
G jk N. Stay. Sea. tlius ; Relations in nature are alike : and apply it as ftrange-
9. p>g. io3o \y ^ualii caufi, taieca/tfatnm^ yo[iti-^n([2itc thus; As is
the cauie, lo that which is cauled, of the doing of the thing :
M«w cfua idem femper facit idem ; which you render. As is
the fame fo alwayes followes the fame effect : whereby you
turneprinciples or Canons at leall into riddles, and it is hard
to fay, whether your interpretation bee more obfcure , or
miiappli cation unieafonablc f to Ipeake in your language) as
vaine as ever man made.
For that which is ipoken of caufcs univocall, neceflary and
proper at kail thatyoureferretomorall inftrumentsj as if
the word preached by wicked inllruments might not bee effe-
ftuall, or a man could not heare an ungodly Muiifter preach
c Q A the Gofpelljburh'^muft partake in his Hn.
pag*Sc«fl!3!^6!i7'. ^^^ ^*'^ ^^'g^ '" proving what IS not queftioned; asth'.c
id.'sta.\'^ag.-L^'. God muft bee ferved ?.s he hath appointed t Tha'„ it lufficeth
&/(il.i.p.^o.fia not to intend a good end, but the meanes muft bee lawfull:
1 . p. 49. /"^f. 4. p. Tliat men muft not bow their knees to an ]dol,under pretence
^^- ^ ii 67 37^,7 s tliat they release thek hearts unto God ; TJiat wee mullhee
7*,75» ^ --' •- «...„o»"»
Cm)
^irneft and zealous again!!: f Jolatry : Tli^c^rh? matter of vvori
(hip mndbc grounded on the wbtd, and" that it n^tift be dcn^ Gonlcichas CiaU
ft? a right-aDdrlawfuU mafiner, ordcr;form orit"ay : That thje "ever find .my furc
lawof Godistheruleot'confcience; That cuftom miifl not V^^'-^o f"" "«tO:
prcfcribe againft truth ; Tha( we muft not doc "evill that good ^"' °"' ^ God^c^//.
may come thereof, with other the like, which you know wel/j ^
your Oppoiites do believe arwi maintained But th»t G©d is
not worlhippedin ouraflemblicsas he hath appointed : -Tliaf
toheare the word preached in our congregations is pdniiciotis
Idolatry ; that the means therein be unlaws uU, that the mini-
fterie is Idolatrous; or the worfhip vainc -^that you prove nor^
cither by Scripture or any learned &: approved Author,wliar-
focver you brilig in both your bookes to *his purpofe, befides
youriown percmptorie a(5^ions may be ihwt up in few words.
The Authors which you quote, ajTsoftimesabufed, you
mangle their words and make them Iceme to fpeak what they
never meant or intended. The truths they teach (you fay) C A NScayfca-s»
Ipeakingoftbe.Miniftersofthe Engli(l> Church) are from I'' ^7.
God, but theoHiccwhich gives them power and' charge to
fpeakc them is from Autichrift, and a fpeciall chaiadrcroi
marke (as the learned write of the beaft). Thus faid lohtt siKononKcv.p:tg.
C/j^j'i^o^aMartyrofChrift: The Bifbops licence to preach '-^•
, the Word of God. is the true charader of the beafl:,that is,of ^^^ ^ ^*°"- ^'^*^'
Antichrift, The like M. "Ba/e jwid others. But no word foun* On^l'cy^cn 1 4 9
ding that way^ is to be i'onni in M. .J"; wow/, Since their law of Though ptkils &
Confirmation was made (faith hee) the Bkhop with thf^ Dcaeons for prcj-
Chrifme doth figne the partie in the forehead with the cha- chmgGodswotd^
radcr ot the crofle, And fincc they made their new office or "^'"'^^'^S ^j^^^-^-
iacerdotaU, thus they make their caticchumine. The child or vSSc;>ior
partie is brought to the CliurchdooreSj wheretbePrieftma- bee grounded en
keth a erode with his thumb on the forehead of thtchilde. Clods !aw,yct have
and at the font , the prieft makcth a erode in the right hand ''^'^^^ ^-^'^ toman-
of the child, &c. Thus this Author, but to your purpole not "h^renf i ^'S!?
one word. M. 5*?/^ was fofarre from condemning the office /^^,'^ J ilsi
of Bilhops fimply as Antichriftian, that hee himfclfe was Bh 5145
ftiop oiOJyrts in Ireland ; And how likely it is then, that he
flioul.d ablolutcly condemne a Bilhops licence to preach the-
GofpcU of Jefus Chrift in the Churches of Chrift,as the mark
and Chararter ohhc beaft, let any man judge? What he might
Gondcmn,in Ibme relpedand confideration in popifh bidiops,
^ they ftand fworne iiaves, to that Antichril\of Rome ; that
S 5 <:an»-
cu: p.
5
On")
cannot be drawn to the tcftimonle of: Bi(kops, who have caft
Can Ncccf.^^ off the authoriticjan^ renounced the dodrinc. of Antichrifti
fcpv^p^i j;i ;'■' And the^fan^ jnay bee anfwefed to ; the teCUraonic of f«hff
' ■• : <■• 0-'j4p^' >':'.!, ■'^'' :.<-'-u
Youinany times repeat e, that upon tjae NonconformiftS
• srounds to rcturne unto the fervkein the Chiirch of Eng-r
End , is to joyne with idolaters H\ Idolatry. Tliis no doubtis '
a v^ementacG^fsrtiprt.Ji it can; behoved: if k be rallily wct
miied, tlien"it is?6 p^cnt a flanider: Bitt ground outof tho
Noncon^brmiils for fuch condufiohs you have fhcwed none
nor once take notice of that which is alledged to the contra-
fie, which you could, not but fee , if you could have found a-
ly exception againft it. {Tliey doe not deny, but there is^ vifi*
ble Church of C^oa ia' Engjand, and thcrctoreyour faying of
them, that th«y doe ali^oftin plaine and flat tearmes, lay that
we ha\ c not fo tnucji.a^ any outward face, and fhew of the
true Church , argucth that you hare almoft no love in you,
which upon oncwoijd once uttered , contrary to thctenour
rx. tcpl, I .p.s. of theirbooke, and courfe of their wholelife, formifc this of
VHreafon'^otTe- ^hem. Thus a chicfe Nonconfdrmift long agoe. Atiotherin
paration p . r. ^^^^ bookc, which.you pretend to anfwcr , and in thefe very
pages, He moft ftiamefully and le wdly^ as a man void of all
coajijiqn honcf^ieaivl grace, roaketh the ?v1Iiniftersof X*a;ci7/«
to atifirn;ie» that th? Prelates arercviled to ije great Antidwife
and;^eir Minifterie and conftitution, to be great troublers of
the Cburchattbis.day, and that ft cannot but be veryiinfuU
CAN Stiv it]? ^"^ huptfijll toretaineor communicate with them. The
JO. 6p.- <-^^ ^^■' Diycjiiihimielfpwoyld have beeneafliamed in this open mani*
RaiuoW. dPrit^tfff ncr to havetold foch a lie, and therefore he is to be trufted nd
».f.v.§.i. '■;"'' ■ , further, than h€ is feen. This you paffe over infilence ; and if
F/Z/axCimft fubj. the liobftance of the accufation bee applyed unto your fdfe, I
The^■D!vdU"m-^"^^"^^whatapolog^^^
k\it wn flicw nc Chnft (laitb ii^«w /^ as you quote him ) the Paltor of his
greater mx> ice , Church, dotb tell US, that he feeds not in Antichriftian aflfcm-
than to per ver r biies, in the denne of theeves; neither is it his will, that his
thamhich^i^s weU flock fhould there reft at noone: But in the pleafai.L pafturc,
torceaicwTfenef by the ftili watecs, that is, in thefliadowesof thetrue Chri-
ofhisowneoian- ftian Churchcs detefting Idolatry. But D. Rainoidt words
other ir.ans words are, not ifj Cteui>wpapij}icls, ffelftncid idoblatrarum^ &c. but
in HinbrACHlis orthodoxorum CAtunm. Whether this change of
Antichriftian AiTemblies, for popilh Aflfemblies , and true
Chriftian
Chrlftian CbLirche$fQrOrtW9?(:MfP9Mic5, W4S mader^B €ANStay§}.p
fifnplicitk, h(;ju^^yo'i^r^lfpy^li^U,mgtit>c^xmky^iii!Qi '* -• ^-^^'^^ "<i^''iii'.
tjchriftiRn,andiK)t tf:i3s Pti^K^b^jfciltjpopsiihv^ffcoibltpSjaad
iipt Orthodox he cpal4.Wtin>agi{l3f|^Tit<j> be/' , r t "to 'j. j
You alleigq D J/fies laying, Jt ^aaiiotie %txm CbuiKth
jtl?a,t ))v,ints or<ler^ , - For by ^tb4$:tllg part^mfll aBembers thereof
arc knit together. But this j^fl^l)Qi5fe<f .-^ound ihithc place
^rifjiTtipiiccfj.BufiP.. ^«flr;;B<^Y^g^"^Hel\ttWJij.\^^ ^ ,^ ^
bc^v^ft^lltofti^tp'^atGbufelititn^ .\> 7
paovin g rqancUls, and purging b^it ^c,'»agodIy,B iaken d^vay,^
i^ean^^|■p^liK b'tlia5,p<?i^^'i f^j^^.c^cf W^^/^w frimtAm*
.^contained ilTthat,q»yqn«qJi ^th^ebyoHaeiaitfefijllafe .g^ - ♦'.al a'^.n •
thcred into a Ciiureh. Th« life of this power caqjiot be ta-
lfenaway,with9.i^t.fh<?>g?:€^;ft"»-ofthem that.take it away,and
S^he h^^8^&ii2)tj^ofi;tii§m fr^mwlaom kis tak«a.&3tithcr
jovigl;jt4if '^w?ph*<?ri?ft in t]>iii,')thatv flic fdethbcriHfioua-
juftly oppreffccJ of lathers, , For i-t bclongcth to the. oificeof
j^p CJburchjtOf^jSfi'? \\{o.t, jlib^rtic, whqrcwith flic is endow-
^^c|l Q^^Cl]i;i(l:. :; :B^^ }^t i'[ the fkithf«U contending foriiieir
jj^r^ cjnf^.to^ilif^ t^9<ririg&t(iia$l?at p^ . noRwithou*
^r^<;.vous itjvcopvi^n^eEK^ ,99n>e.i«o..a moreite.e, .Chaccb, laufl
^tt ^^ i;^g£nr^5^p Jt^Qji) ^h^ W^'i^^ftJ^'- ^ c^'^U^' ' and doje
^[ofti|dicasmuchasii^thpmJii^tbtorupplyth«t WJaqt, they
(Urinenot, if ;hey joynetbeiniicKcs tofuch a Chunch,orconti-
*ipqe^a it ;(Tte 5^r^"?«*^-f3fil?39cjiQjiti^ry:tCK:that wJiii«h you
^>^ffe:l?«^^'sj'^"»W«i^gfi^l^t\«'^^ CAN Stay Tea
pieman worfl-iipiGod-iniFepairingrtQ'lany QH^rchorrninafto- ^-p. f5.^.2/«. dio-
ry vvitbput^«fi^antof,t,fc^c\YQrdvLet:iil^iRcadcrnotc^ % "^^''•
mii i^ps"i/i^ J*^^^ WJfeJy.O<^.edy jtj^al^c^i^hbgagainll'par-
^mki iji f %iiii^m^fe,iii.^tfi.9^iiwti^iOf ^-^ce,^ ibei-
jj^ft:! t;|)a^4s?>f<«^?Qtp4)'^P50y^»^^nim4JidcdiQtV t^od^^ his
J^oiy W<>fd/:;|Bu;tl^la0if^i?^^^!if^^»«»:^ ilJoi^cjfipkEan
^>y9lf^p.God in^K^airing to,tbi$ ^afec^ptoiniftjarif, .witb-
<^t wajfrant of hjs yV^^wd. rAi^. be ipaaivcis.©i: la Dioccfan
iWft^ J>JFi(^4«^y&^^^i^^*^fyi^Pf^P'^^^ ^ tb»t place,
^ -ill m^S*f*^*i^^'^^ lwb^3*sa?o.tJbiJi§ taytmc-pur jx>fei
A ^\ W^^^^S. yojib^Mejti^lWJft/yoSi: pjii)(aiiilcs;> oi»t bf
,, " . the
thj5 Noncontoinills, ever the chiefcfl: of thcm,which for lear*
GaN Neccf. ot ning,x.eal(?,julgemenf,hd[ind(reoflifc, &c. have cvcrhdd
fcp«r.To ;hc ReaJ. -thatoufc. But fomc tbihgs brought in their names.is neithct
dieopinionofalljnor dfthcmoft, nor of the bcft learned,
nor of many, but cither the private opinion of fome one, or
the conceit of fuch indeed, as were leparated from the com-
munion of the CHitrch of England^ and not frohi the aWes
-:<»ily which were in ^q Church/''^ "• ' • "- ^'^^ ; ' ' '
C ANiUyfca ^ :ii^^tai'^ite^Iaftet;F«««»5^/ftyi'Ag"j^^Wfe mSft'iSrt^irtc , Sal&^n
p. jy. ' -tn!^iiwhe^c»nfciaice*^f n^i:n; nbl"b^^
M. pcftry of the "but alfoby hisfalfc poiv-cr andoMinancics j his kihgdome of
Miniftcrie of the ^datkncCc^otonlv -^nfiftcth inthe lies,6hedo<5lrinand wor-
Ghureh of End. ^jj^whirJihcbatb-CJ^itiedjbia^liSyittJdhdfaUe
fe^A^N Necff. of ^K"■o"dihal^CGs:^^•w4litb hfehatll-'Mefttcd^
fepjr p.: 6 li'^x. -his idolatiiousdenfae/^-Atidtherefol:cthcchildreriartd Saints
Exhortaiioii to -of X3od , ought to avoid both the- one'and the other. But
the government of . -^hatfocver his rticaning bee in that or other palTagis dfed",
C^A N fvefr of ^aft^^'^'^.w^nota NonGonfopirfift h*itaSe|^ataliftV"by
feparati on T E di fl . -y out bwne'cotifeffion , 4nd^thercf ore bi^ f ay ii^gs' wt ^«t^^f^^
to the Reader.' .ceceivedfotcthe NoncoDformifts princi^es. . - -"^ ;■'■'■/ 'U
CAN Nccef. of.,. Matter -ff^. laith. It is lawful! to cc^mmunicatc in^tftkt
,ftp3r.p.2.j2. vvorfhip where the ceremonies arc ufcd ; but wee cannot,
believe him, (iijy you)ifor his birethren^bothaftirmdaind
iprovetheconttary.' AHdchet«;«bw •fi-al'jStpK<fe^'^t(9\trlfe
-JbwntheJworMs,wA^ofifi^iT;ti6ii%as'ma;de i^p. <>^.^ai:'ti^
betaufe the author is a principle Nonct)nformift , and partly
-to difcoverthe rafltoieffeand folly of this inconfidcrate man,
ixvf ^ durft without any fcafon(morc thaWboldneflt)ftiil jufti-
fie the very thingjW"^'' his brethren by manyibundargument^,
1 vLa'J 4iaV(emanifeftedto beVevili'afldifiila'wfUPci^rtcftiicr^^
,v ,: -ontorehearfetheAvords of the aufhor', of a difpute. upon
cojimunicating at-confufed communions,- pag. (58. ^Qt '■■ V
•■ Who that Author is I krio w not,the bookc'I have not f<ifri,
-but by the words whichyou relate, itappeares-'h r^w^*6
cEnglilh Nontonfoftijift; iidith«'dothhcfp<*a¥^^
.iiicatifig ip oUr Englifli f^d^. '^-AfeKi - if he* ^id , ' he (f*e^fcc=s
-but bis private opiJfiioH, and riot what is^hc fiidgidment df
.Nonconfbrmifts. ^ it:may be <^efti6ncdy '#?^cthcr^Ji^aiftcr^>*.
.bookc was-not penned^and ptibli/hedj'iifc/t6hefc'<ifc«liffel^
fee or tliinke^of^be gfher.^ift'ivh^tloevttri^ fd&^'fl:^^
kiittf attid^aiv^M^ Mi<6iSvi^J«<>b4d^lhc^ifcM
and
(nr)
ahti uniformc judgment of all Nonconformlfts in England, bo tli
oilfecretofbrc, and at that prefent when he wrote, that k is lawfuU, a Mpmc- agaiafi
:|fid in (bmc cafes ncccflaricto receive the Saccamcnt "With them Enoi.pact i. ca.^.
that kneel in our alTcmblies. And now confidcr to whom tl»eira- f'^.t-p>j». The
potation of folly, boldnefTcinconfideratcneife, and (if you will) P"^;.^ .jf^fthc
felOlOod, is jllftly to be attributed. rrformeS char-
To thefe particulars I will adde one more, whereby we may ches m obfctying
Icarne what we arc to expedl and looke for it year hands.I think iioly aiyef,canjioc
tomakcknown unto thec(thus you write) what hapned about J[°™""^^ ^dJ™^
(even years paft in England. There was a Gentleman offVar- ^slldmd ."'^ Be-
TfkkJhire f byname lA.Edrvard Grefw»Id a man very religious, caufe flieedid fpue
asraanybefidcsmy fclfccantcftifie : V .r and I being bofomc them out wi.hfo
friends (or to ufe his owne common faying, our hearts being as g^^'*^ dcccftanon,
D4t;iif and /<'M4^^^»/knk together,; upon juftcauie wc both Sj^^J'ToablTo^rc
left the parilhafTemblies. He afterward by the mcanes of fome t^^^^ thanoSc
eraftic m«n, was perfwaded unto hearing againe : upon this he c.butchcs, whicU
fell into great troubic of Spirit, and could have no feeling aflu- did not the like-
ranee oi any peace with God : remaining thus a while,at length ^ ■^^)' ^«^ ^PP|y
hefcntaletterbyhisfervant unto me ( the which I have kept a c7';J°};l;';;'^fthc
long time by me) in this letter he largely acknowledgcth his of- ceremonies oi
fence, and among other pa flages writes thus : Ah you are happy fomc to rdienti^
but I by my fall am miferable and wretched, and for the {wrelcnt »^^ P*i^us. vt cow
time, I feelc my fonle to be no otherwife, than if I were in Hell, ^^^^^^ f^^^-" ^j^"^'
See. ever fined went to their aflemblies, I have o'.ferved the Z'^fXumluhitK:
Lords hand againft me. &c. Wherefore Ibefeech you by the vt^m^ invcbui'me.
mercies of God, fet a day apart for me, and feekc the Lord by dupojfc^ceifiri^u-
fafting and praying, that the water- flood overflow mcnor,&c. rum tames renitutio
what his refrclliings were after this I cannot fay, the report is, cV^ Sta'^fcft «
that to his changing he had fad and fonowftiU daycs : not with- p , ^^ ^ 5"^ ^ ' "
ftanding I am confident, that his foule is with Chrift in paradife.
As I am writing this, I thinkc of the words of the Prophet, My
flefh trembleth ibr fcare of thee, and I am afraid of thy judge-
ments. He that is wife will confider ot thcfe things : For as one
faith, proNiding before, is better than repenting afterward. It is p^^j ^^,
no marvaiie that falfe Churches, by fome arc called officinafee- ^^;_ ' An^uq^Rom.;
Icrnm, c^^4r;r»^»»4/i»^o^>/»»,fhopsofwickednefle,andrham- lib.n
blcsofthcSaintf ; for what can a tender confcicnceexpedin
frequenting them, but indeed pricks, racks and tortures? This is
your Relation and the ufd you make thereof- ^
But ifyou know not how it f&redwith this diftrefifed Gen-
tleman, thus it was : He fhut up himfelfe and hifi children in his
I houfo , and would come at no man, nor fuffcr any man to
1 ■ ""■'"". T ' come
C«38 )
corneal him, Icfthce fhould communicate With them in their
fin. Suftenance for himfclfc and his Childreji washrought unto
t-heij > aihd put in at'fome hole or windo Wj but .hee fu^ered^no
man to corrtd in to nlinifler unto them, no not when ihis chil-
dren and he himlclfc lay {kk in great mifery. When hy order his
honfewas broken open (for the Juftices oF peace in confidcrati-
on of bis cafe were conftrained thercupto ) two of his children
'were found dead in the houfcjan J one had Jyen io long unburied,
that the bpdywa^ corrupted and did. amioy the roomc. The ~
Gehtlernanhimfelfefickohhisbed, in wofull plight.His Bi-
ble he had gone thorough, and cut out the contents, titles and
every thing, but the very Text itfeltc This I have received
fromcrediblchandsjand it isa matter known through that coun-
tr ie where he lived . And if you inarke it wifeiy. , you- may fee
the originall ofhis forro w and heavineflc, was not from the hea-
ring of the Word in our afTembiies , but from your principles,
which he had too deeply drunk in, and . ut of a defire to k^cpc
■ and obicrve,made himfelfe defolatc. It is very likely he thought
" with himfelfe; that If by h faring the dodlring of grace htfe
did communicate with men in theii? Cms, much more was guilt
contracled'by civill converfings. And if you will try it in right
1 c ifon, I cannot fee how that consequence from youi' principles
- can be avoid ed.Now^be defirous to (lick to what he had learned, •
■and not to delude himfelf with vaine diftindlions, as too manypf
the feparation doe, fel firft into deepe perplexitie , and then at
iaft came unto that defperate conclufion, to fhut up himfelfe
and his children. It is one of your principles. That all humane
<ie vices whatfoever in the worQiip of God are idolatrous- : and
therefore conceiving the content&of the Chapters, and titles of
the bookes to be of men, hee cut them out. And further it is
likely he would have gone, if his thoughts had reached further in
this matter.It was your great finne to perfwade him to fqparati-
on; and it is your great finne now to impute the caufe of his -for-
ro w, diflrclTc, and anguilli, to his hearing the Word in our^fbcic- ■ -
ties, when as it was the naturall fruit of his ralh and finfull fepa-
ration, or Of thofe pofitions,^ whereupon his feparation was
builded, wherein if he was not firft inftruded, he had been built
up by you. Let falfe Churches be fhops of wickcdnefTc^ and the
flaaml-ks of thw Saints: In our -locieties tlie dodtri^^e^ of faith
and pietic is foundly and purely taught > pur advcrfarie& lading
judges : a thoufand thotifands can teftifie by experience what
ioulc^raviffeing comforts,and fwcetcgmmunioa with God may
Ol9)
be had therein. When you wrote thefc things, you hadjuft
caulctotakcfliameandforrow, that you had brought a poore
loule thus into the fnarc of your fcducements - but to; -kcQC-
caficyn tliereby to encourage others, harden your felfe in an cviH
way,and to revile and flander the heritage of the Lord, iS an ar-
gnmcnt of how great pervcrfnefle ? You are confident he is with
Chrift in paradifc, and I will not goe about to Icflen your confi-
dence therein. But if you may bee confident of him, may not
we^bc confident of the Martyrs, who dyed chcercfully for the.
teftimonie of the L6rd Jefus, being profeffed members ot o-r
focicties? Infallible knowledge of anothers falvation wc chal-
lenge not, but what you can pronounce confidently of one, w«
may with equal! or greater confidence pronounce of many, who
lafddown*; their lives for the truth of God> And therefore the
rcafondrawricfromthcpradiceof the Martyrs, profcflinga-
gainft Antichrift, who lived and dyed members of our Societies,
and are received into '/-'ory, to prove that our focieties ar*: not
AntichrifHan, idolatrous, falfe worfhip, is neither abfurd nor
chiWift^ihDwfQever you a^c pleafed to fpurnc and kick at it.Pcr-
uftyoiir cwne manner of arguing implyed here, and then /peak C » k Nfccf. of
ofyouraBfwertotheotheribenotialliandpartiall. Orparac. p. ifo^
As for the part icur:r point in hand , the authors alledgcd by '^ ^*
you, f pcake nothing to your purppfe. For men may run when
they bee not fent two wayes. Firft,. when they arc outwardly,
called, but riot inwardly qualified , as with knowledge, truth,;
holinelfejoi-carcfto doe thd duties of their place , and thefc arc
lawKill and unlawfnll Minifters both : lawfull as Miniftcrs of
Gods providence, for the punidimcnt of fome, and the good of'
others ,.unlawfull as not approved of God w their place and .
ftatiding. Secondly, whai they have no manner of cailing,nei-
ther fet apart by Ehcn in authoritic,nor received by the Church, ;
n6r qualified as they ought, and thcfe arc every way unlawful!.
Algaine falfe Prophets are of two forts. I Suchas-fpringupin
the Church, teaching corrupt or perverfe things, but cither not
difcovered^ornotconvided, ornotcaft out. Thefe the faith- _
full muft not believe, though they may not fibiilakc or call o^the
Societies wheiie fuch are tolerated. 2 . Such as teach damnable .
dodlnnes, are not let apart to offices falfe and idolatrous, and
cidiier never were in the focictie of the true Church, orbcc
lavWly convidled, and juftly aft out, and with the^c the fcutb^
full mull hdd no communion, ^' "'".,' ,;
This is that which the learned teach, as it ftathhdene fhewcd ,
^ : " ~ T 3 " but
'. !>***' it nifaUcs notbiiig at all to your purpofc. For you cah ii«-
vcr prove from Scripture , reafon or Nonconformifts princi-
ples, riiiicr tbat tVie mmiftcrie of the Church of England Is ab-
Iblutcly tallc, or that any Miniftcrs in the Church be falfe m the
itconi acceptation of the word,
1 1 is needleffe to proceed further in tht examination cf par-
c \ >4 S* ' fed ^icular Authors ,becaufc you your (cUe doe affirme as much .The
< 1 p.i X i." * C^dlj'C^^y you)are admoniflicd to examine dodrincs delivered to
them in aright way and order. And if they find any by teaching
Id .fcft. 1 1 . p.i I ^ to be a falfe Prophet, they are to depofc him, and afterwards not
to hcare him againc. Againc, it is a quedion whether the godly
in the Jewifh Church, having by hearing difcovercd the Screes
and Pharilees tobc ftrangcrSjthat is, falle Prophets, might aftcr-
Mtmf.hxMeik' "Ward heare them aeaitie. The Treatifet was onccof minde,
par aup 4 j 4. tbat they might tidtf, and gave fo me reafons for it. But howfoe-
Yerthe cafe is not eafily to be determined, confidering the ftate
of that Church and time j yet this is cleate to all men of found
judgement, that in the C hurchcs now under the Gofpell, falfe
Pro^h^ts-may iibt bclf&ffcred ; But after due and orderly convi-
elioh'f feeing fpuEndfo, and dbftinate) they are to bee rcje^ed,
and fo no outward hearing of them any moire. Whence briefly
ht thefc things be noted . Firft , that the efFe<Ss may be tigli
ahd lawfully when the inftrumcnts are , wrong and unlawful! ia
tbdfrffelves, and that a man may lawfully communicate, in the
cSh&i of fuch anions, whofe inftrumcnts are unlawfiill. For tbe
Scribes and Phariiccs were unla wfull inftruments>by your • own
T c. to his fitter cotifeffibn , but the ctkds of their minifterie , in- which the
Ame Stubs. You faithfiill migbt.and did lawfully communicate. A falfe Prophet
hAYc indeed e- notdifcovcrcd,not con\i(5ied orderly, before he Can be decmcd
Boughilm bitter- ©bftftjatc and caft forth, isanurilawfuiIinftrument,butyou will
uj . bu? has?tt^"no n<>t%> thecffcfts of his Minifterie are unlaw&U , and not to
fcp'roofcs in ilieir bc^communicated iti. I might ih ere add e,tfaat is unskillfull to
mouihs, nor ar^u- confound inftrumcHts and Working caufes, or linke them toge-
m-nts to confmc ther,asifthcre wcrcthefamercaion of both^ feeing all inftru-
'if^'ud'cmcntalld ^^^^^ are ndt Working caufes. Secondly the Minifters of the .
c«ildemnation,arc ChuTchof England„havenotdiicly and ordcrly^ bccneconvin-
likc headUffe ar- ccdof corrupt m in dbdhine, efpccially in points fundamcn-
rovrcs, oottafccn tall, or that their plattc abdftanding is unlawful! : muchlefle
*^- °^ ^bSt ftom "" ^^?y ^^ efteemed obftinate. They were never caft out by the
tS "ovtoc' fides , faithful!, and true members of the Church, but approvcd,raain-
^c. tainedan^ reverenced by thoqii AU jre%^ci Chwch^s^ all
(HO
the ^aichfi]]] in t\\e reformed Churches d«e acknowlcdg* them
the fcrvants of Jefiis Chrift, approve their fbnding, reverence
their gifts, held commuijion wich thcro, profcfle the faiH? do-
6trme which they maintaine, and praileGod for Wisbltiring up-
on their labours. ^ And now conlider with what uprightneflcand
i-ntegricie you have alleadged chcle Autiiors, agamft tlie hearing
of the word'inourEngliihAflemblies,a5if all the Mmirtersof
the Church were falfe Prophets,convi6ted,obftinate , and ouccc*
the Church,
You Otllusperemptorily,lfthcrtformed Churches do juftific
theEnghlli, therein they condemnc greatly their own practice :
tor in their coullitutioH, minirterie, wonhip and Government
tliey are as oppoficc as lighc and darknes one to the other. Cm
you find nothing to objed:, that the Sun dorh not Ihine at Noone-
day? Is it not apparanc to all the Chriltian world, tliat the re-
formed Churches dpe give unto us the right hand of fellowHiip,
and eihcm as us the t:;.e Churches of lel'usChrili 3 Inm.^nnerof
government they differ from us, and they haveabolillied fome
rites and Ceremonies, which we retaine as matters indifferent,
not as matters of holines, neceflTity, or wof(hip (this is thcprofef-
fion of our Church) but in doi^rine, worlhipand miniftery for
the fubftance thereof, there is a fwccte agreement. And the dif-
ferences, that are betwixt them and us in other matters, thty
have fo Learned to tolerate, is neither to condemns their owne
pra6iice, nor to dif church us: and the like ChrilUan moderation,
tliey receive from us backe againe. The Churches of Chrift have
not learned to cure cveiy fcratdi ot a pin, with a knife or launce;
This aK of curing they leave to you,wbo was never admitted in-
to the focicty of dilci eete Phyfitians among tiiem or us. Thirdly
conlider how unccrtaine their wayes are who walke in darknefle.
Somecimes the Scribes and Phan/ees were to be heard, becaule
they were lawfully called: Sometimes they might not be heard :
fometime it is a cafe not ealily determined: and (bmetimes in
t\\t Churches now under the New Teftamcntfalfe Prophets art;
noE to be futfered; as if thepaflagesof Scripture forbidding to
Iware falfe Propliets, muft be reftramcd to the times^f the GoU
pell. Such ftaggerings and groffe dclufions in others, would have
occafioned out-cries to raife the Countrey.
As for that which you alledgeagainft ignorant, idle, profane
Minifters, it is not to thepurpolc, for that refpef^s not the office
it ielie, but the men in the ofKcC; who may enter unlawftilly,and
T3 ~" contiRUs.
Can. NcccfT. of!
Scpar./. i«S.
)ca part 4/?. 54U
V\ c would <have
you regard,' if noc
your confcicoccs
before (>od^ yet
youi credits before
men. ,
Calv, w^i/./.4.M8
Sefi. 5 2,
Coofefl.Hclv.f.t/
Angl. C0Rf.tfrr.j4
Aug. Conf. <!/•/. 7,
Bohem. Conf. att.
t J. CiU £p.c»/.
170. e^ («/. 479.
C AN. Neceff.of
Separ.;?. 39.48.
8ic.Bi!fP7i ChtiA,
Sab jc^.^Tt. 4.
*'4ge 406,
-^ . c continue in the execution of tlieir office, when the Miniftery it
corLh ha"d the°n,as ielfc for fublhnce, and chat which is done by Minilters unla w-
al othet Churches fuUy executing their place, is not to be condetnned a$ a nulhtiel ^
now have (oc Jt is one thing to juftihe an ignorant or idle minillene^anochef to
ihould hivcj both ^^j^^ ^jg ^f jj^^t which hee doth to our edification according to
L"1nnefcdand the Ordinance of God. They are not approved of Godintheir
ad^eyncd to the miniftration, but what they doe adminilter is efiPe6luaII,and God
miniftration of aporoveth that his people,whjn they cannot remove them,lliould
th^ Loids Supper ^ ^j^^ yfg of their Mmifterie, This the Non-contbrmilb hold
Soth tnefc yet ^e ^^j-ggj^j^jg jq their owne principles, as hath been (hewed at large.
ordiined to prepare us to be fit guefts for chat Table. BiQiopItvelhis Sermon onlojh. 6. i,i,j.
Th^"? care muft fhcw it felfc ia removing blinde W3tch-men,which have no knowledge^who are
but uumb'- dpeges, that cannot batk^ &c. Nonrefidence and abfence from their cure is a fault
that wculJ be amended. CAN. ^kczff. of Scp^i.page 44. 4f- Admonit. i. page 1 y. 16.
Sold Barw. in the Ihep-heards of the Lords flockc Though they be never To able to inftruft,
and therefore vvorthy to liave roomes in the C hutch, yet if they have notadefuctodocgood,
&c. CAN. NcccU". of S"ep3r. ^age %\6. Another fault no Icfle hurt^ull to the Chuich of
God ij the fufterin'^ of pluraluies, when one takcth the profit of two c; more Benefices, &c.
Parfons, Vicars, Stipendaries, Pariih Priefts, Chapleinesare
but various Titles giventothe fame kindeof Muiilhric in divers
perlbns, which is JEvangelicall, inrtituted of Chrilt, and to be ex-
ercifed and maintained in the Church.^ untilltbe commingof
Chrill to judgment. You affirm with great confidence, that the
Non-conforraiils condemn both their names and offices as whol-
ly from that Roman Antichrift. Thcfc be your words. If you,
TvtU know (^ fay the Nonconformijls) whence ail thefe came, rr-ee
can efijilj anjwer yotty thirst thty came from the To^e, as out of the '
Trojan horfes helty^tothe deflruHion of Gods kingdom e^ It is. cet-
taine that their name and office it wholly from that Rom atf.ny^n^
tichrift, never infiitHtid either by {'hrifi or hu <iy4fo(iles. For the
Chpfrch ofGodnever k»eTP them^neitbcr doth any reformed (;hurch
in the world know them* Thefe are clmdes without raine, trees
without fruit, fainted Sepulchers full of dead bones, fatted in all
abundance of iniquity , fuch as feekf net the Lord Icftts, hut
their owne bellies. Againe touching their Parfons, Vicars, Stipen-
daries Chapleines, Sic. we have proved from their writings , that
thefe names andoffces came wholly from theDivelland^nti"
chrift : and therefore his pleading for "Baal is altogether here
unttfefull, as to fay. All is one kjnde of O^linifierie, and in this
reffeU thej are Parfons ^ and in that refpeSl Vicars, Sec. ForM
mnch
C»40
much may a Papi(i fay, of their Parfens^ Vicars, See* and at irrte VVc ftrivenot with-
too. If therefore he wculd have jufiified thefe men, he {honUfirfi X®" ^°»^ "=*«"« ^'^
have mamfefled that his Brethrcnhavenotorioufly ftandredtheir tYirfublbncc^oT^
Tnimfierj, and fo have qtnte taken array their reafom betttr, by ihc Office nnd Mi-
ftjevemg better, (^c But we have learned to tiy before we triilt.To niliciy. i^onemn
conrend about the bare names and Tides o' P.rfon^is vain and tri' inmti.mibm, fcdm
volous ;. bur it we Ipcake of their office-and minifkry as k is exer- ^'^^^i^^^ P^^? noflra
ciied by t he gpdiy, learned and pauiefuU Miniliers m chfe Cliurdi lxt%''rcgo,hi''sTkZ
of Bnojard, for the luMlantc thereof, itisinfii utedof Chrift, Itgtti inOrat.tjuam
acknowledged by all true Churches in the world, ever fince the fubuit coram i^o.
firil phnta.ion of riie Chriltian Church, knownc by all rei-brmed ^P'fiop'^h in concit.
Churches, at this day blcffedof God abundantly, and fomaintai- •^X*'^' g^'S
red by the Non-conformifts. AgainlUhe Name fit may bee) '!^^/^' \,^%^in
fome hare taken exception, and agamlUhe pride, idlenelVe, co- vi-tbo^ quodnondi-
vetoufnefle, c^c, ot' fome much luth bin written, but that the of- itm in fenfu. Ambr.
Hce it fclfc oi Parian or Vicar, as they preach the GoFpell of le- "'"• "^ '^'*[' ^^^- *•
Jus ClirrlK or adminiller the Sacraments accordme to the Iiilii- \Z^^^¥t,--^i^ •
lUt'On, and watch over the tiock ot Chriitcommittedto then* Paftoiof the
ch-irge, thit this ofhte Ci fay) for fublknce ihould bee condem- Cliurch,hach moce
ned, as Antici rillian by the NonconformiO? , is notorioully "I'-c-elt &iiohtin
fahcj and the contrary is apparently known unto your feife. For ^f ^P*;*^ of hisoffice
, ri i Ml / J ^i I i.- I • • c-r for :,s much as
many or them have publiiieJy maintained the truth ot their mint- he hath-' ordina-
fhry in writing, others have pubhkelyprofe (Ted, thtyacknow- ly calling of God
iedge the Church and niinilltry to-bee true and of God, and di- and fundlion sp-
verle have exercifedthetuni^^ions, of Vicars awdParfons in air pointed in Sciip-
Aflembhcs. And whether it be probable that foimany feekm^ for '""■'? f "^J:' ^' "'
retormation wouidpubliKelycondemnethatoiiicf, as altogether i.pjo. 21.
An:ichrifi:ian,whicli they exercifed tn the Church, let your Con* It is obfcivcd by
fcience jndgf» In that which yniiaJledge out ot theadmonicion the Learned that
ig Popery
in their name^ are thele j wee Ihould be too long to tell your ^kptolkpand
honours of Cathed. C(iurclies,the Dens aforefaid of all lovtering F"-"^*"^ ^'^ pointj :&
1 Jhbcis, where, U.'Dsane^U Vtce-T>cayie,U. C^mns or Preben- ^hare'hc'fe'nfe ^
daries the greater, Mr. Pettie Canons, or Canons the lefler, Mr. thrLcamcdTnJ
(fna»celloMr of the Church,M. Trcajurtr otherwife called ludas Ancunt Fatheis i
the Purlebearer, the chiefe C/'/t^wr^r, Singing men, fpeciallfa- Asthe Papifts
vourers ot Religion, Squealing Chorilicrs, Organ- Players^ Gof- '^^^l* ^"^ ^'^^ ^^"
pelIers,Pillelers^Penfioncrs, Read ers,Vergerers, (Relive in'great, '^j'hJhe^Nop.r"
idlenelfe, and have their abiding. If you would know whence confoimiils ''
7 ~" ^" all
;•> y
all thefe camS, W€ can eafilj' anfwer you, that they came from
the Pope, as cut of the Trojan horlcs belly, to the dct]ru6lion <^
Ge<}i> king?iome. TheGburch of God nevw knew them, neither
doth any reformed Church in the world, know tiicHi . And birds
of the lame feather arc covetous PatroiiK of Benefices, Parfdns,
Vicars, Readers, Parish Priefts, Stipendanes, and ridmg Chap-
lcins,that undet the awchoritie of their Matters, (poile their flock,
of the foodc of their (oules : fuch feeke not tlie Lord lefus, but
then owne bellies, clouds they arc without faine, trees without
i'ruit, painted Sepulchersfullof dead bones, fatted in all aboun- i
dance of iniquitie, and leanc Locufts in all feeling, knowledge,
Hier.t'^Symlt.Ruf- and fmcerity, Cari a.iy Legerdemaint De more palpable, than to
fin. Ferverji homines jpply thefe words to the oflice of Parfons, and Vicars, and their
ad ajfenjfiteei deg- j^jj^jftgrie, who painefully , diligently aad profitsd^ly, fpend and
'^mms'^llmim bave Ipent theif time and ftrength, in the fervice of the Lord Ic-
'^rr^interfet'ue' fus ChrilU and of his Church r If you willfo groflely miftakc^
runt eA,quteiUi nan- ©r pervert their writings, how (hall wee belceve you upen your
quamfcripfernnf' ^ord , when you report tlut this or that you Iwve heard or
'^^mftdiM^^ cri' That a man from thofe principles may infer a lawtull feparati-
mne ab unodifct on from all fpirituall communion, in ihd ninifterie cf our Eng-
tmnes. \i^ Churches, you think e^ery one (if lie underftand what a prin-
C A N . Neeeff. of • j^ -^^ ^jj j freely grant. And for my part 1 1 liinke, every man
4t»ar./.48. 4^. • ^^^^ underftands what the Non-conformifts principles are, or
what a true conelufion rightly deduced from found or true princi-
ples if, will freely grant, that your feparation from the miniftcr y
of the Church of England in the Ordmances,of wor(hip,is ralh,
groundleffe, and inflill, contrary to right reafon, the Non con-
formifls principles, and the holy Scriptures, And io I commend
^, the worth or weakneffe of what I have written to your confide-
ration, intreating if you can, to bring gentU words and weight
of matter,a$beftbcfceincthagoodcaufe.
CAf.
(I)
:,M. A p...
II
HatOod m'jft be worlhipped a^-'^'-^.'dir.g to hk 2i//oM chrid.ful-
ownc wil'. and commandcment, -,nd that no- {j'^j/onef'^Gods
thing inuftgoc under the name of wOrfhip, ^^,^ to^ppoinr*
which hc.hath not commanded, or inftituted how he will be fct-
in his Word, is a truth confcfled and main- ved.
taiaed by the Church of SngUr^d^ Confer- '^ermUepttfirip:
UHftsindNon-coiiformifts. So that it is auogcthernecdJerTc tijZb^Uic'ef^Te
to (mtA many woids nnd q jote many Authors to prove that j^ofire arhitrio in^
whwhiscommbnlyreccivcd,. if it bcnotav7rong tomenti- dulgm, fed neK
on that as a principle of the Non-conformifts, which is the ?%«;< quod at^
doarinc of the Church, with oncconfcnt profefTcdxjf all the ZltTTot'
members of the focietic: Elfe where you^ write ( biityo-.r /,, li.miyaiLi
(pcech is over-lavifh as moft commonly it is ) that all forts mus jimborer, ^pti
Atifi fc£ts of Writers acknowledg this for a truth,that to wor- nee ipfi^uidquSde
flUDGod in any other way or^manner, than he hath in his /"o firhitm quid
Wordprefcribid, is unWuU : And therefore this paines ^tyd'aJ^'pfu'n. •
here taken might well have been fparcd *, but the plenty here- i Qh^ift^^ ^c,
in may (erve to hide your poverty in that which is to bepro- can (ity. feci A'*
ygj Cafi.Ne&/.ofSe-
Your Reafon to prove thctieceflitic of reparation front the ^^^''^'/^'^.\/'''^^'
Non-conformifts Principles, is thus laid downe. Jv
1^ The Lord in Scriptnrc hath laid it as afiraight charge ttfon all Sett, i .
thefaithftiH, ufeparate themfelves from Idolaters, and to be a-; Can-NecefofSe-
willhe to them a< ma) be, Jpeciall) ^» their religious objervatiors ^^'^'^/''f 7"*^* '
<md ceremonies, Thefecend Commandement proves this cfe^n- ^ *' '
ally, for there is abfolntely forbidden alltarticifationiu any feig-
ned fervice, whether it be to the true Godor any other. TVfjen Jc-
T^hoTim had fet HP a falfe-ivorfhipy We rcadc, that the good Pro- H6feM. 14,1^
J r J J •' f • , Amos 5 r, .
A«
phets
CO
phets of that time 4ni after, called the godly Ifroelites Awajfiim
itf an^bid hi^m in p/^»>v ter*ri': t>ot tojojne (herewith, out oh the
cotttrarf ^- kee^e gods ConimAndfnfents, And flat utes tiffointed
for hisferviccy mthoui adding anj thing to them, or taking "^i^y
thin^ from them, ^nd this they mufl doe, although the King km
tot^rmed hly new Religion, hj a^ of ■Parliament, or CoHncell,wt4
therefore no donh rvoHld^erfecnte moji grievouHj all the refit's
theretfy o c, . * .
u r ^ "^ ius you goe en in fourc leaves or thereabouts to confirme
tbid ptfgl^V to yo"^ propofition, and yet it may be qucftioned, whether you
91. ' doe confirme or explaine every particular contcined therein*
For if itbc dfr ndcd what It io io be as unlike to idolaters as
much as may bt.,and how that is proved to be necefliry, either
by the commandcaien: of GodjOr praf^ictf of the godly 3K?ich-
out fome fit or due limitadon, which is not added, I fti|i^p(c
you wil) be to feeke^maoh lefle can it becondiided cAitwlHs
dircourre,.ButletusheaFeyourAfiumption. C M -«] ^w^
Can. Nteef. />.' $• -S^r the ivorjhip of the EngUJh- ChfH'chSerk>ic^$vt4!^-h^}ia
h'tii p<tg. 9 >• warrant by gods word, but It U a devifed^ falfe, and idolatrous
^orjhip, Jf we take a (hiSt view of that mlnifterjy Veorjbif, ntftd
government i Which they left at Ban and Sethei^ itwillaffe^e
evidently,tlMtthe fame was not more falfe, idolatrous and Hnlki9'^
id. ptt^'^l* fi*^^' ^^'*" ^^^ prefint minifiery, worfiip and government fffl^ht
Snglijh Ajfembljrt , is by the Non.conformifls affirmed toht,
^ttdbecanfe none miy thinke,that Jjpeake more than canbiffht^
ved, 1 will therefore here lay dowrte an apolagie or pretext^ »jW(i&
'■ttlhfutt* lib, !• ^^ idolatrous Ifraelite might frame in the defence of the Kings
.84£.80f * Religion^ taken out of their oWne Writings : iA^id if D'^hmi^
phrafe be tolerable^ I will pawne my head, that there is mever-a.
Nonconformifi this day in the world{let him keep to their grounds)
V'ourfetftonform, that is able to give more pretty reafons, andcolourable Jhewet^ t<y
/4g, 1^1, juftifie the Religion of the (^hurch of England.
Anfwer. T^^^ all woriliip, which hath not warrant from God9 word,
^ i& unlawfull; that all devifed, falfe, and idolatrous woifhip is
to fay , Every God ^° ^ abhorred,is confeQed and profel5:d by Conformifts and
was to be honou- Nonconformitts. It is a conftant received pofition. That no-
ted a$ he himfclfc .rang oughttg be tolerated in the Church as neceflary unto
had given in com- f ilvation, or as an anicle of feitli, except it be exprefly con>-
^u fi.^ deacon f.E- '^^"^^ i" ^^^ ^ord of God,or manifeftly to be gathered there-
'uan'g.lib.i.capAi, from : and that all ceremonies are to be rejcfted, wherein
JWbcceforc as Mi- jHerc is placed opinion of merit, worfhip, or neceflitie to (al-
vation.
CO
vation* But that the worfhip tcndrrd to God in the Englifii thah and Urcboam
Gongregation*;, isdcviffd, {A% iuolauous, that^.x Non- 8'^»'Jvoufly ofi«n»
confornrtftg never faid^nor thought jand wholoever (hall ra(h- brinps ^'l'^ 0*^7
lyafSmieit, he IhaJir.ever be able to mal-eproofe thereof, by f/rv^ifc any thinJ
the word of God. If any rite prefer ibed in the book of Com- of his own device
mon- prayer be worft]ip,in the ufe thereof, the woi d being ta- *"^ Cnneth dcad'y.*
ken in a large fignification, that is not fo in the intention and ?"' ^"J'^**'^'^*'^''
profeffion of tli'e Church, nor apprehended to be fo inthem Tre' mcn?dclic7/
that? conforn>e unto it| neither doth it defile the \v0rfhip04" whereby they flar-
Godj to them that joy ne in the ordinances of grace, notwith- ^^ f themfelves in
ftanding the corruption which in their judgement is annexed H^^-^fing Godrther-
to it, andpra^^ifed by fomc. For notwithftanumg fuch cor- ^b":,hh^ltdfair°
X\Jption, or abnfc^ the worftiip it fel.e is that which God hath :^->l\n^"ltaT^iali
|3re(cribcd, approved, blcfled to. them that feck" his face a- r^cface to the real
right, andfci"vehim iinfcignedly ; whereat he rcquireth cur '^^^•^«Varm.lib.i.
prefence,aiid wherein he hath promifcd to fup with us, and i'^^"^'^,. ^-^-^on
lV«Wlthhim r .. n y. a: u n.. r '»^/'^"'^'^«'^'»^
That the Non-conformift« fhould amrme the WOrihip of fide i,vifi ant imme'
God, or minilkry in theEngliftj AOemblies, to bcasfaife, f'«^^ covtineatur
idolatrous, andunlawfull, aswastheworfhipof7fro^<>/iwat ^'^•verloT^n^aut
^an sind'Bethfl, is a moft lewd and injpudent (lander 5 which c*X'/m^'c/r'
the (wornc (havelings of Antichrift, whofe profelTion is to lye ouen/i/^ducarvr»
and flandcr for the catholiquc caufe, would bhlfh to vent. ParkdepoLEcclJ^
You know it is contrary to their judgement, practice, profcf^ ^-f'-'i^Stparahant
fion, and proteftations many times renewed. Whether the f^f^^'^^^f^^etU^
phrafe be tolerable or no, if you will be piodigall to pawne l!cbant!i chroAx
your head in this cafe, take heed left you loofc it, not in Gods 1 4 .Atqvi bacfei
caujfe, but in your owne. And ifyou fbalH3e defpcratc herein, paratio ab ifrHcli-.
your forwardnefle will move no wife man ; for Pvclieion is to ^'^ fi^olatris (rat,
bcIearnedfromthetruthofGod, and not from the high ad- ^^llffrMj^^^:
ventures of incor.fiderate men. The Non-conformifts can beamful/amm^
crovclhe Religion and worfhip of the Church oi England liter fuftulermt.
to be of God, not by petty realbns and colourable fhewe'^ >^"^- dsuvir.ecol.
( which they leave to them that maintaine a bad caufe) but by J^'^jfAj^^ ^f^ ^°'
pregnant evidence from the word of truthjnot by fimilitudes, ^'^ theirChurdT
allegories, and forced interpretations of Scripture fasyoc not in rumors, njid
difpute againft itj but by plaine texts of Scripture, and found fpccchcsof the men
reafon deduced therefrom, againil which the gates of hell o( Africa, nor in
« ,. ., . ' D ^ thecoucclsofthcir
rball never prevaile. Bi^^p,^ „^^ .„ ^^^
difcourfesof any writer whatfoeyer, nor in the fignes and miraclei that may be forced j but in
the prcfcript of the Law, in the predidions of the Prophets, in the vcrfci pf the Pfalmcs^n the
TrttycesofthcShepheaidhimfelfe, &C« Aaa The.
(4.)
k//" /t -a r T^'f Author of that Booke intituled, ThecdurfeGfCenfor*
PtXnllp'i^f. »«f*^ft--^weththatthcIfraclitcsmightinfC.icraupr«stei,d/or
jhU is Ihc dmh't'ff rohoams c&Ucsth^ fame excufes that wrrc made in defsoce
betwixt us , whc- of fome Corruptions thruft upon the Churcn of Scotland^ but
ther wc fhould c6- ^hg corruptions he doth rot make to be like, nor the pretcn-*
S meanlras he ^""^ ^^ ^^ of cqu.tU validitic, nor the ftatc of the Church where
hath dcvifed for uf l^ch rorruptions ar^ toUerated, to be the fame with the ftate
and comended un* jf the IfraeUf-s wi'O worfliippcd the Calves- Abufes that a-
to us jthereby daily gree in the general! nature of abuft may be coloured, with the
to renew theme- lame oretcnces, when heybenotof the fame weight, quali-;
dcm'tron^'^rdfc tie, Or degree /the one may be fmall, the other hainous. Thq
iiiv^? others of our fame diftmftion may be brought to countenance the vileft her
own heads, fit per- refie, and a petty cvr>nr, if ^ may fo fpeake. Herefie and Ido?
haps to provoke us Jatry ai e both taJK''tivc,and who doubts but corrupt wits can
h°umal!e' afFcaio"n ^^^ "^"^^ '" "^^^^"^ ' ^^ ^^'^ ' ^^^^ ^^ ^^^"" Conclude, that
but not fit to in- errour -^r herefie :^re both one ; every abufe is gro;leidoIatryc
ilrua oitrfaith,&c. The Author, you quote, was not fo unadviftd : His drift was
He knowing that onely to fhcw thevanitic of fuch excufes, and nottonUtch
images though they the things pleaded f®r with Jeroboams Idolatry, as hath been
!ej« with fome dt ^^^^'^ ^^^^- ^"^ ^^^ "^ ^^^ whether you can alledge any co-
iight, yet° might lo«rablc ftiew, or petty reafon> to prove our worfhip to b^
they fnarethc fouls falfe and idolatrous.
of many fimple & The rvhoU forme of the Church-fervlce it yorrrtved irofr the
filly pcrfons , and pafisis,f eked and patched together without reafon or order of edim
fecVof found 4ith fi^^^^^" '' ^"^ ^°^ °^^^^ " the forme of it, taken from the Chnrch of
beholding & ado- <!y^»tichrifl , bHtfurely the matter alfo : For none can deny hut
.ring him in fpirit it ^as called and pick^ out of that popijh dunghilly the fortius and
& truth, before all vile CPi^aj[e-booke,fuU of all abhominations , From three Romijh
aid llS^ri^that ^^'^'''''^^' ^f^'J^ '^''^ '^ ^'"'^'^ together, namely, the 'Breviarie,out:
mas wit could fur- ^f^^^^^ ^^^ common prayers are taken .^out of the Rituall or hooke
. niih to win the eye . cfRitef, the a^/miftration of the Sacraments, Bur tall, Matri"
Ca ru Htcef. of St- ntonj , yifitation ofthefickjire taken ; and out of the Afajfe-bfioke,
and
vflellof
_ ... _ . - , Imifkes
blafphcmousMaff. ^^ them Jay, Surely the Homijh is the true and riyht keligion^
book.^yigS.That 8lfe the Hereticjues in England rvould never have received f^
whichwM take out much of it. For fome have avoiuhedit to my face {faith the Au~
bookeV&c. ^o5. ^^°^ "f^^^ Curtaine of Church^power ) that the fervice there if
^4»».r.C« rtpl.i -fagi.tio.Ahrtdi.pMg.AdrH.up.^, ^ t.Adw.p.4 i-f'tU of Baby k%g, Alt Of
*i/amaj(. pag, €t%,6tj. Sy em plea. ^9, Perth Ajfemb. 6^,Syons pU!i.%o,pag,^Q,m*^^
nothing
CO
fli*Mrtg to the Mdjfe in tJ^a Englijh 5 others tl: it n ^4ms mthing^
bm ^he Pof'T cmfecratiort, Thefe things thus retaittc ■*, k .asdl--
fo rhoHght th^t fofijh Kings andPnnces wonld vc the Ujfe off'en^
dedy rthtUmarvcJe, feeing the Jefuitcs ihemfelves are fo xvell
-^leAfedroiththe ceremonies and fervice, that I heard ong of them
( God is mj ^itnejfe herein) make it ^is hope, that the maintertance
of them againfi the Puritans , Tvotildntak^ £»gUnd the fooner re-
tttrneto Rome in the refi, 0\€ine eyes anc cares ( faith Bilbop K^vAiiufee,^
Hatt ) can witnefe ^ith what approoff ana tppLanfe diver ^Ik
tatholique royaH ( oi they are termed \ entertained tw nen tr ^«-
fUted LitHrgies of our church, whic, is the l/ffe wonder, feeihg
Pope Pius thefoHTth fending Viccntio ^an^tcd^^Abbot of Saint Cimhd, A4. rt^»j
Saviours to ^fteene Elizabeth, cjfered to confirm^ the Englijh -.
Liturgie by his Authoritie, ifjhc,: v' 1 ''i j'-;ld to him in feme o~
ther' things. Indeed it pteafed them fyrteL. that for the frsi ele. FrefhfuitJ,t icz.
'venyeares of S^ene Elizabeth, Papiiis came to the EngUft
(^hnrchandfervicey Mthe LordKjiOOYAjhiVfetk. ^ liters of them t. Cooke de Jure
dffrme the fame, namely, their Chursh-fervicepleafethmarvei^ Rjegi:Eccle/^.i^.
lofts vfell the Romijb Bedfi, and his ungodly followers, iVitneffe Syons(Ua*^o^i^.
the Pacification of the DevonJhire-PMi^s in the time of King
Edward theftxth^ when at thsy underflood it was no other but the
very Majfe-booke put into Snglijh, JVitneJfe alfo the ajfertion of
2)' Carrier, a dangerous ftducing Tapiji ; The common-prajcr^
P^ki ( Taith he) and the ^atecbifme conteinedin it, hold no point
pfdo^rineexprejly contrary to Antiquitie{ that is, as he explai- conffder pgfl *<
neth hlmfelfe ) the Romifh^fervice, onely hath not enough in it : (ict»i, ^,
tAndfor the doflrine ofpredefiination. Sacraments, grace ^ free"
Willi andfn, &c. The new (fatechifmes and Sermons of the Pu» ■^
ritan-preachersy run wholly again fl the common-prayer^ and Ca-^
techifme therein ceitteinedy ^c. And thereupon he comforteth j^fotiv, t'tefiut f*
himfelfe upon the hope ofthefupply of the refi.To this efe^i^eak:. theAnfWs ■
eth Briftow ^»<^ Harding. If thefe things be right, why not the
rej} ? It Jhall not be amijfe to marke one occurrence in ^ueey^e E-
lizabeths time , who being interdicted by the Topes BuU^ Store-
"Mr/ Walfingham tryed atricke of State-policy, to reverfe the
fur^r. He eaufed two of the Popes intelligencers, at the Topei
appointment, to be brought ( as it ^t^ e ) in fecret into England, to
yX'hom he appointed a guide{being a State Intelligencer)who pjould
pjew them in Canterbury and London fervice folemnly fung and
faid, with all their pomp and procejpon, JVhich order the pofifh
InteUlgeucers feeing^ and fo much admiring^ they wondrsa that
A a 3 their
f-nCwcr,
^ohit/oH , Aittf-
Gr^cnewof"ff Sec,
pitrat,pag. 114,
fd. /tfg^, 1x5.
Ckffehih rpealring
of Imager brought
into the Church,
Takh, Wfc might
i«ftTy condemn the
whole faithleflf ,5c
Ipnd invetition.-
*or it wa!» but a
Will - worftiip , a
naughtie fefvicc ,
having no ground
of the Word of
God, and onely
i^ring of errour.
Cd// Preface to the
Reader teftificth.
Bilfonchrifi.fub-
}fif.parf,tip.i97.
That Princes may
prcfcribcwhatfaith
jhcyliftjvvhatfer-
their MAfiern>onld he fo madvif^'d, aj to mt&dtQ a-^riitet sr
Stste^ ^hiijfifervice and ceremonies p> fjmholiiMlypfth his tf^ng ;
Sprem-nirtg to the Pcpe^ they p.cveed him his 9ve*fght, Affmfn^
thn theyffi^ neferviee, ceremonies, or C^nych-orders in Eng-
land, bnt they might have very yeell beene performed in Rome .-
Tvhereupon the ShU was frefently called in.
That which you alledge againft the Englifh-Service.booke
b particular, youi-.tendagainftallftt-formcsofiirayer, or
iHp^.r Litcrgies whatfoever : For the ufc pf them is afelfc
d^vifcij idoktrous, antirliriftian worfh^p in your account
Thus you know your Brethren of the Separation have difal-.
lowccf all fet and rtinted formes, as humane inventions, for-
bidden in th^fecond Cpmnwndement,Imagee,WiU-worfhip,
fdol-prayers, Falfc worfii^p^Lip-labourj&c And you your
fe!fe infift upon this principle of the Nonconformifts, asth«
caiift of Separation from the Church of Ehglanr^, that ail
formes of worfhip not prefcrJbed of God, are will-worfliip j
which if it mafceth againft one, holdcth a^a.inft all prefcribed
Liturgfe. Ag^iine, you confcfle that every Church *s npt to
be for^ken or left, vyhich hath fomethingin it, by partici-
pation, idolatrous r And therefore our Service i$ notdevifcd
wor{hip> becaufc it is taken out of the MTaflc-book^, as you
allcdge;bnt fimply, because it is dcyiftd; whenc^oevcr ;t
had its originall, if it be deyifed wovfhip. Firft therefore Wfc
muftconfidcrthe matter in generall, and then try whatisal-
ledged againft our booke of Common-prayer.
^ Theft words, ^<'^'w<*J''/^cr7^'/', may be taken two wayev
Firft, to note the fubftanti. ill parts, Ormcanes of wormip*
aindinthisfenfe itismoftcme. That ajl fornics of worftip
notprefcribcd 6f God, are unlawfoJl and falfe worfljip, be-
Caufe deviftd by men.
Secondly , To note a bare order , mcthode, or phraft,
wherein divine Service is performed : And in this ftnfc, the
Nonconformifts never (aid. That all formes of worfliip not .
prefcribed are falfc, or devifed worlhip. For they know, that
no forme is determined and prefcribed of God precifely in
aUjJ-artsofhisworfhip, and where none is fct apart by his
Majeftie, it is a breach of his Commandement, and devifed
Worfhip, to place an opinion of wor/hip in the fimple order
or phrafcof fpeech ufcd in prayer; oradminlllrationofholy
things..
The.
C7)
TheNonconformiftsconderane not aLiturgS or fainted vkc of God ihc»r
forme of prayer, but defirc that all things thereui might be pl"f^w^« form«
ordered as doth tend moft to edification. Whatfoever excep- l\ ^hc Saaamcms
tions they have taken againft our Booke of Common-prayer, they thmke bcft,
thev never dilliked die ij'e ^f it, fo far asthw^y indgcd it found is no ^wt of qm
and good. They doe not coridemne it vvliolly , but fifide fault thought , or point
with it, as in feme points d ifegreeing with the word of God. yet°"^that Pdnccs
What hath beene their (eeking from time :o lime ? a raring of may by their lawcs
the Communion Booke ! No ; but a purging and fiiiog oiitj prcuribe the right
after the patterneoi'tbatcare, whir! former exampleB lee us. f«thto bee prca-
The BooKc of Cammon-prayier, they conden^ne not as a wic- ^^^^»^^^"f ^' y'"
kid and ungodly Booke, much l^ff^: the Service as falfeL devi- ^t" nd JrJth a fr?'
(y^, and Idolatrous ^ i)ut they hi^ft and doc ufe the booKe,and ufedj Sec*
pi;ofeffe their readinefle ib to doe^ . ji, Uy they de^ co bv«K- T. c. repf.i ./tff .8,
cufedinfomethitigs, which they juclgp to be amiflfe* I^arli,oftheCroJfu
InthcadmQmdipnprifen^ed ;:o the Padiaipeiit Ai|. rjjra. ^^ '•/***• ^**^*
sfj^s tWy prcrfdfe. We have at *41 times born wit^,tUa£ which A,ivJanf t$ [ate
we have coiid .not amend in this Booke, and have u&dtfit: poftjhArtU.f^Ti^
lime in c ur Minij^ry fo farre forth as we toight, reverencing
tho(e cimes^and thole perionp^ in which^and by whom^t was
inlAPthpri&d. ■ , ; :'i
Thou^ thcfd^ they Writjc, that it was tvifeen out iaf that Admonlr.x^pdg.^
PopilhdunghUljtHepoFtiufij^and vile Malfe-boofce, tbftthe t^arl^^of the Crtjfe,
Papifts iiicife no little advantage out of our Communion- f^'^'J-f^jyefl"*^.
Bookc, which thcyterroe anEn^liflitranflatiionoutoftht ^*'^*'^^*
Mafle-baoilcc, and out of the difficulty, ^vhereby it came in, Parfon: $f the j:
many Proteftants themfelves, adjudging that ^hc ftabic of po- confer Jienf ofEnl
pi(h fuperftitiop w« not throughly purged out of it ; that g'<»^.ptfc.».
Brlflerv drays the likenefle of our Servicc-booke to. the coun- ^rifi. mttiv. J4.
tcnancing oftiieir Mafle-hooke ; And the Rhemiits the abfo- A*rw« in Uhn i9l
loHion of the (icke prefcribed in our Communion-bookisjto ^''^' ^'
an approbation of their abfolution. Auricular confeflx^^
and Sacr^unent of pennance : Howlbeiver tliey difallair the
(ervice, as it is praftiled in vifitations,and injoyned in the late
Canons, wliich deniethlibertie not oaely to omit a ceremo-
ny , but alio to addcjalceoor omitany pne word of thcnrhpie Park-oftbe^rojft;
Liturgie, when we affirmc the words of the Lofds praycr> a^ par,i.ea.^./ect,ii,
the forme ii. Baptifme and the Suppei; may be altered, with- ^*
put fault. Tho^igh in^hefe^hhig^theiy take exception iigainft
the Booke, and the mannerof urging it, yet they never di(^
liked the ofe of ic alcogethg:^ much Icflic condemned it as a
fallc.
(8-)
laK^ dcviftd, and jdolatrou? worfbip. Their profeflfion aiKi
nraftice from time to time, h^^h before and fince the Contro-
verfics ^jre moved aoout the BooRc, fpealcc plainly in this
C4H. N«ce(v ofse- ** matter. Judge then your felfe, whether if be not a notori-
^at. fig^ X » J. ' -' ous raluniny in you to write, That our ftinved (ervice, de-
<* vifed by the iiiftiop, and tranflated from the MaHe, is affir-
'' mcd by our ownc Writers, to be a falfe and forged worftiip,
^' and that it is even lo, I appcale to many of your confcien-
'^ ccp : Foi- why doe you loath to ule the {anic in your Fami-
" lies, but becaufe you I w it is not^hc incenfc made by fire
^'fron* the Altar of the Lord. Is it a fmaU thing thus t6
fiandei- and reproach the fervants of Ghrift; contrai^ to ihjAt
VJiitAngs, profeffions, »!"< »n afticeSj and ypur owne Confoi-
cnce ? And what a valne iUi'mife is this, that becaufe they foi*
beareto ufe it in their houfis, therefore in tonfcience they
know ii to be ftrange IncenfJe i As^^if many th'ihgs might not
be forborn^^ which in themi^v^s are lawfiill ^ Iti reading the
Scriptures a Chriftian may u(fe one tranflatlonV when he doth
not ccndemne others as abhomination. I may preuimr, in
* ^rivateyou mafce not u(c of the Lords prayer, and fo offomc
others ; and yet you would not^that another jSiouId fit in your
konfciertce and judge, that you know it is' not the incienle
niadc by fire from the Altar bfkhitLbid fQr if you be foprp?-
^mptuous, fobej jn^ well advifcd- men will^dnjit no&ci
J ' conclufbns.BtithtreyoumuftriBn^attbei igaihc,iiiatnom^
thode/orderj-or phrale bf jfpceeh itip^yer ', left undeternip.
' BcdofGod^cahtriiely be called or eftcemcd the inccnfe made
.:. V • \.'i.ut!^\ .|jy gj.^ : pj-ayfcr it felfe, and' ni6ttlie^hra(c of fpeech, whethier
dc\d(ed by another or by bur ftlveS,Kre(embled thereby.
But the whole-forme : ( y^ii (ay ^ of the Englifli-Church-
iervicc- Books is borrowed but of the Mafle^Book.picked and
culled out of thie 'Dunghiil'i^as the Nonconformifts write.
*Jou addcj-Th^ not onely tht forme, butthe matter alfc was
saken ous: of the Mafle-Booke. :
It is true,th« NonctMiformifts fay, it was in great part picfc^
«d and culled out of the Mafle-booke ^ but it fblloweth not
thence, that either iti^; or was effeemtd by them a deviftd or
falfe worftup j for many thirTgs c?Oiit.eincd in the Miaflc-book«
it fclfe^are good and h<^y« 'A^ Pearlfemay befbund upon a
. Dunghill ; we cannot more credit the man of finne, than to
fay, thatevery thing iiuhe Mafle-booke is-devilifti and Afl^
V .. . \ chriPianJi
chriftian. For then it fliould be Antichriftian to pray »mto
God, in the mediation of Jeliis Ghril}„ to read the Scripturep,
to profeflc many fundamental! divine t uths necc(rary1;o Czh : • ^V' *''^
vation : if any have mifliked the Booke, becaufe it hath too ' "'^ ' ^ ;,
much likelihood lo the Maflc-booke 5 that hath not beene the T -^
SudjgemcqtoftheNonconformifts alone, others have iaida^ 1
written as much, who never yet condcaincd the tJte of the '
Bopke, or all things therein cpnteined. Popery is a icab or ' "
leprofie which deaveth unto the Church: It itandcth nioirly,
inerroneous,faultie,groflcandab'i^minable (uperftruftions . , .
upon the true foundation^ whercoy.thcy poylbn or over- sMi/v : L'^.v
throw the foundation it felfe. But take away the fuperftrufti- ' ' ' '
onB, and the foundation remainf'ch : remove the leprofie, aud
the man is found. Many rupernaw'A.vU divine truths of God
are mixed in the Popiih Synagogue ; as pure gold with mucb
droflc or earth, which the refiner is to purge and feparate,
but not to cafl away; Our (erviee was picked and culled out
of the MaHe-booke, you lay $ and fo it niighci and yet be free
from ai!^ult and tioclure, iromallthew and appearance of
cvili ; though the Mafle-bookc it felfe was fraught with all
manner of abhominations. For if Antichrilt fit in the Tern-
pie of Cod> and prpfefle himftlfe the fervant of Jcfus Chrift,
ofneceiEtie^fomcireafures, riches and jewels of the Church
muft be gathered into his den, which bcin^ collcftcd, purged,
and refined, might ferve to adorne the chalte (poufe of Chrift.
Neither in fo doing doth the Church honour Antichrift, but
challenge her owne right, Ifftiee retaine ought that belong-
cth to Antichrift, thatisherftaineand blemilh: but the re-
covery of that, which Chrift, the King and Bridegroome of
his Church hath given, as her wealth or ornament, muft not
be imputed a fault. Chrifts Religion is not fo needie or un«
perfeft of it CeKe^ Co needy and beggarly, that it muft borrow
JBi^bringdayes of the Heathen, Altars of the Pope, or Veil'- IVillim Salithiif,
mcnts of the Jewes : But as the Church is plentifuiiy furni- 5he*Po ^^"b'^'^ ^
(hed by Chrift, and needcth fupply from none other ; fo it is ^^, ^^l^ ^""*
her part to retaine what is freely and gracicufly vouchlafed
of him.
if it be wholly taken cut of the MaflTe-booke, how comes it BUfcn.chrifi^^uh-
to have thofe things, which are fo direftly contrary to the ^v^'-^^^^'^^j^^?^*
Mafle^that both cannot polfibly ftand together. In our booke ing«f notcffcmir
of Common-prayer, we pray to God oncly in the mediation all parts of the Sa.
B b of ciamcntjbutofthe
S.fpp« theyare,oir ofiJWfiis ChTUk'»ndlnla'"kii6wneiangaa^'; Wc^pr^fcflc that
of the Lords infti- (^r\i\ hy oneobUtioii of himfclttJ once for iiil, fiatltmadt jt '
sution.ForChrifts fujj^ip^rfeftV JUid ruffiticnt fdtisfa^ion for the'finiiCT of the'
«h a^wfllThe ufe wbolo world -that Hie hath commanded a per^etrrall remcm- '
as thc^ matter or bf^nc^of his death andpffion in that his ordinance of the,:
forme that muft be SAp^F^: and that the Sacrament is to be adrainiftred in both ;•
ufed. A Supper is fefttdg ^ the Mitiift^r attd the people communiRrtdng together^^
T °d'!f t^""!?' wfe^e'thefethingdHaken oiii of theMafle-booke>The Chntcfr'
firaft o*f eating of Kom6 joy nfth the two firft Coiliniandcments in one,t>r tau'
that which is pro- k«th aWay the fecondj thcrAy to cloake their Idolatry in the
vided; And fo the vvoi'ftippirtg^oflitiagfefl': Ba^the «onfimon^ayef»bc)oke<if
Lords inftitiition ^}^Q']^itri^<of:gHpa}id^i>Wxi\iib€tn ihto twO, tHcreirtfol-
^'IJS^/J ^^^ II I^in£?{-WO©^thei'^**he*saei«Gft'extcptc<i''J^ll'Antiqilltir,
^he wG^d'an'de- afe^ fttteth do«rne the we^ds of the fecund Cdmaiandemtnr
Icments. aiUt^ The ChiJrch;of Rome teaehetH, tha^^n the-S^ra-
Bilfonxbrlfi.fub' nient of jlie Euch^riftj, thtfbody and Woud hi iihrift is recct- ,
jeif.part^.p. j $6, y^d andcatemcaunally ^ t*i?<ca* much ie^received in 6nc kitidcy
Jftino S\c iSi; a»in both'^^nd ohatincheMiflfe Chritt iao^erediop a« a prb<
giftrat«& pienJ pKiatory unblouddy SuMae^^ foi» the fmhcs* 6P«ji??c|^ and'
have part of Gods diad rButlhecommon-fJpayer-boGkeK^f the^ChUECh'of £')i^i
external] honour, /^^^JnJjheformeofadminiftiing that Sacramene, teatfhetlj^
bccaufe they pre- ^^^^ - TJ^acfpiritual^ by huhi wee* fedd ort' himftr Ovit ■
iudeine and bicf hScts^ eating a nddrJnfcingiTt>i^membwnQethfe«Chrift%€dJ
ingjfomanylma- aod'Owdhi&bJoudforusi in aieMafle the Prfeftfec^eth^"
ges have part of his loiiEyihtepeopIeilandiia^ijyjgazing on : hwt theMinifter atid*.
cxternall , though people j|re appointed with us ;t®>comfflUnica«e together •' sic-i'
Tnour Anf«Tr11 JJording to nhe iftftituiioiiicf GHlift ,. ahd prtta!ce<)f the Jjrfti
tru?y returned "ti« mitiveChwLch.: . mdmikEthQloammmmn of the; Eucbariff -
not in your hands ptopfrly- a5i»anatricnt j Theyy'a Sacr^tnenc and' a^Sacrifice-
to make allowance ppQpiJciacory: They celebrate at- an<AItar : wee at' aTablej*,
of Gods honour to aecordiiig' to the exa.mple of bur Saviour Chrift', his Apoftles^
Tgarejcod him. andtheprimitivQChurchipthepureft times. Wee pray for
feife hath made a' tlie living-; Jhe^^ for theitvjng^nd.dead.. And rfjthetebenot-
pliwne prohibition points direftly and exprefly contmry to the Rom^ne fei-vice^'-
mthis.caTe, that Ronjeis much departed from her felfe. ''^'■
Images Ibail; have *
no part of his cxternall honoiir. The words arc asd^are as day^lighr; thou Jhdlt nottol9\
dontne to then?. ' . ,
Tho\ SfflMw, Cii/cf*. i|* hiij worlces in fol. ptirit^d' ht Lordyn»./fw;ri t j^X'i f. 4*4*
Tfix i'^.QforJib.i. pff/,^?. The JJupke of Coipjnon- prayer , befpre the Comrnunioh.
C}p!r.Ep^6i^ AdCiicmm. ■ :^fi{n. Martyr, in Aptoi.J-- Iren. lib^^. cap. i^e* lit.^.cap.^r
Gminn.l^ecrtti pm^-^.di Qonfi(u^fi> a, c<ip. io^r»y.i8. j*?. Vurand^ rationak diyijt^
•oi^t.likiinCap^Sii^ "i-.. a ■ ■' ^
^lrnikrcwt«w« !n tba*- ^partfctflar 1? a iweiv jugling trick,
■fihatdib Aiighf Snfinbatc^a diafvge of Religion, might ^eri^c
ainobg:ui wiriiDUCany great-alter^tibi/ji V^hich'^MS lilidJr^gLx. tst^.s.^^trvA*
the light (hould fee' turnccl inijo &irkni& knd ncft ^6Cpi^: • If'' ' ' ' ' '
luamy points ^of Popry be 'not-coiidenvried ixpr«fly in the
jdDatjechirnitfi Jdr S«rvic6-fab6kc f which are for- the iflftruftrdn
•,«rf"thetti^lrm tlttf;p0uHcfcf of Ri^Kgioni^ atJditht;;KhiHnfflA-
"tionof the boiy things of God, and notto ftlcW'Whjitij cbti-
demned in Religion) yet fo many points arc tlv^re taught i- •^'^ .Wt«f»t. ^=« ''"^
re£tiycocrarytothefound«tionoff*Gperyjthatitisnbtpoin* ' ■ ' ' '
ble Popery iiiouldftand, Jfthey take place. And whertas An-
tichnftianifitteftandcth in ui>godfy fiip^l^u^ions^ai'd addi- . - 3,.sii a .!»it
■ *ions to the truth and woi (hip of Godj both rtiAtstcr ':^d bfc- ' Ha jsv ^'>ljji!
jcft, if the Catechifnie and Scrvice-bbcfce have not t?h<it%h .wobsf f
in them in hie feife, bf necclTitii^ they contradift the whole
bulk« of Popery, which conlifteth in abhominablefuptrflui.T """^^
JUe?5oriTnpiousnivemionsof thteiridw'rifd* V i'^fcuiiu .^, ^^
Jtif9morcpi'<>p6rto£ay,theMafle wafeAdrfedtbOtit^^bhi-' a
man p^kyer, than that oaf common-prayer was tafe^noutof A
the Mafle-booke •. For moft things in our common-prayer ' *J
were to be found in the Liturgies of the Church, long before )
the Made, wh^«ofwee(peake,, was heard of in the world. ,tl
And thcMaflfe was patcihcd^ap by degrees, and added to the /^K
Liturgieof tht Church, now One peice, then another ; fo that - ^*
the ancient truths and holy Liturgies were at laftftained with . '^*
the Idoll Of the Mafle, which was facrilegioufly thruft into ^n?JT'^''^^'
them. But the prayers and truths of God taught in that Thf th'ing/%*il!c*
^Booke, pertained to the Church, as her prerogative : the «nay bee refervod
Mafle^aifd thfe abhominations thereof belonged unto the man ( ^'^* *" ^^^ *^-
-of finftd. And if a true man may challenge his goods, which 7*^'**'»" °^ Hiefi.
the theefe hath drawne into hisdenne; the Church bf Crod duft ^chX^or
TOay lawfully make claimc unto thole holy things,^hich An- hay * or ftubbl °:
'Xichrift hath unf uftly ufurped : That anfwer which is retur- But gold, (ilver,i.
-ned to tlie accusation, makes ai^ainft them that file for difej- ''°" ^^^ bmnb; i
pline, viz. Thiit a great part of their difcipline 'is borrowed "''T' I '^'^ ""^^
f' ^K A t. 'ft Ml r L •'i'l . •. r^ notbcthincsmeet
rom the Anabaptifts, will ferve as a buckler in this cafe; rofurmfh&main-
And it is this •, which f I doubt not) you will approve: taine fuperftition,
-Whacfoever h proper either to the herefie of Papifts and Ana- ^^^ ^"<^'i things as
tfapfiih, Donatifts, or Puritanes, that wee iKterly condemrie J*' ^'■""g^^n.-l may
.;t0thcpitofhell :Butif amongft the filth of their hercffe?, i7to7erveGocf,'or
iheremay be found any good thing (' as it were a graine of els forcomdimffe
^ B b 2 good and good oidcr.
Cii)
good corne in £ great dole of Darnell ) that wc twilfingly re*
ceive, not as t!; lirs, but as ta j ewes d?.d the holy Arke from
T.rrepl.t.pdra thePhiliftinsj wh?rs of they were unjuftowiii.''; For herda
Bpuile to the Chh thatis true, that is faid ; The fbccpc muft not lay downc her
of England. fell, becaufe flice feeth the Wolfe fometimes: doachcd with it.
^^'t/fu^nfi, lih. 2. Serm.de Monte : yea, it may come to paflc,
, ^at the Synagogue of Satan may have fom? one thing at one
.,^n3t with ,«iore convenience, tjen thQitiniplajadcatholique
Bifli6p^«»«/.5«y.. ChnrchofChrift: IfourBooke pleafctliepapiftSjit is but
in Jojh. 6. i.». 3, in fome thing», wherein li» reverence to Antiquitie, wc come
In religion no part joq nigh them in fome rites .and ceremOJiies ;. but with the
1*° A h'^ ifc liu^ rMt>ftpnceof the miniftrationlt feUe tbry cannot be pleafed,
Ii«ie,y« it hath I ui)l«0^ ^h?y b*. dirpl^Cc4 /with their mw ftrvise.^Ki will
Ihadowr, jcnovnce t-h^ir Ownc Religion'. 5 ; ; ,,;.!, ^ . ' \ j // .
,Jf Pope Pi«/ the fourth, promifcd toQtMisneS/ptahth,
Tiut the fourth in that if fliee would reconcile her felfe to the Church of Rome,
his .Bjj'lj'^"^ fo"** and acknowledge the fuprcn?acy of that Sea ; he for his part
l^^abeth^Tih\Zl woyldvbindfehimfcift^, to declare .the fentence pronounced a-
pioTuvumerustan' g%i»ft her Mothers, marfiage^ tp b^Ut^iiftr, to confirms by his
turnpottntiAinvH' authoritie the Englifti Uturgie-5 and to permit ^t admini-
tuit^iff nuUusjsm ftration of the Sacrament here in StigUvd under bpth kindes.
M oTbe Iccus reli- j^ ^^ no new thing for the Pope tP permit, and Con^rm^ both,
feKmt Siit ^or hisownefiniierend„wha|:.he doth not like or Approve.
drruperenottten- It isnoftrange matter ths|t,!the Pope (bpiiM preferrehis fa-
sarinr. premacy, before the purity pf Religion. And by the words
•'V"r!^^SfP**J"? of the offer, the prpmife of thePope feemeth nOt to be exteh-
vi^ IcM^m dcd to the whole Liturgie, and fervice oftheChurth, as it is
price tjejttnia.ti^ eftabhfhed by Law^but to Com^ part.alone ; perhaps as it was
ptiTMm deltttuvi, .pra^ifed before the : f acrificc: of the Mafle was abplilhfed.
uliiatti aboUvit* for why ftiould it be added, that he would permit the admi-
niftration of the Sacraments in both kindes, if he would con-
firfiie the whole EnglifhLiturgic, as it is now fet forth. After
Qucene Ellzjibeth was proclaimed, a Proclamation came
forth, that the Lftany. the Fpiftlcs and Gpfpels, the Deca-
logue, the Creedcyand the Lords-prayer fbould be read in all
Churches in the Engliflitongue : but is was the fourteenth of
May after, being Wh-'trunday^beforcth-^facrificc of the Mafle
was abolirtied, and the bcoke of the uniformitie of common- '
prayer, and the adminiAF^tipnof the Sacramenta publiquely
received^ but whether the whole Service be meant or no, it is
not much materiall ; for^he CQuld nQt confirme it,but he muft
condc«^ne himfelfe. If^
^
IfthcParifts for the firft tenyearcs, reported to our pub-
lique Congregations and fcrvic, what can we -mnkc but that The reditiou5 Bull
the hand ofchr Lord was with us for good, whiics we fought was f«'up&'" u^bi
him unfaignedly, who caufed our enemies at leaft lyingly to liOjed by Feltln^z
fubmit thcmfelves. For in the firft ten yeares of Queen E/iz^' rebellious traytor,
ifeth there was fweet confent aniongft brethren. The Pope ^" ^^c twelfth yeer
durft not curfe, the Gofpell flourilhed and was glorifycd : the whi^ b^r^d'**
Papiftsdurltnot oppofe themfclves, and I tbinke there was the fifth ortheca!
not a man that thought of feparation. The prtfTing of fub- lendt of Aiarch,
fcriptionand conformitie in the tciuh ycare of Queen EUza- -^«"o > ^^9-
heths Reignc, was that which brought in all the troubles and f^'l ^7^^ ^^""°
contentions following. For after that Brethren wrote one the DoSinTo*?
againft another, the Papifts they fell backe to their vomit, faith &°Sacra^t°,
and in proce0e of time, and not long after, fome of fiery fpi- A7i, 1 7, of Q^Eli-.
rits advanced the Controverfiesto fuch an height, as they for- X^^^^^i there was
fookc their brethren , renounced their Mother , and drew qI^^ ^'"^ ^^j
themfelves into voluntary Reparation , or fchrfme. Which DiS°ine"^m>jft
renta have beene encrea{ed unto this day by the violent urg- h-eciUe (faith Mr.
ing of fubfcription and conformitie on the one iide, md the •P'"^^f»' Speaking of
maintenance of that rafh and linfull departure on the other ^^-f^^'^^i) (^nte
But thefc things convince not our fervice to be idolatrous. ' Z^ZmTM^f.
In few words, if our publique worfhip be falfe and devifed, naw^O utmcwKri^Z
itmuftbe,eithcr becauleitisa ftiiitcdor fetLiturgie, devifed tanunquajuiffed')
by man, or for fome (peciall reafon in refpc£f of the former ^'^^'idepolit.Ecd.
matter. If becaufeit is a ftintcd or fet Liturgie devifed by '•■•'^^« ^4•^f^ i.
man, thenit is in vaine to fay, it is picked out of the Malfe- flo^uiihtngfime" '
booke, or it pleafeth the Papifts, or the Pope would have con- An. 26. ifnivcrfall
firmed it : For this doth not make it devifed worfhip, but it is fabfcriptiun ofFe-
devifcd worfhip, becaufe it is a fet or ftinted forme : And then n "^ ^° '^*^ ^^*
the fame fentence muft pafleaganift all fet formes of Pfalmes, foliowcd'"rilvous
Bleffings, ConfertionSj and Catechifmes. Then the publique troubles, a^nd'^the"n
worfhip of all the Churches of God throughout the whole fipai-a^ionand fal.
world, for the fpaceof this fourteene hundrM yeares, if not ^*ng from the C)ih.
more, was falfe, devifed and idohtrous. If in refpeft of the '^i.^fi-J'^^-^- f*'*-
peculiar matter or formejthen either the bare forme of words, Ne7qu,e^Ticebant
order, and methode, mufl be a part of worfhip, or the matter probareporuerunr,
and fubf^ance of prayers and adnuniftration of the Sacra- £t adbuctn/ancta:
mcnts, be forged and devifed woi-fhip, neitherof which was E«/eyZc/;r<f *fyfowf,
cvcrfaidbyany Nonconformifts, nor tan be avouched with %^Jhajftur ^^^^^
colour of truth. The forme may be too like the Malle- booke ^Acr: andMon.\o\.
i»(bme things, and the matter in every point not (b pure as ?. title, TheCan.. -
B b 3 is nonofthcMaflc,
(14)
Is to bcdcfii'ed 5 buttheformeis not Worftiip, nor prayers and
fubitance of adminiftration deviled worihip. •
Sea t. Htcef. Un. ^^^^ ^ ^^* unhoUnejfe cfthu Idol-haak^, as the Nonconformifis
Ct; StpHrut, f. 8 1» generally have refitfedtoft^hfcriheunto it ; affirming it to befuch
8 i. ^ ^ire ofivcrke,Ai it is {trange any '^ill ufe it, there being in it mojt
i-AiMW^pag-^o. z^ile a»4 umlhyvfibie tfjfugs. nyindfor this caufe^ they havcb^^
'V^-Adir.a^^g'A" n,^^ijf ffjg Pecres of the Reatme, that it mifht he utterly removed,
SiOtts pUa. j+t. i^ndmanyreajons thej have given tnJ£veralLTreittt]eSy tofrct/e
i 1 8,3 14. Mr.Gt/- their condemnation ofit/jnfi and U^f$ill. Firfi, becaufe it is an
' h-P^g' »9- infeRioHs Liturgie, Romifi>-fiffffe, a devifedfervice, andin it are
■* ^j?^^' ^ ^ * ntany Religions mixed together, of Chrifi and Antichrifl, of god
X A mo», 3. AndtheDevill: befides, abookefuU offanfies, and a great many
things contrary to Gods tVord^ and prayers tvhich arefalfe, fog-
liJhyftiperftitioHSy andfiarke naught. Secondly , They cannot . ac*
count it praying, as they ufe it commonly, but onely reading or
'^'Aimon. j5. faying of prayers : even as a childe that leametb to reade, n his
le^on be a prayer he readeth a prayer, and doth not pray : eveiifo
it is commonly a faying, and reading prayers, and not prayings
Thirdly, In all the order there is no edification, bnt confufion.
Fourthly, Wee reade not of any fuch Litnrgie In the Chrifiian
I Ai.moyi.pdg. 14. d^hurchinthedayesoftheJtpofiles, nor in many ages following.
Altar Dam. 178. fill blwdneffe, ignorance andla^nejfe occafwned a prefcrift forme
to be made for idle and dnmbe ^rieHs. Fifthly, Jf this fvere npt,
many vpould make more profeffi on of Love topreachingy and beam
ring gods JVord, but by thismeanes it is negleU:ed anddefpifed:
for worldlings , ufurerst drunkards, i^hore-mongers , Mid other
earthly andprophane people, away with nothing forvell as Ejtglijh
A<^ainft Br 4?i J^^jf^\^'''dwhy ? but becaufe it doth not Jhnrply rear ovethev% of
'Curt. Ch« power, their ftnnes, nordifclofethefecret of their hearts,, kut th4t thsy
4». 4 f ; may continue in all kinde ofvoluptuoufnejfe, and all other kinde of
Learn. Difcour. of wickedneffex, and therefore rightly it is called their fterve-us-booke^
Bed. Govern. 68 Sixthly, God hath no ))(>here appointed that the Church Jhould be
Mart. Senior, p. z. tyed to reade the BookeofQommon-prayer for his wprfliip : and
.|>raft.of Prin.addi. therefore to doe It is an high tranfgreffion before him, as great as
thefmne <?/Nadab and AbihUi andfuch are liable unto the like or
greater punijhment^ Seventhly, Jfthis were praying, and there
were never an ill word nor fentence in all the prayer's, yet to ap-
■point it to he ufed, or to ufe it as Papifis did their M^itt ens and
Evcnin(T-fong, for a fet-fervice to Cod, though the words be g^od,
the ufe is naught. The words of the firfi Chapter in John be good,
» Admm.pag. y j. but to be put into a Tablet ofgo/dj for a foveraigne thing to be
worne^
VMrtUy , thf Hp iiJUperfiitims andfum^fiandfi Utht ufe oftUii
Sfffviee,-,:^,\ ,]■''••■ ''-y-'Ar ... \_ :.' -:;-i . • ■ ,
The Nonconformifb never paflcd any condcmnaccwic (en*
tencc ai^ainft the Boofeeof Common-praycjvasifirwas felft
ordevifcd worftiipjoragaiiiiitheuleofa ftintcd forme, as if
to reade it, was an high tcanfgrcflion before the Lord.Enougft
hath beene (aid of theirs opinion in the former feftion, where*
untQ adde this teitimony of a man of another Nation, whom
youarepleafedtoftileachiefeNonconformi(l; The femous
confeflion of faith well known and commended at home and
ab^Qadi>the formes of prayer publiquely ufed in theCon*»
gregations and families of Scotland, . muft be caft in a nevV
mouldy.; ; i . ' - i
It is true, the Nonconformifts judge it imlawfull'to (iib-
(cribe to that Booke, that every thing conteined therein is a-
grceable to the Scripture, but they conderane not the Booke
as an Idol or prophanc, northeufcof theBooke in thofe
things which are confonanc to the truth. And of this their*
judgement there is evident ground : for we muft notapprove
theleaft error fthough in it (clfe never fo harmlcflejfor truth,
becaufe that were to lie againft the truthjand the God of truth
needeth not my lie : But many things muft be tolerated, when
itisnot in our power to amend them, which we cannot ap-
prove, othcrwife we muft hold communion with no Church
or focietic in the world. And of this marke are the corrup-
tions noted in the Communion-Booke, as hath been (hewed,
and is evident by the particulars mentioned in paflages which
you allcdgc.
It is true likcwi(e3they judge the Eooke in theformethere-
bfto come too nigh the Papifts (and fo have others as wellas
they) and therefore have petitioned that it might be refor-
med, that we might depart further from them, and come nee-
rer to the reformed Churches. But herein they ftiew what
they judge moft convenient, not condemning the Bookefor
the fubftance thereof, as a forged worftiip : How n^uch more
convenient were it ( faith T. C. ) that according to the man-
ner of the reformed Churches: firft the Minifter with an hum-
ble and generall confeflion offaultSjfhopJd defire the affiftance
of the Lord for the fruitfull handling and receiving of the
Word of God ; and then after we have heard the Lord (peake*
unto us io his Word by his Minifter, the Church (hould like^
wi(e
Anfwer.'
Courfc of Confer,
pag. 58»
Beia Epifi. u
OraviJJimd nimi-
rum tr in feme tZ ■
ipfoi cr infratres
reliquoi peccarequi
navis ifi'tSy aut c-
tiamfioia'viiiCor.
THpteltSy 9t fuiti et
aSiorum la/cienti-'.
as non levitcrper^
turbant^erindeac
fi de Chri^ignifmo
feme t ablate age"
retur^^e. Sed vU
till avitiis(g' qu^
condoTtandi funi
Chriftian<e cbarr-^
tatiabiisqtiiepTOU
fm funt execran^
da^ prvdenter di^
ftinguenda cjfet
cenfeo, idqi tamen
*>on ex carnii feet
(phitm frudenti^^
T,C. repl. J .pac^
rife fpcaka unto the Lord, andprelent petitions andfiucs at:
once, 8cco But how carefull h'^ was to prevent {uch wayes and
ipeeches as Tome prof-flbrs of the Gofpel being private men,
: niigh» biiemboldned to breakc forth upon fuch like exccpti-
onsjis evident by that /blemn requell he makes unto them thai
T.Cre^l i'P' s ®^' proisfle the Golpell, in the name of God, that they abule not '
his labour to other ends, than he bellowed it, and that they
keep themfeJves in their callings, commit the matter by pray-
er unt^ the Lordjeaving to the Minifters of the word of God,
and tc the M^giftrate that which pertaincth to them. The
-*• Pf oteftants in France for fiibftance of matter agree with the
Nonconformifts herein.
The u(e of the whole Booke for matter and manner in every
f. thing without addition or alteration they doe not approve^
i becaufe they conceive fome things faulty, others inconveni-
.•.>.-v^A ent, and fome things defeftive : and ftri&ly to be tyed ta
words and (yllablcSjis more than the Lord hath bound us un- '
to in the adminiftration of his holy Sacraments : But the (ub^
ftance of prayers in the Booke they never disallowed, nor the
'iAdfH6ntt.p4g.^6, u(e of the booke, as of a vile and filthy thing. Thus the Au-
1 Admonu.pag,ii thors of the Admonition muft be underftood, when they (ay,
The Booke is (iich a peice of worke, as it is ftrange we will uft
it. And now they are bound of neccffitie to a prefcript order
^ offervice, and booke of common-prayer, in which a great
number of things contrary to Gods Word are conteined, &c,
1 Admtmt.pdi.9: ^°^ ^^^y profefle they have tolerated what they could not a-
Fark.oftbe'crojfe menci, and ufed the Booke in their Miniftery, f© farre as they
fart.i. ca.g.feif.^. might, even where they object as great corruptions againft it,-
IVec receive the as in any other place.
fnTariec mayl ^ J^/"^! °^ ''^'^'^ ^ P^^y" ^^y ^^^^^ «« if the bare rehear-
and in omitting of ^^" thereof m fo many words and fyllables, and none other,
the ceremonies, was a part of Gods worfhip, is a tranfgrelTion of his com-
doe in equitie keep mandement, whether it be prefcribed by others or devifed of
the Law ,becaHfe our (elves,n5rfet downe in Scripture. And the fame may be
S to edifie. *^!^ ?^^^^ preaching of the Word, to place opinion of wor-
fhip in the nieere aft done in fuch words or methode, is will-
worfhjp or fuperftitioii. And we may fay of both thefe exer-
%Aimowt.pig.^6% cifes foufed, as the Admonition doth, wee cannot account
them praying or preaching, but onely reading or rehearfing
or faying of a Sermon or prayer 5 even as a childe that learh-
cth a prayer or Sermon without booke *, if he rchearfe what
he
(17)
be hath learned^ hf rchearfcth a prayer or Scimon, but he
doth not pr?y or preach. But this is oncly the finne of him
chat ulcth not cheie pr^iyers as he ought, it argueth not the
prayers thcm(elv«s ^ o be cviil, nor the ufe of a Uintea torm<9 *
pubJiquc 01 private ki them that ufc it, or them that joy no to «
be diiailowra. If it be not praying as it is ulcd ignorancly for
cuftomc, without a^edion, it is praying when ufe^ aright
with underftarJing, hkh, feeling, and iuch like affet'^ong
required in holy prayer.
We readc not ot any fuch Liturgic in the Church of Ghi ift
in the dayes of the * Apoltlcs, andthcieforcno fuch Uturgic **<^/«*^*"^M-
isanypartof Godsworlhip or fubftautiali meancs thereof, •j^"g•^'*''•^^^'^^»
to be ulcd without addition or altcrarioof all or any Churclj, Ycu may wdl pcr«
with opinion of neceflitie, holineflc,or merit. But a fet Litur- cciyc by the Apo.
cic might be in u(e in their times, though we reade not ot it, ^Jj^' word* , ihat
torthcApoftles (ct not downc a Catalogue of all and every sc!^o'^*/n"^*s''^
particular order that was in the Church, but give us a j erfedt viccprcfixcd^orh^
rule or canon of faith and manners in all things neceifary to mitcd in his time :
ialvacioij, ^nd all things unchangeably concerning die go- ^"' when rhc chh.
vernment of the Church unto the end of the world. And if ""* t^gethcrjthc
there was no ftinted Liturgie in their dayes,yet for order a fet ac« [Jftmat^tlic
forme ofprayer to be ufed in publique meeting is not unlaw- people and oiado
full jbccau(e it is of the number of things which God hath not their prayers by
determined in his Word , and ^ where God hath not prefcri- Kur«u|ousinftina
bed any forme, there no foriBemuft be ellcemed any part of waj^JjT^hc f * ^*l*
woiftiip, or condemned as fimply unlawful]. For as to call ra»,cc they had]
that holy which God hath not fanftificd is (up :r{tition ; fo it to which they adi
is erroneous to condemne that as unholy or prophane,whicIi '^<^ thecclcisration
God alloweth or is confonant to his Word, though it be not ^^^^^ ^^f^ ^"P-
precifely commanded. But that there was no fuch ' Liturgie SJ'^fctl'cdorprSxr
in many ages following, till blindncflc, ignorance and lazi- cd order of prayer'
nefle occalioned a prelcript forme to be made for idle anu -^ccpt it were the
dumbt Priefts, is your addition to the Nonconformills rca- ^^J^^ Sprayer,
Con\ and not their fayine ; and more then can be proved by I ^ , / ^^^^'
lacer.
good Authoritie. Of the precife antiquitie of ftinted Litur- &c.
gics, it is bard to determine, but that they l.ave beene in ufe in b In the addition*
to the Admonitio
it is read thus ; Remove Homilier,Articlc$, lnjunaiont,and that prefcript order : wherein they
ilcclarc that thtir meaning •$ not to difallow of prefcript fervice of prater, but of this formc
that we haye. T. C, rept. t .fag. 105. Z>r. Whiteg. anfwcr to the Admonition, pag. 14^,
c ^ilfon ilid.ptg. 409. Had they fct an order for the ferticc of the church , duett any nun af^
tcr have broken jc ? or any church rcfufcd it ?
C c the
Ci8)
iThc Biflwp« of thcChriftianChur'Thforthcrpaceof thii (om^et\i Mnii^
Rome were 600. yeafcs, J^not abc\c, nomancandenic. ilis'mt^i th^ltttotq-
ye-jcs and upward, ^i^^^ ^^^^ ftinted formes were in ufe in thdGrecfkeChuHzfilfg,
in thci afle^bV- t'^fore they came totbc^Latinc, at leaft mahy ^hin^s were
fwc\hcy' brouehl tranflatcd out of the Greekc Liturgies into the Litine. But irt
It to any ;'eticd iheLatinc Church we finde a ftinted forme wa^ in u(c In Cr-
formc. Votydor.T)e pyiafjj tknc, in the adminiftrniidn of the Suppeh;* 'flot to inm!
inveHt.rcrJ.$.c.ic. gp^^j^^t which fon\€ mention of the Lords prayw afedin
Lmc of fervicc • th^ :-kbration, from the very times of the Apoftles. "And
Willain, another : (bme the chiefe promoters of a ftinted Liturgie sit renotvhcd
France, a third j for their conftant and unwearied paines, inpfcJtching every
CTef^.re/ffcn.idr. Jay in theweeke, and fomctimcs twice. So that there is tiCi
l"sr r^c"^T*i probabVikie, that the firftoccafion of a ftinted - LitUrgie waS
taz\ o e! ^'^'*' to heipe the ignbrant/idic or dumbe Prieftj as you are pleafed
zi> Admen. pigA^. tophrafeit. Where you borrowed this clatjfe I know. not,
lln the Church of but I cannot finde that ever tliefNonconfOrmiils hvtt thU$
Orr«rSfomeof ^j..j^j^ .; ,.;>.,.: ',.;,.> ^ 1. ■ •
their Elders, ftnn- , ^j ^ j ^^^^ j3 (,yottfdyi;<fi(^cdiHcilflCfn,tJlif*c6iw
cers orinhabitats, x" «ii "»^ »-'»" -yj . / ^ .,. <-4l»*' lii-*-'
TO venditate them- fufion ; but the ? Author of the Adtnonihon lafthjln all their
fclves and the gifts order of fervice there ia no edification, according to the Rule*
th«y had of God, Qf the Apoftle, but confufion : which fecmeth to be referrecil
might fcnietimes j .j^f^^r to the ^ abufc in too many places, than to the order K
pnvc^TtSrTs felfoprefcribedinthe booke,as the Jnftances following, c^f
Table in atong'ie tolFin?, the PfalmeslifCe tcmiife-balls in mahy places, alidthe
not undcrftood of peoples ftandingj walking, talking, reading by themfelvcs,
the whole miilti- jJoe evidence. But the Bookc is not to be burdened with th/^
tude But this> fu]^5ofn^en,;houph too ordinary and common. . "v^--';
bufe doth not con- laimo ^-ii "•'-••j t, j 1 «• ifi '
ikmne the cxercifc The Nonconforniifts dlllike that nothing els fnould be re-
it felfc. quired of Minifter?, but barely to reade fervicc : and the Or*
i$'.C' reyitpAoS. daining of ignorant Minifter s they condernne, as contrary to
St Rutgtf.Metaph ^^^ Word of God, and the meanes to nuzxle people in igno-
^.Tt^lin'r ranee, fecuritie, lukewarmnefTe and finne. But the ufe of »
aifeUeni/ccumex ftinted Liturgie, or the reading of prayers in the piibliqUfr-
to
*Smdat%hut beufedinthcChurch.'And in the other, no queftion many.
*$ie^cavendi umm Gonformills doe confent u ith them. A prcfcript fervicc therC'*
fit aliudfcquatur, fore and an '' ignorant or carelefle Miniftcry , nave no ncccfla-
Kcepactounasbc' jy coherence ; the one is iawfull, the other unlawftill, the one
mcTtinpote/ljufie may be retained, the other ought to be taken away. It is no
^ri^£ilmm Upl conrequenccxoreafonthHS) the Nonconformifts difallow-
09 )
a Miniftcry that can doc nothing but tc^dc , as that which
makes men ncglcft the preaching ot the Word, tbTcfore a
prcfcript Licurgte is difl'riced.
I To appoint or ufi a prayer conc^i^ed or ftinted ac the Pa-
Eifts doe their Mattens and Evenfong.fbr a fct (ervice to God^
, owipcver it b« uttiered ignorantly, for cuftome with lips
ooely, alone or with others in publique or privatc;as it the rc-
heariallof iuch words, though neither underftood nor heard,
were an'acceptable fervice, from ' which he muft not .^*p^rt { ^^^f- ^hrlji, /si-
one word for any good, is a fuperftition iultly to be condem- 7j"-;><"'M'Mi^.
Ucd> Thus to repeatexhe words Ota prayer, though never fo darionis aHreame
:goodandholy,tis not to pray. But this makes nothing a- of your ownc,ihac
gainft the lawftllJ, holy, religious iifeof aftinted forme of the Church of ^f-
pr«wcr publique orprivatCj whichis that wcplead for. And »"'»'* had aprei'cri.
5)is is all that canbe gathered from the Author of the Admp- ^ J)^„e.uncear
^/^Uioii. ThcEciifledsno great skill to difcernc the inconfe- fome ©ive^chapll
,^uenQC of this manner of arguin;^ which here you u(e ; To u(e U m , thatfaid bi $
aftintedrforme asthc Papiits doc for a fct-(crvicc is naughty Jeflo within boolfj
thoHghthe words be good ; therefore a ftintcd or prefcribed ^^^^ mig^'j^otgoc
#■ ** . t ^L 1 r II one line bcfidcs his
forme is altogether unlawfiill. , ^, , Miffalc for any
;,AndputcaleicHnei^rivatc orwngilarperlon hath Ipoken gooW. XKisyoui-
rpughly in heate and pafljoh of theBookc of Common-pray- maginc was their
^fg or fecmed to difallow the ftintcd u(e of a pnblike forme of ^^^^^Y ' ^^"'^" 5
;pray<r or Liturgic5hi8 fpcech or pofitionjdclivered as his pri- pfaj^M bkfr'^"*
vacc conceite, ( and perhaps not rightly apprehended ) muft & thankefgivings*
not be interpreted the principle oftheNonconforraifiSj con- though they were
trary to thctenour of their v riting, profefTioi., and praftice, ^S^^ openly in the
.piuch lefle mull his words be racked contrary to his meaning, ^o^grf gJ"on>an«J
as ifhe condemned all ftintcd Liturgies as falfe, deviftdandi- ^ound t'/fay^ °/u
<lolatrous worfhip, or did leane untOj favour , or uphold the mcnj you'willnoe
■prafticeofleparation from the aflemblieSjbecaufefuchLitui:- ^^v^ *<> t« "IM
gieaarcinufeamongthem. Church-femcc.
HoWfocver hj the grounds of the Nonconforv^lfti laid dorcnc in gg^^ 2 ^
fhe fecorjii fetlioKfffpArAtion mud rteceffarilj follow from all com^ Caru Hece/. ofSgZ
wunion with thetn in the worjhip of their Chttrch-fervice-bookcy parat.paf^. 9*,9ia
yet to have the^int ntcr^ ftillj p'oved, 1 W-ill herejhew that every 9H ^^« ^^9^*
f^tkular thereof, is affirmed of themfe lues to beidoUtroHs.fnlfey
^t^chciftliih. Touching the Bcoke We way confider trpo things :
\Fir(i^ The difiixEljervices thereof: Secondly, The Ceremonies u-
f^d i,i andahoHt the fame. fVee ypill jpeake frfi of their CerentO'
nks, thcit is, of the Cf'ojfej Sttrplice. and Kneeling in the aB cfre^
\ C C 2 ceiving
(20)
diving the Lords Suffer : Againfi thefe m^ny Treat ijh havt
heene'^' "".^j yrvrinen ; J mil here onel^ ohferve fame cf their
fp:eches, referring the Reader to their Bookes^ if he dejire moreft^^
tisfaUton, t^c.
A r ^ Voluntary fcparation from the ordinances of Religion in
^ * our aflemblies, is neither commanded by God ,nor caught by
the Prophets^ or Apofilcs. It is not approved by the pra6kice
of the Saints, nor grounded upon the principles of the Non-
m A aifputation a- confcrmifts, as hath beene (hewed. That there be " abufes and
gainft the EngliA- conapwions iu the Booke>the Nonconformifts doe not deny;
^pifli, ace. Epiftle and therefore iaallhumilitie they have (ought to have them
J^k *^ k ^5^%*"*^^ reformed ; but that they affirme the whole fcrvice thereof to
S & Irel^d £ be idolatroua/alfe, Antichriftian, that is your impudent flan-
vcry noyfom v» ccvi dcr. That many Treatifes have been written againii the Gere-
which Gods hxnd nionies impofed upon the Minifters and people, is very true.'
■ever had pj^^cd, g^ jj^ »|^e relation which you make out of them, theft few
'&^TbritnpL^tl things mutt be obferved. Firft, what is fpoken of one Ccrf-
thc anfwf tfg 169. wony , you apply to all, when there is not the fame reafon of
acknowlcdgcththc all. in the judgement pf them that wrote. Secondly, what
reformatio of En- they Write of the Ceremonics as they are u(ed amonglt the Pa-
f fci;^ ^'^ ^*" ^^^* ^^^' y^" report as if they imderftood it of the ufeof the
dcicmvt. Ceremonies as they arc imipolcd aodinjoyned amongtt U5.
Thirdly,The private opinion of onCj youalledge, as if It was
the common principle of the Nonconformifts, though you
doe,or might know,that generally they are of another mind
• "' Fourthly, Amongft, your chiefcft Nonconformifts 3wu^ af-
ledge, (uchas bcnotEnglifh-Nonconformiftst, norfpcakeof
Englifti-Conformitie, but that which was lately brought in
itmong themlelves ; whole cafe doth much differ from ours in
their judgement. But the further examination of thele things
, isnecdlefle; let us hcare how from theft principles of the
NonconformiftSj you can conclude the neccflitic of Scpar ar
tion.
€sh\ N((e/* tfSi- Prom 4II rphich, this argument may he framed : ThAt yvorjhif
ftrtt* f$/^* y9. *^ ^hich aman cannot foJfihljcommHmrate without ftnne, he is
ifoH^d necefarily tofeparatefrom.But the* vorjhipin which thejh
jdoUsare made andnfed, r7...the Crcjfe^ H^nrplice^^ andKneelingy
A man cannot -poffihlj com*nunica*e yvithcHt fmne. Therefore from
,» that ^orJhip,Tvherein thefeldols are made and ufed^a ffuin Is boH»d
mee^arilytofrparAte, The yropofition iscertaine, andhjBo^ior
Afliei in his cafes of Confcience acknowledged, %/€lthoHgh f iaith
•he)
C2')
*hc)rve ntAj jojne to that Church, in rvhichthdnj dtfetts are to 6e f^ tit- 4» tiip. 144
tolerated, jet not to thatintvhicb n^ecnntuit hti. ,'t. ^.mljfar"
taks inftnne.T^e A^unrftion is ajfentrci nnto hjae^ jnakiow and o F^rlter. t>»j/r.
sjealous Nonconformifls as ever held that canfe, and they have lib,\.fag.%ij,%x,
brought good froofes.for it, Firft, becaufc men muFt fiie from I-
dels andJdolothites : But rvhen they cometc "^'orjljip God after the
erder of the (Congregation vehere thefe things are pra£{ifcd,thej doe
not fie from them, %Ht dra\>! neere unto than. Secondly, Their
hare prefence argues their apptohatian, and yeelding in (kew to
Ceremonies, Thirdly, r Though the perfonallfmnes of i he ^^Mini- fMr»B4t^s.p.i$S,
J}er doe m t hurt the people, jet his miriifieriAll and publujue Jinnei
doe hurtytphich heperfm-mesfor the people to God, andfo their joy ~
tting vrith him is unlanfull. Fourthly^ fVhat example can he
brought ^here the holy men of God have communicated nuhfui v
things. The t/4'uthor of the difpute upon communicating at their
eonfufedCemrnunions, ajfrmes confidently, that the fi Air is .iC"
Ceuarj tothefmne of the kfeler, and he gives many reafons for i^
Vfhereef^ee /ball have a fit occafion hereafter tofpaake.
Canany naan beleevcj that the Nonconformifts fay both Anfwer.
parts of your rea(bn are true, viz. That a man is bound to fe-
pa rate from that rocietle> wherewith he is not permitted to
hold communion in the worftiip of God without finnc ; and ' /
that a man cannot hold commuaion with the Church oi€ngr
land'in the worfliip of God without finne.
Theiirft of thefe propofitions is moft true taught in Scrip-
ture, ,which forbjddeth •'to doe evill that good may come qRom. j. 7, 8,
thereof, or 'tell a lie for the glory of God, and acknowled- rlob jj. o.
gcdby the learned of all forts and profcflions whatfoever.
If the Church fliall deny communion toany mcmber.becauft
he will not approve theleaft finne , or acknowledge the Jcaft
fcnownc efout for truth, in that cafe the Church is Tchiftiia'
ticalJj which doth caft out fuclva member, and not the mem-
ber which doth fuffcr himfelfe injurioufly to be caft out.
For God needs not my lie, and by divine precept I am obli-
£ed not to allow ugainft confcience what the Lord condem-
ncth. You need not theicfors tak* hch paines as you doe, to
provcthecc'TuptionsinourBookcof publiquc ferviceto be .
ft) many ir* number ^or hainous in quality ,a9 you would make
thf ivorld beleeve • much lefle to ftraine your confcience in
SDifreporting as you have done : For if you caD ftiew, that by
C c 3 , com* -
comtnuriicatingintVebardiiianccsofworfiiip, in ehatorany
other ibciet*3 or Church under Heaven, we neceflarily pai>
.i7i«o ,\4v*1 <• takeiii finne^o^ wfearibrrfoever, great or fmall5cither appro-
j^'Th^- goci^KtB^s vlng what is unlawfully or fublcribing to an errour fcnowncib
oi^tdab were f-i- to bcj it Will eafily be granted that it js imlawfuli to joync in
vourcdand bleflc.. th«[tconimUf\itie. Be the* corruptions few or many, great ot
°L in .Ir LT« nf fmall 5 if by communicating in thcordinanccs of^race in that
me intnc waics or -.'^-'^ m .■, " r./« ^' i*^
THvid their Fa- focifetiejmuft necelTaruy partake mfinne,lmalrorgreat5.onc
ther, and purging or m^vy, my comtHunicjrtingis Unwarrantable: And let the
.%i.awi.A9itT,an •abufesbcmanyand gretit, yet if I maybe prefchtat thetrijc
facrificcs and cere- ^vQ^-j^jip of Gpd without finne, confcncunto, or approbation
"r^ibed by°cworff of loth abufcs oT'cbrruptionSjin Nroluntar*y reparation I finne
Law, Bilf. cbrift. sgainitGod, his ChUrch, and miiiebwne foulej^vithdrawing
fubj€ct*pan. i . p. my ^Ife frdm the ordinances ofgr^e> the comfortable ^re^
3 z,But if the Prin.- ^cnc€ of Chrift, and the focietic of his Saints, without alloiw-
^ZZTiJlZlZ.1 ance or approbation from God, to whom I owe my i^lfc
the people werenot . \\. T-.v...Ar,x-i^'rV.;\.vir. ,v.\v,^ ,: .\^ ■. .A .m -i(v*« V^
commanded to fe~ *viiouy. , . ^ -. '^ \^ -s ^ „•. i. .»,.i-.\-,.>;a
parate from the or- Your kingCatd(to'^*«f t>Mlttlpt%^ Dlft
finances of wor- Litiii gie, is to fmall purpofe, unlefle you could prove fome of
^'P* . them to be fund^imentall, hereticall, and really idolatrous,
Tcrfo pa1pab7e"if which you can never doe, or that by communkatin^inthc
the pcrfonbe not ordioanceffof grace, we doc* approve fuchcori^uptioii^,^nd
authorixcd of God thcn.be they one or nwiry , igreat ot'-fwill, '■ Wee tnuft ttot conj-
to rcformc them, tunicate in thi otdhianccs with them. Whi(?h if any man
^u'if rr?awfull 'for ^^'^ ^^^^'^^ bcleevc,he may khow froih whortj, but nbtnrfri-
priva^e pc^r^ns to *her to file :Fdr there will be found no (bcietic in the whole
attempt tfcem, "For world,wher«nntGMaChriftian ml^ht lawfully joynchimfelfca
when M^efa^prs andyoufs^^much leflre^iaW^inany'dthcrs.''l « iii3 Mo .io-sivih
deferVe to die ; it . Yqu tell Us very confidchtry, that as 2€al*lrt a^niS jndfeioiS
men w purthem NoiKdnforrtiifts as evet h^ld that caufc, aftJnii^, that' amaj
to death , without fca«hot vvirfiout fittne comaltinidite in that worftiip,Where the
the Magiftratc. Cetemotii^s are uled. But whether (hould a rnah zidrtire ;iibrc
Bilfen Cbrift. fub~ yom. impudency, oi^vairiecohfideftctJ hdrelrt'? Muft not kt'n\\^
ject,part.i.pa.97, ftruftyou in every chin^,it'ltet (halt»<r6h(KJ<if hbwtidtxi^^ioufl^
2)4a/ii commuted ; i -^ -n; • l- .> i ^.'sh -. - -j. .. - A • / *
adultery Salomon JP^ i^'^iv^ in this partjcuiai"? Is tt not cdmrary to their'pro-
credcd 'idolatry j fcfTionj pr<i)teftationj and praftice? Doc they hot'ufnallyfre-
both cftenccs be- quent the Congregations P have' they not^w^ittcn' hi fnamte-
ing death by Gods pj^^ce and dcfeUeetfcti'ebf ? Who have tiryed do^vne'by Vdhft-
pirSore'have" r-encef;prtad:ffng; writings' tfte'-ncgK^ = oPGods ordinantcs^
'David and Salo- or the praft'fcc'offeparation' more thaii they ? And yet you
man to death ? bJiifti'fibt to ^Vfite^' tiiat Crtr AffumptJon is alfented untol)y as
U03 6 ^ v> judicious
mdJciQUS an4 ^ealoof Nonccnijfqrrtiifis asercchcid tkitf caufe, 5-H : 4
^ndxhey haye^ broighitgood reasons £6* itl ,- ?u -mi; 7?;. •j;^'!,
iirJiitdoloihhcs .: bat. men -wl^en they come to ^rorfliip CodimfocU f"^' * °» * \*.
tiff vhre, thC'CerentOKics art tijrd, they dof^ 'not .file jrotn'UoU,
^t draff neere uma thetn, Bucif a man (howld havuifiighdoui
tt place of pprpofc ;o, maivf^ft ylour ,£ra«idulcnt ;iiiH ipicopfir Jo
nab^^, aliedging of^uens vv'orl^audii^yiii^s'ji he icdul^ ft«i<ct
all men may tatc the better notice of your &dc\iuQi T^krc is
^Idoli raoreftriiSJy taken ( faiithhe )(and an Idollot Jargw
(encc, which will iuchide the Croflc. Forithe btiter undrr-
ftanding whereof, wee muft borrow a diftin^on from the ^ - •'
i*' School men, by which ft ihmg.'n>ay be gulltv of Idolatry, w The. Aqul cm:
Ej^fin^Utitfr, participative, and CAtifMiter : which oir dbClrinc '« E;>/y?. ad Colof,
at * hooifi doth backlCj that it confirmed by aft of Pari jam cdc, '; * ^^^- 4-
affirming that to be an Icjoll in Gods fervicei, which hjth *""''• ^^ '''^'''^'
Ixene or is like to be worftiippcd. What is worfhipped ijy ^'"^' *' ^"^^ ^* ^'
ourfclveSj thathanldoll cflentially; what hath beenivor-
fiiipped or is now worftiipped abroad by others, that is an I-
doll by participation ; what is likely to be worlliippedj that
is an " Icloll,cauffng Idolatry in time tocome-ln which fenfe, ^' -^"^v/^-'vet.Te-
Gideons Ephod may be termed an Idoll quedtimmodo, and that '^*"'' ^'!^''.^:?; ?f*
it may be even before it was adored. And hereby arc many y ^ahold.tfcidii,
objeftions anfwered. Our > Writers deny an Inia^^ in the ttb.'..'ap.i,jca\i.
Church, (ay fomej to be an Idoll, in cafe h be not woiih^p- f^ilfoif.x hrt^.fub-
ped. Truejanldolleflentiallyjbutasmany of themasdefire 7f<^*;'«'■^4.^3tr.
to have Images thruft out of the Church ( of which fort there .^'Sft^n B;
be a great number) they hold them guilty of Idolatry by par- not unlvfle it Ix
tlcipationj and by occafioningi or els why 'x/iH they thruft worHiippcd j but
them out. A (econd objeftionis wont to be madejlfthefigne ^^'* ^^' > '^*" '*'**
of the Qoflc be an Idol with us, then vm!k men feparate froni «Vfe turn^m.o k
©ur Churchj and from our Baptirmc ; which followeth not. ,s ijolame."
From idols eflentially men ought to feparate by the example 2 iChron.i i.t j.
©f the ^ Levites and the two tribes that made feparation from «<^«
the^ Calves ol Jeroboam^ From Idols of participation and cc-
Cafion J men ought to kcepe their owne (elves pure, but not to
(eparate, by the enfample of the * godly, who feparated not a 2 Reg. v6,iu
from thcTempIe of God,far "DajpAfcm Altar thci e, and from
the .
Ch>
fciti sc.
b iBrg. «. 41- •^^Ghurdia bfraufisot her high places. It is objc^ once
moreagainft' •, Ifoorfigp- o*'thcCro0t be an IdoU, then
,t V ' ur Minimi chat doe make it « idolatcw, and our Churcli
,i ; idolacFous alio. This followespot neither. For denomina-
tion being from the forme, and the erode not being formally
r^n Idoil araongft us, but materially ( I fpeakc in comparifon
ouhc Popilh CrolTc, in regard whereof we may be faid to u(c
:hat whichis7nIdolI,butwedoe not u(e ' idolatroufly •, j
iher lore as [> F/i% ' concludes of the Lutherans for having
Images iniheirChurches> the (ame mult bf* (aid of all tho&
Proteftants,that will retaine cro(Tes>they finne againd the two
fiffi Commandcmenrs , through Idolothifmc, not dircftly
through Idolatry, and therefore they may not be tearmed I-
dolaters. Howbcit,by way ofreduftion, Idolothifme is in
i I (Rc:i ic« n* fome fort guilty of Idolatry, as (hcweth the * Apoftle, who in
ftcad of faying, Flie from idolothifinc, faith, F He from IdoU*
try. This Idolatry by redu^ion what is it els, but Idolatry by
participation ; as doth appearc by the x8. lo. and 24. vcrfts
following. But this participation is not in our Crofle ( will
our oppo^ts fay^ who firft Icaft haply they (hould miftake us,
we deiire to recount the ancient ' diftinftion ; Pins eft commn'
nio,qti^m farticipatio ; nam adhancj'atis eft fanem haltere,fedai
illamrequiritur ut prorfus uniamur, arcf-^ totumpercipuijMUs,^uod
nobis propOfiitHr, This being premifed, that wee charge the
/ Tklngi ordained Crofle not with a totall communion, but with a 'participa-
Kv?r°nce""though ^^0" ^" P*^^ ^^^^f' ^^ ^^^ ^^^'' ^^^"S '" °"'* evidence againft
they be but crea- ^'im. Thus M' Z^^r^r. Now confider how many ivayes you
turej,a thingsthat faUffie hlstcftimony, and whether you did it willingly or no,
fee Tacred by th- let your conlciencc judge? M'P^ri^^' faith. The Crofle is an
^?r ^ ^:f "*y^ Idoll materially but not formally, that is,amongft the Rioifts
ration they" muft it is an Idoll efTantially, and fo the ufe of the Croffe, is the ufc
not haye. Aui- dc of that which i^ an Idoll, but not ufcd idolatroufly amongft
iQct,cbrift.Tib.i, us. You makchiai to fay, becaufc we njuft flie fiom Idols,
taf.$, Q«i vr»e- therefore wee cannot communicate in the worfliip of God
ratur utile pgnum
divinitut infiitutupr,cujui vim /i^mfcamnemqi iHteHi/^it, non hoe veneraturqucd videtur^
fid iAkdpotius quo talia cuncta referenda funt. But Images are fignes unprofitable to ferve
God with, and dangerous ; And Cnce the Law of God cxpr'-fly and ftridly chargcth 115 not Co
much as to bow our bodies or knees to the likcncfleofanydiirig in Heaven or Earth, which it
nude with hands, it can neither be Chnftj an nor ratholu^pe to dec It, See Bilfo^. Cbrifi* [ub»
ject.part P«^. 391-^7' Sl^''^he6doret.7)i(it. 1 . ufcth the word Adoraticn for an external] re.
gan' and reverence. Veneration is a word that Au^vfiine foundcth all the fignes & facraments
of the old and new Tcftament : Aduration he refcrvcth to God onely, Avg. dc doct. Cbrifi,
lib. I. cap. 9. where
« fit* Mittyr, in
iCor. xo. \^4
C^^ )
where the Croifc is uVfd without firme. He iaiirh] Men hiuft
kccpethcmlclvcspurcfron"' Idc'ctiutes, and nu partake in
theu(eofthem> but not (cparatc from the Church oj ordi-
nances of grace> because fuch rites or ceremonies arcufediii
the adminiftration : ycu cleane contrary make aim to fay.
That men cannot conimuni^te in the ordinances, or worfliij'"
Qod in that focietie, where iiich thin gs are praftiled, biitcw
nccclTitic they mull communicate in thcfin,ie. Ht ».each''fh^
That he that ufeth the Idolothite or niateriall Idoll; is not aa'
Idolatcrjbccaufe he doth not ule it idolatronlly :but you make*
the Nonconfomjifts to (ay, that it is an idolatrous ivorOiipy
and that itdefileththetruewoilhip of God, to all that are
preftnt. M' Parley txtendcth the guilt of parcicibation in
part onely, to him that ufeth the Idoiothite.y ou make him ta^
affirmc, that every one prcftnt at the worfhipj dotli cororaunii'^
catc in his o&nce. Perhaps you will (ay^ it is your inference'
upon his words : But the consequence is abiord andiencei^
leRc . And to charge nicn c6 affirme direfi^ly >as a' prinqplej
what you would inferre contrary to their expreflcv^ord", is
far from honeft and plaine dealing. ■' Uz:.::j\ r ,.: .[j r .. -
Secondly, You produce M' Bates, (ayihg, That bare prc-
ftnce argues approbation or yeelding in (hew to Ceremonies,.'
I cannot (ay, you deale with M' Batesy as you have done by
M' Parkp- and others, for I have not feene his Booke. ^ut if
anydich paflage be found in him, it is his private opinion,,
not the judgement of the moft learned and zealous Inconfor-
mifts: It is a bare afleition, not confirmed by Scripture, or
backed with reafbn, as is meete and convenient,when it is the
maine thing in que<iion, and might ealily be ojppo(ed by tnc
tcftimonies of Scripture, approved pra^ice of the Saints in
all ages of the Church, the judgement of the godly learned,
found reafo , and the content of 9 A States *^hat ever upheld .
or maintained Chriftian Religion. If bare prelence be appro-
bation, I defire to know, how you can reconcile your (elfe to
your(elfe. When D' Jmes alledgeth, that every Church is
not to be left, which hath fomething in it by participation
Jdolatrous. ^Youanfwer- 1 know no man holds the con- ?>C(S>t.Nttef.ofSe'
ti'ary : therefore I cannot tell for what end he fpeakes ft,;^'^'^*^*'^*'''^'"^'
muchlelic why he puts a fchifmaticall conceit upon the R^':.
whofe words, if they be well reftificd, have fubftance and
weight in them.^ But if bare prefence be approbation, how
••if;« D d ean
can wc hcild 'c6fnnftJnion with that Churck^iwhenein any
tiiiiig is left, which is by paiticiparinii idoktFOfW|, /when tHi«
is that which- the Nomconformifts iropittc W^tkt Crofk^^
mohgus, thatitisby-paracipaiion idolatrous -in themthac
life it. And if the rcafon tollo wing be well weighed ( though
ktit fclfe it bath neither wei^t ndn^ftance ) it will ovuiri.
wcigKthiiz.Forif bareprefence be approbatioo* trhy fJjo»!d
noctheper£bdallEnncsjo£.thc MinHter hurt ^ho people 1 of
why ajc they not guilty of his perfonall finnes by participa-
tion, wnenthey communicate with him m the worihip of
Godicheretheyiarepra&iced, as.TOpayer> preachhicy *d-
miciftriiiibn of tfesf^cranients,, reading the Strip times, &c.
Bte£biccqii «Isc iT^blJ -^.Ttaipl«: at Idoll-wctflliijif.is finfuM,
jttooaEgii miieaitt i^ptretenHio dbteft idblatin^ t Vdlhe^ need>*
fciiupiafencbisihere Idolothitfisaceufcd, as tocatE <>ft things
firt^rificedto Iiiols iin the place of their Idoll-banquec, or co-fit
doQimiel thob;^ he dee jitsOfaito, h rcandaloiis and offerffrve :
^ik^inr»[«9Qe ac<3pid6iJ^cihipji»^ch.Ck](itfaBttb conin!innded)
wii^i^CfenftiaprerfflirooinectevWclcora* and bleile hisfer-
vants, though fome things by participation Idolatroos be re-
tained oriufedtheccih is neither fihfcoll nor oiEsniiye;, it cam-
tih nocieHi ;tppcata»c4 ofap^c^tion Qrx:onrent. i -> :n >.'
V (Thh diftinftionxif perfoftaU'and nurtifttilall finnes, as it is
hcrsia^pilcdjl netcrifound iiithd Writings of Nbmconformift,
tad ioiit ielfe it is a ifieert inverftjbrt and dev5ce,which bathno
ground firi<m Scripture, and naufi liave nc place in Divinitic.
/or iftheMinifterbe^noxant, proud, carelcfle, prophane,
CQrrBptiit-iudgeimnijfupeFftitiGas^inlbnw obftrvatioiis* be
thdfe finnes pcifenali br.pnbliqoe and Miniikriall, If perfo-
natljthen fliotild not they hurt the peopJe,if this be trnc which
hire you aifirrae : Bui vvhrn you are direftly croflc to your
ftlfe throughout your whole booke. If publiquc and mmlike*
riall^,then the people are guilty of the Mini&rs ignorance^'
carclefneffc, pride, pairion^indifcrciionj&c. And if thelcbfr
publique ajna minifteriall, I defire to know what is a perfo-
nall and what aminifteriall feult. If a Minifter in preaching
or prayer put up a rifh pfttiiion, -or deliver araih fentenee,
give a weake rcafon, an unfound tryail, tfle Yaine repetitions,
ftponfuledmethodc; if hernif-interprct the ScripturCjOr do«
not foundly deduce hisdoftrines out of theText he taketh
upon hira to expound j if he divide it not aright, or feme way
mif-
(^7 )
xnaapply ie ; are Hieft pubGgiic and miriiftcriail or pcrfbn«|i
jind private faiiitSj if perfciia it, I deure td know what makes »
If ault rainifkrall and "publi<50c, and fee it proved . Ii" chat w*^
asdoneby aMi'vifterin preachiiip, anJ prayer, bkffuig and
adminiltratiortcrf the Sacraments he. notminiftcriall^lknow
iiotwhati^i«^becalledniiii^rialii If they be pi^ijUc an^
■ininiftemlf/ihen^xliofbever communicates. with 'a Minifter
in the worfhlpof God, liois guilty of all Lhriinspubliqudy
committed by him in this kind, if that diilihftionbc of any
worth. Which if it be granted- (if I may judge of your
-preaching by yjour writing) itts high rime for all 'your hca-
'fcrrtohaftifFOW yba, for you mi£ilieadge jcfipture, ftan-
•deii thcgodly, (peake ejill of the wayesxjt God, teach many .
iahhoods, an^ whilis they joyne wrthyou in the wor(hip cf
God,thbyarep{lrCakcrsofyourtr'an(greirion, i -
'■ Tht oipofition wfekh is made of publique and minifteriatt
■feuJt^,^ tb wJti <uch a8 he performetW fo«» the people to iGod,
is as ftrang^, if notmorc ftrahge then the dilUnftion it fclfc, .\
as it 18 applyed. For lo preaching the Word, and reading the
^ripture,a'niihifteriaU fault may be committed, uhich is not
"pcrformiedfot the people to Ood. fn prayer jthe faults of the
Winifter are not crcr minifteriall, ifwc may belee^ic the foro-
iumed diltiriftion, and yetprayer is an aOion performed for
thfcptopletoGbd. And let that deftrription n:and,.and the
■ufcbf our ceremonies are no minifteriall faults ; for they are
■neither performed for the people unto God , nor from God
unto the people^ as the Church profefleth. But I have flood
too long abdut ■ thcfe things , btfcaufe in the firft Chapter the
contrary hath been (hewed at large. ^
And if M"^ ^<«f^j be truely alledged in this particular, that
bare^rdfence in his conceit was approbation, yet this is a
peecc of (Jiinnihg i« you not very commendable , that you
bring tjheprlvatijudgemeht of one man, as if it was the com-
mon jF^inciplc of thie dhiefeft Inconformifts. For Toy ou doc
in this place, and (b a little'" before you fay, the Ihifteftin- hCanlNeee/.fifSe-
txinformifts aifirme, that it is utterly unlawfull for Parents to farat.pa^. ^4,
bring their children tc be crpffed, for which you cite onely
"tTic teltlmony of the ferenamed' Author :"Ai;^ yet within a
few leavee, you are not aftamcil to fay in the jiames of many
at ieaft '. Note here how greatly they contradift one another, j Qan.Htceftf St,
They faid even now, that their ceremonies are fuch IdoIIs, parat.fag. itS.-
Dda as
Ci8)
asaman cannot latvfiiUyjoyne ivitfuthat t^orftiip ^Kcrc tBey
are ufed, y^ ^rctLey fay^ that tbty arenot wori« than wen:
the ruperltitions in the Jetves wordup^ unto Which Chrift and
his Apoftles joy ned. The chiej e tning Jbcre to be noted is yoit
unLonfcionable dealing. Firft, you pretend to (et downe the
principles of the Nonconforroifts, and to infer re upon- their
•grounds tt r.eceflltie of reparation, wheh you relate nothing
V Be^d.'Eplfi. 1, lelTej than that which they affirme* Secortdly, The "^opinion
ferum tnquitntyUt of one xnan wr.lking alone, y oa charge upon all> or the :hic-
»5 inqu'xntmur eo- fgft qi' the Nonconformifts, who diflent as much from him
rumpeuato, ana^ therein, ashedoth fion^ fhemoftrigidSeparatiift. Thirdly,
TorfTwr. Heraichnot,Thatc.irUeremonies ar. IdoUs.^tfpeafcsof
tur.lmbnehoeqm the CrolTe onely : and if he fay of the wfe thereof, asitisa^
diwifatu rfdedi-^ mongftus, thatit is Idolatry, it is that which he can liever
tituK Quid enm prove, nor Inconformift will take upon him to juftifie. Ani
abfurdiui efi/ium |f ^^re prefence be approbation and.<Qnfpflt,all woRftip ifiuft
'JmmJi^/rTvm l)eforfake!^, which bath anything ann^Jfcd untQ. h endnc-
puHmmy iki ut ous, irreverent, fuperftitioiis in th^ manner xi>fpe?fpjmancc
fratrem lucrjtur^ Jjy i le Minifter : for,%^eemuft not dpethe leaft 6vill forthe
c;w mfrmitatm gr^ateft good. Fourthly, Whatfoever you c4n make of ottf
*lZmpanLfe^d Ceremonies or other ahufeS anA corruptions in the worfHip
inn%r Ltur^ of Godi, I doe not tbinfeeyou ean bring forth^ny ope J^du-
lauiari fAne id na conformiftj that ever ^M t he \\C^<:>f th^ Cef emonfes amongft
fcttSis-nec debet ^t yg are worfc than the fuperftitions' and corruptions in the
iu certe id ^eaa- Q^J^^j ^orftiip in the day<!6 of our Sayionr Chrift and his A-
^"T/Tw 'tTpZul poaies^unto which wor&ipi our Say ipur ^nclhj§ Applies Joyr.
ctunmittitur: ned. them felveSi . 'j '''vio~'; :• . . --. J . , .I. ;'^ ";■.': .-hl
i A difpute againft Thirdly., Ypu aHedg^e the' Author of the DifputeiipOB
the Engliflvpopim communicating at confufed Gbmmunions.a jfirming that the
Thm.*°h f^inf ^^«" " acceffary to the finne of the ^neej!er. , But he was no
the cSwovcrted cc- Englifti-Nonconformift, nor doth intr^at of Englifh confoiv-
rcmonres have bin jnitio. And if thcire be :aiiy;rpecialJ;reafonSy wh); prcfencf
. kfpt and rcferved ftould be accotinted approbation with them- in tha^particm.
in many C not all) j it is no eqUitie his private Opinion (houldbe brouehtco
the reformed chur- , .•. ^rt. u •• »u r n
thcs yet they are thtprejudiceoftheni that maintaineanothercaufc.butasyet
not therefore to be we- cannot fee ei^hci' from Scripture grounds, i>r Nonconfof r
the better liked of. . < > ,; ;
Porthere3fonofthe.refeivation.T5i^as, bccaufe foniC4-eyereridDivities,,&c. isfcarccly expe-
cted to cfFcftuate fo much as the purgirtgof the Chntch from fitidameiitall errors and grofle
Idolatry, which wrought ^"hem to be content, that leflTei' abufcs in D^feiplinc and Church.go-
vernment ftiould then be tokraced,8w. All whichJince ihey were once purged away from the
Chwch of ^fc;/aw^, &<;.,. - - .-
jpifts principksi that it is utterly unlawful! to bcpre(ent«
tlieworfhip of God, inthcadminiftrat:on<7' ^'"eoffomcfti-
psrftitious rite is ufed, or fome fault committed.
Your long labour iit fett rv^.downe the faults to be found
in our Liturgie is to fmall purpofe. The Nonconformifts Hoc
except agairftuiany things appointcdjn the Booke, as incori-
veniem at leaftjand fucbas ftiould be taken away ^'' '^eformcd;
aSj The reading of Apocryphall books, under the tide of ho-
ly Scripture, fpcciallyfuch parts as be corrupt for ^natter :
The Crofle and Surplice as Idolothites by participation and
Cgnesof myfticall fignification : Tne corruptions in the tran-
ilations : and fome things in the f Oa mes of Buriall, Man imo'-
ny, Thank%iving for Women after child- bed, &c. But thele
they condemne not as Idolatry^nor as that which maketh the
ivorfhip it (elfe » fal(e and idolatrous. It is one thing to iay ^Magdehurg.cen-
(iich a rite is inconvenient, (uperftitious, fcandalouR,borrow- ^ '* ^^-"^^oi. i op.
•d from the Papifts^not warranted by the word of God, in the -.^ "c^ontaints*^th'
Uic will-worfliip, if the word be taken largely ; another that pure doftrme Co
theworfhip itfelfe isfalfeand idolatrous. Therefoie I ^ill alfo ickcepes ftirf-
notdand to examine the particulars therein j but proceed to P(ic'"e of cere mo-
examine whatypu bring further to flicw the nectditie of Se- "^uican"^ GhnSh"
Paratlon^ asit.dcp.irts fronJ
. . - _ , pure -^oarin^, fo
SB' C- Tw ■ r v.". foi' the moft pah
itcli;..jgeth Scauc-
thfr to ho/a, teach, afjapracttfc the err ours cyid lyes contai- of God, and mu!-
nedin their Canoy)S,Servicc'hooke, Bookc of Artitles^andtheoy- tiplieth its owne
dering of Bijhofs Triefis, ttnd^Deacerts, doemakcafalfePrO'- traditions, &c.
fh^t. Secoftdly.JVhether to hide from the peop/e the knowledge of <^<in.Stay.fa.tt^^
aIJ. the Maine truths , ivhich concerne the outward regiment of
ihrifis vi/Ui'e Church, makeafalfe Prophet, Thirdly, Whether
kh Uwfudtoheareanj falfe Prophet k!?o^'nefoto be. ^ur In
Tcv}}at ranke of Prophets, unlawf nil Miniffers be^ and under what '
Scripture they are comprehended, J "^ou Id have a private Chri-.
fiianaskethis ^ue^ion ^ f fome ■Reamed Dizine , whom he knowes
doth hold it lawfnll to hear a falfe Miniflers. ^nd it is very like-
ly he will anfwer him mth deep flence. There is one ^tteflion
more, viz. 'Whether the Lords la^full Triefts, which fcrved at the
^Itar in jerufalem, might not as well urge their people to heare
Jeroboams Priefis at Dan and Bethel , as the Minifters now un^
D d 3 dcif
(50)
\ K the ^of • /, . tof0rftf4ds ipnx ta htkrr in fdfs.^lfm^i, 9'^
T'
'O your two U'ft ^eftions^ anlwcr hath betti mt(U di-
vers times in fundry Treatifes, ahd in the firft chaffer <if
this prelcnt anfvrer, and you know the Scriptures plainly gX-
ledged, to confirme what is faid^ which you fhould have con-
futed if you had been able^and not againe and againeto con^e
-^ ovcrwith the fame thing. If any learned Divine fliall aniwrt*
the demand with deep filenccj it may be becaufc the pa'rtie d^
manding isuncapabk of af^ anfwer, not becau(e there 'm why
great dlfficultie in the matter. It is a received Rule , That-tfiie
Accufer^PlaintiiFcjand Affirmer, ftiould make proottf of whjft
they fay, and if you erre, your Q^eftionift will affirme, it la
all one for the people of the forces to heare Jeroboami Priefts
2xT>an 2ind'SetheI , and the people in ^^g/^^^if/ to heart i:hc
n2eitt. Epifi. t, wor'l ofGodinouraflemblics, you tnuft either bring gbod
An enim ob/ecro evidence for what you fay, orbearethebrandof SlauiK^erers
tii^LZedtaJinl orfalfe-Acciifers. Isitfufficientthinkeyou to%. If it be
dppendicibm^lvAm notfoj let them fhew the contrary. Your (econd- 'Qiieftioh
, de ip/a (iotlrina'jtt. will come to be handled in the next Chaptefjand there it fliall
.dicandum-Atquifi^ be anfwered. Your firft Queflior^onely which I fcarce thinkc
njiUam ejfe "cclejia j^^Qt ijf ^ man Would have asked,pertaineth to this place wher-
luT^fi pror/Jts\n ^^"^^ ^ anfwer dire6tlv and plainly, Thata Minifter<i£the
cunctii doctrine Gofpell,may holdjteacn, and prafti(e,aceording to the feodk
Cbnfii(tn£ dogma- of Common Prayer, ArticleSj and OrdinAtibn, and be a ti;ue
tibui n^vus refel- Minifter of Jefus Chrift. Nay, he cahnot tiutly hold and pra-
fioUCorZhM ^ic^ according to them, but of neceffitie he muft be a true Mi-
et GalaticiiEcele- nifter in rcfpeft of his office and adminiftration. For the Wor-
fu infcTipt£; o'c. (hip for llibftance there pre /cribed is of God.tlie doftrinepro-
itaqjubition/utis fe(fed.iurefpeftof faith and Sacraments, found and thie. Ko
^Etkidum^'^'ei ^^''^ur either in fpeech hcrcticall, or which doth tend to ovcr-
in qua falvum ma- throw theibundation which is taught in them. Suppoft tfie
tict fundamentum, feventic errouis which '^ you reckon up were all true, and jaR-
4H mtilto md^is ubi \y taken againft the Books, and as m?iny more to them might
ritui Ccen<e 'Domu ^^ n^med ; as it is not the number but the qualities of the er-
^1 7amTe^,^t ^^"''^ ^^^■^'-'^' ""'^^^ ^ ^^^^^ Prophet,falie Ghurch,or falfe wor-
o Can. Hicef. If <Wp- One fundamental! errour fas the word is commonly u-
Scparat. Pag, 143, fed) ovcithrowcth the faith : and twenty errours of inferiour
M4.*4r- alloy.
alloy* doenctmtfch hurt the truth and foundnc^e of tai:h.
The maine truths wl^i^bconperr^e the very life a.id foule of
Religion be p few,^ and tfie faii^ngs which .iiay lis nd '"ith the p yjl^n, de/uccejf.
fubltance of Religion many. Let it aske a better wit and head ^''*'- '^^P- ^•
then ever M' T>ay. for your •' rclfc)l!ad,to prove that there are '? ^f'^^^'^^Mse'
halfefomany corruptions in the Religion profefTcd by the rT'iccrmmifnion
Engljfh-Andtap£ifls(addeifyouplcafe,theSeparatifts, Pda- of the Cathol.quc
gians, Arriaiis )as arc to. be found h\ the Englifh-i^itujigje : It ^^^^<^^ is pet bio-
will not be hard to prove that crrours muft be ' weighed, rnd H" ^>' ^'^^^^i-iccie
not numbred ;- and that the errours of all thefe forts are m ll^^sl'^ndlZZl:
Ipecie much more dangerous and pernicious, thongbnot Co which many plnccf
many. If yoii^an prove any one cirour in fpecie heretical!, •''nf^ ountrics have
to be taught in tho-le Bookcs^ according to the trnc meaning <^i^"cnr each from
and intent of the Bookes, then Lwill confent unto yco, that .^^^^^ f^c<^pf they
hewhicb adminifters in all things according unto thein,is not fiuhor'4'od mant
atrucMinlfterof JefusChrilt : But if thai cannot be done nnt.Au%/^.Epi^»
( aiid I prefume you will hardly be draiwne to attemptit ) in ' *^ adiinuar.Eu^
aJJ your raging tcrmes and reproachftill taunts caft upon our /^^* *'/?-/^*- ^f '?/'.
worihip,Chufchj and Miniftery, you doc but foame out vour L^'ff. /'f"^"^" ^^*
owne Iriamc. 1 he true Minilters ot Chnlt may erre in many
things, elfe it will hardly be found, that there is any true Mi-
nifterrand therefore to prove a Minifter to be a filfc Prophet,
it fufficeth not to fay ; he • en'eth in many things ; but wee s Cypr, lit. Ep, j.
inuft fhew the erroin s fqc qualitic to be fiich, as ca^iinot be in a ^^^"^ of our pre-
true or lawful! Prophet ot the Lord ^cccfCors cither ig-
• And here I would askeyoi this oncQnefllon ; Whether Sotorrcr™/&
there was any true Miniftery in the Chriftian Churches,with- Icccpe that which
in th€fpace of thefourth, fiftjorfixt ages after ChriO. If not 5 ^^^ "Lovd by his
what is then berome of the promiles of God made to the *^^''^"ipJe and au-
Chnrchcs of the New Teftament > Ifycs; whether was not fiXiicitTcmt'^be
their courfe of adrainiftration polluted with as many , or pardoned^ by ^the
more dangerous errours, than can truely be named in all the goodnefle of God.
Bx)okes forementioned i And lo exptSing yuur refolution of /^"l' ^1'- 43- This
this one demand, I proceed to your third ground of Separa- l;camS''bre"aft^'
tionjdrawne, ^syouiay, from the Nonconformifts Pdnci- hcc'covcred'^with
plcs> the tcares of cha-
'itic, Au^ufi, de
Jgno/ci potcfifm* ■
Cpltcitertrranti. .
HAP.
( V' )
Chi ».\ lit
S B C T* L
Can Hectf. tfSc- f*^3^8^ thcfuhliqu^ Ajfembliesof Bngland fi4ve mt the
Piirat.p.i^9t^1^' ^^^1 (mI^ power of the cenj.,rest And excomrnHfiic^ticn/bttt
fiand ttnder agover-Ament Vchlch carnervholij and
every f Art from the Devill, and Antic hriB, then is
their condition naught ^thn are thejfalfe andAutt'
chrifiian Churches, The reafon is, becaufe this fower is of ahfo*
Ime necefTttie for the Churches of Chriji, an ejfttttiau freyenie
thereof, and ferve not onely for their ypcll-hing, hut the being it
fe'fc,formthoHt this, there can he no coupling of the ^^a^ts and
t *De coitfc, lib, 4' ?nemhers together, ^ndfo much ' D"^ Ames teptfieth, No^ the
««?. * T'f^l,* * » 4' Ajfemhlies o/^ngland tvere not gathered hy anyfuch power, hut
in their firjl conf}ittftion wanted the fame, and had this falfi tow-if"
-which is exercifed at this day, as the Nomonformifls doe ac^oys> .^ .
>■ ledge. Our arguments which ^e have ufed in this point, have bee»
^ to this effeEl : Every true vifible Church hath a poV^er immediate-
ly under Chrifi , to execute (^hurch-government. But the puhm
iia/te Congregations o/England, have not any fetch power under
Chrifl to execute (^hurch-government. Therefore they are not
true vifthle Churches. What they will fay to this I know not, but
hithdrto they have het^nfi lent, or anfwered to nopurpofeiit the
•world. For it is ufuallj their manner to teiluSthow the Churches
in Corinth, Pereamus, Th> atira, &c, negUGedto execute dif'
cipline, as thou rh there were no difference betwixt omitting to ad*
ptinifier the ordinance, and the want wholly of it ; jCd^ and to hai/i
an Antichriflian and devilifh in the roome of it,
A W ii W B R.'
YOu undertooke to prove the neceffitic of Separation from
the Nonconformifts Principles : But here yoii rejeft their
Principles with difdaincj and build your refponfive conelufr-
ons, as you call them, upon your own foundationjWhich jou
know doth not accord with their Principles.
The, Nonconformifts hold discipline necelTary to the well-
being of a Church, the fafety of Religion, the prefei vation of
God?
c?o
CodsofdinanCcifroili contempt. They compare it io thv
• wail of a Citie, hedge of a Viriey^rd, fence of a G*rden, and ,. . ,
bounds of an Orchard : but never faid it to be of abfolutc ^^[[l^^^i^ll'^i^;.
*' neceflStie, that there could be no Citic, Vineyard, Garden^ Chmcli ofChrift
Cj Orchard without it.But this in your judgement is broken- is ch: houfc of
ftufie, not worthy any irfwer. For where dot; they read, fay God, theCiticof
* you, in Scripture., that this powc* wluch Chr?jft Iiath given anj tJJe"liP? ^*
to his Church, is compared to a wall,or hedgp^&c. Bat > ather of hit ^welfaclo "d
it may be likened to the power ofthe body 3 which rereiveth Some : Shall >vc
food, and thereby excrements are purged, and avoided, the thinkethac God is
want whereof were in nature prodigloiis, neither could the ?'^*^"'J forothert,
bodypoffiMyfubfift andliVc. Inthc^.::ne page you taNup fwnTor tha°con!
D" X<»»Vo» roundly after your manner, tor laying, that the Aifion ought robe
y want of ^n integral! part of the whole is no fufficFcnt grciiH k ,Tr doubted and
of Separauon. He (peakes , you fay, as a min moft ignoran. ^^^^'^ »P heaven-
of the nature of Church-powcr ; for were he able truly to dc- J^i*'''" '" cinhly
fine /t, he (hould fee that it is of fach neceffitie as a proplf can- ,, '^ewt.Serm on
Tiot coulUtute themfclves in the right order of theOofpell /<»73^.6.i,r.j.bir-
j/itnout it, as we have? before exprellcd. Exprcflcd it ma^ be, ciplJae is lo need-
but not proved by Scripture orrcafon, drawne from Scrip- ^"]'> -'^^ ^^l^'^
mrc. How palpably you ,bufe D'^«« teftimony is (hewed ^^",^^1^
before, and 11 makes as plainly agamft your reafon as a thing ly to diCcomfon
can be fpoken. But that is biokcn-ftuflfe which pleafeth you thofc that feekc t«
not, and he is ignorant that applauds not your di£kates. To ^^^^^ np^emi*,
be taunted and reviled , is anfwer fufficient to b*^. giver, to us ^^'
fimple poore ignorants, who know not truely to define what separar*pa^i< ^^
Church-pow.er is. But whether this ftuffe be broken, or the j CyprMisp.io
Noncontbrmills ignorant what Church-power is or no : this ConcU. cartbag.^^
is evidentjyour inff '^enccs in this point arc not correfpondent ''"'^ i-G'^^tianJe,
to their Principles, nor can be deduced from them, asin tlic ^^'■t'^sB^rch '^■'^
beginning you promked: And tben upon what bottome doth %bfect.part i,%'
this realpn Oand,or by what prop is it underfoc^but your own ? ? 5. 1 do notnufl
bareaffirmation, which is much too weake to beare fo great ^'^^ ^'^^t malefa-
avveight. Whofocvermeancs ( ^youlay ) to fettle well the ^°" Y^'^-'^'"*^',
confcience, efpeciallyinamaincpoint offaithandReligionj "alJf°" ^pcHurm^'
ought neceflarily to bring good proofes from Scripture, for adulterer j,ufurers '
and fiK-h like, but
auo thccves, robber*, raviihei J, murderers, plagiaries, incendiarie5,travro«s and a)I other bai-
noHS offcndcrSj when their hves be fparcd by Princes, (hould be driven to carncit ami open "
■rcpt;ntancci)ctorc they be received into the Chinch, or admitted to thedivine myfteries : yea
r.itlicr I thinke it very jiecd/uH ina Chriftian Common-wciltli, that God !^c plcafcd, and the
Clrnrch preferved fioBi all ccramunion with ihcfc monftsom impieties. Sic. z Can, Hcccf. of
$fi>mt. t>ai.x\o, Ec the
the iWngs whereof he fpeaKcth. For othernife men nuift girt
no truft unto his words, or if hey doe, it tnuft be nnadvncd-
ly. And what thinke you then, if men upon your bare word,
give credit unto this areun^ent,is it not vmadvifed * You bid
^Bilfimiifmnce, • prove the contrary, it any man be abk. But that is not^o
f^t. I . pag. I o. ground the confcicnce upon Gods truth. If your afleniofibe
What we fay with- taught in holv Scripture, it is an unwritten tradition, an
you without an. huimne invention, a dreamt of your owne, in yoof troncei^,
fwcr. If that rule falte worftiip, and flat Idolatry, though your oppofitct be a-
«iay ftand we nred ble io fay notbing againii it but this, that it is not taught of
no further con^ God
lif*^ °J^f"f What the Nonconformifts will fay tothis prgunientyou
fo/Xre ThtSdtt know not, but hitherto they have faid notbii>g, or -«5 goodats
taunts * tenses) nothing. It id Well yoii foy not both PropoHtions tre theirs,
I fee nothi:.g. asyou doe Inthc former with as I'nth cruthjasif yon hadfaid
h Bit/in, ftrfef. f^ji^y^^ Butif you had peruled their writings againft Separa-
pt»^Toc'^Tli «on.' as you have oWmed what (harp words they ki Fall a.
Drfeiplins the vc- gai .ft the corruptions in ODrChOf ch and Liturgk,youinii;ht
wj nurfe and mo- have Knowncj that they (ay fomewhat, and (bmeidi^tto thip
ihca- of all jcict purpofe, not worthy your an(wer, but what can tte^er be tnt-
•fld qmeincffe, as f anfv.'ered : Firft, Difcipline, they fay, is taken two waycs.
«fell in diTinc at U. " ' , r \.u u i j ! • • . .u -. fi.
inhumane Socie- Firft, Largely, for the whole order pertaining tothegathe-
lics, & aflcmblies, ring and governing of a Church, the ordering of divine woiw
tiiough it be not fhip, ana manner of men. And in this (ciife, ^Difciplineis
•J** -f« ^^ {P'JJ* neither the matter nor forme of the Church, but an infepara*
ChaS':yet doA ^^* propcrtic , and (o there can be no Church without (bmc
ik faften and kiiit Difciplinc. Secondly, Itistakcnflriftlyjfortheadminiftra-
ikcaiembersthew" tion of the cenftires . in which (enfc, it is not abfokitely ne-
•f,?ijcyntsandfi- ceflary to the being, but to the well-being andfafede of the
"f"^ J^*^^^j5* Church. Secondly, Thcv answer that by divine right the
M.9"TMe Gofpcl'l power of the keyesisgiviii :o every cOmpleat, ;ftpoftolicall :
muk be preached, Church, but the execution of this power may bt wanting.^ .
theSacran-iftSB^uft
\* fre^Btcd, for which porpofe fotisc muft be taken to the publiquc fertice, nnd miniikefy of
ihc Cb»ych> fltc. Neither oncly the lack of the Word and Sarramcnts, but the provhanation
and tbufe of either, how greatly doth it endargcr the ftate and welfare of the whole Cfiurdt
•f Cbrifl ? yea, the cafting of holy tkingt to dogt', and of pcarles before fwine, how dreadfull
a judm int doth it procure, as well to the confcntf rs as prcfumcrs i A little Leaven fowretli
ikc wBole malS: : So that power to fend Labourers into Godf harreft , and to feparatt pro-
^!jane perfons for defiling the myftcrics and aflcuablies of the faithfuH , muft ht retained and
uftd in the Church of Chrift, unltfie we will tutne the houfe of God into a den of thecres^
Ice. Aft.>, 41, 4». ii'»*15,4^,47. & X«« *^.*». »*♦ &-»?• 41' 4^- & M. ». *i,
cjfhtt
cither thrOHgu tacir ■«eligence> c* becaufc they are hincrcd •
at Ux Sardu, Thjdtira, Efke(u4. &c. And this is to the pur-
pofc, for the Quettion is of the power to execute the Diici-
plinc of Chrift, and not of the iiniple right to execute it. And
in jour opinion tlic execution of Difcipline is ablblutcly nc-
ccttary to die l)cing oi the Church, without which it can nei-
ther bt gathered, aor fiiofift. Take your owne comparifon.
xxsdtSc the body doe both receive food, and purge out excre-
ments, it is not potfible it fliculd fubfill and livt. If therefore
Surdts, Pcrgamus, ThjAtira, c^c, continued thi, true Chur-
ches of Chriil^ when the greater Con would not, and the bet-
ter could not purge' out excrcmcntf, ot all were grofleiy neg-
ligcQtj i. toUoweth th^t the execution of diicipiine or power
Co execute iiilcipline, is not abfolucely neceHary to the being
of the Church. Ttiirdly, The Church oi EngUnd wantctfe
iiotthedUciplineotChrilk for fubftauce either in refpeftof
cigh; or execution, though it be not adniiniftred as it ought.
Tiici^ arc th« Anlwers w hich tiiey give, and they are too hea*
vifc to b^ ijpurned aw^y with fcorne, when ever you Qui! try
iheir weight. tBilfon.ibiJ.e4,u
Thus i might difnude your firft band^as being put to flight T^^ incernall r?.
already. 'fiptX will fpend a little t^me to examine both pro- f'"?^!" *^^ ^^
pofitiona. And for the fira it is to be noted, that tho word and SiA^in^lk'
Chnrch^ tp let paflc other hgnifications j is taken : Firft, For hcarti of the fakii!
she^omnmnitie of the faiihfull few or many, two, three, or ^''» « the true
more, men or women, without guides or officers j for beJer- k«ng<lon» of chnft,
versdifperfedanircattered by perfecution, Ipoyled of their '^^^ ^J^
guides, or fuch as being newly called never had guides fet o- ,n the Churrh of
verthem, are yet the true Church of Chrift. Secondly, The E»^/d«i But there
focietieofthetaithftill^joyning together in the ordinances of *» a ncccff tie aire
worfhip under a lawiuil Pafton* ^^ a true Church, though de- "^ «««-nf gover-
^ ^. ^ cc J 'j^^i-r tncnt, which rc-
fcftive in many officers and oi. finances required to the rerfc- fpeacth tho ap.
ftion of the ChurchThirdly,A * competent number of faith- pointing of ticetc
full people joyned in focietic under Uwfall Paftoui^, Tea- »nen,and repelling
chcrs, and Elders, to watch over, rule, feed and guide them in ° ucSa "li th ° h^
the waies of God,arc a true and compleat conftitutcd Church he° vcniy "il^fafurcs
of Jcfus Chrift. of th'* '"ord and
The word Difcipline alio isuted twowayes, as hath been Sacramcntj.Asal-
faid i Firft, !n a larger fenfe, as comprehending all order and ^° ^^J^^ ^ood uf ig
behaviour concerning a Church in outward duties , and fo iffoMeciowIew-
( among the rell) the daily planting and building by thecal- ells committed :o
i ; £ e 2 ling thcircharge.
ling and offenngof the Word by thcMin'ftrrs and the hear-
^Hf«ry>it»/jp.firft jng, receiving, and obeying by the people. As military difci-
.aDfwcr,&c.i»(ijz;.5o. pjineis'put tor the whole arl or manner ofxirdering Souldi*
^tonouncTdaWcf- crs. Secondly, Inamoreftrittfignifica ionitisthe^oliticaH
SngTan"aniicxcd guiding of the Church, and is exercifed principally , if not
promife» , no: for onely in the ^ adminiftration o^ Church cenfiires ; and this is
himfelfc, I t (as that difcipiine which generally, all Ecclefiafticali Writers
you grant for his fpeafego^ i\,nd this power likewifemnft be confidercddther
I defSd7 (Ir'Z in rcfpeft of right or the firft aft, as they call it, of in refpeft
other y\poftles -il- of cxo-ution and the fecond aft.
fo. Ibid. Set you Thcfediftinftionstluisplainly propounded, the anfwcrtd
do*vn by die fcrip- ^^^ propofition is dilHndly this ; Firftj If the word ^ifcifliTti?
tur€s,what^ism^cat ^^ ^^^^^ 'm the Jargeft acceptation, it iS nec^i&ry «tO the
liw y ou'by Saip- Chtirch, bec^ufc no Sqcictic can be held or gathered without
tures alfo; that :he fojne order. Secondly, If itbe taken in the ftrifteft iignificati^
i» Apoitics had c- q,i^ ix belongeth not to theComraunitic of the faitnfiill few
ouall power in u- Qp^jj^ny.. For the power ofgoverning the Church belongeth
Tmin^Cbri/t ^ttb- 'o ^^^^ primarily and iivrefpea of ufe ai^ execution, tb
jeef.part.i.i.\6t. ' i\ hom Cbrift hath comnmiHcated it. ButChrift'hath not gi--
The Pricit hath ven this povver to the faithfull, few or more, but to his offe
his CommifTion as ^gj.5^ whom he hath appointed to feed and governe his folke.
f'^b'Son and ^ Thirdly, If a focietie enjoy but one Paftour or Teacher fer
bidfcncrno"unw the time, the power, of j^overnment doth not belong' bhtd
himlclfe,' but unto hlnfl. For Ghrift hath not committed tfiis power unto one
his Lord and Ma- q^i ^nto many , The power of preaching and adminillratioi'i
ft<-r that fcnt him, Qfjjjg SacranacnJs is given to one, and may be executed by
frcach'himfelSh- ^im alone : But the power of guiding or governing is given
fcrvant of ^ae-ner o the CoUodge Ecclefiafticali, or company of Governours,
men than Princei, and nvuft not be executed by any others* And if one alone
and make h:mfelle jj^^y ^ot challenge that w'^'ch is Committed unto a focietie,
the fctvant of a J jtisnotforonePaftour to j /communicate his people^ And
thr«ord"°of his henceitfollowesncceflarilyj that difcipiine or power of go-
CommilSon,&c. verningor difjpencing thefcyes, isnot abfolutely neceflary
f Adifputepdrr.j. to the being of the Chiii'ch. For if there may be a true. Chiri-
'; «^*^^;J^^ °^"^ ftian Church without Paftours or Tcachcra, but not > pjower
fliftinguilh a two- *
foW powcrof the keyes 5 the one Concionatiti the other ^adicialit. The former is propci- for
Paftours alone , yvhofe vocation it is by the preaching and publiflilng of Cods.Word, to (hut
and open :hc JCingdomc of heayen. The k«ye« of cxtcrnall difcipiine belongeth to the whole
Confiftory. Tre/uf, itfiij. Tbeol. lib, i.pag. 187, g Fareus in 1 Cor. j. ^t Excow. Emm
tiux conven'iuni Pr€shyterii,vi ordims fui Fresb/ttrialts, duo furit genera : Alidenim im^i^
diate (cnveniUAt fngulis perfentlitcr -.alia veto imniediaie convinntnty non4tt:d:m fjiguiit
'ferfsr.aUtxT^ fed cbnjunctiicotleziatutrftveFreSbjfterit, Fetb.lrenie,Jib.i.tap^9.£rep. s?..
fai.J^i.i^ejiTbbwtisaTdiimntmf* , of
of the keycs orEccIefiafticall government, thtn the power of
governmeni; IS not abfolutely ncccflary to the being of a
Church. And if the Presbytery be the onely executioners of
the cenfnringdircinline, thfn ^.f the Church may be without
a Presbytery, it nay want the difclplinc in refpcd: of executi-
on. For vv hne the Officer is wanting, there the office al(b ii,
wanting as touching the execution thereof. If all the Officers
X)f di/ciplinc ftiould dye at once, or the Church fhould wane
her officers ; the faithful! have not power of difciplinc either
originally or aftually, either to conveigh it virtual?'/ or for- ' "***
maUy to her Minilters, whom (hee might cuu(c, or to execute ^ ^ilf^fi- pif'f^o^
it her fclfc. But the faithfull doe remaine a Church, when her I^J^\IX''^ J^' J' ?
officers art- '^dtTperfed by perfecution, taken a way by death, thaV°in"the"y\po^
be wanting tnrough her negligence, or fome other way. Iri ftlcj times every cfi
your own way and conltitution, the Church may be without \^ yrhcte the Go-
DotKPaitour and Teacher , and that for. a long time, tillnt iH*^" receivej;
men may be chcfen Unto that office •, in all which time it muft paft" « wd Tea!
want the adminiftration-of the Sacraments, and execution of chers,notonIvtraI
difclpline. ^' - *•' • ''■ ■ ' ■ .;_;;.,>;" veiling lo and fro',
Wc have not learncdi^thiit evtry Chriftian is a King jmHli Jf ^^l^oft and con-
Pi ince, to rule with ■ Chrift by open rebuke, if no other doe buTabidin'''& T'
rebuke in fcafon, or by debarring them from communion fifting in"L farac'
and fcllowlhip of the Church, whom he judgeth or ccnfureth all laboring to cn-
tv orthy to be caft out, as men out of covenant. For if all t hat crcafc the number
aicmade of Chrift by communion with him Kings ScPricfts ?^t^«Church,6fc.
•unto God- flwuld be made Kings and Pricfts unto God in or- [^jy!y!Z"*^'^'
•lfr,Cd'/);J.£;ttCf.
derpoliticalltorule and governc his Church, .hen power to nail* Regiment i$
governe fiiould be given to every lingular per{bn„ not to the no part of Chrifts
communitie alone, to women and children no leflc than unto Xinodome, which
-men. The life and being of a Church lb ndcth in the very ''^^'^P^jf'' ^^'
knitting of the faithfull unto hrift : for it is Chrift that gi- ^^ ^°g^" ^ /^^J^
.veth falvationto the body : ^ id if union give it the forme of kth all other gol
aChurcn, it muft neceffaril)' be a Church before itpraftice vernmtnt$,for the
this difcipline, becaufe it hath no place but in an united. body divinc^force and
or Congregation. Thofe three ihoufand foulcs that were |"„7tnYerp?ri^
gained at one profperous ^ Sern)Qn oiPetc^, were the Church tuall fruits and ef^
of God, when they received the V/ord with gladncfle, and frfts of his King-
were baptized, before any power of Government was given ^omc
unto or eftabliftied among them. The like is of the 'Church, i' Aft-MMt^j,
©r Congregation of i'^4ri«. ' TAft.g.f, '?!"«;,
Fowthlyj Of right the ccmmunicated power of govern- si ^. j*»
E c 3 ratnii
(58)
ment bdongeth to every cc mplc^^ Societie^or rather to everf
EcdcfiatUcall collcdgc o.' aflcaibiy,(rt apar: by Ghrift for the
guidance of F ^3 people ; but the . xecucion of tint power may
mZdnsJtoptr.re'' bchindrcd thk . ugh *» ignoranci, ncglifcnce, unjuft ufurpa-
dmpt.mi^r^cep. tion,ordie jikc The right o£ govcrnmr.ic in Ctuilts namt
/e </.yci/)/. £cf/ir/. bclongeth iu«o thciu, b^auH. it flowes horn the ordinanci:
Church* idTo! ^^^conftiwtionof Chritt, as i» proper adjunftv;hichcannoe
confiftingr'frnauy ^'^ Separated from the fubjcd.Buc the a^icn it fcltc of govern-
learned and skUful ment ma/ be ' hindred divers wayes, when the being of the
aen, excommuni. Qhurch it not deftroycu. The Paltours and Teachers may be
"^^b" A^^^^ "°^ ignoran- ofcheir priviledges, and fo give awiiy that which of
«puhcr"4hbSlr rightbclongethuniothcraiorthcyroay be ntgligcniin the
«hur hc» talked execution oftheir office, and not iieedtiilly atterd to the Mi^
counfcll of. niftcry committed unco thcmr The greater part n^y prevails
n A dijf^:4<i!i.%. ag^inll the better^ or ibme few may u(iirpe into t ocir owns
9,i.p. » 8^. When iiimdjthe power which belongcth unto the Socw^ic, which
vre teach tkatthe . . * • j ' >-i i_ • j j j •
PaflourorPaftours t«iHg oncc gamed cannot eaHly bcregamcd or redeemed, lu
of ev«ry particular which cafes the lawiuli a&ion of government i$ hindred,
ChuiJiorcongre,- wheny t the Church remaineth the true Church of Chrift^
*u®" > ^** *^« Thus it hath been with the "Church of God in all ages^ ever
LinTmett^cJheJ ^^^c there was a Church upon the face ot thcearth.And from
hare power jto bind thisfounuinc have fprungthcerrors,abu(c$andcorrup«ons^
3.ia ioofc : we un- which have prevailed in t& Church of God. For \i p dilg^rders
dcrftaad ihi* ojk- get head, of ncceffitic the aftion of government is (om^way
ren/"nuoibcr^f N^w to your Aflumption . Firft, Every particular *» Sode^^
iinderianding and tieof belcevers in the Church of SngUnd, or lingular Paitour
qualified men,fna)r oJrhii or that Congregation hath not the power of govern-
S ^M^^^ ^ n* Jnt, neither doth it of right or by divine gitt belong unto
ollwfcre/wfli cw. ^^ communitic of the faithftJI, or one finguiar Paltoun Se-
<flf. 5, The Apo- condly, The power of Gov? , -runent as it conlifteth in difccrft.
^cdeaecdthatpy ing betwixt the precious and r u vile, admoniihing the inoi^.
the confent aiul in dinatr, and excommunicating chc obftinatc, is conlidered ci-»
men "he" O^uW ^^"^^ ^" '"^^^P*^ °^ ^^' fubftance, parts and duties thereof, or in
be call uuc of ibe refpcft of the ordering and admioiftration by luch per/bn».
Church, &c. and in fuch a course. This diftinfiuon miii^ begranted or elfe
t^'^^?^'f^j"*' all the Churches which adminifter difcipline amifle in any
flrh^adinpC cJrcumftance at any time, muft be charged to have no difci-
gilantium* ' pUnt at all } and they that commit the adminiftratlon of difci-
a AH^uifMntr,ef^ pline to perfons iu mens opinion notdefigncd by Chrift, not
famJib. J. c. I, w» have the difcipline of Chriit for fubftance: For example,
tney
C3P)
they that Commit thecxecotion or difciplme to die PrcBbyie-
ryorClafle, have not eke tiilcipline cf Glirift, iothc judge.
Djcnt of the SeparatioTvl>«'»u(e Chrift ( as they fay ) hach fCbryro/f ' Mi
committed it to the tommunHie or body of tbcSocictic. And Hom.SzJt^o fm?li
they that commit the power of f oycrnment to the ' people or rcngcancc hargcth
communitie foyntly with the Eldcrj, in the judgement of re- over ycur heads, if
ibmicdChqrche8,havenot thedifciplineofChnitbccaufehe JjouJ^f^eT''*'"
Iwth committed it to the Presbytery. And every aft of go- bcMrtakcro? ibS
»ernment may be excepted againft as r nullity ,becaufc in fbmc Table,
drcumftance or other the order prelcribed by Chi'ft is not * If any Piinct
ftOiy obfervcd. Threthen confidered, theChurch oiSftgUfui ^o«ld Fc baptixcd
it j«3Cwitboue dje • difcipline of Chriit for fobiUnce,wfietiM:r LoXtSJ -f h
the wor-l b; ukcn largely or ftriaiy^whtthcr we sdpe& rigfal manifcft^fll-w'of
or execution; but the outward mrme and ordering of the dif* «nbf';?r t irre-
cipllnejsi ot in all things according to the Word of Ood. penwnce. the Mi.
If by divine right the power of government bclongcth, citha ^'^^''^ ^^^'^ »««•-
tothefocieiieofChurch-governours, or the communitie of the °trL* Svto
fiiefaichfuiI,itbclongethalibcothe Paftours, Teacher*, El- his life acth.-Prin-
ders, AflemblJes among ns. As for the execution of difcipline ce» feet,then to let
largely takenjall men krow the Word is tnicly preachcd,and jj**^ Kmg of Kmga
file Sacxaments are dueiy andrightiy 'adminiftred: ana in ^^KrdcSlS!
what focietie foever God is truely wor(bipped,of nectfttie the h/, ^^^ {-^^^ ^^
^JHciplincofChrift i» in fome fort obferved. If we fpefikeof the Princes rndan-
<difdpline more ftriftly, all roerr know the Church of Eti^hnJ gcrcd, frr !ache of
by doftrine profefleth, by Law hath eftablifhed, and daily o^^^n ^nd tarntfti
pra&ifeth for fubftance,the execution of the very difcipline of , ^^u^^^j^ia^^j^'
Chrift. The ordering and adminiftrationofl^ecrnfures as it /„tj.part x./joi,
isintheGhurchoff»^/.««^,i8faultic and corrupt, and'.ow Ifyou mesne they
the godly have laboured, according to their places, the f a»ay^ not laniilcr
dreffeof thatevill, is not unknowne to the world in part. : J p,!^^^,^"'/^,^ ,
Butthe want of due execution- oFdifcipline or difordcred ad- y^-^jj & rtixntance
fninittri-ti n thereof, dotl •!>* argue the Church to want dif- which God rcqui-
ciplinc, ^ut the due ordering of difcipline, nor to be no reth ot men that
Church, but to be dcfeftive and much out of order. fi»^» ^* bpptiicj. ,
In the Church of tht h^Pes in the old -Ttftament there was hlsSeTwcg^nl '
many times great neglcft of difcipline and abuftthereo^/In ,h^y muft rather
fiai7ar'dtheit lives than bsptite Pi inccs\»hichbeleete rot, ordiflniutc the Lords myflcrics .
to them that rcp«m not 3*//cw Cbrtft.fubjfurti fi ef-i'^t.^. ^48- '*'j^« Princewill noi
ftibmithirarclfe to the rules and precepts of Chnftibm wilfully maintain- hcrcfir Scopen ira. -
purity, ihe Biftiops arc without flattery to reprorr ind adnwnifti the Prince of the Hanger that
i? mmincm tromGod, and if heperliftjihcy muftceaCc to communicate with hinBindivm*
flayer and myftirics. Bilf. Ck./ub.fan .j.ptf^. <J,^4» ? ^ »» J<^« »®- ''^'^ * *^' *^' *7»
JWw. »«. I7.Im<1« t. 4. 7. •. »«♦ - "^^
(4o>
ihcChui'che:*citheNeu.Tciaii\.>?nri as in (orhth; CaUtU^
the Churches to which /.^«w«,/ •'nc^ fude wrote, and Rente, the
execution of difcipline could rvctplceplaccjor was much neg-i
le6l:cd. DfotrephesuCu':ptd o''cr the 3b""T,h, and corrupted
the difciplme, when the Church continuecJ. the true Church
of Chrift^andthe faithfull abode ^n that ^c.ip.tie ; Thijs in-
ftance D' vy^mes truely alledged, to (hew that the rcproveriof
abufts doe not lay the foundation of fchilme c: icpsi^.tioii
xC^».He<ej.ofSc* from the Church, which " you doe well to fpt t ^ at, bccaufir
fartit. fug' 1^1 • ^ou know no»: how to remove it. For what if you doc not
leadc that ''Diotrephes was an unlaw full and A nrichriftian Mi*
aifter? you reade that he ufbrped over the faithfull, hindied
the due execution of Church-ccn^'ifCSj abuftd excommunica-
ik>n,prated againft the Brethr.":, .nd praftifed a tai(e ;pYcrn-
ment. And If the v/ant of dilciplinu or neglcft of due execu-
:Eion, prove a Church to be no Church, the faithfull in tha*
iocietie were bound to fcparaf. If the Church had not the
power of government at this time, ( if we may beleeve you or
receive your pofition)they v/ere no churchrif they had power
in their hands, and foficred it to be abufedjtheir finnc was the
greater. And if you take a view of your dealings in this or o-
ther particulars, vilifying what you are not able toconfuec»
and wrcfting mens words contrary to their plaine meaning,
if your paper blufti not, I can hardly thinkc but your cojifci-
encewiUimitc.
Sect* II*
"^Ciiii Kenf. cfSe- " ** **^ Church o/^England hsth not C^rlfis ksjes, [bee is not h»,
-f»?tit.pag^\\^, 1 faith lM'D' But the Church ^/England hath not Chrljif
y 5>«w; fled' m • ^7^^^ f*^^^ ^-^' Brightman ^'»dy others. Therefore fhee u riQt
'his houfe. Mid confe quern ij to be fefarated fronts i
Y
Answer.
'Our former reafons out ofM'i^. J paflc over, becauft
they have been anfwcred already, and are here thruft in
tonopurpo(c, butonely to cover the infufficiency of your
reply. His an(Wer was, the want of difcipline, though an in-
,iCdn.Ne(ef.ofSe' tegrall part, is no fufficient ground of reparation. This - you
^e:ft.p,i 52,1 J J. offer not tg disprove by any fubftantiall i;cafon, but with ra^
C4t)
ling and reproach to difgrace, wherein whether you more
wound your own con(ricnce,of hurt your adverfaryjbe judge
your Celfe. '■ You fay trueiy ,jti^a (fhri^ian part not to render a C'^nlMttef.of Se-
rebuke for rebuke, a*r'.' .^ thoufand times better were it, tofH(tai)ie p^trtt-pag. 1 1 »:
eve» aJegioH of reproaches, than for a man by turning (though but t i* 9*
0ne) to give cauje offufpition, that evi/l hath got fame part of * ^' ^^
conquefi over him. But if you looke into your own Writings,
you (hall hnde them ftufiTcd with infoknt boafting , (cornfull
taunts and reproacheSjUnbefeeming your place, perfon, and
agoodcaufc I dare fay, all the Nonconformiils that ever
wrote in the cauft of dilcipline,nevcr went in praftifc (b much
againft their Principles, as you in this one particular , goe a-
gainft you. profeflion in the forefaid paflage,and a good con-
fciencc.
The matter in hand betwixt you and MO. is the abfblutc
neceffitie of Church-difcipline to the being of a Church ; To
what end then doe you bring, That the 'Bookjjf common-prayer
ftfed in the Affemblies oj England, « an infeBious. Liturgie. Ro-l
mijh-fiufeya devifedfervice, raked out of three Romijh Channellss
That the Minifter J of the Church of England is unlavcfuU and
Antichri^ian I That the Aiinifiery, worjhip, and government of
«f England are corruptions ! Doth this make ought to con-
firme your pofition, or weaken the anfwcr which was trueiy
given > But fbme thing mu(l be laid, whether to or beiides the
purpofta it matters not.
Another flratagemc '' you put in praftice in the (ame place, hCan.'Nieef.ifsei
not vfcry commendable. You would fccrac to confute the Z>. r''»'<*^ /tf^. « j j, "
«Ut of himfelfe. fVhatfayyou, if it appear e that M' D. argu-
ments, doe lead rather toJeparation,and that hefpeaknh one things
and praUifeth another \ •{vouldnotthUbeafrangefight,efpecial-
Ij, to himfelfe ? No^ whether this befo, tve rvill here try byfome
reafoni in his orvne rMode andfigf^r e. But though the moodc and
figure be his, the realbns be your owne, and not his, and the
conclufions unjuftly drawne from thePremifes, as the 1). an-
fwered, and we have (hewed before. Perhaps in wa rre (trata-
gcms may be of ufej but in the caufe of God fuch cunning de-
vices are dangerous (ymptoms. This I note, to entreat your
feriou? reexamination of what you have done: and now I
come to the argument here propounded, whereuntolmakc
anlwer as you relate it, for I have not the D,Booke to fearch
out what he hath written.
Ef The
The power of ilielicyes is twofold, fo'/cUttalli cp* fuJicU"
Iis,VLS it is u(ually called. The firft conlifts in the preaching
ofthcGofpcll, wherein the kingdome of heaven is opened to
thepenitent,finnes remitted, life proniiicd, and heaven (hut to
theobftinate: which is the fword and the fcepterof Chrift,
. . _. - whereby he faveth his people, and conquereth his enemies,
"iCor. I. ii: beatethdowne every ftrong hold, peirceth to the divifionof
Ifa^i i.''*4^' ^"^«^ ^"^ fpirit, and of the joy nts and marrow, and judgeth
Rom. X. 16. ■ thcvery cogitations and thoughts of the heart. Thefeeffefts
c To excommiini- Chrift executeth by his Word, even when it is not affifted by
cate IS to remove the* difciMirie fooken cif Now if it be rightly iinderitood,
ir''^'^'o1^'n7r* the ChurcW of God cannot be without this key. For the
nciratio . of the Church is gatHercd'by the Word, and is a company or fode*
Lords Suppcr:leaft tie which hath received the Word in profcflion at ieaft*, and
by facrilegiousprc- (j^th poffcfTe it, and amongft whom it dwellethiThe Jiidiciall
fuming to violate p^j^^j. of thef <* kcyeJs is the power of goVei^nmcnt^ whitfi coii-
lodlTfhouW ^^^^^ fifteth principally in the right ordering ^nd difpenfatiortof
dcmnc thcmfelvej, ChuTh cenfiircsi and fo of the manners and neceflities of all
and defile others* men : which agreeth not to any one memberj nor to the com-
Bilfon^erpet,gov. niunitie of the tohftill*, nor t6 aity one lingular go vernour,
•54'^' . . but to the Ecclefiafticall Senate, yet with due rcfpeft had to
•n is'^Terripinl the t6mmumtieof thef^thfull^ Inthe iirft fenfr, the Church
tnall punifhment . of £^i/^»^hiith the poWei* ^f^Hike^cSy "ttdt (b ijiuch a^ is to .
& reacheth no fur- be defired;, but Jti ah ieminei^t ifort ; and that with Gods blef-
thcr by Gods word f^^pu^Q^ the labour of hisfcrvants, if atty other Church un-
offe"ndcrs ihe^'°r- ^^r Heavtn.Ih'the fecondfignSfieatioii^thti poWe# of the'kcycs
jniffion of their for fubftancciiSih bttrChti'rch, but th^^m^attncT'of Ordering
firncsjby wanting and adminiftration of them is coniipt andfault-ie. fcut thh
the WorJ andSa- power of the key esis not of abfolute necelTitieto the being of
Ihrrc""nt. """ ^^^ Church, but to the well- being onely . Here is a fk place to
BHilru^ChriniiK anfwer your Qucftion : Whether to hide from the people the
fart 3 . fag. %z, knowledge of all the maine truths, which concernc the out^
c cyp. lib, I .epifi.i . ward regiment of Chrifts vifiWe churchjOwkc a faifc Prophet;
I haidly pcrfwade ,
fhe people, yea, T am forced to wrcft it from tbem, before they will fuffcr fuch to be admitted..
BilfDnperpet.gov- c. 9. Great icafon had thofe godly Fathers to fee the whole Church fatisfi-*,
cdjbefore they releafcd the ftntcnce of excommunication. Sec. and fo doing they Ihewcd not
what right the multitude had to fit Judges with the Biftop, but what care themftlves had to
remove from the people all occafiohs of tumbling.
Id.pag^i 1 5. If you take ^communication for removing the uhrulyft^m the civillfocittif
af the faithfull , uncill they conformc themfclvcs unto a more Chriftiancourfe of hfe , I am-
not altogether averfc, that the whole Church fhould conciirre in th« aflion,&<?. %ttAvguft, .
*w/r. far, Ep. 2 . A », €0, i . Can, Stay. tf{f, i z.pai^. 1 13*
J|.
C40
Itwouldbcknowne what you call mainc truths, which
concerne the outward regiment of Chrifls vifible Church.
The power ofgovcrnmcnc is proper and communicated: Pro-
per, that which ChriH hath referved peculiar to himrelfcjand
IS executed according to his infinite wifdome , by the (ecret
hand of his divine power, and the effeftuall worke of his holy
Spirit, making the word of exhortation and reproofs , com^
fort and inlbuftion , to fomc the favour of life uut,^ lifcj
whence followeth efFeftuall anfweringto their calling, rcjoff
cing,comforL,and growing up to perfcftion. Not to mention
further, how he fuccourcth the godly, beftoweth fome gifts,
(though not fuch as accompany Salvation) upon the wic^ -
bridlethi curbeth and confoundeth his enemies. His commUj-
■icated Government is that which being limited within the
compaflc of certainc Lawes and Canons of his holy Word.;
he hath committed to be exercifed and executed in and by So-
cieties, according to his appointment. The chiefe and princi-
pal! meanes Chrift ufethherc, is the preaching of his Word,
whereby he (avcthhis people, and conquereth hfs. enemies.
The difcipline is as a Chariot for the Word to ride upon, and
to keepe other ordinances from contempt ; but it is not the
mod ordinary or mighty meanes of Chrifts government or
adminiftration of his Kingdome. >J3 • o^
Thefe things being thus. The Minifters of the Golpcll zrh
to teach the people the maine grounds and chiefe heads of
Chriftian Religion, even all things necedary to falvation in
refpeft of faith and manners , othcrvvile they (land guilty of
the bloud of (bules. They are to teach ihem alfo what the
Lord hath inftituted for the well-ordering of his houle, but in ^ ^om<r tfcny tLe
fealbn.orderjand asthey are able to beare it. It is not for men " °^ ^comuni.
to fet up the roofe, before tliey have laid the foundation. Ex- ^ew^f.^S ''^*'
perience for many yearcs hath taught us.that divers who have pet, cb^gcjl f^A
piuch bulled themfelvcs in the doctrine of Church-govern- The Scribes and
ment, have been unable to make ' ulcof that vvhich they have PJ^arifes Cyou will
fay) did in Chrifts
time excommunicate, and thruft out fuch as they thoajhc offenders, out oftheir Synagogues :
But the Pharifes never learned that out of Afofe f, A fcparation of the Leaper from thecompal
ny of men, and ofunclcanc for comming neere holy places or things, jv/o/er prcfcribeth, but
not excommunication, that I rcmembei-,«cc. Aliens were qot admitted to be of the number of
ihe Lords people j and any unclcanncfl'e of the flcflididfcparatc foia TeafonjChc ^f»exthcm-
felves from approaching nccre to the Congregation or Tabernacle of God : but neither of
thefciscxcommunicaiionj&c. So in the ufc of excommunication in the Chriftian CJburch,
^c. and many fuch like.
F ^ 2 learned
(H)
teamed from others. If I fhould bring your felfc for inftance,
tt^ho have received many good truths from the writings of the
Konconformifts, but miferably pervert them to your owne
hurtjthe difturbance of Gods Church, fcandall of the Golpel,
and the ftrengthr'ng of fuch as are turned afide into dange-
rous errours; Ifliould not muchmiUc the marke, and you
have more caufc to take heed than to be offended. Alfo godly
tnen> wh6 follow the truth in love, may be of different minds
in thefe things , and for men to hide thai; from the people,
whereof they are not perfwadcd that it is the truth of God^
is not the note of a falfc Prophet.
Moreover, Tho/e things which you call maine truths^ con*-
ecrniji^.the exter^nall goverrnient of iChrifts vilible Church,
may juftly be queftioned, whether they be truths at alK If I
may conjefture by your writings, the mSine truths you in-
tend are fuch as thefe ; That power of Church-government is
abfolutejy neccflary to the being of a Church ; That all {tin-
ted or ^et-forn?es of prayer o^Liturgie, are forged ordevifed
fvoi-lhip ; That there is np lawfull Minifter', who is not cho-
fen, called, ot ordained by that partfctilar Congregatidn>
' tvhere he is to adminiftcr ; That the Minifter of one congre*
gation may psrformc no minifteriall aft in another; That the
'^ power of Government is in the comn.unitie of the faithfulli
ihd'from thetit derived unto the^Paftours^Teachers^or Elders,
, V Sec. Thefe and the like arc the maine truths in your eftecraej
ivhichl conceive have no bottoming in the holy Scripture,
And if the Nonconformifts, or fome othefjfhould askeof you
this Queftion , whether to teach fuch points as maine truths
neceflary to falvation, rnd tocondemneall Churches who
conforme not to your platforme, as falfe and Antichrifiian^
and their worfhip as falfe and idolatrous ; and whether to
wreftand abufc Scriptures, and pervert Authors to that pur-
pofe, make you not a falfe Prophet, confider advifedly whal
ound and fatisfying anfwer you could returne.
Sect; IIL
C*».Nm/./^. T:i-^/^'*^'^^/':^^''^^V'r^-7r;: y^jr>iHjkere frame th>s^r:Z
f^ratp, 1 5 9,160. -D ^ument -, Jfthe profejfors of the g of pell m Englafld,^4'yf mt
Mnong them a, trne ChHrch-'goverr.ment-btit are H»iler that ^hich
€Amefrcm thegrefit.AmichriB>. then tire thej hund ; fet nf the
firdinaucci
X
C45)
eirdittAme of God, andfr/iBice it ^rfotuvithfiandlng the MAgiffratc
doc forbid the [aid frA^ice, But the f^ofe^ors of the Gofpell in
England, havenot amongthem atrue Chftrch-govemiiteytt, but
are under, ^c^ Therefore thej are bound to fet u^ the ordinanee
ofGodandtofrAUiceityHotmthflAnding the Magiftrate doth for'-
hidthefaid pra&ice, Thefe are both their ort;te pofitio»s, andfo
foundly frtvedj that no man living id able to confute them^
Answer..
IF your meaning be as the ordinary fignification of the
Words import, it is not to the purpofe ; for it is one thing
incurowneperfbns to practice according to the ordinance
of Chnir, another, to (eparate rroni that focietie, which doth
not praftice in all things according to the inftitution of our
Saviour- Butyougivecaufttothinke, that by thefe word?
( erc^ing this power, and exercifing the fame among them )
you meane, that they are to feparate and draw themftlves in-
^:0 fuch 'a focietie, where they may exercifc that poi'c.-. For
thusyouvintc^'j I doe not meane, that any private perfon jlould CiiJ-Ktcef. ofSe^
meddle veith the affaires of the Realmc, but that every one in his parat. jiag, '55^
*^neperfoH, doe place himfelfe about the throne of God, leaving
the abufes of the pHbttaue StMe , to be reformed by fuch as have a
Calling thereto. And if this be your minde in that claufe, you
greatly wrong the Nonccnformifls^and reformed Churches,
in charging them with this pofition. For it is their diieft af-
ftrtion to the contrary, that for want of orderly adminiilra-
tion ofdifciplinc, Chriftians are not to feparate from the tru'i
and found Churches of Jefus Chrif^. Your phrafe likewifc of
placing themfelvcs about the throne of God, is in no fort ap-
proved of them,or of the truth It fclfe:As if none were placed
about the throne of God, or God did not gracioufly vouch-
safe his prefencc unto, or reigne over any afllcmbly, wherein
dilcipline is not rightly and orderly in all points admini-
ftred.
But here it mufl be noted, that the power of government
muft be confidered, either in refpeft of the fubftancc of it, or
the orderly manner of adminiftration, as was faid before.
And a thing or office is called Antichriftian in tworefp^fts.
Jirft, as whatfoever is not of Chrift is Antichriftianjin which
icnfcj they of the Separation call all ftimcd Liturgies Anti-
. ~ F.{ 3 tfhrifUan..
cbriftian. Secondly, as that which is derived from the authoi
rititfand headfliip of the great Antichrift of B-ome^ and dc-
pendethupoii hira as his ownc inftitution, is Antichriftian.
And to apply thcle things to ihe purpofc^if we take the word
Antichrijliart, in the firft ugnificationa the true Church of God
may be under Antichriftian government, in refpeft of the
manner of di(pen(ation of the ccnfiires, that is, the difpenfi'.
tion of the cenfures may be committed to (uch ptilbns as arc
not inftitiited, approved, and fet apart of Chrlft for that pur-
pofe, and in fuch manner. As if it be committed to an ufijr-
ped power over the Brethren, or to fome few of many, or tp
luch as be ignorant, prophane, ov the like. [
It is true, the light hath no fellowflbip with darknefle , nop
truth with falftiood : but In this life light in men is ipixed
with darknefle , and the beft Chriftians infefted with erroui^
of Antichriftianifme. In many of the Martyrs of Jcfus Chrlft,
both before & fince the revelation of Antichrift, their know-
ledge was mingled with more darknefle , and their Chriftja""
. . nitie with more antichriftianifme, if you will (b call it , than
I°e /«» a ^' • ^^" ^^ found in our Church and Miniftery. It is true, the
sHieron.inTit.i. faithful! muft labour every one in his place to bring in the
Amb.iniTim.^, ordinances of God, and reforme abules ; but if they cannot
Bilf.perpet. c. ii. prevaile, they muft not cut themselves off from the body, and
C rattan* 'Decret. excommunicate the focietie. Forif the Church may want,'
'f^6^ \\Coicitru' y^^» negleft the ufc of the Sacraments for a time, and yet con-
rW.tjIr.Hic.Al' *^1""^ ^he true § Church of God, then it may want the orderly
basy Pamr.in de- ule of difcipline in refped of the officers, by whom, and ihe
cret.Grtgor.^.de manner how it ftiould be duelycxerciftd. For the politicall
eenfuitud. cap, 4. gliding of a Church by the ccnfuring difcipline, is not to be
cenmuni re^ebant compared to the want 8^ negleft of the Seales. If the Church
ecclefiay^'ordina- fliall thinke good to keepe ir a member, which fome private
bant sacerdotes* man judgeth Worthy to be excommunicated, muft he cutoff
Cjfpr. epifi. <?. or himfelfe, or caft cue the offender contrary to the order. If the
!,* i^^'^ Tepifi°9 ^^^^^ of government be exercised by the whole body of the
(^oncii.Cartbag.i. Societie, which I conceive to belong onely to the CoIIedge
€a, ii.Tbo. 1, lA Ecclefiafticall, muft I needs feparate from them as no Church
^M.7i. art. ^. ad of Chrift >
tertium. Affirmative precepts binde perpctually^but not to all times 1
Bonav.tn \ Urn. ,.<- f. ^ . ^ j- /r 1 i! ^ «.• , 1
dift* 48. art. 2. to diipolition and readnieilealwayes, but to practice, onely,
qu. 1. in refoLScot. when tin^e, place, and opportunitie occurreth. For example,
f» J fent. d'lfi, 9, a man is ever obliged to thinke the truth, if lie know it, but
iH.HtJican.^. got
C+7)
hcteitlier ro profefle or fpcake the truth at all times. Ofaffir-
niacive duties, fbnie are abfoJutcIy ncccflary in men of age
nnddifcretion, without which there can be no falvation, as
beliefc in Chrift , and repentance from dead works. Others
are neceflary when God giveth »' opportunitie, andcallctha h Nci:! . doe I
Mian forth thereunto; asprofcflion of the faith, by joyning ^^°^ what war-
ourfelves to the Church of Gcd, and partaking of the Sacra- JJ"'n"y o^'^^jn^y
nicms. Others oblige in a time free, which doe not oblige in S"vorlJ!nfu1;
atimcnotfree, as w lien urgent neccflitie, the circiiniftanceof a cafe , fo to draw
pofed by divine law upon the Governours of the Church, or ha^iard their'out-
^as you fay) upon the whole Societie. But it lyeth not upon ward ftate & quiet
this or that particular member to doe it, or feparate, when o- '^ ^^<^ Common-
thcrs be remifle, and either be not perfwaded of, or doe neg- i"'^^^'^ ^^^^^ '^^y
Tea their diitie, and will not be drawne unto it. They be not UruTmJS^^
©f the lowed ranke who thinkc it may and t)ught to be for- they may publikc-
bornCj when it cannot be ufed without open and unavoidable h with the grace
fchifme. When a doftrinall errour of leffc importance and ^P^ the favour of
fmallevillconrequenccprevaileth in a Church, bypubliquc joy ^hT^T' ^''"
authoritie, it is not the dutie of a private Teacher publiqucly meansof "heir S^
10 ftrive againft it,to nianifeft & apparent fchifmes, but rather vation. f'vresronal
™ ... ...^ .^quirc it Who doth not calmely and peaceably tBc^acomr. Eraf,
moderate that which he thinkethj but is readie incontinent to de Exccm.
contentions, diflcntions, and fcandals, although he have not Fdldcfthe chb,
an hercticall renfe,moft certainly he hath an hercticall minde. p*«/* '^"P- '7.
And though the ' Government of tiie Church derendeth uc- * *^''f/""- ''*"'
onthcordmanceot Ood, yet it is not for every particular fcri/r.-pcfi medium
and private man to fet up that order in focietieSjprofcffing the in BihHoih. patr.
faith publiquely and eftabliflied by Law, againft the mind and ">'"-4-paT.i.edit.^^
pleftfiirc-of the Ghriftian Magiftrate. And this the Noncon- teler^eft^d^T^'
tormiits doe both teach a^d prafticc,and therefore they have t^d ruWike^hurl
humbly fued for reformation, but never cither praftifcd or chesandMnifter'
approved your feparation That which you cite out of the inthe f.icc of the
Harmony of confeffions, as ifthe reformed Churches did al- ^l^g iftr ate, w he-
low or teach what you praaice^ I will fct downe, and kave it no, or in 7ef fte of
akcm. Bat fuch in refpeft of the eye of the Magiftratf , were a$ priyatc as might be, Vmeafii-' -
to
k Caiik', cenfeti. to every man ^o judge of your fidtlitie. The Church ^ Gd/llcdft
m, z6. None but r^j^h thu8 ; Credimtu igitnr nemini licere.fefe catibusfubducere,
freedome^and pro! ^ i^f^iffo acaniefcere, fedptius ommbus Jlmnl ttiendam & con-
teftio to thefe fpi- feyvandam ejje £ccleft£ unitdtein, fefe communi infiitutioni c^jtu
rituall fundions go Chrifti fubijciendo, ubkunq', Deus veram illam difciplinam
and aftioruc Bit- Scclefiafticam conH'tfiuerit, etUmfi LMagzfiracUftm ediiia recU"
fon.Chrifiianpart ^^^^^^ a quo ordine quicHrjaue fcipfos fe\ungunt y ordiHAtioni Dei
1 Belgic. ccnfejf. Heb,\c. 25. And the ' 5f/^/<:/^ thus ; Credimrs cfUedcHmfO'
^u'u^f' i^"'^?"' ^^y ^*^ Crf?«^ & congrsgatio,fit eorHm qulfervAri dtbent ,& [dm
the helpc of Prm- nAlU fit extra earn : neminem ( cumfcmcii, dicrnitms ^ut nomink
CCS , thoMeh the .-''.. ^z- , r r i ?• ' ' J r r ^^^ ^^
faith and Canonj ^ff^^rit) fefc ab eafttbducere aut fegregandeberey mfuatAntUm
ofChrifts Church confuetnJlinecontentusfolus, acfeparatimvivat. Sea contra om-^^
may bee privately ties acfingulos teneri hnic c&tm fc adju»gere, C^ Ecclejia Ufth/tm
profelTed and ob- tem follicite coKfervare/e^'^illms tf^m doarl»atumdifapUtiaffiB''
be n "^ jicere, ccllam demq-^ Chrifli jugofponte fubmitterey & tanquant
they not be ecne- ^ommunia ejnfdem corporu membya adlficationi fratrnm infer*
rally planted j or vire, profit Bens unicHiq^fua dona fuerit Urgitus. Porrottthac
fetlcd in any king- rt^liffs ohferventur, omniuK) fide Hum partes ffmt 3 fefi juxM 'Dei
dome,nor urged by i;erbHm ab eis omnibu: dlsjtingere, qui fmt extra ecclefiam cart"
«ternSl^puni(h- fi'^*^^'^ '' hnlcq-^ fide Hum catm ac congregatkni -, fefe adJHrtgere;
mcnts on fuch as ftbicunq', ill Am DeHsconfiitnerit : etft id contrariaprincipHtn vel
refufe, but by their CMagiflratmtm ediEla, prrhibeanty indiEla etiam in eos capitis ^
cofentsthat beare mortis corporea poena, qui id fecerint, ^uicnnq'^ igitur^verA
»7?^° J*' *^^'^ Ecclefia recedunty autfefe illi aggregare recufant, apertt Dei
uPZt^/^'. '^"^""■'pxi'"^'- Thus the CoBclufion,^, ^ . '
If you wifi have - ■: ,:<^ i- :,->'('
the afliftance of the Magiftrates fword to fettle the truth andprohibitcj crrour,and by wholc-
fome punifbmcnts to prevent the diforder erf all degrees , that authoritielicthonely inthe
Prince,
.>
Chap?
Cip
\
S .n a rl L
L I trtte vifible pjttrchcs gathered andplanUd accord (tHt. Ktuf. tf St*
ding tc Gods Word, conftfied in their cottfiithtiort of firttt fagi I71»
Sahitsonely, B fit f tie pjurchescf Enghnd after Po-
fery were notfo conjiituted. For thegreatefi nHtrwer ofthemrvere
frophane people, evenmotkcri andcontemners of Religion , as A-i
theifis,Iaolaierj, Sorcerers yElafphenicrs, and all forts of mifcre* ,
4tnts and wicked livers. Therefo ^ f he Chf4rckes of En^hnd are
not true vlfibte ^hftrches. There is me-uer a part of this argttment.
they can deny, nnleffe they will let fall their owne principles. For
the Affhrnption Imakeno^f^tjVon, bntit Mil pafpf without ex
Cfjjtion, and none of them ivilihav^ the face to oppojeit, rgnjide*
ring how generally the thing hath teene alarmed, andfhiV is ujxf^
^lioccajtons both in word andVcrlting. No^v that the propoftiom
may appeare as true atfo , / will prove the fame \firfl, by Scrip'-
tures ; fecondljj by rcafon • thirdly , by the teftirmnics of thg
learned,
A N s yy ^' r!
IF both parts of this Argument be Nonconformlfts princi-
ples a why doe you labour to prove tht? propofition trie,
more than the aflumption ? If it had been a confdled princi-
ple, why doe you not fight againft i.iem with their own wcaJ-
pons, as you pretend to doe throughout your Booke. He is
very dull, that doth not fmell fomewhat herein. But if it (b
please you. The propofition is the Nonconformifts, and it is
not. For if this be the meaning thereof. That all true Chur-
ches thould confift of vifible Saints, notoncly in their firlt ga-
thering , planting, and conftitution , butal(b in their after
continuance and propagations, the Nonconformifts doc ac-
knowledge it ; for when finne and wickednefle fpriiigeth or
groweth in the Church, the ordinance of God is violated.
But if this be the meaning •, That the focietie which confifteth
not of Saints onely, is not the true Church of Jcfiis Chrift,
that the Nonconformifts utterly deny. Alfo it is one thing to
G g iay.
mn:eriin* Pre fat I
lib. z. in Epifi. dd
GaJat. Rurftds fa-
cilifatu O" fuper-
h'u arguuntun IcL
adpTinc Marteu.^.
Epitaph. 'Difficile
tji in ^laledicd ci-
vitate, vondlitfua
fniftri rumoris fU"
bulam ccnriherc.
Id, in Fnefat. in
lib. 7)ydimini.SP.
Sa. Cum^ahylcv.e
verfarer^ ^ pur-
furatg meritricu
(50)
fay.. The « Church isnotiJantcdand gathered in all things
^ccordkig to Gods Word ; another to (s,y it is no Church at
alljwhich is not planted and gathered in all things agreeable
to the Word of God, If then i:\^ meaning of the propofition
be this; That a Iltrue Churches planted and gathered accor-
dmg to Gods Word, confifted of Saints onelyjbceaufe the or-
dinance of Godisviolateda and his hou(e polluted, ^^^^||a.
toriousoiScndersarc received or tolerated; thJNo^isoter-
mifts will acknowledge n; : But if you underftand'vk'th^;
That it is no true Church atalljwhich confifteth not or^i^ihts
onely, bec^qfe it jsnot^ftph^rcd, plan.^edj conllituted , r«for-
med in ^1 thijig^ agr ee.iblf to the. Word, of Q'od > ti]ey^ never
received it. ^^youcoij^ notdifcerne this M\ their wrltijogs,
you yNtrt very blinde anidparnall , If you did difcerne it and
yet would palfe it over, tllsityou rniglit with fprne colour tra-
duce tlicinasgojn^ contrary to tfegir owrteprii>cipl^3 orbc-
fruile qth^ers witt an ^qravocauon^whefe was y o\ir fincerity. >
rjrhehJonconfomiiils.willnQt deny, but foBie ihiiigs in the
gathcringandplantii^g, or rather the refining ^nd gpvenj-
pientofthe Church of -^^^/(W was and i^ dQ;ie.arnilJe, not
agreeable tp the Woi4 of i^qd, whkh they |iegrtily; define
and labour might beieformed; but for things d'^neamiw,
they dare not condemne the Church, deny the grace of Goci,
ftparate from her ccmnjuiyo^ ,o|f approve them that doe it.
It may be queftioned alfo. Whether you dare not put a tricke
upon youfrf^deriji the phrafc^ gathered and.p^
c^U^cJi jtn IponiiTOBf c,m%bt coplift qf fuch asiarc; Apt Saiijt^j
wii 'itith^p6i ^atn^red pf f^jjiji p; tejy \ at -the to, , \% h '■ no
Gliur;chu irthi^il^ yjLju; clow intend mcn'r|^ the propo(jtlon is
f»rxpjfrorp,UtitIiitb«m^c'of the Nonconformifts, and the
matter in tar.d r for in thq reformation a hcw Chyrch was
not planted, b^t a corriipt, Church re fined or purified. And
thus I might pajc over that which followeth in your next
Seftion, beca^9(e every man may eafily perceive ,it rcichcth
hot to the point in hand, but tha*. you fhodd not complaine
as if your rcafons were neglefted, I will follow you therci'D.
ptrat.pag^i?^*
ff
S £v„.c.'r*
IL
IFwf takS.aflrlB: vievfofa^lltle fhurches vt>hich the Lordhdth
cenfikHudfinff the be^innin^ of fheyporld,ii"^ill (tffeare^that
M the ^rMrlj ^dtktrittg Artdftdmirtg, tki Mtmhin ifthem ■weve
all holy and good. There intend of vifxble and cxternall holine^dj
andfofarn as mehmAj )udg&^ and hot of that which i4 rcithU, and
kid from us. For ^ doubt not.. Out in (yods fight the fureji Con,,
gregation on earth, might conjifl^ at firth of good and t?ad, and yei;'
of men, .every ferfon- fo 'h judged tr^ly faitkfuH andjh)5lified;
ufttillanjofieby hU ^tii^mtic ( oufwardly cofffmiUed ) appeared
etherwife, Not to fpeakyf the Church of the Angels, pehich Gbd Dr. S'eild of the
created in heaven, and rPere all good afidholy, tiUfofneby tranf- Church, o.5,4.&t»
^effion fell away . Neither of it in ^aroMfi, chnfifting of two fer- ^ ^^^'g'" ^'
fonsy and both trUf beleevers. ^^ft«r the fall the confiitution of v^ri .' y
thgfiffl ChArchJntheco've}i/.mcfgrate,^a/ofgoodmatur3iaHd "* ' * ^■
fuchWas the Lords care to have thcpuntie pf it Jtill p-efh^ved,
that hethrufi out C^in froWf the fame, for the great wickMnc^c
which he fell into, TheLordgave not Circumctfion to Abrahini, Ocn, it. i . & 17.'
from Worldly corruptions, or elfe they are uncapabU to have 4 Rcrcl. 18. 4.
Churchcevenant in (^hrili, confirmed unto them of Cod, 9^s for zCor, f.
^he viftble (^hurches planted by the Apoflles, it is evident, that ik
their colleRion, they con ft Jted of fitch and none other, aswerecal'*
led by the Gofpell, confe^ed their fm?tes, beleeved, walked in the
fiirit, and feparated themfe Ives from thefalfefidte., in which they
fioodmembers before. Such a beginning had the (Congregations in
Rome, Corinth, Gahtia, Ephefus, Philippi^CoIoflejThena-
lonica j &c. 9yind "^ho dares ajfrme, that there ^aj one man m
^oman admitted a member at the cdnjlitution of any of theft chterm
chex, which had been kno^n to be an ill fiver ^ aif^ did not fir ft mA^
tfifffifoHfid repentance thereof.
Answer*
T 7 V;7^^" y ^" fpeake of vifible Churches, and viiible and
V ▼ extcrn?Il fioIinefl2, fofarre as men can judge, it Is
to fmall purpofc to mention the Church of Angels in heaven.
For the Church whereof you intreat,is a focietie of men^holy
in profeflTion, and outward conformitic, but not evermore in
truth, whereas the focietie of Angels (if it be Comprehended
iitider the Church) is invifible and perfeftly holy. I (pcakc of
themas'they weic by creation, and of a3 many as ftoodip
' < J g 2 thejr
C 5 ' )
fthck tntcgi^in'j who onely axe to be undeiilood hy tlia*
It is to as iitue piirpofc, to fpeakc of the t ^iiurch in Ir'ara*
dife intheftatc of innoccncy : For the Church underftood in
thisprcCentbufineflejConfiftd of men coniidcred in theeftate,
which they now have pr omifed by God oeiag made man : op
man fallen by finnc and reilorcd by Chrift , who tooke them
by the nana anu lifted them iip.Thatia properly the Church,
which was gathered after man fallen^and is reftored in Chrift,
whichasitis vifibleconfiftethofgood and bad, as you fay.
But the Church in the ftate of innocency, confined of fuch
onely as were created of Goo, perfcftly holy, as befitted fuch
creatures, uiitiji by tranfgreflion they fell from their integri*
tie, TThe ftate oi the Church wnich we muft enquire into, is
^hat which God hath gathered, planted^ conftituted, prefer-
ved, continued arsd propagated fince the fall of man*
After the Fall, God entred into Covenant with our firft Pa-
rents, Adamiiud£ve, wh» received the promifcj and were
partakers of the good things pfomifed. Their iced alfo was
withm the Covenant, untill they did discommon themlclves .
andfoC4i« and ^^tf/ as members ofthevifible Church offc*
red Sacrifice : In phrafc of Scripture therefore Cain was «
Saint in profeflion, but whether he had given teftimon of •
ibund and true hoi incfie, fo farrc as man could judge, is more
sIoh« ?'• !*• than can be proved. The Scripture faith plainly, Hev^asof
lude 1 1 verTc. , ^^^^^ wicked one,, a»d therefore fl^ his brother. And if no man
foddcniy become de(perately wickedj is is probable C<<«; had
given BO great iignes of pietie in former time&i- Afterwards
many and great corruptions came into the Church, when
<tScn.tf. »^ the fonnss of Cjod tooke unto tham wives of the daughters of men^
See ltwer.in Gen. yphom they W^oyJd. and it is ftrange to imagine all the members
exercitat. 50. of the viubleChurch iqthoTe times to b^yifible Saints in con-
^ ' formitie,fo farrc as man can judge. The Church of God con-
Gen. 5. 14? »^ * tinued in the fiamily oiUo^h, wherof Chain remained: a mcn>
ber, after the fentence denounced againft Canaan : In this
Church therefore all vifible members, were notvilibleSaintSj
«^:n, io. ¥^»j *€♦ fo farre as man caji judge. The world aftej' theDeluge was re-
pleniftifid by the fonnes o{J>foah, and the Church of God was
contoed in their families J perhaps in the familyof Chamt
and Cam4» hisy onngcft fonne^ i*t ieaft for a time. For it is
m Gen. 14;. 38, |>iob4b]e diaf*^<f/t^K^i^<^, King of Sato, wasibmeKiog
ilcb.7. €. ^' o£.
C?3)
o£ Canaan In f^ock divers fromthe Hebrcwes, ofche pofteihic^
o{ Cofiaan, who planted in thofe parts, whom God did pxe-
(erve in the mic^il of an ungodly people. AiK' the promile of
God made to the poftei icic of Shew, and Co of Abraham, did
not exclude all other "families from communion of pietic and o ^um a.inbt. i>:
godlinefle. Atthat ime we may well thinke there were fome G^n- -4- 18. ^tfA.
others jnthc .Land of ^<«w-2^«,who did know andworfliip the V) ^nhc. ^K.-r.rr,
true God. For not to mention Aner,EJkel, 3 id M.^f^rc, con- '/lf['ar^!^; n','^l
federates with Abraham, at that time a ftrangei' in the Laini, /or, qui Semu cum-
with whom they would not have entred covenant, it is pro- Meldtiftdeco un
bablc,ifth)ty hadbeene groffe Idolaters, without all know- t^ndum (j' proba-
ledge of the trm ae!igton ; t^imeleckKmg of Gerar ( not ;o ^'^f^-'J!'.f-' ^^*
excufchis feult; carried himfelfe in the whole bufirffle ofW- gitalum,%drnm
Graham, as a man not altogether dellitute of the true feare of tequo animo fere-
God. bantf homlnem a-
That the true Religion was maintained in the family of ^'^"'g^''^'" <iutori
^^w,i&actnowIcdged by all forts, but in that family it was fn^Tfiilre p!X^
greatly corrupted : for the Scripture tcfiir.eth, that Terah the tu. Bhs' jnGw
i'liXhtr o{ Abraham) and the father of Kachor^ Sind 9, ^Ibraham exetcit.jijt,
himfelfe before his calling fcrved other Gods. fo/h^2^.2. Gen. 10. i5.
The Church of God did Ipread in the family of Abraham, ^^''- '^- ^^ ^'Vl*
to whom God gave CircumciConj as the feale of the rightcr , .^',' * °' ^'^* ' ^'
oufneflc of faith : but the members thereof, were as well they yipparet auter.i in
that were bought with his money, as they that were borne in ^cfpoTj/kneAbme-
his houfe^ For (b we rcade that God commanded, and Abra- ^^<^biy}ionfuijfeho-
hamtookelfwaelhis fonne, and all that were borne in his Z'^l"' ['^^^"'"^'i
houfe, and all that were bought with his money, that iSj eve.- deftitutum.^^Kaih
ry man-childe among the men oi Abrahams houlciand he cir- 'Deum lonuintem
cuiiicifed the foreskin oi *heir flcfli. Not oncly Abraham and ^Unofdt, (^c, Ri~
hisfecde,, but all that lawfully appertained unto him, and ""^^^ inGen.exer^
were in his power , did partake of the feale of the covenant, Sce K^'ls'zi i j
as fuch as formerly had been,or now were received into cove- 2 Sam ii. 1 1 ,
nant. And by analogie we may gather>tbat notonely the Pfal. 7j. i j.
children of belceving parents , but of Infidels, if they come J^°'"' 4« »i-
lawfully into the power and hand of Chriftians to be trained ^/"'^ ^' 'i'^* ^^'
and brought up by 'them in the Chriftian faith, ought to be cbivjierlpatfirat*
admitted unto Baptifme. Now in what (en(e, 7/iw4^/and fome tcm. ^.libli,{ap,iu-
others in Abrahams family might be efteemed holy, let others
judge. €fan was a member of Ifaacs family, which was the
vifible Church of God in tbofe times , after that he bad fold Gcn.t^. 5., 3a, 3 g
fold bis bi-^th-ngh^foi; amefle of pottage, and a:^any oth-^r ^^^' '••'^•
G g 3 wayes
(H)
Gen. 57. »• Sept.
iitftt, dztulit eo:
crimine malo.
Lev. 10, 14.
Sept,
Eick. itf. ^.•.
./ayes haddifcovcrd himftlfc fo towalke, as a man could
Gen.j ^l^.& 49. hardly judge him to be trucly holy. The family of facoi was
" ' ' ^ ' *' ^'^ received into covenant, according to the pleafurc and difpen-
fation of God, and all his (cnneswcre members of thevifibic
Church, when foule offences vcre amongft them unrepented
of. Not to mention the fa£ts oiRttheyi, Simeon, ^^nd L^vi, and
Jftdah,lt is noted of the fonnes ofZilpth siud Bilhah,xhzt they
runne hito flander , whereof we cannot thinke they repented
fuddenly. ^<>/>/?/j his Brethren conceived fuch hatred againft
him, that they firft confpired to kill him, but changing their
minds therein, they fold him unto the IJhmadites, The whole
body oilfraelvjAS a peculiar people, of whom every one was
by the word of God fcparatcd into the covenant of mercy i
and if the whole Nation was the people of God , every parti-
cular perfon in that Nation did (land under the fame relation.
But what the itate and condition of that people was when
they were admitted into Church-covenant, wee may learnt
from the holy Scripture.
JVhen I fajfed hy thee Ifawthee polluted in thine oyvne bloud^
dnd I [aid unto thee when than waft in thy hloud. Thou Jhalt live •
even when thou waft in thj hloud Jfaidunto thee, Thou Jhalt live,
Jiow when Ipajfed by thee, and looked upon fhee, behold, thy tim$
yeas as the time of love, and Ifprettdmy skirts over thee, and covt"
red thy filthinejfe : yea, If\\>are unto thee, and entred into coi>i^
nant with thee , faith the Lord ^od, and thou became ft mine*
When God brought Ifrael out of iEgypt by the hand o(Ma»
fes his fervantjhe feparated them to himfelfe, from among all
the people of the earth, for an inheritance : and every Angular
perfon in that huge multitude was a vifible member of that
Church, and all of them by profcflfion Saints or holy, the
6ockofGod. But oftentimes they finned and rebelled againft
Pfal.1067. i3,i4, i-he Lord, being a ftubborne and ftiffe-necked people, uncir-
Ni;m!'M.* 1%. cumcifed in heart, unbeleeving, forgetfull of Gods workeSj
Aft. 7. 39, 40,41, defpifing his covenant, idolatrous, which had neither eyes to
4». fee, nor eares to hearc, nor an heart to underfhnd. And what
Amos 5. If, i6. probabilitie is there, that this whole people was truely holy
in the judgement of charitie, or fo farre as man can judge, or
that they ceafed to be the Church of God, when they had
groflely corrupted their wayes "i If the true Church be gatlie*
red of Saints onely (externally and Co farre as man can judge)
and ofthcni alone framed, as of the fubie^maitci : wHich is
onely
Aft. 7. 38-
iExod.jx. ^,9«»».
I>eut.4.3.?i£9.7,8.
JoIh.5.7,8>9'
Deitt. i^' 4.
ODcIy true, whikH irccntinuetli Cv.ch, and falfe uhcn it de-
generates from this difpofition, and fo as rotter and putiificd
iluffcto becaftoiitofthcChorchrletitbcccnfidercd how the
Congregation in the WiideincfT. could be ihetiue Church of y^^ ^ ,
G odj which fo oft, grievcL(J> , and in many paiticular Hnned
againftiheLord. Itisinoictiue,iheChuichandevejy nicni- ^xoi
ber thereof entred into Covenant, either cxpitfly or impli- * * ^' '*'
citely to take God for their God, and to keepe the words of
the Covenant, and doc them rtofceke the Lord with all their
hearts, and to vvalke before him in truth and uprightnefle.
But yl^V'y^^laitii of them that entred into Covenant, that they 3>ut. x^',.^
had not eyes to fce_, nor eares to hcare, nor an heart to under-
ftipid, and with many of them God was di/pleafed , becaufe
they obeyed not his voyce. Tee ft find this day dlUfjou ( f^ith Dem. \^,io,\\^
tj^lofes) hefore the LcrdycHr God, your Captaines ofTrihs, n* * ' ^
yMr Elders, AtfdycHr Oncers, irith all the 9»en cflfracll : your
iittk ones, J pur wives, and thyftravgcr that is i»i thy C^mp^frcm
$ht htrr.' cf thy rvced, to the dr^ner of thy Vr^ter, That thou
fjculdsi enttr into the Covenant yvith the Lord thy god, c^c.
Eutheteftifictbagainftthemalfo, /^<«r/%Wfcrri^^W//?;<'»^- j^
plvcsy that their (pot rvas not the Jpoi of his children-, that they ,/<"^'^*' ^» ''^^
Tvere a fro'ward and p(rv(rfe generation, afoolijhfeefle, anduK"
^if ^'ho forfooke Cod thai made them, and regarded not the
firoHg gad of their fahatien. ^o/Z^w^? circumcifcd all the people loHi,?. f,5, 7.
ivhicb were borne in the Wildernefle ( for all that time that
Sacrament was neglefled } and his fad is approved. But we
$:99dt.nGt of any inquiry that was made of all that great mill-
^iftlde, what worke of grace God had wrought in every mans
ibule, and it is very improbable, that there was not one, who
(did not give good hope of found and true cleaving unto the
JU)rd with all his heart. When God had caft c ut the Heathen pfaJ. 73. 55, 5^,
before them, and caufed them to fall to th; lot of his inhcri- 57.
«tancfc, and made the Tribes oflfraelto dwell in their Taber-
n?cles3 they tempted and provoked the mofl high God, and
kept not his teflimonics, but turned backe and dealt fallly like
4heir Fathers . they turnea like a deceitfull Bow.
7yr4<?/ then was a chofen people, an holy nation, ihepecu- "Dmt. 14. aj. 8r
Jiar people of God) histreafure of delight or choice Jewells; »*?» 10, « Jj la.
a people in Covenant ; the children of the Prophets, and of ^^- 5- *• ^ 9'4
»he Covenant; and yet a ftifFeneckedpeopIe,ccrrupters,fet on DcJt^,*^* 5 I
|nifchiefe,foolifli and unwift.Th; Lord proteftcth th<it Jfraei jfa. i^^J*^'^^
did 19.
Cs<i^
did rcbell againft him. that they did not undcrftand but were
a moftfinfull Nation, ycaasSodomc and Gomorrah, yet he
Et.ck, i6, 47 48, calleth them his people and caildrcn , yea pafungSodomciii
49. 5 1„ * iniquirie, and yet the daughter of his people, and the daugh«
Lam. 4, 6* it. tei* of Zion, his pleafant plant, and a noble Vine.
Ifa. J. !^ », 3. u "\Ve reade oftentimes that Ifraei after fome grievous faJi and
Io?i4«i'i4 IK- revolt, renewed their covenant to walke with God, andfcrvc
%^liA,i\. * him onely, and to obey hisvoyce, as inthedayts of fojhua,
ludg.i.S.ii.&J. *}udges, Samuel, 'David, 9 Aft, 'J-aaJh, foftah, Nehemiah, &c.
9«i^. B1.6.J, & gut herein particular fcnitinie was notiBadttWtVtworkc of
ao. iq, r.^ 17. grace God Ld wrought in the hearts oi particular perlbns,
1 Chronaili.&c* but the confclTion of finne,and profelfion of obedience was
z Chron! - j. i«. renewed. And if we Icoke into the ftate of things in all agC3
»Reg. ti, »7. of that Church, and particularly under thefe religious and
xChromsy. 4^. godly Princes j by whole authoritie the Covenant was re-
t Chfo *^i 4 ?i. "cwed, it wiU cafily appcare, many did but flatter with their
J^cu. X o„ y, JO ♦* !ips,neithcr was their heart ftedfaft in the covenant. The Pro-
phets every where cry out agaioft the great iniquirie of the
princes, Prierts, and people, their idolatry, injuftice, opprcl^,
fionjCORtemptof theWord, impcnitency, ftubbornncfle, (b
that it is fuperfluous diligencCj to referre to the (everall pa0ar
gcs which mention thefe things.
Match. 3. U ^' When fohfj the Baptill began to preach the Goffel? md
gather a new people for Chrift, he admitted none to Baptise
but upon confeflion of their finnes, which was both a rcnbiin-
cine of them, and a promifing of amendment of life. But wc
finde not that he repulfcd any that voluntarily fiibmltted
themfclveSj nor tooke time for try all, whether they made
confeflTion in truth of heart, or no. It nppearcth many waycs,
A&.». j8. & t. thatwhen the Apoitles planted Churches, the people whom
3J* & »?» 1 7, xSj they received did cntei intoCovenant with God i But it is di-
'/^' Hgently to be obftrved, whom they did receive upon confeffi-
onoffinnesandprofeflionof faithj and whom theyfuffercd
after they were received. Simon Afagw beleeved and was bap-
tized, who not long after offered money that he might ob-
Aft. 8.1 J. taine the gifts of the holy 'Ghoft. in Corinth gaUtia zv\do»
& 1*5? x^o. I i^.&c. ^^^^ Churches, many were admitted into the focietic, who in
Gal. 3. 1. fhort time turned afide both in praftice and opinion,as to de-
Thil. X. 1 1 . ny the refurreftion, and joyn the ceremonies of the Law with
Iiuic -ivcrfe. Chrift In the point of juftification, and many ether abufts:
Rev ». 14! 10 ^&c w'^^^^ ^^ ^ S^c*^ prcfumption , -hey gave no furc teftimony of
* ' ' ' ' any
(57)
anj found workc of grace in •■heir foulcj, whcn^rftcBt^rtai-
nea into fcilowftip. And tlio;igh the Aj^^dtlcs required 3. con^
fcflion of faith, and profelfion'^f obedience of them that joy-
ned in Chriftian fociede, y tt they tollerated great abtifes in
private pei Tonsj which they could not redreflc. For without
quef^ion they condenned th:; having of many wives at once ^.
in all men , but when that cuftome at leaft fecrct and indire^, y-* '"* J* i* # '*•
prevailed ^naong the fnres and Gentiles both in thoO times, ,n i* fW. ,.**.*'"
they give no *' Commandement that each beleever having two fTyan. itiitc. '^M
wives, (hould b^ cart out of :hc locietic, but onely that he vet.cafbot.mbod:
(houldnotbecMofen into the placp of a Bifliop o: Deacon, ?*^) '^•^"/'^ •
Great and manifold abufes crept into the Churches, even f'fifi^T^Zm
whileft thf Apoftlcs iived,and (hortly after they were plantca, f o.^r in etifi. «i
and Ibmc of thofc were reprehended onrIy,caIling the Chur- ^<^ ho»*> ». Hie^
ches to reformation and amendment j the grofle, obf^inate, ^^-^^fpi/f- 1 ^
and moft abhominable tranfgreflbrSj either they gave up to cJtbJi''gL,^'']?*'''
Satan, or gave commandement io the Churches that they rir. Cajet.er^ gg,
fiiould raft them out : but evermore, with fuch mildnefle and ^e-»etdef,»faff,
moderation, as it is moft •evident, tney forbore to plucke up P*^- »• cap. 8 .7>iv,
the tares, Icaft they ftiould plucke up the good corne alfo. ^-iC*.^- ''5*
It is alfb manifeft, they threaten ibmc Churches with Gods J <^"' ' ' *^*
diipleafiire^as that he would remove hiiCandIeftick,caft them Rev.». y. U
intothcbedoftickncflc, fpew them out of his mouthy unlefle & 3. iC
the^ repencbut they dilchurch them not,becaufe of the difor-
ders committed by fbme,toIerated by othcrs,nor yet did they
command or counfell the godly in tho(c focieties to (eparate
from the ordinances of Relieion^but to keep themfclves pure.
TheHiftory oftheGofpel inthe New Teftament contai-
neth but a (hort time,r»^.irom the time whcrin '^ohrt the Bap-
tift began to preach, to the end of the afts and writings of the
Apoftles, which is not full foui(core y e^resrfb that we cannot '
(hew the repetition of the Covenant from tinre totimcj or
what patience was (heued in tolerating abufes, or when men
were adjudged obftinaie, or what repentance and profcflion
was required in generall abufes or revolts ; but by that which
is faid, we may difcernc who in phrafe of Scripture are called
Saints, and holy, faithfull, and called, and chofen ; even, all
and every member of the common- wealth oiJfr'ael, and Chri-
ftian Churchef, untill they were cut off, or cafl oiitj though
they lived not according to their profeflion, but w*re fUffe-
necked, fcandabus, proi?h?ne.
Hh - The
(58)
Theprafticeoftlic'Chnrch flcrordin^ to the cxartiple^f
q Condi Ldodicen. the ApolHcs in ° receiving Heathens arid' them that were Wrtft-
14.4^. Hilar, ad out into foci'^tie was this. Firft, They were taught in the
(onfianr.lib.t. im- p^nciples of Religion, and t^en the doftiine ofChrift being
?cwe LrS»"n but received , profelTion made, with promife to renounce the
that is wil- world, the flcfh, and the Devill, they were baptized. 7«(^^w
j;I cannof give fometime an Heathen Philofopher , but after a famous Mar-
but to him tyrofChrirt, in his fecond Apologie forChriftian^," repor-
cntrcateth : j^ j^^^ -^^ Heathen man defired to be received into the
hu9
ling;
care,
that
luthi^' t^lfaT P fcliowfiiip of the ChurchVhe was firft ' catechifed iri the pria-
fefleth. Rdban. de ciples of Religion^ & then hearing further the word oi0(i^
infiitAltrk. Ub.}» ^s it were, thc'Gortditibns of the Cbvenant ofgracip •, aft^r-
«<V.»f- »7 . wards came into the face of the Congregation, snd 'cbrifeffed
^«)f (W8 hiart]/r. ^ ^^^^ ^^ did bcleeve, and promifed that he would 'cflbey' the
facial. Azathtnf* word of God ; whereupon he was baptized, and received ipto
w.2^itfi*i^tfor» the fellowfhip of the Church. And that this order hi ight be
ptrfdiajniimnter t|^c better obferved,' the Church appoiritcd certain tinfie^;, i^hd
ad-uomitumredir, j^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^ lopgei- jWc, at oAer tames,^ ai.d- ?rf d^hS
mJe^l'^e viluc' places a Lrter time, for catechifing6fHe^therti before^ ifh^
tint,octomeJes.itt' were baptized. Socrates wnttth that when the Burgonian^
*-« ..^^«L..«./<u/ii> J.ri^.J t.^\^^Xn\*X.-,*-f>A \r\tr\ tVic mini nnr r»r f^nriftiori '»><4W*-vl!a
ttotdntf
fide vojc
%ll " ' r»//*/t»witnefleth^ that there ^Ver^twe times in -the yb^
Socrat. lib, 7. hifi. ftef and Whitrontide,efpeciatIy apj:>o1^ited h^ ^t GhiMfbi"
tap. 30. Buptifme-, andtll/angersfrotlVth^ C<i)tenaHt #fer6'Sh|H5^d
Hiercn. ad Fam- ^^^p.i^^^^r^^o^imyiorY,-^^^^^
TertJe Bapti/m. thef^ t^svo tlm^S. . n « \i r -i/ ' . . i'
Tert. depr^efcnpt. The profeffion at firft -requH'cdof ail t>hat Were i'eceivcd t<?
sa 14.67' inapJo^. Baptifme, i*'as thatth^y bekevedlu vl^' Fathiri Soiiiie; anfd
ca,^7.R.uff.infym' holy Ghoft. The Creed^e is honoured of the Ancient^ wi;th
tf ' u o elorious titles, as the ru^e of faUH^itbe-^mriifeoffiith;' the
u)ufilLt^- body of faith-, tht^ perrwafion of fafth. iBot by tl^^^ Creede,
-xtf «tf©(.fo<ri»T. they underftand the Ruleof truth, *nd law of foith, and ipfti-
BafUont.Eunom. tution of Chrift, which was theft given, whenhe was ^bout to
/.g.OurBaptifme af^end into heaven, and commanded his Difciplefe, faying^
IS according to the (^^^.^rJ-teachaU Nafpans, Bnftifm'g thehi iMU m fiJht^ of the
j2XZ tlS name Pother, ^ome, ^Uheiy'^on.1ieguhi^0lp^.Sii^^^
ef the Father , the C'lpmta. Iren.lih. t\caf,^^:^'Nr-iffamBdptijhfi-ti'adiHonem ha*
Sonce,nnd the ho- liemfis confejjionem ; T^afil, defpin'faniU'Caf^t o^ Regula ^HUem
\
C5P)
filffi, UH4 omnino efl,fdla mnfohilis, & irrefermAhilli \ credeiidl Socr4t,Hift. hb.u
fc, in /f»kf4m D sum cmmpote^tem, mh»M conditores, & fiiiunt e- ^'^■^ ^ * ^''^^P^'iib.^,
jiff fefifi9f, c^c, Tertul. de'viland,virgin. The expofitions of /jjl'.ijj^. '^ "^*
the Greedc,which are found in '^be ancient Fathers, Marttal:, ' ■ ' '
Jgnat'ms, fnfii^e, fyeneii^, TertHlUan^ Origf^t, de red:. fid, dia/og,
prlnc. Novatian, lih.ds T'^in, 3. and others of that age, goe not
beyond the Tiinitie, within which bounds the Nicene Creedc
is terminated, as it is (et downe in Hiitory. AHhs and Eu^o-
nius conclude their confeflionof fiith thus; Stent Domintis Soerat.Hiit.Ub.i,
nofler cttmDifciffths fttos ad pfadictv-'dum mitterety &c. This ''^P'T- <Sr ''^. i.
faith \^c received from the Gofpel , the Lord himfelfe faying ^P'*9*
to hisplfcipUSi^^oe teach li/l Nations, ere. Erafmus (heweth Erafnu, ad cenfw
how tbe;Creed was cncreafcd by the addition of divers Arti- facult Theotog, '
clcs, againftthehcrciiesthatdidari(e, and though for Tub- i'arifien.tit.iif
(iance it was the very fame every where, yet in fome places, it
received more enlargement then in others. The wcfterne
GhurcheSp herein applyed themielvcs to the capacities of the
tincaiKi: fo&t, more than the Eafterne did, ufifig in their Bap-
tifrae,;that (hdrter iorme cf confellion commonly called thf
Apoilles CreedjWhich in more ancient times, was briefer alio
than now it is ; as wc may ealily perceive by comparing the
(ymboll recited hy ^^Urcellus Aiiciranus ( in the profeflion Apud,'Epij>h4n.in
of the Caith, which he delivered to Pope JuUtts ) with the ex- btref. 72.
portions oftheApoftlcs Creed 5 written by the Latine Do-
ftors. Wherein the mention of the Fathers being maker of
heaven and earth, the Sonnes death and defcending into hell,
and the communion of Saints is wholly omitted. The Creedc
which the Eafterne Churches ufed in Baptiline, was larger
than this, being either the fame, or very little different from v ri, f^^a j
that which we commonly call the Nicene Creedc , bccaufe the socra't. iibi\ea!<,
greateft part of it was repeated and co!ifirmed in •ihe firft gene- et 8. Theadou (itu
rail councell held at Nice, where the firft draught thereof was ^- ^^^ i »• .
prefented to the Synod, by SufebiHs Bifliop of Cefarea , with
this Preamble, As weTiave received from the Bilhops that were
before us, both at our firft catechifing, and when wc received
Baptifme, and as we have learned from the holy Scriptures^
and as we have both beleeved and taught, when we entred in-
to the Miniftery.^ and in our Billiopricke it felfe. So beleeving
atthisprefentalfo; we declare this our faith unto you. Tb
this the Nicene Fathers added a more cleare explication of
tlie deitie of the Sonne fagainft the Arrian HeiieficjW herewith
H h 2 the
' he Church was troubled ) prof.' lug him to be begotten not
wade, and ro be of *- nc (ubfta'ice with the Fathci.Thc ftcond
general! CcuncellWi-kh was ?flftmb!fd fifty-fix yeares after
atGonn:antinoplcj ^^ proving lehlj wOnf^'fTion of the faith, as
nioit ancierit, and agreeable to Baptifme, enlarged it fomc-
what in tl c Article that co^cer"!ed \''x Holy Ghoft efpecrallyj
which -t that time was moft oppu; .^i by the Macedonian
Heretiques. And whereas the Niccne confeffic p: ociedcd no
further than to the beliefe, which^e have in the Holy Trini-
tie> the Fathers of the Conftaritinoplemade it up, by adding
that which was commonly profcfledjtouching the catholique
Ghurchs and the pri^'iledges belonging tlierennto. epiphantHS
repeating this Greede at large, affirmcth it to have been deli-
vered unto the Church by the ApoftleSo C^Jpanus avouchetli
as much, where he urgeth this again*! Neflorms, as the Creed
anciently received in the Church of Antioch, from whence he
came. The Pwomanc Church ^ftcr the dayes of Charles the
Great, added theArticleoftheprocelfionof the Ho7y Ghoft
from theSor.ne, unto this Sy mboll. In the » SymboII which
poficlici'^tem cog- Cyprian expoundeth t h^rc, is added. The reftirreftion of this
nitiddr.emprxup' flefh ; becaufe of the Originifts, who profefl^d wcftould rife
rpftfw, i/f. .. againe, not with thefe, but with other bodies. For things to
be beleevedsthis was the acknowledgement which the Church
required of them that were to be received into the Congrega'-
tion of Chrifts flocke. And for the prafticall part, or things
^ r.x«<f*iT«»,er.^, ^^ ^ jjjgg required of them an ^ abrcnunciation of the
u Soerat. hifi. lib,
i,cap,j6JauGr.
(dp. 2o. Tbeader,
lib. I . cap. 14.
f*lom.hifi.iib,i.
gap. 6.
SQ\om. bifi.lib. l.
tap. 7'
•■Soxom.li.uc.f.
Epipbt.'nty^-.f'f'
f \^i^, edit.gr.
€-%.». iz;ncarv.
-erb. lib, f.
* Se- BcHi^m.li.^*
dt verbeTyti.c.t i.
Qjttdamli loctri-
naChriflia/ie tarn
fdeiyquim m»: Utn,
funt fmplicittr c-
vmibiu neccjfitria
adfalutem^ qmlit
tfi votitla arttcu
hrum, SymholiA
t Clem-.if.eonfiit*
lib.i.ca. 3 a.s-f«7^o-
E>evill,the world, and the flefh , with all theii finfull workes
and lufts, which being folemnly done , they were then bap-
tifed into this faitho
The meanes whereby-men werebrought to the knowledgie
of Chrift were divers. Some were wonneb ' the preaching of
the Word, others, by private teaching, conierence, admoni*-
tion, the Gonftancy of die Saints in lufferirig, and-the fame
and report of the great things which the Lord was pleafed to
worke by his people, as JRahaif^ was converted by the fame of
^tt^nyuue cZ'^ the great things which the Lord had wrought for 7/?-W/.
^ ,t «ie4 «r«»' xyltt' ThustheCountrey of the " Iberians was converted by « cap-
tive woman, whoaftcrihee lud '.aftru!tfd the King ?.ndtne
Queene, they both became Teachers of the Gofpell to the
people^ TherUates is reported to be called to the Chriftian
Religion, by a "^ wonderful! and^diyinevif'ons- wbkh appea-
red
kt TIC m.fj(jjiif,)tt if
i*» KnfffyfM'n -xftr-
fed about his houCe, and I ^ 5iis Edift he cr>mmiaatd all ais
Subjeas, that they fnould ad^ia lhcin'''ave8 lo the faith ot J^^«A*-*»/f. /»*.*•
Chrift. ThePerfimsueiebro'ight to'Jicfaithby the confe- '^yEuft'oMtiJibfi.
fence which ihcy bad with the OfwcJans, and Armenians, ca.xo. Gr. .lur.
Crimen when yet he »*as not allowed for a Mitiiftcr by the Sec li/bi: :^^r «i.
Church, did by the hlCii)^ cf G^d, tiirnc many t- the faith, y^//*> '^'- '^»"
who gave tcftimony ^Lcreunto, by the loflc of ^hfrir lives. z,"[ loo'i^tfV
He preached Afo publikcly by theconfent of the Church- pier',' f^'trf^.ii
Governours, nhen he was not made Minifter, which " ^/ex" pag. 17^, i -•'.
<fw</r/ Bifliop ct Hierufalem, andr/7^c^»7jf»/,Bi(hop ofCefa- -fa/^.-infw. ',;hc
re», deff;.iclagainft^<»^rW«jj by the like examples of £?/r- ** f '^^'p'v
^/w, PsniirtMs, and Theedorni, and as th'7 addc it is likely the the'church!^* *
Gme was done in othei' places. ' Hence we r^?y perceive, Stt€\"n,.htfi,l,^,
ivhom the Church both in the /iift clanting^and reforming of ^ap.\o^ rheodorj.%
Religion, judged to be Saints, who vere to be received into J^- ^' ^^^'"'^f-bifi.
(bcietie ; wherein we are further to note, If ought were done ['^'q'^' ' ^•"^•***
, amifle, in this or that particular circumftancejit did not nulli- z cnmien. 2ritan»
fie the r.'orke, or reformation. pa^.^v.edir.Lond'
Now to apply this to the (late of the Brittillj Churches, An.i6oj.FKCod^
both in their firft plantation, contjnuan'-e after, and that re- *"*• ^^ ^°^'"- -^"^
formation which wa-j made by King £dward firft, and after rS'eTdepr'^E^i
•» by Queen Elizabeth, and Co is continued. Some ' learned men 'Bnucfl. 1 ^ildan.
are of opinion, tha> the Druides did inftruft the Britaines. in ^Origen. in Eiei.
the knowledge and worfhip of one God : but it is more pVo- ^''^' ^ Hieron.td
bable, they lay drowned in the dayes of ignorance, :s other dat'^v^eff'^-^^'
Nations, in the moftmiferable and fearful! idolatry, of (ei- tap\ g/^L.^^oJ"'
wing and worlhipping many and ftrange gods. But when the Theodor.ltb.^^ift^i.
light of the Gofpel began to (hine unto the world of the Gen- "" »»"&*/"« t«». Ea-
tiles5itpleafedGod of his free and boundleflc mercy and com- /JJ^-^'^^Alw.*,!.
paflion to looke upon this * Hand, and to fend unto us the pit 10 ^Z^c/'^f
wordofreconcU-nionj which was received & brought forth /><7f//4o.74i.vi?i
fruit, grew and encreafed, untiJl at length it filled the Land. Fjfer de prim.Ecc/'
"Which of the Apoftles firft preached the Gofpell amongus, Sritatuca.i^iy^,
is uncertaine , but that from the fpringing forth of the light, ^ ^^.' ^^^"f^^J- '*d
the faith of Chrift was rcce'vcd, is a thing generally acknoiv- F^^an/." 4/'/f 7*
Icdged. Ofthtyearc when King Z;<««j received thefaiihof £K/rfci»;;/?./.4.c.7.'
Ghrj% and was baptized, where is great diverfitie among Hi- Lat.^.Gr. Ruffiiu
ftorians: but mthe thing it (elic they all ^ agree in the times ^'^cLhifi.l.^.capX
QiHadrim and Antomnus, Emperours, the Ghriftian faith re- fj'fl'/ori^j^,^^^
i(tk'i}f>ii4*t!sf in Lui.cap.i.hom.4,T€Ttul.{ib.adverf.lud<e: ca.y.Gildas fcripteraatiquijfir/juu
7i}gii D(i:jUiirij V^ejdtpnmu^fi.p. ^04,^ cdpj-pag.i^}, 144, t;<^,
H h ^ ceived
ctivcd migtiry eucr^ift, 51s in the left of the World ; To in Bric«
.^ijf. *;i* tdine^andanvong^fonjejlreiwain^d int;ifp andundcfilcd, vaa^
tUlthep^ff^fiUpnof'^iioc/ty/^iw; ^yhich perfectitionburnfed
furioufly for the (pace of<cn yeares in miiny Provinces> but in
Britaine, it continued onely one ywre. For Conjiamins Chlo*
c Eiifel. di "At* rffs, being deeUred.a^i^^^i?^, ^ Teftt>rcd peace to Chiiftiaii^
confianJ^'iiMi* in,the Pro^inceof his Dominions* ytvV., Spaine, France, addf
^Efb' iS ftl?"? Brjcainei Afoer the death Q^'Co^fi^tmsl '! fonfiamM his Soik^
c.^gGr.lSffii'-^9 bome in England,and pteXent witli hisrf ather at Yorkewhenr
SoxomJixi ci ^. i he dyed, was made Emperoiir ; in whofetinle and reigric pcr^
' "^ fecution ceafcd, peace was generally, glycn %o .che Cjiurefai
e 'Enfeh. hi^.iil^ e "Xenijiles bnilt> whicb.beforehad been made fiquall-witbrfia
10. ca. z, (^ libiV, ground>;and^li€profe(non of GhrKtiari faith reitdreiilnda;*
?t ^'•'', ^oncit. Cottfiamj^e two great Councells wcrecalled. Thcfurftat^Ab*
Gdtl. 'edit. -Pari/, les in-France, ^«. 3 14. to take knowledge (if the can(e of thS
An. 1619. Donatifts, where w^re prefent out of our Britaine ^i>orif4j^
., ,, ,- . Bilbop of Yorke, Refiittftus, Biihop of Londoni t^^e/pimt
Eufii'^,'devtti Co- Bifhop of Colchefter^and Armivi^s'Diacoms, Presbyter. The
fidntdib. J .ca* 1 8 . ^g^^^^d was the Nicene Councell in Bythinia, ^w.3 2,5 .agaiiift
^''hb.K.capX'i, ' ft^^*«-f J where the Britaines alfo were aflembled.And thougH
Theodor. l.uca.io. in the Councell of Ariminum> in Italy undtr {ofjfiamtfJi
where Biftiops out of Britaine were aflcmbled withorfifefs^
it was concluded for Arms, yet Britaine was. preferycd (afe
from the Arian infeftion, 'both in the reignes of Confi^nt'msi
jithanaf.g/^colat. and//^/i^?«the Apoftata. P^/^^^W a Britaine by, birth ^ t^oo-
tom. i.pag.io^.c- bled the Churches with his peftilent Dodlrine^ denying 'th€
dit. comlit. gc^ce of God, attributing power and libertie tiO' malwfto live
Tbeoder. hifi-M- without fmne, and keepe the Cbrnmandenicnts, .if he would.
* ^* • ThisHerelie aro(eibouttheyeare405.or40i6. andthe Au-
Vrudevt. ««/<*s^f- thor thereof drew his firlt breath in Britaine, buthefowed
♦*» Tr'im^ ij, not this hereticall doftrine in Britaine. And though itmuft
fpcaking of Cypru be confeffedj That the(e Churches were not altogether free
an£z\ihJJaUosf9- from that, infeftion, yet at iirft it was oppofed,iand after 4t
ZX^^lfd^tml was bani[hed„by..theble(rmg of God. About the yeare 420.
ris^Qhriflum ferit flourifhed Fafiidiuj, of whom GenmcUus in his catalogue df
ultimis Hiberii, Ecclcfiafticall Writers, (d]x}\^Faflid'm J Wi^op of the Britainesi
Vffer.de prim. Ec vvrotcto Fatalis onebookeofChriftianlife, and another of
^'^f^'^'fan,c/i.i6. j^ggping Widdow-hood^in found dofti in©, and according to
^* the truth of God. And fahn Trithcmitis y Fafluiius'Bi^op of
the BrjtaineSj was a man learned in the holy Scriptures, and
an excellent Preacher of the word of God, famous in life
and
bfiidinv«i'^doii, in ipeec
fivoucJitdewdpfc^'jSfc. ^
P
^hd€6mek(aiA<yih in ipeech ^d wi tlilbtablfe' ilfc' wrote fbrrr Profperxontran^pU
pisy and^ Gemanus Amjib'dorenp ; tht'B^ilt^ ftits \J'cre ddi\^e- '^^^''"^- ^«^'J*5»,
red from the contagion which had feeguh 'i(i infeft the Chiir- „ K.Lunt^^. 1/
chcs. After this the face of things wfti'tfiiftr^Wein that King- *«/i ad' mare, repel-
<iome, by leafo^bf theinyafion ofthe 'sfeai ha rtAis enemy j thfe ■^'t^^firead'hatha--
tecriblefarfiine; the direfdJl donta^^n' (^ thfe 'J^eUghn^d "^f-'f^'f^ 9<tf^iruo
<5^w;.'herellesjaWdthelbofcHc(f^ytTe^lit*eA(^/d^mcri^^^ i2'M'vJ"j^'^
■ • J. ji. • ' evil i?T f! r- . »T-ff ^i.' .nt -' Pv.M^iflufautmr'
contetitionsj and oHicr viceS'of Hie-CIef)^. The Chnfilap ^^ur.Bed^hi^.ec.
Religiow thus' corrupted/ Was'reftbrea againe By thei^"(foTid r^./y^ap.ii. iff-
coraniine oiG^rmartntis :' hiii
by the <:omfrhiw^ in' bFVhi"
fcfexti^gliifh'thetrutHbpGfedi . . . .^ .^. .„,.._ ^^. ,^„_ inartms
griw, though (bmetiriies riidre 'ptiref-^-iom^itW^'mofeedR Land was" ihft-i^ed
rujpt, apd fometimcs with greater, foifirtimc^^vrrh'lpflcfr^- ^ith-XriamTmc'^^:
Soiii-^ito^iitiy'
ftorin^ Qf it'frd^
fiom; Chri^i5«nTtie ^.^ ^„3 .„ .^ „ , ^ a*^ t u'tft -i.ir
Chrlftr*rts:theyiv^rt w'ho'iwhal^ted'fhis Land;ha'ptJ^edifit^A ^^^rt^c'i '^1^
hifoldBipe?lliWoh?-*M^de? intb hiknifeld ei^rb'rj;, Mi Aft^J >tist!^iint6thftniy
riM'S'anJI fHperftitlbhs removed, they bet onie fouhd a'hd'thie "'^^ Bntjrncs', Tent
Chriftranfiindedlv Th^trti^'^Ghti^fch-lAy hiditit^bbht/^'sA f ^''"^"''{^Jl^f;^-
hotoo\
fbrfubftii ^ , ... . V ^.
coyne. Wh^ tlwff]iv^(!atlbAofShii«:si>^$^l^iWH^*™^ JcmverrrfHs vcjWi
gE9, the Laline Service, and fAl^hteb Le^endjl- the ^^^^
honl>inaiions,'Weri£ tdkfcn aA^ay -"aitd ih 'the Vbbrhfe iffecbfl ^c.^v^ftrTr^c -"*
thctrBiB ^^ofTbip'bf one tvaeVObdiri tft'^ i^-^kt^in 'oT jfe * dF,?ft>^r, trcji^o
eijrift,'ariaithe right ad jiiktiftt^tieh'bftlheSicratffthVi^ l?^-*iifrfll'^-^'^*'
tbe rcadmg otthe holy Seriptnres' irt « Endwne tortgiie eita* ^earetKnt'rfic Chfi.
of Kowf forathcufin^ycares rfttt r--«»^'»J'-'^"^--^'^-^'^'-'- -i»'-'' ^--'^J — v..lmr^ Joifl**
tk^r beliefs (h jioiiuiB futfd(itnefit4UJ
cf Rome was fi:o;n thciice forth tfefp^iiutcly pur Ghyrcjh^vct v^qjnay ^]A'^ rav^Jhjar our chip>ili
^as'fromtha; tjfne untill Luther^ both vvicbin the Romiric'Chrrch and wi*firoat*iti '•'*' ■
bliftcdj '^'««
♦ J«. i. 1^: bliflicd ; wh*r. the omnipotcncy oi the Pope is abandoned;
» ReVci. 1 8. 4; with all corrupt (iipcrftitions, "hich did undermine the foun-
i Rtjfnold, ^TAt.e- dation it fclfc i and in ftead tli 1 cof the intirc faith of the Lord
fifi. ad fT'^tnm. jg(-y- in all points ncccflary t falvation^taughi, profeflid,
^^i/^^"'^l^. and received, then is the Church leSned and fcparated from
liquinio -nAtitihe^ that drofle. To bring Infidells from the Aa:e ot infidclitic to
reJfK tccUjUixirt the faith, itisneccffary that inft^uft*^ongoc tjfore, either by
csgitur, reading,cxhortation,prfaching, or repor-. of Chriftian faith,
adFhie!tf^'o^' for faith :ommeth by hearing. But wheis men, rofeflcChri-
ti/^. hceUfi^ -ff] ftianitie, abufesmay be reformed by the Edict of the Magi-
quc duiuandoob- grate,withoutfuch particular inftruftion going before, as in
jmatuTy ^tan- the former cafe isrequifite Many times "berefiedepartectl
quamobnubilatur, from the Chvrch, or Heretkkci ^oc out frDin ;:hcClmrdii
Z/oiiw '"' "" a"^ fomctimcs the Church is compelled to goe out from he
1 Bera, ipJ/f.iM refiCjthe hercfie ftill remaining, ^^m^ ^'^^ ofhermj feoplc.fAth
iDuditiutntetfiPa. the L»rd : the godly then departing from Babylon, according
pam nonjit Ecc/e- to Gods commands Jtient, k gathering themftlves into Gbri-
l^iZat^Ze^ ftianfocieties, the religious Magiftrate^ byhis Edift Qr IW
tUjMm. ^ ' clamaeon going before thcm,arc the true churches of Chrift;
mStthrSetldof The ' Papacy was not the church, but the church lay hid in
the Church, /ifc.j. the Papacy, untill the time of feparation, which being made
'•«*«^o'^5^^'^" according to Gods commandcment, by ^he authorise of the
SSe"r^ Lords Vicegerent, thcchurch, whi.*^ -yafl^forc ^ obfcured,'
clef a / ntmpe b^c doth now fliine forth. Thus our Divines doe (bundly and
tunc grit ipfius c9- trucly aniwcr to the P^pifts demanding, where our Church
ditiOy qut olim in ^^g before Luther, That it was where now it is,but unrefined,
'ilUdllSntt unftamped 5 that it lay ' hid among them for the time, as fome
huf in fpeluca fde- fit ftones for the building, under a great heap of rubbifti ; and
iihui "Dei Frophc' that we have not erefted a new Church , but repaired and rc-
iis : et qua/is turn ftored a ruinous » decayed and corrupt Church. If any of our
rrar, qmmever/h n^gn deny the Churches wherein our Fathers lived to be the
fi\ZtefaJ$^ Churches of God, their meaning is limited /n refpeft of the
uOycaptivainBa^ prevailing faQ:ion that was in the church, and including them
•//owe ttnereruT, and all the wicked impieties by any of them defended ; in
Strvahat tamen ^^hich fence, their negative is to be underftood. Thtfe things
fw7^%o temPcre' ftandingthus, might not the chriftian MagUh-ate takeaway
fipudftmtn/Mit' the IdoU of the Made, injoyne the reading of the Scriptures
Tubatfalvminpa- in a knowne tongue ; appoint tha»: prayer (hould be made to
patu Baptifmus^n God onely in the mediation of Jefiis Chrlft , and take order
tflS^wowcf ^'c ^^*^ ^^^ Sacrament of the Supper might be adriiiniftred in
^\ciaon.^i^li bothkindes, according to the inftitation ? Might he not
"^ ' 9J1-. •command
■command allpeopIcthrougLDUtliis Dominions profefling nNahuchttdneti»r
the faith, to learne the grounds uf Religionj to call upon the ^^^ ^ ^j^ *, '^^^^.
Name of the Lord, toheareuisWoid and to vvorOiip him phemrthroldll-
truly and purely , according as the Lord himlelfe hath ap- sbaMnc^SccTyM
pointed ? And when, 'he people could not, or were carelefle i- ip. 2>jr/M5,that
and negligent, night he not provide meanes for their inftru- "^" ^'^^'"^ & f«^e
aion and edification in the faith of the Lord JefusJ This the ^llTel^a^l^f
Chriftiaa Maglftrates did amongrt us by authority from God. ^oJJma madi. a col
They provided that the Scriptures fliould be read in a known vetar - « ah the
language in all Congregations, Minillers injoyned to catc- People, that ci.ey
chitein the grounds of ChrUHan Religion, the Gofoell was ^^^fi^ ^"' ^""^^
jprcr,ched ir. many places, dlfputation was prctcrcd to the /<?/;*ii.yT^^°d'*
learned for fatisfaftion. If thefe things be adviledly confide- ftrojed Idolntric*
red, we (hall hearc no more from the Brethren of the Scpara- & commandeH the
tionj that our Church was gathered without the Word, by People to fcrvc and
mecre Proclamation, not called but made jp a Church in one p^J ^^^ ^°'^^* *
day, at the commandement of the evill Magiftrate : atleaftjuo i^, g 1| fo*f(J^
man that hath truly tafted of the Word of life, will be moved Jeho/aphat * fcnt
with fuch like cavil IsjUnlclTe it be to condcmne their raflinefle Ponces to teach in
and unthankfulnefle Co much the more. It might here be ad- S^ t^'"". °^ ^'
ded; that before reformation many did earncftly defire it; itnfsTchroT
(bme lay hid all the daycs of Quecne Mary, who never '-ame 7, 8, 9! c;' i o/.^)
to the Made, but trained up their children and fervants at Heie^iab femto
home in the grounds of Chriftian Religion; others fled into ^j^^/''acl Sciudab,
forraine parts : fome met together in orivate in their owne [^^^ ^"^y, ^""'i^
j-i *^ I I J •.• J J '^^'"C to the houfc
Countryes,as they had opportunitie ; and many groaned un- of tlie Lord ipar
der that bondage in which they were heldjall which did glad- j o, i . 6. Alfo he
ly welcome the truth, when it fhined forth, and rcjoyced took away the high
when they might joyn in the Congregation, underftand their P'^<^<^*** /{eg.18,4.
prayers, heare the Scriptures, and be inftruftcd in thcprinci- 'f/'^Al'rakedownc
pies of faith and holineffe. And if I (hould fay, that at the firft '^/ll^'^f^^ ^^'^*
reformation, there were more godly, learned, painfull Prea- f^c peopfc \o\l
wor(hipofGod,tC6row.j4.j,4,^7 i9>30J?*»J^f'o/owid,Kc^(/,Dr)!>«a«/dwas forced atthe
commande^nent of their Rulers to forfakc iheir ancient Idols, and receive Baptifmc. Munficr
Co/mo^rapb.fol.Sfi^.^oi. and divers sood Princes maintained long and (liarpe warres, of pur-
pofe tocompell the Saxons and Vandals to the faith, r^cw lib. 5./0/.7 19.74 J* It is a (trange
& new kind of preaching (for Bilbops)to drive men tobeleeye with whippingJ,as Bonner didj
but in?rinccs,who bearc thcfword,anJ are Gods Lievetenants,not oncly to procure peace be-
tween men, but alfo b> Lawes tomaintaine Religion towards God, we neither did, nor doe
difpraifc moderate correSion, when need fo requireth,^r/^a/?. Epi/l.iiy.ldem contra Eref-
ton. lib. I. tap. ^o.ldem contra lit, Petilian. lib. i.cap, 86. 8 j. Codex, Ub. i*tit. %.de Hare.
ticSocratJib. z.ct. »4.Gr«/(if. »i.,i». Eufeb.de vith Qonfi. Hb.i. cap.iJtTbfUdtretM.i^
iap»%o^ Multa^nim cigit ferre necejjitas qu4tamen nonprobantur.
1 i chersj
chers^ that endeavoured to bring forward the people iathfe
Dvayes of godlinefle, by an hundred to one, than ever iwereiof
your Separation fince the Gofpdl (hincd unto the worldyl
conceive you (hall not be able to fihde an Hyperbole in the
(peech.
And now fuppoft in this great and admirable worke, fiich
9 ccurf'* to be held^as cannot be juftified in all things, Ihall this
m^ke a null itie of that which is profperoufly effe&ed by the
- J blefling of God? It ignorant Minifters (hould not have bccnc
7}u^ti^..,Va}.en' ^et ove^ the people, when better could not be had; if people
tinUn the el.ier fiiould not have been admitted to the Lords Supper^ before
was a good man, |>ettcr inftmftion in the grounds of Chriftian Religion ("when
& worthy the Em- y^^ the Law doth pi^fuppofe them in (bme fort inftiufted 5 )
?e*lfof^hc">Jicene If pfophane 2nd notorious wicked peribns , which (hould
isxth.rhtoL lib.^ have been caft outjimlefle they had re]:)ented.were received inh
ca. 5. Soiom.Ubfi^ to communion, without any due courfc held before t6 reform
cap. 6. and yet he ^nj amend them, this argueth " imperfeftlon in theireform*-
rhal^^^irJ^'^f'ihe ^°"' ^^^ ^"^ cawfethat wo (h^uM ttrl vc forward to pcrf oft
comtaTySit*h,nei! what was happily begun, but provcth not the afiemblies to be
thci- thought he it Antichriftian, or th*? reformation to be of no> worth and va-
good to changeEc- liditic. . ; . .
clefiafticallaws in- Lookc through all the Refdrniations mentioned in Saip-
%^ZVbu^zo ^"re, or recorded in other Afrtiquities, and fee ifl this rt for-
SHrar'u /.T.-mi mation'be a nullity ^whether ever there wasa reibunied church
made a liaw, that in the world for any continuance. ' : ■ r
every man that
would might h^e QkVijII w
two wives,& him- .> f-,»#r,-/T' it>f.iJw tUrr-t .,''1 -r-..^./
lelfe gave the hrlt ■' .- . _ ., .„, ^ >-», i. /
■ example in taki ng "T* He matcriall Tcmfk was a t^'pe cfthe vtfible Chttrohes mnder
xwo.SonAt.ii^.Gr, \^ the Qcjpcll • Now We read , that it Was built frtm the very
€a.io.lat.ca,i6 j-Qpindmon frof^/y fiones, cf Cedars, Algttm, Firre, mdthe like
ma^p%*<i6 ^^^^^^^ ayidfprdaH trees'; a^td thofe all pr.'paredafirehamiy beiv^d
I Regf 6. 1 7,* 1 8." andferfe^for the i>uildin(T,fo that nek hr. kimm:r, nor axe^ nor
a Chron, x. 8, ^^ any toole rvas to hs^ heard in thehotifednphe hnilding of it ^m cvm-
mon or vile thlnq yeas vtfed toTvards it y neither^ m^ht any polluted
perfonentcr it and cjftr, untlll he had repented and embraced the
\ Chron. a J. x o, faith, and becne cleanfe<^f' om ht^flthlneff^^ :'By tbe.gatej^ifthe ■
Levit. 2 z. ip. houfe were Fortersfet to ks^fe the ur.rvoithj-OM.t.. Vpon-^he Alt^r
-& 17. II, ^y^g m<jht be rpred nd'tiTidekne beAp, no nor that which n^s
cleftre , dazing a 'bU mlpj u^-m it , JVhat in all this ^as ftgmfied ?
Onelj tLi4 ; Such as will build a (piritftall hcftfe for fhf Lord to
dwell iff i nttifi be an hlj people : for he is cfthat tMfmke puritle]
th4t he ■mU not vouchfafe hi sfpeciMl pre fence unto prophane cow
patties, ^hkhjojHe themfclves together ; atui therefore let it be far
from Ml men to prepare a place for him, nithfuch trajh , or to djr-
file his holy things rvithfuch unclear perfons , or to offend his no-
(Iritts with the,pi»ke offtfch facrifces.
A
N S VV B R.
IF this rcafon be ought worth, not only fuch as would build
a fpiiituall houft to the Lord for his M -jcftie to dwell in,
but fuch as would prefcrve ic being built, rauft be an holy
people^ holy in truth, and no: onely in the judgement of cha-
ritie : for he is an holy God, who will not ot worfhipped of
the hypocrite or prophane , will not take the wicked diflem-
bler by the hand,will not heare the prayers of them that with
delight looke unto iniquitie. If the Temple was built from;
the vei-y foundation with coftly ftone, hewen and prepared,
after it was built,it muft be kept from all pollution. And then
if the Temple was a type of the vifible Church m fuch (enfe as
this reafon aflirmeth » it muft be gathered of a people truely
holy and Separated from the world,and onely of fuch, fo that
if any hypocrite fliall craftily creep into it,or any wicked pcr-
(bnbe tolerated afterwards, it muftceafe to be a Church; Jugu/?.de'Bapti/,
which is direftly contrary to the whole current of Scripture, cctJtr. Petilian,ca.
and to that which your felfe many times affirme. The Temple "*• ^ '« ^P'^- «.'
is thought to be a type ofChrilt^ofa Chriftian,ofthe Church, ifo'^of.^'&f
but whether of the true Catholique Churchi whereof every nar. sic filnt'fffi
member if! a living ftone, eleft and precious, or of the vifible inecckfiayejumodt
congregationallaflemblyj conf]ftingofgoodandbad,lincere himcres mali in
and hypocriticall profclTors, it may well be qiieftioned : For ^'"'/'t''^ i quando e-
the vifibleChurch is not built all of coftly ftones, hewen and Z^T.'^yjquZd^
prepared : Therein many perfons inwardly polluted doe oF- excummall, rele-
fer, though outwardly they appeare cleane , and fomc may vetur EccUfta.
be fufFend to offer j which inwardly and outwardly appeare P Adifpute,pa:i^
to be uncleanc. Men maf net?; ar
And ifit was a type ofthe vifible Church, it muft be confi- thch- pleafure U
dered how farre the fignification is to be extcnded,and where- fcribe to any rite
inuhe relemblance ftandeth. For as it appertaineth to God whatfoever, ah'>-
onely to dcfigne a type, fo it is peculiar to him alone to ex- j.v^g"'ficjtian of
pound ornotific the pfignificatior.ofthe type wherein it con- f°ith o'/du'tie of
I i i lifteth ; pietic.
i6H)
J iifteth : It ' 8 an addition prohibitea for us to interpret divine
inftituted types upon our owne heads , without ground ^nd
ji (^kfluntr a- warrant from God. The common Rule is good, [{rightly li-
OauJeilr. epifil%\ mited •, TheologidfjmboUeanoneftar^Htnentativa, which you
cap. » y. Did God had need to ftudy better, for here and elfc-where throughout
er man tell it you? your bookcsj youthruft fuch fignifications of types uled in
If God, «ajc «t the old Teftament upon your Reader 5 asaie not taught in
LawThrp-onh«, Scripture, not for the matter it felfeconfonant to the ^ Scrip-
and Pfalmes ' the turc : and your whole frame of arguing is drawne from fimi«
Apoftolicall or E • litudes and comparifons, which is the moft popular, but de-
vaiijdicaJl Wri- ccitfuU and loofe kinde of reaibning, if they be not rightly
ticgs ? Reade it »f jjj.j^^,^e j^d well proportioned. Let this particular in hand
Jher"%ou uevrr be for example, and let US grant you more than you willde-
could J buv if men fif c^ fdl- That the Temple was a type of the vifible Church,
have faid it foi ra- and that all the members thereof ought to be holy, truly holy
thcr no man bu- ^^d not in appearance onely, fincere Chriftians in the iight of
Ihrdcvkelften ^^^5 ^"^ ^" ^^^ judgement of charitie alone, Saints and faith-
behofd*^what"yo:i fuH i» truth, and not onely in profeflion and converfation in
worfhip , behold feme meafurc anfwerable : be it chat no uncleane thing muft
what you ferve,be- be offered upon the al tarjthat no hypocriticall (ervice (hall be
**°il**n^^"^°" ^^" accepted; Hence it will not follow, that the focietie is no vi-
you waxe^m Jdf* ^^^le Church of God where fuch are tolerated, or that the pure
Bilf. cbriO. fub- and unfeigned wor(hijK)f the faithfall> (hall not be accepted,
jta.pcftip'cg.xi. when it is tendered in a focietie amongft whom there be fonie
You promifcd full rebellious, which bate to be reformed.
Wo?d of Gcd'^&Z If the Temple be a type of the viable Church as it was built
and now yoH conie ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^''V foundation of coftly ftones, what can it fignific
with empty figures in your (enfe, but that the fpirituall houfe of the Lord muft
of yourown,apply- confift of them that are truely holy, faithfull, and called^ fb
ing without trurh ^\^^^ ^hgy fjiould need, neither axe , hammer, nor any toolc
ImblEplT lib f ( ^° y°" P*'^^ ^^^ matter) to fit or fquare. And then by your
t/j.ji.The myftel owne confeflion we are to expeft no Church upon the earthy
ry of Heaven, let if ever there hath beene an-y.: For in the vifible Church hypo-
God hi mfelf teach critcsareand have been mixed with the.faithfull,asrubbii(jhor
u3e, ,'.hich madr counterfeit with coltly ftoncs, which could have nc place in
which' Ww To'; the Temple. *Thus (\ might fay to you, as you to your Pifto-
himfelfe j whom ler) 1 he man is fnared in his owne words, and may iay witii
ftould I rather be- the Poet 5 t^^H ■ potior telis vulnera fa^a meis I If the Temple
If eve concerning mightbe a typcof theChurch this notwithftanding, then it
^felfe. " (hewes onely What the Church ought to be, not what it is;
* cav.staj,f((Lji, of whom it doih confifl as p5ime> chiefe, principall member^
/«g,33. partakers
partakers oFall the Roya 'tics and pTiviledgcsthercof,and not
who arc tolerated and fuifercd there, as fflembcrsin an inferi-
our degree, or as maimes and blcmiftes : And then you muft i ^ ■ ■■
lie under the juft imputation of ab'ifing this inftance to ano- " "
thcr purpofe, not agreeable to the truth. W hen you arc pieC- C<tn, Netef. fifSs2
fed with the examples where wicked and ungodly men were f^''.f-P''Z-^9S'lt
tolerated in the Church and did beare chicfe (way, snd pof- .*!' " "?' ^.iT
lelied the greatelt places and cfticcsm the Church, you fly to denied, but maay
this, that yor plead againO the firft building of a Church of hypoc.'nes may bq
fijch wicked and ungodly men jand here you (ay, He that will '" ^^^ ^^^ chia-ch,
build a fpirituall houfe to the Lord,and the orderly gathering vik'trLf'lS^jrt*?
and planting of the members of them, were all holy : But if but here Jyeth liie
this rea(bn be of any force, it concludes for the cotinuance of point j if any man
the Church as well as the firft planting or gathering, that chc *^' affirme that
members thereof mult be truly holy. And if this be not more ^^ Tame may be
cunning than befeemeth the linccrc handler of Gods Word Vnowne^a 'd'^a °d
in a matter of fuch importance, let the indifferent confider* unconverted men
that indeed we de».
S E C T. III. ny utterly, &c.
THe reafonsufon -which our frofofition is gi-cunded are thefe ; tiecef. ofSeparar.
fiyfl, <tAll kicked men are forbidden expre(ly by the fVord of paj^.tjS^ijy^
CfodyfornadUng with his crdiyia/nce or ccjenant. Now if wen to ^^^^* J°« '*•
efcafe temforall funijhmem are Afraid to tranfgrc^e flgainfh the y ^ ^' ^*
Lowes ofworldlj^PrirJces I mnch more fearefiilljhotild they he to -^^^ ii^uh'*
hreaizehij, who is the King of Kings, andwHUnjiin for it upon
their foules and bodies torments eternally. 2. That which de--
fhoyeth a Church andmakcsit either to becoTne afalfe Church or ^
no Church at alt, cannot be a true Church , o^- be true matter
yfhereofit is made : But men 'vijibly wicked and prophane, make
the (fhurch a Synagogue of Satan j Babylon , Sodome, ^yEgypt,
andfo be fpied cut and removed, 3 . It is againslfenfe and cotfh-
tnon reafon, that a Church fhould be conflttutedof unholy ptople :
For as in a material I houfe the wood and fi one muFl befrfl prepa-
red, and then laid orderly tn the building : So in the fpirituall ^
men and ivomen by thewordofCod 7nuB necejfarily be frfl re-,
formed , before they are any way fit to have any place therein,
4. They which have no right to the holy things of God in the
Church , Are not to be admitted into it, neither is that Church
"which is fo gat heredy rightly confiituted. But rren of wicked con- Matth. 7. f.
verfation have no right to the hely things of Cjod in the Qmrch:
113 And
'/ifid therefore th4t: Church whtch is n^athered of fuiht is fttit right-*
Ij conflitHtei^, . •■'yi They carmt perfo.'ws thefervice^s rndda ties*
t - j^ ofmemhers, for thpj. are fiMtiiaily. dead ^Jf a (Jliafier mil mt
- ^ ' "' covenant with^ne to he his ferk/nnt^y which hath i"^ ihint no natural
life, MHch iej[ci&c. 6, They have not Chrififor their mad, and
"'^ therefore cannot he of his body 5 For as\in the naturall hodj there
- ii ' • 1 « irrii f^*fj^fi^fi-h^ a naturall Hniop of the faritf. With the head^ hefira
v.- ..-J » ,,,-^ ther^canbemyaSien vf-naturallcat^ft^tQion, h tweene the hi^att
5i *. |f^ '•5*, and.thet^'ihers^andonemembenandawjiiher :foi>ithefpirituaU
^Tt-iinrr* badj,> the members mnft be firfi umted with Chrlfi the head, and
■>n s ; t . become me with him, before they can any Way partake in his bene*
•!«*■ 4, ' fts yorhartie communion we^ithanoihen as members of th'pfams
^^I'i tg ^9. body. Httdef htm jhe-hetid, 7. They are altogether uwapMe 6f
^ - r* ■* * t\iis covenatitr. Tor a^ a ^oman which<hath beette oKce a wifi^Xaik*
not marry againe with another man^ttntill herfrft hnsband bede*
ceafed, or jhee from,him lawfHllj divorced-^ So neither e4n tbefe be
married to the Lord, till they have mort^feA.theirxormptiofts,
and fHt the world and Satan a^vay, unto which they were before
'. (as it were) married. 8. The ^dly md'.Wicked are contraries,
ffftidedand lead by different can fes : Now true contraries are not
capable of one ani:^ the fame forme, P
A N s W . « bJ*
'T'He bcft way to je (ecurefrom the force ofyour clarts, isto
run unto the marfee. For here we have reafons numbred
up which have weight in them for fbme purpole ( fome of
them at the leaft) but direft them to your markej and they
recoyle backe upon your (elfe. When you have reckoned up
firftyfecondj andthird, &c. the conclufion is ever wanting,
and not fo much as one preniife which lookes to the right
conclufion to be confirmed. The thing to be proved is this,
thatitis notrucChurch of God, which is not planted,gathe«
red, or built of Saints onely : but thatconfequence will never
follow from thofe premifles. For everything in thofe Rea-
fons muft as well be applied to the continuance of the church,'
as to the firft gathering and planting of it. The wicked arc
cxprefly forbidden to meddle with thecovenant, ot ordftian-
ces of God, men vifibly wicked make thcchflrch a Synagogue
^ . • J ., ' of Satan :Mcn muft be hewen and reformeid before they are fit
to have any place in theChurch of God : Men of wicked qon-
i ver(a-
C70
fwrfatioh '-haVe no tight to the hol^ tltSngs tof God : Tlicy Tcan-« ^'Ton. perpet. go-
not ferf4>rme the docies of nwmbef s^ . thty have, not Gbrift iat uf ^ **• * °' /'•' ^7>
their hcaHl •, f hey are uncapablc of th&tovenant, &c.' Is.dny vine by 'the Word'
thing here ipokew peculiar to the incmbcrs.of tlie Church at & excluding from
the jfirft planting'theroof, which doth nothold triieof the theSacrametsfuch
members of ch* Church cftablifhed and cohfirmed> Arejiot ^^ "otonoufly fin.
ihcwic*ed'.'»ra]i times forbidden, to meddle with the ordi- Prophmmrhtln-
nances of G^j,' Utlcapableof theicovcnant,' Ipiritually dead, terined<J!c,tlic rJo-
hotfit to have place in the houfeof God ? And if this hold pleciiglitnot : It
true agalnft fuoh members of the Church at all tlimeSjWhy doe ^^«>F^rt of their
you beare the Readcrin hitud, Thatydu onely plead azainft *^"^*^» ^"^ '" ^^^-
tht'fifftbiiiildHig of h Church -dffufikwicked and ungodlj aSom Si f[?I
pcrfbiis ? *The J^aefiion(ymfaj/ ^hkthever hvenabour the trtfv lowfhip and coml
^ndriAturMl members y whereof Gods (^hnrch is /^^derly gathered, P'^"y both civil I 3c
andpiamed, and^tot about theAecencrate and decajr deflate thercr- ^^J^^^ » ^^ it h tlic
of. %ht if any of thefc Reafons. will conclude ou^;t,there was fyelc'to dif/a T'
TiCTdf fbci^tle Cd be eftefemed the true church of .Gocl,aJl w hoie people to aflift anj
members were not Saints and holy, (piiitually enlivciij fiitrrto tJ^ecutethatjudoe-
performe the dilties*of members, Httcid,' pi eparcil and laid or- '?<^"f. The /^po.
derty in thfe bttflding, married to the Lord ChrilK What you f/^^'^'^f "°' ^"^^
"hold, ^that-Js not materiall in thispoint, but what your At- liki^°" • nrn^mWrt'
gUmwts-concludeifoiMfthey'infei'neohctUinjBiaiidyou-irihiinl- SHdi^Jrer^tU^'Ch^
tttlWanOtfier, of neceffidcthey ai^e-Weakc, or ybii arccwfcffato ^•*'ve cofemcd, but
J^Ik CSi.OTh^\i.* Ij they fl},'itlfaj3 [tl:tis yr.xivriee) that 06- '^"Pyncth it as a
■ffwaf^ 'OJid iticorrhibleftnrters, mn lAt»fmh be fujfcred therein), "5^ flj^v duty, and
;L-, . , ^ ^^0 r I 7 I • u -ri 1 <^oiTiadcth thcm^n
^Tms^yre fifptme tiabeurtrur: But tfthey fay^ that in a true "Jifibie y\^^ ^^^^ of Chrlft
-C^ktiych^thA-eWav^^e ^>at evills cctm»'meA^ yca.a>fdaJo7fgmvie I-Jns towithdiaw
^Vd4eratedi, vee'^affciiti^t*) it,: HoicbeiQit is eert^'.na (a^ D'^ .Ames f^cmfelves from c~
^hh)'T^hl^^ f<>rbearaMe !r'.*^ie7'0us Jinne 'b.'foi-e Cfod/Oi the ^'^^7 brother that
iftwftjll toleration of oblHnatc and incorrigibJe perfons, we ""^^^^.^ ^^ ^wlf^'
-haveno controverliewith you j Bat if any one realbn here he there ^^^intith^a
•broii'<*h"t: fey you cothi pinpo(e, it cannot be the trnc Churdi • bHceving Magi.
'^Df-God. Wh<5re any one obftinatcknowne oftcndcr isfuffer^ed, ^^^^^i the P.-.ftour
-^AvhitV hath nk right to the holy-things of God. That the J''''i'7^^^°j \'^^^'
ittcftibcrs ot the Church ought to walke in holiiieflc, you need nV fuch°?iPOHr°a."
'g^i'nft w'ilfull and obftinatelinncl-Sj without the knowledge aiid conferit of the people. Eiifcb,
hkft^lih,^: caf>. »,q:-rke^^(irety/'ib.l^cap. 1 7. Bilfcn. Ckriftian fuijt£f>.part. ^/>7^. 8 i, 82^
> 8 j^fiii. The Qp.cftion 13 ftotwhetjicr Bishops i}wll'-c<^ with open andobftmate
rices wjjtfec ^ords Table : .but whether they (hall chafe them fiomtheir Kingolomes or no :
WC miflike<pot repentance inpnnces, bnt reliftance in fubjcds, &c. But maike what care Ju,
f^ufibic will h.ivcobr<^rved,how and whendifciplineftould beadminiftrcJ, * CaTi, Necc/.oi ■
'^f«r^f.ptfg. 15*4, i$>5. *Can.N9Ctf^QiSeparat.pag.i^i.
■■' ■ ' ao:
(70
not prove • buc that thv Congregation cannot be the true
Church of God, where fuch things .re {uffcred as ought not
to be : A.nd yet your Reafons goc ..igner than fo.
For if they be duely examined, whether doe they fpeake of
fuch as be truly holy, or onely vifibly holy ? Saints and faith-
full ill the fight of God,or onely in the e> cs . nd approbation
of men 1 0nely the Saints arc capable ofthc Covenant, fpiri-
t^ally alive unto God, married unto Jefus Chrift , and have
communion with him : onely they are hewcn, fitly prepared
and layd truely upon the fjpirituall foundation ; onely their
fcrvice is accepted of God rnJefusChrHt. It is nothing here
to anCwcrj the r nbccs c • the Church are fuel* in the judge-
ment of charitic : For in the degenerate ftatc.the Church doth
not ever confift of (uch as you confefle : and your reafons kerc
fpeake of them that be fuch indccd,in the judgement oftruth,
quiekned by the Spirit, acceptable to God , Saints by Cove-
nant, the living members of Jefus Chrift, and fo heires of lal-
vation..
And if we looke into this matter more narrowly , the con-
clufion fightcth with the premifles, and doth manifeftly ovcr-
ffal.f*. i^. turnc what you would build. The wicked are exprefly for-
MoUerJnF/aLs^. bidden to meddle with the Cover ^::t. !i>ut thofe wicked ones
" ^' to whom the Lord fpeaketh at that time , more vifible mem-
bers of the true Church. The wicked make the Church of
God (you fay) a Synagogue of Satan, Sodome, &c. And doth
Ifa. i. lo. not the Prophet call them Princes of Sodome, and people of
Gomorrah, who were the people of God by covenant, mem-
bers of the true Church?Doe they provoke God to fpew them
out of his mourh5or to remove his Candlefticke ? But untUl he
remove his Candlefticke^or fpew them out of his mouth, they
Szck. j^. 4^1 4^» continue his Church and people. Rebellious y/;;^^?^ julUfied
47>&c. her Sifters Sodome and Samaria, and yet fhee continued thft
Church of God, when they were caft off; A tree unhcwcn and
unprepared is unfit matter for an houfcj and (b arc tares, bia-
sed come, and dry earcs, to grow together in thf. field with
good corne, as wheat, SCc. But the houfe ceaieth not to be an
nou(e, though a piece of timber unprepared be put into it,
cr the cornc-field to be a field of come , becaufe the r.a-?s src
iiiffered to abide untill the har/cft, A dead man cannot per-
form the office of a living member, but inftrumentally he may
doc the office of a member, or he may bear inftrunient which
ih*:
(73)
the head is plcafed to ufc, for the g^ ^d of the body ; other-
wife no hypocrite who is fpirituaily dead could be any means
of good unto the focietie. I r o wicked man is fpiritualJy mar-
ried unto Chrift, nor hypocrite, but hypocrites and wicked
ioen may be members of the (bcietie which in refpeftof ex-
ternal! covenant J married unto Chrifti or clle the Church of
the Jewes was not beloved of him. The godly and wicked are
lead by different caufes , and fo are hypocrites and iincere
Chriftians , but they may be linked together in th? fame out-
ward focietie. Hypocrites, you confeflcj are members of the
Church, unt'iU they be didevered and caft out:But the upright
and the dcubic- hearted art o "♦•*; ''*s,lcaH ' " different caules,
and fo uncapablc of the fame forme, to ulc your phrafes .
E c T.
IV.
" T7^^ '^^ *'' ^^'^^ ^^^ ;W^fW^«' (j/f A<r learned aifo. There Cun.Nccer tfS "
*' jL mf^ft l^e (faith Molkr us ) a frojejjion of true Religion and parat. /><?/" 178.^'
" obedietwe jeelded thereto, at ledfi, om^'ardlj to become a mem- TnPfal. i y.
** ber ef the vifible Church. BcZA faith, He is rightly joy ned to the ^^^^^j^ ^^^ ^ •
** Church, which ffparates hmtfelfe from tlx vriri^d, P^i,] <• ^//^
*' the Romanes Saints C^ftith Aretius) to put a difference betweene in Rom. - . 7,
«* their former efiate wherein they Uv^d,which )X'as unholy ard im- ^oL thef. thetlog.
*' fure, and the condition to which they we- 1 now called, Pifcator ^"^^ * J ^'
" ajfrMfs the matter of a particular Church to be a company of
" 'BeleeverSf &€.
Answer. • MarVe what care
S. Augufiine will
YOu may eafily bring heapes of tcftlmonics for that which '^^^^ obferved,how
thefe Authors affirme. Forlfuppofetherc isnot, no-e- ^uj^d^b^^^^r j''
ver was, godly , orthodox Divine, of another judgement. Augufixontr^p^ar-
But that which they (ay, and you maintaine, arc incompati- minian. lib.^.ca.i.
hie, ThcJrAflertion is taught in Scripture, profeflcd by the I<^ contagion of fin
godly learned in all ages, and is mort evident to right rcafon, ''^^ ^^^^^^^ *
illuminated by faith. But that which you contend for, is nei- merdfu if fever
ther taught in Scripture, nor confirmed by rcafbn, or profef- of corrcftion from
ledby godly and learned AuthorSjancienr or moderncjof one God himfelfe is
fort orotherj parties excepted. For it is one thing to fay, the "^"fl^ry. Nam
Church is a focietie of faithfull people, joyning together in X„^t\^'^Brr^J
the ordinances of worfhip : Another, that it in no Church pernim'/aatq-'K.
K k where mtegay(f(.
(7+)
where the ignorant orprophane arc tolerated. The fir ft of
thcfe is atrirmed : The latter is that which you muft prove
out of thofe Writers ( which you can never doe ) or el(e you
abufc both your felfe and them. Order is reqi-ilite in every
adminiftration of the Church, as the Apoltle teacheth, and
(;an. Ntcef. •/^e- chief.y in the coUeftion thereof, you fay. But the want of or-
i>arat. pag. i • ^^^ .^ ^^^^y p^^j^^ requifite,either in the colleftion or govern-
ment of the Church, doth not make it no Church. You know
it is an ufuall received diftinftion, that hypocrites and ungod-
ly men are in the Church, but not of the Church. And if at
any time you read that notorious offenders are neither of the
7 c^-tpLtp(^.^^. Church, nor in the Church; Thefame Author hath cxplai-
' 5 5, nedhimfclfc, that when he faith, There be no knowne Drun-
kards or Whoremongers in the Church, he fpeakes of that
'/, C. *. n^l.f<xf.M v/hich (hould be : As when Pattl faith. That the Church of god
pig, ii,i. hath no cfiflome to contend, he fetteth forth, not that which al-
AugM mor. Etcl. ^j^ygg commeth to pafie, but what ought to be alwayes.Jf or
cathot.(lb.i,c.i4- . be that contention may continue in a Church miny
cS:reiS yearelandyetitceafenottobethetrueChurchofGod.
Jmow. not or keepc Jn Mollerm I can finde nothing that makes to your purpofe,
not the force of but many things directly againft you. Firft, heentreateth in
their profeffion. ^^^ pfalme of the true lively membeis^of the Church , and .
Ilako not after the ^. f yo^^. gioffc ( at leaft outwardly ) corrupteth the
"e"i"^uetlt Text. Thus in the argument of the Pfalme he writeth-O/..-
gion are intangled dit cjuiftnt cultm, mt opera cfux Deo pUceant, & qt4om'odo vera
with fuperftinon : ^ ^/^^ membra, Fcclefta ab hjpocrlt/<s & alijs manifefte impljs,
my felfe knew ma- ^ifcgj-yiipoirint & d;beant. And in the whole Pfalme he (hew-
^pc?; cTtci^be; eth that he fpeaketh of the living members of the Cliurch, for
and piaures, whom Hdvation is prepared, and to whom it is rclerved, and
not ofvifible members oncly. Thus upon the firftver'fe, ^-
Jugufi.contrJ'ar, tw antem hoc verbo, m oftendnt difcrrmcn inter perpetuos Ec4i(^
iib.^.cap.z.ltc:iii~ n^ clves, p' inmil:ncs,feu hjpocriras % (jut ad temptts funt iKis
not be an health- '^:^:^ //; eni^fi etiamfi venditent fe pro veris Eecleftx mem-
many'^'burwhcn brh,externh prcfejfione^&obfervationeritmtn : tamen^uia^e-
he rh^itis reprovcJ ra &fol}da piet^te carent, & vfirijsfordibiufuntpollmt, tandem
hath no nunaber to i^ndicio dizinofcparabHntftr a veris Ecciefta mfwbris. And in his
ukehis P^'-j. Hut third obfervation upon the firft Verfe; Ssa [ape contingit,
h h^ f?fl' d Eccleftam B ei mpiltis inquinamentls deformem cernere, ne quis ad
ny, t^h°egoodh^ve hscfcandalumimpUq^at, difcrimenconfiitHendumefi, inter perpe^
nothing left for tuos Eccl(fiA civcs & inqmlinos, ejui ad tempHsfmt tlli^perm'tflt,
them to doe,but to j^^^nnandi mturfmt Anabaptifii, qui non put ant veram effe Sc-
forrow & mourne, ^ slcfiam}
C70
clefidm, qUd vk'ut ^jUddam tolerare cogiuir. If this be not fuffi-
cicnt, (ec what he hath upon the fifth Veiie. And hi"; observa-
tions upon the firft and fifth Verfes. But what you alledpeouc
of him I cannot finde.
M*^. Bez^a hath that which you cite out of him, but he mea-
neth nothing lefle^ than that a Chrjjj^ fliould feparate from
the Church and ordinances of grace, becaufe ungodly men
are ftrflfercd, which (hould be removed but arc not. in his Ma- 2ct* Avnot, Jtfi.
jor AnnotationSjhcexpIaineth himfeife thus ; Sxprejfe ujas JorinAff.x.^o,
efl hoc verba Lucas, ut ojlcnderct ipfarum iunmarum [alHtem^o^ ^ex^y «/>(/?. »./>*£♦
fitam ejfe in difcejftone a prophanoram cxtibtis. But the Church *S> >?•
of God, wherein prOphane perfons are fuffered to abide, is ^" ^^^^ f^ '^'^
not the congregation of prophane men in M^BcJua's judge- ut'Tru^anT^'^'
ment, from which we muft depart. Let tliis or that be fauiti- mij//'quS luifcmt
ly done or pretermitted of fomeCfaith he).;re they not there- confcientU ad earn
fore ChriftianS50r to be efteemed brethren I But they will fay, ^ccumticcedat/ed
This is at leart to communicate in their finne, nay, this confe- ^. '"^!* 'Pj'ta eon^
quenccismolUalfe. For if 1 come prepaitd to the Supper, ValtmTftAt^^^^^^
I am not to (earch with what confcience any man doth come ^3' cum Adulteri/
toitwithmci but I mull take care of mine owne confcience. & cum HomUidiil
Therefore if I come to the Supper, chafte and free from wic- ^' J^f*^ Meratijft^
kednefle, though I communicate with adulterers, with mur- *^dhlTu^^^*^iA
derers, and with moft wicked wretches, fo they be fuch by no tak% ftm[^ /T ^d
fault of mine, their impuritie (hall not hurt me. And what I canam cafim (^
rpeake of manners, I alfolay of doftrine, which fomctimes A^'c''« puras acm
the Paftours doe not purely deliver , nor the hearers receive J^^*""* "'^'(^orw
well and holily . I will fay morc,if fomc Paftour either igno- Tuerit^Efq^^^/^
rantly or advifedly, (hould admit a Jew or Turke, the whole nordm duo etim
fault ofthacfaft (hall fall upon him, and I would not come ^e doffrwa/dice^
no more flackly to the Table of theLord ^becaufe his impure ^"odmerdum ncc
confcicnce,fo I be without fault.doth not pollute mine which r^AZji./"'
IS pure ; and that very Supper is pure to me, which that im- Jitores fat it reSe
pure perfon prophaneth. Thus Be^a. And this may be ^cnkpiunt. Tjieam
(hewed to be the conltant judgement ofall orthodox Divines, ^^^<i ampliusfi vel
not parties in this ca(e, and it is a thing fo well knownc, that n^^^ '''.^'^^^"
it is (Iiperfluous labour to examine the reft particularly. And pudtntcr fljti!^.
here let it be noted. That it is ufuall to define the Church by pruder^cradmittei
the better part, by the true and living, chiefe principall and rct^uTaiiHuifactl
pcrpetuall members, partakers of the royalties and liberties f^^'P^^in ilium recu
of the catholike Church, knit unto Chrilt, quickntd by the f/rlalsltiTrtd
Spirit, heires of ralvation,& one with the triumphant church : „j^faM TtoMini «f-
K k 2 And cejferoft^c.
C7«)
And not by all forts, as m outward focietic and profcfflon are
linked togethrj who >etare not excluded from the focictie
\n refpeft o^ proMon, nor denied to be members of the
Church in their klnde or in a fort fuch is arc called onely by
cxternall vocationa ar^embcrs in their kinde of that com-
pany called, or exiernlny lelcfted, but not true members of
the Church militant, nor militant members of the Church
catholique, whereof Chrift is the head„ And thus the church
is a company of faith full pcopk, finccre, upright, walking
with God, which is mixed w'th hypocrites and wicked li*
vers, not as living members of Jefus Chrift, but as members in
a fort of the vifible focictie; as members in the church by out*-
ward profcifion, but not of the true militant chiircb.
E c T.
V.
Hecefi of Separate
>.X79, 180,181.
Babel no Bethel,
pa^* 108,
ChaJl.c<t.\.p<tgiZt
34-
SuicLChal.pa.4P.
and anfw. to the
except. p3g..6jf 4
B
Burton, anfwtr to
Hitholiii.pAg.ioo.
Burto in the fame
Bookc, pag. p^.
Ejore JenAthid point, IivillhereUy downc fome fe^ Sjlld-
pfmfs, Intirely made upj bettfeen the Inconformifls and Con-
formifis,aIl concluding the forenamed pofttionfThat ^hfirchtvhkh
hath- not a Urpfull Miniflerj, is not a trfte vijihU ["hurchrBut the
(^hurch of England hath not a true la^full CMinifiery : Ergo,
The church of England is not a true vifible Church, "The propo-
fition is affirmed of the Conformijis, as Burton, Sutcliffe. The
eyfffumption is granted by the Nonconformifisy as we have in the
firji-chafter largely Jhewed, The true vifible Church of(^hrifhi)
M focietie of beleeving and faithfull pfofle, and kcommumonof
Saints, fo fay the Conformijh. 'But the Church ofSngdandtj not
afocietie of beleeving and faithfu/l people, a communion of Saints
(thus ^rite the Nonconformifis.fee page 1 6p.)Ergo,r/J<? Church
tfgnghnd is not the true vifible (^hurch. The true (^hurch is the
Kings daughter, defi:rihedin Pfalme 4.5 . But the (^hureh of Eng^
land is not the Kin qs daughter (0 defer ibed. Therefore the ^hurch
of England is not the true Church of Chrifi. The propofitioa.is
laid dofvne by the Confarmifij , tv here by they prove Romeafalfe
Church, The J gumption is the Nonconformijls -^ Fcr if they fay
the iruth, their members have not thofe qualities belonging to the
Kings daughter , neither the Tri( ft nor people. Seepage \^,i6.
39. 1 3 7' 1^9- 170. The true Church ofChrifl-isthefiockeof
Chrifi' :But the Church of England is nopthe true fiockjf Chrift,
therefore the Church of England is. not the true Church of(^hriH,
The vrcpofttion (fay,the C.anformi^s)iiUndgMable:S<)U^.'i.63'^\
Aft. 20.
Cf7)
^d[,20, 2S,']oh,lO. 16. The ij^ffimptio>i IS jfrH'td l>y the
Nonconforwijis PrtMeip/d, corKfand 7W//7 Job. lo. 3, 4.. 27.
Chr^fisfiocJ^e heare his voice, anJI^cw it, a/jdfaNt/Tj.ir, ^ufjhc 1
ChHrchofEnglarJfH[wiTtin^taAnuKU->[:4lU^^i»ijicryi_rio,'-.
pjij>^ ^nd difcipUne^ hcarc not {^hrijis voice, nor krjove, mr aei^ojt'-
ledge, mrfoUovrit, hutthevojce of ^michrijl: The (^hnyrh oj
^oddoth keeps 1' . dcHrine cfthe Afofiles and Frophe-j, Without^
addition, alteration, or corruption \ { thus the (^o-aformtfis, ) ,W«t
the Poursh vf Er.gUnd kccpcs not the dtfSlririe of ike yipoji/es md Sutcl. Chat. tap. u
Prophets, yfithout addition, alteration and corrupt ion,fay the Noh-^ J"*^' ^' **£' 9-
cortjortrnfis •, Sec pag. I c8 . Ergo, pjce is not the (fhurch ofgod^
No foe ie tie can be te armed Gods ihHrch,^'hich retaineth not Cods
true '^orJhip( this the (^onfor^Mfis : ) But the Church of Eng.
land doth notretaiKc ^odj true worjhip, fij thjc Nonconform ifisi
Seepag.'j^Jtothe 1,13. Ey^O) Me cannot he tc armed Gods church. The fame Booke
The true ^hurch conffteth not cf fierce Lyons, Wolves, Tigyes, pag. 13, arg. ly. '
ttndfuch like ^ildc and fierce heafs 5 But ofSheepe, a>id Lambes,
Yfchich learne of (^hrifi, and are mceke, humble, gentle, Crc, So fay
th'el^onformifis. "But the Englijh Church doth conf fief Lyons, Id,fag^ty,aTa,<t^
f^olves,Tigr'es, aifdfuchlikeVeilde and fierce beafs, and not of
Sheepeand La/»hes,7vhich learne cfChr'Ji, and are meeke, hum-
hie, and gentle, Qrc. Thus the Nonconformifls ; fee pag, ^ i . c^^c,
145.1 6p. Therefore it is not the t rue (^hurch. Htre the Reader
fe^eth eleerety how the (^onformifis Majors avA the Noncanfornji/ls
' Minors y make up intireSjllcgifmes, of Separation, And how they ..■:
yfill be able to locfe thefe kn6ts,Iknorp not •, except by revoking ut-^
terlj their orrn grounds, vhich ifeit her of them doe,jet I doubi not
but yvepjall he ^ell enough able to maintaine them againlf mer.
An. jr.VY, B'R-
YOu pleafe your felfe withthc fame Song, which here ivc
have over againe and agaiuCj.tunedivith the fame ait.
Eut that which you tajke cfthe Conformifts Majors and the
Inconformifts Minois ( your (landers fetafldc j is idle and
loyiQi. For in that matter there is no difference betwixt the
Conformifts and th^elnconformifts. The Conformifts Majors
^as they are truely meant, thelnconformifts doe aflent unto:
Atid the abu(e ot ignoranccidlenefle, prophanenefle, both of
^f5inifters& people, whercofthe Nonconformiftscomplainc;
the Conformifts doe acknowledge and bcwailc. And your. "^
Kk-3 fdfc "'
(78)
fclfc a litdc after in a matter of the fame nature affirme, that
herein you (ay no mor*;* than what in effeft is fully acknow-
dn. tietef, of St- Icdged, by the NonconfDrmifts, Conformift'', the Church of
^arat.pag* i?}« ^?i^/W, the learned gene^a^!y, and all the reformed Chur-
ches upon earth : and for proofe you quote the fame Authors
you here ailed ge And why then doe you trifle thus with the
Conformifts Major, and Inconforniifts Minor i Did the found
of thole words plea ft you fo well t But let the Majors and Mi-
nors be whole they will, no intire or perfeft Syllogifhies o£
Stparatifme can be made up of them, but (iich as ignorance in
not underftanding, or an evill conlcience in pf;rverting or fal-
fifying their (ayings, doth conclude. They may well itand to
their grounds and unloofe thole knots, and if they under-
ftand their owne principles, they cannot but untie them. But
how you can free your (elfe from the guilt of an eviO confci-
ence,unlefle you recant what you have wrilten,repcnt of your
Hit Tl e diffc- Separation) and acknowledg the wrong you have done to the
rence betweenchri'. Nonconforniifts^ by mifreporting, perverting and falfifjjihg
ftian fubjea^ .^r. i. their principleSjas you call them* I leave to youf (erious cou-
pag.9t. Thefe {fc. fideration, and the reexamination of what you have clone. "
the Church mili- p^j, jj^g n^x. underiianding of the Conformifts propofiti-
l^c^S!':^ om(I fpcake inyotirphrafc) againftthcC^^^^^^
Church. Jerufalem wemuft note. That th&n.omanifts hold the Church of Rbtnc
which is abo e, it to bc the cathoHque Church of Chrift here on earth^under the
the mother of us Pope the Head j in v;hich (enfe their propofitions are to be
alI.Gd/.^4.^Tee^be ynJerftood: For the true catholique militant Church is a
no^more ftrangers faithfull people, a communion of Saints, the flocke of Chrift,
andforreiners, but that hcareth his voyce, keepsth the doftrine of the Prophets
Citizens with the and ApoftleSjWithout addition or alterationjandworftiippeth
Saints, and of the QqJ ^^^\y according to his will : And there is truly and pro-
EpbH^oxyo^hl Pe^ly no member of the militant Church catholique, which
come to the Citie doth not this finccrely in truth and meafure. But they never
of the living God, thought nor taught, that every member in a (brt, of the vifi-
and Heb.x z. where bIeChurches;WrB holy and uncere, the trueflieepe of Chr|j
inheavcn b^no! ^^^^^^""' ^"^ effeftually called : much \t{^t, that it was no
removed from the Church of Chrift, wherein abufes were to be found,or ungod-
Church of God, ly prophane men wcre tolerated. The ''.Church militant and
but be received to triumphant, are not two Kingdomes., but two degrees of oae
their fcllowlhip. ' ' ' ' ,^
Id.part i./>.a^o. The Chiirf h^^ Mav^n, itit another Church from thison eacthjor the fam*'
Certainly, Chrift hath but one body which ishis Chprch, and of that body feeing the Saints
(/c.in hcavenjbc the greata and worthier parf,they iruft bccotintcd :hc fame church with us.
King-
c r% )
Kuigdomc. The CiiyrcV vWie and iavifi|>Ifi;ar€:not,two
Churches, but diftinft CQn(iderac;ion&of the fame Church.
If then we Tpcake of true, found, I'.ving, chiefc, principle
members of the militant Church, fuch as partake in all the
royalties and priviledges of members, every member of the
Church militant is a true branch in the jVine js^it firme !y un-
to Chrift, qaiclined by the Spirit, and Ihall bean inheriter of
cternall glory. But if we Ipeake of members in a fort of vifiblc
ibcieties, fo hypocrites may be members, and ungodly mc!?j
as they are tolerated in the {ocietic^ when the bettcj' part cuii-
llOt reforme or amend them,
But to the Arguments in order.
Firftj The Church may be true though the Miniftery be de-
ficient in the order of calling, qualification of perfons, and
execution of their office : But that Church is falfe whofe Mi-
niftcry is altogether falfe for fubftancc of their office, thati is '^ »
the doftrine which they teachj Sacraments ^hich they adrai-
nifler, and fiinftions whereunto they are (et apart. Thus the
Conformifts and Inconformifis both. Now if We fpeake of
thcMiniflery of the Church of <?»^/<«»^Jndcfinitly,both Con-
lotnufts and Inconformi{\s v/ill confefTe fbme things to be
faulty both in the entrance and execution of their callings ;
as that fbme are ignorant, proud, covetous, caielefle, corrupt,
not watching over the flocke : Bui abfohitely that their Mit)i^
-ilery is falfe in refpeft of the fubftance o: their office, that was
mcvcr faid by either of them, as you doe or might well know, r The true Churcii
The knot to be unloofed now remaincth in yout confcienc«, is an univerfall co-
in that either you jequivocatc in your Major^or againft know- gr^gation or fcl-
•ledee, charge the Nonconformifts in your Minor, with that r ^w?, ^^ Gods
1 ? u ..u r • J faithfulJ and cleft
which they never laid. j^. },u,iti.
Secondly, The true Church of Chrifl,that is, the true and the foundations o"
lively members ofthe militant church,and militant members the Prophets and
of the catholique church, is a company of- faithfull people, ^P"ftlf s, Chrift
a communion of Saints, the true flock of Chrift, which hearc, f/"', h'jtead co'"
know, acknowlec^, beleeve, and obey thevoyce of Chrift; J,er ftone. And°h
the kings daughter which is all glorious within,knit to Chrift hath ahvayes rhree
.^ nocfs or niarJccs
%vhcret)y it is knowne $ pure and found dodrine,the Sacraments miniftred accor^ung toChrifts
holy inflitution, and ihc right life of Ecclefiafticall difciplincjf/ow. i.boof^efhcw.for IVbitef.
y.parr. The Church confifteth not of men, but of faithfull men, and they be the Chuicb,noc
in refpcaof flelh and bloud, which came from earth., but of truth and gracc,which came from
Heaven, Bilfon. Cbti(^. Subjfd.^^art >. pag. * ^ X .
and
(8o)
and mari'ied uftto HimtBut in this (bcicric there are mixed noi
oncly iecret hypocrites, but fierce Lyons, TigrcSj Wolves,
Bcares, wicked Teachers^ and ungodly livers. Thus the Con-
foi^mifts and Inconformifts. And in this (enft the Church of
England U a (bcietie of faich^I and belecving people, the
flocke of Ohri'^, the Kinjgs daughterjCjuickned by the Spirit,
enriched with grace, decked with Gods ordinances, walking
m fincere conftant confcionable obedience, though in out-
ward focietic and profeflion, mixed with many ignorant,
vainc prophane pcrfons, who have received the preflfe-money
of Chi 1ft, bu* indeed fight under the Devils banner, as doe all
hypocrites and ungodly wretches; that is, in the Church of
England, there be feme truely of the Church which hcarethe
voyce of Chrift, mixed with thole which in words profeflc
sneo iit,lt<kl\o\\, Chrift, but in theii deeds deny him : Thus the Conformifts
lo. I. Thethcepe ^nd Nonconfbrmifts. The knot here lycthonely inanxqui-.
^'^l/^lndue/with vocation or groffe abu(c of the word ^/?»rc^,which fonictimei
fpiritiiaU hrhrand notes the whole vifible focietie, linked in in externall profef-
difcretion/ (ion, and fometimes the true and living members of Jcfus
tBitfCbria.fub' Chriftj againft which •"he gates of hell fhall not prevailc.
jen.part x.pa.x^ j. Thirdly, Th^ ' f>«c-c- c'* Chrift doc heare hi^ voyce, but
S')^ ariSber of what Iheepe ? not all that be (hecpe in profeffion, but all that
men J for Infidels, be fticepe indeed and truth, cfFcftually called and gathered in-
herciickcs,andhy- toChrifts (hcep-fold. Thcy heare, that is, acknowledge, be-
pocrites, arc not lecve and obey Chriils voycelincercly, but not pcrfeftly, ful-
jhe Church, ^Jjut jy^ ^nd complcatly : for the faithfuU may crre of frailtie and
ScWom"& Sacral infirmitie, both in faith and manners: fonietimcs they are
mcnts, trudy fcr- miflead through ignorance, drawnc afide by paflions, foiled
vingGod, accor- by temptations. Clirifts Iheepe doe obey his voyce, but 'all
ding to tlic Gof- jjj^j 3,.^ Jinked with them in outward focietie) doenotfin-
^^ d°f akd b^"the ^^^^^^y obey, nor yet in converfation falhion themfelves to the
Spirit^of grace, a- direftion and conimandcment of Jcfiis Ghiift. And thus the
gainft the day of Church o( England, that is, the true and faithfull people in
Redemption. thole focicties, doe heare and obey the voyce of Chrift in
u Gratiaiu decret. ^^^^.h, others mixed with them doe heare and profefie but not
^^J*'^'^'Vre/f"r'w ^^^Y- H the Church doe erre, it is of ignorance, not of wil-
Gi'o^) Novitati- fulneife, orftubbornnefle: Jn matters oflefle importance, not
btii.lpfacongt:ga- fundamcntall or bordering tHei-euport : It is the errour of
tiofiddiumyhicdi- fomeonely, add not of the whole Church, which crrours
fJl Eaut' T " ^^""^'^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ of Chrift. The knot
lite ff none ffe """ ^^^*'^ ^^ beunlooftd, is y pur finne in charging that upon the
Ncn-
(8i)
Nonconformifts , the contrary whereto they have ever nuhi*
taincd.
Fourthly, In the true Church of Chrift, the tnie doadnc
ofjefus Chrift, the Prophets and Apoltks in matters funda-
mental! is keptjbut fo as the living members may crie both in w Chaloyter, Credo
doftrine and manners, and others in focietie with them may ^^<^nct,ip(iTtyfub~.
crrcgroflely, impenitently, finally. And tliusthe Church of J^'^'^^^^f^^^^ in
England doth keepc thcdoarine of'' Chriii.thc Prophets and ZaTvtnl^itTn,
Apoftles intirely without addition or alteration, though in tcrs the Creed )i«
the government and adminiftration there be many things a- "otonely an our-
mifle; though in the Ibcictie there be many who be not qua- ^^^^'^ P^f^f^cflionof
lifted as Oieepc, humble and rneeke, but fierce and cruell. Jl!n?but%°'^ "^'fcr
Fifthly, i\o focietie is the Ciiurch of Chrift, which rctai- fion^oAhrfarac
ncth not the true worftiip of God 5 buth.:h^ tmc Church of under the notion
God, his pure worfliip may be ftained with rites and cere- o^""th. And that
monies, which might well be fpared, and are juiUy difjiked. f ''^^!'"r<^'i in this
Thus both Conformifts and Nonconformifts, and all other ql%ory^
(brts and fefts of men. And thus in the Church oiEitgland, confef. i ? ni/tMrd
the true worfliip of God is for fubftance rightly maintained, Tom.upo Thomas
though the Nonconformifts diflike, and the Conformifts 'jjfp'^-^f'i'pa^.',.
groane under fome ceremonies not aLaii-loned, The onciv i* i^.andBf^
KBOthcre tobeunlooledagame is yourllander agamft the Book de Eic/e c, ca
Nonconformifts, in that you charge them to (ay, that the i f . BUfon ct'ri/i'.
Church of England doth not retaine th** true worh)ip of f^^j^ct^par-i.pa^,
God. J°J« IJ^e vifibic
And now I (hall defire youcalmely to confider how ac- ^ATod'^d^S
cordifjg to your principles you can untie a knot or two, if elcft ftreprobaw'
they fiiould be knit for you in this wife. hath no fuch pro-'
Firft, He is no true Paftor of Jefus Chrift, who groflfely n^irejbutOicemay
perverteth the Scripture, falfifieth Authors, dcceiveth with T^'c^}V^^f^°r
. . J \.L.u n.' c t-y J lenofchnlt.which
equivocations, condemnetntlie true worlhip or God as per- are the tmemcqv
nicious idolarrie, and the " focietles of Saints as idolatrous bcrj of his body^
andAntichriftian Aflemblies, and labourcth to draw Chri- properly called his
ftians from the communion of Saints, which ought to be kept Church, they iliali
and maintained. Examine your writings in the feare of God^ dition'&c?^" ^'^^''
and adde the propolition wanting. . x 5f»c// upon the
firft to the Thefxhap. i,«y.i.Thc Church of God is in God the Fat tier, and intlicLord lefus
Chriftiitis the companyof the faithfulh when God hath gathered together in Chrift,by his
Word, and by the holy Ghoft, to honour him, as he himfclfe hath appointed. This Church
hearcth thcvoyce of the Shepheard. It will not follow a (trangcr,but flycth from him. Of this
Church. Himru in Mic, lib, j, cap. i. faith, Ecclefa Cbrifii in toto orbe Ecclejias pojji-
dttJSjC;'c. - . .'
L 1 Secondly,
/
C8i)
Secondly, He is no true Minifter who derives his amhoritie
froin tlicm that are notable to give it. But he that derives bis
authoritie from the people, derives it from the .i that have no
authoritie to give it. You know the conclufion, and where it
will light.
Thirdly, The true Church of God is the true flock of Chrift,
the Kings Daughter, quickened by the Spirit, married unto
Chriftj gentle, meeke, humble, retaining the true worftip of
God, without addition or alteration, and keeping the unitic
of th e Spirit in the bond of peace 5 But the focietie of Separa-
tifts L not the true flocke of Chrift, quickned by the Spirit,
humble, mcefce, gentle, ke6f'n«» the unitie of the Spiri.. in the
bond of peace. Thcfc properties doc not agree to all and eve-
ry one in that focietie in truth, according as in the former
pfopofitions,you ray,they belong to the true Church of God.
Ifyouflrallbeable tomalntaine the former propofitions a-
gainft men, as you vaunt, 1 doe not beleeve you (hall be able
to unloole thcle few knots.
G HAP. V.
Sec T. I.
^Tmayh/hftteypillexpcSl that ipjouldirrhe fame-
thing- of their LeBnrers j and the rather becanfe
they in tke^iidgement ofmany^^re thought ta be the
hefi Jldi'/iifters , Of their life am dodrine I fay no^
thhifr. But as for their Minif^ery, furely it is new
.^indfirange^ Per the Originall of their name, mmmr of entrance,
md Admimfiration, isunknovonervholly te the Scriptures, and I
thinke never before heard of, till in thefe latter broken and confafed
times. Therefore it is m marvell, rohen the £^flion hath beene
propundedto fomeofthem, as il rcashj the Phay-ifees tojohn.
Who art thou? That they have not been able for their life tf an-
fwtr
(83)
fiper to anfvfer the point. Neither couU agree Among themfelves
what kindc ofMinifiery it is that they have taken up. And bclni
hardpreffedfo rejolution, they have ingenuoujly confejfed, that
unleff'e they be Evangclifls, theycok/d )7otfee hoip their Minifierj
doth accord with any Minijlcry mentioned in the Nerv T<.ftame*7t,
This I rvrite Hpon my owne certain i^tnvledge, the per fans / t>jink<
are yet living, vchofe names for fome rcafon Iforbeare to exprejfe.
Ho^beir, lean and^illdoe it if I fee there be ajuji- ^nd necejfary
occafion,
1 doe not thtnke itfirange that they fhould thtujpeake : for in-
deed I know not wtoat rhey can fay better in defence of their fiand-
ing. lafiours, lamfure, they wV/ mt fay they are -. For,
firji y They doe not tak£ any panicu/afiCharge 9fitfl^cie, upoi$
them. J ■■ ^'j-'-'y. . > 't .•,.-...;.:'.*
Secondly , They performe not the office the.'eof, for they agree
^ith the people onely to preachy and not to adminifler either the
feales or cenfures to them.
Thirdly i Their conmnngunto the people is in a fir an ge fort:
for they make a covenant each with other for fome certaine jeares,
and "^ hen that time is out , both parties are free ^ andfo may leave
x>ne the other, and doe many times : bht «* true Paflour may not doe
fo • Forifhejhouldhcyvereworfethan anhireli>.g vohich leaves
nfitthejheepe till he fee thelVolfe camming. But many of thefe
lichen they fee a richer LeSiureJhip commirig toward'- them.
Fourtnlyy Hethat usaTarfonoryicary is taken generally for
the Aiinifier of the place. And truely, howfoever their calling be
falfe and jinttchriftian ( as the Nonconformfts fay ) yet in many
refpeHs they doe better refemble a true MiniTlcr than any LeQh-
rerwhatfoever. Therefore not without jufi canfe^ doe the Reform Ntcef. of7>i^^bl,
mills utterly condemne this extraordinary office of Preachers : p^g' 74.
ey^ndaffirme, that they are neither Pajiours nor Tcuchers yfhich
the Scripture alloweth of ,
A N S VV 1 R.
THis point concerning Lefturers, I have purpolely defer-
red unto this place, becau(e it is diftin'^ from the former
in youi" appreheufion, and in this yoti doe not pretend the
Noncdnformilb principles, as you did in the former. The
exceptions alfo which you take againft them, are not in re-
fp( it of giftSjlcarningjOr diIigence,nor that they are brought
* L 1 1 into
(8-f)
into the Church by Antkhrift, but chiefly in rcfpeft of tlv.
office and Miniftei 7 it felfe. That which you objcft concer-
ning the name, that it iis new ( a^ y ou doe before againft Par-
fons. Vicars, and Curates, that they are Popjfli j u too flight
tobcinfiftedupo.i. Forthefe and divers other names or titles
gi' en to the Preachers of the Word, doc not notedifierent
Minifter. J for fubftanee and kinde, but different accidents
Isrhereby theMiniftersarediftinguiflhed, and fometimes the
employment whereabout they are principally cxercifed.
But the Miniftcry which is exei ciftd under thofe namcSj is for
fubftanceonc and the (anie, which Chriit hath appointed
and (et his Church. If an}' man hath not been able to answer
this •>^eftion when it hath been propounded, what kindc of
Miniftery the Lecturers have taken up, it was from his weak-
nedc, not from the d "cultie of the matter. And this is no
marvailc, feeing many Queftions fceme Riddles to you,
which very eafily untie theiJielveSj or be knit in conceit one-
ly. Asto the Papifts many Queftions touching the certaintie
©four P.tligion, the calling of our Minifters,the continuance
of the faith, feeming Indiflblubki which a true hearted Ghri-
ftian can quickly diflblve. But joh write »/>«?» certMne k*iorv~
ledge, that fame have ingenuoujly ci»ffc-Jfcd, that ttnle^e thev ke
£''jAngelifis, they coftl<^ not fee how their Aiimflerj doth accord
Xi'lth anjX^Hnifierj mentioned in the New Tefiament,
I am not fo diffident astodiftruft every word thacisfpo-
ken, nor mult I be fo fimple as to beleeve every thing. In the
quoting of mens words ^in writing, and giving the (cnfe of
them, I finde you trip fo often ignorantly or upon (ct pur-
pole 5 and fo many times to quote that as making for you,
which is as direft againit yon as can be fpoken, that witfaouc
breach of charitie, I may fu(peftfome fuch thing in this par-
ticular ; either that you miftooke their meaning, or mifrclate
their words^ or fet downe your owne confequence for their
pofition, or the likc^ Inftances of your miftaking enough
hathbeene formerly mentioned, in this very place there be
iwo^of no fmall note, nor hard to be difpreved. Firft you
iay 5 The N onconformiFis condemne the calling of Parfons and
Vicars (their office you meane j as falfe and Antic briJHan,
But their praftice and profeffion both, doth evidence thecoa-
trary to the whole world, as hath beei:£ (hewed. Anc if you
Will'miftake their v/dtings fo palpabiy and agayic and 3i^.?Ai\t
affirm*
C80
affirme thcni from thek writings, what is not there to be
found, butisdiicft contrary «-o their judgcraent, writing and
praSicc, how- csn we bcjeeve that you truely reporJ their
Words. Secondly, you fay ; The Rcformt(is doe utterly conr
aemne this extraordinary office ofTreachers, Leflurers you iin-
dcrftand by cxtraordinaiy Preachers ; but extraordinary
they are not, either in refpcft of their calling, cr the worke
tvhcrcin they are imployed. And the NonoOnfbnmfts are (b
rarrc from condemning that officejthat it is well knowne ma-
ny, ifnot the greateft part of them, had none other calling,
or office in the Church. And I prefume every reafonablc man,
will conceive it an unlikely thing, that Co many godly and
'earned men, fuffering many ana great troubles again^ other
^^tiCes^ (hould chooft to live infuch a calling, again(t the
light of ttifcir confcience. And you ^now fonic have maintai- C'*»- Nere^. afSe*
nedj (whoie judgement thercifi ana workes are approved by Z'*"''^'^' P'^- J4 j*
others of the (ame ranke, ) That the Miniftery of godly Prea- 1/0**^ h ^
chers (and fo of LeSurers ) in the Churth cf Er.gUnd, in all not bjaflcd oitWit
fubftantiall and eflentiall parts, is that very MIniftery which mms bon{:c, &c.
Chrilt hath inftimted and ordained in the New Teftamentj ^^-/"^^ 1*4 This
and which he hath blcfTed for the ^a^.hering and building for- '''^i '"""•^'^ "^^'^^
*^arat)f his Church in faith and holineffe. u^ wf?h""L ".
_ ., - . . , n t r> r- '^^ With. Atr. d-
^t^.i not then the common judgement of the Reformv.V^, gainft se^arat,
nor the private opinion of any particular man of that minde, f^^g' 38,
that Iliaveicene or heard of, that the office or calling of a
Ltftur^r is tltterly to be coixlemned. Who the Author is, or
\|rhatthe vi/orke which you quote, entituled, The Necejfitie tf
jb'lfcipline, { know not , nor what he faith .
-Perhaps you allcdge him, as you have done others wrongs
fully ; It may be he fpeakes of fome circumftances, not of tlie
lubftance of the calling. Ifhegoeany further, it is his private
conceiCi and muft not be imputed to the Reformiits, aj you
fHIethcm. i
We neede not- here difpute of the difference, betwixt the
Paftonr and the Teacher, nor to enquire whether of thefe
they arc to beefteemed, untill the difference betwixt them be
exaftly defined, and fubftantially prove.! : If for lubftance o£
Minvlery they doe the workeof the Lord Jefus, and by his
aj-'probatbn, this fufficcth.
■ fi:*\ then here it is to be noted, that the Officers of the
^.bwfdi are not fo '.I'llnguiftr^d by their fprciall limits and
L I ^ bounds^
(8<J)
Eufebilib,$,ca*io,
bounds, but the fuperiour may doe the office of the reft, if ne.
ceffKie require. Aa if the Ibcietie be fniaUj meet Offici s can-|
not ue h^tdjcr ' e wanting for a tituo, or taken awaiy by death.
The Pailour may fupply the rooraeot the Teacher, Elder, or
Deacon, thatis^ he may teach, watch over the manners of th^
people, and take fneciall care rf the poore, as the Apo(lIe3
did for a time.
( Secondly, If thePaftour be aged, weake, fickly, un^bk to
beare the bUrden of his charge alonci he may "ake unto hhn>
withconlentof thefocietie andcolledgeEcclefiafticaii, Affif
fMinlgndtidd ftgj.g q,. Helpers •. Vt ram frafma m fir^eftihUvarmttTt
Hamni,ixmu.i. ^^^^ ^^ ahfrntibm ipfij^.EccCefia pafi-m^t^,defiitfita^-Mfet,
delegerunt {foil. Afo^oli,) JL < coAdjmxureS^ : £luoH nomipofin^
tx Epiphanio ker^f, 27. 4pp<iret' Tales fuerunt hitreSjf^Umens,
Linut, Clems y j4ut,Ht np^er Attthor ait, Anacl(tus,^ Maxi-^
WHS helped cJ'W^r^i^W uftiill his death ; and Angufiim Vale,
rius. And if the Paftour oe Tf;relefle or negligent^ i;?s law-
lull for the peojJe to provldt for themfeives, by th^ beij:
mcanesthattheycan, orGodis pleafed toaffprduntdthenii,
that they rright be taught and inftrufted in the way es of hor
iinefle.
Thirdly , Paftours are to feede the flocke committed i^at^
their care, yet foas many Paftours may be let over on^AjcJ,
which they muft feede in common . And to this pur po(e/onjp
write, that the Apoftoliquc and Primitive times, kiieVinei-
ther Pariftiionali nor Diocefan Churches, but Chriftian,s,J^
vedchen in Cities onely, not in Villages becaule of tj^cpciv
fecution. And it is toberemcmbred,tha,tinRonje, Cotintj^
Ephefus, Philippic Coloflcj Theflalonica, and fuch other Ci-
ties, inhabited by Chriftians, there were more Paftours thajp
otte* which did in common goyerne all the Churches within
that Citie, and there ivas not any one Paftqur, who by Jiimr
felfcj governed a ceitaine part of the Citie,peculiariy.§0^ed
to hischaigc^* Thiis alfothe Ancients write, thut; Peter und
/|wfif . ad TraiktK. ^~iitl, were the tifi ft Eilhops and Apoftles at Home. Taul. hafi
Scxvm li.^.ca.i/^. J2nus and Timbthyy Peter, Clemens and Anaclctus, LlheriMf
Eu/cb, hlfi.Ub. 6, s^nd Felix, both governed the Apoftolicall Seat : Valerius -and
■Augufii''e, Narcijfus and -.:^/fAy»<sip?^ in the Church of Kippo.
It i? apparent, the Apoftles ordained many QYefifFrsiPi^'^?
iocietie, and h is not repugr»3nt either to Scrjp|«rc orfea-
•ibn/tb ihink&iljere migh the many i^aftgurscf one flockej
t' And
J difpufe, par.^,
■up.2.pag,i7&.
Aft. 10. 17,18.
Phil. 1. 1.
X Thef. J. I X.
Aft. I J. 2.
& ij. *.
Col. 4. ii«
lames f . 14.
Epipha)uh<eref.t7-
9. Ut.
gratia):, Decret.
part A. cap. 7. qu.i,
(an* iz.
C87)
And the flockc might be one under the joynt care of many
Shcphsards, though they ditf no't ordinarily mecte toget^>er
in one place. For to aflcmble together in one place, is merre-
ly accidental! to the unicie of a (bcietic : Certaine it is5in times
of perftcution tlicy cannot fo meete ^ and it is moft probable.
In the ^poftles times, many Churches were too populous in
that mannel' to afiemble together. Thoic ':hat know the ftate
of France in time of perftcution, doe well underhand that
every Church almoft was gathered of Townes, whereof fome
tt^crc fix mile?3 fome leven, fome more from the place of mee-
ting, and keeping their Congregations. And therefore could
not meete fb often, nor feaowonc another fo Well, as we by
the grace of God may doe. ' ' '»"^« ^ \ v.V Vi • i - o^
Fourthly, No one Paftoar or TeaCh*!- h«h the povv^er of
the cenfures belonging unto him, and whether the power of
difpenfing che Scales belong to every Miniflier of the Gofpclj,
Heave ?t lo your confideration ( for I know not what you
will refolve) but the a^hjall difptnfation of the Scales may be
forborne by fome, to whom the right of difpetjeing doth ap-
pcrtaine, fpecially when there be others at hand to doc that
office. The Apoftles had power to baptize, but we may well
thlnfi:^, they did not ordinarily baptize themfelves. It is poC-
Cb!e(youfayj a man may be a true Ecclefwflicall Officer,
^l^d yet never doc the Services thereof. '••' /^^ ^
'. Fifthly, The Minifter of the Gofpcll is nr-^ made abfb-
lutely a Minifter by the choice or eleftion of this or that peo-
pis, but onely their Minifter for the time of his abode and
continuance with them. Lay thcle things together, and then
your exceptions againft the oflfice of Lefturers will vanilh.
For if they have not the chiefe charge or cure of foules, they
be not fole Paftours or Teachers of the flocke ; but joyncd in
care or charge with othe. s as Helpers or Afliftants, or chofen
by the people to fupply the want of (uch is fhould, but doc
not feed the flocke. If they difpence not the Scahs, neither
is that neceflary in refpeft of their ftanding : for right and
power from Chrift they have to difpence them, but in the
execution of that power they may be hinJred, or forbeare it
for a time. Ifthey leave their place being lawfully '•ailed to
another flocke, itmay bewithconfentof thefbcictie and of
the Church, and what then doth make ir unlawfuU ? or rPtJfc
charge ftould beunlaA'fuI!, it doth not make tlfe Minift^y
ftrange oj new, which is the thing in queftion, Shdi x^
Bilfon.perpet. Co-
ver.ca.io.pa.t^ <,
Every church with
them bad many
Prophetj,raftoua
and Teachers, the
number andreedc
of the people, anu
time fo requiring.
I Com. f 4,ij:,i^.
Can.Netef.ofoe^
parat.pag. -.^6,
(88)
Sect. tl.
Neceflofiepdm, T'K** Minifierj tvhich is indituttd and fet up hfides thsfe
t^t' J*» 5 *; rvhich Cod hath appointed in hi4 fi-'ord, ii unlaypfuHandfalfe,
'^f^t the U^mjierj of Lecturers in England is iniiituted and fet
hefide thefe, "which Grdhath appointed in his Word, Therefore that
MtKtfiery %s uu'ap fuJl and falje. The propofitionis plaine anduft»
\-, deniable, i nd^e have their orvne irords to conjlrvte it. For thus
''"'■- they fay . All t he Mini fiery is by the Word of God, and not left to
the ivtlUfman to devife at their ple^Jio e., 46 appeareth bj that
-which it noted c/ John, inhere the Pharifies comming to him,after
. that he had denied to be either Chrifi, ^r Elias, or another 'Pro^
fhet, conclude if he be neith'- Chrijl nor Elias, nor ef.ihe Pro^
JhetSy Vchy baptizefi tho^i ? lyuicl load been no good argument, if
Q^Timi$ht have been of other funBion, than of thofe which veerc
7 CMbl I fid 6i ^^^^^yy^^t^^C^^*^^^^ an-iinltitfttedofGod, t^c, Againetodg-
y l^ 'if *y ^'fTg another Miniflery, .^^ > hat which ^od hath appointed, is
condemned by the fecond(,Cf. tf.tridement.
The Afftmption is tkas proved. Firfi if th'ir LeBitrers have
tak£K J.l Hcionfrofft the Mijhopi , and exercife by that power eneJ
iy, then is their ojjlcefaife, by the reafons before laiddowne, Se-^
£ond[j.y If it be objeSled, th^t they never received tk* Prelates or-^
ders, or have relented thereof^ latif^cy. This proves not that th^
arc therefore true Afinifiers, Fur as 'Jehu, though he didwell to
fupprejfe Ah?bs idolatrie, yet in that he followed the wayes ofjc-
roboam, he himfelfe continued Hill a gro^e Idolater : Even fa,
hewfoeverfome may privately report , that they fiand Miniflers
by no relation to the. BiJhops,y stare theynotwithfiandingunlaw-
full jMiniflers, feeing they were never eleEled, chofen, ordainei
(according to Gods Word, If any reply, that they have their caUing
of the ptcple: I anfrver, the thing isfurelyotherwife, asfljallpe
manifefiedprefently. But if this ^ere granted, yet I den-f thatO'
ny Church under heaven, hath power from C^rijl to ordaine fttc^
a kinde of i^iniftery, and therefore if any people fhould doe it^
feeing it is againfi the Scripture, it mufi needs follow ^ that it is an
unlawfuU Mimfterj, andfo confequentlj not to be commHnicatfd
Veith,
A N S VV B R.
Ou are ftrangcly taktn with this note ; for you have
brought nothing but a bar'? repctition,of what you have
C8p)
Aici over and over. If you fpcake of the fu jftantiall and effcn-
tiall parts oftheMiniftery, it i8 freely granted, that the true
Minidery is by the word of God, and lieavenly .But if you ex-
tend it to e^cry circumftantialJ order, whereby in this or that
Sooietie, the Minifler is to execute the fuiiftion he hath rtcei-
vcdofCodjitisnotapproved. Bacof this you need iiot to
have made fo many words. To your afium^ dcnj anrwci hath
been returned already.
Firft, That the Minifters of the Gofpell receive their office
and authorities neither irora the Bifliop, Patron, pciople, or
Colledge Ecclefiafticalij but from Chrift immediately, whofe
iervant? they are, in whofc name they minifter, whofe flockc
they attend, and who hath affi* cd them their worke. And
if you receive your Miniftery from the people, as their fer-
vant, from whom you derive your office and authoritie, and
from whom you receive yourCommitiion; your MiniAery
in that refpeftisno'efle falfe and antichriftian, than theirs
that derive it from the oifnops.
Secondly, If Lefhirers have received ordination from the
BiQiops, and be called and chofenby the people, theii calling
isjujftandlawfuU, according to the rules of Scripture, and
their Miniltery heavenly and from above, if they preach the
ijicire faith, and feed the flocke of God. For they prcadithc
puredo9:rineoffalvation, not by authoritie from men, buc
Dy commiflion from the chiefe Shepheard and Bifhop of our
ibules : theircallingmaybcjuftificdby the Word and war-
rant of truth, which (hall itand for ever ; the more hainous
«n(i fearefull is your finne, in matching the Miniftery df (iich
men, to the idolatry of fehu.
Thirdly, You are bold to affirrae. That no Church undei
Heaven, hath power from Chrift to ordaincfuchakindebf
Minifteiy, &c. And it is tnie, the Church hath no power to
ordaineany Miniftery; for Chrift is the Author and inftitu-
tour oftheMiniftery for his Church. But your meaning is.
That this kinde of Mlnlftery is againft the Scripture not or-
dained, and then ifwe call for your proofe, we have nothing
here, but I deny it. You take up M' Br, (how vtell it becomes Can. Mecef ofSe-
you, let the Reader judge ) as a bold Sophifter, becaufe he /''«''«^ p^g- i»7.
makes flat deniall of exprefled truthes. As thus^I lay it is Falfe,
I deny it, &c. Asif the weight of an argument were fufficien©-
ly rt-movcd by empvy denials. But when you fliould mijfc^
' , M m pr<;prc
^roofe of wViat you iAffirme, it fufficeth you to fay I deny^ or
this proves it not : or I have proved from their writings ;
when yon iiave falfified them onely. And if an empty deniall
be not fiifficient anfwer to an empty affirmation, it is very
SilfcnChrlfi.fuh' ftrange. Imayjuftlyfay to you, as D^ £t/foK to the Papift
pa.paui'f 41/ whom he anfwcred •, If great vaunts were found proofes, the
vlftory we'-e y uiirs ; you have words and cracks at will, they
coft you uothing.
Sect. III.
AT-r-r ^f c.,Ar^. nrti^t it is Co Iprove it thus-. That ^mnifi^yuumai»fHlh
fat ( ? ^fvhich none ntay lawfully. :'ve. But mne may lawfnUy hefim
'^ ^ the Minifiery of a LeSiftr-er, Therefore that Mimllery u mlarV'
lawfully The A^umpionforjhame, cannot be denied, If the nature
efit he conftdered. F ■ as we hut even no^ faU, their LeBnrers
take no charge ofaflocke uM hem, ih-y make covetta»t rpc^h th%,
people, hut for a certaine tim. he peculiar Vcorke of a Minifler «
9iot by thepeople laid upon them, neither expelled of them. Jfa'/^y
objeBy that they preach the F/ord. To this D^ Ames gives an attf
fwer fully , that the preachi)}gpfthe (jafpell is not a "^ork^ peculiar
to aJUinifter '.furfnchMM,i-frl<^M.e:rtcny uni^vni. vfygicc, may
An^ ottghv to preach the Word, as occafion is offered, and not omly
p-hdtfly, butyfakh he, in thepublit^tie (Congregation, &c,-
^^ 7T TE have here the fame thing ©ver againe, and when
i y V aU is faid> it is but this, Idcnyir, or I fay it. The
afliimption cannot for (hame be denied. The proportion
'rightly underftood is true and found, but it may carry divers
conftruftions. As firftj the meaniLg may be. That Miniftery
is for fubftancc unlawfull, which none may lawfully give to
l?jch or fuch perfbns, fcil. to ^'jch as be unfit or prophane^
And in thisfenfe, the propofition is not found. For the Mini-
ftciry is unlawfully committed to an ungodly .^an, an hypo-
crite, but the Miniftery it felfc is heavenly, and from above.
Or the ienfc may be, That Miniftery is unlawflill which men
may not lawfully give virtually or formally : And then it is
^eake ; For Paftours and 1 eachers are the gifts of Chrift un-
^his Churcbj from whom they ijecc've their office, and not
from
froni men. Or kmay beare this Cen&, TiiatiMiniiWy is.un-
luwfiillj which none may lavViully glv'e;iii.ruch formea.and
manneij as it is executed: And then it is lyable to exception.
For of right the power ofadnjiniftration of tiie Sealcs and
Cenftjres of the Church,belong to the Pa(tours,Teachers,and •^
Governours of the Church ; when in the exccutpn of this
office, chey may be hindt^d. It i3 lawful! to be an aflilhnt or
helper to a Paltour for a time, when it is not la ivhill to give
♦■hcofficeofMiniftery toamanforatimeonely, and then to
expire. To the afTumptionjThe Lefturers of whom we fpeak,
have derived their office from the Lord Jefus Chrift, by the
Miniftery of his Church, asinftruments, their entrance into
it lawiijllj the ftrvice and worke itfelfe bolys the manner of
performing it warrantable, an. theauthoritie they hav^e re-
ceived the Hu'ie which Chrift hath communicated to the Mi-
nifters of the Gofpell. To publilh the truth by way of inftru-
£tion or exhortation, is not pe'-uliar vj the Minilters of the
Qofpellj.but by authoritle,!<iir;TiiniUe6ally to pris^ch is pfecu-
liartotheMIhifter. For theS^ripture joyneth together the
E reaching of theWord,and difpenfation of the Seales,as both
clonging to the Offic£rs,who have received commiflTion from Math. tS. i^«
Jefus Chrift. And ifprivate perfons may preach the Word in x Cor. ii
this (enle, we lee no leafon why they may not adminiiler the
Sacraments lifcewile, andfo the Governours of the Church
(hall have power to doe nothing, which every private mem-
ber of the focietie may not doe as well as they Lut Lefturers
preach the Goljpcll by authoritie, and as men fet in office by
the Lord of the harveft. And this may fufficc to fhew the va-
nitie of luch exceptions as are taken a^mft our Church, f li-
Miftery, and wormip, to prove it to bcnotrueCnurch, wor-
jfhipa andMiniftery •, and how untruly and unjuftly the Non-
Gonformifts are charged to lay the grounds ofthatralh and
affefted Separation , which fome have run into. To examine
ivhac argument is returned to D^ Jmef, M' "Daw: M' Br: is
needlefle ; for nothing of weight is faid againft them, but the
fame things vainly repeated, with infolent fcoffes and reproa-
ches , as if by evili fpeaking you hoped to get the victory.
It is to be obferved generally you fay, that thofe which ftand Ca;u Hcccf. ofSel
fosbadcaufesdoe after this fort ftill i-cproach the Adverfa- fam.pag.iii,
lies. Thus doe lUe Papifts the Proteftants, To the Proteftants
the
lhc?ut3t'4r'*8,iind fo they Uu, at here and in oififf writings u*
ClisJly. No'^ I WOiiW ( nrcic you to review your two ucjb,
^aS ip^akt ii; good earncftr Urhether in fcoffing, i^iprcai-
<';h?ng5 faIfifica::lonf, you dj- not ordlnarilr exceed
all men that ever you met with ^11 ; Gonfiderfe*
fioofly, and then let confcknccbc Judge*
U'^cther It be^hcnotcof agood
or evill cayfc, &c.
F I :j^is.
A Table of fomeprincipall Points
handled in this Trcatile.
InrhcfirftPart.
C concerning -- fidfe (JMiniflerie^
J and commnnira ing therei*^
P'3 "
'Hcnconformifis lay not the ground ^f
Sefdration , hy complaining of the
abufefin onr rhur sh, 20,2 1 .
Trc*-j whence theout'^'ard Caltih'g of 4
. Itnifier is derived, ^4-s'^7
Herein a dijfinifioft is conjiderable, be-
twixt an errom ir admijpon into
An ojjice, and a fat Hhllitie of the of-
fee it f elf e, ip.
?9i3o are not, i.ind^ho are Antichrifii'
an teachers, 4. i .
The true nature of Worfnf, dndnhat
it is to wor/iip God in a ri^ht man- >
ner, " 43.
Of an Idoll Church and Minifierie,
45..
Places §f tuhliks <y*orJhi^ allevted and
pr(ihiSfle/fin*^Jf/JtIl, Kp,
Vf ^'orjbipping Godin . ^rue (^ hurch^
Our (Churches are not to (>e reputed/pi-
ritaaWB 'ibylcn, ... ^y. .
Concerning Churches true Andfalfe^
/> . ^7 V'
I orrupt mixtures tri true Chttrehes.
81.
Thi nature of fuperjiition, ?p.
Of Ordination receivedfrom Bijhops,
Conce} ning prefeMe at Gods true w<?r-
fhipy where fanethingis faultie in
thetAfiniJifers calling ^4^4 the man-
>terof adntinifirationy 105,
S^me things may fiaine ^hich ycfo^
verthrow not the LMiniTteriCj 1 1 p.
From Tvhenvc the Minifierscfthe Co"
fpell derive their office^ 126.
The Miniflers ignoratrce and fcanda-
lom Ufe doth tfe. ffultifie his LMini-^
Jierie, 128.
Someteaeh given of Mafter Cannes
gro^e abuje of fhtlofophicall Co-
nonSy andof fome tAuthors by him
cited, I32,i35,i;4, c^-^".
JVhen Minifiers may he /aid to runnt^
ih*t4ghitet fUtt, L^p,
Forr eigne reformea Churches ackno^-
ledg Hi th'. true Churches ofChrifi
The Aiinijlerf calling is net to ber-
The T A B i. E,
'^•rH, 143, The f.'-'jftn" ef f^frription in the
t'f'ifi y^ars of ^atte Elizabeth,
In the ICCOnci x*arC. r^r/eJ fepar-h:*, and othr iroH-
T'^rie la^julnejfe of fet forMfS of T^:'fa>iti<j(4itieoj fet Litf^rpes^ ij,
prayer, 3. C oftcernirtg idols, an/if:^aratif>H from
.Ndnconformifij never Htterlj coffdcpt- them, 2 3 ,24,2 j,
ftsdmy ufe of our (fomrnon Vrajer Of difeipiine ^rfft'/..- ueceffarle in a
'Booke, 7i&i5>l6. Church, ^:id hfyn^yrAnU.'.g'i.^-y^
Ncr fiUo^^'ed ftpar'itioH hecAufe of ^ us, 33>?5»37' GK-'.
fomeabujesy 10,22. Concerning the mmer, ar.d manner^
The difcHffingMnd difcover'mgof that £ather'n^ Churches , ^o,Htttc6^
araurmnt ufed a^ai*f/} the Con jom (^c*
p--ajffr books t "i ii. ^^Mt. it was take.; 7'hs offce •f LeBurers jMfitd, 84,
ti&im^maims^^si^ssm^ismim^isias^
FINIS.
■^s&^yws^&im&^eimmimf&^mmssm
Brrai? in Part i.
P^igCi.Unr !,putOttt,(haU. p.7,Mirg.l.iaft,addelib.r.p,8. marg.at end, iMc
ctKcpl.i.f^j.p./.tnaig. addefrcutc'^ p i.marg.addelcr.i3. 11:54. Efa.aS.-^
yaer.jj. 1^.17. r.44.1.4.addir!. * ,^. 1. i4.addthemoftof. p.jj l.ii,fornsith<:r
read either p l.js.forrom, ••. ],y,\.x,. ourminiftcric is, infcrt> true, though.
p.<^i,1.3!.j,patcu»_,notcP.<f4.1.7.c.ddcfani.p,8c.l.3J.addc in marg.j.p.^o.l.iz.rcad
{haft, p.ioo !,!a^ "^r anfwcucd, r. cenfured, p. loy, 1. 4,unto gcneralljaddc rulet,
p. 109,1.1, for it . ,» r, is it, p. 15^, 1. 37, put out,not,p. 140, 1, 3 i.adde, it.
In f>art2.
P.ri.iS, pu:3!it^»ve,p.ii,l.34.fc ' made, r. makes, p.i j,!,t4.ior former AnavC^r,r^
forme or matter, p. i^.l, 4. addc in/o. p.t^. 1,3 1, '"-r whs*i, r then.Jp. 3?. !.7, Tor
conftitution -. inmtution, p. fo.l.iy.for dare r. doc. p.jt . 1.^. for promifcd. r. pwt-
e tfed,p,5c l^.for morcr. moft.p 72.1.z}. for more, r. were. PJi,\,n, for uifzcrf
vered r, difcovercd.p .„lait line i, Anaoaptifl..;: p;t4:i:ut :>jaeiii.
3J>
9.1^1
/