Admonition Unto Congregations, Treatise · Part 4
Of Magiſtracie.
THE fowrth matter that by the aſſiſtance of God wee purpoſe to ſpeake to you of, is, to prove vntounto you, and all that are cōtrarie mynded. That king, Princes, and Magiſtrats, ruleing & governing by the power of god, with the ſword of Iuſ…, may be members of the church of Chriſt reteyning their Magiſtracie. For proofe hereof Thappoſtle Paul to the Rom. 13.1.…. firſt ſheweth (ſpeaking of the higher powers) That all powers are ordeyned of god. And who ſoever reſiſteth the power reſiſtes the Ordinance of God. This then hereby is made moſt plaine, that the power & authoritie of Magiſtrates is the holy ordinance of God. They are further called. The miniſters of god, and their adminiſtration is ſet downe. To take vengance of them that do evill, and to praiſe them that do well, And the inſtrument wherewith they are to puniſh evill doers, is the ſword. And in all this they are the miniſters of god for good & for the good of gods children eſpecially. And therefore are they comaunded to pray for them 1. Tim. 2.12. Thus is their power (being of god) holie & good: and their office & adminiſtration holie, & good being (as is heere ſhewd by Th-appoſtle) appointed of god for good, who doth, nor can appoint nothinge but that which is holie & good, and pleaſing to himſelf, for he is holines & goodnes it ſelf, and he may not, nor cannot appoint anie thinge contrary to himſelf.
God then haveing ordeyned & appointed this holy ordinance with the end, and vſe of it, and manner of adminiſtration, the magiſtrates applieing them ſelves for the ſame thinge, they obey the holy comandemēt and will of god, & are pleaſing and acceptable to the lord in that their obedience: for by theſe wordes. Applying themſelves there vntounto. The holy ghoſt intends and ſhewes, that ther is required a diligent willing, faithful obedience in their adminiſtration, and not a forced conſtrained obedience, as the devills obey god, whoſe obedience is not acceptable and wel pleaſing vntounto him: further thē he is wel pleaſed in ſheweing the power of his owne might, in that comaunding them they muſt obey him: for the de… do not willingly obey god in anie thing. They do not willingly knowe god as appeareth when they cried Mat. 8.29. Ieſus the ſonne of god, what have wee to do with thee: and although they bele…e there is one god, yet they do it not willingly, becauſe they tremble Iam. 2.19. there faith increaſeth their feare. All this wee ſpeake to make it plaine to the ſimpleſt: ffirſt, that there is an obedience which god comandes by the word and worke of his power onelyonly, where in they that obey pleaſe not god: as whē he comanded the vncleane ſpirits to come furth, and they obeyed him: And thus did Pharoh obey, when he let the people of Iſraell go to ſerve the lord, as Moſes and Aaron had ſaid Exo. 12.31. this was no willing obedience and therefore not acceptable vntounto god. Secondly there is an obedience, which god comandes by the word and worke of his grace, wherein, and whereby they that obey, pleaſe god, and are acceptable vntounto him. This is the obedience that is better then Sacrifice.
And this is the obedience that god requires of kinges, Princes, and Magiſtrates, even a diligent, willing, faithfull obedience, as is ſhewed frō theſe words: They are the miniſters of god applieing them ſelves for the ſame thinge. And let vsus with all grace and holines vntounto god, and reverēce vntounto this his holy ordināce, conſider what it is that they are to applie thēſelves vntounto. It is to puniſh evil doers with the ſword, and to reward or praiſe thē that do well: theſe wordes might cōvince you all of your error in this point, and they ſhall condemne you all, if you repent not, of your reaching and ſtiftly mainteyning, that theſe Miniſters of god, retayning this their Office from god, may not be members of the Church of Chriſt. Hearken to their Office or miniſtery yet againe. It is to puniſh evill doers, and to reward or praiſe them that do well, in which holy adminiſtration they are like vntounto god, and in applieing them ſelves faithfullie therein they do the worke that is proper to god: for to execute juſtice vponupon the wicked and ſhewe merciemercy vntounto them that do well, is the divine propertie and worke of god, and ſo farr as the lord hath comitted auctoritie to Magiſtrats to adminiſter therein, they do the proper worke of god: and therefore doth the holy ghoſt by the Prophett David, ſpeaking of Magiſtrats ſay▪ Pſal. 32.6. I have ſaid yee are gods, ſpeaking in reſpect of the great honor that is due vntounto them, by their holie Office, where vntounto he hath appointed them.
The ſome & ſcope of that which is heare ſett downe in this point, is to ſhewe vntounto you, that the Appoſtle doth he…e teach, that the Office & miniſtery of Magiſtrats is an holy Office appointed of god, and that the lord requires of Magiſtrats a diligent willing, faithfull, obedience, which is pleaſing vntounto the lord: the which obedience they preforming vprightly, though weakely, and fayling in manie thinges, as Th-appoſtle confeſſeth, he & all the children of god did Iam. 3.2 yet beleeving the goſpell of Ieſus Chriſt, and repenting of their ſinnes, how can it be denyed them to be admitted members of the bodie of Chriſt? Is this a good exception, becauſe they are Magiſtrats? why then you except againſt them becauſe they are the holy miniſters of god, and do his will in faithfull obedience. VVhat a doctrine of devills is this, that anie ſhould be denyed to be members of the body of Chriſt, for executing an holie Office appointed of god. For further proofe, that it is an holy ordinance or office pleaſing vntounto god, it is ſhewed in that wee are comanded to obey of conſcience; & that is onelyonly in that which is holy & good; for god forbidd, that his children, ſhould be tyed of conſcience to obey in anie thinge, that is vnholy & not good. Th-appoſtle ſhewes heere, that the holy ghoſt intends no ſuch thinge, when he ſaith vers. 3. Magiſtrats are not to be feared for good works, and 1. Pet 2.17. Feare god: honor the kinge, & therefore if Magiſtrats ſhall comaund anie thinge againſt god or Godlines, the people of god are not bound to obey, & for this cauſe Th-appoſtles when they were comaunded of the Rulers & Elders of Iſraell, that in no wiſe they ſhould ſpeake or teach in the name of Ieſus, anſwered, whether it be right in the ſight of God, to obey you, rather then god, judg yee. All this doth ſtill give further proofe, that Magiſtracie is a holy miniſtery or Office appointed of god onelyonly for good, and therefore none bearing that Office or miniſtery, is, for that cauſe to be debarred frō being mēbers of the body of Chriſt which is his church, except men for executing an office comaunded of Chriſt, ſhould be debarred from Chriſt, which is more then madnes, for anie that profeſſe Chriſt to affirme.
Furthermore: hath god by reaſon of that high power & auctoritie which he hath given to Magiſtrats comaunded ſuch feare ſuch obediēce, & ſo great honor to be given vntounto them of all men, and ſhall they whome god hath ſo greatly honored, with ſuch auctoritie, dignitie & power, for, bearing this honor which god hath putt vponupon thē, ſhall they for this be accounted vnworthy to be mēbers of Chriſtes church? This is to bring the greateſt diſhonor, that poſſiblie cā be before god & his people, vpō that ordinance & the miniſters thereof vponupon which, and vpō whome, the lord hath putt moſt honor on: for it is a moſt miſerable, wretched, & diſhonorable ordināce, office, or calling, that debarrs mē frō being mēbers of Chriſtes body. And let all knowe, that have anie vnderſtāding in the miſterie of godlines, that if Magiſtrats ought not to be mēbers of Chriſts church they cannot be childrē of the kingdome of Chriſt; and if they be not children of the kingdome, they cannot be heires of the promiſſe: for thoſe that are worthy to be heires of ſaluation, muſt needs firſt be children of the kingdome, being begotten by the …mortall ſeed of the word and borne a new 1. Pet. 1.23. all ſuch are worthy to be members of Chriſts Church. Therefore if you vnderſtand your ſelves ſe this to be the end of your opinion. That if, you denying Magiſtrates, and hold them vnworthy to be members of Chriſtes Church, you much more deny them to be worthy of ſaluatiō: for if by reaſon of their Office they be vnworthie to be of the comuniō of the ſaintes vponupon earth, they muſt nedes thereby much more be made vnworthy to be of the comunion of the Saintes in heavē. And thus do you by this your opinion hold and mainteyne, that god hath appointed an ordinance, and they that are his miniſters therein (by his owne appointement) are by that their Office and miniſtery debarred of ſaluation. Your ſinne herein is no leſſe then blaſphemy againſt god, in that you charge the moſt holy to have appointed an ordinance, the executing whereof debarrs men from ſaluation, wee hope you do it ignorantly, as alſo your leaders. Let not the antiquitie of this your error make it precious vntounto you, but rather vile: and ſinne not by tradition after the doctrines of men: but be brought to try your waies by the word of god, and ſet his ſpirit be your teacher and leader into all truth, & be not led by men for all men are gone out of the way, and are full of ignorance & error.
And to make it appeare how you are miſledd in this be witched opinion. VVe wil come to ſome of your cheife holdes herein, whereof this is one Mat. 20.25.26. Luk. 22.24.25.26. & M…k. 10.5, 45. There aroſe a ſtrife among Chriſtes diſciples which ſhould be the greateſt; And he ſaid vntounto them. The kinges of the gentiles reigne over them, and they that beare rule over them are called gracious lords, but ye ſhall not be ſo: but let the greateſt be as the leaſt, and the cheif…ſt as him that ſerveth. From hence you gather that kings & Magiſtrates that beare rule in the world, may not be of the Church. To come (by the gr…tions direction of the ſpirit of god) vntounto a due vnderſtanding of this ſcripture: wee muſt firſt ſeeke to knowe, wherein the diſciples of Chriſt did ſeeke to be greater one then another, and if they did ſtrive for worldly preferment, then may your ground prove partly true: but if they did not ſtrive for preferment in the world or worldly preferment, then is there no cullor that your collected ground ſhould be true: for our ſaviour Chriſt his ſpeach is to put an end to their ſtrife, & if they did not ſtrive for worldly preferment or who ſhould be greateſt in the world, then our Saviour Chriſt ſpake not at all concerning worldly ſuperiority & rule, although he brought an example from the world which is moſt vſuall in the ſcriptures. This controverſie then wee hope may eaſilie take an end, if you be not vtterly given vp to your owne waies in all thinges: for if the ignorāt will not be ignorāt ſtill, they may by the grace of god ſee heere moſt evidently the ground & cauſe of this ſtrife amongſt the diſciples.
Zebedeus ſonnes diſired of our Saviour Chriſt, that they might ſitt one at his right hand, and the other at his left in his kingdome not ſpeaking of the world. Our Saviour firſt reproves them ſharply and tells them they knowe not what they aſked. And when he ſaw that this their diſire of ſupirioritie wrought diſdaine amongſt them all, Ieſus called them vntounto him, and caught them to knowe. That although the kings & lords of the gētiles and they that were great amongſt them, had domination & aucthoritie, and bare rule over them, in his kingdome it ſhould not be ſo, He came not to ſett vp and eſtabliſh ſuch a kingdome, wherein men ſhould ſeeke to be greater one then another, and to beare rule one over another: and therefore taught his diſciples another leſſon, telling them that who ſoever will ſeeke to be great, or be cheifeſt amongſt them in his kingdome, ſhalbe the ſervant of all, that is the meaneſt of all, for that pride or arrogancie in ſeeking to be chiefe & beare rule in, the kingdome of Chriſt makes ſuch the leaſt, becauſe god reiecteth & will caſt downe the prowd, but he will exalt the humble. Now as our Saviour Chriſt taught his diſciples heere, by an example from Kings & Rulers and great men, that it ſhould not be ſo amongſt them in his kingdome: So alſo vponupon the ſame occation of ſtrife, & queſtion who ſhould be the greateſt Mat. 18.1.4. & Mark. 9.34.36. & Luk. 9.46.48. Our Saviour Chriſt takes a little child & ſetteth it in the mideſt of them, and teacheth them by the example of a child to be humble and lowſy, and ſaith, except they be converted and become as little childre they ſhall not ēter into the kingdome of heavē. And who ſoever ſhall humble himſelf as a little child, the ſame is the greateſt in the kingdome of heaven.
From the firſt of theſe examples of Kings and Rulers & great men, becauſe our Saviour Chriſt ſaith. It ſhall not be ſo amongſt you, you ſhall not in my kingdome be like them, that is, Reigne, and rule, and be great one over another.
From this firſt example you conclude, that Kings, Rulers & great men, may not be of the kingdome of Chriſt. That you may the better ſee the error of this your collection and concluſion, wee will collect and conclude the like from the other example which our Saviour Chriſt brought of a little child.
He ſaith the Diſciples of his kingdome muſt be like little children, humble, not ſeeking to be greater one then another: therefore little children may be of the kingdome of Chriſt, becauſe our Saviour Chriſt ſaith they muſt be like them, wee knowe you can eaſilie diſcerne the errror of this collection and concluſion, and why can you not de…ne the error of the other wee pray you as you love god, and his truth, be not ſo partiall in your ſelves, wee wil yet endeavor to ſhewe you the equall like of theſe concluſions, that you may of conſcience (denying the one) deny the other alſo.
Our Saviour Chriſt ſaith. The Kings and Rulers; and great men of the Gentiles reigne and rule over them, but it ſhal no be ſo amongſt you the Diſciples of my kingdome: therefore (ſay you) Kings and Rulers and great men may not be of the kingdome of Chriſt. In like manner may it be ſaid (our Saviour Chriſt ſpeaking vponupon the ſame occation, little children are humble, and ſeeke not one to be greater then another, it ſhalbe ſo amonge you the Diſciples of my kingdome: therefore may anie aſwell ſay) little children may be of the kingdome of Chriſt. Seeing you are confident (and that according to truth) that this laſt is not a true collection and concluſion: ſo alſo of conſcience, acknowled▪ that the firſt, which you make is not true: for as in the laſt both you and wee do vnderſtand, that Chriſt (ſpeaking of his kingdome which is ſpirituall) did teach his Diſciples by the example of a little child, that by reaſon of it yong yeres, was in qualitie and condition humble: ſo he would have them humble in ſpirit; and our Saviour Chriſt doth not teach heere, that little children are ſpiritually humble, and therefore may be of this his kingdome: for infants are but borne of the fleſh; but they muſt be borne againe of the ſpirit, that enter into this kingdome of Chriſt Io. 3. therefore doth our Saviour Chriſt heere ſpeake but of qualitie and condition of children; which is to be humble, not teaching hereby that they may be of this his kingdome: Even ſo our Saviour Chriſt the in other example (ſpeaking of the power rule, and auctoritie of kings, Rulers, and great men) teacheth them, that in his ſpirituall kingdome amongſt his Diſciples, he will not have them as kinges Rulers, and great men to reigne one over another; or to be greater one then another in his kingdome. Not teaching hereby, that kings Rulers, and great men may not be of the kingdome of Chriſt but that his Diſciples may not (as kinge Rulers, and great men) reigne one over another in his kingdome.
In all this our Saviour Chriſt ſpeakes of his kingdome which is ſpirituall: and ſpeakes againſt ſpirituall power and auctoritie, and will not therein that his Diſciples ſhould ſeeke to be greater one then another not excepting againſt, nor Diſaproveing the power and autoritie of earthly kinges and Princes, which is his owne holy ordinance, but that they may be of Chriſt, retayning their power and auctoritie, and adminiſtring in their office, and ought to have all due honor and obedience: But if they, or anie ſhall ſeeke to have ſpiritual power, rule and auctority in this kingdome, and therein make them ſelves greater then the reſt of the Diſciples of Chriſt, that is it which our Saviour heere doth altogether ſpeake againſt and disaprove, and …re vponupon, and in this reſpect teacheth his Diſciples to be humble as little children and not ſeeke in ſpiritual power and auctoritie to be greater one, then another: for if they do, he that will ſtrive to be greateſt ſhalbe leaſt. But how is this rule of Chriſt (wherein he ſo carefully and ſo often inſtructed his Diſciples) troden vnderunder foote, and vtterly aboliſhed, of them that profeſſe to be his Diſciples. Not to ſpeake of the Pope, and all his confederates who in the hight of all iniquiti… …th exalted himſelf. VVhat might wee ſay to lord Biſhops who ſo directly oppoſe Chriſt…ans in▪ How ſhall they be able to ſtand before … their ſpirituall gracious lordſhipps and dignities ſo called, and ſo directly againſt his word and will. Oh that theſe thinges were not hid frō their eies. And they that profeſſe a Prebitarie, who though they beare not ſuch high names and titles as the reſt,) et by their ruleing power & auctoritie (which by all meanes they ſeeke to enlarge) if they take not …eed, their ſinne againſt this rule of Chriſt wilbe found little leſſe then anie. And if wee ſpeake ſparingly of you that profeſſe an Elderſhip thinke not you, nor lett it be thought of anie, that wee do it, either becauſe wee are partiall, or becauſe your deſerts are not fullie evill enough, for the lord knowes, & wee knowe in part, and would to god you knewe your ſelves, that your iniquitie is great herein, in your ſeeking and holding ſuperioritie over the congregations whereof you are, and that partly by auctoritie, partly by humblenes of mynd ſeekeing to beare rule over the people of god. If by this our loveing advertiſement anie of all you of whome wee have ſpoken be provoked to evill, you ſhall therein greatly increaſe your owne judgments: for the lord knowes wee ſpeake it not to provoke you to evill, but to provoke you to repentance before the great & evill day come, wherein (as for all ſinne, ſo perticulerly & eſpecially for this ſinne) the lord will have aſt…ct accompt if there be not repentance: wee ſay eſpecially for this ſinne, becauſe this ſinne of ſeeking ſuperioritie, rule, & auctoritie hath & doth vtterly deſtroy all ſincere and holy profeſſion of the goſpell, keeping in captivitie & bondage the conſciences of men▪ overthrowing the ſtrongeſt that reſiſt, and treading the weake vnderunder foote, ſtopping vp the way of life, and men hereby takeing vponupon them to have in their b…ds onelyonly, the keyes of the kingdome of heaven. To retaine perticulerly vntounto you to whome wee firſt intended to ſpeake, take you heed, leaſt whilſt you ſet your ſelves (by your opinion) againſt Magiſtrats being of the kingdome of Chriſt, you have in the meane time, ſet vp a power and aucthoritie of your owne, and ſo your ſecond error be as evill as your firſt.
To put an end to this your firſt ground, If this example which our Saviour Chriſt bring of Kinges, Rulers, and great men, becauſe he ſaith, it ſhall not be ſo amongſt you, that is, you ſhall not be like them. It from theſe words you will yet hold, that Magiſtrats may not be of the kingdome of heaven; and of the Church, Then you muſt alſo hold (except you will ſhewe your ſelves void of all vnderſtanding) that our Saviour Chriſt in the ſame cauſe and vponupon the ſame occaſion, bringing an example of a little child, and ſaieing it ſhall be ſo among you, you ſhalbe like this little child, you moſt then hold, that little children may be of the kingdome of Chriſt, and of the Church: ffor if where Chriſt ſaith. Be not like, debarr out them that are brought for the example: then where he ſaith. Be like, muſt needs admitt in them that art brought for the example. So then they that from this ground, will admitt infants in, let them ſee (if they have anie ſight) that they debarr Magiſtrats out: And you that debarr Magiſtrats out by this ground muſt admitt infants in ffor they are examples of direct cōtraritie, produced for one & the ſame thinge. Therefore they that debarr out both, and they that admitt both, make thinges that are direct contrary to be a like, which is the moſt vniuſt and falſe vnderſtanding that can be in men. Let vsus therefore the rather prevaile with you, to looke to your waies herein, and reconcile your ſelves to the word of truth. And marke well the words of our Saviour Chriſt concerning this point Mat. 18.4. who ſoever ſhall humble himſelf as this little child, the ſame is greateſt in the kingdome of heaven and vers. 3. they that are converted and become as little children, ſhall enter into the kingdome of heaven, heere is no exception of perſons, but Kings and Princes and all great men, if they be converted and become as little children and humble them ſelves, they may enter in; and be greateſt in the kingdome of heaven, not by their princely power, but by their humilitie, which wee vnfainedly wiſh that all Kings, Princes, and Rulers would ſee, that not their greatnes, power, nor aucthoritie doth anie thinge at all advance them to, or in the kingdome of heaven: but it is their convertion and humilitie. But your opinion leads you to this; that they cannot be converted except firſt they caſt away their Magiſtracie. This is of truth your ground, a moſt woefull ground if you could ſee the footeſtepps of it, for if it be ſo that they cannot be converted except they caſt away their Magiſtracie, then is their Magiſtracie ſinne, and if their magiſtracie be ſinne, then is all their adminiſtration wherein they adminiſter by power and vertue thereof ſinne, who ſhalbe able to contradict this? which way ſhall all the device of men & Angells be able to avoid it, but that if Magiſtrats cannot be converted to God (that is Repent and beleeve) except they caſt away their Magiſtracie, then is their magiſtracie ſinne, for their is nothinge but ſinne that hinders faith and repentance.
Do you (that hold this fearefull opinion) yet ſee into what ſtraytes you are brought, that you have no way to turne yourſelves, if there be anie grace or love of God in you, humble your ſelves vntounto the duſt before the lord and his people and proclame your repentance, which that you may yet further be provoked vntounto, ſee the hight of your ſinne, ſo farr as wee in our great weakenes, are (by the merciemercy of god) able to ſhew you: wherein by reaſon of our ſo great weaknes, wee muſt needs exceedingly faile, and come ſhort; but yet to the vttermoſt that by the grace of god wee ſhalbe able wee will endeavour to be faithfull to god and you heerein. wee demaund cannot Magiſtrats, Repent & beleeve, & ſo be received or enter into the kingdome of heaven, except they caſt away their Magiſtratie? you profeſſe & hold they cannot, why then is their Magiſtracie ſinne & all that they do by the power thereof is ſinne. If this be ſo then hath the moſt holy, righteous mercifull, & iuſt god, the god of all power, geven power from himſelf, & appointed an ordināce of Magiſtracie by vertue of which power given from god, Magiſtrats do adminiſter, and are comaunded of god to judg righteous judgment. To puniſh the wicked in juſtice, & to reward or praiſe the wel doers in merciemercy, and all this ſay you is ſinne. And all this doth god give them power & aucthoritie and comaundement to do, and in all this they are his miniſters doeing his will, yet not with ſtanding all this is ſinne, for if by reaſon of their Magiſtracie (retayning it) they cannot be converted, that is, Repent & beleeve, then is their Magiſtracie ſinne, and then all that they do by vertue of that Magiſtracie which is ſinne, muſt needs alſo be ſinne. Hereby you charge the moſt high god to ordeyne & give power from himſelf, to Magiſtrats, to ſinne & ſo you make it ſinne in them to puniſh thē that do evill, and to praiſe or reward the weldoers, although they do it by the power and comaundmēt of god, mainteyning hereby that god gives power & comaundment to ſinne, what a fearefull eſtate & condition is this where vntounto this your error hath brought you; how will they anſwere it, that have & do ſo ſtiftly mainteyne & teach this error, is this the leaſt comaundement that they breake, & teach men ſo? Mat. 5.25. To blaſpheame the name of god, in makeing him the author of ſinne, ſaying the holy ordinance of Magiſtracie, which he hath ordeyned is ſinne which they ſay, that mainteyne that Magiſtrats may not be of the kingdome of heaven nor admitted of the Church, except they firſt caſt away their Magiſtracie: for there being nothinge to be caſt away, to enter into the kingdome of heaven but ſinne, if there be no entring for Magiſtrats, but by caſting away their Magiſtracie, then muſt it needs be ſaid that Magiſtracie is ſinne. VVee go often over this point, that wee might move you with carefull adviſed …es to conſider of it, which wee beſeech you by the love of god to do and not to diſhonor god and your profeſſion by ſuch errors.
This which T…-appoſt…e writes to the Romaines. Chap. 13. and that which is ſpoken from that place, might ſuffice for this whole cauſe of Magiſtracie, for their power, auctoritie and adminiſtration, but it muſt yet be oppoſed to another ground, that is held and ſtrongly mainteyned againſt Magiſtracie, whereby the moſt ſimple harted are deceived, and that is this. The weapons of our warefare are not carnall, but mightie through god to caſt downe holds. 2. Cor. 10.4. ffrom this Scripture, divers that holds there may be ſome ſorts of Magiſtrats to end cauſes and queſtions, do yet hold that in anie caſe, they may not make warr; nor put men to death. It is to be lamented with the teare, of mens ſoules to ſee the ſimple harted thus mi…led, and they are deceived vnderunder a dangerous cullor, and great ſhewe of holines, not ſeeing the deceipt of Sathan who transformes himſelf into an Angell of ſight herein, for what holie hart will not eaſilie be brought to thinke, that war… is an vnchriſtianlike thinge, where there is ſo much ſlaughter and blood ſhedd, and which is accompanied with ſo manie calamities and mi…, and which is followed & mainteyned by ſo great force and violence by the arme of fleſh: ſo likewiſe is it a lamentable thinge that men ſhould be executed and put to death by ſentence of la… for offences. Such Magiſtrats you will in no caſe admitt of, wee pray you conſider, how ſhould ſuch Magiſtrats as ſome of you would allowe of, order and determyne cauſes of controverſie, without the ſword of juſtice? who would obey their orders and decrees if they had no power to cōſtraine, would evill doers be perſwaded by words to do well? and would wronge doers by perſwation do right? why if they would not, then were all your Magiſtrats labor loſt, they are but weake ymaginations to ymagine in your mynds that there can be ſuch Magiſtrats, but let vsus come to your ground. Thus ſpeakes the Appoſtle 2 Co…o. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, the ground and cauſe of this Th-appoſtles ſpeach is this. There were certen falſe Appoſtles Chap. 11.13-20. cropt in amonge the Corintheans that made a goodly ſhewe and exalted themſelves, and had brought the people in bondage, and to vphold them ſelves in this their exaltation, they ſought to diſgrace Th-appoſtle Paul. And becauſe his writings were of great power and aucthoritie, that they could not …ſten the aucthoritie of them therefore they ſought to diſgrace his perſon Chap. 10. verſ. 10. his letters (ſaith one) are fore and ſtronge, but his bodilie preſence is weake and his ſpeach 1. of no value. To this Th-appoſtle anſweres verſ. 1. looke ye on thinges after the apperance? and verſ. 2. eſteeme you vsus as though wee walked after the fleſh? though wee walke in the feſh, yet wee warr not after the fleſh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnall. In all this ſhewing and teaching them that they ſhould not eſteeme of him according to the out ward apparance in the fleſh, for he came not to make a great outward boaſting ſhewe, and to ſubdue and bring men in bondage by ſuch mennes but by the power of the ſpirit, for ſaith he. The weapōs of our warfare are not carnall: but ſaith thappoſtle Chap. 13.23. Seeing that ye ſeeke experience of Chriſt that ſpeaketh in me, let them knowe that have ſinned heretofore, and all others alſo that if I come, againe I will not ſpare. All this & much more to this ſence ſpeakes he to the Corinthians. And to him that ſpake thoſe thinges he ſaith. Chap. 10. verſ. 11. Let ſuch on thinke, that ſuch as wee a…e in word by letters, when wee are abſent, ſuch alſo will wee, be indeed when wee are preſent. Thus th-appoſtle labors to ſhewe them that his miniſterie was ſpirituall, by the power whereof he came amongſt them; but ſeeing they ſought to diſgrace his miniſterie by diſgraceing his perſon, they ſhould ſee he would be the ſame in his deed preſent, that they confeſſed him to be in writing abſent: with what vnderſtanding can men gather from hence, that there may be no other weapons vſed in the world, then ſuch weapons as th-appoſtle Paul vſed heere in his miniſterie of Appoſtleſhip againſt falſe Appoſtles. wee have written thus much of this, that you might ſee how you are ſeduced, by miſapplying the words of the Scripture from the ſence, which is too vſuall amongſt you.
VVel, therin this place wee have learned of th-appoſtle what were his weapons in the miniſterie of his Appoſtle ſhip, teaching the Diſciples of Chriſt to vſe onelyonly ſuch weapons in the like miniſterie.
Now let vsus alſo for a full … of this point in hand be taught of the ſame Appoſtle … teaching by the ſame ſpirit and aucthoritie … with what weapons Magiſtrats muſt adminiſter withall in the office of their Magiſtracie. And that is ſhewed Rom. 13. where it is ſaid, they beare not the ſword for nought: for they are the miniſters of God to take v…gance on them that do evill.
Heere are the words & ſence of the ſcripture goeing together, & that evidently without all condiction, that God hath given Magiſtrats power from himſelf, and a ſword to puniſh and take vengance of all evill doers, for if they may take vengance of one, then of Ten, & ſo of Ten thouſand: this hath god appointed, ordeyned & comaunded, who is a gra…ious, me…cifull god, & full of pittie & compaſſion, yea more compaſſionate, then all men can be and therefore let not men pretend holines in this their compaſſionate and pitifull diſpoſition, that would not have Magiſtrats adminiſter with the ſword, for Sathan deceaves you thereby, and makes you more pitifull then god, & therein you ſinne moſt greviou…ly, when you reioyce in your ſelves, and thinke you do exceeding well. But the thinge that mi…leads you all is this becauſe you can ſee no ſworde, but the ſword of the ſpirit, and no armor but ſpirituall armor in the kingdome of Chriſt: and therefore the diſciples of that kingdome (ſay you) muſt have no other weapons, nor put on no other armor, and then can there be no putting to death, nor anie warr neither ought to be, but all ſpirituall. Suffer our foliſhnes if wee ſeeme as fooles to ſpeake thus vntounto you. Even ſo in the kingdome of Chriſt, there is no treaſure but ſpirituall treaſure, no baggs but ſpirituall baggs Luk. 12.33. No buildings, but ſpirituall buildings. No apparell but ſpirituall apparell 1. Pet. ….3. No meate but ſpirituall meate Rom. 14.17. If then you will caſt away all weapons and armor but ſuch as the diſciples of Chriſt vſe in his Kingdome, ſo muſt you alſo caſt away all your baggs and treaſure, and all your buyldings and houſes and you muſt weare no apparell, but ſpirituall apparel eate no meate but ſpirituall meate. If to all this it be anſwered, that in the new Teſtament the lawfull vſe of al theſe things be allowed, wee anſwere even ſo is the lawfull vſe of Magiſtracie with the ſword to puniſh evill doers allowed and approved in the new Teſtament, as is proved from Rom. 13. which no man with anie good conſcience ſhall ever be able to gain ſay. To conclude wee in love beſeech you to ſee what an extreame ſtraite you are brought vntounto, (wee meane all theſe that hold Magiſtrats may not be of the Church of Chriſt, and retaine their Magiſtracie) that you muſt ſay that Magiſtracie is not an holie ordinance of god, and that all that is done by the power and aucthoritie thereof is ſinne, and therefore Magiſtrats may not be admitted to be of the Church of Chriſt, except they caſt away their Magiſtracie: for if you confeſſe that it is an holie ordinance of god, and that the adminiſtration and execution thereof, and whatſoever is done by the power and authoritie of the ſame according to the word of god in the puniſhing of evil doers and praiſing & rewarding the weldoers be good, and holie & iuſt in the ſight of God, then may Magiſtrats be of the Church of Chriſt and retaine their Magiſtracie: for no man may be debarred out of the church of Chriſt for doeing of that which is holie and iuſt & good.
But to deale yet more plainely with you, that the vttermoſt depth of your error may be diſcovered, that you and all men may vtterlie deteſt and abhorr it. If you will ſay that Magiſtrats are no otherwiſe the miniſters of god but as the devills are which one of our owne countrimen, the forenamed Mr. lervaſe Nevile (falling vponupon this, and others your errors) moſt blaſphemouſly hath affirmed: except you will alſo hold the ſame, (which god forbid that anie child of god ſhould do) you can never deny Magiſtrats for being of the Church of Chriſt: for if you confeſſe that they are the holie and good miniſters of god applieing then ſelves there vntounto, then how can you deny them as vnfitt to be members of the Church of Chriſt, and that onelyonly becauſe they the holie and good miniſters of god retayne that their miniſterie office and calling wherevnto they are appointed of God.
And now may you ſee that wee had iuſt cauſe in the begining of this queſtion to endeavor to ſhewe that the lord requireth a diligent, faithfull willing obedience of Magiſtrats: But the devills obey of force and againſt their will. And God doth never make them miniſters of his merciemercy to anie, but wee ſee heere, God hath ordeyned Magiſtrats his miniſters for good, both in merciemercy and juſtice, aſwell to reward the weldoers as to puniſh the evill doers. Of all the people vponupon earth none have more cauſe, to be thankfull to God for this bleſſed ordinance of Magiſtracie then you, and this whole countrie and nation, in that God hath by his power and aucthoritie given vntounto you magiſtrats, who have ſo defēded & deliuered you frō the hād of a cruell diſtroyer & will you not withſtanding contemne this his holie ordinance, and accounte it as a vile thinges far be it from you to continewe in this your ſo great evill.
Thinke not that in the handling of this point, wee ſeeke to bring your perſons in queſtion or contempt with the higher powers, the lord knowes wee have no ſuch intent, wee knowe their worthie patience in bearing with your great weakneſſes herein, but to bring this error into contempt amonge you, that you might forſake it, that is it wee ſee…e, and that the ſimple harted might not be betrayed with it as they are, not knoweing how farr that de…pfull opinion leads them, and all vnderunder a ſhewe of Godlines. Much more might be ſaid then wee are able to ſay, and wee would willingly have ſaid ſomething… … this point & of others, but that it is ſo difficult to get it ſett over into you … ſay thus much more vntounto you … you to tread vnderunder foote this vnholie diſpoſition that ſeemes to be ſo holie, and makes you flatters your ſelves, and thinke your ſelves moſt holie herein, and that is, in that you would not have evill doers puniſhed with the ſword. You pleaſe your ſelves much, in your pittifull diſpoſitions herein, and thinke you pleaſe God, when it is moſt evident that you ſinne greviouſly herein: for it is the good will, pleaſure, and comaundement of God that evill doers ſhould be puniſhed by the ſword, and to that end he hath given power and aucthoritie to Magiſtrats, and you contrarie to the good will and pleaſure of God, would not have evill doers puniſhed with the ſword. Is not this your great ſinne to be contrarie mynded to God? take heed leaſt by this your diſpoſition you could alſo wiſh or diſire that wicked men dieing in their ſinne, might not be damned, whereby you ſhould wiſh the vtter diſhonor of God, for then ſhould the enimies of God triumphe over him: and then would they much God to ſcorne and have him in great deriſion: but God ſhall laugh at their diſtruction and mocke when their feare cometh. Pro. 1.26. And all the Saincts of God ſhall reioyce with him. Reuel. 18.20. And if the Saincts in heaven reioyce and praiſe God, when he puniſheth and taketh vengance on the wicked, ought not the Saincts vponupon earth to reioyce and praiſe God when they ſee or heare that the evill doers are puniſhed heere on earth? by ſuch power and aucthoritie as god hath appointed. And they are the more to praiſe God. ſeeing the holie ghoſt doth teſtifie, that it is for their wealth▪ what great ſinne of ingratitude and vnthankfulnes is this then in all you, that ſo diſaprove of Magiſtrats, and of their puniſhing of evill doers by the ſword, the which Ordinance if it were not, all the Godlie on earth ſhould be deſtroyed and the moſt Godly firſt. Now wee know that God is able to defend his without the ſword, but in that he hath appointed this holy ordinance of Magiſtracie for the preſervation and defence of all good men, & for the ſubdueing & keeping vnderunder and cutting of the evill doers, let none make the ſelves more wiſe and more holie then God, which you all do that diſaprove of Magiſtracie. Repent, for your ſinneing with a high hand herein, in diſhonoring God by diſaproveing his holie ordinance of Magiſtracie; which he hath comaunded ſhould be honored with all godly feare reverence and obedience. And if you will repent and truely obey god herein, then muſt you (being comaunded by the aucthoritie of the Magiſtracy) be ready with your owne perſons, and all that you have, to ſupport & defend that ſword of juſtice which they beare and wherewith they adminiſter by that power and aucthoritie which they have from god: for who are fitter to ſupport and mainteyne the holy ordinance of god then they that profeſſe to be the children of god, and who are fitter to feight iuſt and good battells then good and iuſt men; and what ſimplicitie is this to thinke, that it is more lawfull to hier men to feight a battle, then to feight it them ſelves. The people of Iſraell that were the people of god never did ſo, but they fought the battles of the lord them ſelves, and thē the lord went farth with their armies, and gave them victory over their enimies, and put their adverſaries to flight, and if magiſtracie be a holy ordinance of God now, as it was then, it is as lawfull for them to defend their countries and people as it was then, and ſo is it is lawfull for the ſervants of god, and they ought being comaunded by the magiſtrats to go to warr as well now as then: and the ſervants of god might with better conſciences and more comfort … to battle them ſelves (being comaunded by the higher powers that …e of god) although they died in battle then to hier mē to be ſlaine for them, to whome the cauſe belonges not. There is no religion in this that magiſtrats by reaſon, of your vnwillingnes to go to battle, for the cauſe of god and for your owne ſafeties & preſervation ſhould be forced to hier men to feight for you (although you pay for it) and in all this you pretend Religion and conſcience: but it is evident by the word of god, that if magiſtracie be a holie ordinance of god, it is to be ſupported by all holy and good men, and meanes: And if it be not a holy Ordinance of god, then are magiſtrats but the miniſters of god as the devills are: then are they not to be obeyed for conſcience ſake, not to be honored: for wee are not bound of conſcience to honor and obey the power, aucthoritie, and miniſtery of devills, but to reſiſt it: and ſo Th-appoſtle Pauls doctrine Rom. 13. and Th-appoſtle Peters doctrine. 1. Pet. 2.3.17. Is all made falſe and erronious. But far be it from anie that have anie touch of true godlines, to deny that holy ordinance of magiſtracie, and ſo to overthrowe the holy doctrines of Th-appoſtles. Let the godly bewarr of ſuch. Th-appoſtle Peter hath foretold of them, and of their manner of proceding, for.
Firſt he ſheweth that there ſhalbe falſe teachers, which privilie ſhall bring in damnable hereſies, even denying the lord that hath bought them, and by their followers the way of truth ſhalbe evill ſpoken of. And theſe are they which ſhall diſpiſe gouerment; which are bould, and ſtand in their owne conceipt, and feare not to ſpeake evill of them that are in dignitie 2. Pet. 2.1-10. let vsus applie this to the perſons and cauſe in hand: Theſe men that moſt ſtifely ſtand againſt magiſtracie, have they not brought in damnable hereſies? do they not deny the lord that hath bought them? are not theſe they that deny the true humanitie of Chriſt, denying him to have had a true earthly naturall bodie, wherewith he bought them: which they that deny or are ignorant of, that he had a true naturall earthly bodie, they deny, and are ignorant that the lord hath bought them. VVee will not now ſpeake to the reſt of their damnable hereſies: but to come to this which is one of them, they diſpiſe goverment, and ſpeake evill of them that are in dignitie. Can there be greater diſpiſers of goverment then they that deny it to be lawfull to puniſh evill doers with the ſword, for take away the ſword and where is goverment, will evill doers be governed with a …od of reed? do wee not ſee daylie that manie feares not the ſword? and if the ſword of juſtice were taken away, all goverment were overthrowne, and can there be greater diſpiſers of goverment, then they that would altogether over throwe it. And they ſpeake evill of them that are in dignitie and aucthoritie. Do not th…ſe men ſpeake evill of them when then teach and condemne them for evill doers in their execution of juſtice againſt offenders? and can they ſpeake greater evill then to ſay, they are … evill doers as are not worthie to be members of the Church of Chriſt? what greater evill … …tempt can be caſt vponupon them, both before God and … people … hereby they are abſolutely … to be the miniſters of god, but …s the devills are. Can there greater evill be ſpoken then this. To make it more plaine, that you which touch theſe thinges againſt Magiſtracy are theſe falſe The achers that the Appoſtle Peter heere ſpeaketh of. This is one …peciall ma…ke, that you do it privilie, for can falſe … teach more privilie then you that teach this … you do not vnderſtand teaching privily to be in corners and privie places. Th appoſtle ſhe … meaning … for he ſpeakes of bringing in hereſies privily in teaching of doctrine; and is not this hereſie againſt Magiſtrats moſt privily brought in vnderunder a culler? from our Saviour Chriſts owne words where he ſaith. It ſhall not be ſo among you: And from Th-appoſtles words. The weapons of our warfare are not carnall. Is it not privily done? to wreſt the ſcriptures ſo deceitfully from a ſhewe of words leaving the true ſence of the place, and hereby concluding moſt privilie and deceitfully, that Magiſtrats bearing the ſword may not be of the kingdome of Chriſt not of his Church. but let that ſuffice which is ſpoken before of the miſvnderſtanding of theſe Scriptures. And ſee further, how vnderunder this firſt damnable hereſie of denying Magiſtrats to be of the Church, moſt privily is this hereſie brought in that Magiſtracie is vtterly vnlawfull, and all that is done by the power and aucthoritie thereof is ſinne; for as wee have ſhewed there is nothinge but ſinne debarrs anie from being members of Chriſts Church, they then that hold that Magiſtracie debarrs men from being members of Chriſts Church muſt needs hold that Magiſtracie is ſinne: and that Magiſtrats by reaſon of their office and aucthoritie are ſinners. For although a Magiſtrat ſhould manifeſt never ſo great faith and repentance, yet theſe men will not yeild that he may be of the Church of Chriſt: for except be caſt away his Magiſtracie, his ſaith and repentance is nothinge. This vnholy Office & vnſanctified and horitie doth vtterly overthrowe faith and repentance. Let it not diſpleaſe you that wee write thus plainely: ſet if it be a holie Office, and Sanctified aucthoritie, then it cannot debarr anie frō being members of the church of Chriſt.
Thus may you, & all ſee, that theſe among you which teach that Magiſtrats may not be of the Church, And that it is not lawfull for them to puniſh evill doers with the ſword, nor by the ſword to mainteyne warr for the preſervation of their contries & people, theſe are they that privily bring in damnable hereſies, deſpiſing goverment and ſpeaking evill of theſe that are in dignitie and aucthoritie, in that hereby they ſeeke the vtter overthrowe of all goverment, and acc…pt aucthoritie and magiſtracie moſt viſe, becauſe evill doers are puniſhed thereby, which you teach ought not to be, but is ſinne & wickednes to be done. And if all men in theſe Provinces vnderunder the goverment of the lords & ſtats generall were of your mynds, as you would have them, where were goverment and magiſtrats? were it not all in the duſt? Thus is it evident that you would have Kings, Princes, & magiſtrats vtterly aboliſhed. Is not this hereſie privily brought in: vnderunder ſo great a ſhewe of godlines to deſtroy the holy ordinance of god▪ and how manie of you vnderſtand that this hereſie leads you to accompt magiſtrats the miniſters of god, but as the devills are? wee hope there are thōſands of you that have no ſuch thoughs, and yet it is moſt evident, and cannot be avoyded but it is, the end of your ground & rule, is not this privily brought in…e not therefore deceived by f…re & humble ſpeaches, for weep… feſte vntounto you, that it by this that is already ſaid it do not plainely appeare to anie indifferent reader that your ground leads you to this, that all that magiſtrats do, (by vertue and power of their Office in puniſhing evill doers) is ſinne in them; if anie thinke good to oppoſe wee wil by gods aſſiſtance make it moſt clere, that all may ſee it that wincke not with their eies. If therefore you like not to hold that magiſtrats are no otherwiſe the miniſters of god, but as the devils are, then leave of alſo to hold that magiſtrats by reaſon of their magiſtracie are to be debarred out of the kingdome of Church of Chriſt. And alſo it ſhall appeare, that this your ground doth evidently overthrowe all Magiſtracie in the whole earth: for if God would have all Kings & Princes ſaved, and come to the knowledg & profeſſiō of his truth, which Th-appoſtle ſaith he would 1. Tim. 2.2.4. and you confeſſe the ſame, and if they cannot come to the knowledg and profeſſion of the truth except they caſt away their Magiſtracie (as you ſay and hold) then muſt all Magiſtracie be caſt away in the whole world; for God would have all the Kings Princes, and Magiſtrats vpō the earth to come to the knowledg of the truth & be ſaved. And if you like not to overthrowe all Magiſtrats and Magiſtracie in the earth, then leave of to hold that they may not be of the kingdome & church of Chriſt.
One other marke that ſhewes you are the falſe Teachers Th-appoſtle ſpeakes of, is, that you ſtand in your owne conceite, this wee have found in ſome of you, and wee require wee may not now find it in you all for then ſhall it appeare evidently vntounto all men.
Thus have wee in theſe pointes wherein wee differ from you, ſpoken ſo farr as God hath enabled vsus, beſeeching you all with ſinglenes of hart to try your ſtanding in theſe thinges wee have ſpoken of, and that you would not hold theſe opinions, becauſe you have held them long, but that you will loveingly be adviſed to ſearch the Scriptures, and ſee whether you have any Good warrant thus to hold and profeſſe and teach men ſo. Approve your ſelves now vntounto vsus, and vntounto all men, that you walke not blindly in the ſtepps of them that have gone before you, but that you diſire and endeavor to walke by true ſanctified knowledg from the Scriptures, and that you do not ſo much ſeeke to heape multitudes together, and build vp great Churches and congregations; as to gather together a holy people, and biuld vp pure Churches in the profeſſion of the true faith, that you may be approved of God, which neither you nor anie people can ever do, except you firſt make ſure, that your doctrine be pure and vndefiled: for though a people ſhould never ſo much excell in all holines of converſation, yea though they ſhould excell in works, in love, & ſervice, in faith & patience, & that their workes ſhould be more at laſte thē at firſt Reuel. 2.19. yet if they ſuffer falſe doctrine & falſe teachers, they are impure & polluted churches for a little leavē leaveneth the whole lumpe Gal 5.9. & the lord will not approve of them, but will certenly come againſt thē with the ſword of his mouth, & will remove their candle ſuckes out of there places.
This the Lord ſaith, but who beleeves the word of the lord herein. If Churches and Congregations did beleeve theſe words of the lord, it would make them try their doctrines by the word of the lord & go vponupon ſound grounds with knowledg & vnderſtanding from the word of truth, being teſtified vntounto them by the teaching of the ſpirit of God, and not receive doctrines vponupon the good opinion they have of their Teachers knowledg, holines & faithfulnes, although they ſhould excell in all theſe thinges: neither would the people of God be carried away after anie doctrines by the ſtronge working affections of their mynds, judging it to be the working of the ſpirit of God, when it is nothinge but the ſpirit of their owne affections, wherein they may have great motions and feelings with much zeale but not according to knowledg. Rom. 10.2. Therefore are wee comaunded not to beleeve every ſpirit, neither in our ſelves nor in others: but to try firſt whether they be of God. And hereby ſhall wee knowe the ſpirit of error. If wee heare Gods wo…d 1. Ioh. 4.6. That is, if wee ſearch and try everie thinge thereby.
… that Churches and congregations would thus looke vntounto their waies, and not hold errors for companie ſake, nor walke in by pathes by affections. It is better to hold the truth alone, & to walke in the waies thereof, co…rary to all the affections of the hart, which is deceitfull: but this is a hard doctrine, who is able to heare it. It is a pleaſing thinge to walke in a profeſſion of Religion with a multitude, and eſpecially it but ſome of the grounds of their …aith agree with mens mynds. This overthrowes the firſt beginings of the Religion of God when men will chuſe to walke with that people, and in that profeſſion of faith that …eſt pleaſeth their mynds, not ſo much regarding the truth of their faith nor the… holy walkeing therein: although they may miſlike ſome thinges yet if ſome pleaſe them well, they will not differ for ſmake matters: and when they are once gathered and kn…t together in a multitude, then though error after error be diſcovered and ſinne after ſinne comitted, there may be no breaking vponupon anie conditions. And this overthrowes all growth of Religion. VVee wiſh you and all great congregations to looke to your ſelves, that you be not more carefull to mainteyne your multitude… thē the lords truth. It is not a multitude in error & ſinne, that can pleaſe God: Noe, a fewe walking together in the truth with holines ſhalbe acceptable in his ſight, if they be but two or three, he will be in the midſt of them. Therefore pleaſe not your ſelves in your multitudes, walking in ſo manie errors as you do: for if you repent not of theſe whereof wee have made mention, and of all other your errors and falſe doctrins mainteyned amongſt you, the lord will aſſuredly make you deſolate: for thus hath he threatned, and executed his judgment vponupon Pergamus and Thyatira becauſe they repented not and he threatnes and will execute the ſame judgment vponupon you which ſinne after the like manner of tranſgreſſion, of you repent not. And your gifts and grates being manie leſſe then the gifts and graces of thoſe Churches and your falſe doctrines and ſinnes already manie moe, the greater, and more ſpedily will his jugdments be vponupon you, if you repent not, which wee vnfainedly diſire the lord to give you Grace to do; Be warned you that are leaders, whilſt it is to day, & harden not your harts: why ſhould you periſh in your ſinnes? & lead ſo manie ſimples ſoule to deſtruction with you.
Thus praying all the gratious harted amongſt you, to remember that the wiſe man ſaith. Open rebuke is better then ſecreet love, and the wounds of a lover are faithfull Pro. 27.5.6. And wee will hope that though wee reprove you, wee ſhall at length find more love (which is all wee require of you) then they that ſo flatter you with their tougnes. The grace of our lord Ieſus Chriſt, be with you Amen.
Cant. 4.8.
COme from Lebanon, even come from Lebanon, and looke from the topp of Amanah, from the topp of Shenir and Hermon, from the Denns of the Lyons, and from the mountayns of the Leopards.