The Ministry of the Church of England, Section 8
¶Mr. H. his letter: Section, 8.
T…ll vsus not then that the same name is given to our office, as to the popish sacrificers. Do you think the vvorse of your self because you are called Brovv…ists? And shall the holy office and calling vvhichwhich is so agreable to the vvord, be misliked because it is called a Priesthood? co…sidering that though it agree in name, yet it differeth in nature and substa…ce as much from the popish priesthood as light doth from darknes.
Aunswer to Section, 8.
YEs sure, we must tell them agayn and agayn, that they are Priests both in name and office. But be it that they were not Priests by office, yet seing the very name of Priests (being applyed to a Ministery of the Gospell among men) is eyther a calling back of the Leviticall priestho…d (which were to deny Christ to be come in the flesh) or els a monument and remembrāce of that priesthood of Antichrist which is odious to Christ and all good Christians: with what conscience can they still retayne or plead for so vnchristian and abominable a name? Have they forgotten or do they not regard, that among the marks of that great whore the Romish Babylon, this is one that she is full ofoRev. 17. 3 names of blasphemy? And among these names of hers, is not this of Priest (being spoken of an office of Ministery among men vnderunder the Gospell) one of them that is most blasphemous, for the reasons before alledged? Hath not God also threatned that they shall drink of the cup of his wrath, and have no rest day nor might, not onelyonly which worship the beast and his image, but evenqRev. 14. 11. whosoever receyveth the print of his name? Let them therefore make as light account hereof as they please: Yet dare not we but mislike and abhorre this and the rest of the Names of bla…phemy retayned among them.
And yet to, we neyther do neyther need think the worse of our selves because we are called Brownists. It is one thing to be rayled vponupon and miscalled by the adversaryes of the truth: another to borrow from them and retayne with them theyr names of blasphemy. It is one thing to be reviled by nick… mes and sclaunders: another to be called by fitt and proper names. It is one thing to be falsely and vnjustly termed this or that: another to be truly and justly so termed. …e are reviled and termed Brownists by the enemyes of the truth falsely and vnjustly: therefore there is no cause why it should m…ve vsus. The Apostles themselves and the Christians with them in the Pr…itive Churches were likewiserAct. 24. … and 28. 2…. called a sect of Nazarites, and every where spoken against. And at this day by the sclaunderous papists are the names of Calvinists, Lutherans, Zwinglians, and the like attributed to them that consent to the doctrine of truth taught by Calvin, Luther, Zwinglius etc. God knoweth we hold not this truth we professe, of Brown or any man whatsoever: but because it is the …octrine and commaundement of Christ, revealed in his word and given to his Church. We blesse God for any instruments he vseth to manifest his truth to the world: but wes1 Cor 3. 2…. rejoyce not in men, neyther theyr persons nor names. We are baptized into the …ame of Christ: and are called Christians, as weretAct. 11. 26. the Disciples in the Primitive Churches. The slaund…rous names given to them in that age, or to vsus or any other Disciples of Christ in this or any other age we acknowledg not. It is the malice and subtilty of Sathan and his instruments, by such sclaunders and nicknames to make the truth and servants of God odious and abhorred of the world. Therefore regard we … not: but with the Apostle we dovAct. 24. 14. freely confesse that after the way which they call Heresy so worship we God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, beleving all things that are written in the Law, in the Prophets and Apostles: and endevoring our selves to have alway a cleare conscience toward God and toward men. Let men therefore call vsus Brownists or what they please: it troubleth not vsus, seing we are so termed vntruly and vnjustly.
But for theyr name of Priests, it is far otherwise. They are truly and justly so called: and that for these causes following. First for that the Law (whereto Mr. H. appealeth for theyr defence) alloweth no other orders of Ministery in the land, but of Deacons (which is the way to the priesthood) and of Priests, so made and ordeyned by the Prelates.
Secondly, because at theyrvvBook of ordering P…iests. ordination, the Archdeacon presenting them to the Lordbishop vseth these words, Reverend father I present these men vntounto you to be admitted to the order of Priesthood.
Thirdly, for that the Prelates, by whom they are ordeyned, admitt them to no other office. For after the Archdeacon hath presented them as is aforesaid, then the Prelate speaking to the people saythxIn the same book. thus, Good people, these be they whom we purpose God willing, to receyve this day vntounto the holy office of Priesthood.
Fourthly, because theyr book of ordination both in the yThe, forme and ma…er of making ād co… secrating Bishops, Priests and Deacōs.title of it and els where throughout the book showeth they receyv no other office: And therefore calle…h and accounteth them priests. As doth also theyr book of common prayer, and theyr other books of Articles and Ini…ctions, almost i… every page.
Lastly, because the most popish priests, whether they have ben so made here…ofore in England in …. Maryes dayes, or els be so made at Rhemes or Rome or any suc… place in these da… es: yet if they renounce onelyonly those poynts of popery that this land hath reiected, are receyved and retayned for priests (without any new ordination) to administer in these asemblyes: to offer vp theyr prayers, to deliver theyr Sacrmēts to them, to preach, to enter vponupon any ben…fice in the land, to enioy the commodityes thereof and to performe the dutyes therevnto belonging. Proof hereof we have seen not onelyonly in …: Mary priests so retayned from the begining of her Maiestyes raigne vntounto this day: but also in divers popish priests of this age, as Tirell, Tither, Nichols, and such other who being made Priests at Rhemes and Rome, were (without any other ordination then there they had, vponupon recantation of some popish errors, receyved for ministers of these assemblyes ād inducted into benefices by the Prelates. Whereas on the contrary such as have ben allowed for ministers in the reformed Churches beyond seas (where the popish priesthood is wholy reiected) whē they come into Englād are not approved for lawfull ministers to administer in these assemblyes, neyther to enter vponupon any theyr benefi…es, vnles they be first made Deacons and Priests by some of the Prelates. Proof of this also we have seen not onelyonly in the troubles raysed in this behalf against Mr Whitting…am at Durham in the North, and against Mr Travers at the Temple in London: but most evidently in Mr Wright (now Parson of Dinnington in Suffolck) who being presented to that benefice, yet could not (for all the allowance he had receyved of the reformed Churches in the low countreyes) be instituted and inducted into it, till he was made Priest by Scamler Prelate of Norwich now deceased. Thus (to omit till hereafter how neare of kinne our English Priests are to the popish) by these reasons is evident that they are truly and iustly called Priests: Which is the thing that was to be showed.
But they will say, they are not ordeyned to sacrifice for the quick and the dead, as be the popish priests. Whereto I might …unswer, that some of them were so ordeyned, and never receyved any other ordination: yet notwiths…anding stand they priests of these assemblyes, at this day, as was showedzIn Q: Mary priests In Tirrell, Tither, &c. before. But be it that none of them were so ordeyned: What then? Doth it follow therefore they are no Priests? If so, th… the Leviticall priests vnderunder the Law were no priests. For they were not ordeyned to sacrifice for the quick and dead: Yet were they priests by office of ministery, and lawfully also at that tyme as theaExod. 28 1. Dent. 33. 10. vyith Le. 21. 1. Hos. 9. 4. Deut. 12. 11. 12. Scripture teacheth. Neyther by this reason are Mahumets priests at this day, or any priests of the Heathen to be accounted Priests. For they are not ordeyned (as the popish priests) to offer vp Christ, whom they reiect: Yet are they priests notwithstanding by theyr office (as webAct. 14. 13. read of Iupiters Priest in the Acts): but false ones as be also the Romish and English and all Antichristian priests whatsoever.
Secondly, although the Masse (whereto those popish priests be bound) be the chief and principall, yet is it not the onelyonly abominable sacrifice and worship in the world. To let passe the Heathens sacrifices and priesthood: what may we think (in this light of the Gospell) of that Idoll-book of stinted prayers and exhortations, whereto the priests of England be tyed to offer it vp as theyr publik sacrifice and worship vntounto God? Will you heare what some of themselves have thought of it, and have advertised the most honorable Court of Parliament concerning it? Thus then have theyc… Admon. to the Parli… ▪ tr…atise 2. written hereof: We must needs say as followeth (these are theyr own words) that this book is an vnperf…t book, culled and picked out of that popish dunghill the masse book full of all abhominations. Lo here▪ in theyr own consciences theyr book of Common prayer is no other but a pigge of that mezeld sow the Masse book. Yet this sacrifice do theyr Priests daily offer vp vntounto God and are bound therevnto. And that so, as among them this may and doth serve alone without any theyr sermons or other prayers, whereas these without it in theyr constitution are not sufficient. Although then the Priests of England be not now ordeyned to say Masse, neyther tyed to the Masse book in Latin: yet when in stead thereof they are still bound to such a book and worship, as (by theyr own confession) is culled and picked out of that popish dunghill the Masse book full of abominations: what can this help for theyr defence? Nay rather considering the light and measure of knowledg revealed more to them then to the Papists, is not theyr sinne (though not in it self, yet) in this respect so much the greater, as they have receyved more light and knowledg of the truth then the other have done?
Thirdly, neyther is sacrificing the onelyonly duty of the priesthood in Popery: but besides it they have, by vertue of theyr ordination to that office, authority likewise to read theyr service book, to preach, to minister the Sacraments, to bucy the dead, to solem…ize Mariage, to Church weomen after childbirth, to pronounce absolution when they visit the sick etc. All which being dutyes likewise of the Priesthood of England, wherevnto in this constitution they have authority by vertue of theyr ordination to that office, as have the Priests in popery: What great matter is it, if agreing with them in so many severall dutyes of the same office, they should altogether differ from them in one? The Turkish and Heathenish priests at this day, although they differ very much both from those at Rome and these of England, yet notwithstanding are they Priests in a false office, as well as the other. Hitherto then hath ben showed that the Ministers of these assemblyes are truly and fitly called Priests. And Mayster H. himself who pleadeth theyr cause, yet cannot (you see) deny, but they agree in Name with the popish priesthood.
Now whereas he addeth that though theyr Priesthood agree in name, yet it differeth in nature and substance as much from the popish priesthood as light doth frō darknes: it is as true as whē he saiddIn Sec…on 6. and 7. before, theyr priesthood was in substance the same with the office of the Pastor described in the word: that is, it is vtterly vntrue. Which although it be sufficiently provedeIn the aunsvver to the 6. and 7. …. already, yet for more clearing of the truth ād stopping of theyr mouths, it shalbe good here by way of comparison to set down the agreement of theyrs with the popish priesthood on the one hand, and on the other the disagreement of them both from the Pastors office which Christ hath appoynted.
1 And first of all it would be knowen what the cause is why they retayne the same name, if they have not the same office with the popish priesthood? As also, if they have the same office with the Pastors described in the word, why then they have not also the same name? In the history of Isaac the Scripture recordeth (as a thing very godly and memorable) thatfGe…. 26. 18. when he digged agayn the wels of water, which they had digged in the dayes of Abraham his father, and which the Philistims had stopped after the death of Abraham, he gave them the same names which his father had given them. If these men likewise have recovered agayn the Pastors office plāted by the Apostles in the Primitive Churches, and since theyr death stopped vp by the Romish Philistims: why do they not in like maner give it thegEph. 4. 11. vvith 1 Cor. 4. 15 same name that our fathers the Apostles gave vntounto it? Are these men wiser then the Apostles of our Lord Iesus? or are they fathers in Christ more then the Apostles? or do they disdayne to tread in the Apostles steps, as Isaac did in Abrahams? Agayn, let them tell vsus why they keep the name of the popish priesthood, if they have not still the same office? Have they not heard of the promise made by the Lord to his Church and people when he bringeth them from Idolatrous wayeshHos. 2. 17. that he will take away the names of Baalim out of theyr mouth and that they shall no more be remembred by theyr names▪ Hath the Lord said it, and shall he not do it? or hath he promised, and shall he not accomplish it? Now is it then that these men have the same name, if they have not the same office with the popish priesthood? Is it because they would manifest to the world, that as yet in theyr estate that promise belongeth not vntounto them? Then certainely as yet they are not the true ministers and Churches of Christ. Or is it because they would have all mē know that as yet theyiRev. 14. 9 11. worship the Beast, and receive his mark and the print of his name? Then suerly as yet they are false Ministers and Churches of Antichrist. Or finally, is it because they can well like of thekRev. 15. 3. and 18 4. names of blasphemy written in the whores forehead, neyther are afrayd to partake in her sinnes? Then needs must they look to receyv also of her plagues whose end is damnation: as the ScripturelRev. 17. 1. and 18. 4 5. and 19. 2. witnesseth. This therefore first is a matter of great waight and consequence (howsoever they regard it) that in name they both agree with the Priests of Antichrist, and disagree with the Pastors of IEsus Christ. But we will proceed to compare them together in other things which themselves account of greater moment: as in mFo… proof of these particulars followvving, vvherein the Popish ād English priests are compared together, besides their constitution and practise (vvhichwhich alone vvere proof suf… cient) see the Popes po… tificall and Portuis, and compare vvith the… the Inglish book of ordering Pri… ād Deacons▪ and they… book of Common prayer: Also theyr C…nōt Articles, … ▪ &c▪these which follow:
2 The office of the popish priesthood is such as before any … it they must first be made Deacons by some Prelate: Such also is the office of Priesthood receyved and vsed in England. But such is not the Pastors office appoynted by Christ: Eph. 4. 8. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 1…. 28. Act. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Rom. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
3. The popish priests are capable of the offices of Archbishops, Lordshops, Archdeacons, Suffraganes, Deanes, etc. retayning still theyr office of priesthood withall: So are the Priests of England. But so are not Pastors whom Christ hath given to his Church. 2. Cor. 6. 15. 16. 17. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 12. Gal. 2. 18. Rom. 12. 7. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 18. 28.
4. The popish priests may in theyr constitution (notwithstanding theyr ecclesiasticall office) take vponupon them civill offices and callings (as to be Iustices of peace, County Palatyne, Lord President, Lord Chauncelor etc): and be honored likewise, with the titles of Kings and Nobles (as Grace, Lord, Honour, Metropolitan, Primate etc): So is it also with the Priests of England in theyr constitution. But so is it not with the Pastors ordeyned by Christ in his Church: Luk. 12. 14. and 22. 25. 26. 1 Pet. 5. 3. Ioh. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 7. 2. Tim. 2. 4.
5. The popish priests in theyr constitution are inferior offices to Archbishops, Lordbishops, Archdeacons etc. So are also the Priests of England. But so are not Pastors in the constitution and Churches of Christ. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28.
6. The popish priests must be ordeyned to theyr office by a Lordbishop or his Suffragane: So must also the Priests of England. But so may not the Pastors of the Churches of Christ: but eyther by the Eldership or (at the Churches first growing into order, when yet they have not Elders) by some of the fittest members, in the Churches name and by the Churches authority appoynted therevnto: 1 Tim. 4. 14. Num. 8. 10.
7. The popish priests at theyr ordination must be presented to the Lordbishop by an Archdeacon or his deputy, vsing also these words of presentation, Reverend father, I present these men vntounto you to be admitted to the order of Priesthood: So likewise must the Priests of England be presented. But so may not the Pastors appoynted by Christ: Rev. 14. 9. 11. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16. 17.
8. The popish priests must be ordeyned to theyr office according to theyr pontificall devised by themselves: In like maner must the priests of England be ordeyned to theyr office according to theyr pontificall, that is, according to theyr book of ordering Priests and Deacons, of which themselvesnAdmō. to Parl▪ secōd treatise▪ … 1…. say, It is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall, wherein he showeth himself to be Antichrist most lively. But so may not any be ordeyned to the Pastors office: but onelyonly according to the Testament of Christ. Ioh. 10. 1. 2. 7. Act. 14. 23. 1 Tim 3. 10 15. and 4. 14. Hebr. 5. 4. Rev. 22. 18. 19.
9 The popish priests at theyr ordination must kneel vponupon theyr knees at the feet of the Lordbishop that ordeyneth them, and he must say vntounto them (though blasphemously) Receyve the …oly Ghost, whose sinnes you forgive they are forgiven, and whose sinnes you retayne they are retayned: So must the Priests of England likewise be ordeyned, humbly kneeling at the Prelates feet, and with the same blasphemous words spoken vntounto them by the Prelate. But so may not the Pas…ors of Christ be ordeyned. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. 1 Co…. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. &c. Ioh. 20 22. 23. Esa. 42. 8. with a Thes. 2. 3. 4.
10 The popish priests are not ordeyned in and before the Con…regatiō where they are to have charge ād minister, but in Metropolitane or Cathredrall citt…es, or at some of the Prelates pallaces, or where els he pleaseth to give orders (as they call …) sometymes 40. or 50. or 60. myles from the place where they ar… to minister: So are the Priests of England. But not the Pastors of the Churches of Christ: For they are and must …e ordeyned in the face and presen…e of the Congregation whe…eof they are chosen Pastors. Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. 6. and 1. 15. Numb. 8. 9. 10.
11 The popish priests are taken and ordeyned without fasting and pra…er of the Congregation where they are to minist…: So are the Priests of England. But Pastors not so: Act. 14. 23. and 13. 3.
12 The popish priests taking charge of soules, are not elected by the Congregation whereof they are to take charge, but are presented by a Patrone to the Lordbischop to be instituted ād inducted into a benifice, being Deacons or Priest before, so made by the Prelates: Thus also are the Priests of Englād. Whereas contrarywise the Pastors of Christ are elected by free and voluntary ch…yse of the Church whereof they are to be overseers. Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. … Cor. 8. 19. Numb. 8. 9. Ezech. 33. 2.
13 The refusall of the whole parish cannot debar a popish priest from having charge of theyr soules, when he is presented by the Patrone and instituted by the Prelate: Neyther can … the Priests in the parishes of England. But so it is not with the Pastors and Churches of Christ. Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 8. 19.
14 The popish priests may at theyr pleasure without c…nsent of the people re…igne or give over theyr benefices, and com…nly betake themselves to some other of greater value: So may also the Priests of England. But Paf…ors may not give over or leav the flock over which the holy Ghost by the Churches calling hath made them overseers, except it be with consent of the Church and for such cause as is warranted by the sayd holy Ghost in the written word. Act. 20. 28. with 14. 23. Col. 4. 17. Rom. 12. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. Esa. 62. 6. 7. Ezech. 3. 26. 27. with 33. 22. Numb. 8. 25.
15. One popish priest in theyr constitution may and doth …ake the charge and commodity of many parishes and benefices at once: So also may the Priests of England. Wher…as Pastors have but one onelyonly flock depending vponupon them, wherevnto they must attend with all faithfull diligence: 1 Petr. 5. 2. 3. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 28. Rom. 12. 3—7. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 13. 14. Hebr. 13. 17. Ezech. 34. Cap.
16. The popish priests wait not the Churches calling to …he ministery, but seek and make suite to some Prelate to be ordeyned Priests, giving money also for theyr letters of orders: So do also the Priests of England. But so do not Pastors: but stay till the Lord by his Church call them to that office. Hebr. 5. 4. Act. 20. 28. with 14. 23. Esa. 62. 6. 7. Ezech. 33. 2. with ler. 23. 21. and 2 Chron. 13. 9.
17 The popish priests are ordeyned to theyr office though they have no flock to attend vponupon: Yea commonly 20. or 30. of them are ordeyned at once, whereof no one is called to any particular congregation, but they must afterward (like masterles men) seek and sue for places where to be employed: So is it also with the Priests of England. Whereas Pastors are alwayes ordeyned to the attendance of a certayne particular Church for the work of the Ministery thereyn: Act. 14. 23. and …0. 28. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Pe…. 5. 2. Rev. 1. 20.
18. Such be popish priests ād have …ure of soules amōng them as are not at all able to preach the word: Such be also Pries…s and have charge of soules in England. But none such be Pastors, but they onelyonly that being apt to teach are lawfully called to that office. 1 Tim. 3. 2. Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 12. Tit. 1. 7. 9. Ioh. 10. 1—5. Num, 1…. 5. 40.
19. Of the popish priests that can preach it is required, that besides ordination to theyr office they have speciall li…ence from the Prelates to preach: So is it also required of the Priests of England. But not of the Pastors of Christ. Act. 20. 28. 1 Cor. 7. 23. and 9. 16. and 12. 5. 28. Ephes. 4. 1…. Rev. 14. 9—1…,
20 The popish priests are subject to be silenced, suspended, deprived, degraded by the Prelates: So are also the Priests of England. But not Pastors: Rev. 2. 1. and 14. 9. 12. 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. Esa. 62. 1 6. 7. Zach. 11. 17. Ier. 48. 10. 1 Cor. 9. 16. and 12. 28. Act. 4. 19. 20. and 20, 28.
21. The popish priests at theyr institution must sweare to performe Canonicall obedience to the Prelates theyr Ordinaryes: So must the Priests of England. But not Pastors: 1 Cor. 12. 5. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. Rev. 2. 1. and 14. 9. 12. Act. 5. 29. 31. Ioh. 15. 14. Rom. 6. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16.
22. The popish priests are tyed to a book of s…inted prayers and a prescript order devised by man, for theyr worship and ministration: So likewise are the Priests of England bound to a prescript order of service and book of Common prayer taken out of the Popes portuis. Whereas the Pastors of the Churches of Christ are free to vse theyr gifts receyed from Christ for the work of his Ministery, being …yed thereyn to no inventions of men, but onelyonly to the rule and order which Christ in his word hath appoynted …herevnto: …phes. 4. 8. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. Exod. 30. 9. vvith Psal. 141. 2. & Rev. 8. … Esa. 29. 13. Mat. 15. 9. 1 Pet. 4. 10. 11. 2 Tim. 1. 6. 7. Rom. 8 26. Ioh. 4. 24. … Tim. 3. 15. and 6. 13. 14. vvith Gal. 3. 15. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Rev. 22. 18. 19.
23 The popish priests are bound in that office to performe such actiōs as Christ never appoynted for the work of his ministery, as to Church women, to bury the dead, to solemnize mariages etc. So are the Priests of England. But so are not Pastors Eph. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 15. and 5. 17. and 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. Rev. 22. 18. 19.
24 The popish priests be not of like ād equall power degree and authority amōg themselves, but are some of them inferior to other hereyn, as Parsons to Archdeacons, Archdeacons to Lordishops, Lordbishops to Archbishops: So is it with the Priests of England. But not with Pastors: For they have all of them like and equall power degree and authority vnderunder Christ the onelyonly Archbishop and great shepeard of the sheep. 1. Pet. 5. 3. 4. and 2. 25. Luk. 22. 24. 25. 26. Rev. 1. 20. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Act. 20. 28. Heb. 13. 17. 20.
25 The popish priests together with theyr people stand subject to the ecclesiasticall courts, Canons, citations, excommunications, absolutions, and other the like jurisdiction of the Prelates and theyr Officials: So stand also the priests of England and theyr people. But so stand not the Pastors and Churches of Christ: Rev. 14. 4. 9. 12. Mat. 6. 24. and 28. 20. Ioh. 3 35. 36. and 10. 4. 5. G…. 49. 10. Esa. 33. 22. Iam. 4. 12. Heb. 3. 1. 2. 3.
26 The popish priests have ioyned with them in theyr …har…e Churchwardens and Sidemen which are sworne to present to the Ordinaryes court as also to his Chauncelors ād Commissaryes courts all such offences, faults and defaults as be committed among them against the Prelates Articles ād Iniunctions: So is it also with the Priests of England. But not with the Pastors of the Churches of Christ: Wherein they are not onelyonly freed from all Antichristian bondage, but have also ioyned with them Teachers and Elders for the instruction, oversight, and guydance of the Church according to the ordi…ances of Iesus Christ, and no other. 1 Tim. 5. 17. and 6. 13. …4. Rom. 12. 7. 8. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 28. and 14. 37. Act. 15. 2. 4. 6. 22 23. and 20. 17. 28. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. Matt. 28. 20.
27 The popish priests with theyr Churchwardens and people have not the power of Christ to cast out any from among them, neyther have in this or any thing els in theyr constitution the keyes of the kingdome of heaven to open and shut, to bynd and loose, to remit and retayne according to the word and ordinance of Iesus Christ: but the chief ecclesiasticall power and authority among them is in the hands of the Prelalates ād theyr Chauncelors Archdeacons and Officials, to be administred according to theyr Canons and constitutions, as before is said: So is it also with the Priests Churchwardens and people of England. But contrarily with the Pastors Elders and people of the Churches of Christ: Mat. 16. 16. 19. with 18. 17. 18. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 5. and 2 Co…. 2. 6. 7. 8. and 10. 4. 5. 6. Psal. 149. 9. Numb. 5. 2. 3. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 14. 2 Thes. 3. 6. 14. 15. Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Act. 20. 28. Rom. 16. 17. Rev. 19. 14. 15. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 15. 16.
28 The popish priests must be discerned from the other people by Surplice, tippet, square cap, etc. So must also the priests of England. But not pastors: Esa. 30. 22. and 52. 11. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Rev. 18. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 2. and 4. 12. 16. Num. 15. 39.
29 The popish priests by vertue of theyr ordination to that office are capable of induction and institution to any benefice whereto they are presented, to receyv the tithes, gleavs, chrismes, oblations, and such like maintenance belonging therevnto: So are also the Priests of England. But so are not any by vertue of ordination to the Pastors office: neyther is the Pastors maintenance to be by ti…hes or any other Iewish or popish maner, but onelyonly of the Gospell, as Christ hath orde…ned: 1 Cor. 9. 14 Gal. 6. 6. Rom. 15. 27. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 13. with Heb. 7. 5. 12. Col. 2. 17.
30 The popish priesthood was never appoynted by Christ, but is aoSee … Thes. 2 3. 4. 8. Rev. 9. 3 and 13. 16. 17. and 14. 8 9. 10. 11. and 17. 1—5. and 18. 11. new ministery devised by man, even the man of sinne, both in the office, entrance, administration, and maintenance thereof: Such is also the Priesthood of England. Whereas the Pastors (p) office, (q) entrance, (r) administration, and (s) maintenance is not any invention of man, but the appoyntment of Christ sett downe in his word. (p) Ephes. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 8. (q) Act. 14. 23. and 6. 2. 3. 5. Numb. 8. 9. 10. Heb. 5. 4. 1 Ti. 3. cap. and. 4. 14. Col. 4. 17. (r) 2 Tim. 3. 16. 17. Ephes. 4. 8. 12. Rō. 12. 8. 1 Tim. 3. 15. and 5. 17. 21. and 6. 3. 13. 14. Tit. 1. 7. 9. Act. 15. 6. 22. and 20. 28. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 13. 14. 1 Pet 5. 2. 3. 1 Cor. 4. 1. 2. Gal. 1. 8. 9. (s) 1 Cor. 9. 14. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 18. 1 Thes. 5. 12. 13.
31 The popish priesthood is such both in theyr office, entrance, administration, and maintenance, astRev. … 16. 1. King. 23. 5. &c. De…t. 12. 2. … 4. 1 Tim. 2. 2. Psa…. 72. … &c. Rom. … 4. Princes and Magistrates may and ought by theyr authority to abolish it out of theyr dominious: Such is also the Priesthood of England in all those particulars. But such is not the Pastors place and function: Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 13. 1 Cor. 12. 4. 5. 28. Rom. 12. 8. and 13. 3. Heb. 12. 28. 1 Tim. 2. 2. and 5. 17. and. 6. 13. 14. 15.
32 The popish priesthood is such in all the particulars aforesaid, as the Lord Iesus willv2 Thes. 2. S. Rev. 14. 6. 7. 8. and 17. 1. and 18. 20—23. vvith Ier, 5…. 60—64. Rev 19. … consume with the brightnes of his appearing in the light and power of his Gospell before his second coming: Such is also the Priesthood of England. Whereas on the contrary the Pas…ors office and function is to continew to the end of the world, euē till we all meet together in the vnity of faith and acknowledgmēt of the Sonne of God, to a perfitt man, vntounto the measure of the stature of the fulnes of Christ: Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 13. Rom. 12. 5. 8. Heb. 12. 28. 5. 20. 1 Tim. 3. cap. and Math. 28. 17. and 6. 13. 14.
33 Finally (therefore) the popish priesthood is such as vvIoh. 10. 5. Rev. 9 3. ād 14. 9. 10. 11. and 18. 4 Amo…. 4. 4. …. and 5. 5. Num. 16. …. 26. Ma…. 7. 15. Psal. 119. 113. 128. 2 Cor. 6. 14—1….no…e may have any spirituall communion therewith, but all ought to forsake and depart from it, though all Princes vnderunder heaven should commaund the contrary: Such is also the priesthood of England. Whereas on the other side the Pas…ors function is such as is not to be left but to be ioyned vntounto in the service of God, notwithstanding the prohibition of Princes or any other whomsoever to the contrary: Eph. 4. 11. 12. 1 Tim. 5. 17. and 6. 13. 14. 15. Rom. 12. 4—8. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 28. and 14. 37. Mat. 28. 20.
Hitherto then have we been both the agreement of the Priesthood of England with the popish ād how both of them disagree from the Pastors office appoynted by Chirst. Neyther should we make an end, if we would com…are them tog… ther in all things, or dilate at large these particulars afor… said. This may suffice to show how vntrue it is which Mr. H. affirmeth, saying theyr Priesthood differeth in nature and substance as much from the popish Priesthood as light doth from darknes, and, that it is the same in su…stance with the Pastors office described in the word. Let him that readeth consider what hath b…n said: and then iudge righteous iudgment. Now to proceed, thus it followeth in his writing: