The Ministry of the Church of England, Section 2
Mr. H. his letter. Section. 2.
The summe of the vvhole vvriting you gaue me is a reason to prove the lavvfulnes of your separation from our assemblyes, because vve have no such minissters as you may lavvfully ioyne vvhithall: and for plainenes, it may fitly be cō cluded in this forme:
Whosoever he be that dealeth with the holy things of God,The Reason alledged for separation from the Church ministry of England. and worketh vponupon the Consciences of men, by vertue of an Antichristian power office and calling, him the people of God ought not to receyv or ioyne themselves vntounto: 2 Thes. 2. 4—10.
But all the ministers that stand ouer the Church assemblyes in England, deale with the holy things of God, and work vponupon mens consciences by vertue of an Antichristian power office & calling.
Therefore the people of God ought not to receyv them, or ioyne themselves vntounto them.
The first part of this reason as I am not vnvvilling to yeeld vntounto, so do I affirme that the vvords of the Apostle vvritten 2. Thes. 2. 4.—10. are for the proof thereof vv…ested and perverted from the right sence. For the Apostle there describeth Antichrist, nor by his unlavvfull on…vvard calling or office that he should exercise in the Church, but first by the false doctrine he should teach, as appeareth plainely by the 10 and 11 verses: and secondly by the authority he should vsurpe to give lavves vntounto mens consciences, and to rule in the harts of men as God, as you may see in the 4. verse. VVhichWhich tvvo ma…ks of Antichrist as they may evidently be discerned in the papacy, so admitt all the outvvard calling and offices in the Church of England exercised, vvere faulty and vnvvarrantable by the vvord▪ yet you in, your ovvn Conscience knovv that these marks of Antichrist can not be found amongst the vvorst of our ministers. For neyther do the lavves of our Church allovv any to teach false doctrine, and vve all professe Christ to be the onelyonly lavv giver to the conscience, neyther is any thing amongst us vrged to be done vponupon payne of damnation, but onelyonly the vvord and lavv of God.
Answer to the 2. Section.
MAyster H. sayth here, he is not vnwilling to yeeld to the first part of the reason: Yet afterward in his letter when he hath taken some exception agaynst the prooff off it, contradicting himselff, heaIn sectiō 5. in the end of it. hath these words, And this I hope may be sufficient to show how vntrue that is which is affirmed in the first part of the reason, &c. Now to yeeld to the first part of the reason (as being true) and to hold that which is affirmed in it to be vntrue, what are these but contradictary the one to the other? But to let this passe, because it may be I mistake his meaning, or he forgott himselff: I com to show that the words off the Apostle written 2. Thes. 2. 4. &c. do fitly and directly proue the first part off the reason, and therefore are not for the proof thereof wrested and perverted from the right sence, as he taketh exception. I prove it thus first.
If thisb2. Thes. 2. 4. &c. Scripture teach that such as receyv or ioyne vntounto Antichrist that man of sinne in his apostasy, opposition, and exaltation above all that is called God and that is holy, that such (I say) shall perish because they receyv not the love off the truth, but are caryed with a strong delusion to beleev lies and to please themselues in that transgression of the lawes and ordinances off God: then it proueth that the people off God may not receyv or ioyne vntounto any which deale with the holy things off God ād work vponupon mens cōsciences by vertue off any off that Antichrists power, offices, and callings: because in so doyng they cannot but hauehave fellowship in that apostasy, opposition, and exaltation off Antichrist, and thereby stand subiect to perish eternally, forasmuch as they receyv not the louelove off the truth, but in a strong delusion please themselues in vntruth and vnrighteousnes, even in Antichrists trāsgression off the lawes and ordinances off Iesus Christ.
But the former is true: as may appeare by comparing together vers. 3. 4. 7. 8. with vers. 10. 11. 12. Therefore also the latter.
Next for proof hereoff, let us marke how the Apostle describeth Antichrist in this Scripture. Which we fynd to be by many mo effects and propertyes then Mr. H. hath noted: and such also, as do plainely show that this Scripture proveth the truth of the first part of the reason for which it is alledged:
1. As first, that Antichrist shall makel2. Thes. 2. 3. Apostasy and departure from the faith and order off Iesus Christ prescribed to his Church. Which whether he hauehave not done it in the offices of ministery, in the entrance into them, in the works and maintenance off them, aswell as in other poynts off the faith and commaundements of Christ, let the things themselues speak.
2. Secondly, that he shall bemVers. 3. a man of sinne. Where it is to be obserued, that as the true Church of Christ is compared to the body of a man, and together with Christ the head thereof, is called by the name of Christ (1. Cor 12. 12.) so the false Church of Antechrist is compared also to the body of a man, and consisting of all the parts together is called a man of sinne: even wholy given and caryed to sinne and transgression of the law of God. Which as in other parts it is to be seen, so also in the offices and functions of that body of Antechrist that man of sinne.
3. Thirdly, that he shallnVer. 3. and 7. first work as it were in secrett, …n a mystery, by little and litle gaynesaying and corrupting the …aith and ordinances of Iesus Christ.
4. Fourthly, thatoVer. 4. compared vvith Ver. 3. 6. 7. 8. afterward, when that which hindreth …s taken away, he shall then be manifested and at length exalted …n his throne, being in his ministery, worship, lawes and cō …titutions opposed against and lifted vp aboue the Lord Iesus, …nd his true faith, servants, ministery, ordināces, and all holy …hings he hath given to his Church.
5. Fiftly, that he shallpVer. 4. cempared vvith Rev. 1…. 11. thus be exalted, not without …he Church among the heathen or Iewish infidels, but in the …osome of the Church amōg them that professe Christ: so as he …hall sit in the Temple of God, pretēding that he is as God, giving …les ād lawes to the consciences of mē for the service of God.
6. Sixtly, that he shall beqVer. 8. anomos, that is, sav… les, or, lavvbreakes. A lawles man, who will not … tyed to the lawes and ordinances off Iesus Christ, but will …spise and opyugne them, and sett vp others off his own at …s pleasure.
7. Seventhly, thatrVer. 9. compared vvith Mat. 24. 24. Sathan shall set all his power and cunning as to erect and establish, so also to vphold this throne and kingdome of Antichrist: And that with such power and lying wonders, as (if it were possible) the very elect should be deceyved.
8. Moreover, that notwithstanding all the power of Sathan, aūd the Apostasy, subtil…y, opposition, exaltation, and iniquity of the man of sinne, yet at lengthsVer. 3. and 8. compard vvith Rev. 14. 6. 7. 8. he shall with all his offices and constitutions be vtterly consumed by the spirit and povver of Christ Iesus, appearing in the brightnes of his Gospell, before the last day. Wherevpon also he is here called the sonne of perdition, being by God foreappoynted to be destroyed and abolished.
9. Finally, that tver. 10. 11. 12. compared vvith Rev. 14. 9. 10 11.they which partake in his apostasy and iniquity, shall justly perish: because they receyv not the love of the truth to obey Iesus Christ, that they might be saved: but being strongly deluded, beleev and please themselves in the lyes and vnrighteousnes of Antichrist vntounto condemnation.
By all which it appeareth both how vnperfitly Mr. H. hath noted down the marks of Antichrist described in this place, and that Antichrist is here described to hauehave vnlawfull calling… and offices. For otherwise how should he standv2. Thes. 2. 3. in apostasy from the true callings and offices, aswell as from the other ordinances appoynted by Iesus Christ? how els should he stand so directly invvVer. 4. opposition against, and so proudly in exaltation aboue all that is called God, and that is holy?xVer. 8. how should he els be said to be lavvles, contemning and treading vnderunder foot the lawes and commaundements of Iesus Christ? Yea; how should he els deceyv the world so as he doth inyver. 10. 11 all deceyveablenes of vnrighteousnes, if he had not vnlawfull callings and offices, wherein to teach and reigne over the people …educed by him: which yet they beleving lyes should count to be lawfull, as they do even vntounto this day?
But to let other reasons alone, and to take the marks of Antichrist, which Mr. H. hath himself here set down. I would aske, first how Antichrist shall teach his false doctrine (which here Mr. H. noteth to be one marke): whether in the lawfull offices and callings ordeyned by Christ, or in the vnlawfull offices and callings devised by Sathan and vsed by this man of sinne in his Apostasy? Secondly, how he shall vsurpe that authority, to give lawes vntounto mens consciences, and to rule in the hearts of men as God (which Mr. H. noteth as the… other marke): whether in the true offices and callings appoynted by Christ, or in false ones devised by Sathan ād himself? For the very termes and actions of teaching and of vsurping authority, here mentioned by Mr. H. do in this case imply some offices and callings, lawfull or vnlawfull, wherein to teach and vsurpe authority. Now lawfull they can not be, because he standeth in apostasy from Christs way, yea oppositt against it, and even lawles in that respect. It remayneth therefore that they are vnlawfull ones. And being found not one lyin the papacy, but in the Church of England: it followeth that they are not to be receyved or ioyned vntounto in the one any more then in the other: as also that this Scripture is not wres…ed, but fitly and foundly alledged for the proof of the first part of the reason.
But because Mr. H. taketh exception at the proof, though all in vayne: yet for his better satisfaction, and more strenghtning of the proposition, let him further consider, first, that as Christ being king and Lord of his Church, hath given vntounto it the holy things of his word, Sacraments, Censures, Treasury etc. so he hath also asz1. Co…. 12. 5. 28. Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8. vvith. 1. Tim. 3. cap. and 5. cap. and 6. 13. 14. 15. Lord and king appoynted offices of his own to conti…e to the end of the world, to witt, Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons and Helpers, for the due administration of these his holy things according to his word, being lawfully called therevnto. So as neyther any may medle therewith by vertue of any Antichristian power office or calling, nor if they do, may any ioyne with them therein, least partaking in theyr sinnes, they receyv also of theyr plagues. Secondly, thatx1. Co…. 3. 16. 17. and 2. Cor. 6 16. 17. 18. compared vvith 2. Thes 2. 4. 10. our consciences are the Temples of the holy Ghost. Wherrvpon it must needs follow, that we may not suffer Antichrist to fitt in them at all: as he doth whensoever we suffer them to be wrought vponupon in the ministery of the word or any other wayes, by vertue of any Antichristian power office or calling. And this I thought to annexe for the further confirmation of the first part of the reason: which though in word Mr. H. seemeth to graunt, yet in deed he laboreth to oppugne.
Now where he saith, the lawes of theyr Church allow not any to teach false Doctrine: although this be not much materiall towching the poynt in controversy, seing they allow not any to teach true doctrine but in false and Antichristian callings, which is vtterly vnlawfull to be done: yet we fynd that by the lawes of theyr Church many false doctrines are and may be tauht amoug them. A tast of which leaven of theyrs▪ I will give in some particulars, as followeth.
1 That there may be in the Church other Archbishops and Lordbischops, then Iesus Christ, which is contrary to 1 Pet. 5. 3. 4. 1 Cor. 12. 5. Eephes. 4. 5. Heb. 3. 1. etc. Luk. 22. 25. 26.
2 That men may and …ught to be made ministers by these Lord Bishops (that is, may enter into the ministery by another way, then Christ hath sett down in his word, and by other Lord bishops then Iesus Christ which is contrary to Heb. 5. 4. Ioh. 10. 1. 7. and 13. 20. ād 14. 6. Ier. 23. 21. Act. 14. 23. with 6. 3. 5.
3 That the Prelates and theyr chauncelo…s ād officials hauehave Christs power to excommunicate ād cast out of the Church of god: which is cōtrary to Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5. 4.
4 That the ministers of the Church may be civil magistrates also and exercise civill authority in the comon wealth. Which is contrary to Mat. 20. 25 26. 2 Tim. 2. 4. Rom. 13. 1. etc. Rev. 17. 18.
5 That mē may give the titles of the lord Iesus vntounto the Prelates, to call them their Arch and Lord Bishops, reverend Fathers, and such like. Which is contrary to these Scriptures, Esa 42. 8. et 5. 20. Mat. 23. 8. 9. 10. Iob. 32. 21. 22. 2 Thes. 2. 4.
6 That the Lord Bishops can give the holy Ghost, and power to retayne and forgive sinnes▪ As when they make any Ministers, they say vntounto them, Receyv the holy Ghost: whose sinnes thou doest forgive, they are forgiven and whose sinnes thou doest retayne they are retayned. Which is contrary to Luk 11. 13. Ioh. 3. 8. and 15. 26. 27. and 20. 21. 22. 23. Gal. 3. 5. and 4. 6. Act. 8. 18. 19 20. 21. Luk. 5. 21.
7 That the ministers of Christ may exce…ute their ministery vnderunder these Lord Bishops, and their Chauncelours and Archedacons: ād cease preahing ād leav their floks at their appointmēt. Which is cōtrary to 1. Cor. 12. 5. and 9. 16. Ier. 48. 10. Act. 4. 18. 19. 20. Ioh. 10, 12, 13. Amos. 7. 12. 13. 14. 15.
8 That the offices of suffraganes, Deanes, Cau…s, Petticanons, Prehēdaryes, Oueristers, Organists, Archdeacōs, Comissaryes, Officials, Parsons, Vicars, Curats stipēdary preachers, and the rest of that sort among them, are lawfull and necessary to be had in the Church of Christ. Which is contrary to these Scriptures. 1. Cor. 12. 18. 28. Rom. 12. 7. 8. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 13. Num. 16. 40. and 18. 4. 7. Esa. 1. 12. Rev. 9. 3. Ier. 51. 26.
9 That the Deacons office in the Church is to be employed in publick prayer, administration of Baptisme, and ministery of the wold (being by the Prelates licensed herevnto) which is contrary to Act. 6. 2. 3. 4. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. Rom. 12. 7. 8.
10 That there is and may be now an office of priesthood in men for the Ministery of the Gospell. Which is contrary to Heb. 7. 11. 1…. 16. 18. 23. 24. Ephes. 4. 11. 12. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 12. 5. 28.
11 That the maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospell may be by tithes and offrings (which must needs be Iewish or Popish) Contrary to Heb. 7. 12. 1 Cor. 9. 13. 14. Phil. 4. 10. 18. Rom. 15. 27. Gal 6 6.
12 That Christ in his soule descended into hell, whilest his body lay in the grave: which doctrine is Cōtrary to these Scriptures, Luk. 23. 43. 46. Ioh. 19. 30. Col. 2. 14. 15. Luk. 16. 26. Eccles. 12. 7.
13 That Christ hath not sert in his Church an Eldership to continew aswell vnderunder Christian as heathen Princes. Which doctrine is contrary to 1 Tim. 4. 14. and 5. 17. and 6. 13. 14. 15. Mat. 28 20. 1 Cor. 12. 28. Rom. 12. 7. 8. Ti. 1. 5. Act. 14. 23. and 20. 17. 28. and 21. 18. 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4.
14 That the ministery, worship, and government which Christ hath appoynted to his Church, is not to be receyved or ioyned vntounto, vnles the magistrates do allow it, where they are Christian. Which is contrary to Mat. 28 20. 1 Tim. 3. 15. and 5. 21. and 6. 13. 14. 15. with 2 Tim. 2. 2. Act. 5. 29. 1 Pet. 2. 17. Mar. 8. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. Esa. 51. 1…. 13 Luk 12. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. and 21. 12. 13. Psal. 2. 10. 11. 12. Rev. 12. 11. 17. and 14. 12.
15 That the Apo…ryphal books (which have in thema2. Machab. 12. 44. 45. and 14. 41. 42. Eccles siasti…us. 46 20. vvisdō. 19. 11. errours,b2 Esdras. 14. 21. 22. 23. 2. Machab. 2 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. To bit. 5. 11. 12. 13. vvith 12 15. Iudith 8. 33. and 10. 9. vvith 10. 12. and 11. 6. 12. 13. 14. 15. ād 14. 3. 4. 1 Machab. 9. 3 18. vvith … Mach. 1. 10. also 1 Machab. 6. 4. 8. 9 16. vvith 2 Machab. 1. 13 14. 15. 16. and vvith 9. 1. 5. 7. 9. 28. 29. vntruths, cTobit. 12. 1…. 15. compared vvith Rom. 8. 34. 1 Tim. 2. 5 Rev. 8. 3 4.Blasphemy, dTobit. 6. 6. 7. 8. and 9. 2. 3. vvith 3. 7. 8. also 11. 10. 11. 12. 13. vvith 2. 9. 10.magick, and eIudith 9. 2. 3. 4. cōpared vvith Gē. 49. 5. 6. 7. Ester Apoc…pha. 12. 5. vvith Ester Canonical. 6. 3. also Ester Apo…. 15. 9. 10. vvith Ester canon. 5. 2. Ecclesiasticus 46. 20. vvith Esa. 57. 2. ād Eccles. 12. 7.contradiction to the Canonicall Scriptures) may be vsed in the publik worship of God Which is contrary to 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Gal. 3. 15. Rev. 22. 18. d19. 2. Pet. 1. 16. 19. 20. 21. 1 Tim. 6. 3. 4. 5. Rom. 3. 2. with Deut. 4. 2. 5. 6. Pro 30 5. 6. Psal. 19. 7. 8. 9.
16 That there may be a prescript leiturgy and sett forme of service in the Church devised and imposed by mā, for the worship of God. Which doctrine is contrary to these Scriptures. Esa. 29. 13. 14. Mat. 15. 9. Exod. 10. 4. 5. 6. Psal. 119. 21. 113. 128. Gal. 3. 15. Ephes. 4. 7. 8.
17 That the book of common prayer (taken owt of the Popes por…uis) is the true worship and service of God for his Church and people. Which is contrary to Deut. 12. 30. 31. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. and 22. 18. 19. 2 Thes. 2. 3. 4. 8. Ier. 51. 26. Ioh 4. 23. 24. Mat. 15. 9. and 28. 20.
18 That one may read other mens words vponupon a book and offer them vp to God as theyr own prayers and sacrifices. Which doctrine is contrary to Rom. 8. 26. 27. 1. Pet. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 14. 15. 1 Sam. 1. 15. Psal. 66. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Esa, 29. 13. 14. Rev. 8. 3. 4.
19 That the most wicked and theyr seed may be compelled and receyved to be members of the Church. Which is contrary to Psal. 110. 3. Act. 2. 40. 41. 47. and 19. 9. Lev. 20. 26. Ezra. 6 21. 2 Cor. 6. 14. 17. and 9. 13. Ioh. 15. 19.
20 That mariage may be forbidden at certayne seasons of the yeare, as in lent, Adve…, Rogation week etc. which Doctrine is contrary to 1 Cor. 7. …. Heb. 13. 4. with 1 Tim. 4. 3. and Dan. 7. 25.
21 That mariage is an ecclesiastical…, not a civill, action: neyther lawfull, except it be solemnized vp a Priest. which is contrary to …uth. 4. 1. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Pro. 3. 17. Mal. 2. 14. Deut. 22. 23. 24. Hev. 13. 4. Gen. 29. 21. 22. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Deut. 12. 32.
22 That women may administer the Sacrament of Baptisme. Which is contrary to 1 Cor. 14. 34. 35. 1 Tim. 2. …2. Mat. 28. 18. 19. 20. Ephes. 4. 11. 12.
23 That Baptisme is to be administred with a crosse in the forehead: ād that also, as a symbolical signe, which is contrary to Mat. 28. 18. 19. Reb. 14. 9. and 22. 18. Rom. 4. …. with 1 Cor. 2. 13. Exod. 20. 4. 5. 6. Psal. 119. 113. 128.
24 That the Lords super is to be administred with these words, The body of our Lord Iesus Christ which was given for thee, preserue thy body and soule etc That is, with other words then those of Christs institution: yea, with such as are taken out of the Popes masse book. Which is contrary to 1 Cor. 11. 23. 24. 5. Luk 22. 19. 20. Deut. 12. 30. 31. with 2. Thes. 2. 3. 4. 8.
25 That the Sacrament of the Lords supper may be administred to one alone: as to the sick man ready to dy, etc. which is contrary to 1 Cor. 10. 16. 17. and 11. 33. Mat. 26. 26. 27. Act. 2. 42. and 20. 7.
26 That the Lords supper is to be receyved, kneeling, which is contrary to Mar. 14. 18. 22. 23. 1 Cor. 10. 21. and 11. 20. and 14. 40. Exod. 20. 4. 5. 1 Thes. 5. 22.
27 That though the open notorious obstinate offenders be partakers of the Sacraments, yet neyther the Sacraments, nor the people that ioyne with them, are defiled thereby. Which doctrine is contrary to 1 Cor. 10. 17. …ag. 2. 14. 15. 1 Cor. 5. 6. Eccles. 10. 1. Mat. 18. 8. 9. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Exod. 12. 43. Ezra. 6. 21. 22. Lam. 1. 10. Lev. 11. 24. and 13. 45. 46. and 15. 4. 5. 6. 7. 31. and 19. 7. Numb. 5. 2. 3. and 19. 21. 22. Iosua. 7. 11. 12.
28 That prayer is to be used over the dead at buriall. Which is contrary to Exod. 20. 7. with Eccles. 11. 3. and Luk. 16. 26. Hos. 9. 4. Mat. 6. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 1 Ioh. 5. 14. Iam. 1. 6. with Rom. 14. 23.
29 That there may be holy dayes appoynted to the virgin mary, to Iohn Baptist, to the Apostles and all Saints and Angels: together also with fasts on theyr tves, on Ember dayes, Frydayes, Saterdayes, and Lent. Which doctrine is contrary to Exod. 20. 8. 9. 10. 11. Galat. 4. 10. 11. Col. 2. 16. 18. 21. 23. with 1. Tim, 4. 1. 2. 3. Act. 20. 7. 1. Cor. 16. 1. 2. Rev 1. 10. and 19. 10. and 22. 18. 19.
30 That the coap, surplice, tippett, rochet, square cap, and such like are meet and decent ornaments for the worship of God, and ministery of the Gospell. which is contrary to Esa. 30. 22. Exod. 20. 4. 5. Deut. 12. 30. 32. Psal. 119. 113. 128. 1 Tim. 3. 2.
31 That the oth ex officio in theyr ecclesiasticall courts, making men sweare to accuse themselues etc. is lawfull and to be used, which is contrary to Exod. 20. 7. Ier. 4. 2. Ioh. 18. 19 20. 21. 22. 23. with mat. 26. 63. Act. 23. 35. and 24. 13. and 25. 16. Deut. 19. 15.
These and divers other false doctrines do the lawes of theyr Church allow to be taught. And if any among them teach otherwise, they are subiect to be suspended, excommunicated, degraded, deprived by theyr Lords the Prelates, theyr Chauncelours, and Officials. And we, because we teach and walk otherwise, are haled to prisons and gallowes, banished and rayled upon, yea hated of all men for the truths sake.
Now as you see the lawes of theyr Church allow false doctrine to be taught: so for theyr preaching also of the truth, consider I pray you what themselues hauehave heretofore written of themselues. In anfSecond admon. to the Parliam. pag. 6 ād 7. admonition to the Parliament, they say and write of theyr Church estate, as followeth. We are (say they) so scarce com to the outward face of a Church rightly reformed, that although some truth be taught by some preachers, yet no preacher may without great daunger of the lawes utter all the truth comprised in the book of God. It is so circumscribed and wrapt within the compasse of such articles, such penaltyes, such Injunctious, such advertissements, such articles, such canons, such sober caveats, and such manifold pamphlets, that in maner it doth but peep out from behind the skreen. The lawes of the land, the book of common prayer, the Queens Injunctious the Commissioners advertissements, the Bishops canons, Li…woods provincials, every Bishops articles in his dioces, my Lord of Canterburyes sober caveats, his licences to preachers, ād his high court of prerogative or grave fatherly faculties: these together or the worst of them (as some of them be to bad) may not be broken or offended against, but with more daunger then to offend against the Bible. To these subscribing, and subscribing again, and the third subscribing are required: for these preachers and others are indited, are fined, are prisoned, are excommunicated, are banished, and hauehave worse things threatned them. And the Bible, that must hauehave no further scope, then by these it is assigned. Is this to professe Gods word? Is this a reformation? He that could not abidegLev. …0. 1. 2. straunge fyer in the old law, but burnt them that used it: what vvill he do to us in the nevv lavv, that erect a nevv and straunge course or vvord, to rule his Church by: What did the Pope but so? He did suffer Gods vvord to hauehave a course, as far as it pleased him, so that he might hauehave the vvhole authority aboue it. So did the popish Church. But vve sayhEphes. 2. 20. the vvord is aboue the Church. Then suerly it is about the English Church, and aboue all these books afore rehearsed. If it be so, vvhy are not they ouer-ruled by it, and not it by them?
These are theyr own words: and that in an admonition to the high court of parliament. So as (we holding our peace) you may by this perceiue in what estate they stand by the lawes and present constitution of theyr Church.
But Mr. H. addeth moreover, that they all professe Christ to be the onelyonly lavv giver vntounto the conscience. Is this so in deed? How is it then, that Mathew Sutcliffe Deane of Exce…er a chief officer in theyr Church is not afrayd nor ashamed to publish in print, that itiSutclifs. English treatise of eccles discipline. pag. 7. soundeth harsh in Christian ea…es, to call Christ a Lavvgiuer? But to let him alone with his blasphemous contradiction to thekEsa. 33. 22. and 42 4. Gen. 49. 10. Act. 5. 31. Gal. 6. 2 Ier. 31. 33. vvith Heb. 8. 10. Iam. 4. 12. Scriptures and Spirit of God: let us consider a litle the prof…ssion they make herein. And first, I aske, what if the Papists professe as much? Will suchlTit. 1. 16. profession in word help any thing, when in deed by theyr works they deny it? Secondly, let Mr H. remember, thatmDem…stra▪in the preface to the Reader also, Declar, of eccses, discip. some of themselues affirme, vvhiles they professe Christ to be a king, and per submitt not to the lavves he hath prescribed in his vvord, they make him an Idoll, and putt a scepter of reed in his hand. Thirdly, do not they fynd fault with the Papists, ād prove them to bend true Church though they professe in word that Christ is the king of his Church, becouse in deed they obey not his lawes, but have invented and use theyr own canons and constitutions for government of the Church? Mark well theyr own words innGods arrovv against A therists, Papists, etc. cap. 5. a treatise lately published, wherein they prove the Church of …ome not to be the true Church, by this reason following: The Papists in vvord vvill not deny, but Christ is a king, vvhichwhich hath all povver in heaven and in earth: But in deed it appeareth they do exile and banish him out of his kingdome, or at least leav him but a small portion or rather none at all. For in respect that he is a spirituall king and the king of his Church, he is also (as IamesoI am. 4. 12. speaketh) the onelyonly lavvgi…er thereunto: and therefore by his lavves onelyonly the Church is to be governed: Which they cannot abide. For they adde their popish Canous, constitutions, and customes, vvhereby they vvill hauehave, the Church governed: Yea, they vvill hauehave these take place, though they utterly displace the vvord of God for the maintenance of them. These are theyr own words in that treatise. Thus they reason against the Papists. And is not this reason (I pray you) as strong against themselues, and against theyr own Church, Prelates and Clergy? Yea, are not theyr ecclesiasticall assemblyes pEzech. 16. 44. vvith Rev. 17. 5.daughters of the Church of …ome in this behalf? Or have the… more priviledge by theyr verball profession, to be ex…mpt from the obedience of Christ and his lawes, then the Papists hav…? Lastly, seing Mr H. saith they professe Christ to be the onelyonly lawgiver to the conscience: Let him in syncerity of heart, as before God, aunswer vsus these few questions:
1 Whether then obedience be not to be given to the Lord Iesus in whatsoever he hath commaunded, and all his lawes and ordinances to be observed, though all the Princes on earth should forbid it.
2 Why then they abstayne from the observation of those Lawes and ordinances whichqT. C. first reply pag. 177. Declar. of …ccles. disipline, etc. themselves have taught and written to be appoynted by Iesus Christ, to be kept vnblameable and without spott vntill his appearing, yea, though it be with the losse of wealth, honour, liberty, and life it self.
3 Whether the Lord Iesus the lawgiver of his Church have not set in his Church to continew to the end of the world, the offices of Pastours, Teachers, Elders, Deacons and Helpers: together with theyr entrance, works, and maintenance: for the administration of his holy things.
4 Whether the Offices of Archbishops, Lord bisshops, priests, deacons, vicars, and the rest now had in England, theyr maner of entrance into them, theyr administration of them by theyr popish canons and book of common prayer, theyr maintenance in them by tithes Lordships, Chrismes, offrings ād such like, be appoynted by Christ that onelyonly Lawgiver to his Church: and in what places of his Testament.
5 Whether being not prescribed by Christ, but derived from and belonging to Antichrist, any can eyther administer or joyne vntounto them in that estate: and yet in truth acknowledg Christ to be the onelyonly lawgiver to the conscience.
6 Fynally, whether they which abyde one with the world and false Church, not separating themselves from them according to therAct. 2. 40. and 19. 9. 2 Cor. 6. 17. 18. Rev. 18. 4. 1. Tim. 6. 3. 4. 5. commaundement of Christ: which administer or receyv the word or Sacraments in or from a false ministery: which how down vntounto traditions and false worship devised and imposed by man: which stand subiect to be silenced and excommunicated by the Prelates, theyr Chauncelours and Archdeacons: whether these (I say) can be said in truth to hold Christ to be the onelyonly lawgiver to the conscience? Or whether they receyv not the mark of the Beast, and as yet stand subjects of his kingdome, submitting to his Antichristian lawes and constitutions.
In the last place Mr. H. addeth, that nothing among them is vrged to be done vponupon payne of damnation, but onelyonly the word and law of God. To which I aunswer, first, that if this were true, yet it is not to the purpose seing many things among them contrary to the word of God are vrged to be done vponupon payne of imprisonment, confiscation of Goods and lands, banishment, death, and such like. Secondly, I aunswer that they do require men to be subiect to theyr excommunication vponupon payne of damnation, assAd salutem animae that is, to the salvation of the so…le. theyr own words in theyr writs of excommunication do show. Now it is evident and confessed by the best of themselves, that they have not Christs power to excommunicate, but execute it contrary to the word of God, by an Archdeacon or Lordly Prelate, according to theyr canons, Wherevpon also (to note it by the way) it followeth, that they are not a true Church of Christ. For t1 Cor. 5. 4. 6. Mat. 18. 17. 18. 19. 20. And this Mr H. graunteth aftervvardrin section. 5.Christs Church hath alwayes Christs power to excommunicate: Whereas these assenblyes have no other power to excommunicate, but by the Archdeacon or Lordbischop, whose offices be Antichristian. And herevpon it is, that the more religious any is among them, the more he contemneth theyr excommunication: Which were a fearefull sinne, if theyr Church were a true Church, whose bynding on earth were such as bound also in heaven. Thirdly, I aunswer, if theyr ministery and worship of God were according to the word ād law of God, then ought all vponupon payne of damnation to submit ād ioyne vntounto it. Now if they do not so vrge it, themselves do thereby acknowledg, that it is not of God. If they do so …rgeit, then they vrge vponupon payne of damnation that which is contrary to the word and law of God: as hath ben and shall more be showed hereafter. Now it followeth in his letter, thus.