The Ministry of the Church of England — Francis Johnson

The Ministry of the Church of England · Francis Johnson

¶M^r. H. his letter. Section, 4.

SEcondly, vve are able to prove that greater corruptions hauehave ben found in those Churches, vntounto vvhichwhich the holy Ghost in the Scriptures hath given notable testimony: 2. King. 12. 23. and 14. 3. 4. 2 Chron. 20. 31. Matth. 15. 5. 6. Luk. 3. 2. and 2. 22. 27. Mat. 8. 4. and 23. 2. 3. 2 Cot. 11. 21. 22. and 15. 12. … vel 2. 14. 15. 20. 21.

¶Aunswer to section, 4.

WE aunswer, they must first probe theyr assemblyes to be true Churches sett in the way of Iesus Christ, afore these or any Scriptures (which show true Churches subject to corruptions) can any way help to defend theyr present Church estate. Otherwise they do but still begge that which they should prove. For what though the Churches established in the order of Christ have had and still shall have divers corruptions arising among them? Doth this therefore give any warrant or allowance of such assemblyes, whose constitution is Antichristian? Was Israel in her defection a true Church, because Iudah being the Church of God had some enormityes in her? Or shall the assemblyes in Italy, England, and such like standing in apostasy he true Churches of God, because in the Churches of Corinth, Pergamus, Thyatira, established in the order of Christ, there were found divers corrup…ions? If this reason were strong, might not Rome at this day iustify most of her abominations? But what saith the Scripture, Israel in her defection wasiHos. 2. 2. and 4. 15. no wife, no true Church, but an harlott, and not to be joyned vntounto: notwithstanding that Iudah being a spouse and true Church had not yet thek2. Chro. 15. 15. 17 ād 20. 31. 32. 33. … places taken away? In like maner shall that lRev. 17. 1. 5. and 10. 4.vvhore of Babel stāding in apostasy together with all the assemblyes wheresoever made drunk with the cup of her formications be harlots and to be departed from: notwithstanding that themRev. 2. and 3. chap. Church of Christ being his spouse falleth daily into many sinnes and transgressions, whiles it is militant here on earth. For these two are of a far divers nature and consideration, I meane on the one side, a Church sett in the way and order of Christ, but walking therein weakly and corruptly: and on the other side, a company of people standing in the defection ād disorder of Antichrist, howsoever perhaps they may walk ther in with some show of piety and religion. The former arenLevit. 4. 13. 14. 1. Cor. 1. 2. 11. Act. 15. 1. 2. Rev. 2. and 3 true Churches, notwithstanding the corruptions arising among them, the redresse of which is duly to be sought: The latter areoRev. 13. 11. and 17. 5. and 18. 3 4. 2. thes. 2. 3. 1. Ioh. 4. 3. false Churches, and to be forsaken, whatsoever show of holynes they do or can pretend. Now thē forasmuch as neyther Mr H. nor any other of them hath proved theyr assemblyes to stand in any other Church-constitution, but such as is Antichristian: it is evident that the Scriptures here alledged, which speak onelyonly of Churches sett in Christs order and of corruptions in them, cannot any way fitly belong to these assemblyes, to give allowance of theyr Antichristian estate. This being first sett down generally concerning all these Scriptures ioyntly together for the better vnderstanding of the controversy: let vsus now come to consider them more particularly, and see whether as Mr H. hath vnderunder taken to prove, so he have indeed performed, that is, have showed greater corruptions in those Churches vntounto which the Scriptures give notable testimony, then be in theyrs at this day.

The firstp2 King. 12. 2. 3. and 14. 3. 4. and 2 Chron. 20. 31. three Scriptures here cited are of one sort. These are the words.

Iehoash did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord all his dayes, that Ieholadab the Priest taught him.

Notwithstanding the hy places were not taken away: as yet the people offred and burnt incense in the hy places.

2. King 12. 2. 3.

And Amaziah did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not as David his Father: he did according to all that Ioash his Father had done.

Notwithstanding the hy places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense in the hy places.

2. King. 14. 3. 4.

And Iehoschaphat reigned over Iudah: and he walked in the way of Asa his Father, and departed not there from, doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord.

Howbeit the hy places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared theyr heart vntounto the God of theyr Fathers.

2. Chron. 20. 31. 32. 33.

All these Scriptures show vntounto vsus one thing: which is, that in the dayes of Iehoash, Amaziah, and Iehoschaphat, kings of Iudah who did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet the hy places were not taken away: but the people did sacrifice and burnt incense therein. This in deed was a corruption among those people: concerning which ynough is spoken before in that hath bē said towching these Scriptures generally. Yet this I adde further: first that in those tymes all the false ministeryes and kinds of worship before tyme vsed were abolished, and this defect onelyonly of worshipping God in the hy places as yet remayning. Now what comparison then is there between this case, and theyrs who have not abolished but still retayne ād ioyne vntounto a false ministery and worship. Who knoweth not, that in those dayes they mightqIos. 22. 23. 29. 2. King. 16. 10. 11. 12. not forme to themselves or receyv from others any other altar or fashion thereof for sacrifice then God had appoynted: much lesse any new devised ministery? Yea, therLevit. …0. 1. 2. sonnes of Aaron, though in a true ād lawfull office, might not offer with straūge fyer: much lesse might they have received or exercised a false ūlawfull ministery. Corah likewisesNum. 16. Cap. though a Levite, Dathā ād Ab…ram though heads of the Cōgregation, t2 Chrō. 26. 16▪ 20.Dzziah though a king, might not offer vp the incense which God had appoynted to be offred, being straungers from the priesthood: much lesse might they have offred a false worship in a false ministery, etc. Which is the case of these assemblyes. These men therefore should compare like things with like, ād not vnderunder colour of the hy places in Iudah, seke to retayne and defend what Antichristian corruptions they please in theyr Church. Otherwise why might they not also vnderunder the same colour still have kept the other popish abominations, which already (by the mercy of God) are abolished out of the land?

Secondly I take it, the fault of retayning the hy places in Iudah for the true service of GOD which at first were made for false worship and service of Idols, was such, as if now the false ministry, worship, and other abominations of Antichrist were abolished out of the land, and yet these Idoll temples (they call them Churches) reserved and vsed for the true worship of God by a true ministery. For these two may in divers respects seem to be like, I meane, those hy places, and these Idoll temples. Both which I take to be with in compasse ofvDeut. 12. 2. 3. 4. Exod. 20. 4. 5. compared vvith 2. king 10. 26. 27. 28 and 23. 8. 13. 15. 19. Act. 19. 17. Rev. 18. 12. 22. that morall commaundement of God, which enioyneth the abolishing of the places aswell as of all the other monuments of Idolatry, eyther by rasing them quite downor by defacing and converting them to civill vse: and not to tourne them to be places for the publick worship of God, though it were by such ministery and in such maner as he hath appoynted.

Thirdly, by that which hath ben said, it is evident these Scriptures show not that, for which they are alledged, that is, prove not greater corruptions to have ben found in the Churches aproved by the holy Gohst, then be now in the Church assemblyes of England. I deny not but this sacrificing in the hy places was a great corruption: And so the Spirit of God noteth it, thato2 Chro. 27. 2. vvith 2. King. 15. 34. 35. the people herein corrupted themselves: yea and that they p2. Chron. 20. 33.had not prepared theyr heart to the Lord. But for these men by colour of this to defend the re…ayning and vsing of theyr Antichristian ministery, in theyr seerall offices, callings, administration and maintenance, with theyr, popish worship and the rest of theyr abominations, it … not at all: but is rather wholy against them, inasmuch as inq2. Chron. 15. 8—17. and 1…. 3. 4. vvith 20. 31. 32. 33. ād 26. 4. 5. and 27. 2. 3. that Church of I…KH the vnlawfull priest…ood and worship with other the abominations in former tymes vsed were now taken away (this corruption of the hy places onelyonly excepted, and the true wor…ship of God in place thereof performed in such ministery and maner as he had ordeyned. Neyther of which is yet to be seen in this land.

Lastly, in these Scriptures is to be observed, both the different speaches concerning the Kings and concerning the people in theyr ages, and that the testimony which the holy Ghost giveth of them is such, as hath with it a note of blemish and default in them: and that recorded to posterity, not to encourage vsus to fayle in like maner as they did, but to be a warning vntounto vsus to take heed of being so overtaken, as they were.

And thus have I showed (so far as yet I see) the true meaning and vse of these Scriptures, and how they serve not at all to that purpose for which they are brought: as they have ben also and still are wrested by the Papists, to boulster out theyr most filthy abominations likewise, though all in vayne. For great and strong is the truth, and will prevayle against all ad…ersaryes of it in the end.

The next Scripture is out ofvvMat. 15. 5. 6. Mat. 15. where Christ reproving the Pharisees for transgressing the commaundement of God by theyr own tradition, proveth it thus: God hath commaunded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, he that curseth father or mother, let him dy the death.

But you say, vvhosoever shall say to father or mother, (It is, or, be it) axA gift, that is, devote vntounto God, or an oblation vntounto him. gift vvhatsoever thou might be holpen vvith of me.

And shall not honour his father or his mother, he shalbe giltles. Thus have ye made the commaundemēt of God of no authority by your tradition.

Mat. 15. 4. 5. 6.

Here we fynd a tast of thatyMat. 16. 6. 12. leaven of the Pharisees, whereof our Saviour Christ bad his disciples they should take heed and beware, and not that they should be encouraged thereby to be more corrupt, as these men reason out of such places. But let vsus a litle compare this Scripture and theyr estate together, and see whether is to be accounted more corrupt, they then, or these now.

First, we see here the disobedience taught by the Pharisees was against the second Table: whereas the disobediēce taught by these men in the poynts now controverted is both against the first and the second Table. Against the first, in teaching the people tozLiod. …0. 4. 5. Deut. 12. 30. 31. 32. Rev. 14. 9. 10. 11. and 13. 16. wors…hip God by another ministery and after another maner then he hath appoynted: yea by such ministery and in such maner as Antichrist hath invented, and God most straitly forbidden. Against the second, inaExod. 20. 12. Pro. 24. 21. 1 Tim. 2. 2. 1. Pet. 2. 17. disobeying the Magistrates in deed, whom outwardly in show they would seem to obey, whiles at theyr commaundemēt they serue God by a false ministery and worship imposed by them. For as bAct. 4. 19. Dan. 3. 17. 18. and 6. 7. 13. 22. 1. Sam. 22. 17. 18.true obedience to the Magistrates is alwayes in the Lord: so is it disobedience rather then obedience vntounto them, to obey them against the Lord.

Secondly, the Pharisees taught the people to neglect the performance of a duty which they ought to theyr earthly parents in honouring of them: But these men teach the people to neglect the performance of thatcMal. 1. 6. 2. Cor. 6. 17. 18. 1 Pet. 1. 17. 18 duty they o… to theyr heavenly father, in honoring fearing and worshipping him as he hath commaunded.

Thirdly, the Pharisees taught the people to neglect man, vnderunder colour of keeping a …ow, or doing a duty to God, to witt, the vowing or offering of that as an oblatiō to God, by which they should have holpe… theyr parents: But these men teach the people to neglect God and his commaundements, vnderunder colour of yeelding obedience to …an.

Fourthly, among the Iewes this disobedience against man was taught by some, notdMat. 15. 2 and 16. 12. Luk. 1. 6. ād 2. 25. 38. receyved by all: But in these assemblyes theyr disobedience against God is taught and … of them all.

Fiftly, the Pharisees and other Iewes at that tyme (as may appeare even by someeMat. 8. 4 and 23. 2. Luk. 2. 21. 27 as also Luk. 1 6. 8. 9. 10. Ioh. 1. 19. 2… and 6. 4. places by M^r. H. here alledged) had not devised a new publik ministery and worship, but retayned that ministery and worship which God had appoynted, though they walkt therein corruptly: But the ministers and people of these assemblyes at this day have such ministery and worship as was never ordeyned by God, but devised by that man of sinne: though otherwise they make some show of holynes and religion therein. So as in this respect there is no comparison between these two.

Lastly, it is to be observed that the testimony here given concerning them that so taught as is aforesaid, is not an approbation of them therein, but both afMat. … 3. 7. 13. 14. sharp reproof of them, and an earnest admo…ition to others for this cause to let then… alone: together with this generall sentence of Christ annexed therevnto, Every plant vvhichwhich myne heavenly father hath not planted shalbe rooted vp. Let them alone: they be the bl…nd leaders of the blynd: and if the blynd lead the blynd, both shall fall into the ditch. Hitherto of this Scripture of Matth. 15. which we see being duly considered, neyther proveth that for which it is produced, neyther any way iustifyeth but rather condemneth theyr Antichristian estate.

Next he alledgethgLuk. 3. 2. Luk. 3. 2. where it is thus written,

When Annas and Caiphas were the chief priests, the word of God came vntounto Iohn the sonne of Zacharias in the wildernes.

Luk. 3. 2.

This Scripture is directly agaynst them. For here first it is playne, that for the ordinary ministery among them they had not devised a straunge new one, but re…apned that auncyent function of priesthood appoynted by God (as the mention of chief Priests doth show): And whereas Iohn Baptist did now exercise an extraordinary ministery among them, it is noted, he did it not without speciall warrant from the word of God therevnto. Which is further proved both in the wordshVers. 4. follow… in this chapter, and els where iniLuk. 20. 4. 5. 6. this and thekIoh. 1. 22 23. 25. 33. Mat. 21. 25. other Euangelists. Now if then they might not have any eyther ordinary or extraordinary ministery but such onelyonly as was appoynted and allowed by the word of God: muchlesse may we now vnderunder the Gospell admitt of any ministery but such onelyonly as hath ben orde…ed by CHRIST, owr Lord the king of his Church: wh… beinglHeb. 3. 3. the Sonne is worthy of more honour then Moses the servant. So as first we see here, his own testimony condemneth their present ministery, which is such as was never prescribed by CHrist to his Church.

But it may be M r. H. meant by this Scripture to insinuate vntounto vsus, that there were two hypriests at that tyme, whereas by the ordinance of God there should be but … Wherevnto I aunswer, first that it was no new thing, but an a…cyent approved order among the Iewes to have two chief priests over the rest: Yet so, as the o…e of them was principall, and the other the second or next vntounto him. Thus we read thatm1. Chrō. 24. 2. 3. 2. Sam. 8. 17. vvith Nnm. 3. 32. and 4. 16. 28. Zadok of the sonnes of Eleaz…r, and Ahim… lech of the sonnes of Ithamar were together the chief priests in Davids tyme. And afterwardn2. King. 25. 18. when the Iewes were led captive to Babylon, Seraiah was the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second. Where it may be observed, both that there was two principall priests ouer the rest: and yet the one chief, and the other the second.

Secondly, we fynd that Annas and Cayaphas here mentioned in Luke, were hy priests the one after the other, to witt, Caiaphas oIoh. 11. 49. ād 18. 13. 24. Mat. 26. 57.at the tyme when CHrist was crucifyed and before, and Annas afterwardpAct. 4. 6. and 7. 1. when the Apostles Peter and Iohn were brought afore him. As also after this we read agayne of one Ananias to be hy priest alone. Act. 23. 2. and 24. 1. and 25. 2.

Thirdly, it is to be mynded that the word here vsed signifyeth chief priests, and is spoken oftentymes of others that were chief among the priests, as well as of the hy priest: and that even then when there was but one by priest. As in Mat. 14. 53. Mat. 26. 57. Act. 25. 2. 15. and 24. 1. Luk. 22. 52. 54.

Finally, the having of the hy priesthood then by course interchaungeably, and but for a yeare, and such like, were in deed corruptions crept in among them in the ordinance of GOD. Yet doth not this give any warrant of the present Antichristian constitution of these assemblyes. For even then we see they had no new ministeryes, but the priesthood appoynted by God, yea and but one hy priest at once: Which also according to the law, kept in the kinred: wherevpon it is sayd, they that vvere of the chief priests kinred. Act. 4. 6. Besides that in this often chaunge of it, there seemeth to ly a mystery, God having so disposed, to declare that now that Leviticall priesthood drew to an end, andqHebr. 1. 7. 11—25. another Priest was to rise vp after the order of Melchisedech, who because he endureth ever should have a priesthood that can not passe from him to any other.

So then from this Scripture can be gathered no defence at all of the present estate of these assemblyes, but rather many arguments agaynst it, forasmuch as now among them they have no other but straunge ministeryes invēted by man, and then there was no such new ministery at all eyther ordinary or extraordinary receyved among the Iewes.

And this hath Mr. …artwright heretofore avowched, when proving the vnlawfulnes of the offices of Archbishops and Archdeacons, heT. C … reply▪ pag. 83 sect. 5. 6. 7. wrote as followeth: First of all (saith he) the ministery is by the vvord of God and heavenly, and not left to the vvill of men to devise at theyr pleasure: as appeareth by that vvhichwhich is noted of Iohn, vvhere the Pharisees coming to Iohn Baptist, after that he had denyed to he eyther CHRIST, or Elias, or another Prophet, sIoh. 1. 2…conclude: If thou be neyther Christ, nor Elias, nor of the Prophets, why baptizest thou? Which had bē no good argument, if Iohn might have ben of some other function then of those which were ordinary in the Church and instituted of God. And therefore Iohn to establish his singular ād extraordinary function, alledgeth the word of God: whereby appeareth that as it was not lawfull to bring in any straunge doctrine, so vvas it*Note this. not lavvfull to teach the true doctrine, vnderunder the name of any other function then vvas instituted by God Let the vvhole practise of the Church vnderunder the Lavv be looked vponupon, and it shall not be found that any other ecclesiasticall ministery vvas appoynted, then those orders of hy priests, and Levites etc. vvhichwhich vvere appoynted by the lavv of God. And if there vvere any raysed vp extraordinarily, the same had theyr calling confirmed from heaven, eyther by signes or miracles, or by playne ād cleare testimonyes of the mouth of God, or by extaordinary exciting and movings of the Spirit of God. So that it appeareth that the ministery of the Gospell, ād the functions thereof ought to be from heaven and of God, and not invented by the brayne of men, From heaven (I say) and heavenly, because although it be executed by earthly men, and the ministers also are chosen by men like vntounto themselves, yet because it is done by the vvord and institution of God that*Note. hath not onelyonly ordeyned that the vvord should be preached, but hath ordeyned also in vvhat order and by vvhom it should be preached, it may vvell be accounted to come from heaven and from God. Seing therefore that these functions of the Archbishop and Archdeacō are not in the vvord of God, it follovveth that they are of the earth, and so can do no good but much harme in the Church.

And a litle tPag. 84. sect. ….after he hath also these words: Tell me (saith he) in the vvhole volume of the Testament is there any kind or degree of ministery, vvhereof God is not the certayne and expresse author? Was there ever any man (I except Ieroboam and all such profane men) eyther so holy or so vvise or of such great knovvledg, that ever did so much as dreame of instituting of a nevv ministery? After the long vvandring of the Arke in the vvildernes vvhen it came to be placed in lerusalem, tell me if any besides the Levites and priests the ordinary ministers, and the Prophets vvhichwhich vvere immediately s…irred vp of God, vvere found to have ordeyned any office or title vvhichwhich vvas not commaunded: or vvhether therevvas at any tyme any thing added or enioyned to those offices of priesthood and Leviteship, vvhichwhich vvas not by the lavv prescribed.

These are M. Cartwrights words in the places here quoted. By which it is cleare themselves also graunt, that in the tyme of the law in the true Church there was no new ministery erected: and that there neyther might nor may be any eyther ordinary or extraordinary, but such as have expresse appoyntment and warrant from God himself. Whereupon is followeth that the present ministery of these assemblyes having no such warrant, these and the like Scriptures give not any defence of it, but condemne and make against it. Thus much concerning the testimony alledged out of Luk 3. 2.

Next is alledgedvLuk. 2. 22. 27. Mat. 8. 4. Luk. 2. 22. 27. and Mat. 8. 4. where it is thus written: first in the second of Luke, cōcerning Christ:

When the dayes ofvvthat is, Mary the mother of Iesus. her purification after the lavv of Moses vvere accomplished, they broughtxthat is, Iesus. him to Ierusalem, to present him to the Lord,

(As it is vvriten in the Lavv of the Lord, Every man child, that openeth the vvomb shalbe called holy to the Lord:)

And to give an oblation, as it is commaunded in the Lavv of the Lord, a payre of turtle doves, or tvvo young pigeons.

And behold, there vvas a man in Ierusalem, vvhose name vvas Simeon: this man vvas iust, and feared God, ād vvaited for the consolation of Israel, and the holy Ghost vvas vponupon him.

And a revelation vvas given him of the holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lords Christ.

And he came in the spirit into the Temple, ād vvhen the parents brought in the child Iesus, to do for him after the custome of the Lavv,

Then he took him in his armes, and blessed God, etc.

Luk. 2. 22—27.

And in the Gospell according toyMat. 8. … Mathew, Cap. 8. it is thus written towching the leper whom Christ clensed:

Iesus said vntounto him, See thou tell no man, but go shevv thy self vntounto the Priest, and offer the gift that Moses commaunded, for a vvitnesse to them.

Mat. 8. 4.

These Scriptures compared together evince that this Church of the Iewes had not reiected but retayned the publik ministery, worship, and ordinances prescribed by God: and therefore wholy cōdemne the present estate of these Church assemblyes of Englād, ād are far from proving that for which they are alledged. In the second of Luke we read, that atzLuk. 2. 21. eight dayes old the child was circumcised, which was according to the aGen. 1…. 12. Levit. 12. 3.ordinance of God: that Maryes purification, the childs presentation to the Lord, and the oblation they gave, was (not after any new devised maner, but)bLev. 12. 6. Exod. 13. …. according to the Law of Moses, and, as it is commaunded in the Law of the Lord: Finally, that Sim…ō fearing God, came in the Spirit into the Temple whither the parēts brought in the child Iesus, to do for him (not according to the custome ād inventiō of man, but) after the custome of the Law of God. Where is to be observed, how often together in these few verses the holy Ghost noteth down that whatsoever was done to and for the child, was according to the Law of Moses, the Law of the Lord, the custome of the Law, as it is written, and, as it is commaunded in the Law of the Lord. So this Scripture showeth, that the ordinances appoynted by God for his worship were then observed. Now if we ioyne herevnto thecMat. 8. 4. next Scripture of Mat. 8. we shall there fynd they had also that ministery which God had ordeyned for the tyme of the Law. For there it is said, Christ bad the leper being clensed go and show himself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commaunded. Here then they had both the priesthood and ordinances which God had commaunded by Moses his servant. And therefore these Scriptures are so far from pro…ing greater corruptions to have ben in those Churches, then be in these assemblyes: as they do directly condemne theyr Church constitution in the new invented ministery, worship, and ordinances among them, which God never ordeyned.

The nextdMat. 23. … 3. Scripture Mr H. citeth is out of Mat. 23. where Christ spake to the mulititude and to his disciples, saying:

The Scribes and the Pharisees sitt on Moses chayre: All therefore whatsoever they speak to you to observe, that observe and do: but after theyr works do not: for they say, and do not.

Mat. 23. 2. 3.

This Scripture, teaching that it was lawfull to heare the Scribes and Pharisees that sate in Moses seat, is commonly alledged by the preachers and professors of this age for theyr defence: Insomuch as they vse it as theyr anchor hold in greatest distresse. But being well weighed, it will prove the very shipwrack of theyr cause. For first, by conference of this Scripture witheIoh. 1. 19 24. and 3. 1. 10. Mat. 23. 34. 35. 41. Mar. 12. 28. 32. 35. Act. 5. 34. De…t. 17. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. others appeareth, that the Scribes ād Pharisees which sat on Moses chayre, were priests and Levites, expounders of the Law or such Iudges of hard pleas and cō troversyes as we read of, Deut. 17. And therefore were not in any straunge ministery invented by man, but in those true offices which God had by Moses commaunded vnderunder the Law.

Secondly, the phrase of speach here vsed, when it is said they late on Moses chayre, *Mr Beza. also thus taketh it in his treatise against Saravia, Cap. 16.unporteth ād proveth thus much. Which also may be gathered from a like maner of speach used infNehem. 9. 3. 4. 5. Nehemiah, where we read that Ieshua, ād Bani, ād other of the Levites rose vponupon the Levites stayre (or hy seat) and taught the people out of the Law, and worshipped the lord.

Thirdly, Pharisaisme was not any new kind of ministery but onelyonlygAct. 15. 5 and 26 5. Phil. 3. 5. Ioh. 1. 19. 24. a sect among the Iewes, that is, a sort of people (ofhSo vve read that Paul ād his father vvere Pharisees, of the tribe of Beniami… Act. 23. 6. Phil. 3. 5. others of the tribe of Levi Ioh. 1. 19. 24. what tribe soever among them) which semed to hauehave chosen and in outward show pretended a more sirict observation of the Law, then others did.

Fourthly the Scribes knew well ynough that every true ministery was from heauen, not of mē: that is, was appoynted by God, not devised by mā. So far were they from having themselves any false ministery of mans invention. This we may see inoLuk. 20. 1. 7. theyr cōsultation which they had amōg themselves what to aunswer vntounto Christs questiō, wh…e asked them whether the Baptisme of Iohn were from heaven, or of men.

Lastly, we fynd that the pharisees themselves were carefull of not admitting in that Church any new ministery that God had not ordeyned: Insomuch asiIoh. 1. 19.—27. they were very earnest vpō Iohn Baptist, and vrged him to approve his calling and ministery by thr word of God. Which thing also he did. Ioh. 1. 23. 31. 33.

Now then seing the Scribes and Pharisees here spoken of were (not in false but) in true offices and functions appoynted by God vnderunder the law: seing they sate (not on Baals, but) on Moses chayre: seing they knew there was no true ministery but of God, neyther would allow of any other then GODS word did approve: yea, seing Iohn Baptist gra…nted thus much vntounto them, that he might not have any ministery, but such whereof he could bring warrāt from God: who se…th not, that even this example of the Pharisees so much alledged by them, plainly condemneth the Ministers of these assemblyes, which sitt not in CHrists but Antichrists chayre, entring into and executing such offices of Ministery, as GOD never appoynted or approved in his word? Neyther is it of any moment, as towching the poynt in controversy, to say, th… Pharisees were corrupt in doctrine ād cōversation, vnles the… could show by the word of God theyr ministers to be Pastors and Teachers in Christs ordinance, though walking corruptly therein: as we by the Scriptures show that the Pharisees which sate on Moses chayre, were priests and Levites, according to the Law of Moses, though otherwise in many things they caryed themselves very vngodily with much hypocrisy.

The lastk1 Cor. 11 21. 22. and 15. 12. Rev. 2. 14. 15. 20. 21. Scriptures here cited by M^r H. are o…t of the Epistle to the Corinthians ād out of the Revelatiō. Which because they are of one sort, towching the question in hand, therefore will I speak of them together. The words be these: first in the epistle to the Corinthians, where the Apostle reproving theyr abuses about the Lords supper, saith thus vntounto them:

Every one when they should eat, taketh his ovvn supper afore, and one is hungry, and another drunken.

Have ye not houses to eat and drink in? despi…e ye the Church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I prayse you? in this I prayse not

1 Cor. 11. 21. 22.

And agayne to the …orinthians, among whom some denyed the resurrection of the body, thinking that the soule onelyonly should live for ever in the world to come, the Apostle writeth thus concerning that matter, in the place alledged:

If Christ be preached that he is risen from the dead, hovv say some among you, that there is not a resurrection of the dead?

1. Cor. 15. 12.

And in the second of the Revelation, first to the Angell of the Church of Pergainus, Christ thus writeth:

I have against thee a fevv things, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, vvhichwhich taught Balac to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, that they should eat of the things sacrificed to Idols, and commit fornication.

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans: vvhichwhich thing I hare.

Rev. 2. 14. 15.

Then to the Angell of the Church of Thyatira, thus he saith:

I have against thee a fevv things, that thou suffrest the vvoman Iezabel, vvhichwhich calleth herself a Propheresse, to teach and to deceyve my servants, that they should committ fornication and eat of the things sacrificed to Idols.

And I gave her tyme that she should repent of her fornication: but she repented not.

Rev. 2. 20. 21.

These Scriptures show errors and corruptions in such Churches as were planted in the faith and order of Christ. Which nothing helpeth to mainteyne the Antichristian …state of these …ssemblyes: as islPag 45. before declared at large in the generall aunswer concerning all these testimonyes. We neuer doubted, but themLev. 4. 13 14. 1 Chron. 15. 13. and 2. Chron. 30. 18. 19. 20. 1. Cor. the vvhole epistle. best Churches on earth have fallen and still are subiect to fall into corruptions and transgressions of the Law of God. And how can it be otherwise, when as they consist of sinfull and mortall men, who both know but in part and in the knowledg we have, walk with much weaknes ād imperfection? But what is this to iustify Antichrists apostasy, or to encourage any to partake in his sinnes? We must alway remember, that as it is one thing, whennRom. 7. 19. 20. Gal. 6. 1. a true Christian is overtaken with a sinne, and another whenoRom. 8. 13. 1 king. 21 20. Eph. 4. 17. 18. 19. such as pretend to be Christians, live as the heathen and sell themselves to work wickednes: so also towching a Church, it is one thing whē a people are setled in the order of Christ, but through weaknes fall into divers enormityes, and another when a people stand in the defection of Antichrist ād receyve the print of his ordinances in theyr hands and foreheads. Eyther therefore must they prove the constitution of theyr Church to be of Christ, and not Antichristian, or els these examples in theyr estate will give them no succour at all. For it will nothing avayle Babylō or such as comm… fornicatiō with her, to show that Zion hath her breaches or her children theyr infirmityes.

Secōdly, in these Scriptures is to be mynded, that but some of the Corinthians, and some of them of Pergamus and Thyatira were infected with the errors and corruptions here recorded: and not the whole Churches generally. And this is the lot and tryall of the Church of God in all ages, that unto it do creep men of corrupt mynds, who vnderunder a show of holynes often breed schismes and errors in the Church, and in theyr lives tur…e the grace of God into wātonnes through hypocrisy. Thus it pleaseth God to try and exercise his Church from tyme to tyme, that they which are approved might be knowen. Henre it is, that in the Church ofp1 Cor. 11 19. Corinth spring vp schismes and heresyes: that in the Church ofqAct. 20. 30. Ephesus arise men speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them: that in the Churches ofrRev. 2. 14. 15. 20. Pergamus and Thyatira be found such as hold the doctrine of Balaam, and of the Nicoiaitans, teaching the people to eat things sacrificed to Idols, and to committ fornication. (And such also in these dayes have crept in among vsus, vnderunder pretence of godlynes, who after a while vponupon one occasion or other have manifested theyr vngodly, contentious, and fantasticall spirits: and that commonly with great trouble of the Church, being authors of grievous schismes and other impietyes, for which the truth and Church have ben and still are evill spokē of). But these being but the personal sinnes of some particular men, not the publik estate and constitution of the whole Churches: what comparison is there between them and these assemblyes whose verys2 Thes. 2. 3. 4. 8. Reve. 18. 4. Esa▪ 52 11. Ier. 51. 6. 45. constitution is Antichristian, and out of which God hath absolutely commaunded all that will be saved to depart? Whereas from thetLev. 4. 13 14. 1 Cor. 1. 11. and 5. 4. 5 7. Gal. 5. 9. 10 12. Mat. 18. 15. 16. 17. other separation may not be made; but first redresse is duly to be sought, that such old leaven being purged out, they may still be a new lampe vntounto the Lord.

Thirdly, here is to be observed, that it is said, these Churches vRev. 2. 14. 20. 1 Cor. 5. 1. 2suffred such amōg them. Which as it manifesteth what was theyr sinne, so it showeth also they had power, ād should vse it, for the reclayming or casting out of such from among them. Whereas these assemblyes have not power to redresse any abominations or to excommunicate any persons (though never so wicked): but the whole ecclesiasticall power and iurisdiction among them is committed onelyonly to the Ordinary, that is, to an Antichristian Prelate, and to his Chauncelour and Archdeacon. So as by this also appeareth there is no comparison between them.

Fynally, it is to be remembred, that even in these and the like Churches, where they do not repent and amend but continew in corruption and iniquity, Christ hathvvRev. 2. 5. 16. 22. 23. Mat. 21. 42. 43. threatned to remove his cādelstick, ād to take his kingdome from among them. And if God thus deale with his own Churches stablished in his faith and order, when they come obstinately to persist in sinne ād impiety: what shall be the end of the Synagognes of Antichrist which stād in emnity against Iesus Christ and in apostasy from his truth, and will not be reclaymed? If God will not spare but come against Corinth, Pergamus, ād Thyatira: will he let Babylon that mother of whoredomes or any of her daughters escape? If Ierusalem for her sinne be made to drink the cup of Gods wrath: shall Edom, Moa…, or Ammon go free? They shall not: saith the Lord of hostes. Iere. 25. 15. 18. 21. 29. And thus much to M^r. H. his second exception: Now followeth his third in these words.

The Ministry of the Church of England, Section 4

p. 44¶Mr. H. his letter. Section, 4.

¶Aunswer to section, 4.

¶M^r. H. his letter. Section, 4.