A Necessity of Separation from the Church of England, Chapter 3

A Necessity of Separation from the Church of England · Chapter 3

p. 127CHAP. III.

IN this chapter we will ſpeake of Church Government, obſerving the former method, that is, firſt I will ſhew how the Nonconformiſts, doe deſcribe a right Eccleſiaſticall diſcipline. 2. How farre the preſent Eccleſiasticall diſcipline of England, by their owne Teſtimonie, p. 128differs from, and is contrarie to it: 3: Lay downe reſponſive concluſions. 4. Anſwere to D. Ames objections, and others which may ſeeme to be againſt the ſame.

It is certaine that Chriſt (our heavenly Prophet) hath ſet forth vntounto vsus in the new Teſtament the ordinarie forme, and manner of ordering Churches. For this ſundrie reaſons are given; 1. otherwiſe the ChurchProteſt. from Scot. 18. (which is his bodie) ſhould be left maymed, imperfect, and voyd of ſome ſpeciall furtherances, and helpes for her edification and perfection, but this cannot be. 2. We read that vnderunder the Law the Lord by Moyſes, ordained a certaine forme which was not altered, nor to be altered by any King or Preiſt whatſoever: yea from the begining of the world, even from Adam toDef. Eccl. Diſcip. ag. Brid. 14. 15. Chriſt, this ordinance the ſaints ever had, as agreed beſt with that time for which it is ſerved, and therefore it cannot be, but that Chriſt coming in his owne perſon, (who was the day ſtarre and ſunne of righteouſnes, from whence all other borrowed their light) muſt needs teach his Church a certaine Government for the ſafetie and good thereof. 3. We muſt either confeſſe this, or elſe ſpoyle Chriſt of his kinglie office: for what doth more belong vntounto the name, office▪ andNeceſ. Diſc. 5. 7. duety of a King, then to give Lawes vntounto his Citizens and ſubjects and to make ſuch decrees, and ordinances whereby all the parts of his Kingdome may beDemonſt. Diſc. p. 2. maintained. 4. That which teacheth everie good way, teacheth alſo how the Church muſt be governed: but the word of God teacheth every good way. p. 129Pro. 2. 9. Therefore it teacheth how the Church muſt be governed. 5. No human form is ſufficient, or able to governe the Church of Chriſt, wherein ſo many diſeaſes are to be healed, and buſineſſes to be diſpatched, for the good of mens ſoules, and preſerving the people of God, and vpholding the Kingdom of Chriſt. 6. The Church is the houſe of God, therefore it is not to be ſuppoſed, ſince he requires vsus toCipri. in ſerm. de Bapt. Chtiſt. Cip. de preſcrip. adverſ. haer. Ignat. in Ep. Tral. Ierom. in Eſa. 3. Aug. Epi. 137. Amb. in 1 Tim. 5. Cipr. l. 1. Epiſt. 8. D. Bilſ. Perpetu. Gover…. pag. 3. Nec. Diſ. 7. M. Bates 147. Dioceſ. Trial. 8. Proteſt. King. ſup. 12, 13.Isa 31 Tim 5 ſet our families in order, and he among men is counted a careleſſe vnthrift, that leaves his ſervants to doe what they liſt: that he will himſelfe neglect to give order, how both ſteward, and children, and ſervants ſhould be dealt with all, beſides theſe reaſons, the Nonconformiſts alleadge the Teſtimonies of the learned to prove the poſition, yea ſome of the Prelates beſt Champions. D. Bilſon (who was Biſhop ſomtime of Winch…ſter) ſaith thus. We muſt not frame what kind of Regiment we list for the ministers of Christes Church; but rather ob…e…v… and marke what manner of externall government the Lord hath beſt liked and allowed in his Church from the beginning,

And as this Eccleſiasticall power, is common to all Churches, and ought to be in all, for as much as they are all in dependant bodies, and have privileidges alike: ſo it is confined and bound within the Limits onelyonly of one particular congregation, and the greateſt power ought not to ſtretch beyond the ſame, for in truth it is a great wickedneſſe, for any perſon, or perſons, to take vponupon them ſelves Eccleſiaſticall juriſdiction, over many Churches, much more over whole Kingdomes, and p. 130Provinces of people. Touching the order or cariage for the execution of it, this government is committed to a fellowſhip or company of Elders, conſiſting of lawfullTab. divi. Read. in Camb. and true Paſtors, Elders, & deacons, by whoſe common adviſe, according to the preciſe rule of the Scriptures, both the reſt of the Church ought to be governed, andOffer for confer. 2. Prot. Kin. ſup. p. 15. all Church matters alſo ordered, and determined, reſerving alwayes, that libertie which God hath given to his Church. Of the election and ordinatien, of theſe officers we ſpake in the firſt chapter, this onelyonly mayMarke & make uſe of this, you that ſtand under a ſelfwild Diotrephes. be added, that if any of theſe ſhall ſinne, he is as ſubject to the Cenſures of the reſt, as any other member of the congregation. If they ſhall all ſin ſcandalouſlie, either in the execution of their office, or in any other ordinarie manner: then the congregation that choſe them freely, hath as free power to depoſe them, and to place others in their roome.

This is Chriſt commaundement: woe therfore to ſuch as know ſo much and doe neglect it. D. Am. de conſ. l. 14. c. 29. pag. 236.And becauſe the vſe of this Church government, ſerves for to reforme abuſes: the brethren therefore are to watch one over another, and when any one ſinneth: If the offence be private, he muſt be admoniſhed thereof ſecretly, and by the perſon alone which knowes it: for except it be of neceſſity the fame of our brother is not to be hurte, his mind provoked, his offence enlarged, neither ſuſpition of reproach, & defamation needleſly publiſhed forth againſt him, but if he refuſe to harken, then two or three other members, muſt be taken for the purpoſe, and ſuch as haveCartw. hiſt. Chriſt l, 2, p. 357. beſt judgment, moſt abilitie to perſwade, and in greateſt eſtimation with the offender, and here againe p. 131love is ſhewed, ſeeing his amendment is ſtill ſought for, and nor his diſgrace: if he will not yet acknowledge his offence, then muſt he be brought vntounto the Church, and there againe be lovingly admoniſhed, and ſoundly convinced, of his fault, but if he be ſtill incorrigible, & will not be brought by any means to repentance, then (after long forbearance, much waiting, and great patience, with greife and ſorrow of the whole Church) in the name of our Lord Ieſus, he is to be caſtProteſt. from Scot. 35. 34 out of the Church, and given over to Satan for the deſtruction of the fleſh, and to be held as a heathen and publican: But if the offence be publike, there is no vſe of private admonition: but it muſt openly be rebuked, and admoniſhed, yet ſo, that the ſame be don circumſpectly, ſeaſoned with gravitie, love, meekeneſſe, &c. Alwayes ayming, at the offendors ſafetie, and not his deſtruction: and ſpeciall care is to be had, of every weake offender, with diſcretion of offences: If for all this, he remaine incorrigible then muſt the Church proceed againſt him as before.

Yet let it be minded, that no Church governours may upon a…y ſecret informations, or ſuggeſtions, or private ſuſpicions, goe about, to bind mens conſciences to accuſe themſelves of ſuch crimes, and imputations, as cannot Engl. Pur. 29.by Gods word plainly be proved againſt them, for ſuch a courſe is moſt damnable, and tyrannous, and againſt the very Law of nature, deviſed by Antichrist, through the inſpiration of the devill. Moreover, they ought with all patience and quietneſſe, to heare what every offender can poſsibly ſay for himſelfe, either for qualification, p. 132defence, apology, or justification of any ſuppoſed crime, or errour whatſoever & they ought not to proceed to cenſure the groſſeſt offence that is, vntill the offender have ſaid as muchId. 28. for himſelfe, as he poſsibly is able; For it is an evident Character, of a corrupt Eccleſiaſticall Government, where the parties convented, may not have full liberties to ſpeake for themſelves, conſidering that the more liberty is granted toDef. Pet. for Refor. 198. M. Perk. vol. 3. vpō Iud. 388. Lear. Diſ. Ec. diſcip. 92. Eſa. 35. 8. Za. 14. 21. Ioel 2. 17. Rev. 21. Vlt. Pſa. 10…. Cartw. Hiſtor. Chriſt. l, 2. 359. Neceſ. Diſc. 96. Perk. vponupon Creed. vol. 3. 212. 1 Cor. 5. 9 2 Theſſ. 2. 14. 2 Cor. 6. Tayl. …pon Tit. 3. 10.Isa 35:8Joel 2:17Rev 21Ps 101 Cor 5:92 Thess 2:142 Cor 6Titus 3:10 ſpeake in a bad cauſe (eſpecially before thoſe that are in authority, and of judgement) the more the iniquitie of it will appeare, and the more the justice of their ſentence will ſhine.

Again, excommunicatiō muſt not be uſed, but as the laſt and deſperate remedie, even as a chirurgiō tryeth all gentle meanes, before launcing, ſearing, or cutting off. Indeed if the cauſe be great, weighty, and neceſſarie, then it may not be omitted. Reaſons. Firſt, for the glorie of God, that it may appeare his houſe to be no cage of vncl…ane birds, no ſtye of ſwine, no den of theeves, no stewes or brothelhouſe, but the holy citty, the ſeat & throne of juſtice, the temple of the liveing God, where the chaſt virgin worſhippeth, & where no Cananite may be ſuffered. 2. That the worſhip and ſervice of God may be kept and preſerved from pollution, contempt, and prophanation. 3. For the good of the ſinner himſelfe, that he may ſee his fault, be aſhamed thereof, and reconcile himſelfe firſt to God, and then unto the church againſt whome he offended, and ſo be ſaved in the day of the Lord. So long as a harlot hath freely the ſociety of chaſt matrons, ſhe takes no ſhame of her adulterie but whē all honeſt women reject her, then at laſt, &c. p. 133So a thiefe, if he be ſuffered to converſe ſtill with trueCartw. in the place before. men, to have his liberty in citty and country to the full, he will not be aſhamed of his robberies, murders, &c. but, &c. It is juſt ſo in this cauſe. If open ſinners be ſuffered in the church, and admitted to publike and private communion in the exerciſes of Religion, certainly then (though they declare their ſin as Sodom, and hide it not yet) they will not be aſhamed of it, but rather, thinke they have not ſinned, or it is ſo light and ſmall, as they need not make any matter thereof. 4. The honour and the good name of the church is hereby preſerved, which would be loſt, if vile perſons were left alone therein. 5. That others may fcare, for ifDeu. 17. 13. Heb. 12. 25Deut 17:13Heb 12:25 this courſe be omitted, it may be a meanes, to embolden many to doe the like.

A member being thus juſtlie excommunicated, he is not to partake in the ſpirituall good things, which the Lord communicateth in his church, as the Sacraments, prayer, &c. yet he may be admitted to the hearing of the word, becauſe that is a means to humble him for his ſinne, and to bring him to repentance, which is the end of all Eccleſiast. Cenſures. Moreover, the reſt ofPerk. on the Cr. vol. 3. pag. 212. Cartw. lib. 2. Hiſt. Chriſt 358. Firſt boo. Diſcip. p. 52. the faithfull muſt avoyd all kind of familiar converſation with him, be it in eating, drinking, buying, and ſelling, yea in ſaluting and talking with him, ſo farre as they are not bound unto him, in any of the bands of civil right and ſociety. I adde this, becauſe excommunication unlooſeth it not, but ſuch as are of the family, or affinitic muſt performe all duties to ſuch a one, which ſuch a relation hath made his due, the huſband p. 134to the wife, and the wife to the huſband, the child to the father, the ſervant to the maſter, &c. ſo an excommunicate Magiſtrate, remaineth a Magiſtrate ſtill, andTail. vponupon Tit. ch. 3. v. 10. p. 709. 710.Titus 3:10 muſt of all Chriſtians ſo be acknowledged; Beſide all lawfull contracts and promiſes muſt be kept, and performed with him, & workes of merciemercy ſhewed to him if there be juſt and neceſſarie cauſe. If the offender afterwards ſhall ſee his ſin, and deſire to be takenProteſt. from Sco. p. 35. againe into the communion of the Saints, the church is to aſſent thereto willinglie, yet ſo, as the partie make publike repentance, according to the proportion of the offence, a verball profeſsion of repentance ſufficeth not; ForD. Am. de conſc. l. 4. c. 29. 2 Adm. 59. T. C. l. 1. 184. Tail. Tit. 3. 10. 712. ſee A…ſtr. p. 165. to 205. Cart. ref. Rh. Teſt. Mat. 18. ſect. 7. D. Am. de conſ. l. 4. c. 29. 238. Proteſt. King. ſup. p. 14. Diſcip. Eccleſ. 130. Demonſt. Diſcip. p. 97. 98. &c. Crown. Chriſt. Mart. p. 10. …ear. D. E…. 6. 99. Diſcourſ. of abuſ. in the Ch. 88. 89. &c. See Aretius in Mat. 18. v. 17.Titus 3:10Matt 18Matt 18:17 ſo the moſt holy inſtitutions of God, are expoſed to the mockage of the wicked, and the action of the church placed onelyonly in an outward forme. Therefore ſuch evidences are required, which in the judgement of charitie doe declare true and ſincere repentance, and which ſerve as probable witneſſes of the thing.

Be it here ſpeciallie noted, that excommunication, and the abſolution or reconciliation of the excommunicate, are actions common to the whole church, and not of any private perſon or perſons: For howſoever the Elders for the peace, profitt, and good order of the church, are to adminiſter theſe ordinances, yet the whole church muſt give their conſent freely hereto. In the Apoſtles time, and after, till the yeare 250. every man that was a member of the church, had in the church his voyce in Eccleſiastical cenſures, cauſes, and determinations of the church. Chriſt doth p. 135not ſay, when there is cauſe of accuſing or Cenſuring any, tell the Biſhops, but tell the Church; and accordinglie in theMr. Iacob Art. 6. 1 Adm. 6. times of the Apoſtles, and long after, as the Epiſtles of Ciprian doe manifeſt, they were judged by the word in an aſſemblie of preſbyters and brethren, as the inceſtious Corinthian, which ſhews us, that neither one man,Fall of Bab. 16. Cipr. lib. 3 Ep. 10. and Epiſt. 14, and 19. Auguſt. lib. 3, cont. Epiſt. permenn. Ierom. ad Demet. Epiſt. 1. Bucer de reg. Ch. l. 1. chap. 9 Calv. inſt. l. 4, cap. 11 Sect. 6. Vrſin. car. pars 2, pag 532. Curt. chu. pow. 54. Fall of Babell, 30. 31 Hiſ. Trob. Fran. 62. Anſ. to Bridg. 132 Neceſ. diſ. 7. Park. de Pol. Ecc. l. 1. c. 15, p. 4▪Sir 50:1 nor the Preſbyters alone were judges in ſuch cauſes, but Church, which by ſcriptures, either cleared, or cenſured any perſon accuſed, as by the word of God he appeared, either guiltie or not guiltie, &c. Many reaſons are yeelded by the Nonconformiſts, to prove this thing, and all objections made againſt it ſoundlie anſwered, and the teſtimonies of the Learned alleaged for it, as the reader may ſee largely in their bookes named in the margent. The like they ſpeake touching the admiſſion of any member into the communion of the church: that perſon which is to be joyned, ought publikely to com before the face of the congregation, and there to be examined of his fayth, knowledge, &c. and beeing found meet by the general conſent of the people, he is joyfullie received. But of this more hereafter.

Moreover if the Eccleſiaſticall officers, ſhall refuſe to doe their duety yet may the brethren notwithſtanding performe Church actions, and the ſame are to be eſteemed good and lawfull. To come vntounto a concluſion, this forme of Church government here deſcribed, is vnchangeable, ordinary, beſt, and perpetuall, common to all true Churches, and to which all ſtates muſt be ſubject, as well the rulers as they that are ruled: yea and the p. 136Def. diſc. p. 16. 38. Firſt book diſc. p. 54. T. C. l. 1, 48 Park. de Pol. Ec. l. 1. p. 33. Def. diſc. pag. 33. Fall Bab. 17.preachers themſelves, as well as the poore within the Church, and good reaſon: for the ſame is not a thing indifferent as ſome thinke, but a point of the Goſpell, yea of the ſubstance thereof, a matter of faith, and of neceſsitie to ſalvation. I mean in ſuch an abſolute degree of neceſſitie, as is of any ordinarie outward meanes, eſpecially to every church, and by conſequence to every ſoule in it. And therefore as no common wealth can floriſh, or long endure without good lawes, and ſharpe execution of the ſame, ſo neither can the churchFirſt book diſc. 50. of God, be brought to purity, neither yet continue in the ſame, without the uſe and exerciſe of this ordinance, but lies open to all daunger and confuſion.

Whatſoever the Nonconformists have here ſaid, about Church government, we for our parts aſcent wholy to it, and through Gods merciemercy towards us doe comfortablie enjoy the ſame, and wiſh unfeynedlie, that there were in them, ſuch zeale of God, and love of his houſe and ordinances, as to practiſe once themſelves, the good duties, which they well teach others to doe.

SECT. II.

THe Nonconformists in the former Section, gave us a good deſcription of a true Church government, now let us heare what they ſay of their owne in England, & compare them together. In this (as in the reſt) we ſhall find great confuſion, **No marvail, ſeeing the matter is of Babylon.and therefore leſt the reader ſhould looſe himſelfe, I will obſerve ſome order in the handling of it, and firſt ſpeake of their Eccleſiaſticall p. 137Officers. 2. Of their Lawes, by which they governe. 3. Of their Courts, where they be executed; and laſtly, of the manner how they are executed; and of all theſe breiflie, intreating ſtill the reader to gett their bookes, if he be not herewith fully ſatiſfied.

In the firſt Chapter Sect. 3. we were ſhewed what their Biſhops are: now ſome thing here is to be ſaid of their dependant officers, which moſt wickedly vnderunder them miniſter the Eccleſiaſticall diſcipline of their Church, namely Commiſſaries, Chancellours, Archdeacons, officials, regiſters, proctors, doctors, ſumners, and the1 Adm. 17 Alt. Dam. 145. P. Print before T. C. l. 1. Alt. Da. 35 Pref. Ref. Anſw. to Bancr. Alt. Da. 35 1 Adm. 15 Demonſ. diſ. 40. Dialog. ſt. Chur. 13. reſt of that, Viperous generation. All theſe the Nonconformiſts ſay, are greedy Cormorants, ſervile varlets, a horned generation, baſe fellowes, traſh, the ofſpring of Romiſh Babel, murderous beaſts, the ſcourges of all Gods people▪ ravening rablers, which thruſt away moſt ſacralegiouſly, that order which Chriſt hath left to his Church, and proudly tyranize over their ſuperiours. The Papist is on their ſide, becauſe he can ſhelter himſelfe vnderunder them, to hide his idolatry: the Atheist is tooth and nayle for them, becauſe by them he enjoyeth carnall liberty: the man of moſt notorious life defendeth them, becauſe he can from them, redeem the corporall puniſhment of his ſins by mony: at a word,Dial. ſtrif. Chur. 125. 1 Adm. 17 Demonſt. diſc. 76. T. C. l. 1. 188. all the rank adulterers, common drunkards, vnthrifts, ruffians, horrible ſwearers and diſpiſers of Gods word take part with them. And no marvaile: ſeeing theſe for the moſt part, are all Papiſts, and beſide either bribers, drunkards, Epicures &c. So vnmeet to be governours, as indeed they ought not to be members at all p. 138Demonſt. diſcip. Preface. De Eccleſ. diſc. 137.in any reformed Church▪ Iuſtly therefore are they ſaid to be the root and cauſe of al the ignorance, atheiſme, ſchiſmes and treaſons, in the Land, the nurſes and cheriſhers of Recuſants, and other Hereticks, and of allDemonſt. diſc. 40. the great iniquities and abominations that are committed therein; eſpecially in regard they live by the faults of men: and will rather increaſe offences (thatSold▪ Bar. Syons plea 135. 136. Freſh ſuit. l. 2. 406. Learn. diſ. Ecc. Gov. 99. …00. Neceſ. diſ. 8, 9. Def. Pet. for Ref. 40, 236. Offer. conf. p. 2. Confer. p. 131. Thank. ack. p. 2. Alt. Dam. 42, 47. Abſtr. 36, & 228. D. Strif. chur. 13. Mr. Bate 104, &c. Fall of Babell, p 83 Mr. Bate. p. 109, to 115. their gaine may increaſe) then vſe meanes to leſſen any: and this experience dayly ſheweth.

As for their names and offices, it is teſtifyed by all the Nonconformiſts that they are all derived from Antichriſt, and are therefore falſe, earthly, vnla…full: and the diſcipline which they exerciſe: is not preſcribed in Gods word: never appointed by the Lord Chriſt, but taken wholy, and every part from the Pope, and vſed in the time of the greateſt darkeneſſe vnderunder him: yea and it is defended by the ſame Canons, whereby his Popedome is ſupported: ſo that were it not for the helpe of the Papiſts, they have no authority either from God, or man, to helpe them either by reaſon, or learning.

I may not here omitt how the Refor. exceedingly condemne the offices of Church wardens and ſide men, and prove the ſame to be vnlawfull and hurtfull, by many reaſons. 1. Becauſe they are counterfeyts of Gods true officers, namely Elders, & deacons, which Chriſt hath left in his Church by divine inſtitution. 2. They retaine the marke of the beaſt in part, by ſerving the tyranny of the Hierarchie: ſo that it is not leſſe warrantable to be a Maſſe-Preiſt, then a Churchwarden. 3. Their functions are deviſed by men and p. 139came firſt from Rome: and therefore they cannotSyons pl. 136, 137, & 315. 316. Dial. St. ch. 119. exſpect any bleſſing, or protection from God in their courſes. 4. They are bound to moſt vnlawfull conditions: and ſo neceſſarily, either they muſt be perjured: or commit horrible iniquitie, as to preſent their miniſter, if he vſe not ſuperſtitious Ceremonies: ſo thoſe which will not com at their deviſed ſervice, kneele at the Sacrement, have their children croſſed and Biſhopped, women Churched, joyn with the Letanie, obſerve their holy dayes &c. And thus they miniſter matter of filthy lucre to the Harpies of the Prelates courts. For theſe and ſuch like cauſes, every good man is exhorted not to touch theſe vnclean places: for if he doe,Learn, diſ. Ec. Gover. 109, &c. he ſhall ſurely be defiled therewith. Their Collectors calling, alſo they judge unlawfull.

1 Admo. Pref. Syons pl. 151. Repl. to Mort. 96. Abſt. 19. Alt. Da. 30. Mr. Bal. upon Revel. 13. 2 Bright. Rev. 3, 195 Syons pl. 31, 36, 37. Demonſt. diſc. 77. 78, 79.Rev 13:2Rev 3Thus much of their Eccleſiaſticall officers, now for their Lawes: theſe by the Nonconformiſts, are ſaid to be fooliſh articles, ſlaviſh ordinances, lawleſse, perilous, Popiſh, wicked, and damnable Canons, ſhamefull Idolls, very deviliſhneſſe, and hypocriſie. Invented by the dragon and Antichriſt, our Lords enimies, in the time of poperie, without any warrant of Gods word, yea manifeſtly againſt it: and for what end ſervs it now in England? Surely for no other: but to ſtrengthen the Kingdom of the beaſt▪ and the power of darkeneſſe & ignorance: to breed trecherous Papiſts, nouriſh ſuperſtition and popery, vphold the cages of vncleane birds, as Archbiſhops, and L. bb. ſeas, arches, cathedral Churches &c. And deſtroy vtterly the Churches of God, by croſſing every faithfull miniſter in the diſcharge of his duety, and p. 140every good Chriſtian walking in the wayes of godlines, and nipping in the head every good action. For theſe and many the like reaſons the Nonconformiſts, have oft times deſired that all their Eccleſiaſticall Abſtr. 238decrees, conſtitutions, provinciall and ſinodal ſtatutes, Fatherly cuſtomes &c. Might vtterly be abandoned and as froth and filth be ſpued out of the common wealth.Neceſſit. Diſci. 8. 9, Yea as infectious and noyſome boiles and ſoares, ſent back again to the ſtincking ſinckes, and channel out of which they were taken.

Offer for conf. pre. Alt. Dam. 25. 26. Syon pl. 32, 33, 47, 48, M. Bat. 170, 172, Eng. Puri. 29, 30, Def. of Pet. for refor. 220, 221, Park. on the croſ. I…r. 4 2. Abſt. 19.Touching the oath exofficio, whereby the Popiſh Prelates in Rome, and England, goe about to bind mens conſciences to accuſe themſelves, and their freinds: the Nonconformiſts profeſſe it to be a bloody Law, moſt damnable and daungerous, as cruel a racking of the mind, as the moſt exquiſite torture of the body can be, this was invented by Antichriſt, through the inſpiration of the devil, that by meanes thereof the profeſſors, and practizers of true religion might be ſuppreſſed and aboliſhed. In very deed it is a lawleſſe oath, given and taken againſt the Law of nature, contrary to the commaundement of Chriſt. Mat. 18. and expreſſe word of God: againſt all equity and conſcience, contrary to the common Law, the Canon Law, Counſels and imperiall ſtatuts, directly contrary to the nature of an oath: Beſide ſuch as take it cannot ſweare in judgment and righteouſnes, but are forced, either to accuſe and betray their brethren, or by perjury to damne their own ſoules.

Fall Bab. 33,As their Eccleſiaſticall officers and lawes, are all and p. 141altogether Antichristian and vnlawfull: ſo alſo areCurt. Ch. 37… T. C. l. 1, 187, Dioceſ. Trial. pref. Dial Sol. Bar. Tab. div. read. in Camb. their bb. courts ſaid to be Popiſh, Human deviſes, preſumptious inſolences, ſuch as were never planted by the Apoſtles in the primitive Churches, but long after erected by Antichriſt, againſt God, his Church, and the Lawfull juriſdiction of Eldeiſh p, & therefore as moſt Prophane things they ought, to be rooted out.

If I were not vnwilling, to make this treatiſe large, I would here write particularly of their courts, that ſo every good man might both loath, and leave them the ſooner. Howſoever, ſomething I will ſay of each: although but little, for a man may perceive what is in the kaſke, if he taſt a ſpoonefull thereof. Their court of Syon pl. 313, 314. 1 Ad. 16, Sold. Bar.faculties, is ſaid to be a Romiſh court a filthy quagmire, and poyſoned plaſh of all the abominations that doe infect the whole realme, out of it are diſpenſations given for boyes and d…l…s, to have many benefices. For non-reſidents, and ſuch as doe not preach, dualities, trialities, pluralities, tot quots, licenſes to mary at any timeT. C. l. 1. 87. and place &c. Abſolutions for mony: and one man to be abſolued for another, breifely the Popiſh enormities, and deformities of this b…ſe court, are innumerable, for it hath full power together with the Petty Pope, the Primate of England, to diſpenſe in all cauſes, diſpenſed heretofore by the Pope of Rome, and moreAlt. Dam. 70. 1 Ad. 3. alſo. Not without cauſe therefore have the Nonconformists, deſired that might be pluckd downe, and vtterly overthrowne without hope of reſtitution.

As for the Commiſſaries court, that is, a petty litle stinking ditch, which floweth out of that former great p. 142Sold. Bar. 1 Adm. 16 17.Bar 1puddle, a pack of popery a ſinke of corruption, a ſea of idolatry, whereby Religion and godlineſſe dayly decayes. In this courte as in the other, one alone doth excommunicate, one alone ſitteth in iudgement, and when he will, can draw backe the iudgment which hee hath pronounced, having called vponupon the name of God, and that for mony, which is called the changing of Penance. In this Court for non-payment of two pence, a man ſhall be excommunicated, if he appeare not when …ee is ſent for, if hee do not as his Ordinary would, from whom he had his Popiſh induction and inſtitution, and to whom he hath ſworne Canonicam Obedientiam, Canonicall obedience, if he learne not his Catechiſme like a good boy without booke, when it were more meete he ſhould be able to teach others. To conclude: if hee bee not obedient to all theſe Lord Biſhops Officers, by and by hee muſt bee cut off by excommunication. And as it is lightly granted and given forth, ſo if the mony be paid, and the Court diſcharged, it is as quickly called in againe. This Court pouleth Pariſhes, ſcourgeth the poore hedgeprieſts, ladeth Church wardens with manifeſt perjuries, puniſheth wheredomes and adulteries with toyiſh cenſures, remitteth without ſatisfying the Congregation, and that in ſecret places, giveth out diſpenſations for vnlawfull marriages, and committeth a thouſand ſuch like abhominations. GodPreſ. Dioceſ. Trial. Diol. ſtrif. 110, 120, Learned Diſc. of Eccle. Go. 132. 133. 134. deliver all Christians out of this Antichriſtian tyrannie.

Their Bb. viſitation is (as the Nonconformiſts ſay) an vngracious courſe, purpoſely deviſed to pick the purſes of poore men, and to ſuppreſſe thoſe which are not friends to the Kingdome of Antichrist. In very truth it is holden for no other end allmost, but to gather vp fees, p. 143both ordinary and extraordinary, with dayly new deviſes, to poll the poore Prieſtes of their mony, which they extort for ſeeing the Letters of orders, for Dynners and ſuch like matters. And yet a new invented pyl…age, whereby they compell men to buy Bookes of them for 4 pence or 6 pence, which are too dear of a penny or two pence: and not onelyonly ſuch ſmall Ware, but alſo great bookes, beeing ſuch as every pariſh is appointed to buy, must be bought of them for two or three Shillings in a booke dearer, then it may be bought in Paules Church-yarde: yea otherwhiles, though the Pariſh be furniſhed of them allready, they are not authenticall, except they be bought at Maſter Chauncellers & Officiall, at Maſter Regiſters hands. As for reformation of any thing in the Church, there are indeed many preſentments, and men ſworn to preſent matters, but little or none amendment at all doth follow. So that it is a common ſaying in the Countrie, when the preſentment is once received, they ſhall never heare more of it. Soone after the Viſitation or Synode, the petitbribing Sumner, rideth foorth laden with Excommunications which he ſcattereth abroad in the Country, as thicke as Hail… ſhot, againſt this parſon, and that Vicar: This Church-warden, and that Side-man, whome he himſelfe, when he came to ſummon him to the Synode, for a Cheeſe, or a Gammon of Bacon, had vndertaken to excuſe for none appearance. But when he is once Excommunicated, there is no remedy, but he muſt trudg to the Chancellour or Officiall for abſolution, who after he hath once abſolved his Purſe of a fewe Groates, giveth him his bleſsing, and ſendeth him away.Anſw. to Banc. p. 35 Ec. Gov. 134.

Their Convocationhouſe is held to be an vnlawfull aſſemblie, ſtuffed full of Popiſh, and prophane Chancellours, p. 144Lawers and other Ravening Wolves. None are choſen to come there, but ſuch as are knowne to be utter enimiesSupplic. to the Parl. p. 47. to 55 to all ſinceritie; and if it come to paſſe, that any man there ſeeme to favour the cauſe of Chriſt, he is immediately baniſhed out of their Synagogue. Theſe Romiſh birds have allwayes condemned the Lords ordinances; and all of them, bended and linked themſelves together, to maintaine groſſe corruptions, andFreſh ſuit …. 1, p. 115, to 123. to prevent Chriſt from bearing rule in the Church by his owne Lawes. In memorie of man, they never concluded any thing for the common good of the Church, more then by others was better don to their hands: But much evill hath come from them, and more would, if their commiſsion had ſerved therto.

I had forgotten allmoſt their high Commiſſion, which is erected (ſay the Nonconformiſts) to ſuppreſſe the libertie of the Church, and to maintaineAlt. Dam. p. 36, 39. the uſurped power of the perſidious Prelates; What is it but indeede the Spaniſh Inquiſition? Sett me up this throne, and Satan ſhall ſett up Papistrie, or any other Religion whatſoever in ſhort proceſſe of time; for they ſit at the rudder, and may turne religion as it pleaſeth them, and no doubt will, when they ſhall ſee a fitt occaſion, and themſelves to have able power.

We ſhould come now to the 4. point, which is their manner of proceeding; Of this ſomething allready hath beene ſpoken, but certainly if I ſhould here fully ſett down the notorious vileneſſe thereof, as the Nonconformiſts report it to be, a whole booke would not containe the ſame.

p. 145Curt. Chu. pow. pag. 34. & 6. Q. Chur. wom. p. 28 Def. Pet. for refor. 129. Park. Cro. l. 1. 148.Howſoever the Hierarchy will beare with Church Papiſts, and whoremongers, with non-reſidents, idle, ignorant, ſuperſtitious, and adulterous Clergy men; admitt freely a Doctor Lamb, or any like monſtrous monſter, to live peace-ablie amidſt all his known abominations, and let goe ſcott-free, and unpuniſhed knowne Atheiſts, Charmers, Blaſphemers, Drunkards, Fornicators, Heretikes, Prophaners of the Sabbath, &c. Notwithſtanding thoſe, called Puritans, which will not obſerve their Traditions & beggarly Ceremonies, ſhall be hurryed up & downe to their ſpiritual Syon pl. pag. 125.courts, upon every occaſion, and there be ſcorned, derided, taunted and reviled with odious and contumelious ſpeaches, eyed with big, and ſterne lookes, have proctors procured, to make perſonal invectives againſt them; made to daunce attendance from court to court,Eng. puri. 26. and from terme to terme, frowing at them in preſence, and laughing at them behind their backs; never leaving moleſting of them, till they have emptied their purſes, or cauſed them to make ſhipwrack of their conſciences, or driven them out of the Land, or laſtlyDial. ſtr. Ch. 114. Dem. Diſ. pre. ſupp. Gover. D. ſtr. Ch. 128. 114. 119. Neceſſ. Diſcip. 15 Lear. Diſ. Ec. Go. p. 92. by impriſonment ſtarved, ſtifled, and pined them to death. Thus they cheriſh vice, & correct vertue, give men leave to be any thing ſaving good Chriſtians; Beſides, in theſe vncleane ſtewes, all is done for mony, nothing is regarded elſe, for mony any ſinne may be bought out with them: but thoſe which will not fee them, ſhall be curſed and caſt into hel; for every triffle, although they have done no evill at all, but contrariewiſe for doeing that which is right and good; And p. 146this is ſo manifeſt a truth, as the Prelates Creatures have openlie confeſſed: The Church Cenſures now a dayes doe onelyonly touch the purſe, evill doers when they have payd their D. Andr. ſer. to the Convoc.ſee, returne ſcott free. If no monie, then have at the off enders with the Epiſcopal Sword, preſently at one blow they are cutt off from the Church, delivered over vntounto Satan, proclaimed Publicans, Heathens, Anathema; For the most ridiculous Lear. Diſ. Ec. Go. 99 1 Adm. 6. Freſh ſuit l. 2. 421.things, and againſt every good man, theſe brutiſh thunderbolts doe fly vp and downe, and onelyonly to be feared of the purſe.

And yet this is not the greateſt wickedneſſe which is committed by theſe peſlilent fellowes: for it is further affirmed that their learned preachers are excommunicated many times by fooliſh boyes. No marvaile therefore their cenſures, are not regarded, and that the Nonconformiſts, give counſell that no man ſhould make any conſcience of them, for ſurely they are of no more effect, weight or conſequence, then if a villaine or rogue, ſhould give ſentence of death againſt a lawfull Prince. I forbeare to mention the bawdy pleading, of their Doctors, and proctors, in thoſe courts▪ and the ſumners, yea and Regiſters themſelves, it is ſo ſcurilous, vncleane and beastly, as the Nonconformiſts, ſay it would greive a chaſt care to heare it; For the Archdeacons and Chauncellours, are fain to laugh it out many times, when they cannot hold their countenance any longer.¶¶Here were a fit place for him, who publiſhed the lying libels, vnderunder the name of Lawne, Fowler, Saunders, and Bullard, for in thoſe courts his vncleane tongue might have matter enough to talk of. 2. Adm. 6.

In the writing of theſe things there comes to my minde a ſpeach, which a B. ſpake once to me in private. I relating to him certaine baſe, and inhumane cariages which they did me in his courts, out p. 147of great compaſſion he vttered theſe words: I pray God (ſaith he) to keepe all good men out of their hands, his ſpeach was good, but in what a caſe is he himſelfe all the while, which vpholds with both hands, theſe ſoule murderers, their court and courſes, and yet in his conſcience is perſwaded that they are all ſtarke naught.

It is not needefull that I proceed farther in this point, ſeeing the Nonconformiſts, doe generally affirme, that their Church is still vnderunder the Bondage of Antichrists Government, M. Daviſ. pag. 2. Syon pl. 1…1. Neceſ. Di. 2. 3. 8. Brigh. Rev. 3. p. 202. Pref. Dio. Tri. Epi. to Read. Dem. diſc. Prot. fr. ſcott. pag. 49.Rev 3the very ſame falſe & tyrannous diſcipline, that is pourtrayed out in the Popes Canons, for which cauſe we refuſe ſay they to have Chriſt an immediate King in the immediate government of the Church, ſo as great indignitie is offered vntounto him, as if ſome baſe vnderlings vntounto a King, ſhould commit his beloved ſpouſe, vntounto the direction of the miſtreſse of the ſtewes, and enforce hir, to live after the order of a brothel houſe. I will here conclude with this argument:

Whatſoever is contrary to the institution of Chriſt, and his writen word, is Antichriſtian▪ and is to be baniſhed out of Church of the God.

But the Government by Lord Biſhops, with Epiſcopall domination, is contrary to the inſtitution of Chriſt and his writen word.

Therefore it is Antichriſtian, and is to be baniſhed out of the Church of God.

p. 148SECT. III:

WE have heard, what the Nonconformiſts ſay, of their Church Government: in this Section we will lay downe our concluſions from it: and theſe are cheiflie. 3. Firſt, No obedience muſt be yeelded to theſe Eccleſiaſt. officers I ſay, we may neither acknowledge their authority, nor in any thing, kind, or degree partake with them in their adminiſtration: but ſtrictly avoyd the ſame, as we would avoyd wrath, and vengeance to come. There is no need that I alleadge Scriptures, reaſons &c. (As before) for confirmationM. Bates 87. 88. 154 Syon pl. 38. 107. 108. Proteſt. from Sco. 94. Mart. Iun. 83. 84. Mart. ſen. of this, ſeeing the Nonconformiſts, goe with vsus fully in the thing, and doe affirme, that men ought not to appeare, in their courts, neither to obey or regard their citations excommunications, warrants &c. Nor to receive any abſolution from them, in a word, not to yeeld obedience to them: in any one thing, which comes from them, as they are Biſhops, Archdeacons, Chancellors, Commiſſ. officials, &c. For this were an acknowledging of them, and a way, to maintaine them, in their vſurpation, pride, Col. 2.Col 2idolatrie, covetuouſnes, &c. Beſide, we ſhould ſuffer men, to rule then over vsus at their pleaſure, and ſo notGal. 6. 1.Gal 6:1 ſtand faſt in that Christian liberty, which the Lord commaunds vsus to doe.

Moreover it is certaine, a man cannot obey the Biſhops Government, but he muſt neceſſarily, tranſgreſſe, againſt the Lawes of the Realme, and to prove this, an argument may be framed thus.

p. 149Whoſoever ſhall allow or countenance in word or deed, any forraigne power, authority, or juriſdiction (and more particularily of the Pope of Rome) makes himſelfe a tranſgreſsour to the King and to the Lawes.

But ſuch as obey the B…. Fool. Government, doe allow and countenance, in word and died a forraine power, authority, and juriſdiction, and particularly of the Pope of Rome.

Therefore ſuch as obey the B…. Eccleſ. Government, make themſelves tranſgreſſors to the King and the Lawes.

1 Eliz. 1. 1 Iaco. R.Both parts of the reaſon are evident and cleare as the light. The former, are of the words of the oath of Allegeance: Touching the later to weet, that the Prelates exerciſe a forraigne power, authority, and juriſdiction, derived from the Pope: We have before ſufficiently proved. And therefore it behoveth all the Kings ſubjects, to looke well to this thing, leaſt they be not onelyonly forſworne, but incurre alſo the penaltie of the Law: which is after conviction, forfeitures, judgements, and executions, due to high treaſon.

Our ſecond inference is, that the publick aſſemblies of England are falſe and Antichriſtian: and therefore to beleft: this neceſſarily followes vponupon the former premiſes: for if they have not the power of the cenſures, and of excommunication: but ſtand vnderunder a government, which came wholy and every part from the devil, and Antichrist, then is their condition naught: the reaſon is, becauſe this power is of abſolute neceſſity, for the Churches of Chriſt, an eſſentiall property therof, and ſerves not onelyonly for their well beeing but the beeing it ſelfe, for without this there can be no p. 150De conſc. 1, 4, cap. 24 214.coupling of the parts and members together. And ſo much D. Ames, teſtifyeth. Now the aſſemblies of England were not gathered by any ſuch power, but in their firſt conſtitution wanted the ſame, and had thisDef. Pet. for Ref. p. 7. falſe power, which is exerciſed at this day, as the Nonconformists doe aknowledge. Our Arguments which we have uſed in this point, have been to this effect.

Every true viſible Church hath a power immediately vnderunder Chriſt to execute Church Government. But the publike congregations of England have not any ſuch power vnderunder Christ, to execute Church Government. Therefore they are not true viſible churches.

What they will ſay to this, I know not: but hitherto they have, either beene ſilent, or anſwered to no purpoſe in the world: For it is uſually their manner, to tell us how the Churches in Corinth, Pergamus, Thyatira, &c. neglected to execute diſcipline, as though there were no difference betweene omitting, to adminiſter the ordinance, and the want wholy of it; yea and to have an Antichriſtian & Diveliſh in the roome of it. Indeed herein they well reſemble children, which being not able to read the leſſon given them, doe ſkip over, and take another eaſie one: So theſe, leave altogether the point in hand, which is to prove by Gods word, that a true Church may want in it ſelfe immediate power under Chriſt, to execute Eccleſiaſticall Government, and may be ſubject to that which was brought-in by the Romiſh Beaſt: and talke of a matter, which I thinke no man ever denyed. It is true, ſome have aſſayed to prove it, but after many thoughts, p. 151ſpent about it, we have had nothing but wind from them: namely of a city wiihout a wall: of a vinyard, garden, Orchard &c. Wanting a hedge, fence, bounds &c. And ſuch broken ſtuffe, not worthy of any anſwere: For where doe they read in Scripture, that this power, which Chriſt hath given to his Church, is compared to a wall, hedge, &c. But rather may be better likened, to the power of the body, which receives food, and1 Cor. 5.1 Cor 5 whereby excrements are purged and avoyded, the want whereof were prodigious in nature, neither could the body poſſiblie ſubſiſt and live.

And here by the way, I thinke it convenient, to anſwere breifly, vntounto ſome reprochfull paſſages, writen by D. Lai…en, againſt the Separatiſts, he accuſeth them, l. 1. cap. 14 pag. 38.of ſtrange and vnſound concluſions: but names nothing: onelyonly from M. Park. Polit. Eccleſ. he Engliſheth a ſillogiſme in this manner. If Diſcipline be ſo neceſſary and alſo vnchangable, it is lawfull to ſeparate from ſuch Churches as doe not vſe it, (ſay the Prelats) but Diſcipline is vnchangablie neceſsary, (ſay the Separatiſt) Ergo it is lawfull to ſeparate from ſuch Churches as doe not vſe it. The minor he grants to be true but denies the Major, and to prove it falſe he gives this reaſon. For want of an integrall part of the whole; or of ſome eſſentiall part in it ſelfe (though not of the whole) is no ſufficient ground for ſeparation.

He might with more credit and good conſcience, have granted the Major alſo, then ſought to refute it by frothy, empty, and impertinent words: for firſt he ſpeakes as a man moſt ignorant of the nature of p. 152Church power, for were he able truely to define it: he ſhould ſee that it is of ſuch neceſſity, as a people cannot conſtitute themſelves in the right order of the Goſpell without it, as we have before expreſſed. 2. If the Biſhops Major as he termes it be wel vnderſtood it, caries this meaning: diſcipline is ſo neceſſary, that where it is not, there can be no Church ordinances rightly adminiſtred: no true miniſtery worſhip▪ Sacraments, Cenſures, &c. And it is certainly ſo, and if M. D. have any thing to object againſt it, let him ſpeake out, he knowes his liberty. 3. If M. D. will but hold vp his words againſt the light, he ſhall ſee they have not the face of an anſwere: for let his words be graunted: what is this to the neceſsity of diſcipline, vnleſſe he could prove, that the ſame is not ſo eſſentiall but a true Church may wholy want it, The which thing, neither he nor any man is able to prove, and therefore he only beggs baſelie the matter, but proves nothing; and therfore for the warme cloathes, whereof he ſpeaketh, he may even keepe them himſelf, to cover the nakedneſſe of his Argument.

I will not here ſpeake of his irreligious phraſe, comparing the holie way of God, to hatching, neither of his untruth, to ſay that ſeparatiſme was not before B. Whitgift wrote for Ceremonies. I think the man knowes better, to wit, that from falſe miniſters, worſhip, &c. the Saints have ſeparated before Whit. either wrote, or was borne. If our practiſe be otherwiſe even by the teſtimonies of the Nonconf. let it be manifeſted. If this will not ſerve the turne, let him then take knowledge p. 153of what D. Ames ſaith: In the beginning of Queene Elizabeths Freſh ſuit, l. 1. p. 10.Reigne, there was a Company of honeſt men, that for the Ceremonies, refuſed to joyne with the Pariſh aſſemblies at London, as appeareth in the examination of Iohn Smith, W. Nixſon, extant in a booke called part of a Register. We could prove (if there were need) in King Edwards Reigne, that there were ſome good Christians, which would not communicate with the Pariſh Aſſemblies, but there is no uſe hereof, ſeeing we have the word of God, to juſtifie our practiſe.

There is one thing more, which M^r. Dr. much talkes of, and makes it even the burden of his ſong, i. e. that the Bb. are the authors of the Separatists Sciſme, their practiſe butteth full vponupon the others vnreaſonable and vnſound reaſoning. But what if it appeare that Mr. Dr. Arguments doe lead rather to ſeparation, and that he ſpeakes one thing, and practiſeth another; Would not this be a ſtrange ſight, eſpecially to himſelfe? Now whether this be ſo, we will here trie by ſome reaſons, in his owne mood and figure. If the booke of Common-prayer, vſed in the aſſemblies of England, be an inſectious Leiturgie, Romiſh stuffe, a deviſed ſervice, and raked out of 3 Romiſh Channells, it is lawfull to ſeparate from ſuch churches as doe vſe it, (ſay the Learned) but the Booke of Common-prayer,See before pag. 9. vſed in the Aſſemblies of England, is an in ſections Leiturgie, Romiſh stuffe, a deviſed ſervice, and rakedSvons pl. 42 318, 314, …. out of 3 Romiſh Channells▪ ſaith Mr. Dr.) Ergo it is …awfull to ſeparate from ſuch chu…h… …s doe vſe it, ſpecially when they continue obſtinate and incorrigible in the practiſe thereof, after due dealing and conviction, as I p. 150duplicate page p. 151duplicate page p. 152duplicate page p. 153duplicate page p. 154ſuppoſe M^r. D^r. will freely confeſſe, they have done even after due meanes uſed, both by manie godly Learned from time to time, & now at laſt by himſelf. If the miniſterie of the church of England be vnlawfull andSee before pag. 27, 28 Antichriſtian, it is lawfull to ſeparate from it (ſay the Learned) but the miniſterie of the church of England is vnlawfullSyons pl. 3 and Antichriſtian (ſayth M^r. D^r.) Ergo it is lawfull to ſeparate from it.

Syons pl. 111.If the church of England hath not Christs Key, ſhe is not his houſe; (ſaith M^r. D^r.) But the church of England hath notVponUpon Rev. 3. pag. 202 Edit. 3. See before pag. 136 Syons pl. 85, and p. 3. 314. 181.Rev 3 Christs Key, (ſaith M^r. Brightman and others) Ergo ſhe is not his houſe, and ſo conſequentlie to be ſeparated from.

To ſeparate from corruptions is lawfull (ſaith M^r. D^r.) the miniſterie, worſhip, and Church government of England are corruptions, (ſaith M^r. D^r.) Ergo it is lawfull to ſeparate from the miniſterie, worſhip, and Church government of England.

I doe not gather up theſe his arguments for any need we have of them, but to put him in minde of his owne take heed: For if he ſay one thing, and doe another, he may perhaps at laſt fall worſe then vponupon the quick ſands of ſeparation, even into the bottomleſſe pitt of condemnation. And whereas I perceive he is not willing to be compared to Barrow; for my part I am not willing that he ſhould, for Reverend Barrow was true to his grounds, and walked conſcionable in the holte order of the Goſpell: to which order M^r. D^r. hath beene hitherto an utter enimie, but for what reaſon, let himſelf looke to it. I have ſpoken the more, becauſe of this p. 155mans inſolent boaſting againſt us, and the untrue reports, which he giveth forth of refuting the cheifest ſeparatists: I hope now the world ſhall ſee what abilitie he hath in this thing, or otherwiſe all will have juſt cauſe to conclude, that M^r. D^r. will ſpeake more to his good freinds in private againſt us, then he is willing to have publicklie knowne, to receive an anſwer to it.

Our third inference is, If church government be a matter of Faith, neceſſarie to ſalvation, as is any outward ordinance of God, and wholie wanting in the Aſſemblies of of England, then it is the dutie of all the faithfull there, (ſhaking off the Prelates yoake) to erect this power, and exerciſe the ſame among them. I doe not mean that any private perſon ſhould meddle with the affaires of the Realme, but that every one, in his owne perſon, doe place himſelf, about the throne of God, leaving the abuſes of the publike ſtate, to be reformed, by ſuch as have a lawfull calling thereto. It is certaine, this ordinance muſt be ſett up, retained, and practiſed, though Princes are utterlie againſt it: We muſt not tarie one houre, to exſpect a new grant from men, to doe our duties in the true worſhip of God, when as we have a ſufficient grant allreadie from heaven; for if we doe, we ſhall ſurely dye in our ſinnes, and our blood ſhall be upon our owne head. The primitive Chriſtians had not the Magiſtrates leave to ſerve God, yet they did, whatſoever he commaunded them: Their practiſe is an example for us; and all beleevers are bound to doe the like, as often, as there is the like juſt, and neceſſary occaſion: For as the approbation of men and Angels, makes the wayes p. 156of God, and workes of religion, never a whit the more lawfull, but onelyonly the more free from bodily daunger, ſo neither can their diſalowance make unlawfull ſuch duties of religion, as the word of God approveth, nor can they give diſpenſation to any perſon, to forbeare the practiſe thereof.

But becauſe my purpoſe cheifly is, to ſhew the judgement of the Nonconformiſts, touching religious ordinances, and the uſe and practiſe thereof, I will therefore lay downe their words, that ſo the reader may ſee, howMr Bate p. 41, 42. well they, and we, in theſe thinges doe accord, except in Obedience. The Magiſtrate (ſay they) is but the ſervant of the Lord, and therefore hath no power to bind the the conſcience, neither can he exempt any man from obedience to God.

Another ſaith, if the Law of man be wanting, yet the Church must not ceaſe from doeing her duety and exerciſe her power which is granted her by Chriſt, who hath alſo promiſedAlt. Dam. p. 15. his preſence, when two or three are gathered together in his name, therefore ſhe may entreat, determine, and ſtrengthen her decrees, and conſtitutions with Eccleſiaſticall cenſures, and puniſhments, notwithstanding the Prince will not aſsent, approve and ratifie the Canons of the Church, nor confirme them by his lawes and fortifie them with temporall puniſhments. M. Wing an eminent Reformiſt, hath 9. reaſons in print, to prove that all perſons, are neceſſarily bound, to practice perpetually the ordinances and commaundements of the Goſpell, although the civill Magiſtrate allow not thereof, and becauſe they are effectuall and weighty. I will here lay them downe.

p. 157A Collection of ſundry matters, to prove the uſe and practiſe of Gods ordinance.1. If the onelyonly ſure way for comfort of our ſoules be the practice of Gods ordinances for his viſible Church vnderunder the Goſpell, then we are bound to practice the ſaid ordinances, notwithſtanding the Magistrate doe forbid the ſaid practice. But the only ſure way for the comfort of our ſoules is the practice of Gods ordinances for his viſible Church vnderunder the Goſp ll. Therefore we are bound to practice the ſaid ordinances notwithſtanding the Magistrate doe forbid the ſaid practice.

2. All the Magiſtrates power wherein he is actually to be obeyed, is onelyonly where he commaunds or forbids, from God, or for God. But the Magistrate forbidding the practice of this way, doth not forbid from God nor for God. Therefore the Magiſtrate forbidding the practice of this way, is not actually to be obeyed.

3. Where the Magiſtrate may not commaund, and be lawfully obeyed in the Negative part of any commaundement of the firſt Table, there he may not forbid, and be Lawfullie obeyed in the affirmative. But the Magiſtrate may not commaund and be lawfullie obeyed in the Negative of the 2 commaundement; Therefore he may not forbidd and be lawfully obeyed in the affirmative.

4. We cannot juſtifie, ſpecially the continued omiſsion of any dutie, and cheifly of the firſt table, vnleſſe we be by violence reſtrained from the practiſe thereof. But to omitt the practiſe of theſe ordinances of God for his viſible church vnderunder the Goſpell, becauſe it is not tollerated or allowed by the Magiſtrate, is a continued omiſsion of a dutie of the firſt table, and this not omitted by reaſon of a violent reſtraint. Therefore we cannot juſtifie the omiſſion of this dutie.

p. 1585. It is not lawfull to omitt the dutie of charitie, to releive any poore ſaint of God, though the Magistrate forbidd it: Therefore we may not omitt this dutie of piety, though the Magiſtrate forbid it.

6. If the Lord foreſaw the averſneſſe of Magiſtrates to the practiſe of this church Government, and yet did never exempt nor diſpenſe with the peoples omiſsion therefore, then we may not omitt or forbeare this dutie, though the Magiſtrate doe not tollerate it. But the Lord foreſaw the averſneſſe of Magiſtrats to the practiſe of this church Government, and yet did never exempt nor diſpenſe with the peoples omiſſion of this dutie. Therefore we may not omit or forbeare this dutie, though the Magistrate forbid.

7. Whatſoever was commaunded to the 7 Churches, to be practiſed vnderunder perſecuting Magiſtrates oppoſing, that we muſt not omitt, though the Magistrate doth not tollerate it. The practiſe of Church Government was commaunded to the 7 Churches, Revelation 2 and 3. Therefore we must not omitt the practiſe of Church Government, though the Magistrate doth not tollerate it.

8. If the Church Government may be omitted, whereſoever, and whenſoever the Magiſtrate doth not allow it, then it doth depend wholy for the practiſe of it on the will of man. But it doth not depend, neither ought it to depend wholy vponupon the will of man. Therefore the Church Government may not be omitted, when and whereſoever the Magiſtrate doth not allow it.

9. If the Magiſtrate may forbid mee the practiſe of the ordinances of God, then he may forbid me to be ſo good a ſubject, as I can be or may be: But the Magistrate may not forbid p. 159me to be ſo good a ſubject to Christ as I can be or may be. Therefore the Magiſtrate may not forbid me the practiſe of the ordinances of God.

The Nonconformiſts are not alone in this thing, for all the reformed Churches affirme the ſame (viz.) that it is the part and dutie of all the faithfull to ſubmitt to the Harmony of confeſ. Sect. 10. Belgick artic. 28, & French artic. 26. See the Hiſtorie of Scotlād p. 256. and 283.Doctrine, and diſcipline, appointed by Christ, yea though the contrarie edicts of Princes and Magiſtrates doe forbid them vponupon paine of death; And ſo have their practiſes beene many ages together, and there is good reaſon for it: For the Regiment and Government of the Church dependeth not (as the Nonconformiſts well teach) upon the authoritie of Princes, but upon the ordinance of God, who hath moſt mercifullie and wiſelie ſo eſtabliſhed the ſame, that as with the comfortable ayde of Chriſtian Magiſtrates, it may ſingularlyDiſcourſe of Eccleſ-Govern. p. 9. 10. flouriſh and proſper: ſo without it, it may continue, and againſt the adverſaries thereof prevail; For the Church eraveth helpe, and defence of Chriſtian Princes,T. C. l. 1. p 51. to continue and goe foreward more peaceably and profitably to the ſetting up of the Kingdom of Chriſt, but all authoritie ſhe receiveth, is immediately of God.

Before we proceed to another point, we may here frame this argument: If the profeſſours of the Goſpell in England, have not among them a true church Government, but are vnderunder that which came from the great Antichriſt, then are they bound to ſet vp that ordinance of God, and to to practiſe it, not withstanding the Magistrate doe forbid the ſaid practiſe. But the profeſſours of the Goſpell in England p. 160have not among them a true church Government, but are vnderunder, &c. Therfore are they bound to ſet vp that ordinance of God, and to practiſe it, notwithſtanding the Magiſtrate doth forbid the ſaid practiſe. Theſe are both their owne poſitions, and ſo ſoundlie proved, that no man liveing is able to confute them. But ſome will ſay, this is hard to doe▪ I anſwer, difficulties muſt not hinder duties: where we have an expreſſe commaundement laid upon us, there al diſputation muſt ceaſe, of hardneſſe, daungers, loſſes, &c. Excellently for his purpoſe ſpeaketh Calvine: There is no travell or labour ſo great, which we muſt not endure, to the end we may enjoy the face of God, how perilous ſoever the paſſage be, be it (as they ſay) betwixt fyreSermon upon Pſal. 27. ver. 8.Ps 27:8 and water, yet let men goe foreward to have libertie, to ſerve and worſhip God pur…lie: Is a man in going, pinched with famin or thriſt, yet let him not faint, but ſcrape the earth rather with his nailes, for food and maintenance, then be turned, or driven back from comming to the Temple of God.

Many uſe to ſay: they wiſh all were well, and pray for reformation. To this I anſwer, it is not enough that we deſire to have all things well, except we endeavour to make them ſo. He that wants and hungers for bodilie food, deſerves to ſtarve, except with all he uſe diligence, and ſore labour alſo, as he is able to get it. Againe, prayers I confeſſe are good, but without practiſe they profitt not: The heart which ſetts the hand at worke, and is full of zeale, obedience, ſincerity,Exo. 14. 15Exod 14:15 &c. ſhall doe well, and proſper. When Moyſes ſtood crying at the red ſea, what ſaith God unto him? ſpeake p. 161unto the children of Iſrael, that they goe forward. I am perſwaded the Nonconformiſts pray dayly for their deliverance from the Bb. government: but here is their fault, they goe not forward, but are like him in the Prov: which lyes in the ditch, and cries God help, but doth not ſeeke to help himſelfe, though he can, and is able.

Others think becauſe mens laws are againſt Chriſt, that they ſhall therfore be excuſed, in omitting their ſervice unto him, but they will finde it otherwiſe, and as for this ſhift, it denotes a moſt unſound▪ heart, for as we would repute that ſervant verie naught, who being commanded by his maiſter to do divers things; doth onelyonly that which ſerves for his own credit, profit, pleaſure &c. but the reſt not being ſo, (though more weighty and neceſſarie) he purpoſly omitteth: ſo certainly they carry the broad Characters of notable hipochrites even in their foreheads, which walk onelyonly in ſuch waies of Chriſt as ly open for them, by the authority of man, where they may go with good leave ſafely, and free from all bodily daunger▪ but where the commandements of God, are hedged up with thornes, by mens prohibitions, there they fowllye ſtep aſide, and walke corruptly▪ when the Apoſtles were ſent forth to plant Churches, if they ſhould have left the Lords worke, becauſe they were forbidden to preach in the name of Ieſus, they had ſurely ſinned, and would have beene greatly puniſhed for it; are not the ordinances of the Goſpell, as ſtrictly to be keptVponUpon pſa. 51, ver. 7. p. 200, 203 now, as heretofore? yes ſurely, M^r. Hierom ſaith, that ſuch outward obſervances in matters of religion, as are of divine p. 162inſtitution, not the leaſt of them are to be neglected, diſpiſed or difuſed, vntill he that ordained them ſhallbe pleaſed in expreſſe termes, to diſanul them. If not the leaſt muſt be omitted, then not Church government, becauſe it is a cheife ordinance, and without the which (as I ſaid before) no publick worſhipp can be rightlie adminiſtred.

There are ſome, which out of tenderneſſe of conſcience refuſe to kneel in the act of receaving, and doe take the Sacrament ſitting. Moreover doe meet in private families, to Faſt and Pray together; and are perſuaded that herein they doe well, though their practiſe be forbidden by the Magiſtrate. Now I deſire theſe ſeriouſlie to conſider, if they may lawfullie performe ſome religious duties againſt Human Lawes, why not others? and ſpecially if they be ſuch duties, as ſerve more for Gods glory, the furtherance of the Goſpell, the edification of the Church, and ſalvation of their owne ſoules.

I doe not finde any thing written by Dr. Ames about this point, although he well knew that one maine ground of our ſeparation from their Pariſh Aſſemblies, is becauſe (as the Nonconformiſts affirme) they want the power of Chriſt, and ſtand under that which was taken wholy from the Pope; yet it may be, he thought that he had ſaid enough hereof, in the Addition of his firſt booke, pag. 26. where he repeates certaine words, which had beene before printed in his reply to D. Morton: If Pag. 31.Gaius (ſaith he) had made a ſeparation from the Church, wherein Diotrephes lived, whether the Apoſtle Iohn had been p. 163the cauſe of that ſcandall, becauſe he condemned his abuſe of excommunication. This ſpeach (ſaith D. Burgeſſe) is the weakeſt pretence that could be deviſed; and truly ſo it is, and therefore I marvaile, ſeeing he was tould ſo much that he had not either ſaid ſomethinge for his owne defence, or blotted it out, that ſo the weakeneſſe and impertinēcy of it, might never have been ſeen. Could not D. Ames perceive any difference, betweene the abuſes there noted by Iohn in Diotrephes, and thoſe which are mentioned by the Nonconformiſts, againſt the Church of England; we doe not read, that Diotrephes is ſaid to be an vnlawfull and Antichristian miniſter, that he had brought into the Church a deviſed worſhip, had ſett up a falſe Government, yet ſuch are the faults which the Nonconformiſts have found out, in the Church of England; I wonder therefore, that the Doctor ſhould ſo much overſhoot himſelf; For though we doe not thinke, that it was lawfull, either for Gaius, or any other member of that Church, to ſeparate, becauſe Diotrephes playd the Dioceſan (but they were to ſtay, and ſeeke his reformation) notwithſtanding we thinke, yea, and doe know of a certainty, that from a church, where the ministerie, worſhip, and government is vnlawfull and Antichriſtian, we may warrantablie depart; and ſuch is our Separation by the Nonconformiſts Principles.

Thus Reader thou haſt heard the moſt, and all which Dr. Ames hath ſaid, to maintaine the reputation of their grounds, charged with Separatiſme; now if thou conſidereſt how effectually he hath refuted the Rejoinder, in the matter of Ceremonies, but contrary wiſe about p. 164this point of Separation, how he ſpeaks either nothing, or nothing to any purpoſe, thou mayſt well perceive that in the former, he had the truth with him, but not in the other, although (it ſeemes) he was unwilling in plaine termes, to give the caſe away.