Counterpoison Considerations, Arguments 2
ARGVMENTS That the PREACHERS of the best assemblies of the church of ENGLAND, are true ministers of Christ. I
TH… pr…achers after whose publick & powerfull doctrine, of the word do ordinarily follow repē …ance, conuersion to God, sauing fayth in Christ, louelove to the brethr…n, and o…he… fruits of the spi…it Gal. 5, 6, 22. in the hearers, are true ministers of God and of the visible ch…rc…:
But …fter …he d…ctrine of Gods word taught by the preachers of our best asse… bli…s, doe ord…narily appear the fruites of the spirit in the hearers.
Th…refore th… preachers of our best assemblies, are true ministers of Christ.
The …roposition is proued, because onelyonly the word that God doth send in the … o… his ministers, is ordinarily effectu…ll for these things Ier. 23, 22, Esa. 55 11. Mat, 7, 20, Luk 1, 76 Ioh. 10.1, 2. 1 Cor, 9 1.…, & 4, 15.
Th… assumption is proued by the answer to the assumption of the 4 argume… … th… churche….
Answer.
OVR separation is from your Church consisting of many assemblie… all compact into ore bod…e, and from all your Ministerie both prelacie and priesthood. We cannot tel which assemblies or ministers be best; for they that seem best may proue worst, because they most deceiue the simple: the wolf that comes in a sheeps coat, is no whit better than he that commeth in his natiue hiew: but he may doe more harm, in that he is disguised. Reason would perswade vsus, that the Bishops are the preachers of your best assemblies, for they hauehave greatest dignity, fatherhood and authority in your church: they preach in the highest and most honorable assemblies of the land; they are most carefull to obserue their oath of due obedience, to keep the canon… orders lawes and ceremonies of your church and set themselues against such as secretly vndermine the state of the church and ministerie of England, yet openlie stand members and professed friends of the same. They and their assemblies, are best ordered after the constitution and lawes of your church. So that to speak as I think, I know not which assemblies be best, where the Leven hath sow red the whole lump; though I can guesse which you doe mean: but plain dealing about your ministers and as…emblies would hauehave beseemed you best. Tel vsus therefore (when you next write) what ministers you mean; whether the Bishops, Deanes, Doctors &c. that are in the cathedrall churches; or the Doctors and Diuines that are in your vniuersities; or th… Parsons, Vicars, Lecturers that are in your Parishes? Again what Ministers they be whither Apostles or Prophets or Evangelists or Pastors or Teachers; for all these are ministers, Eph. 4. and meet it is to know your meaning: for though Apostles and Pastors be both ministers ordeined of Christ, yet if one will say everie Pastor is an Apostle, he is but a liar. So you see it is needfull that we ransack these your ambiguous and generall termes. Now for your argument; first I answer to the proposition, that though these fruites you mention, doe many times follow the doctrine of Christs ministers, yet not theirs onelyonly, nor alwaies Not onelie because other men that are not in office of Ministerie may by excercise of their gifts work such fruites, as appeareth 1 Cor. 14.1.31.3.24, 25. &c. I appeal also to your selues, whether you thinke not that your best ministers, though silenced, or degraded, from all ministeriall office: may not▪ when they teach, work repentance, fath and other fruites of the spirit.
Neither doe these fruites alwayes follow the doctrine of true ministers; for Noah preached 120· yeares yet followed there not faith, and repentance in the old world: Christ himselfe preached to Chorazin and Bethsaida; yet left aMa 11.20 21,the woe vponupon them; and complaineth (in Esaias that he had bIsa, 49, 4.laboured in vayn among the Iewes: and of Israel it is said, cRom 10.21All the day long hauehave I stretched out my hand a disobedient and g…ynsaying people. To reason therefore from the effects, this man wrought faith by his teaching therefore he is a true min…ster; or this man wrought not faith by his teaching, therefore no true minister; is vnsound, and vnconcludable by the scriptures
The …roofs of your proposition being examined, wil be found to light for your purpose; if you mean that the officers doctrine, onelyonly, or alwayes, is effectuall for these thin…s, to weet, repentance, faith &c often I know it is; and alwayes it hath effect, eyther to life or death in the hearers.
Your scriptures are, Ier, 23, 22. which sheweth what true prophets should labour to doe, namely to turne sinners from their evill way &c, (whereas the false prophets did otherwise, Eze, 13, 22:) but proueth not, that the prophets onelyonly did this; for the Priests and Levites did it also Mal, 2, 6, yea priuate men may often turne their neighbours from evill, Leu 4, 27.8. & 19.17. Prou. 31.26, Mal. 3, 16, Mat. 18.15. Iam. 5.19, 20. neyther proveth it, that the prophets alwayes did this; for Esaias crieth, Lord who hath beleeued our report? Isa. 53.1 and it is written, that the Lord testified to Israel by all the Prophets and by all the Seers, saying, turne from your evill wayes &c. neverthelesse they would not obey but hardened th…ir necks &c. 2 Ki…, 17, 13, 14
The next place Isa 55.11. sheweth the nature of Gods word, which is effect…ll to make better or worse as he will that sendeth it: not alwayes t… conuert, for aExo. 5, &c.Pharaoh was hardned by it: not onelie by the officers, f…r …is hono…r is to all the Saincts, to hauehave the high acts of God in their m…thes, and a two edged sword in their hands, to execute vengeance in the heathens, and corrections among the people &c. Psal, 149 6, 7.9.
The fruites whereby false prophets are knowne from true; Mat. 7.…0, are not the effects of their doctrine by converting men onelyonly; for so many b2 Kin, 1.7 13, 14true prophets heretofore should hauehave been iudged false: but the doctrine it selfe, and the works of life and conuersation, are the prophets fruites; which also may both be good, in them that hauehave no office at all.
The next place Luk. 1.76. speaketh in part…cular of Iohns extraordinary office, and work wherein God imployed him; and proueth your purpose no more then the other.
Iohn, 1…, 1, 2. speaketh of lawfull enterers into the sheepfold by the door, and of theeues that clime vp an other way. What this will say for your ministers I know not vnlesse, to proue them theeues; for their entrance into the ministerie by the d…ore, that is, by Christs ordinance i… his church they cannot shew; no lawfull office or calling hauehave they to witn…sse for them Yea they are ashamed of their office, calling, and entrance by the Bishops, and secretly doe disclaym that to their people, & pretend their gifts, graces and effects, for proof of their ministerie, … many of vsus that hauehave dealt with them; doe know: But what say I, secr… ly? nay openly and in print they hauehave yeelded, that 2 adm…n to the Parliā, … 16.th…y enter not in by Christ, but by a popish and vnlawfull vocati…n. The like seemeth …o be closelie implied in these your arguments, where you neither name what office your preachers hauehave, nor how lawfullie they come by it, as the reader may obserue.
The words of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 9.1, 2, & 4.15. shew two things, 1 … lawfull office of Apostleship, 2 and Gods blessing vponupon his labors in that office: neither of Which can be shewed by your ministers; neither proueth it yo…r proposition more then the other places. For I hold with you that Gods lawfull ministers, are the principall, and most excellent ordinarie outward meanes, for to work repentance, faith, &c. but not the onelyonly, as you would hauehave it.
The Assumption, namelie, that such effects doe follow your preachers doctrine is denied. You refer vsus for the proof thereof, to that which you wrote before: and I also refer the reader to that which is before answered And here I wil add a further demonstration, that true repentance can not follow your preachers doctrine, in as much as they teach not true repentance, neyther can teach it because their mouthes are mouzled by your church that they may not speake For thus ‡Constitut & Canons eccl…siast. 1603.it hath enacted.
*Canon. 4,Whosoeuer shall hereafter affi…me that the forme of Gods worship in the Church of England established by law, and conteyned in the book of Common prayer &c. is a corrupt, superstitious or vnlawfull worship of God, or conteyneth any thing in it, that is repugnant to the scriptures, let him be excommunicated ipso facto; and not restored but by the Bishop of the place, or Archbishop after his repentance and publick revocation of such his wicked errors.Can. 6.
Whosoeuer shall hereafter affirm that the rites and ceremonies of the church of England by law established, are wicked, Antichristian or superstitious, or such as being commanded by lawfull authority, men who are zealously and godly affected, may not with any good conscience approue them, vse them or as occasion requireth subscribe vntounto them; let him be excommunicated, ipso facto, and not restored vntill he repent, and publickly revoke such his wicked errors.
Can. 7.Whosoeuer shall hereafter aff…rm that the gouerment of the Church of Eng. vnderunder his Maiestie by Archbishops, Bishops Deanes, Archdeacons and the rest that doe bear office in the same, is Antichristian or repugnant to the word of God, let him be excommunicated ipso facto, and so continew vntil he repent and publickly reuoke such his wicked errors.
Can. 8,Whosoeuer shall hereafter affirm or teach that the forme and manner of making and consecrating Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, conteyneth any thing in it that is repugnant to the word of God let him be excommunicated ipso facto; not to be restored vntil he repent and publicly revoke such his wicked errors.
These and the like constitutions, hath your representatiue church of England made for maintenance of their worship, ministerie, ecclesiasticall gouernment, rites ceremonies. &c, against which your forward preachers heretofore so earnestly inveighed, as being corrupt vnlawfull and antichristian: but now behold their mouthes are shut, they may not preach repentance for the many abominations that are among you; if they doe, they are excommunicated ipso facto, and then are they neither officers nor members of your church. Wherfore your ministers are eyther fain to hold their peace, and be such as the Prophet aEze 13 4complaineth of, that rise not vp in the breaches, nor make vp the hedge for the howse of Israel, to stand in the battel in the day of the Lord; or els they preach for defence of your own inuented worship, pompous clergie, and laudable ceremonies; and are such as the prophet blameth for bEze 13.7hauing seen a vayne vision, and spoken a lying divination, saying, the Lord sayth it, albeit he hath not spoken. What reward then can they exspect for their preaching but as the Lord there threatneth, that cvers 8.his hand shalbe vponupon them, they shall not be in th' assembly of his people, nor written in the writing of the howse of Israel. Wherefore if there be any weight or soundnes in this your argument, it may be returned vponupon you thus. The preachers after whose publick doctrine doe ordinarilie follow impenitency, and continuance in an evill …nd idolatrous estate of life in the hearers, ar not the true ministers of God. But after the doctrine of the preachers of your best assemblies, doe ordinarily follow and appear impenitency, idolatry and other fruites of the flesh in the hearers: (as is proued by the answer to this and to the assumption of your 4 argument for the churches.) Therfore the preachers of your best assemblies, are not the true Ministers of God.
The 2 Argument
SVch Ministers as hauehave promise of salvation in their present standing, ar true Ministers of Christ.
But so hauehave the ministers of our best assemblies; Ergo. &c.
Proof of the assumption,
Because the promise of saluation is giuen to such Ministers as 1, are faithfull and wise stewards, giuing the household meat in due season Mat, 24, 45.46. 2. build gold siluer or stubble on the foundation 1 Cor 3, 12, 15. 3. continew in taking heed to themselues and vntounto learning 1 Tim. 4, 16. 4, feed the flock willingly, of a ready mind, as ensamples, 1 Pet. 5.4. 5. turne many soules to righteousnes. Dan. 12, 3.6. Ez… 1, 3. Thou shalt saue thine owne soule.
But these things doe the ministers of our best assemblies: Ergo.
Answer.
THe assumption of this argument I deny; and will consider the 6. reasons that you bring to proue it.
1. Are faithf…l …nd wise stewards &c.] but your ministers are your Lord Bishops st…wards or bayliffes, not the Lord Chr…sts: by them the…r m…uthe; are …ened and shut a …. For let them shew when, wher… & how God gaue the st…war…shi… and key of the howse to them, as he did to aIs, 22, 20 2… 22,E…akin, Th…s should be first cleared, before they presume to administer as stewards. Did not the Bishop (after they had …romised their reverend obedience vntounto him) say vntounto ech of them, bBook of orders.Rec…ive the holy Ghost wh…se sinns thou doost forgiue th…y ar forgiuen &c, & be thou a faithfull dispensour of the word of God, &c? Thus hauehave they their stewardship or …ffice of dispens…tion, fr…m their spirituall Lord, and reverend Father the …relate; who by his presuming to giuegive the Holy Gh…st, should seem to be cIoh 20.22 23,Christ, or rather, as I think d2 Th…, 2.4,Antichrist: but say you whether he be, when you next write. As is their calling, such is their administration: for, they feed not Gods houshold, but confuse assemblie…, wherein are many …rofane, …uch as Christ caleth eMat. 7:dogs & swine, vnworthy to be at his table; tho your stewards admit them to the table of your church, to your most holy actions.
Neyther giuegive they them meat in due season; for such diet as is meet for them, to rebuke them for their idolatrous estate, they giuegive them not; false doctr…nes fSee a catalogue of thē in answ. to Mr Iac. pa 158, &c:many they giuegive them to feed on and such meats Christ never left for his houshold. Finally, if the Bishops silence them, & set vnpreaching priests in their places, they feed their flocks no longer but leaue them to the wolf. And are these your faithfull stewards? They are such as was the steward Shebna, to whome the Lord sayd what hast thou to do… h…r…? I will driue the from thy station. Isa, 22, 15, 19.
2, Build gol… si…uer or stuble on th'foūda…ō First ther is not yet a good foundation layd of your ch…rch; what then is your building? There is no good foundat…on, because your church neuer yet stroke a holy and orderly couenant with Christ, according to the rules of his testament.
S…condly they ha…e not been called or sent of God to build, but eyther have intruded themselues, or els by the Bishops, the Lords of your haruest, hauehave these y…ur laborers been thrist forth.
Thirdly they bu…ld much stubble indeed, little gold or siluer that will endure the s…re; let the frame and constitution of your church, the worship, ministery and gouerment thereof, be brought to the triall of Gods word, and it w…ll burne these thin…s to ashes. Yet if your min…sters will be content their works shall burne; and will vponupon the true foundation build better▪ they …ay through the mercy of God be saued, which I hartely wish vntounto them al Otherwise, thus sayth the Lord; gE…e 13.10 &c:Because th…y hau… deceiued my people, saying PEACE and there was no peace; and one built vp a wall, and behold the others daubed it with vptempered morter, say vntounto them which daub it with vntempered morter, that it shall fall aver· 14.I will destroy the wall that ye hauehave daubed with vntempered morter, and bring it downe to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shal be discouered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midds thereof; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
3. Continew in taking heed to themselues and vntounto learn…ng.] First, these words were spoken to one, that had a lawful office, calling and entrance and so serueth nothing for your ministers, that want all these. Secondly by bforeignlearning is meant teaching of the people, (as the words following also shew;) which he willeth Timothee to continew in: but this your ministers doe not; for the doctrine that is most needful for the present state of the people, they teach not; besides, if their Lords the Bishops forbid them, they continew not with their flocks, nor their flocks with them; but another hirel…ng comes in their place.
4. Feed the flock willingly) First Christs flock is of cIoh. 18,sheep, not of carnall worldlings, atheists, blasphemers, and other l…ke wild beasts of the forrest: Christ would not hauehave his childrens bread to be cast vntounto dogs; as your ministers apply their word and sacraments, to the most profane and their seed.
Secondly to dforeignfeed importeth also, to eMat. 2, 6 Reu, 2.7.rule & gouern; but that your ministers doe not, both they and their flocks are subiect to other Lords & gouerno…rs, the Prelates, which louelove preeminence, and hauehave authority ouer your church to suspend, silence, and excommunicate priests and people. If the flocks of your Min…sters wer… Christs sheep, they would not hear the voyce of strangers, Iohn, 10.5· But the people of your parishes, if the Bishop depose their shepheard and set a wolf or a blinde guide over them they submit vntounto him, and take him for their priest; and their former sheepheard feeds no more, but giues place to the stranger. O idol shepheard, that leaueth the flock Zach, 11, 17.
5. Turn many soules to righteousnes.) The contrary is true: they hinder many sowles from righteousnes, by preaching against the truth and witnesses thereof, by pleading for Baal, and toleration of the evils that are among you
6. Eze 3. Thou shalt saue thine own soul.) This was conditionall, if he warned the wicked of the evill way wherein he walked; vers. 18.19. &c. which your ministers doe not, (as before is shewed,) but strenthen the people in an evill way. How then shal they saue their soules? Agayn this was spoken to Ezekiel who had a lawfull office, calling & sending from God, vers. 1.4.11. &c. and you should first hauehave proued that your Ministers hauehave these and then you might hauehave spoken of their administration. But seing they hauehave neyther true office, lawfull calling, nor good administration: your conclusion is amysse, for the premisses doe not proue it.
The 3. Argument.
THose ministers by whome the Saints are gathered, which doe the work of the ministery, which edify the body of Christ, are the ministers of Christ. But such are the minist…rs of our best assemblies: Ergo
The prop…sition is made manifest by Eph. 4.11, 12, where it approues that these works are proper effects of the publick ministery giuen by Christ: also none can ordinarily build vp Gods church, but such as God giueth to this end 1 Cor. 3.5, 6, 9, 10.
The assumption is proued, because the ministers of our best assemblies, doe gather the Saints from the reprobates, making a manifest separation, and being gathered, doe build the body of Christ in godlynes, by their ordinary preaching in these assemblies.
Anwser.
THe assumption or 2, part of your argument that such are the Ministers of your best assembli…s, is denyed; for these reasons.
1 In Ephes 4. it is sayd, He, (that is Christ,) gaue but your ministers are giuen by the Bishops: and for disobed…ence to them, are taken away agayn from your parishes: Christ never gaue such hirelings
2. The ministers mentioned in Eph. 4, are Apostl…s Propets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers. Your min…sters are none of these, but Priests, Parsons Vicars, &c. whose very names, besides their offices, calling &c.) shew them to be from Antichr…st.
3. Your ministers gather not the Saints, but persecute and scatter them as we know by experiēce: they gather (or keep being gathered) a cōfused idolatrous multitude, svch as is in their parishes: the right way of gathering a church by separation from the world, they know not, or will not acknowledge.
4. They doe not the work of Christs ministery, which is aright to dispense the word, seales, censures &c according to the scriptures: but the work of Antichrists ministery, in reading the service book, marying, burying, churching of women, & the like; as in your Leiturgie & other church books are set down.
5. They edify not the body of Christ, but build and fortify the tower of Babel their confused assemblies; which were constituted of ignorant idolatrous papists, and other profane, the very body of Antichrist: but the way of truth and such as walke therein, are evill spoken of by your Ministers, as their books, sermons, conferences &c, dayly shew. For all which reasons, the right conclusion of your argument should be this, that the ministers of your best assemblies. are the ministers of Antichrist.
To proue, your assumption, you giuegive vsus your bare word, saying they do gather the Saints from the reprobats; making a manifest separatiō &c. This is to proue the same by the same: they doe so because they do so; wheras all the world may may see, they doe not so. For the church of Eng., and parish assemblies thereof, from which we hauehave departed, consist of all sorts of persons; the ministers stand priests by law to the whole parishes, whereof all are partakers of the holy things of God, every one baptized &c. and can you say, they are not then builded in and with your church? And for separation, we know your priests, nor the whole parish, cannot excommunicate any, be they never so blasphemous, wicked or licentious: that power is in the Bishops courts And how few are excommunicated for their heresies, blasphemies, atheisme or wicked life, who knoweth not: but for wel doing, you hauehave excommunicated many. And further, if any of your ministers should goe about to make a separation or gather any other churches or assemblies, then are already by the lawes of the land established and allowed they are ipso facto excommunicated, by force of the Canons of your church; made in Anno 1603. Can. 9, 11, 1…. So still the open wicked remayn edified with the rest in your church, & there is no such separation, as you against all mens knowledge doe pretend. Your argument therefore is no better, then as if Ieroboams priests should thus hauehave pleaded. Those priests that teach Iacob. Gods iudgements, and Israel his law, that put incense before the face of God, and and b…rnt offrings vponupon his alter, are the true priests of God: Deut, 33.10 But these things doe we: therefore we are true priests. If you say their assum…tion is false; the like is sayd of yours; and your works plainly proue your assumption most vntrue.
The 4. Argument
THose ministers by whose ministery and preaching, the overthrow of the kingdome of Antichrist is effected, are the ministers of Christ. But such are the ministers of our best assemblies: Ergo the true ministers of Christ The proposition is proued, 2 Cor, 10, 4 5.2 Thes 2.8. Reu, 14.6.7.8. & 18 12. & 11, 3, 11.
The assumption is manifest; for that the ministers of our best assemblies hauehave weakned and thrown down and doe still f…ght and prevayl against the kingdom of Antichrist, by the power of Christ; 2. Thes, 2, 8, and Satan cannot cast out Satan. Mark. 3.23.
Answer
THere is no cause or person so bad, but many hauehave store of such arguments as you bring for your ministers wherein you assume & take for granted that which is most needful to be proued: & if we wil not beleeu your bold affirmation, contrary to our knowledge and the truth of your estate, your ministery hath nothing to justify or confirme it.
The assumption of this argument I deny; for your ministers hauehave not throwen down Antichrists kingdo…e, but sought rather to hold it vp. Here in sted of due proof, you tel vsus it is manifest, for that the ministers of your best assemblies hauehave weakned &c, the kingdome of Antichrist. Thus again you prou the sa…e by the sain; & say that is manifest which is most obscur & vnknown ūto vsus: & to discouer your falsehood, I wil briefly shew, how the scriptures that you bring for your propositiō ; do disprou your assumptiō.
The weapons of our warfare (sayth the Apostle. 2 Cor, 10, 4, 5.) are not carnall but mighty through God, to cast down holds, casting down the imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God. &c. But the weapons of your ministers warfare, hauehave been carnal, not mightie through God. For against the remaynders of Antichrists kingdome among you, they hauehave sued to Parliaments, that the arm of fle…h might throw down the prelates, their courts, and corruptions but when the state hath not hearkned to them, what hauehave your ministers done but submitted themselues to their spirituall Lords; or at least weise ceased their warfare against them; and in their sermons and writings, hauehave turned the edge of the…r sword against vsus that hauehave departed from Babylon And what hauehave they throwen down by their preaching these half hundred yeares? Is there any of their Romish abuses, that they hauehave got reformed? any one of the rabble of Antichristian officers, courts, canons &c. cast out of the Church? Nay themselues now are ca…t out, if they speak or write any more against them, as they did in times past. Doe not all their people stand still in subiection vnderunder that Leitourgie, prelacie, priesthood and popish ecclesiasticall gouernment which were set ouer them at the first? They hauehave warred with the Antichristians, as did Israel with the Canaanites; when they were aPsal 106.35.36,mixed among them, and learned their works, and serued their idols, which were their ruine. Therefore are these enemies, become thornes to the sides, and pricks to the eyes of your best ministers and people, vexing them in the land wherin they dwel; as God did threaten Num. 33, 55.
So when th' Apostle sayth 2 Thes, 2.8. that the Lord shall consume (Antichrist with the spirit of his mouth, and abolish him with the brightnes of his comming; may we not hereby learne, that Gods spirit is not in your ministers mouthes, seing they hauehave not consumed or abolished, the Antichristian prelacie, and other abominations of that man of sinne? nay it is evident they maynten Antichrist, for hauehave they not al, receiued their ministery from the prelates & promised obediēce to their ordinaris, yet your preachers wer wōt to say the prelats ar Antichristiā. Agayn if your ministers had in them the spirit of the Lords mouth, they would ere this time, hauehave made a separatiō from the wicked, popish, & sinful generation, for God sayd vntounto Ieremie, bIsa 15.19if thou take away the precious from the vile, thou shalbe as my mouth. But this doctrine of separation, your ministers wil neyther teach, nor suffer to be taught; but lock vp the kingdome of heauen as much as they can, that men may not enter: they blame vsus for nothing so much, as for separation, when nothing is more needfull to be done, if we will keep the couenant of our God, and maynteyn that war which his own Maiestie first proclaymed, between the womans seed, and the ser…ents, Gen. 3, 15. so vnlike your ministers be to the mouth of God. As vnlike they are also to those Angels and witnesses Reu. 18. & 14. & 11. wh…ch cried the downfall of Antichrists pompous church and ministerie, and called al Gods children out of it, saying aReu 18.4Goe cut of her my people; but your ministers cry that men should tarry within, as the b1 Chr, 4.23.potters, that contrary to cIer. 51, 6,Gods commaundement dwelt with the king (of Babel) for h…s work: and such as are gone out, they labour to bring back agayne, saying that with them is the true doctrine of saluation; their errors ar not fundamentall their corruptions abolish not from Christ, all reformed churches ap…roue of the…r church and ministery: and many such Babilonian songs, hauehave we heard among them And whereas in Re…, 14 there followed an Angel, that with a lowd voyce threatned all those dver ▪ 9, 10that worshipped the beast and his image and receiued his mark in forehead or in hand; your ministers themselues stand vnderunder that wrath, whiles the mark of the beast is so open in the…r foreheads, by that false ministery of priesthood which they hauehave receiued from ethere is a character imprinted by the Bishops ordination concil trident Ses, 23 Can, 4.the Bishops whose vnlawfull authority and iurisdiction they submit vntounto and teach men to doe the like in wh…ch respect they cannot excuse themselues from worshipping the Beast, seing that hierarchie and prelacy‘ is by the light of Gods word and by the a…te…tation of the Christian reformed churches, and by your own confession heretofore, found to be Antichr…stian; if the Pope be Anti…hris…, & R…me be the throne of the Beast. Thus men may see that your ministers are far from overthrowing Antichrist kingdome & your selfe hauehave shewed a good reason why: Satan cannot cast out Satan.
The 5. argument.
THose ministers which are the sauiour of death to the wicked, and life to the godly, are the true ministers of Christ, 1 Cor. 2.16.
Such are the ministers of our best ass…mblies. Ergo true ministers of Christ.
Answer.
THis naked argument, hath not a ragg to help to couer the falsehood of the a…umption; wherefore …t may soon be stript and let goe. I dispr…ue that which you hauehave as…umed th…s.
Your min…sters are not the saviour of death to the wicked, because they suffer them in the bosome of the…r church; by their sacraments and blessin…s, confirme them in their sinns, doe not excommunicate the profane or vicious liver, but let them remayn in mixture with the rest, and plead for such a people, to be the true church of God.
They are not the sauour of life to the godly because they preach not the way of l…fe tr…ely, by separating from idolaters and idolatry, and gathering to a h…ly communi…n in the faith and obedience of the gospel.
B…t while… they persecute, preach, and write against Gods children, which pr…ctise the or…inances of his couenant, and by fayr pretexts and tolorable reasons, seek to draw them back to their confused assembli…s they are l…ke those whome the Lord reproued thus; And will ye pollute me among my people, for hand…uls of barly, and f…r peeces of bread. and to stay the soules of them that should not die, and to giuegive life to the soule… that should not liue, in lying to my people, that heare your lyes? Ezek 13.19.
The 6. Argument.
THese ministers that are hated of all men for the sake of Christ, are the true ministers of Christ; 1 Cor. 4, 9, 10.11..12.13.. 2. Cor. 6.4.5, 6.8.. Mat. 10:…2. Such are the ministers of our best assemblie…, Therefore true ministers of Christ.
The MINOR is proued, for that th…y are hated of the most part, and of the most evil of all sorts, as were the Apostles and desciples of Christ.
Consider what I say, …nd the Lord giuegive thee understanding in all things, 2 Tim, 2.7.
Answer.
THis your last reason comes al too late, and wil help your ministery nothing, For by the discussing of your former arguments We hauehave seen that your ministers c…nnot proue their office, calling or entrance into the sheepfold, by Christ neyther administer they according to his testament, but after their owne invented leit…rgie lawes, and Cannons, So that if they be hated of all men in respect of their ministery, they are not hated for Christs sake; seeing they hauehave none of his ministery, hated it may be they ar of many; so, are Fr…ars and Monks, and the rest of Anti-christs clergie, so it is written that the ‡ whore shall be hated, made desolate and naked, her flesh eaten and shee burned with fyer; but it is the cause, not the suffering which makes the martyr, Whereas therfore your minor is proued by a bare affirmation onelyonly, that so it is; (as is your manner of disputing; you must take a better course, and proue things otherwise, ere we, will yield: for the Arrian, and Anabaptists, and all sorts of religion, wil Plead that both they and their ministers are hated for Christs sake: but every tree is knowne by its fruits.
Yet hauehave yea no such cause to complayn of hatred; for the ministry of your Church; is aproued and reioyced for, (as your selfe while are sayd, (of all the, forreyn reformed Churches in the world; and at home wee know, how it is reuerenced, honoured and obeyed. Your cheifest ministers being acknowledged for spiritual Lords, and right reverend Fathers; the inferiour priests, as sound and excelent Divines, followed and flockked after by the people. And how they are provided for by rich Bishoppricks. & fat benefices, al ouer the Land; besides their dayly intertainment, at great and rich mens tables; who is there among you that knoweth not, These are not signes of hatred.
Therefore let him that readeth consider indeed what you hauehave sayd; and the Lord giuegive him vnderstanding in all things.
O England
ISRAEL thy Prophets are like the foxes in the wast places, Ezek. 13.4.
Positions concerning a true Church
INtending to set down some arguments against the corrupt estate of the present church of England; I thought it profitable to prefix some few positions, as a ground, whereby thou maist (good reader;) iudge the better of that which shalbe sayd. Yet mean I not to handle this poynt at large, which in so many other writings thou moyst profitably read: but onelyonly to obserue such principall things as may giuegive light vntounto the simple, who many of them mistake this doctrine of the Chur…h, and erring once, are …y seducers further led astray The Lord reduce all hi… that erre, and stablish his seruants in the truth for euer.
THis our English word Church, through custome of speech is commonly vsed for the Temple or place where people come togither for the worship of God: but they that are any th…ng excercised in religion, know, that it also signifieth the People, which gather togither for diuine service; and this is the …irst and proper meaning of the word Chur…h, as it is vsed to expresse the originall scripture termes, Kahal and Ecclesia.
2. This name Church, we English men (which c…me of the Saxons) hauehave receiued from the Saxon, German, and Duitch cames Cyri…, Kirch, Kerck; whereby those nations now, doe vsually call their Temples or meeting-places: but the people which come togither in them, they call the Gemeine, and the Gemeinte, that is to say, the Communialtie; & we in our first English Bibles called it, the Congregation.
3. As all religion is learned out of holy scriptures, so the name and doctrine of the church, is from thence to be deduced; and there the Church is called in Hebrew aD…ut. 5.22.Kahal or bDeut. 33.4.Kehillab, which signifieth a Convocation or Assemblie of people, and cExod. 16.1. Psal. 111.1.Ghnedah, that is to say a Congregation: in Greek it is named dMa… 16, 18, Act. 7 38.Ecclesia, that is in like manner, a Conuocation or people called forth to an assembly, and sometime eIam, 2, 2, and in th… greek of the old Test. often, Deut. 5.22, Exod, 16 3, &c.Synag…gee, that is a Congregation: which word is also vsed for the fLuk. 7.5. Act, 18, 7.place where…n the people assembled.
4 The Hebrew word Kahal is diversly vsed; sometimes more generally for a great or vniuersall multitude, as gGen. 35.11, Ier. 50.9.of nations and (h)Gen 48, 4, Ezek, 23, 24.of pe…les sometymes more particularly for an a…embly of one nation: as of iExod. 12.6.the Israelites; somtimes for apart of them, as k1 Chro. 13.1, 2, …; 5. and 29.1.6. 1: Chro, 1.2 3.the Elders and Gouernours; or some l2. Chron 20.4.5.of the tribes of Israel apart; or some m2. Chron. 30.10.13.25.of all the tr…bes, euen nEzra. 10.1.men, women and children: and indifferently for oGen. 49.6.any assemblie, and this not only of Gods people, but of pEzek. 27.27. and 32.22. and 38 4.7. &c.heathens also & infidels.
5. Likeweise the Greek word Ecclesia is of as large extent and signification; vsed sometime for qEph. 5.23, &c. Heb 12.23,the church …enerally, sometime for a (r)1. Cor. 1, 2.particular church or congregation in a citie: someti…es more …articula… ly in sRom. 16, 5, 1 Cor. 16.19, Colos, 4, 15,a house or family, sometimes (in the Greek version of the old test…ment) for an as…embly t2 Chron, 1, 3, &c,of Governours, or company of u1, Sam, 19, 20,Prophets, or congre…at…on xPsal, 107.32,of the people: and finally for yEze. 32, 3. Act. 19, 32, 39, 41,any as…embly lawfull or vnlawfull, of good men or of zPsal. 26 5.evill.
6. These words thus genreall, are in more speciall sort both by the scriptures, and by vse of speach among all religious peo…le restreyned and applied to such Assemblies and congregations as are called and gathered for diuine excercises: and so our English name of church is attributed peculiarly to spirituall or religious assemblies, called ecclesiastica… and not to any other assemblies ciuill or pol…t…call.
7. Of religious or ecclesiasticall assemblies generally considered, there ar many s…rts in the world, all disalowed of god, saue one sort onelyonly which he acknowledgeth to be his, and hath separated to himself from all the rest.
8. The many false sorts, may be reduced vntounto fowr; 1 The as…emblies of Pagans or heathen people, which profes…e some God, Gods, or, Goddesses, whome they doe worship, ignorantly, hauing aRom. 1.25cha…ged the truth of God into a lie, and so seruing creatures, not (indeed) the creator, which is blessed for ever. Amen. 2 The assemblies of Iewes who professe the true God (after a s…rt) and allow the writings of Moses a…d the prophets, b…t abhorre Christ Iesus our Sauiour, and reiect the new testament, 3 The a…emblies of Mahomis…s, as Persians, Turks, Moores, &c. wh…ch professe also after their manner, that bAlkoran; Azoar. 4.one true God of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, and acknowledge cAzoar. 2. &. 4 &, 11.Chr…st to be a Pro…het sent of God, yea and the breath or s…irit of God yet beleeu …hey not that he is dAz…ar, 12. &c,God, or the eAzoar. 19:20.sonne of God, or sauiour of the world, but follow the lies and fablies of their false prophet Mahomet. 4. Finally the churches or assemblies of false Christans, which professe God and …i… Sonne Christ, into whose name they are baptised; but by the…r works doe deny him, and by their erro…rs and heresies, doe overthrow the truth of rel…ion.
9. The 1 thr…e sorts, P…gans, Iewes, and Mahometists, beca…se of thei… so open and manifest d…ny all of Christ and saluation by him, are generally generally of Christians reputed as no Churches, the la…ter are re…uted no true but false church…s, and so also doe they esteem of true Christians, and one of another Herevpon is continuall controuersie be…ween true …nd and false chr…stians, which is the true church, and how it …ay be knowen.
10. To help the weak and doubtfull in this case, I will so truely and plainly as by the grace of God I can, describe the tr…e Church, which in the holy scr…tures is called the Congregation and chur…h fN…he, 13.1 1 Tim. 3.5, 14,of God, consisting of godly and holy peo…le named g1 Cor, 1 2. Psal, 89, 5. & 149.1,Saints; opposed to the wicked or (h)Psal. 26.5malignant church…s, the iRe…, 2, 9.Synagoues of Satan.
11. The true church is a people k1 Pet, 2, 9,called of God by l2 Th…s, …, 14,the Gospell, mIoh, 17, 6, 9, 14. and. 15, 19,from the world, vntounto the n1 Cor. 1, 9,communion or fellowshi… of his sonne Iesus Chr…st, in whome they are oEph, ….21.22.coupled and built togither. to be the habitation of God by the spirit
12 The church is said to be a people, p1 Pet, 2 9.nation or generation, because it consisteth of many persons, or of a m…ltitude little or great: for though a particular Christian is called, and of the church; yet no man is a church or congr…gation,
13. It is a people called; qEph, 4…1 Heb. 9.15,because every concourse or assemblie is not a true church: none of themselues can come vntounto this estate, vnlesse they be rRom: 9.11, 12, 24. S…ng. 1.3,called or drawen therevnto: and they are sayd to be called of God, because he sIob. 6:44:onelyonly calleth and draweth men vntounto Christ with a (t)2 Tim. 1:9holy calling; and addeth them (u)Act. 2.47.to his church, x2 Chro. 30.6 10.12. Rom. 8 30.no humane power or authority …s able to doe it,
14. The Gospel z2 Thes. 2 14.noted to be the the meanes of our calling, he maketh knowen vntounto his people outwardly by his a2 Cor. 5.19.word (b)Act. 5.20spoken and (c)Iob. 20.31.written, and inwardly by dNehem. 9.20. 1 Cor. 2 10.1….his holy spirit: and thus the Church are all eIob. 6 45.the taught of God.
15. The state out of which the Church is caled, is sayd to be out of or from the fIob …5.1. …, & 17, 6, 9.world, whereby is meant, first Satan the gI…h. 12.31,Prince of this world, from whose power they are hAct. 26:18,turned vntounto God; secondly, the wicked people of the world, called the i1 Ioh. 3.10.children of the Diuill, from whose communion and fellowsh…p kExod. 34 15, Prou. 15.8. Psal 16.4. E…h. 5, 11, 2 Cor. 6.17.in their religion, and all other wicked actions, we must be separated, thirdly, the corruption of nature in our selues, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, l1 Ioh 2.16.all which are of the world. and wh…ch we must mRom 7.15. Iude. 23.hate and nGal. 6, 14.crucifie, & so turne and become oMat. 18, 3.like little children, euen borne agayn, that we may see the kingdome of GodpIoh 3.3,
16. The estate wherevnto God called his church in this life, is generally q1. Cor. 1.9.to the communion (or fellowhsip) of his sonne Iesus Christ, as being their onelyonly mediator and Sauiour, the Prophet Priest and King of the church; which they beleeu…ng and professing, are al…o made partakers (in a proportion and in their measure) of these three offices with him
17. Iesus Christ is the rDeut, 18.15, 18.Prophet ra…sed vp of God vntounto his people to teach them all that God commanded him which also he did, both by sAct. 3.22.26. Mat. 5, 2, &…,himselfe, and by the M…nistery of his seruants tIoh, 13, 20.sent of him. And as [u]Col, 2.3.all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge are hid in him, so him the church m…st xMat. 17, 5.hear; for all yIohn 3.13. &. 6.68 Reu 5.1, 5heauenly wisdome and knowledge is to be learned of him; and every person which shall not hear this Prophet, zAct, 3 23.shall be destroyed out of the people.
18, This Prophet call office of Christ, he hath communicated with the church, by giuing aPsal, 147 19, 20 Isa. 59, 21. Rom 15.4.to the same his word for their instruction and comfort, and bIam. 1.21.graffing the same within them, his spirit also as an c1 Ioh, 2.20.27.Anoynting to teach them all things giuing dEp 4.8.11. 1 Cor. 12, 28.gifts also, or ministers, to open and apply the same vntounto their sowles, likewise power and freedome by eIsa. 43 10.witnes f2 Cor. 4, 13.profession and gMat, 28, 20practise, to hPhil, 3.16,hold forth that word of life as lights in the world: thereby to iAct. 8.4,preach vntounto others the fa…th of Christ, to k1 Thes. 5, 11.ed…fy and build vp one another dayly therein, to lHeb. 10.24.prouoke vntounto louelove and to good works. to mRom. 15, 14,admonish and nLeu. 19, 17.reprehend for evill and iniquity; to oLuk. 17, 3.forgiue and p1 Thes 4.18comfort one another in the bowels of Christ, whose word therefore all ought to labour that it may dwel plenteously in them, that if any man speak, it may be r1. Pet, 4.11.as the words of G…d.qCol. 3.16
19. Iesus the son of God, is also the sHeb, 4, 14, 20,great high priest or Sacrificer of the Church▪ by whose ‡Rom. …, 19,obedience, and sacrifice or oblation of tHeb, 10.5, 10,h…s own body and blood, the church is clensed u1 Ioh, 1, 7.from all sinn, and xRom, 5.10,reconciled to God: by whose intercession the church, with the holy actions & oblations of the same, are yHeb. …, 25, …nd 9.24. … 13.15, Reu, 8.3 4.accepted of God, and made heires of blessing.
20. And this his Pr…estly office, is … imparted to his church, as they hauehave not onelyonly interest in his zIsa 53 5. Rom. 5.8.10death and suffrings whereby they are reconciled to God, but also are themselues made a a1 Pet. 2.5.holy priesthood, to offer vp spirituall sacri…ices acceptable to God by him: giuing vp bRom. 12.1.their own bodies a liuing sacrifice; cCol 3.5.mortifying their members wh…ch are on earth and dGal 5.24,crucify…ng the flesh with th… affections and l…sts; offring vp ePsal. 51, 17,contrite and broken h…rts, with fHeb. 13.15.sacrifices of praise confe…sing to his name; and praying not o…ly every man for himself, but g,Eph. 6.18.one for another, hHeb. 13.16.doing good and d…stributing to the nece…sities of the Saincts, i2. Tim. 2.3.9,suffring affl…ction for the Gospell and fynally if they be called therevnto, powring out the r soules vntounto kHeb. 12.4, 2. Tim 4.6.death f…r the truthes sake.
21. The Lord Iesus Christ, is also the lMat. 2, 6.gouernour and mIoh 12 15.king ouer Sion Gods h…ly mount, and sitteth at his Fathers right hand and n1 Cor. 15, 2.reigneth till all his enimies be made his footstool, being oIsa 33, 22.a King, iudge, and lawgiu…r, to h…s people, pMat. 28, 20,commanding and ruling them by his word and spirit, qPsal. 72.j…dging them in iustice and equ…ty, preseruing and defend…ng them by his almighty power, rIoh. 10, 28 & 1….33, Reu. 19 11.21.from all their enimies.
22. And this his kingly office he so communicateth with h…s church; as they are by him preser…ed and defended from all aduersarie P…wer, freed from the dominion aRom 6 14,of sinne and tyrannie of b1 Ioh, 5, 18. Rom. 16, 20.Satan from subiection to c1, I…h 5, 4the world, and seruitude d1. Cor. 7 23,vntounto men: and restored to the ioyfull lib…rty of the Ch…ldren of God, e1, Cor. 3 2….the world and all things in it made theirs: that howsoeuer they hauehave still to f1 Pet. 5, 8.9.combate with the Diuill to gEph 6 12.wra…tel against principallities & powers: to suffer hIob. 11 19 & 16.33.hatred & affliction of the world; an… to warr with the fleshly lusts, i1 Pet, 2.11.which fight against the so…l: yet neither kRom. 8, 38, 39,dea…h, nor life, nor Angels, nor principallities, nor power…, nor, things present nor things to come nor, heigth nor depth, nor any other creat…re, shalbe able to separate them from the louelove of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord; who hath lReu. 1 6.made them K…ngs and Pri…s…s vntounto God even his father, and they shall mReu 5, 10,reign on the earth, till h…uin… ser…ed here the…r time, they come to n2. Ti…. 2 12. I…h. 17.24 1, Th…s. 4.17reign with him in glor…, in …he heauens for euer
2…. VntoUnto the participation of these promises and heauenly graces, are o,…lat. 28.19. Rom, 16, 26.all peo…les …r…uoked by the Gospell …reached; and such as obey the c…l…ng of G…d, an… come vntounto Chr…st, are vnited vntounto him the…r head and …ed…at…r, from whom… proceedeth the Iustification and sanctificatio… of t…e Churc….
24. Iustification is the partaking of Christs pPhil, 3 9,just…ce or righteousnes, …n his fulfilling and obeyin… qRom, 5.19,the law of God, and d…scharg…ng r1 I…h. 1, 7,all ou… depts and trespasses by his death; so freeing vsus sGal, 3, 13,from the curse, and set…ing vsus in full fauour tRom. 5, 10,with God and vnderunder his uGal. 3, 9.14,bles…ng: which righteousnesse of Christs, is fully made ours, and imp…ted to vsus xRom, 3.25, 30. and 4.4, 25.by faith for our justification,
25. Sanctification is the partak…ng of Christs holynes by being yRom. 6, 5.graffed with him to the simill…tude of his death and resurrection; whereby the corruption of nature or zvers, 6,old man in vsus, becometh crucified and avers, 4.buried with him; and the bEph. 4.22, 24. Col. 3.10.new man or image of God is put on and renewed dayly in a holy conuersation.
26. H…th…rto of the Churches union and communion with Christ her head: now followeth the union of the churches member…, one with another: which is their… cEph. 2, 21. Rom, 12, 4, 5.cou…ling togither as one body by the communion of one and the same d1 Cor. 12.4, 8, 9, 11, 12.13. Eph. 4.4 5, 15.16.spirit, faith, and louelove,
27. The vnion of the members one with another is to be considered generally or totally; and particularly. Generally as the ch…rch is called vniuersall or ca…holik, comprehending the aEph, 3, 15,whole family of God in heauen and in earth, and the b,1 Pet. 5, 9,fraternity or brotherhood of all Christians which are …n the world: in whome there is but c,Eph, 4, 5.one faith, in d,1 Cor. 8, 6, &, 12.4, 5, &c. Eph, 2, …8, &, 4.4, 5, 6,one and the same God by that one Lord Ies…s Christ, throu…h one Sp…rit. Thus hauehave they all one Father which is God; one e,Gal. 4, 26,mother, Ierusalem which is aboue, and by the mediation of Chr…st are all made f,Ioh, 17, 21.one, baptised by one spirit into g,Cor, 11, 13.one body, and al made to drink into one spirit.
28 More Particularly, they that are called of God, and members o… …he Church vniversall, are vnited and gathered into many g,1 Cor. 14 33,churches or congregatiōs, in h,Reu: 1.11several cities & countr…es: every of which churches being i,Act. 2 41 4…:47. and. 5.13. Heb, 10.25,joyned togither in the profession and practise of the Gospel of Christ, hauehave his k,1, Cor, 5, 4,power and lMat. 18, 20,presence with them, and is to conuene or come m,1 Cor. 11, 2…, 33 &. 54togither in one for the worsh…p of God, and performance of publick duties
29. Whatsoeuer promise or blessing of God, is bestowed on the church on earth generally considered: the same may be apprehended & injoyed by every particular church, (though not in like measure by all: as the qExo. 20, 24. Mat, 18, 20, Isa, 4.5,promises generall, and examples particular of the church, r1, Cor, 3.22, 23, & ….7, 30. &c, Reu, 2. &. 3.in Corinth, and others mentioned in the scr…pture, doe confirme.
30. The Testament of Christ sheweth vsus no Prouintiall, Nationall, Em…erial, or other l…ke Church, hauing seuerall meetings or a…emblies, and special Pastors ouer the same: neither, since th… Apostles Prophets & …vangelists were taken from this world, are there any other lawful Bishops or Church-gouernours, then the Bishops or Overseers sAct, 20, 17.28, Phil, 1, , , P…t. 5, 1, 3.of the particular churches; neyther euer was ther other lawful Head, Lord, or Lords spirituall, of the Church, then tCol. …, …8. 1 Cor, 8, 6, &, 12, 5.Iesus Chr…st alone.
31 VntoUnto the ch…rch are to be admitted, all vntounto whome the couenant and promise of God doth apperteyn; and they are so many aAct, 2, 3…as the Lord our God shall call; and all those are called (in the iudgment of man,) which hauing bRom, 10, 17. Eph. 1, 13,heard the word of God, doe professe cA…t, 2, 38.41, &, 8, 37,repentance from dead works, and faith in God, by Iesus Christ the alone Sauiour of …he world, and promise dExod, 19, 5, 8. 2, Chron, 34, 1, 12, Luk. …, 17, Ioh, 1, 26. Rom, 1, 5. Mic 4, 5.obedience to the word, through the holy Ghost the sanctifier of the elect. Such of eGal. 3, 2…,all sorts and estates of people in the world, are with their fGen, 17, 7, 1 Cor, 7, 14,seed to be receiued into, and nourished …n the church; their ignorance being holpen by gColos. 1, 28. &, 3, 16,instruction, their weaknes hRom, 15. …, &c. 1 Gal, 6, 1, Leuit, 19, 17,borne by lenity, their faults corrected i with louelove and meeknes; and their feeble consciences k…, Thes, 5, 14.comforted with the promises of God.
3…. Out of the Ch…rch are lMar, …, 7, 2 Cor, 6, 14 &c Reu, 2, 27. & 22, 15, Isa. 31, 8, 9 Zach, 14, 21,all s…ch to be kept, as are profane, worldly and wicked, vntill they be called of God vntounto repentance & faith in his promise: and out of it are to be cast all such as mMat. 18.17, 1, Cor, 5, 5 12.13, Tit, 3 10, Num, 15, 30, 31.sinne against the law of Go…, by errour or corruption, in doctrine or conuersation; and will not by pr…uate or publick admonistion, be reclaymed and amended
33; Every particular church or congregation throughout the world hau…ng equall interest nIoh. 17.…0, &c.in Christ, and in his o1, Cor, 14, 36,word or couenant: consequently ha…e equall power. and ought to hauehave a l…ke care; to practise pMat, 28.19.20,all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord, standing fast in the l…berty where with qGal, 5,Christ hath made them free.
34, Every one that would be saued, ought to joyne himself vntounto some particular rSong, 1, 6, Act, 2, 41, 47 Deut, …, 5, &c. Exod, 20.24.church, where Gods name is se…, and knowen, and called vponupon: that in and with the same, he may grow vp in the fa…th, and louelove of Christ vntounto saluation.
35. Although the church consisteth onelyonly of s…ch as are called, yet these are of two sorts, some outwardly onelyonly and for a tyme, which though they be in the church yet are they not indeed s…, 19.1 Mat. …2.14.of the Church; othersome called also inwardly effectually and for ever. So that the churches on earth, hauehave tCor, 10.5, &c Act. 20.30.many hypocrites and reprobates for members of them: whose secret sinns, defile uGal. 6.3 4.5themselues alone. Howbeit the x…: Tim. ….19.Lord knoweth them that are his; & a true Christian may by the word … spirit of the Lord, and fruites of his faith, hauehave yRom. 8.16. 2 Cor. 13.5 1. Ioh. 3 14.19. &c.assurance that himself is the Lords; of others, he is for their outward good profession and conversation which he seeth, to hope and judge aMa…. 22.39.1. Cor. 13, 5.7.as of himself, leauin… the finall doom and iudgment, vntill the Lord come, b1. Cor. 4, 5,who will l…hten things that are hid in darknes and make the counsels of the harts manifest; and will reward every man c,R…u, 22, 12.according as his works shalbe
36, The best churches on eart are alwayes subiect dAct, 20, 30, 2 Pet, 2, …, 2, 1 Cor, 11, 19,to hauehave open & greeuous sinas of all sorts, break out in them: all which …niquitie… m…st speedily be redressed, and eueryevery church purged by eReu, 2, 16, 22,repentance or f1 Cor, 5, 1, 2, 13.casting out of the impenitent; least gIosh, 22, 18.wrath doe come on all the congregation,
37. For churches by sinning and impenitencie therein, may forfeyt their hIsa, 24.5, 6couenant, and be iEze, 23.18.forsaken of God; and for their adulteries by kIer. 3 8,d…uorced from Christ, and so lReu. 18, 4,left of his people, the mReu 2, 5.candlestick being remoued out of the place.
38, By this which hath been sayd, may appear, that eueryevery people called of God into couenant and communion, with Christ, and one with another, and, so walking, though with much weaknes, ignorance and dayly syn; is to be esteemed a true church of God: but they that are not so called and come into couenant with the Lord, howsoeuer they may professe many excellent truthes, yet want they the mayne essentiall thing which, makes a true church.
39, A church thus hauing the essence or being: by ref…rence vntounto or coniunction with Christ, which is nEph. … 32. 1 Cor 6, 17,a secret and spirituall thing; cannot now as it is a church, properly be seen with carnall eye Whereas then the church is sayd to be visible, it is figuratiuely spoken, and after a sort; to weet so farr as by a peoples profession and conuersation seen or heard, men may discerne and iudge, by the rules of Gods word
40. As Christ the head and sauiour of his body, cannot be found or knowen by the wit or wisdom of man, oMat, 11, 25.27, Gal. 1, 15, 16, 1 Cor, 2.7, 8,but by the revelation of God: so the Church which is his body kingdome and spowse, ca…ot be discerned by naturall or humane skill, pS…ng, 1.6, 1 Cor 2, 10, 11.but by the manifestation of God alone through his word and spirit.
41, Hence it is that the true churches of God, are both contemned and condemned of the world as rAct, 24, 5, 14, & 28.22.heretiks, schismatiks, sedetious, &c. when the false antichr…stian assemblies are highly honoured and regarded. For they wh…ch vnderstand not the word of God, (wh…ch natural men s1 Cor 2, 14,doe not,) nor hauehave the spirit of God, (which naturall men hauehave not) how should they rightly judge of, or discerne the Church of God?tIude, vers. 19.
42. And Satan to deceiue the simple, doth aReu, 17, 4 &, 18. Prou 7.14.16.deck his synagogues with many ornaments of the church of Christ, as bIer. 18.18, 1. King. 22, 24, 2 King 12, 28, 33,the preaching of the word, prayers, sacraments discipline he procureth them also honour amplitude and prosperity: when from the true church oftimes he taketh not onelyonly outward peace and glory; but bereaueth the same of Christs cDan. 11, 31, Lam. 1.4 &c.publicke ministery of the word and sacraments; by, persecuting, imprisoning, banishing and killing dAct: 12:2, 3:the officers of the Church, and eAct: 8:1: Heb: …1:37:38.scatteting the members.
43. Yet is not Satans synagogue for all the pomp thereof, a church of God; because it inioyeth and useth not his word and holy things aright according to his fIohn, 3, 27, Heb, 5 4.heauenly ordinance, Neyther can the true churches be spoiled or depriued g2, Tim, 2:9,of the word of God, which is h,Iam, 1:21:graffed in them, and able to saue their sowles, is i,1 Pet, 1:23:25.seed immortall and endureth for ever: but in the mids of their many afflictions, they both k,Phi. 2.16.hold forth that word of life, as lights vntounto the world; and by the same doe l1 The, 5.11:edify and comfort one another, in the faith and feare of God; whose power and mMat 18.20.presence they hauehave with them in all estates and places.
44 So to conclude, a true church is a sacred communiallty, consociate and knit togither into a mistical body, whose head mColos, 1.18.is Christ; whose members, christians nGal. 3.28:of any nation or condition; whose soul is the oDeut. 32, 47. Ioh, 5.25,word and whose spirit is pGal. 4.6.1. Cor, 2, 12,the spirit of the liuing God: who gathereth togither qEze, 37, 1, 2, 6.10, &c.dry desolate bones, layeth synewes on them, makes flesh to grow, and couereth them with skin, and putteth breath in them that they may liue, and stand vponupon their feet an exceeding great army VntoUnto him for all his blessings, be praise in his churches throughout all generations; Amen & Amen.