A Short View of the Prelatical Church of England 1, Part 1
A SHORT VIEVV of the Praelaticall Church of ENGLAND: Wherein is ſet forth the horrible abuſes in Diſcipline and Government, layd open in tenne SECTIONS by way of Quare and Petition, the ſeverall heads whereof are ſet downe in the next Page. Whereunto is added a ſhort draught of Church-government.
EZEK. 34. 3, 4, 10.
Woe bee to the Shepheards of Iſraell that feed themſelves.
Yee eate the Fat and cloath you with the Wooll, yee kill them that are fed, but yee feed not the flocke, but with force and with cruelty have yee ruled them.
Behold I am againſt the Shepheards, and I will require my flocke at their hands, and cauſe them to ceaſe from feeding the flocke, neither ſhall they feed themſelves any more.
Printed in the yeare. MDCXLI.
SECTION, I. OF the title of the Church and why it is called Prelaticall.
SECTION, II. Of the principall perſons in this Prelaticall Church and their Dependents.
SECTION, III. Of the meanes to ſupport their Prelaticall greatneſſe.
SECTION, IV. Of the Prelaticall rule and government, and the ends they aime at.
SECTION, V. Of the Prelaticall viſitations.
SECTION, VI. Of the Prelaticall Churches, and the dependents on them.
SECTION, VII. Of the Prelaticall Service.
SECTION, VIII. Of the Prelaticall Miniſterie.
SECTION, IX. Of the Prelaticall Convocation.
SECTION, X. Of the great and manifold evils of theſe Prelaticall governments.
A SHORT VIEVV OF THE Prelaticall Church of ENGLAND.
SECTION. I. Of the title Church, and why it's called Prelaticall.
THe Church of England now ſo called▪ is the Church of our Prelates, and may be rightly tearmed the Prelaticall or Hierarchicall Church of England, received from Rome, the ſeat of Antichriſt, and ſet up here after he Proteſtants fell off from that Papall Church, for it's framed of Prelates, and alſo of a Prelaticall Clergie, and onelyonly ruled by them.
QVAERE.
Whither any ſuch Church was ever in the Apoſtles dayes, or any time ſhortly after within 2 or 300. yeares?
Whither any ſuch Church be among any of the reformed Churches: or any where elſe, but under the Pope, the Beaſt which hath two hornes like a Lambe, but ſpeaketh like a Dragon, Rev. 13?
Whither therefore, it be guided by the Spirit of Chriſt, or by the Spirit of Antichriſt?
Whither God hath ever permitted any mortall men frame a Church after their wiſedome?
For when hee gave
1 The Paterne for his Tabernacle to Moſes, Exo. 25.9. and 26.30. Heb. 8.5.
2 The Paterne of his Temple to David, 1 Chr. 28.19 & verſe 11, 12 13. 1 K. 6.38.
3 The Paterne of the rebuilding of it to the Prophet, Ezek. 43 10, 11.
He did not ſuffer MOSES nor DAVID, nor SALOMON, nor the Prophet, nor any of them, to attempt ſuch a thing. Was he ſo carefull for the type and ſhadow, and not for the Antitype and ſubſtance?
Whither therefore a frame of a Church after an humaine deviſe may not be altered, vponupon good reaſons by lawfull power?
The humble Petition.
That it may be conſidered of;
HOw according to the Romiſh faſhion by the name of Church,
1 The Prelates vnderſtand onelyonly themſelves, and (as they call them) their Clergie.
2 Than they ſeclude the Nobles and Gentry, the whole Houſe of Parliament, the Vpper, and Lower, from being of the Church, and ſo debarre them from having any right to meddle in Church matters.
When the title of Church monopolized to themſelves, is taken in Scripture of the New Teſtament?
Either for the Miniſters and people together, Mat. 16. 18. Act. 12.1. & 13.1. & 9.31. & 15.22. & 14.27. and ſo uſually.
Or for the people diſtinct from Miniſters, Act. 14.23. where the people are called the Church, before they had Paſtours ſet over them; Where Paſtours and people are diſtinguiſhed, there the people are called the Church, and not the Miniſters; the Miniſters are ſaid to bee of the Church, and not the Church, Rev. 18.2.1.8. The Churches denomination is from the people; who alſo are the Lords Clergie, 1 Pet. 5.3. The word in Engliſh is Heritage, the Latin Cleri, and in the Greeke foreign.
There is much complaint touching Monopolies in another nature, but this is taken no notice of, and yet this Monoply is a Myſtery of miſchiefes, for by this name of the Church aſſumed to themſelves,
1 They dignifie very greatly their power, as may appeare by the 20. Article of Religion, which they have corrupted from that it was at firſt, ſet out in Anno 1561. & 1571.
2. They decree what they pleaſe without controle, as is evident by their former and late Canons.
3. They ſtrike an awefulneſſe in all ſorts, vnderunder the ſacred name of Church.
When the Church repreſentative ought to be gathered of both ſorts (as they be now diſtinguiſhed) of the Learned and Godly Laity, as well as of the Clergie.
Why ſhould therefore (the whole Lords and Chriſtian Spirits of the Gentry) loſe the right, into which the holy Ghoſt (by calling them and the reſt his Church) hath inveſted them? In former times Parliaments have confirmed Injunctions Eccleſiaſticall, and our Service Booke, containing Gods worſhip, matters of an high nature, and why not ſtill ſo? And if the Nobles and Commons can claim ſo much, as to ratifie ye matters Eccleſiaſtical, being concluded vponupon, I hope it is by peruſall therof before, els how can they in judgement confirme them? And if they have wiſedome from God to confirme them made, why may not ſome choſen men bee appointed to conſult with the Convocation House about the framing of thoſe things which are to bee ſet forth, ſeeing they very much concerne all? The Brethren at the great Councill at Ieruſalem, were not ſhut out, while the Apoſtles and Elders came together to conſider of a great controverſie in Divinity, and in making their decrees; but when they were ſent forth, they paſſed vnderunder their owne name with the name of the brethren alſo, Act. 15.6.22, 23. David conſulted with the Laity, as well as with the Prieſts and Levits, to bring vp the Ark of God, 1 Chr. 13.1, 2.3. Hezekiah concerning the keeping of the Paſſeover, tooke counſell thereabout, not with the Prieſts onelyonly, but with his Princes, and all the Congregation in Jeruſalem, 2 Chro. 30.1, 2.
This Monopoly was not then learned among Gods ancient people, nor among the holy Apoſtles in their dayes.
SECTION. II. Of the principall perſons in this Prelaticall Church, and of their Dependents vponupon them.
1 There are two Provinciall Archbiſhops.
The one of the Province of Yorke Metropolitan of England, the other of Canterbury Metropolitan of all England.
Dependents on Canterbury.
1 His Princelike Retinue.
2 His Domeſticke Chapleines, and the reſt.
3 Houſhold Servants.
4 All his Officers for temporalities, and the Revenues thereof, which are very great.
5 All his Spirituall Officers under him, which are theſe.
1 His Vicar Generall.
2 His Guardians of Spiritualities.
3 The Deane of the Arches, with all the number depending upon them.
4 His many Courts▪
The Court of Faculties.
The Court of Audience,
The Prerogative Court,
The Delegates.
The Conſiſtory in Pauls,
The High Commiſſion Court.
With the ſwarmes of Attendance on theſe Courts, as
Advocates,
Regiſters,
Doctours,
Proctours,
Purſevants,
Meſſengers,
and Apparitours,
With all other belonging to them, all which come to many hundreds.
QVAERE.
WHither all or any of theſe, be of divine inſtitution?
Whither the words of Chriſt forbidding to be gracious Lords, extend not to theſe, Mat. 20, 25, 26. Luke, 22.25, 26. Mar. 10, 42, 43, 44, 45.
Whether any ſpirituall function ordained by Chriſt, ſtandeth in need of ſo great a Prelate, and ſo great a dependance to diſcharge the duties thereof?
Whither this greatneſſe hath any time beene the ſupport of goodneſſe, and of good men in their places, or rather hath not from this greatneſſe riſen great troubles, as at this day, and much perſecution, almoſt ever ſince the beginning of reformation?
The humble Petition.
THat the immeaſurable greatneſſe of theſe gracious Lords might be abated, and the number of thoſe their dependents leſſened.
That they might be made to ſhew themſelves Arch-teachers of Chriſts Goſpel, and to attend vntounto ſome particular flocke, to feed them.
That they might not be of Princes counſell, for commonly God leaveth ſuch to become ill States men, becauſe they doe contrary to Chriſts bidding. It shall not bee ſo with you, Mat. 20.26. Luk. 21.25. Mar. 10.42. And for that they neglect the ſacred calling of the Miniſtery, which is to be of Chriſts heavenly Counſell, to give attendance vntounto temporall affaires, and to be of Earthly Kings counſell.
II. There be twenty foure Biſhops, Dioceſan Lord Biſhops.
They are ſeated in ſeverall places throughout the Kingdome
Of theſe three are under Yorke
Carleile,
Durham,
and Cheſter.
All the reſt are vnderunder Canterbury.
Dependents on theſe.
Their traine of Domeſticke Servants.
Their Chapleines.
Their Officers concerning their temporalities.
Their 24 Courts.
And hereto belonging.
26 Chancellours, with wayters on them.
24 Regiſters with their men.
24 Gentlemen Apparitours.
48 Proctours, if but two to a Court.
120 Apparitours at leaſt, more then a good many.
QVAERE.
WHither theſe Dioceſan Biſhops be jure divino, and have warrant from Scripture?
Whither St. Peters ſpeech reacheth not to them, that they ſhould not Lord it over Gods heritage, by over ruling it, 1 Pet. 5.3?
Whither we cannot be as well without them, as all other reformed Churches; or whither we will condemne thoſe Churches for caſting them out, or not receiving them in?
Whether this be not a mocke to ſay, no Biſhop no King, ſeeing they alſo ſay, no Ceremony no Biſhop, therefore no Ceremony no King, what a weake ſtanding bring they a King unto? But a King is Gods ordinance, not ſo they? and in Denmark hath beene a King and no Biſhops this 100 yeares?
Whither Biſhops wanting in Dioceſſes, upon vacancy ſome 10, ſome 20 yeares (as ſome have beene) may not be ſo for more yeares, and ſo for ever? And if they may be wanting in a Dioceſſe, why not in a Province, and ſo why not every where?
Whither may not our King, as lawfully caſt them out, as did the King of Denmark his Grandfather? Whither by their authority have they advanced true religiō, or upheld meere formes of it, ſhewes, habites, geſtures, and Ceremoniall obſervances, rather then the power of godlineſſe?
What wickedneſſe and vanity is ſuppreſſed by him, nay, what errour, what vice, Idolatry, and prophainneſſe groweth not under them?
What one made better by them in the wayes of God?
What one brought to a pious reformation by their Citations, Excommunications, and impoſed penancies?
The humble Petition.
THat they be ſeated in Paſtorall charges, every one over a particular flocke, as at firſt all▪ Biſhops were, there to preach and teach the people, and ſo their many dependents might be taken away.
That their Chancellours be removed from them, and their over ſwaying maſterfulneſſe in their Courts bee taken downe, and cut off.
That they, their Officers, and their Courts, may bee brought vnderunder ſome ſuch authority, as may rule over them queſtion them, and duely cenſure them, when there is juſt cauſe, and not ſuffer them to be like Kings, free without command, or any power of cenſure at all over them. Is it fit they ſhould judge all, and be free from the Iudgement of any?
3. There be threeſcore Archds. vnderunder theſe Biſhops.
Dependents on theſe.
They have threeſcore Courts, to which doe belong, Commiſſaries, Officials, Surrogates.
60 Regiſters with their ſervants.
120 Proctours, if but two to every Court.
200 Apparitours at leaſt.
The whole number appertaining to Archbiſhops, Biſhops, Archdeacons, with the many peculiars are judged to bee no fewer then ten thouſand perſons, which need yearely two hundred thouſand pounds to maintaine them all, the greater and inefriour ones, reckoning but 20 l. a man, when many have 100 l, a yeare, ſome 200 l. others more.
QVAERE.
Whither theſe ſwarmes of Waſpes be of neceſſary vſe in the ſpirituall Kingdome of Chriſt?
Whether their Courts be reformative or deformative?
Whether there is any likelyhood, that their groſſe abbuſes of Gods Ordinances; in ſending out excommunications, and their commuting of penance, &c. can pleaſe God, to bring an holy reformarion?
Whether it can be probably imagined, that thoſe Courts can reforme others, who in themſelves are ſo corrupt and mercenary, and will employ ſuch baſe and lewd companions in a ſpirituall buſineſſe, as be the Apparitors, whom either they cannot, or will not reforme?
Whether their Courts being taken away, as in all other reformed Churches, their want ſhould be bewailed, and their ſetting vp againe be deſired?
Whether the maſſe of mony which is ſpent by theſe ſo many thouſands, might not well be ſpared, and farre better employed,
The humble Petition.
THat theſe Courts be not longer permitted to take in ſo many thouſand preſentments every halfe yeare, onelyonly to make ſuch gaine of the people, as they doe, for they reforme no mens perſons, but plague their purſes?
That ſome other way might be conſidered of agreeable to Gods Word, and the godly practiſe of other Churches, for ſuppreſſion of vice, and the maintenance of vertue in every Pariſh.
That their lewd Apparitours, ſo many, and ſo many be not long ſuffred.
That in their Courts, their proceedings may be open to the hearing of all, and that they lap not vp buſineſſes in ſecret, as their manner is to ſhut their Conſiſtory doore, where they doe as they pleaſe with delinquents.
That they delay not men in their Courts, forcing and vexing poore men to come very often, before they can bee diſmiſſed, a grievous vexation to needy labouring men.
SECTION III. Of the meanes to ſupport their Prelaticall greatneſſe.
Theſe have their Lordly Pallaces, and great houſes.
They have their Eccleſiaſticall dignities, and Spirituall Offices and what doe thereto belong.
They have their Baronries, and the ample revenues thereof.
Viis & modis, ſuch is their Income, as it cannot but amount to an hundred (beſides their adherents which in all amounts to foure hundred thouſand pounds or thereabouts) and 40 thouſand pounds per annum, if not more, ſo much their greatneſſe comes vntounto, as the State of a King may be ſupported not a little therewith,
QVAERE.
Whether the true Officers of the Church need ſo much to beare vp their traine?
Whether Chriſt be better ſerved by them, or followed of them?
Whether their ſtudies are more bent to advance the Churches Spirituall good?
Whether are they more ſequeſtred to the wayes of God, to attend Gods ſervice, the reformation of ill mens lives, the ſetting forward thoſe that are good in the pathes of grace?
Whether doe they take the more time to apply themſelves, to faſting, to praying, to preaching and doing workes of piety, and workes of charity?
Whether doe they not rather intrude into ſecular affaires, and into State buſineſſes, to the diſgrace of the Nobles and Gentrie of the Land, and the peace thereof.
Whether are they more bold againſt ſinne, to ſuppreſſe it in all ſorts; or are they not thereby the more Lordly minded to beare vp themſelves, and to cruſh all them that juſtly finde fault with what is amiſſe in them?
Whether are they not hereby higher from controle, and leſſe ſubject to any cenſure, both they, and ſuch as depend upon them?
Whether may not the King pare them, as well as did bleſſed Queene Elizabeth, ſome of them in her dayes; or as King Henry did the Lord Abbots, and Lord Priers with all their ſuperfluous meanes: For thoſe were of men, and ſo are theſe, and not of God.
The humble Petition.
THat they be made to change their Palaces for Perſonage Houſes, there to keepe Hoſpitality, and to feed the people with the word of life.
That their Baronries be taken from them, and ſo the Lordly title, and not be ſuffred to ſit any more in Parliament, as Lords there.
That their thouſands be reduced to ſome hundreds, and ſo their Officers and retinue made fewer. What need a true Paſtour be ſo pompeous and Lordly great, to doe his Office for Chriſt, in preaching, and in other Spirituall duties.
SECTION. IV. Of the prelaticall Rule and Government.
Their rule is partly after the Canon Law, yet in force, and partly after their owne framed Canons and Articles, and not according to Gods Word.
The manner of their ruling is Lordly, and alone in their inferiour Courts, and in the high commiſſion Court, their power is vnlimitted, citing, examining, ſwearing, judgeing, fining, and impriſoning, as they pleaſe, one of the moſt inſufferable evils in this Kingdome.
The ends which they doe ayme at are.
I. To keepe vp their owne greatneſſe, even by exacting Oathes for it; as the Oath of the canonicall obedience, and the late Oath in the new canons.
II. To hold others in ſubjection vnderunder them, as they like beſt by citing to their Courts; by haſty ſuſpenſions by raſh and very abuſive excommunications, &c.
III. To enrich themſelves gathering much money by all theſe meanes.
I. By ordained Deacons, and Miniſters for money 4 times a yeare, by which they put vp yearely hundreds of pounds.
II. By inſtituting and inducting perſons and Vicars, when benifices doe fall, and ſo ſcrape together much out of 9285 Livings, three pounds for every one viis & modis, which in times come to many thouſands.
III By making Rurall Deanes yearely (where they be) in every Deanry: And for the Oath taken; ſome pay 8. s. 6. d. or a Noble, but no benefit to the Deane at all, but to execute Biſhops Mandats.
IV. By granting Lycenſes which ought to be free.
1 To beneficed men to preach in their owne Cures; though at their ordination they give them authority to preach; yet may they not afterwards without 10. s. for every Lycenſe; Looke then how many lycenſed Preachers there be (whether they preach or no) ſo many 10s, is paid, ſuppoſe there be in 9285 Pariſhes but ſixe thouſand of them, the ſumme commeth to three thouſand pounds. Thus they pay money to have leave to diſcharge their higheſt duty of their Office.
2 To Curates, who muſt pay for a Lycenſe to read prayers in ſome place; for a Lycenſe to preach, for a Lycenſe to keepe Schoole, vndoing poore beginners before they get any thing.
3 To Clarkes of a Pariſh to be Clarkes,
4 To Phyſitians to practiſe Phyſicke.
5 To Midwives to doe their Office, for they have skill in all trades and profeſſions to gaine money.
6 To parties which are to be married, without banes asking, and in times prohibited, and both for money allowed, yet againſt Law.
V. By abſolving after a raſh ſuſpenſion, after a prophane Excommunication, and both for money.
VI. By aggravations, for money.
VII. By putting men to cleere themſelves by oath, with their Compurgatours for money.
VIII. By impoſing Penance, which the richer may commute for money, but the miſerable poore (doing their penance) cannot bee freed from their Courts without money though they begge for it, but muſt ſtand Excommunicated, and ſo bee ſhut out of the Church and given over to the Devill, for non-payment of money.
IX, By willingly receiving any ſecret information (true or falſe) to call any before them, putting them to the oath Ex officio to catch them and make them pay money.
X. By interdicting of Churches and whole Congregations.
XI. By framing very many Articles, forcing Churchwardens to preſent vponupon oath, that they may get money.
XII. By probates of Wills, and by granting Letters of Adminiſtrations.
XIII. By ſutes about Tithes, and long delaying thereof, much money is ſpent of others, but gotten by them.
And thus a maſſe of money is ſcraped together of them, to the great vexation of his Majeſties Subjects, eſpecially of the meaner ſort.
QVAERE.
Whether ſuch a rule and authority, by ſuch Canons, in ſuch a manner, and for ſuch ends, can be approved of God, or any longer ſuffered of men?
Whether this bee not to make money of Gods holy ordinances, and to gaine by ſinne? what hope of a bleſſing can there bee by ſuch a baſe kinde of Eccleſiaſticall pecuniarie governing?
Whether it bee not fit and juſt to ſqueiſe ſuch Spunges, and ravenous harpies, by finding out their illegall courſes, and puniſhing them?
The humble Petition.
THat they may not rule by the Cannon Law, which yet is in force (ſo farre as it toucheth not the Kings Supremacy) nor by their owne deviſed Canons, but by Gods word, and by ſuch Canons as agree with the word, and are made with the full conſent of the Convocation, and confirmed by act of Parliament.
That in ruling they Lord it not alone, but that they ſit with learned godly and grave Aſſiſtants, keeping within the bounds of the Lawes, doing neither contrary to, nor beſides them, nor yet diſpenſe with any, as they doe for marrying without banes aſking, and in times prohibited.
That they keepe not their Courts in their owne names, nor ſend out proceſſe, ſummons, Citations, nor proceed to cenſure in their owne Names or Stile, nor vſe onelyonly their owne Seale of Office, and Armes as they doe, thereby denying their power to be derived from the King, this is an vnſufferable vſurpation.
That they be made to acknowledge their authority not to be divine, but humane, from the King, as hath heretofore beene fully acknowledged,
That the power of the high Commiſſion in miniſtring the Oath ex Officio be taken away, as alſo in all other inferiour Courts, and that it may be a limited power vnderunder Law, in all the proceedings in citing, examining, judgeing, fining, and impriſoning, that ſo the complaints of Gods Miniſters and others, may not ſtill cry alowd in the Lords eares, to bring downe wrath: Who can but pity with teares of bloud, the inſufferable miſery of Mr. Peter Smart of Durham, for preaching againſt ſetting up of Images and Altars, the ſevere bandling of Mr. George Huntley Mr. Crowder; miniſters and many others.
That by their high authority they may not be ſuffred to hinder ſuch as be troubled from taking the benefit of Regall courſes to helpe themſelves, and neither Judges nor Lawyers be made ſo to feare, at the one ſort dare not freely plead for them, nor the other judge but with feare, as they ought not.
That ſeeing they are otherwiſe ſufficiently provided for, they make not ſuch wicked gaine in making and inſtituting Miniſters in giving Lycenſes, in impoſing penance, in abſolving all the reſt before named, to the great grievance of his Maieſties Subiects, robbing them of a treaſurie of mony, and making ſale of Gods holy Ordinances; Is there Symonie in buying a benefice, and none in giving money for the vſe of Spirituall gifts?
That they make no encroachments vponupon the Subiects liberties, as they doe, proved fully by the Author of the Breviate.
SECTION. V. Of their Prelaticall Viſitations.
Theſe are pecuniary, meerely for money.
I. Are Biſhops Viſitations, and in theſe:
I.
CHurchwardens of every Pariſh, and Chappell are called, who receive a booke of Articles to preſent by, if any are wanting they are warned to appeare at their Court, with Coſt.
Theſe Churchwardens pay for their booke of Articles every yeare (though the very ſame) and for other things, and for writing their preſentments by a Clarke (which they themſelves could doe) 2ſ ▪ 4d, which in 9285 Pariſhes commeth to 1058l xiſ, viijd, beſides Chappels, which be here and there many.
II. Miniſters beneficed.
Theſe pay for Lycenſes to preach, if they have none.
Then they pay for ſhewing their Letters of Orders, their Licenſe to preach unto the Regiſter at every Biſhops Viſitation, though ſeene and allowed of before xxd or thereabouts.
After for procurations to the Biſhop 4 s a piece, to the Gentleman Apparitour 8d, but the abler ſort xijd.
Laſtly, ſometimes the Biſhops crave Benevolence, as the occaſion is, but the ſumme they will ſet downe.
Beſides all theſe they pay Paſchal tents or Synodals to the Archd. in the Biſhops viſiting.
III. Curats.
If they want Licenſes to read, preach, or teach a Schoole, then they pay for them.
Then for ſhewing their Letters of orders, ſo that in 9285 Pariſhes, the ſumme will ariſe to ſome thouſands of pounds.
Thus they doe at Archbiſhops Viſitations, but when an Archbiſhop comes newly to Yorke, the Parſons and Vicars, though never ſo poore under him, give him a tenth of their living for a benevolence to helpe the Archbiſhop to ſettle himſelfe in 5 or 6 thouſand pounds a yeare, which extorted benevolence, if not paid him of the pooreſt Vicar, the Reverend Father out of his mercifulneſſe, will pittifully afflict him in his Court.
II. Archdeacons Viſitations.
Theſe be twiſe a yeare, here the Churchwardens doe as before.
The Miniſters pay.
At Eaſter Viſitation their Paſchal Rents or Synodals, which ſummes are not alike to all, ſome pay 5 s. ſome leſſe.
At Michalmas they pay procurations, ſome 7 s. ſome 10 s. ſome leſſe, but it's judged, that Miniſters pay yearely at Viſitations throughout the Land, 4 or 5 thouſand pounds, ſome reckon more.
And what is all this for:
1 To call every Miniſter by name, and to pay as is aforeſaid.
2 To call Churchwardens, Queſtmen, Sidemen, or Poſts (as ſome name them) to take their Oathes, to make preſentments, that men may be brought into their Courts, to get money.
QVAERE.
WHither theſe Viſitations be after God or man?
Whither any can be hereby bettered by them either for life or doctrine?
Whither any reformed Churches keepe ſuch kind of Viſitations and ſuch a manner of viſiting?
Whither theſe be worthy of ſo many thouſand pounds for calling ſuch viſitations?
Whither ſuch meetings bee worthy the aſſembling together of ſo great a number of the Clergie, and Laity?
The number out of 9285 Pariſhes, to wit, one Miniſter beſides Curates, and 4 men, Churchwardens, and Sidemen, or Poſts, beſides 2 in every Chappelry are above 45 thouſand at one viſitation, and both the number double is 90000, where if they expend alike xijd. a man, for dinner and horſemeate, as uſually they doe, the ſumme doth ariſe in both the viſitations throughout the Land to 4000. and 500. pounds yearely.
Why ſhould men caſt away ſo much money yearly, yeare by yeare for upholding them in ſuch vaine Viſitations, injurious to others, and onelyonly gainefull to themſelves?
The humble Petition.
THat ſome way may be taken, to make more vſefull theſe Viſitations, in calling together ſo many thouſands, than thus onelyonly to fill their purſes.
That neither the Biſhops, nor Archdeacons be permitted to frame Articles, ſo vnlawfully out of the Canons, with ſundry of their owne additions, as may appeare by comparing ſome of their Articles with the Canons, which every Pariſh is bound to have, and ſo need none of their Articles.
That threeſcore and fourteene thouſand men be not conſtrained to ſweare threeſcore and fourteen thouſand oaths yearely, as they doe, to their ſoules damnation without repentance?
For,
I. Not any doe, nor can keepe the oath in preſenting, all offences, faults, defaults and crimes (as they call them) mentioned in ſo numerous Articles, and ſo doe forſweare themſelves, which breach of oath goeth through the whole Land, and with every oath goeth a Curſe.
II. If men ſhould preſent for offences, faults, and crimes, every thing according to every Article, then they curſedly ſweare to preſent for ſinnes, offences, faults, and crimes, which before the Almighty God are none, as for inſtance.
A Miniſter to preach in his owne charge without a Lycenſe, or in a Cloake.
A Father at Baptiſme to offer to the Miniſter his owne Child, and vndertake for the Infants education, and ſo prevent an high preſumption of others who may be witneſſes, but not vndertakers, promiſing for the Child that which they neither can, nor ever intend to doe.
Some going to another Pariſh to heare Sermons (which at Baptiſme they are exhorted vntounto) when they have none at home.
Some meeting together to read the Scripture, and good Bookes allowed to bee printed, to ſing Pſalmes and pray together.
A poore man and in need to worke vponupon an holy day for reliefe of his poore family.
A Miniſter or a Deacon having vnworthily taken thoſe callings vponupon them to leave the ſame upon trouble of conſcience, becauſe they find themſelves to be utterly vnfit, and to betake themſelves to ſome more fit courſe of life.
One for having his Hat on.
Another for not ſtanding vp at the Creed, others for not bowing, or not putting the Hat off (which they may not have on) more at the name of JESUS, than at Lord and Saviour Chriſt.
Theſe and other ſuch like, who dare to preſent vponupon oath for ſinnes, offences, faults, and crimes before God? And yet Churchwardens and Sidemen doe ſo, to the grievous wronging of their owne ſoules.
Oh take pitty, take pity of this their perjury and ſinfull ſwearing bringing a curſe vponupon them.
That a Biſhop in his Viſitations doe goe abroad to viſit, and not force all Miniſters and many old men, to come to him many miles, when he is but one, and they very many, for this is a making of them to viſit him, and not he them, But all is to ſpare his owne paines and his owne purſe, that what he gets at ſuch Viſitations, may be his without any expences, Provident Prelates.
SECTION. VI. Of the Prelaticall Churches.
THe Prelaticall Churches, beſides their private Chappels, are the great and vaſt Cathedrals, or other Collegiate Churches,
Dependents on theſe are.
26 great Deanes, next unto Biſhops with their attendants and Servants.
5, 44 Canon Reſidents, and Prebendaries.
The reſt alſo are many hundreds.
As Their Vicars.
As Peticanons.
As Singing men and boyes, Choriſters.
As Organiſts.
As Goſpellers and Epiſtelers.
As Virgers, and who elſe appertaine to this idle and fat fraternity.
An 100. or 200. thouſand pounds yearely in Lands, rents, Leaſes, and other revenues, and profits doe belong thereto.
QVAERE.
WHither ſuch idle Droanes are worthy of ſo much for their ſervice, ſuch as it is?
Whither Ieſus Chriſt cannot be better ſerved with farre leſſe coſt, and better pleaſed?
Whither all theſe thouſands might not be better employed to greater good in the training up of thouſands in divine and humaine learning?
As thus,
I. That never a Deane have any Paſtorall charge, but be continuall reſident at the Cathedrall Church, being a godly and learned Doctour, there to read twiſe or thrice a weeke a Divinity Lecture, and interpret the Scriptures.
II. That all the Canon reſidents be alſo without Paſtorall Charges, and that they be learned, grave, and godly Divines, or elſe others in their ſtead, choſen out of the Univerſities to aſſiſt the Doctour Deane in, and about Spirituall and divine exerciſes, dayly to ſtudy controverſies, caſes of conſcience, and ſome ſpeciall tracts of divinity, &c. that other Miniſters in the Country may come thither for helpe, and for better information of judgment, as need ſhall require.
III. That the greater part of the reſt of the Prebendaries be turned into ſpeciall ſelected Schollers, Graduats out of either Vniverſitie, ſuch as for naturall gifts, their learning in tongues and Arts, and pious diſpoſition by grace, doe give very good hopes to become good Divines, and here trayned vp vnderunder the Deane and the other Divines for the Miniſtery.
IV. That 7 of the beſt Prebendes be alotted to 7 learned men, to become Schoolemaſters to teach Schollers.
Every Schoolemaſter to be accurately ſkilfull in one Art, and ſecondly to have ability withall to teach the ſaid art to his Schollers with ſome ſpeed.
The 1 To teach to write very faire.
The 2 To teach Muſicke.
The 3 To teach Grammar onelyonly.
The 4 To teach Rhetoricke.
The 5 To teach Poetry.
The 6 To teach the Greeke tongue.
The 7 To teach the Hebrew.
That their Schollers may come thus furniſhed to the Vniverſities, there to learne Logick and other Arts, and to take the degrees of Schooles.
Every Maſter muſt make knowne the aptneſſe and untowardneſſe of every Scholler, that the Maſter may not be troubled with uncapable Boyes.
V. That the Vicars, Peticanons, ſinging men and boyes, with the reſt, bee turned into Schollers, ingenious Laddes, pickt out here and there from among meane mens Children, to bee brought up under the aforenamed Schoolemaſters, to be after ſent to the Vniverſities, and maintained there by ſome of the Revenues belonging to the Cathedrals, that ſo they may be taken thence, if they prove not unworthy, and brought backe againe as places be void, to be trained vp for the Miniſtery.
By all theſe in the Cathedrall Churches, Gods publicke worſhiſhip, Morning and Evening might be performed better than now it is.
And by this pious and profitable tranſformation of theſe Cathedrals.
1 When any Benefice falls void, hither may the Patrones come for a learned and godly Miniſter taking his choiſe.
2. Jf any Paſtour happen to be ſicke, or have juſt occaſion to be abſent, hither may he ſend for one to ſupply his place for preaching and prayers, till he be well, or return home.
Ware this ſo happily done, who could but approve thereof, if godly and wiſe hearted.
The humble Petition.
THat the goodly revenues belonging to theſe Cathedrals, be employed to ſome ſuch good and godly vſe, as the wiſedome of the State ſhall thinke fit, for better advancement of Gods glory, Learning and Religion than now they be.
Thot the ſo many needleſſe Probendaries might not be allowed, nor to take vp ſo great ſummes as ſome doe, for preaching 2 or 3 Sermone a yeare, either by themſelves, or by ſome other, whom they can hire for a noble, or an angell a time,
That the ſo many gifts of Livings, in the hands of Biſhops, Deanes, Archdeans, and the reſt, be looked into, for better beſtowing thereof, then they commonly be.
SECTION. VII. Of the Prelaticall Service.
THe Prelaticall ſervice, is the Cathedrall ſervice, conſiſting in theſe things.
1 In a long weariſome Liturgie, read after a ſinging manner, ſyllables and words drawne out unto a tedious length, which Liturgie is formed out of three Romiſh bookes, the Purtuys, the Breviarie, and the Maſſe booke; ſo as King JAMES ſaid of it, That its an evill ſaid Maſſe, from which it needeth purging, and from ſome vaine repetitions, ſome Romiſh ſuperſtitions, ſome abſurdities, and from a corrupt tranſlation of holy Scriptures, and other abuſes thereof:
2 In an unedifying ſinging and piping on Organs.
3 In ſuperſtitious cringing to the name JESVS, towards the Altar, towards the Eaſt.
4 In a formall obſervation of habites, Surpleſſes, Hoods, Copes, variety of geſtures and ceremonies, devotions, deviſed by men.
QVAERE.
Whether ſuch a Service booke (as the Papiſt Briſtow called it, an apiſh imitation of the Maſſe) be well pleaſing unto God?
Why we ſhould vphold ſuch Service, which nouriſheth a bare reading Miniſtery, nuſles people in ignorance, and which no reformed Churches have received to vſe?
Why is it not ſuffered to be reformed, in ſuch things as have beene witneſſed againſt from the beginning of reformation, and for the reformations whereof, thouſands have petitioned, many hundreds have beene ſuſpended, deprived and impriſoned.
Why is it that no end will be put to the miſery of ſuch who are men of tender conſcience, and doe deſire, God knowes, to live in peace, ſeeing now a whole Kingdome refuſeth it, and that with the danger of their vtter vndoing.
The humble Petition.
THat ſuch a Liturgie might bee framed, as may bee freed from corruption, and in ſuch a forme as may have no reſemblance to the Romiſh ſervice, for by this Papiſts are but hardened and other fall away.
That no Ceremonies be ordained, but what may be found to agree with all the Apoſtles rules, made for the vſe of things indifferent.
That the vſe of them be free, and not rigorouſly impoſed, nor the failing otherwiſe of painefull and peaceable men to conforme in ſome things, be more ſeverely looked after, and puniſhed more ſharpely, than the groſſe enormities of their conformitant Prieſts.
SECTION. VIII. Of the Prelaticall Miniſterie.
THe conformitant Prieſts (ſo they now are called) which properly belong to this Prelaticall Church and come from curſed Rome, are theſe;
1 All dumbe Miniſters of which there be yet in the Land two or three thouſand, if not many more.
2 All Pluraliſts, of which there be very many in ſome Dioceſſes 30, in ſome 40. why ſhould ſome have two other tot quotes, when worthy men have not one.
3 All Nonreſidents, ſuch are commonly theſe:
Biſhops which have Commendams.
Deanes.
Archdeacons.
Canon Reſidents in Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches.
Prebendaries ſome.
Heads of ſome Colledges.
Domeſticke Chaplaines.
4 All Curates which are,
VnderUnder Pluraliſts.
VnderUnder Nonreſidents.
VnderUnder ſome idle Doctors, and ſome other Parſons and Vicars.
VnderUnder Lay and impropriate Parſons: the number of which are 3800 and odde, in this Kingdome.
5 All idle Droanes, monethly and quarterly Preachers, or which preach perhaps once a yeare, or not at all, at home, though it may be now and then abroad.
6 All lewd and baſe miniſters, as alſo the meere Worldlings, and Mammoniſts, of which ſort there be no fewer, than ſome thouſands.
7 All Popiſhly affected, and all Arminians may be added to theſe, to make vp theſe Locuſts, vnderunder their King Abbaddon and Apollyon.
QVAERE.
Whether theſe be ſufferable in any reformed Church of Chriſt?
What care hath beene taken hitherto to reforme this ſo great wickedneſſe and miſchiefe to Gods people?
How many thouſands periſh vnderunder theſe for lacke of knowledge, are their bloud of no price with men, whom Chriſt hath purchaſed with his owne blood?
The humble Petition.
THat there might be a ſpeedy redreſſe concerning theſe ſo much ſpoken againſt, and written againſt, from time to time, diſallowed of God, and all Chriſtian Churches (ſeparated from the Church of Rome) and not tollerable in Chriſt his Church, where he raigneth by his owne word, in his owne ordinances, as hee hath appointed.
SECTION IX. Of their Prelaticall Convocation.
I. This is a Provinciall aſſembly, for the Province of Canterbury, which conſiſts of the Archbiſhop, the Preſident, of all the other Biſhops vnderunder him, Deanes, Archdeacons with others, and of the two Miniſters choſen out of every Dyoceſſe, called the Clarkes of the Convocation to the number of 40 and odde.
Theſe Clarkes ſhould be choſen freely by the publicke conſent and voice of all the Miniſters in every Dioceſſes, but the Prelates propound whom they liſt, or like beſt for their purpoſe, and to aske voyces, which are given to them of many through feare, ſo as the choiſe is not free as it ought to be.
II. That which is intended to be done there, is contrived and hammered in the head of the Archbiſhop, and ſome few with him, to which the reſt of the fearefull Biſhops doe conſent.
III. In the lower houſe, the Prieſts, Parſons, Vicars, thoſe Clarkes ſit there to gaze one on another, and to tell the Clock, waiting for their Leſſons from their Lords, the Prelates.
There is no freedome of voyces, they dare not conſult among themſelves to promote the cauſe of Chriſt, and to reforme abuſes.
The better ſort are the feweſt; and are,
Either overawed by the greateſt.
Or borne downe by the worſt.
So as they bee made to conſent to the making of ſuch Canons as they would not, and theſe are thruſt vponupon us as the Conſtitutions of the Church of England. When its nothing ſo, but of a ſtrong faction of Prelates, and their adherents, who ſet them forth; and obtrude them vponupon us vnjuſtly.
IV. The Canons they make are many, not a few of them to vphold their Prelaticall authority, and vnapprovable courſes, many of them without warrant from holy Scripture.
Some of them againſt Scripture,
Some of them Superſtitiouſly Ceremonious:
Some of them blind Canons, as theſe;
1. Againſt Popery and Superſtition, but they tell us not what Popery is, what Superſtition is.
2 Againſt Socinianiſme, but without declaring what that damnable hereſie is; almoſt every one of them needeth examination, and to be rectified for the peace of Gods people, and the Churches edification.
Note moreover, that in ſetting forth their ſo many Canons, there be none charged againſt Armianiſme, that Semipelagian hereſie. None againſt the Prelates themſelves for their innovations and exorbitancies, as if they could not erre, nor ever doe amiſſe.
Laſtly before they breake vp, they looke not to have their Canons ratified by Parliament, as they ought, but doe make themſelves as Clergie men, onelyonly to bee the Church and not any elſe in the Land with them to be the Church; wch ſhould not by godly wiſe men be digeſted.
V. To the diſſolving of this their Convocation, they preſume.
1 To make it a Synod, without a new call and Summons.
2 To give great ſummes out of all Parſons, and Vicars purſes, vnderunder the name of a benevolence, and yet rate every one at a certaine ſumme, as a ſubſidy; and that vnderunder the penalty of deprivation, and vtter ruine of them, that doe not pay, ſetting forth a Booke to this purpoſe, which they will that Lay men ſhould not ſee.
VI. After ſome ſpace of time,
1 They collect Articles every Biſhop in his Dioceſſe, and every Archdeacon, in his Archdeaconry out of thoſe Canons, which Articles they impoſe vponupon all Churchwardens and Sidemen, and by them to preſent vponupon oath.
Then if any thing happen to become queſtionable, touching the Canons or other things, for and about their Church, their Service, and Ceremonies every Biſhop in his Dyoceſſe doth take vponupon him to give a ſenſe, and interpretation as he pleaſeth, on which we muſt reſt, though they be never ſo abſurd, and not take the words as they be in the Letter, till there be an other Convocation to decide the queſtion and doubt ariſing, as they ought to doe; and if men be not ſatisfied, they labour to gaine the helpe of Royall authority by ſome publicke Declaration, to make good what they ſay and doe, and ſo lappe vp all vnderunder the authority of the Church.
QVAERE.
Whether ſuch a Convocation can juſtly be approved?
Whether ſuch Canons comming forth are to bee held the Canons of the Church of England?
Whether they be of all to be ſubmitted vntounto, before they be confirmed by act of Parliament?
Why more Canons are added, and not rather the other reformed?
Why they eſtabliſh and countenance all their decrees, ſo as if they were of an vnchangeable nature ordained without errour, and neceſſarily vſefull, ever and every where.
The humble Petition.
THat his Majeſtie, the Noble Lords, the worthy Commons of the houſe of Parliament, would carefully ſee that the Convocation be gathered lawfully, that voyces be free therein, without over-awing power, that nothing be there decreed, but with a ſerious examination, and full conſent of the houſe, and not be permitted to paſſe without an act of Parliament.
For if this kind of Convocation, and their ſuch proceedings, as have beene, be ſuffred to paſſe, they will Lord it over vsus ſtill, and in the Church there will never be peace.
Oh conſider how in the Parliament they have been prevalent over their equals and betters, in the Convocation then they muſt needs domineere over all their vnderlings, on whom they can avenge themſelves afterwards, if they find any wiſely and with courage, to have affronted and croſſed any of their intents and purpoſes,
SECTION X. Of the great and manifold evils of the Prelaticall Governours.
THey beare vp themſelves mightily by their Revenues and Baronries, ſtrengthening themſelves in their pompe, and in their pride, to overtop whom they liſt.
They become as great Peeres of the Land, and ſit in Parliament with them cheeke by joole, to affront all the Nobles of the Kingdome, to beare downe the houſe of Commons, and perhaps to procure the diſſolving of Parliaments, to the great disturbance of the whole Kingdome and State.
They have raiſed vp a bellum Epiſcopale, to daſh two Kingdomes one againſt another, to the ſhedding of much blood, if God in mercy prevent it not.
They keepe vp a Romiſh Hierarchie among us, full of corruption which they ſuffer not to be reformed.
They vphold the forenamed ſinfull Prelaticall and Prieſtly Clergy, ſo as thoſe their Prieſts be conformable to all their rites and Ceremonies, they may in a manner live as they liſt, and be ſupported againſt all thoſe that ſhall attempt their reformation.
They are pleaſed with the peoples ignorance, and their contentedneſſe, reſting in a long read ſervice without better inſtruction, holding reading to be preaching, and preaching no part of divine ſervice, that ſo ſuch ſilly people might be nufled in groſſe blindneſſe, periſhing for lacke of knowledge.
They ſuppreſſe Lectures and Sermons in the afternoone and allow no queſtions in Catechizing, but onelyonly ſuch as be in the very common Catechiſme much hindering increaſe of knowledge.
They will permit no Miniſter to preach, or to expound in his own Pariſh without paying for a Licenſe, for which when he hath paid, they never care whither hee preach or no.
They will allow none of the people to ſeeke for inſtruction, when they want it at home, nor yet preſſe the Miniſter to the diſcharge of his duty, but trouble others.
They never trouble any Miniſter for neglect of his duty in preaching. But diligent preachers they have a jealous eye over, and are ready to take an occaſion to vexe them as not for their turne.
They ſinfully trouble thouſands of Churchwardens and Sidemen, making them ſweare to their Articles, which cannot be obſerved.
They hinder prohibitions, ſtop the courſes of Law, and terrifie both Lawyers and Iudges.
They dare to fine and impriſon without Law, going beyond all Spirituall power, yea, the Lawes of our Land.
They have ever beene plotting to enſnare Chriſts painfull Miniſters, that they might roote them out.
1. They preſſed upon them ſubſcription, and Ceremonies, and ſo caſt out very many.
II. They urge the oath ex officio, and by this they have undone not a few.
III. They procured the reading of the Declaration for prophaning the Sabbath our Lords day, and hereby many were ſuſpended, excommunicated, and ſome deprived.
IV. When they ſaw, that all theſe things would not bring to paſſe their intended miſchiefe, they lately framed a wicked Oath, to be tendered to all Gods Miniſters, which whoſoever would not take, ſhould be ſuſpended firſt, and after deprived.
Laſtly, to make up the meaſure of their evils, they have illegally given a Subſidie to be extorted from us, under the name of a benevolence, which whoſoever ſhall refuſe to pay, is utterly undone according to their mercileſſe decree in a book publiſhed, which now they are loath ſhould ſee the light, and be read of any judicious, and religious Lay men.
They are the cauſe of the Diviſion and Separation among us, by their Lordly rule, their rigour in exacting conformity, and their cruell dealing with ſuch as doe not obey their Lordly wills.
They ſuffer Papiſts and nouriſh Arminians in the beſome of their Church, to the diſturbance & danger of the true Church of Chriſt, and this whole ſtate.
They allow to vaine people Revils, heatheniſh vanities, vnchriſtian meetings▪ and that on the Lords day to prophane it, and have procured a Declaration for the reading of this Licentious liberty in every Church, and ſuch Miniſters as refuſed, they did ſuſpend, excommunicate, and ſome they deprived. The like never heard of in any Church of Chriſt.
They will have bowing to Altars, and yet permit notorious offenders, yea Theeves and Murtherers condemned, (if they have gotten pardons) to come to the holy Sacrament, before ſatiſfaction be given to the Congregation; yea drunkards, blaſphemous Swearers, infamous Adulterers, and other vile perſons may receive, and not be debarred, if they can ſatiſfie their Courts, and free themſelves from thence, though they doe not manifeſt their repentance to the Congregation, eating and drinking the holy Sacrament unworthily to their owne damnation, a prophaneneſſe prophaneneſſe much to be lamented. They hunt after greatneſſe, not for goodneſſe but for gaine, & to withſtand all good meanes of reformation, and all the wayes of redreſſing their corrupt courſes, much to the hinderance of the growth in religion, and of mens more religious converſation and walking with God.
QVAERE.
Whither theſe evils are not ſuch as may force all pious men to lay them to heart, and to ſeeke that they may bee removed, as farre as they are able, to the utmoſt, that wee may be freed from their unjuſtifiable courſes and grievous wrongs?
Whither we ſhould not endeavour to introduce that which may better the Eccleſiaſticall government, and bring this Prelaticall power within bounds, and our ſelves from the intolerable Burthen thereof.
The humble Petition.
THat for theſe ſo many great and grievous evils, they may be queſtioned and cauſed to reforme, or elſe bee cenſured and puniſhed: For,
They never had poſſeſſion peaceably, but they have beene,
1 Prayed againſt for a long time.
2 Preached againſt by many.
3 Written againſt by many, on this ſide, and beyond the Seas.
4 Teſtified againſt, by ſuffering ſuſpenſion, excommunication, deprivation, open puniſhment, to the cropping of eares, ſlitting of the Noſe, ſtanding on the Pillory, impriſonment, and ſome have ſuffered death.
5 Withſtood by the Sword.
And what now remaineth, but for their evils to bee condemned by the honourable and happy Aſſembly in Parliament.
That a better way of government might be thought off, after the wiſedome of God in men, tending not to the ſubverſion of Eccleſiaſticall government, but to moderate the now Governours, eaſe the Land of exceſſe Charges, rid our ſelves of theſe vnſufferable evils, weaken the Kingdome of Satan, advance the glory of Chriſt, and procure our owne peace and happineſſe.