A Short View of the Prelatical Church of England 2, Treatise 1
A SHORT VIEW Of the Prelatical Church OF ENGLAND.
SECTION. I. Of the title Church, and why it is called Prelatical.
THe Church of England now ſo called, is the Church of our Prelates, and may be rightly termed the Prelatical, or Hierarchical Church of England, received from Rome the ſeat of Antichriſt, and ſet up here, after the Proteſtants fell off from that Papal Church, for it is framed of Prelates, and alſo of a Prelatical Clergy, and onelyonly ruled by them.
Quaere.
Whether any ſuch Church was in the Apoſtles dayes, or any time ſhortly within 2 or 300. years after?
Whether any ſuch Church be among any of the reformed Churches? or any where elſe, but under the Pope, the Beaſt which hath two Horns like a Lamb, but ſpeaketh like the Dragon, Rev. 12.
Whether therefore it be guided by the Spirit of Chriſt, or by the Spirit of Antichriſt?
Whether God ever permitted any mortal men to frame a Church after their wiſdom?
For when he gave
1. The Pattern for his Tabernacle, to Moſes, Exod. 25.9. and 26.30. Heb. 8.5.
2. The Pattern of his Temple unto David, 1 Chron. 28.19. and verſ. 11, 12, 13. 1 King 6.38.
3. The Pattern of the rebuilding of it to the Prophet Ezek. 43.10, 11.
He did not ſuffer Moſes, nor David, nor Solomon, nor the Prophet, nor any after them to attempt ſuch a thing. Was he ſo carefull for the Type and ſhadow, and not for the Antitype and ſubſtance?
Whether therefore a frame of a Church after an humane device, may not be altered, upon 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 underſtand on…ly themſelves, and (as they call them) their Clergy.
2. That they ſeclude the Nobles and Gentry, the whole houſe of Parliament, the Ʋpper and Lower, from being of their Church, and ſo debar them from having any right to meddle in Church matters.
When the title of Church (monopolized now to themſelves) is taken in Scripture of the new Teſtament, either for the Miniſters and people together, Math. 16.18. Act 12.1. and 13.1. and 9.31. and 15 22. and 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 Paſtors ſet over them, when Pa…ors and people are diſtinguiſhed, there the people are called the Church, and not the Miniſters, the Miniſters are ſaid to be of the Church, Rev. 18.2.1.8. The Churches d…nomination is from the people, who alſo are the Lords cl…rgy, Pet. 5.3. the word in Engliſh is heritage, in Latine cleri, and in the Greek. cleros.
There is much complaint touching Monopolies in another nature, and juſtly, but this is taken no notice of, and yet this Monopolie is a myſtery of miſchiefs; for by this name of the Church aſſumed to themſelves.
They d…gnifie very greatly their Prelatical power, as may appear by the …o. Article of Religion, which they have corrupted from that it was at firſt, ſet out in Anno 1561. and 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 under 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 he clergy.
Why ſhould therefore the noble Lords, and the chriſtian Spirits of the Gentry loſe the right, into which the Holy Ghoſt (by calling them and the reſt of his Chur…h) hath inveſted you? In former times Parliaments have confirmed Injunctions Eccleſiaſtical, and our Service Book, containing Gods worſhip, matters of an high nature, and w…y not will ſo? And if the Nobles and Commons can claim ſo much, as to ratiſie the matters Eccleſiaſtical being concluded upon, I hope it is by pernſal thereof before, elſe how can they in judgement confirm them? And if they have wiſdom from God to confirm them made, why may not ſome choſen men be appointed to conſult with the convocation houſe, about the framing of thoſe things which are to be ſ… …orth, ſeeing they very much …oncern all?
The Brethren, in the great council at Jeruſalem, 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 under their own name and the name of the brethren alſo, Act. 15.6.22, 23. David conſulted with the Laity, as well as with the Prieſts and Levites, to bring up the Ark of God, 1 Chron. 1….1, 2, …. Hezekiah concerning the keeping of the Paſſeover, took counſell thereabout, not with the Prieſts onelyonly, but with his Princes, and all the congregation in Jeruſalem, 2 Chron. 30.1, 2.
This Monopoly was not then learned among Gods people, nor among the holy Apoſtles in their dayes.
SECT. II. Of the principal perſons in this Prelatical Church, and of their Dependents upon them.
I. Their two Provincials Archbiſhops.
THe one of the Province of York, Metropolitan of England, the other of Canterbury Metropolitan of all England.
Dependents of Canterbury.
1. His Prince-like retinue.
2. His Domeſtick Chaplains, and the reſt.
3. Houſhold Servants.
4. All his Officers for temporalities, and the Revenues thereof, which are very great.
5. All his Spiritual Officers under him, which are theſe
1. His Vicar General.
2. His Guardians of Spiritualities.
3. The Dean 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 ſwarms of attendance on theſe Courts.
Advocates,
Regiſters,
…octors,
Proctors,
Purſivants,
Meſſengers, and Apparitors,
With all other belonging to them all, which come to many hundreds.
Quaere.
Whether all or any of theſe be of d vine inſtitution?
Whether the words of Chriſt forbidding to be called gracious Lords, extend not to theſe, Mat. 20.2, 26. …uke. 2.25.26. Mark 10.42, 43, 44, 45.
Whether any Spiritual function ordained by Jeſus Chriſt, ſtandeth in need of ſo great a Prelate, and ſo great a dependance to diſcharge the Spiritual duties thereof?
Whether this greatneſſe hath been any time the ſupport of goodneſſe, and of good men in their places? or rather hath not from this greatneſſe riſen great troubles, at 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 taken away, and the number of thoſe their Dependants leſſened.
That they might be made to ſhew themſelves Arch-preachers of Chriſts Goſpel, and to attend upon ſome particular Flock to feed them.
That they might not be of Princes counſel, for commonly God leaveth ſuch to become ill Stateſmen, becauſe they do contrary to Chriſts bidding.
It ſhall not be ſo with you, Mat 20.26. Luke 21.25. Mark 10.42 and for that they neglect the ſacred calling of the Miniſtery, which is to be of Chriſts heavenly counſel, to give attendance unto temporal affairs, and to be of earthly Kings counſel.
II. There be twenty four Biſhops Dioceſan Lord Biſhops.
They are ſeated in ſeveral places throughout the Kingdom.
Of theſe three are under York
Carleile,
Durham,
and Cheſter.
All the reſt are under Canterbury.
Dependants on theſe.
Their traine of Domeſtick Servants.
Their Chaplaines.
Their Officers concerning their temporalities.
Their 24. Courts.
And hereto belong,
26 Chancellours, with waiters on them,
24 Regiſters with their men,
24 Gentlemen Apparatouſs.
48 Proctours, if but two to a Court.
120 Apparitours at leaſt, more then a good many.
QVAERE.
Whether theſe Dioceſan Biſhops be jure divino, Read Tim. and Titus unbiſhoped.and have warrant from Scripture?
Whether St. Peters ſpeech reacheth not to them, that they ſhould not Lord it over Gods heritage by over-ruling it, 1 Pet. 5.3?
Whether we cannot be as well without them, as all other reformed Churches; or whether we will condemne thoſe Churches for caſting them out, or not receiving them in?
Whether this be not a mockery 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; nor ſo they? And in Denmark hath been a King and no Biſhops this hundred years?
Whether Biſhops wanting in Dioceſſes, upon vacancy ſome ten, ſome twenty years (as ſome have been) may not be ſo for more years, & ſo forever? And if they may be wanting in a Dioceſſe, why not in a Province, and ſo why not every where?
Whether may not our King, as lawfully caſt them out of his Dominion, as did the King of Denmarke his Grandfather out of his Kingdome?
Whether by their authority have they advanced true Religion, or upheld meer formes of it, as ſhews, habits, geſtures, and Ceremonial obſervances, rather then the power of godlineſs?
What wickedneſſe and vanity is ſuppreſſed by him; nay, what errour, what vice, Idolatry, and prophaneſſe 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 may be ſeated in Paſtorall charges, every one over a Particular flock, as all the firſt Biſhops were, there to preach, and teach the people, and ſo their many dependants might be taken away.
That their Chancellours be removed from them, and their overſwa…ing waſterfulneſſe in their Courts be taken down, and cut off.
That they, their Officers, and their Courts be brought under 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 judgement of any?
III. There be threeſcore Archdeacons under theſe Biſhops.
Dependents on theſe.
They have threeſcore Courts to which do belong Commiſſaries, Officials, Surrogates.
60. Regiſters with their Servants.
120 Proctors, if but two to every Court.
200. Apparitors at leaſt.
The whole number appartaining to Archbiſhops, Biſhops Archdeacons, with the many Peculiars, are judged to be no fewer then ten thouſand perſons, which need yearely 200000 pounds to maintain them all, the greater and inferiour ones, reckoning but 20. pound a man, when many have an hundred a year, ſome 200. l. others more.
Quaere.
Whether theſe ſwarmes of waſps, be of neceſſary uſe in the Spiritual Kingdome of Chriſt?
Whether their Courts be reformative or deformative?
Whether there is any likelihood, that their groſſe abuſes of Gods ordinances in ſending out Excommunications, and their commuting of Penances, &c. can be bleſſed of God to bring an holy reformation?
Whether it can be probably imagined, that thoſe Courts can reform others, which in themſelves are ſo corrupt, and mercenarie, and do imploy ſuch baſe and lewd companions in a ſpiritual buſineſſes, as be the Apparitours 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 up again be deſired?
Whether the maſſe of money which is ſpent by theſe, ſo many thouſands might not well be ſpared, and far better employed?
The humble Petition.
That theſe Courts be not longer permitted to take in ſo many thouſand Preſentments every half yeare, only to make ſuch gain of the people, as they do; for they reform 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 baſe be not longer ſuffered.
That in their Courts their proceedings may be open to the hearing of all, and that they lap not up buſineſſes in ſecret, as their manner is to ſhut their Conſiſtorie door, where they do as they pleaſe with Delinquents.
That they delay not men in their Courts, forcing and vexing poor men to come very often, ſome have come eight, ſome 10. ſome 16. times before they can be diſmiſſed, a grievous vexation to needy labouring men.
SECT. III. Of the means to ſupport their Prelatical greatneſs.
THeſe have their Lordly Palaces and great houſes.
They have their Eccleſiaſtical dignities, and ſpiritual offices, and what do thereto belong.
They have their Baronries, and the ample Revenues thereof.
Viis et modis, ſuch is their Income, as it cannot but amount to four hundred and fifty thouſand pounds per annum, if not more, ſo much their greatneſs comes unto, as the ſtate of a King may be ſupported not a little therewith.
Quaere.
Whether the true officers of the Church of Chriſt, need ſo much to bear up their train?
Whether Chriſt be hereby better ſerved by them, or followed of them?
Whether their ſtudies are more bent to advance the Churches ſpiritual 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 do they take the more time to apply themſelves to Faſting, to praying, to preaching, to do workes of piety, and works of charity?
Whether do they not rather intrude into ſecular affairs, and into State buſineſſes, to the diſgrace of the Nobles, and Gentry of the Land, and the peace thereof?
Whether are they more bold againſt ſinne, to ſuppreſſe it in all ſorts? Or are they not hereby the more Lordly minded to beare up themſelves and to cruſh all that juſtly find fault with what is amiſſe in them?
Whether are they not hereby higher from controle and leſs ſubject to any cenſure, both they and ſuch as depend upon them?
Whether may not the King paire them as well as did bleſſed Queen Elizabeth ſome of them in her daies; Or as King Henry did the Lord Abbots, and Lord Priors, 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 countrey Parſonage houſes, there to keep hoſpitality, and feed the people with the word of life.
That their Baronries be taken from them, and ſo the Lordly title, and not be ſuffered 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 pompous and Lordly great to do his heavenly office for Chriſt in preaching; and in all other Spiritual duties?
SECT. IV. Of the Prelatical 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 unlimited, citing, examining, ſwearing, judging, ſining, and impriſoning as they pleaſe, one of the moſt inſufferable evils in this Kingdome.
The ends which they do aime at in governing are theſe.
I. To keep their own greatneſs, even by exacting oaths for it, as the oath of Canonical obedience, and the late oath in the new Canons.
II. To hold others in ſubjection under 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 very much wealth. The means are theſe,
I. By ordaining Deacons, and Miniſters for money four times a year, by which they put up yearly hundreds of pounds.
II. By inſtituting and inducting Parſons and Vicars,Some have paid 7. pounds. when Benefices do fall, and ſo ſcrape together much out of 9285. livings, 3l. for every one, one way or other, which in time comes to many thouſands.
III. By making Rural Deans yearly (where they be) in every Deanry, And for the oath taken, ſome pay 8s. 6d. or a Noble, but no benefit to the Deanry at all, but to execute Biſhops mandates.
IV. By granting Licenſes, which ought to be free.
I. To Beneficed men to preach in their own Cures, though at their ordination they give them authority to preach, yet may not they afterwards without 10s. for every licenſe, look then how many licenſed Preachers there be (whether they preach or no) ſo many 10s. is paid, ſuppoſe there be in 9285. Pariſhes, but 6000. of them, the ſum cometh to 3000. pounds. Thus they pay money to have leave to diſcharge their higheſt duty of their office.
II. To Curates, who muſt pay for a licenſe to read prayers in ſome place.
For a licenſe to preach.
For a licenſe to teach School, undoing poor beginners before they get any thing.
III. To Clerks of the Pariſh to be Clerks.
IV. To Phyſicians to practice Phyſick.
V. To Midwives to do their office, for they have ſtill in all trades and profeſſions to gain money.
VI To parties which are to be married without Banes asking, and in times prohibited, and both for money allowed, yet againſt Law.
By abſolving after a raſh ſuſpenſion, after a prophane excommunication, and both for money.
By aggravations for money.
VII. By putting men to clear themſelves by oath, with their Compurgators, for money.
VIII. By impoſing Penance, which the richer may commute for money. But the miſerable poor (doing their penance) cannot be freed from their Courts without money, though they beg for it, muſt ſtand excommunicated, and ſo be ſhut out of the Church and given over to the Devil, 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, & whole Congregations.
XI. By framing very many Articles, forcing Churchwardens to preſent upon oath that they may get money.
XII. By Probates of Wills, and by granting letters of Adminiſtrations.
XIII. By ſuits about Tythes, and long delaying thereof, much money is ſpent of others, but gotten by them; and thus a maſſe of money is gathered together of them, to the great vexation of his Majeſties Subjects, eſpecially of the meaner ſort.
Yea ſo ravenous they are for gain, that on faſting dayes appointed, they ſend out every time a book, which yet is one and the ſame, with ſmall variation, and for it do exact 8d. which in the ſeveral Pariſhes amounts to above 300l. Thus of ſolemn faſts ſhameleſly they make gain, and charge without cauſe the people.
At this laſt Faſt a farthing paper prayer they ſent forth, and took 2d. for every one, which comes to threeſcore and ten pounds; They can do nothing except they or their Officers lick their fingers.
Quaere.
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 be not to make money of Gods holy ordinances, and to gain by ſin, what hope of a bleſſing can there be by ſuch a baſe kind of Eccleſiaſtical government?
Whether it be not fit and juſt to ſqueeze ſuch Spunges, and ravenous Harpyes, by finding out their illegal courſes, and puniſhing them.
The humble Petition.
That they may not rule by the Canon Law (which yet is in force ſo far, as it toucheth not the Kings Supremacy) nor by their own 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 do for marrying without banes asking, and in times prohibited.
That they keep not their Courts, nor ſend out Proceſſe, Summons, Citations nor proceed to cenſure in their own names, or ſtile, nor uſe onelyonly their own ſeal of office, and armes, as they do, thereby denying their power to be derived from the King, this is an unſufferable uſurpation.
That they be made to acknowledge their authority, not to be divine, but humane, from the King, as hath heretofore been 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 under Law, in all the proceedings, in citing, examining, judging, fining, and impriſoning, that ſo the complaints of Gods Miniſters might not ſtill cry aloud in the Lords ears to bring down wrath. Who can but pity with tears of bloud, the unſufferable miſery of M. Peter Smart of Durham, for preaching againſt ſetting up of Images and Altars, the ſevere handling of Mr. George Huntly Miniſter, and very many others heretofore and of late years, now famouſly known.
That by their high authority they may not be ſuffered, to hinder ſuch as be troubled from taking the benefit of legal courſes to help themſelves, and neither Judges and Lawyers made ſo to fear, as the one ſort dare not freely plead for them, nor the other judge but with fear of them, as they ought not.
That ſeeing they are otherwiſe ſufficiently provided for, they make not ſuch wicked gain in making and inſtituting Miniſters, in giving licences, in impoſing penance, in abſolving, and in all the reſt before named, to the great grievances of his Majeſties ſubjects, robbing them of a treaſury of money, and making ſale of Gods holy Ordinances.
Is there Simony in buying a Benefice, and none in giving money for the uſe of ſpiritual gifts?
That they make no encroachment upon the ſubjects liberties, as they do prove fully by the Author of the Breviate.
SEC. V. Of their Praelatical Viſitations and in theſe, Theſe are pecuniary meerely for money.
I. Are Biſhops Ʋiſitations.
1. Church-wardens of every Pariſh and Chappel are called, who receive a book of Articles, to preſent by, if any are wanting, they are warned to appear at their Court with coſt.
Theſe Church-wardens pay for their book of Articles every year (though the very ſame) and for other things, as alſo for writing their preſentment by a Clark (which they themſelves could do) 2s. 4d. which in 9285. Pariſhes, commeth to 1058l. and odd moneys, beſides Chappels, which be here and there many.
II. Miniſters Beneficed.
Theſe pay for Licences to preach, if they have none.
Then they pay xxd. or thereabouts for ſhewing their letters of Orders, & their Licence to preach unto the Regiſter, at every Bps. Viſitation, though ſeen and allowed of before.
After for Procurations to the Biſhop, 4s. a piece.
To the Gentleman Apparitour 8d. but the abler ſort pay xijd.
Laſtly, ſometimes the Biſhops crave benevolence, as the occaſion is, but the ſumme they will ſet down, and threaten thoſe that refuſe their rate.
Beſides all theſe they pay Paſchal rents or Synodals to the Archd. in the Biſhops viſiting.
III. Curates.
If they want Licences to read, preach or teach a School, then they pay for them.
Alſo for ſhewing their letters of orders, ſo that in 9285. Pariſhes, the ſumme will ariſe to ſome thouſands of pounds.
Thus they do at Archbs. viſitations, but when an Archb. comes newly to York, the Parſons and Vicars, though never ſo poor under him, give him the tenth of their living for a benevolen…e to help the poor Archbiſhop to ſettle himſelf to 5. or 6. thouſand pound a year, which extorted benevolence if not paid him of the pooreſt Vicar, the Reverend Father out of his mercifulneſs, will pitifully afflict him in his Court?
II. Ar…hds. Viſitations.
Theſe be twiſe a year, here the Church-wardens do as before.
The Miniſters pay.
At Eaſter Viſitation their paſchal rents, or Synodals, which ſummes are not a like to all, ſome pay 5s. ſome leſs.
At Michaelmas they pay Procurations, ſome 7 s. ſome 10 s. ſome leſſe; but its judged that Miniſters pay yearly 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.
To call Churchwardens, Queſtmen, Sidemen, or Posts (as ſome name them) to take their oaths, to make preſentments, that men may be brought into their Courts, to get money.
Quaere.
Whether theſe viſitations be after God or man?
Whether any can hereby be bettered by them, either for Life or Doctrine?
Whether any reformed Churches keep ſuch kind of Viſitations, and ſuch a manner of Viſiting?
Whether theſe be worthy of ſo many thouſands of pounds, for calling ſuch Viſitations?
Whether ſuch meetings be worthy the aſſembling together of ſo great a number of the Clergy and Laity?
The number out of 9285. Pariſhes, to wit, one Miniſter beſides Curates, and foure men, Church-wardens and Sidemen, or Poſts, beſides two in every Chappelry, are above 45. thouſand at one viſitation, and at both the number double, is 90000. where if they expend alike, twelve pence a man, for dinner and horſe-meat, as uſually they do, the ſumme doth ariſe in both the Viſitations throughout the Land, to 4000. and 500. pounds yearly.
Why ſhould men caſt away ſo much money yearly, year by year, for upholding them in ſuch vain Viſitations, injurious to others, and only gainful to themſelves?
The humble Petition.
THat ſome way may be taken, to make more uſeful theſe Viſitations, in calling together ſo many thouſands, than thus only to fill their purſes.
That neither the Biſhops, nor Archds, be permitted to frame Articles, ſo unlawfully out of the Canons, with ſundry of their own additions, as may appear by comparing of ſome of their Articles with the Canons, which every Pariſh are bound to have, and ſo need none of their Articles.
That threeſcore and fourteen thouſand men be not conſtrained to ſwear threeſcore and fourteen thouſand Oathes yearly, as they do to their ſouls damnation without Repentance: For,
1. Not any do, nor can keep the Oath in preſenting all offences, faults, defa…lts, and crimes (as they call them) mentioned in ſo numerous Articles, and ſo do forſwear themſelves with 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 ſwear to preſent for offences, faults, and crimes, which before the Almighty GOD are none; as for inſtance,
1. A Miniſter to preach in his own charge, without a Licence or in a cloake.
2. A Father at Baptiſme to offer to the Miniſter his own child, and undertake for the Infants education, and ſo prevent an high preſumption of others, who may be witneſſes, but not undertakers, promiſing for the child that which they neither can, nor ever intend to do.
3. Some going to another Pariſh to hear Sermons (which at baptiſme they are exhorted unto) when they have none at home.
4. Some meeting together to read the Scriptures, and good Bookes allowed to be printed, to ſing Pſames, and pray together.
5. A poor man, and in need to work vponupon an holy day for reliefe of his poor family.
6. A Miniſter or a Deacon having unworthily taken thoſe callings upon them to leave the ſame upon trouble of Conſcience, becauſe they find themſelves to be utterly unfit, and to betake themſelves to ſome more fit courſe of life.
7. One for having his Hat on.
8. An other for not ſtanding up, 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 for ſins, offences, crimes, and faults before God?
And yet Church-wardens and Sidemen do ſo, to the grievous wronging of their own ſouls.
Oh take pitty, take pitty of this their perjury and ſinful ſwearing, bringing a curſe upon them.
That a Biſhop in his viſitations do go 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 this is to ſpare his own pains, and his own purſe, that which he gets at ſuch Ʋiſitations, may be his without any expences. Provident Prelates.
SECT. VI. Of the Praelatical Churches.
THe Praelatical Churches, beſides their private Chappels, are the great and vaſt Cathedrals, or other Collogiate Churches.
Dependents of theſe.
26. Great Deanes next unto Biſhops with their Attendents and Servants.
544. Canon Reſidents and Prebendaries.
The reſt alſo are many hundreds.
As
Their Vicars.
Peticanons.
Singing men and boyes, Choriſters.
Organiſts.
Goſpellers and Epiſtlers.
Virgers, and who elſe appertain to this idle and fat fraternity.
A 300. or 400. Thouſand pounds yearly in lands, Rents, Leaſes, and other Revenues, and profits do thereto belong.
Quaere.
Whether ſuch idle Droans are worthy of ſo much for their ſervice, ſuch as it is?
Whether Jeſus Chriſt cannot be better ſerved with farr leſs coſt, and better pleaſed?
Whether all theſe thouſands might not be better employed to greater good, in the training up of thouſands in divine and humane Learning.
As thus,
1 That never a Dean have any Paſtoral charge, but be continuall reſident at the Cathedral Church, being a godly and learned Doctour, there to read twice or thrice a week a Divinity Lecture, and interpret the Scriptures.
II. That all the Canon reſidents be alſo without Paſtoral 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 ſpiritual and divine exerciſes, daily to ſtudy controverſies, caſes of conſcience, and ſome ſpecial Tracts of Divinity, &c. that other Miniſters in the Countrey may come thither for help, and for better information of judgement, as need ſhall require.
III. That the greater part of the reſt of the Prebendaries, be turned into ſpecial ſelected Schollers, Graduates out of either Univerſity, ſuch as for natural gifts, their Learning in Tongues and Arts, and pious diſpoſition by grace, do give very good hopes to become good Divines, and here trained up under the Deane, and the other Divines for the miniſtery.
IV. That ſeven of the beſt, Prebends be allotted to ſeaven learned men, to become Schoolemaſters to teach Scholers.
Every Schoolemaſter to be accurately skilful in one Art, and ſecondly to have ability withal to teach the ſaid Art to his Scholers, with ſome ſpeed and dexterity.
The
1 To teach to write very fair.
2 To teach Muſick.
3 To teach Grammer only.
4 To teach Rhetorick.
5 To teach Poetry.
6 To teach the Greek tongue.
7 To teach the Hebrew.
That their Schollers may come thus furniſhed to the Univerſities, there to learn Logick and other Arts, and to take the degrees of Schooles. Every Maſter muſt make known the aptneſs 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 be turned into Schollers, ingenious Lads, pickt out here and there from among mean mens children, to be brought up under the aforenamed Schoolmaſters, to be after ſent to the Ʋniverſities, and maintained there by ſome Revenues belonging to the Cathedrals, that ſo they may be taken thence, if they prove not unworthy, and brought back again as places be void, to be trained up for the miniſtry.
By all theſe in the Cathedral Churches Gods publick worſhip, Morning and Evening might be performed.
And by this pious and profitable transformation of theſe Cathedrals.
1. When any Benefice falls void, hither may the Patrons come for a learned and godly Miniſter, taking their choiſe.
2. If any Paſtour happen to be ſick, or have juſt occaſion to be abſent, hither may he ſend for one to ſupply his place for preaching and prayer he till be well, or return home.
Were 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 uſe, as the wiſdome of the ſtate ſhall think fit, for better advancement of Gods glory, Learning and Religion, then now they be.
That the ſo many needles Prebendaries might not be allowed, nor to take up ſo great ſummes as ſome do, for preaching 2. or 3. Sermons a year, either by themſelves, or by ſome other, whom they can hire for a noble, or an angel a time.
That the ſo many gifts of livings in the hands of Biſhops, Deanes, Archd. and the reſt, be looked into, for better beſtowing thereof, then they commonly be.
SECT. VII. Of the Praelatical Service.
THe Praelatical Service, is the Cathedral ſervice, conſiſting in theſe things.
1. In a long weariſome Liturgie, read after a finding manner, ſyllable and words drawn out unto a tedious length, wh ch Liturgy is framed out of 3 Romiſh books, the Breviary, Purtuis, and the maſs book, ſo as King James ſaid of it, that its an ill ſaid Maſſe, from which it needeth purging, and from ſome vain repetitions, and from a corrupt tranſlation of holy Scriptures, and other abuſes thereof.
2. In an unedifying ſinging, and piping on Organs.
3. In ſuperſtitious crynging to the name Jeſus towards the Altar, towards the Eaſt.
4. In a formal obſervation of Habits, Surpleſſes, Hoods, Copes, variety of geſtures, and ceremonious devotious deviſed by men.
Quaere.
Whether ſuch a Service Book (as the Papiſts called it, an Apiſh imitation of the Maſſe) be well pleaſing unto God?
Why we ſhould uphold ſuch a ſervice, which nouriſheth a bare reading Miniſtry, nuſles people in ignorance, and which no reformed Church have received to uſe?
Why is it not ſuffered to be reformed, in ſuch things as have been witneſſed againſt, from the beginning of reformation, and for the reformation whereof many thouſands have pet…ioned, many hundreds have been 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 do deſire God knows, to live in peace, ſeeing now a whole Kingdom refuſeth it, and that with the danger of their utter undoing.
The humble Petition.
That ſuch a Liturgy, might be framed, by godly and learned men thereto appointed; as may be freed from corruption, and caſt into ſuch a form, as may have no reſemblance to the Romiſh Service; for by this Papiſts are but hardned, and others offended fall away.
That nothing be allowed to be in Gods ſervice, which cannot be proved by ſome warrant out of Gods word; for the Scriptures are a perfect Rule for any thing neceſſary, either in ſubſtance or circumstances, in and about the holy word of God.
If any doubt of this, it ſhall be proved punctually to him.
That no Ceremony be ordained, but what may be found to agree with all the Apoſtles Rules, made for the uſe of things indifferent.
That the uſe of them be free, and not rigorouſly impoſed, nor the failing otherwiſe of painful and peaceable men, to conform in ſome things be more ſeverely looked after, and puniſhed more ſharply, than the groſſe enormities of their conformitant Prieſts.
SECT. VIII. Of the Prelatical Miniſtery.
THe conformitant Prieſts (ſo they now are called) which properly belong to this Prelatical Church, and come from curſed Rome, are theſe,
1. All dumb Miniſters, of which there be yet in the Land …. or 3000. if not many more.
2. All Pluraliſts, of which there be very many, in ſome Dioceſſe 30. in ſome 40 why ſhould ſome have two, other tot quotes, when worthy men have not one?
3. All Non-reſidents in Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches.
Prebendaries ſome.
Heads of ſome Colledges.
Domeſtick Chaplains.
4. All Curates, which are
Ʋnder Pluraliſts.
Ʋnder Non-reſidents.
Ʋnder ſ…me idle Doctors, and ſome other Parſons and Vicars.
Ʋnder Lay and impropriate Parſons, the number of which are 3800. and odde in this Kingdom.
5. Moſt of them idle Drones, monthly and quarterly preachers, or which preach perhaps once a year, or not at all at home, though it may be now and then abroad.
6. All lewd and baſe Miniſters, as alſo the meer worldlings, and Mammoniſts, of which ſort there be no fewer then ſome thouſands.
7. All Popiſhly affected, and all Arminians may be added to theſe, to make up theſe locuſts, under their King Abaddon and Apollyon.
Quaere.
Whether theſe be ſufferable in any Reformed Church of Chriſt?
What care hath been taken hitherto, to reform this ſo great wickedneſſe, and miſchief to Gods people?
How many thouſands periſh under theſe for lack of knowledge, are their bloud of no price with men, whom Chriſt hath purchaſed with his own bloud?
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 is to reign by his own Word, in his own Ordinances, as he hath appointed.
SECT. IX. Of their Prelatical Convocation.
THis is a Provincial Aſſembly, for the Province of Canterbury, which conſiſts of the Archbiſhop, the Preſident of all the other Biſhops under him, Deans, Archdeacons, with others, and of the two Miniſters choſen out of every Dioceſſe, called the Clerks of the Convocation, to the number of fourty and odde.
Theſe Clerks ſhould be choſen freely, by the free publique conſent and voice of all the Miniſters, in every Dioceſſe, but the Prelates propound whom they liſt or like beſt for their purpoſe; and do ask voices, which are given to them of many through fear, ſo as the choice 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 Biſhops do conſent.
III. In the lower Houſe, the Prieſts, Parſons, and Vicars, thoſe Clerks ſit there to gaze one on another, and to tell the clock, waiting for their Leſſons, from their Lords the Prelates.
There is no freedom of voices, they dare not conſult among themſelves, to promote the cauſe of Chriſt, and to reform abuſes.
The better ſort are the feweſt, and are
Either over-awed by the greateſt,
Or born down by the worſt.
So as they be made to conſent unto the making of ſuch Canons, as they would not, and theſe are thruſt upon us as the conſtitutions of the Church of England, when its nothing ſo, but of a ſtong faction of Prelates, and their Adherents, who ſet them forth, and obtrude them upon us unjuſtly.
IV. The canons they make, are many, not a few of them to uphold their Praelatical authority, and unapproveable courſes, many of them without warrant from holy Scripture.
Some of them againſt Scripture.
Some of them ſuperſtitiouſly Oeremonious.
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 Arminianiſme, that Semipelagian Hereſie.
None againſt the Prelates themſelves for their innovations, and exorbitancies, as if they could not erre, nor ever do amiſs.
Laſtly, before they break up, they look not to have their canons ratified by Parliament, as they ought; but do make themſelves as Clergy men, only to be the Church, and not any elſe in the Land, with them to be Church, which ſhould not by godly wiſe men be digeſted.
V. After 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, under the name of a benevolence, and yet rate every one at a certain ſumme, as a ſubſidy, and that under the penalty of deprivation and utter ruine of them that do not pay, ſetting forth a book to this purpoſe, which … 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 upon all Churchwardens and Side-men, and by them to preſent upon 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 Dioceſſe doth take upon him to give a ſenſe, and an interpretation as he pleaſeth, on which we muſt reſt, though it be never ſo abſurd, and not take the words as they be in the letter, till there be another Convocation to decide the queſtion, and doubt ariſing, as they ought to do.
And if men be not ſatisfied, they labour to gain the help of Royal authority, by ſome publique declaration, to make good what they ſay and do; and ſo lap up all under the authority of the Church.
Quaere.
Whether ſuch a Convocation can juſtly be approved?
Whether ſuch Canons coming forth are to be held the Canons of the Church of England?
Whether they be of all to be ſubmitted unto, 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 unchangeable nature, ordained without errour, and neceſſarily uſefull ever and every where?
The humble Petition.
That his Majeſty, the noble Lords, the worthy Commons of the houſe of Parliament, would carefully ſee, that the Convocation be gathered lawfully, that voices be free therein, without an overawing power, that nothing be there decreed, but with a ſerio…s 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 proceeding as have been, be ſuffered to paſſe, they will Lord it over us ſtill, and ſo the people of God then will never be in peace.
Oh conſider, how in the Parliament they have been prevalent over their equals, and betters; in the Convocation then they muſt needs domineer over all: heir underlings, on whom they can avenge themſelves afterwards, if they find any wiſely and with courage to have affronted and creſſed any of their intents and purpoſes.
SECT. X. Of the great and manifold evils of theſe Prelatical Governours.
THey bear up themſelves mightily by their Revenues and Baronries, ſtrengthning themſelves in their pomp and in their pride to overtop whom they liſt.
They become as great Peers of the Land, and ſit in Parliament with them cheek by jole, to affront all the Nobles of the Kingdom, to bear down the Houſe of Commons, and perhaps to procure the diſſolving of Parliaments, to the great diſturbance of the whole Kingdom and State.
They have raiſed up a bellum Epiſcopale to daſh two Kingdoms one againſt another, to the ſhedding of much bloud, if God in mercy prevent it not.
They keep up a Romiſh Hierarchy among us, full of corruption, which they ſuffer not to be reformed.
They uphold the fore-named ſinful Prelatical 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 miſled in groſſe blindneſſe, periſhing for lack of knowledge.
They ſuppreſſe Lectures and alſo Sermons in the afternoon, and allow no queſtions in catechiſing; but onelyonly ſuch as be in the very common Catechiſm, much hindering increaſe of knowledge.
They will permit no Miniſter to preach nor to expound in his own Pariſh without paying for a Licenſe, for which when he hath paid, they never care whether he preach or no.
They will allow none of the people to ſeek 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 vex them, as not for their turn.
They ſinfully trouble thouſands of Church-wardens and Side men, making them ſwear to their Articles which cannot be obſerved.
They hinder prohibitions, ſtop the courſes of Law, and terrifie both Lawyers and Judges.
They dare to fine and impriſon without Law, going beyond as Spiritual power; yea, and the Laws of our Land.
They have ever been plotting to enſnare Chriſts painful Miniſters, that they might root them out.
I. They have preſſed upon them Subſcription, and Ceremonies, and ſo caſt out very many.
II. They have urged the oath ex officio, and by this they have undone not a few.
III. They procured the reading of the declaration for prophaning the Lords day, and hereby many were ſuſpended, excommunicated, and ſome deprived.
IV When they ſaw that all theſe things would not bring to paſs their intended miſchief, they lately framed a wicked oath to be tendred to all Gods Miniſters, which whoſoever would not take ſhould be ſuſpended firſt, & after deprived.
Laſtly, to make up the meaſure of their evils, they have illegally given a Subſidy to be extorted from under the name of a benevolence, which who ſo 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 Laymen.
They are the cauſe of the diviſion and ſeparation among us, by their Lordly rule; by their rigorous exacting conformity, and by their cruel dealing with ſuch, as do not obey their Lordly wills.
They ſuffer Papiſts, and nouriſh Arminians in the boſom of their Church, to the diſturbance and danger of the true Church of Chriſt, and this whole State.
They allow to vain people Revels, heatheniſh vanities, unchriſtian meetings, and that on the Lords day, to prophane it, and have procured a Declaration for the reading of this licencious liberty in every Church in time of Divine ſervice; 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 Murt herers 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 do not manifeſt their repentance to the Congregation, eating and drinking the holy Sacrament unworthily to their own damnation, a prophaneneſs much to be lamented.
They hunt after Greatneſs, and not for goodneſs, but for gain, and do withſtand all good meanes of reformation, and all the waies of redreſſing their corrupt courſes, much to the hindrance of the growth in Religion, and walking with God.
Quaere.
Whether theſe evils are not ſuch as may force all pious men to lay them to heart, and to ſeek that they may be removed, as farr as they are able to the utmoſt, that we may be freed from their unjuſtifiable courſes, and grievous wrongs.
Whether we ſhould not endeavour to introduce that which may better the Eccleſiaſtical government, and bring this Prelatical power within bounds, and our ſelves from the intollerable burthen thereof.
The humble Petition.
That for theſe ſo many great and grievous evils they may be queſtioned, and cauſed to reform, or elſe be cenſured and puniſhed.
For they never had poſſ…ſſion peaceably, but they have been
1 Prayed againſt for a long time.
2 Preached againſt by many.
3 Written againſt by divers 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 pillorie, impriſonment, and ſome have ſuffered death.
5 Withſtood by the Sword.
And what now remaineth, but for theſe their evils they ſhould be condemned by the Honorable and happy Aſſembly in Parliament.
That a better way of Government might be thought of, after the wiſdome of God in the State, tending not to the ſubverſien of Eccleſiaſtical Government, but to moderate the now Prelatical governours, eaſe the Land of exceſſive charges, rid our ſelves of theſe inſufferable evils, weaken the Kingdome of Satan, advance the glory, and procure our own peace and happineſs.
A ſhort Letanie.
From this Prelatical pride and their Lordly dignities.
From all their ſuperſtitious vanities, and Popiſh Ceremonies.
From their late innovations and miſchievous policies.
From the curſed oath Ex officio, and high Commiſſion cruelties
From their Romiſh Clergy, and the peoples unſufferable maſeries.
From their greedy gainful viſitations, and the Church-wardens enforced perjuries.
From their moſt corrupt Courts, and their vexing ſlaveries.
From all their fruitleſſe ſhadows and hypocritical formalities.
From their hatred and malice againſt Chriſts appointed Ordinances.
From their needleſley deviſed and troubleſome conformities.
From all their Illegal proceedings, and oppreſſing Tyrannies.
From their ſinful Synods, and all their Papal Hierarchy.
From Abaddon and Apollyon, with their Prieſts, Jeſuites, their favorites, and all their furious blaſphemies.
Good Lord deliver us.
A ſhort draught of Church-government to be erected.
I. In every Pariſh.
THat there be a meeting of choiſe men, for wiſdome gravitie, and love of Religion, to wit, Churchwardens, elſe-where called Elders, and Over-ſeers of the poor, in other Churches called Deacons, the number more or ſewer, as the place ſhall require.
Theſe with their Paſtour to come together, as often as ſhall be judged fit, at a ſet time and place, once a monethmonth to look unto all within the Pariſh, concerning their Religion, their honeſt behaviour, and peaceable demeanure, and to ſee all abuſes reformed, according to the word of God, and according to the godly and Eccleſiaſtical laws, which ſhall be preſcribed unto them.
This will free us from all weekly corrupt Courts, and free the people from all burthenſome expences, and not ſuffer ſin to raign as it doth in every Congregation.
II. In every diviſion or Circuit.
That there be a Presbytery of Miniſters, ſuch as they ſhould be, learned, grave, and godly men.
The meeting to be appointed at a certain time and place once a fortnight, and in every meeting an Election to be freely made of a fit moderator in it.
Theſe are to ſee how the government is to be obſerved in Pariſhes, and how Miniſters and Overſeers do diſcharge their duties: at this meeting Miniſter… gifts are to be ſhewed and tryed, that ſuch as come thither may be edified and inſtructed, and here are they to be ordained.
III. In every Province.
That there be a Provincial Synod gathered once a year of godly and learned Paſtors, and out of every County, certain learned and grave Divines ſelected, and the number to be according to the Circuits in every County.
In this to look into the Presbyterian Aſſemblies, and to ſee that all things be well ordered according as they ought to be.
IV In the whole Nation.
That a general Aſſembly National be gathered once in three year, of choſen men, to conſult for the general good of all, to make Canons, and to eſtabliſh Eccleſiaſtical Government.
Of the Excelleny of this Government.
I. It may ſtand with a Monarchy, for what is here that juſtly can be ſaid to hinder it?
II. It takes off all Prelatical Lordly tyranny, for every part is ſubordinate to another, the Parochial meeting to the Superintendent and his Presbytery, this Presbytery to the County Aſſembly, this Aſſembly to the Provincial Synod, and this to the National Convocation.
III. It keeps Paſtours to their ſpiritual function, and ſuffers them not to intermeddle in Civil and worldly affairs.
IV. It ſets up a learned and preaching Miniſtry, and caſts out the before mentioned Prelatical deſtroying Clergy.
V. It furthers the power of Religion, in Families, Villages, Townes, Cities, in Ʋniverſities, and in Princes Palaces.
VI. Its Chriſts government, and eaſie yoke, freeing Gods people from great payments, as hath before been named, from all the corruptions of the Courts, which all the Land doth groane under, from that cruel oath ex officio, and that unlimited high Commiſſion grievous to be born.
Its a government that aymeth at godlineſs, and not at greatneſs and gain.
It makes none jealous of painful Paſtors, none to be offended at Chriſtian meetings, as if they were Conventicles, none to envie other mens graces, but ſtirreth up to wrath one over another, and freely to admoniſh one another, to further one another to Heaven.
It graceth very highly the godly and learned Laity.
Its grounded upon the word, proceedeth by the word, rejecting the Popiſh Canon Law, Popiſh Ceremonies, Popiſh Superſtitions, and Idolatry, and all mens vain inventions, in Doctrine, Sacrament, worſhip and government of CHRIST.
Lord Jeſus advance thine own ſelf in thine own Ordinance.
The ſecond part of the Letanie.
That it may pleaſe thee to take into thine own hand thine own cauſe, to plead againſt all thine Enemies, which would not have thee to raign over them.
That it may pleaſe thee to deliver us from cruel and unreaſonable men, and let them be ſnared in the work of their own hands, let their feet be taken in their own net, and let them fall into the pit they dig for others.
We beſeech thee to hear us good Lord.
The Concluſion of all is this, and the ſumme of my deſire, viz. that there may be a full Conformity in Doctrine and Diſcipline, with the reſt of the Proteſtant Churches of Scotland, reformed Church of France, Geneva, &c.
1. For this will prevent future differences betwixt the two Nations.
2. Prevent the removal of many of the Kings good ſubjects into other countries, with many other benefits.
This I humbly requeſt to be taken into Conſideration, which being done, will bring a bleſſing upon this Kingdome and Church.