Not Lawful to Hear of Have Spiritual Communion With the Church of England — Francis Johnson

Not Lawful to Hear of Have Spiritual Communion With the Church of England · Francis Johnson

The ſecond Reaſon.

NOne may heare or have any ſpirituall communion with the Miniſtery of Antichriſts apostaſie:

But the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of England is the Miniſtery of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

Therefore none may heare or have any ſpirtual communion with the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl.

THe Propoſitiō or firſt part of this Reaſon is manifeſt: 1. Becauſe all falſe Miniſteries are forbidden by the Lord, and ſtand vnderunder the denunciation of his curſe: Exod. 20.4.5. with Deut. 18.9-15. 2 Kings 10.19-25. 2 Chron. 13.9.10.11. Zach. 13.2-6. 2 Theſſ. 2.3-12. Rev. 9. and 17. chap. 2 Iohn. ver. 7.10. Deut. 7.26. and 27.26. Gal. 1.8.9. Rev. 22.18.19.

2. Becauſe we are commanded to go out of Babylon, and not to partake with any of her ſinns, & therfore not with the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie, Rev. 18.4.5.6. with Ier. 51.6.9.45. 2 Cor. 6.14-17. 1 Iohn 4.1-6.

3. Becauſe by hearing and communicating with ſuch a Miniſterie, all that do ſo, become the ſervants of Antichriſt, as it is written, His ſeruants ye are to whom ye obey, & thus become ſubject to the wrath of God: Rom. 6.16. 2 Pet. 2.19. with Rev. 14.9.10.11.

4. Becauſe to heare or joyne with that Miniſterie, is to honour and conſpire with Antichriſt againſt Chriſt, and what in vsus vsus lyeth to vphold that which the Lord will conſume. 2 Theſ. 2.3.4.8. Rev. 13. and 14.9-12. & 18.4.5.6.

5. Becauſe this is not to obey the Goſpel and receive the love of the truth that we may be ſaved, but to provoke the Lord to ſend vsus ſtrong deluſions to beleev lyes and pleaſe our ſelves in vnrighteouſnes, being carryed away in the deceitfulnes thereof among them that periſh, vntounto condemnation. For thus the ſcripture ſpeaketh of ſuch as in religion yeeld ſubmiſſion to Antichriſt the man of ſinne in his apoſtaſie. 2 Theſ. 2.3.9.10.11.12. Rev. 14.6-12. and 22.18.19.

THe Aſſumption or ſecond part of the Reaſon is proved by divers Arguments, as followeth.

The first Argument.

I.THe Miniſterie of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto, is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the preſent Miniſtery of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſtery of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto:

Therfore the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of England is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition of this Argument is proved firſt thus:

1. The Miniſterie of Deacons and Prieſts which accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts, & yet was not ſet by Chriſt in his Church for the work of his Miniſtery, that is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the Miniſtery of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto, accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts, and yet was not ſet by Chriſt in his Church for the work of his Miniſterie:

Therfore the Miniſtery of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto, is the Miniſtery of Antichriſts Apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition none can deny.

The Aſſumption hath two parts: The one, that the Miniſtery of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto, accounts it ſelf to be Christs Miniſtery: Which themſelves will graunt. The other, that this was not ſet by Chriſt in his Church for the work of his Miniſtery: Which is proved already in the firſt Reaſon here before, and in other Reaſons hereafter following.

Agayne, the Propoſition of the Argument is proved ſecondly thus:

2. If the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have ſuch offices & government, as be ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie, then the Miniſtery ordeyned by them therevnto, muſt needs be the Miniſtery of that Apoſtaſie:

But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have ſuch offices and government, as be ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

Therfore the Miniſtery ordeyned by them is the Miniſtery of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The conſequence of the Propoſition is manifeſt, becauſe the fruit muſts needs be ſuch as is the tree: Neyther do men gather grapes of thornes, or figs of thiſtles. Mat. 7.16.17.18. And who can bring a cleane thing out of filthynes? Not any one. Iob. 14.4.

The Aſſumption is proved first thus:

1. Whoſoever (beſides Chriſt Ieſus himſelf) have ſuch offices and government as thereby they clayme to be ſpirituall Lords, they have the offices and government which are ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie, & are indeed very Antichriſts themſelves:

But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have ſuch offices & government as thereby they clayme to be ſpirituall Lords:

Therfore the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have the offices and government, which are ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie, and are indeed very Antichriſts themſelves.

The Propoſition is proved by the Scriptures, which teach that there is but one Lord, the Lord Ieſus Chriſt: Ephe. 4.5. 1 Cor. 8.6. and 12.5. 2 Cor. 3.17.18. with Pſal. 110.1. Micah, 5.2. Luk. 19.12.13.14.27. Ioh. 20.22.23. 1 Cor. 11.23. & 14.37. Rev. 1.11.12.13. and 2.1. and 3.1.7. Now that theſe Scriptures and the like do ſpeak of a ſpirituall Lord, is playne both by the circumſtances of the places themſelves, and becauſe the Scripture other where giveth allowance of many civil or temporal Lords, but no where of any ſpirituall Lord, ſave Ieſus Chriſt alone, whoſe kingdome is not of this world. Gen. 40.1. & 45.8. 1 Sam. 16.16. and 26.17. 1 King. 1.11. Pſal. 149 8. Dan. 3.2. Act. 25.26. and 26.25 Rom. 13.1. 1 Cor. 1.26 and 2.8. Tit. 3.1. 1 Pet. 2.5.13.14. Rev. 17.14. and 19.16. compared with the Scriptures here cited before. And moreover, whoſoever is a ſpirituall Lord, he may require ſpirituall honour to be yeelded vntounto him, and hath the Spirit of God to give vntounto his people, and through himſelf by it can ſanctifie them and their actions and ſervice of his Name, &c. Which things who is there that can require and effect, but onelyonly the Lord himſelf? And who then can be a ſpirituall Lord, but he alone? So as hereby alſo it appeareth, that all other which take vponupon them to be ſpirituall Lords, are indeed very Antichriſts.

The Aſſumption is proved by the Lawes and Statutes of the Land, whoſe words be theſe, Be it enacted by the Kings most excellent Maieſtie, the Lords Spirituall and Temporall, and the commons in this preſent Parliament aſſembled: For by the Lords ſpirituall is meant here the Prelates. And to the ſame end it is to be obſerved, that in their Canons and practiſe they take vponupon them, as if they were ſpirituall Lords, not onelyonly to preſcribe their own ordinances to the Church for the worſhip of God, but alſo to bynd the ſpirit and conſcience to the acknowledgment and approbation thereof; and yet further in their ordination of Prieſts even to give the holy Ghoſt, ſaying to the Prieſts when they ordeyne them, Receive the holy Ghoſt, &c. as if it were in their power to give the Spirit of God to whom they would, or that they were authorized herevnto by Ieſus Chriſt, who onelyonly is the ſpirituall Lord of his Church, and giveth his ſpirit according to his own will, to whom and as it pleaſeth him. Ioh. 1.14.16. and 15.26. & 20.22. 1 Cor. 12.4.5.6.7. Ephe. 4.7.1 Ioh. 2.20.27.

The Aſſumption aforeſaid is proved ſecondly thus:

2. The offices and government of ſuch Biſhops as are over Dioceſan and Provinciall Churches, and exerciſe eccleſiaſticall juriſdiction over all the Miniſters and people therein, are ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have the offices and government of ſuch Biſhops as are over Dioceſan and Provinciall Churches, and exerciſe eccleſiaſticall juriſdiction over all the Miniſters and people therein:

Therfore the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have ſuch offices and government, as be ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition is evident, inaſmuch as the offices & government of ſuch Biſhops, and ſubjection of ſuch Miniſters and Churches, are onelyonly to be found in Antichriſts apoſtaſie, and were never appointed by Chriſt or his Apoſtles. For now in the tyme of the Goſpell, Chriſt hath ſet no other forme of viſible Churches to which he hath given offices of Miniſtery, but onelyonly particular congregations, ſuch as may come together in one, and joyntly perform all publick dutyes layd vponupon them by the word of God. As may appeare by the conſtitution of†Act. 1.15. & 2.41.42. with 6.2.3.5 6. & 11.22. and 15.22.23. & 21.17 18.22. And 13.1.2. & 14.23. & 16 4.5. and 20.17.28. And the epiſtles to the Rom. Cor. Gal. Ephe. Phil. Col. Theſ. &c. all the Churches planted by the Apoſtles, and written unto by them in ſo many ſeverall epiſtles: alſo by the Churches to whom Chriſt wrote by Iohn in the Revelation, Rev. 1.11. with 2. and 3. chap. Other formes of Churches therefore no men have power to inſtitute. And when & where they are erected, what other can they be but Antichriſtian?

And as for the examples of Timothee, Titus, and the like, vſually alleged for defence of the Prelates authority and juriſdiction, they will nothing help them. For theſe were Evangeliſts, which the Prelates are not: as we have ſhewed in the*Pag. 5. former Reaſon. And the particular Churches have in themſelves ech of them full intereſt and power from Chriſt to enjoy and practiſe all his ordinances, for Miniſtery, worſhip, government, and whatſoever he hath given his Church to be obſerved therein to the end of the world. Mat. 18.17-20. and 28.20. with Act. 6.3-6. & 14.23. & 20.17.28. Rom. 12.4-8. 1 Cor. 3.21.22.23. and 4.17. & 5.4.11.12. and 11.2.23.24.25.26. & 12.27. & 14.33.36. & 16.1. 1 Tim. 3.15. and 6.13.14. Rev. 1.11.20. with 2. & 3. chap.

And wheras the extraordinary offices of Apoſtles, Prophets, and Evangeliſts, are ceaſed; yet‡Ioh. 15.16. The Acts and Epistles of the Apostles. &c. their fruit remayneth ſtill: and we have the benefit of it for our direction by their writings, which the Churches then had by their bodily preſence. To which end may be obſerved alſo, how†1 Cor. 1.1. Phil. 1.1. Col. 1.1. Philem. ver. 1. ſome of the epiſtles are written in the Name of Paul, & Timothee (an Apoſtle, and an Evangelist); and‖1 Theſ. 1.1. & 2 Theſ. 1.1 ſome of them in the Name of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothee (*1 Cor. 4.9. 1 Tim. 2.7. an Apoſtle, ‡Silvanus being the ſame with Silas, as is like by the Name, the placing of thē, and the hiſtorie, Act. 15.32.40. and 16.19. and 17.4.10.14.15. & 18.5.a Prophet, and an †2 Tim. 4.5.Evangeliſt): which three alſo are ioyned togither for the conſtant teaching of one and the ſame truth in Chriſt, 2 Cor. 1.19. And withall, that the Apoſtles did then ſo write and mind, as purpoſely intending the inſtructions and commandements given by them ſhould be obſerved of all Churches, both of the Miniſters and other members thereof according to their places, to the end of the world. (Rō. 12.3-8. & 15.4. 1 Cor. 4.6.17. & 11.23-26. & 14.37. Gal. 1.8.9. and 6.16.17. Ephe. 3 chap. and 4.11.12.13. Col. 1.23-29. and 2.1.2. & 4.16.17. 2 Theſ. 2.15. 1 Tim. 3.14.15. and 5.21. and 6.3.5.13.14. and 2 Tim. 2.2. and 3.1.15.16.17. and 4.5.6. Titus Epiſt. Heb. 2.1-4. and 3.1-6. and 13.8. 1 Pet. 5.12. 2 Pet. 1.12-21. and 2.1. and 3.1.2.3.15.16. 1 Ioh. 2.1.12.13.14. and 4.1-6. Iude, ver. 3.17.18.19.20.21. Rev. 1.3. and 2. & 3. chap. and 22.18.19.20.) So as now there can be no need or lawfull vſe of any Dioceſan, Provinciall, Nationall, or Vniverſall Biſhops.

And for any reaſon or proof that the Prelates or any for them have brought or can bring from the Scripture for their Prelacy, it will aſwell follow that as they have now their Biſhops over Dioceſes, and Archbiſhops over Provinces; ſo if the King would, he might have a Primate or Archprelate over all his Dominions; and if there were a Monarch over Europe, he might have a Patriarch over all the Prelates therein; and ſo an Emperour over the world (if there were any) might alſo have an Oecumenicall or Vniverſall Biſhop and Pope over all the reſt.

And Timothees example would aſwel warrant theſe, as it will the other: ſeing there was not any Church in the world, whither his office and the dutyes therof might not extend, as his calling and employment was. Of whom the Scripture ſheweth, that he was, and did the dutyes of his office, ſometimes in one part of the world, & ſometymes in another, ſometymes in Aſia, and ſometymes in Europe: as may be ſeen by the countreyes where he was at ſundry tymes: As in Aſia, being in divers countreyes and parts thereof, in Phrygia, Galatia, Myſia, Ionia, &c. And in Europe likewiſe, in Macedonia, Achaia, Italie, &c. And in theſe countreyes and nations, ſometymes in one city and with one church, and ſometymes with another, as namely, at Theſſalonica, at Athens, at Corinth, at Epheſus, at Rome, at Philippi, &c. Alſo ſometymes being with the Apoſtle Paul where he was himſelf, ſometymes left behind him when he went other whither, ſometymes ſent for to come vntounto him to ſuch place as he appointed, ſomtymes ſent away from him to other places where he would employ him, &c. And this, ſometymes to bring the Churches into a ſetled order according to the Apoſtles direction, ſometymes to ſtabliſh and comfort them being already in ſuch eſtate, ſometymes to know their ſtate, and to put them in remembrance of the Apoſtles wayes, ſometymes to look that none taught otherwiſe, but that the doctrine and order delivered by the Apoſtles were reteyned among them, &c. By all which appeareth, both what the office and employment of an Evangeliſt was, and that Timothee was not a Biſhop in ordinary office, perteyning to any one certayne place & people, but an Evangeliſt in extraoadinary function, employed ſometymes in one countrey & part of the world, and ſometymes in another, ſometimes with one Church and people, and ſometymes with another, according as he had direction & appointment by the Apoſtle Paul, whoſe companion and aſſiſtant he was. For all which, ſee theſe Scriptures, Act. 16. chap. and 17.14.15. and 18.5. and 19.22. and 20.4. Rom. 16.21. 1 Cor. 4.17. and 16.10.11. 2 Cor. 1.19. Phil. 1.1. and 2.19.22.23. 1 Theſ. 3.1.2.6. with both the Epistles written by Paul vntounto Timothee.

The like may be obſerved concerning Titus, who was ſometymes with the Apoſtle Paul himſelf, ſometymes left behind him when he departed other whither, ſometymes called vntounto him, ſometymes ſent away from him, &c. being thus ſometymes in Europe, ſometymes in Aſia: And in Europe being alſo at divers places, as at Corinth in Achaia; at Rome in Italie; in Creta; Dalmatia, &c. And in Aſia likewiſe, at Ieruſalem in Iudea, at Nicopolis in Armenia, &c. As appeareth by theſe Scriptures, 2 Cor. 8.23.24. and 12.18. Gal. 2.1. 2 Tim. 4.10. Tit. 1.4.5. & 3.12. with the whole Epistle to Titus. And the like may be ſeen alſo in Marcus, Ariſtarchus, Tychicus, & others, whoſe examples they might aſwel alledge as thoſe of Timothee & Titus. Act. 12.25. and 13.5. and 15.37.39. and 20.4.5. and 27. 2. Ephe. 6.21.22. Col. 4.7.8.10.11. 2 Tim. 4.11.12. Tit. 3.12. Philem. ver 24.

But by ſuch allegations they let all men know how near they are driven, that can fynd no warrant in the Scripture for Dioceſan and Provinciall Biſhops, and therefore are glad to lay hold on the Evangeliſts office in Timothee and Titus: from which notwithſtanding they and their Churches and Miniſters are as farr as cloudy darknes is from the cleare light of the Sun. For the further declaration whereof, beſides that which hath ben ſayd here before and in other Treatiſes written of this argument, I will by way of queſtion propound ſome things to be conſidered by ſuch as are of judgement, which as they ſhalbe found may give more light to theſe and other poynts ſometymes called in queſtion. The things are theſe:

1. Whether the ordinance of Chriſt be not ſuch, as therein they which be in the greater offices, have (beſides their owne peculiar function wherevnto they ought to attend) power and authority both themſelves to performe the dutyes of any the inferiour offices, when there is juſt and needfull occaſion, and to look that they be performed by all ſuch as they are ſpecially layd vponupon, for the better ſervice of the Lord and his church therein.

2. Whether on the contrary, the apoſtaſie of Antichriſt be not ſuch (touching the Miniſtery and government of the Church) as therein they which be in the leſſer offices have power and authority among them to exceed the dutyes of the office which Chriſt hath appointed, & to performe the dutyes apperteyning to the higher offices: by meanes whereof both Antichriſt hath riſen vp to ſo great a height, and ſo many orders and degrees of ſuperior and inferior Miniſters have bene received and ſtill are reteyned in that degenerate eſtate and apoſtaſie of the man of ſinne, as is come to paſſe.

And touching the firſt, becauſe the offices ſet by Chriſt in his Church be of two ſorts, ſome extraordinary and for a tyme and ſpeciall vſe, ſome ordinary and prrpetual: whether it be true in both, or in the firſt, and in them alone. As for example, That the Apostles, who were in the greateſt office ordeyned by Chriſt vnderunder the Goſpel, †Mat. 28.18.19.20. Ephe. 4.11.12. 1 Cor. 12.28.had (beſides the peculiar office of Apoſtleſhip) the power alſo and authority of the other Offices of‖Act. 20.29.30 Rō. 11.25.26. 2 Theſ. 2.3-8. 1 Tim. 4.1.2.3. … Pet. 2. & 3. chap. 1 Ioh. 2.18. Iude, ver. 17.18. Prophets, *Act. 8.14.25. & 14.7. & 15.35.36 41. & 16.40. Rom. 1.11.12.15.Evangeliſts,‡Ioh. 21.16. Act. 1.40.42. & 20.2. 1 Cor. 9.7. Paſtors,†Act. 5 42. 1 Tim. 2.7. 2 Tim. 1.11. Teachers,‖1 Pet. 5.1. Act. 6.2.6. & 15.6.22. 1 Tim. 4.14. with 2 Tim, 1.6. Elders &*Act. 4.34.35. & 6.2.3 4. & 11.29.30. 1 Cor. 16.3.4. Gal. 2.10. Deacons, both to performe them vponupon juſt occaſion themſelves, & to ſee thē performed by others as is aforeſayd; For which, conſider the Scriptures here quoted in the Margent.

And likewiſe, that the Prophets (beſides their owne ſpecial office) had in them the power & authority of the other inferiour offices of Evangeliſts, Paſtors, Teachers, &c. Act. 15.32.40.41. and 17.15. and 18.5.2. Cor. 1.19. Ephe. 3.5.6. & 4.11.12.

And in like ſort, that the Evangelists (beſides their owne peculiar function) had in them the power and authority of the other ſmaller offices of Paſtors, Teachers, Elders, &c. Act. 8.35.38. with 21.8. 1 Cor. 16.10. 2 Cor. 1.19. & 8.6.16.17.23. 1 Theſ. 3.2. with the Epist. to Tim. & Tit.

And, it being ſo in the ordinary offices likewiſe, that the Paſtors therefore (beſides their own peculiar function) have in them the power and authority of the other ordinary offices of the Teachers, Elders, and Deacons, for performance and overſight as is aforeſaid. Act. 20.28. Ephe. 4.11.12. 1 Tim. 3.1-15. and 5.17.22. with 6.13.14. Heb. 13.7.17. 1 Pet. 5.1, 2.3.4. Luk. 12.42. Rev. 1.20. with 2.1.8.12.18. & 3.1.7.14.

Likewiſe that the Teachers have in them (beſides their owne ſpeciall office) the power and authority of the ruling Elders and Deacons. Act. 20.28. 1 Cor. 3.8.9.10. & 12.8.12.28. Ephe 4.11.12. 1 Tim. 3.1.—15. and 5.17. with 2 Tim. 2.2. Tit. 1.5-9. Heb. 13.7.17.

And in like maner, that the Elders (beſides their owne ſpeciall functiō) have in thē the power & authority of the Deacons office, for the doing and overſeing thereof as before is ſpoken. Act. 11.29.30. and 20.17, 28. 1 Theſ. 5.12.13.14. 1 Tim. 3.1-15. and 5.17-22. with 6.13.14. Heb. 13.17. 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3.4.

Finally, that the Deacons, as alſo the reſt aforeſayd, have (beſides their owne peculiar office) right and power to enjoy whatſoever intereſt the other members have in the Church, for any dutyes or actions to be performed therein, according to their place and condition. And further, that when they ſhall have miniſtred well in the Deacons office, they may be called afore other of the brethren into the higher offices of the Elders, being endued with giftes therevnto. Act. 6.3. Rom. 12.4-8. 1 Cor. 12.12-28. 1 Tim. 3.8-13.

But now on the contrary, when ſuch as were in the inferiour offices, conteyned not themſelves within compaſſe of their callings, but took vponupon themſelves or had layd vponupon them by others power and authority of the ſuperiour functions, then ſprung vp the apoſtaſie of Antichriſt in the churches miniſtery and government. As namely, when the Paſtors and Biſhops of particular congregations came to have authority & overſight over many Churches and over the Miniſters and people therein, in a kind of reſemblance of the extraordinary offices already ceaſed: Contrarie to Rev. 1.11.12.13.20. with 2.1.8.12 18. and 3.1.7.14. Act. 20.28. Ephe. 4.11.12.13. Phil. 1.1. 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3.4. And that the ruling Elders or Preſbyters (now called Prieſts) did the Miniſteriall dutyes of the Paſtors and Teachers in the particular Congregations: Contrary to Rom. 12.7.8. 1 Cor. 12.28. 1 Tim. 5.17. And that the Deacons alſo baptized, and were Miniſters of the word; which the Apoſtles did purpoſely oppoſe to the dutyes of that office at the inſtitution thereof. Act. 6.2.3.4. So as of theſe things it may be ſayd, as Chriſt did in another caſe, From the beginning it was not ſo. Mat. 19.8.

And herevpon in tyme many ſorts and degrees of inferior ſervile Miniſters and ſuperior Lordly Prelates grew vp & encreaſed in that defection of the Man of ſinne, till Antichriſt at the length was exalted in his throne. From which now agayne the Lord hath begunne to bring him downe, diſcovering and conſuming that myſtery of iniquity by the light and power of his Goſpell: and will not ceaſe, till the ſame be fully aboliſhed & caſt into the bottomles pit, from whence it firſt aroſe. 2 Theſ. 2.3.4.7.8.9 10.11.12. and 1 Ioh. 2.18.19. with Rev. 6.12.13.14. and 8. and 9. and 13. and 14. and 16. and 17. and 18. and 19. chap. And hitherto of the Propoſition of the laſt Syllogiſme.

The Aſſumption thereof (namely, that the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have the offices and government of ſuch Biſhops as are over Dioceſan and Provinciall Churches, and exerciſe eccleſiaſticall iuriſdiction over all the Ministers and people therein) is evident by their Church-conſtitution, Lawes, and practiſe. And themſelves neyther will nor can deny it.

3. The other Aſſumption aforeſaid (viz, that the Prelates of the Church of Engl. have ſuch offices and government, as be ſpeciall parts of Antichriſts apoſtaſie) is proved thirdly by this, that the offices and government of the Prelates of the Church of Engl. do not in their nature and proper vſe perteyne to any ſociety body and eſtate, eyther civill or eccleſiaſticall, but onelyonly to the body and kingdome of Antichriſt. Of which, as alſo of other reaſons proving the point in hand, more ſhalbe ſpoken hereafter in the ſeverall Arguments following concerning this matter. And thus much concerning the Propoſition of this Argument.

The Aſſumption of the Argument (namely, that the preſent Miniſtery of the Church-aſſemblies of England is the Miniſterie of Deacons and Prieſts ordeyned by the Prelates therevnto) is vndeniably confirmed by the conſtitution, Canons, and obſervation of that Church. And to the end that this poynt may the better be conſidered, & becauſe it giveth great light and proof to the whole controverſie concerning the Antichriſtianity of their eſtate, I wil here note a few ſpecial things, which (among many other apperteyning to their office & calling) may to this purpoſe be obſerved.

Firſt for their Deacons, they are at their entrance into that office preſented to the Prelate by an Archdeacon or his deputy, ſaying, Reverend father in God, I preſent vntounto you theſe perſons preſent, to be admitted Deacons.

2. Then the Biſhop commending them to the prayers of the Congregation, with the Clerks & people preſent, is to ſay or ſing the Letanie and Suffrages, with the communion of the day, and a number of ſtinted prayers & Collects, borrowed from the Papiſts.

3. They promiſe that they wil reverently obey their Ordinary, & other chief Miniſters of the Church, that is, the Lord Biſhop of the Dioces, the Archbiſhop, Archdeacon, Chancelor, Commiſſarie, & the reſt of that ſort, whoſe offices are Antichriſtian.

4. After this promiſe made, they are then ordeyned Deacons by the Lord Biſhop or his Suffragane, laying his hands vponupon their head, and ſaying, Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the Church of God committed vntounto thee: in the name of the Father, the ſonne, and the holy Ghost. Amen.

5. And then the Biſhop delivereth to every one of them the new Teſtament, ſaying, Take thou authority to read the Goſpel in the Church of God, and to preach the ſame, if thou be therevnto ordinarily commaunded.

6. Then one of them appoynted by the Biſhop, reads the Goſpel of that day: And they al are injoyned to receive the communion with the Biſhop.

7. Alſo among the works and duties of their office, they are appoynted to read Homilies and divine ſervice, to inſtruct the youth in the Catechiſme, to Baptiſe, and to preach, if they be admitted thereto by the Biſhop. Whereas it cannot be ſhewed that the Apoſtles ever layd theſe dutyes vponupon the Deacons, but ſuch as are*Act. 6.2.3.4. Rom. 12.8. plainely oppoſed to the miniſterie of the word and prayer, namely, the charge of the poor and Church treaſure, for the gathering and diſtribution of the Churches benevolence.

Wherevpon ſome of themſelves ſeeking reformation have publiſhed heretofore, that‡Defence of Eccleſ. Diſcip pag. 102. their Deaconship is a mere humane institution, a degree to the Priesthood, and nothing like the ordinance of God; that†Admon. to Parliam. first treatiſe though the name of Deacons be remayning among them, yet the office is fowly perverted & turned vpſide downe; and that*Defence of godly Minist pag. 108. it is manifestly contrarie to the word of God. The example of Philip, who was one of the ſeven Deacons, & preached & baptized (which by ſome is alledged for approbation of their practiſe) wil not help them. For he was in a true and lawfull office, not in an Antichriſtian; he had a lawful calling by the Church, not an vnlawful entrance by Prelates, as theſe have; whē & where he was Deacō, the Apoſtles miniſtred the word and baptized, neither was he then ordeyned to the adminiſtration thereof, but attended to the tables of the poor; and afterwards when he preached and baptized, he did the work and office of an Evangeliſt, by which name the Scripture expreſly calleth him. Act. 6.2-6. & 2.14.40.41.42. & 21.8. with 8.5, 6, 7.12, 26, 29. &c.

Next, for the Priests, firſt they muſt be Deacons, that is, ſet by the Prelates in the office and after the maner aforeſayd.

2. Then having continued in that office the ſpace of a yeare (except it ſeem otherwiſe good to the Ordinary) they are agayne preſented to the Biſhop or his Suffragane, by an Archdeacon or his deputy, ſaying, Reverend father in God, I preſent theſe perſons preſent to be admitted to the Order of Prieſthood.

3. Afterward there followeth the Letany, and ſome Collects and ſtinted prayers taken out of the Popes pontificall: with an exhortation, an Epiſtle and Goſpell, wherein they abuſe and pervert the Scripture.

4. Then the Prelate aſketh them, Do you think in your hart that you be truly called according to the wil of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, and the order of this Church of England, to the Miniſtery of Prieſthood? And the partyes that are to be ordeyned, anſwer, every one for himſelf, I think it.

5. At which tyme alſo they promiſe agayne, reverently to obey their Ordinary & other chief Miniſters of the Church, that is the Prelates and other Officers aforeſaid.

6. So after a few queſtions made, and prayers read, they kneel downe vponupon their knees at the Prelates feet, & he with the Prieſts preſent lay hands ſeverally vponupon the head of every one of them that receiveth orders, ſaying vntounto them, Receive the holy Ghoſt, whoſe ſinnes thou doeſt forgive, they are forgiven: and whoſe ſinnes thou doeſt reteyne, they are reteyned: & be thou a faithfull diſpenſour of the word of God, and of his holy Sacraments. In the name of the Father, & of the ſonne, and of the holy Ghoſt. Amen.

7. And then the Prelate delivereth to each of them, the Bible in his hand, ſaying, Take thou authority to preach the word of God, and to miniſter the holy Sacraments in the congregation, where thou *Note, how they may be made Prieſts, though yet they have no charge or flock to attend vntounto.ſhalt be ſo appointed.

Thus are they made Prieſts: & when at any tyme they enter into a benefice, they muſt beſides have the Preſentation of the Patrone (who may be a Papiſt or Familiſt, &c.) & the inſtitution of the Prelate, who is an Antichriſt, to whome now alſo they ſweare to yeeld Canonicall obedience; & by whom otherwiſe they ſtand alway ſubject to be ſilenced, ſuſpended, degraded, and deprived.

And for the works of their calling, ſome are ſuch as Chriſt hath not preſcribed to his Miniſters in his Teſtament (ſuch as be their ſolemnization of mariage, buriall of the dead, churching of women, reading of homilies, & ſtinted prayers, &c.) & ſome being ſuch as Chriſt hath preſcribed, yet at they not ſo adminiſtred as he in his word hath ordeyned, but according as is appointed in their book of Common prayer, & in their Canons, Injunctions, Advertiſements, &c. according to which they are bound to pray, and to adminiſter the word, Sacraments, and cenſures, among them.

Other particulars, many and ſtraunge, vſed in the entrance and performance of their Office of Prieſthood, I omit. OnelyOnly I will annex this one thing more, how by their Canons they have now provided further and made it a conſtitution of their Church,*Canons of Anno 1603. Can. 36. † That no perſon ſhall be received into the Miniſtery, nor admitted to any Eccleſiasticall living, nor ſuffred to preach, except he be licenced by the Archbiſhop or Biſhop of the Dioces, &c. and except he ſhall first ſubſcribe, That the book of Common prayer, and of ordering Biſhops, Priests and Deacons, conteyneth in it nothing contrarie to the word of God, and that it may lawfully ſo be vſed, & that he himſelf will vſe the forme in the ſayd Book preſcribed in publick prayer, and administration of the Sacraments, & none other. Alſo, That he alloweth the book of Articles of Religion agreed vponupon by the Archbiſhops and Biſhops of both Provinces, and the whole Clergie in the convocation holden at London in the ye are, 1562. and that he acknowledgeth all & every the Articles therein conteyned, to be agreeable to the word of God. In which Articles although there be many truths, yet there are alſo errors not afew, to which they muſt ſubſcribe that they are agreeable to the word of God, and that they do thus ſubſcribe willingly and ex animo.

Laſtly, for their Biſhops & Archbiſhops, 1. there is with other things aforeſaid, at their conſecration alſo to be read an Epistle, Goſpell, and Credo.

2. After which ended, the elected Biſhop muſt be preſented by two Biſhops, vntounto the Archbiſhop of that Province, or to ſome other Biſhop appointed by his Cō miſſion, the Biſhops that preſent him ſaying, Moſt reverend Father in God, we preſent vntounto you this godly and wel learned man, to be conſecrated Biſhop.

3. Then the Archbiſhop demaunds the Kings mandate, for the conſecration. And after a lawfull oth concerning the Kings ſupremacy, they muſt take an vnlawfull oath of obedience to the Archbiſhop: which is thus, In the name of God, Amen. I N. choſen Biſhop of the Church and Sie of N. do profeſſe and promiſe all due reverence and obedience to the Archbiſhop and to the Metropoliticall Church of N. and to their ſucceſſours, ſo help me God, through Ieſus Christ. Which oath at the conſecration of an Archbiſhop is omitted.

4. Afterward vponupon the Archbiſhops demaund he anſwereth a number of queſtions, ¹ Of his perſwaſion that he is truly called to this miniſtration according to the will of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, and the order of the Realme; ² Of the ſufficiency of the Scriptures, and his determination with them to inſtruct the people cōmitted to his charge; ³ Of his ſtudy faithfully to exerciſe himſelf in the ſayd Scriptures; ⁴ Of his readynes with all faithfull diligence to baniſh and drive a way all erroneous and ſtrange doctrine, contrary to Gods word; ⁵ Of his care to deny all vngodlynes and worldly luſts, and to live ſoberly, righteouſly, and godly, in this world. 6. Of his purpoſe to maynteyne & ſet forward quietnes, peace, and love among all men, and to correct and puniſh ſuch as be vnquiet, diſobedient, and criminous within his dioces, according to ſuch authority as he hath by Gods word, and the ordinance of the Realme; ⁷ Of his carefulnes to ſhew himſelf gentle, and mercifull for Chriſts ſake to poore people, and ſtrangers. To all which they anſwer affirmatively, and walk for the moſt part negatively: as their eſtate & practiſe ſheweth vntounto all men, that will open their eyes to ſee it.

5. Then muſt be ſung or ſayd, Come holy Ghoſt, &c. whoſe direction given in the Scriptures for the offices & ordinances appointed by Chriſt they reject, and follow the Papiſts and their owne deviſes, ſo making the commandement of God of no effect through their traditions.

6. For the conſecration it ſelf, the Archbiſhop and Biſhops preſent, muſt lay their hands vponupon the head of the elected Biſhop, the Archbiſhop ſaying: Take the holy Ghoſt, and remember that thou ſtirr vp the grace of God, which is in thee, by impoſition of hands: for God hath not given vsus the ſpirit of feare, but of power, and love, and ſobernes. Where note agayne their vayn preſumption & impiety in taking vponupon them to give the holy Ghoſt, having no power frō the Lord therevnto. Yet I ſuppoſe this conſecrated Biſhop takes aſmuch as the Archbiſhop gives, & the Archbiſhop gives aſmuch as the Biſhop takes: which of what quantity and quality it is, let their eſtate and works be witneſſes.

7. Then the Archbiſhop delivereth him the Bible, ſaying: Give heed vntounto reading, exhortation, and doctrine: Think vponupon the things conteyned in this book: Be diligent in teaching and doing them, &c. Be to the flock of Christ a Shepheard, not a wolf, feed them, devour them not, &c. Wherein their practiſe is as contrary, as their office is degenerate from the ordinance of Chriſt.

And thus is their fourme of conſecrating Biſhops and Archbiſhops. Wherein I omit to note in particular their great abuſe and profanation of the Name and word of God, in the Scriptures and prayers then vſed, from the beginning to the end of that their conſecration. Neyther will I ſtand to ſpeak of their adminiſtration and government: nor of their other degrees & functions of Deanes, Prebendaries, Chauncellors, Archdeacons, Commiſſaries, Officials, and the reſt of that ſort among them: ſeing there are ſo many vnanſwerable treatiſes already publiſhed of this Argument, concerning the Antichriſtianity and vnlawfulnes of their Offices, callings, works, and maintenance.

Yet before I end this poynt, I wil here ſet downe two of their owne late Canons, and ſome of the ſayings and teſtimonyes both of the Martyrs of old, and of the ſeekers of Reformation in this latter age: that ſo their oppoſition againſt the truth and amongſt themſelves may by this meanes yet further appeare.

Their Canons are theſe, 1.*Canons of Anno. 1603, Gen. 7. Whoſoever ſhall affirme, that the government of the Church of England, vnderunder his Maieſty by Archbiſhops, Biſhops, Deanes, Archdeacons, and the rest that bear office in the ſame, is Antichriſtian or repugnant to the word of God: let him be excommunicated ipſo facto, and ſo continue vntill he repent and publikly revoke ſuch his wicked errors. 2. And,‡Ibid. Can. 8. Whosoever ſhall affirme or teach, That the fourme and maner of making and conſecrating Biſhops, Prieſts, or Deacons, conteyneth any thing in it, that is repugnant to the word of God, or that they who are made Biſhops, Prieſts, or Deacons in that forme are not lawfully made, nor ought to be accounted eyther by themſelves or by others, to be truly eyther Biſhops, Prieſts, or Deacons, vntill they have ſome other calling to thoſe divine Offices: let him be excommunicated ipſo facto, not to be reſtored vntil he repent and publikly revoke ſuch his wicked errors. Theſe are their Canons, among many other the like, by which all may ſee how earneſtly they ſet themſelves to hold vp the falling apoſtaſie of the man of ſinne, as other before tyme have laboured to heale the deadly wound of the beaſt. 2 Theſ. 2.3-12. with Reve. 13.11.12. &c.

The teſtimonies of the Martyrs to the contrary (which here I will mention) are theſe, being of ſuch alſo as were of our owne countrey. Iohn Claydon (burnt in Smithfeild at London, in the yeare, 1415.) held†Act. & Monum. Edit… 5. pag. 588. that Archbiſhops and Biſhops, ſpeaking indifferently, are the ſeats of the beast Antichriſt, when he ſitteth in them and reigneth above other people in the dark caves of errors & hereſies. Sir Iohn Oldcaſtle, Lord Cobham (put to death about the yeare, 1417.) witneſſed,‖Ibid. pag. 518. that the Biſhops, Prieſts, Prelates, and Monks, are the body of that great Antichriſt. And, that the poſſeſsions and Lordſhips of the Clergy, are the venime of Iudas ſhed into the Church. William Tindall (burnt by Filford Caſtell, in Braband) and Iohn Frith (burnt at London, in Smithfeild) publiſhed,*Tindals Obed. of a Christian. And Practiſe of Prelates. Friths Preface to the Antitheſis between Christ and the Pope. that Archbiſhops, Lordbishops, Archdeacons, Deanes, Officials, Parſons, Vicars, and the reſt of that ſort, are the diſciples of Antichriſt, yea very Antichriſts themſelves. And Iohn Bale (an exile for the teſtimony of Ieſus)‡In his Image of both Churches, vponupon Rev. 13.… and 17.3. wrote, that the names of blaſphemie written vponupon the Beasts head (Rev. 13. and 17.) are none other then the proud glittering titles, wherewith they garniſh their vſurped authority, to make it ſeem glorious to the world, having within them conteyned the myſterie of iniquitie. What other els (ſayth he) is Pope, Cardinall; Metropolitane, Primate, Archbiſhop, Dioceſan, Archdeacon, Officiall, Chancelour, Commiſſary, Prebend, Parſon, Vicar, and ſuch like, but very names of blaſphemie? For offices they are not appointed by the holy Ghost, nor yet once mentioned in the Scriptures.

The ſayings of ſuch as of latter dayes have ſought reformation, which here I will note downe are theſe:†Admon, to the Parliam. that the names and offices of Archbiſhops, Lordbiſhops, Chancelours, Archdeacons, Cōmiſſaries, Officials, Deanes, Parſons, Vicars, Pariſh prieſts, Stipendaries, &c. are drawen out of the Popes ſhop as out of the Troiane horſes belly for the deſtructiō of Gods kingdome; That their Pontificall, whereby they conſecrate Biſhops, make Miniſters and Deacons, is nothing els but a thing word for word drawen out of the Popes pontificall, wherein he ſheweth himſelf to be Antichriſt moſt lively; That they enter not in by Christ, but by a Popiſh and vnlawfull vocation; That when they are made Miniſters, eyther they may tary in their Colledge and lead the lives of loytering loſels, or els go abroad with the Biſhops Buls like to Circumcellions or Fryers to preach in other mens charges where they liſt, or els get benefices by frendſhip or money, or if all thoſe fayle, they may go vp and downe like beggers, & fall to many follyes, or els (as many have done) ſet vp bils at Powles or at the Royall exchange & ſuch like places, to ſee if they can hear of ſome good Maſters to enterteyne them to ſerve a cure. Thus have they ſpoken and written heretofore, when they ſeemed to loath theſe ſtinking abhominations (as themſelves then called them) and when they did not bring balme to cure the ſore of Babell, as now many of them do, though all in vayne: for ſhe cannot be healed, ſaith the Lord of hoſtes. Ier. 51.8.9. And hitherto of the firſt Argument, proving that the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblyes of England is the Miniſtery of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The ſecond Argument.

THe Miniſterie of the Prelacy profeſſing it ſelf to be Chriſts,II. and yet ſtanding in ſuch eſtate as it doth not obey Ieſus Chriſt in his owne ordinance of Miniſterie worſhip and government of the Church, as their Prophet Prieſt and King, that Miniſterie whatſoever it profeſſe in word, yet is in deed the Miniſterie of Antichriſts Apoſtaſie.

But the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of the Prelacy profeſſing it ſelf to be Chriſts, & yet ſtanding in ſuch eſtate as it doth not obey Ieſus Chriſt in his owne ordinance of Miniſterie worſhip and government of the Church, as their Prophet Prieſt and King.

Therefore the preſent miniſterie of the Church aſſemblies of Engl. whatſoever it profeſſe in word, yet is in deed the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

THe truth of the Propoſition is manifeſt: becauſe there is no other Miniſtery but Antichriſts that ſtandeth in ſuch eſtate. And they are in deed of Antichriſt, that profeſſing the name of Chriſt, yet refuſe to obey him in his owne ordinance of Miniſtery worſhip and government of the Church, as their Prophet Prieſt and King. As may appeare by theſe Scriptures compared together, and others the like: Deut. 18.18.19. Pſal. 110.1.2.3.4. Mat. 15.9. and 17.5. and 28.20. Luk. 19.27. and 22.25.26. Rom. 12.3-8. Ephe. 4.8.11.12. 1 Tim. 6.13.14. 1 Pet. 5.1-4. with 2 Theſ. 2.3.4. 1 Tim. 4.1.2.3. 1 Iohn 2.18.19.22. and 4.3. and 2 Ioh. ver. 7. Rev. 13.11. and 14.9-12. & 22.18.19.

The truth of the Aſſumption is evident, by that which hath bene ſaid in the Reaſons‖Pag. 2. &c. here going before. And their conſtitution it ſelf ſheweth it, in that they are ſo farr from obeying Ieſus Chriſt in his owne ordinance of Miniſtery worſhip and government of the Church, as they do all of them receive execute or ſtand ſubject vntounto the Miniſterie and government of another Archbiſhop and Lordbiſhop then Ieſus Chriſt, of an Archeacon, and of a Parſon Vicar or Stipendary, being Prieſt or Deacon, ſo ordeyned by the Prelates: As alſo in their adminiſtration, reading prayers out of a book, ſtinted and impoſed vponupon them, and obſerving many other inventions of men in the worſhip of God continually vſed among them: And likewiſe in their Church-government, according to their Canons, Courts, excommunications, degradations, & other like proceedings, by the Prelates and their Officers. Which were never appointed by Chriſt, the Prophet Prieſt and King of the Church: as may be ſeen in his Teſtament, where they are not to be found. And this we have ſhewed heretofore more particularly in other Treatiſes already publiſhed: to which I refer the Reader. Refut. of Mr. Giff. The Apologie against the Oxf. Doct. Treatiſe of Miniſt. of the Church of Engl. pag. 28.29.30. &c.

The third Argument.

III.THe Miniſterie of Chriſtians which is oppoſed againſt and exalted above the holy things, Miniſterie, and ordinances of Ieſus Chriſt, that is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of Chriſtians oppoſed againſt and exalted above the holy things Miniſterie and ordinances of Ieſus Chriſt.

Therfore the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The firſt part of the Argument is certaine, and manifeſt by theſe Scriptures, 2 Theſ. 2.3.4. with 1 Ioh. 2.18.19. & 4.1.2.3. & Rev. 9. & 13. & 14. & 17. & 18. chap.

The truth of the ſecond part of the Argument appeareth evidently: 1. In this, that a man may peaceably adminiſter or receive their holy things, in their maner, by vertue of their Deaconry or Prieſthood received from the Prelates; which is the preſent Miniſterie of that Church, as hath bene ſhewed before. But if any do adminiſter or receive the holy things of God by the offices of Paſtors and Teachers, entred into and executed according to the teſtament of Chriſt, they are for this cauſe evil intreated, reviled, and perſecuted vntounto death, even by theſe who profeſſe themſelves to be Chriſtians. 2. Secondly, in that their Prelacy Prieſthood and Deaconry, is the very meanes of thruſting away & keeping out of the Church, the Miniſtery and order which Chriſt hath appointed in his word.

Which ſome of themſelves have heretofore acknowledged and written, affirming that Lord Biſhops, Archdeacons, Commiſſaries, Officials, and the rest, Admon to the Parliam.thruſt away moſt ſacrilegiouſly the order which Chriſt hath left in his Church, and which the Primitive Church hath vſed; Sermon on Rom. 12.That they rob the Church of lawfull Paſtors, watchfull Elders, and carefull Deacons; And, that by the length of their vnlawful ſwords they keep out the lawfull members of the body of Christ, which is the Church. Neyther need we ſeek any further proof hereof, then that which is daily felt and ſeen, in their bloody oppoſition and proud exaltation above the holy things, ordinances, and ſervants of Ieſus Chriſt: Who being Lord over all, will bring their wayes vponupon their owne heads, and when they have filled vp the meaſure of their iniquity, will judge them according to their works.

The fourth Argument.

THe Miniſterie which is ſuch as in the nature and condition thereof,IIII. of, it perteyneth not to any body and eſtate, eyther civill or eccleſiaſticall, but onelyonly to the body and kingdome of Antichriſt, that is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the preſent Mininiſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is ſuch as in the nature and condition thereof it perteyneth not to any body or eſtate, eyther civill or eccleſiaſticall, but onelyonly to the body and kingdome of Antichriſt:

Therefore the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſmblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition none can deny. And for it, ſee 2 Theſ. 2. chap. with Rev. 13.11-18. and 14. and 16. and 17. and 18. and 19. and 21. chap.

The Aſſumption is cleare to all that will open their eyes to ſee the truth of it: in as much as their Prelacy, Prieſthood, & Deaconry (the preſent Miniſtery of that Church) is ſuch in the nature and condition thereof, as the civill eſtate of the Common-wealth may be perfect without them: for they are eccleſiaſticall functions; the Church of Chriſt may be compleet without them, and yet have all the offices appointed by Chriſt therevnto; and the Turks and Pagans, neyther have them nor require them. OnelyOnly the body and kingdome of the Romiſh Antichriſt cannot be full and furniſhed in all the offices thereof without them. Which all men know to be true. From which alſo an argument to the ſame purpoſe may be framed in this ſort.

The fift Argument.

V.THe Miniſterie which is ſuch as the body of Antichriſt the man of ſinne cannot without it be compleet in all the members and Canonicall functions thereof, that is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is ſuch, as the body of Antichriſt the man of ſinne cannot without it be compleet in all the members and Canonicall functions thereof:

Therefore the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition is cleare and certaine.

The Aſſumption is proved by the Canons, Pontificall, and eſtate of the Romiſh Antichriſt the man of ſinne, and by the conſtitution of that body in the members and functions thereof: As all muſt needs confeſſe, that have any knowledge of the conditiō of that Church and Officers perteyning therevnto.

The ſixt Argument.

THe Miniſterie of Deacons Prieſts and Prelates,VI. which accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts, and yet in deed is ſuch as the Kings and Rulers of the earth may and ought to ſuppreſſe and root out of their dominions, that is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

But the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is the Miniſterie of Deacons Prieſts and Prelates, which accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts, and yet in deed is ſuch as the King may and ought to ſuppreſſe and roote out of his Dominions.

Therefore it is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition is proved, 1. Becauſe there is no other ſuch Miniſtery but Antichriſts, which accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts, when in deed it is ſuch as the Magiſtrates ought to abandon and root out of their dominions. 2. Becauſe that which is in truth the Miniſtery of Chriſt, no Princes may refuſe or ſet againſt: But in ſo doing they ſinne highly againſt the Lord, and provoke his judgements againſt themſelves & their kingdomes. Rev. 17.12.13.14.16.17. with Pſal. 2.10.11 12. and Eſa. 60.10.11.12.

The Aſſumption hath two poynts to be conſidered: The one, that the Miniſtery of the Church of Engl. is Miniſtery of Deacons Prieſts & Prelates which accounts it ſelf to be Chriſts: which themſelves cannot nor will not deny. The other, that in deed it is ſuch as the King may and ought to ſuppreſſe and root out of his dominions. Which we have ſhewed already both in†Treatiſe of Miniſt. of Engl. p. 25.105.134. Anſw. to Mr. Iacob. p. 163.197.199. The Apologie pag. 27.52.53.54.85. &c. other Treatiſes, and in the firſt Reaſon here before. And the forward preachers among them have yeelded it, in their ſuits to the Parliament to have it removed and taken away. And if the Prelates and their conforming Prieſts affirme the contrary, they are impugners of the Kings ſupremacy, and excommunicated ipſo facto, by their owne Canons: the words whereof be theſe, in the ſecond of their‖Canons of Anno 1603. Can. 2. laſt Canons: Where firſt the Title is thus, Impugners of the Kings ſupremacy cenſured; And then the Canō it ſelf followeth thus: Whoſoever ſhall affirme that the Kings Maiestie hath not the ſame authority in cauſes eccleſiaſticall that the godly Kings had amongst the Iewes, and Chriſtian Emperors in the Primitive Church, &c. let him be excōmunicated ipſo facto, and not reſtored but onelyonly by the Archbiſhop after his repentance and publick revocation of thoſe his wicked errours.

From which Canon, I reaſon thus: The godly Kings amongſt the Iewes had ſuch authority in cauſes Eccleſiaſticall, as they might ſuppreſſe within their dominions any Miniſteries not ordeyned by the Lord, and therefore any falſe Miniſteries whatſoever, as Ioſiah did the Chemarims, the Prieſts of Baall, them that burnt incenſe to the hoſt of heaven, &c. Therefore alſo, ſeing the preſent Miniſtery of the Church of England*As hath ben proved before Pag. 2. &c. is not that which Chriſt ordeyned and gave to his Church, and conſequently muſt needs be a falſe Miniſtery, the King of England having the ſame authority in cauſes eccleſiaſticall as thoſe Kings of Iudah had, may and ought to ſuppreſſe and root out of his dominions this their Miniſtery and Prelacy of Archbiſhops, Lordbiſhops, Suffraganes, Prieſts, Deacons, Subdeacons, Archdeacons, &c. Like as King Henry the eight did the Abbats, Monks, Nunnes, &c.

And themſelves cannot deny, but eyther they muſt prove their Prelacy and inferiour Miniſtery aforeſayd to be ordeyned by Chriſt in his Teſtament, and ſo to be the true Miniſterie given by Chriſt to his Church, or els if they affirme that the King hath not authority to ſuppreſſe and take it away, they are by the ſentence of their owne Canons impugners of the Kings ſupremacy, and excommunicated ipſo facto, and not to be reſtored but after repentance and publik revocation of thoſe wicked errours. And ſo commeth vponupon them that which Chriſt hath ſayd, Of thyne owne mouth will I iudge thee, ô evill ſervant. Luc. 19.22.

And wheras by the ſame Canon, the power of reſtoring ſuch is committed onelyonly to the Archbiſhop, with the condition aforeſaid, it would be knowen, if the Archbiſhop himſelf be in the ſame caſe, who ſhall now reſtore him; and whether it can be done to him any more then to the reſt, without his repentance and publick revocation of thoſe his wicked errours. Which if he and the reſt had grace to revoke, theſe queſtions would ſoon be at an end.

But howſoever they deale, and the Kings of the earth for a while mainteyne or ſuffer them, certaine it is that the King of Kings (the Lord Ieſus Chriſt) will in his time vtterly conſume and aboliſh that lawleſſe apoſtaſie and myſtery of iniquity in all the power and tyrannicall vſurpation thereof. 2 Theſ. 2.3.4.7.7. with Rev. 14-20 chap. From whence we will take the next and laſt Argument, which now we will alledge.

The ſeventh Argument.

IF the preſent Miniſterie of the Church-aſſembliesVII. of England be ſuch, as it ſhalbe aboliſhed by the Lord, through the light and power of his Goſpell, according to that which is written, 2 Theſ. 2.3.8. with Rev. 14.6.7.8. and 18.4.5.20. then it is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie:

But the preſent Miniſtery of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. is ſuch as it ſhalbe aboliſhed by the Lord, through the light and power of his Goſpell, according to that which is written, 2 Theſ. 2.3.8. with Rev 14.6.7.8. and 18.4.5.20.

Therefore it is the Miniſterie of Antichriſts apoſtaſie.

The Propoſition is evident, as may appeare by the Scriptures mentioned in it.

The Aſſumption alſo is manifeſt, & may thus be ſhewed: 1. The Scripture teacheth, that†2 Theſ. 8.3 8. with Eſa. 11.4. Rev. 14.6.7.8. the Lord will conſume the man of ſinne with the breath of his mouth, in the power of his word; and therefore alſo his counterfeit offices, ordinances, and authority. Of which ſort the preſent Miniſtery of the Church-aſſemblies of Engl. being found to be, it will follow that theſe ſhall alſo with the reſt of that body be aboliſhed by Chriſt with the brightnes of his coming, & with the breath of his mouth in the power of his Goſpell. Otherwiſe the man of ſinne ſhould not be conſumed away, as the Lord hath ſayd he ſhalbe; and hath therefore called him the ſonne of perdition or destruction, becauſe he is appointed to be conſumed & aboliſhed. 2 Theſ. 2.3. And ſeing that although in all other places of the earth, all the offices, parts, powers, and ordinances of his kingdome and religion were aboliſhed, yet ſo long as the preſent offices and functions of the Prelacy Prieſthood and Deaconry, in the Archbiſhops, Archdeacons, Lordbiſhops, Deanes, Prebendaries, Parſons, Vicars, and the reſt of that ſort, with their callings, works, maintenance, aſſemblies, Courts, Canons, and proceedings eccleſiasticall do continew in England; the Miniſtery power and authority of the man of ſinne were not conſumed and aboliſhed, as the Scripture hath foretold ſhall come to paſſe; it muſt needs be that theſe alſo ſhall go into deſtruction with the reſt of that body. For true and ſtrong is he which hath ſayd it, and will performe it. Rev. 18.1.2.8.20.21. and 19.1.2. with 2 Theſ. 2.3.8.

2. Agayne, ſeing the Scripture ſaith, that‖1 Ioh. 3.8. for this purpoſe the Sonne of God hath appeared, that he might looſe the works of the Divel: and the comming of the man of ſinne, in all his apoſtaſie, is in another Scripture ſaid to be by the working of Sathan, 2 Theſ. 2.3.8.9. it followeth alſo herevpon, that Chriſt the ſonne of God will break and aboliſh the Prelacy and lying Miniſtery of that lawleſſe one, together with the reſt of his apoſtaſie whereſoever. Which already we have ſeen to be begun, in that the Lord hath now in this latter age of the world appeared (according to his promiſe) in the light of his Goſpell, and hath begun thereby to diſſolve that work of Sathan, to caſt down Babylon that great city, to manifeſt and conſume that man of ſinne, to remove and aboliſh the offices, callings, works, and livings, belonging to that body and kingdom of darknes: So as in divers countreyes at this day, the popiſh Antichriſtian offices & callings are generally rejected and abandoned: And in England, the Pope, Cardinals, Priors, Abbots, Monks, Fryers, and Nunnes, together with many of the popiſh hereſies, errors, & ſuperſtitions are aboliſhed & caſt out of the land. This hath the Son of God, that*Pſal. 24.8.10. king of glory, by the ſhining brightnes and power of his Goſpell, already brought to paſſe in this latter age: Neyther will he ceaſe or give over this his glorious work; vntil he hath evidently conſumed the body of that man of ſinne, and diſcovered & diſſolved the work of Sathan in Antichriſts kingdome throughout the world. The Lord of hoſts hath determined it, and who ſhall diſannull it? His hand is stretched out, and who ſhall turne it away? Eſa. 14.27. with 2 Theſ. 2.8.9. Rev. 14.6.7.8.

3. Moreover, the preſent Miniſtery of the Church-aſſemblyes of England being ſuch in their Offices, entrance, adminiſtration, and maintenance, as the Lord never ſet in his church (as†Reaſon 1. before hath bene proved) therfore alſo it cannot be doubted but that theſe ſhalbe aboliſhed, as Chriſt hath ſayd, Every planting which my heavenly Father hath not planted, ſhalbe rooted vp. Mat. 15.13.

4. Finally, the ſekers of reformation have bene (if ſtill they be not) of the ſame judgement and expectation. Els why have they ſued to the Parliaments, to have theſe parts & remnants of the Popiſh Antichriſtian Kingdome yet reteyned in the land, to be removed and aboliſhed: yea and have expreſſely written,*Admon. to the Parliam. in the Preface. that they ſhall downe, hold they never ſo hard.

Now furthermore that this deſtruction of Antichriſts kingdome and religion ſhalbe ſeen and done by Chriſts appearing in the light and power of his Goſpell, we gather alſo from the Scriptures, which teach‖Rev. 14.6.7.8. 2 Theſ. 2.8. with Eſa. 11.4. that by the preaching of the Goſpell, Babylon falleth.

And for the better diſcerning hereof, thus we ſhew it further: Firſt, by Babylon ‡Rev. 17.5.7. with 11.8. 2 Theſ. 2.7.myſtically and ſpiritually is vnderſtood, the city kingdome and iuriſdiction of Antichriſt, with the offices and ordinances belonging therevnto, the apoſtaſie and authority of the man of ſinne, the bloody and adulterous eſtate of the whore that ſitteth on many waters, with whome the Kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have bene made drunken with the wyne thereof. 1 Ioh. 2.18. and 4.3. 2 Theſ. 2.3.4.7.8.9.10.11.12. Rev. 11.8. and 14.8.9. and 17. and 18. chap.

Secondly, the Lord Ieſus will deſtroy Babylon, condemne the whoore, and conſume the man of ſinne, with the breath of his mouth, with the bright manifeſtation of his comming, and with the publiſhing of his Goſpell: wherein he will clearly and powerfully appeare, to the comfort of his Church, and deſtruction of the wicked. Rev. 14.6.7.8. and 18.4.5.6.20. and 19.13.15. 2 Theſ. 2.8. with Eſa. 11.4.

3. As God for a tyme hath ſuffred the Princes and States of the world to give over their power right and ſoveraignty vntounto the Beaſt, to ſubmit vntounto, authorize, and vphold the kingdome and juriſdiction of Antichriſt: ſo God agayne in his tyme doth and will ſtirre vp the Princes and Magiſtrates, to hate that harlot, to make her naked and deſolate of her honours, dignityes, and revenewes, to convert and employ her Lordſhips, lands, and livings to other vſes, and finally to ſuppreſſe and abandon her offices works & abominations, which have ſo long deceived and defiled the world. Rev. 17.15.16.17. and 18. and 19. chap.

4. Fourthly, this fall of Babylon, this conſumption of the man of ſinne, and deſolation of the great whore, ſhalbe performed by degrees: that as it roſe not wholly vp in a day, but firſt was in a myſterie, and then was revealed, and afterwards exalted: ſo it ſhall alſo decay & be aboliſhed by little and little, till at length ſodenly in one day, even in an houre, this city and kingdome of Antichriſt be deſtroyed & aboliſhed, ſo as it ſhal never be found any more: as when a great milſtone is caſt into the ſea and riſeth not agayne, and as of old it came to paſſe (†Ier. 51.61.62.63.64. with Rev. 18.20.21. according to the word of the Prophet) in Babylon of Chaldea which was a type and figure of this ſpiritual Babylon now ſpoken of. 2 Theſ. 2.3.4.7.8. Rev. 14.8.9. and 18.2.7.8.20.21.22.23. with Eſa. 13. and 14. chap. Ier. 50. and 51. chap.

Laſtly, at the overthrow and deſtruction of this Antichriſtian kingdome and myſticall Babylon, her Kings, Marchants, Mariners, and crafteſmen ſhall mourne & lament, becauſe of the judgement come vponupon her, with whome they have lived in pleaſure before, and no man now buyeth their ware any more: but the ſervants of God ſhalbe glad and rejoyce, & give glorie to the Lord, ſaying, Hallelu-iah, ſalvation and glory, and honour, & power be to the Lord our God: for true and righteous are his iudgements: for he hath condemned the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his ſervants of from her hand. Reve. 18.9.10.11. &c. with 19.1.2. &c.

And hitherto of the firſt and ſecond Reaſon. Both which I have proſecuted more largely, as conteyning in them the ſpeciall grounds of this controverſie: namely, that their preſent Miniſtery is not according to the ordinance of Chriſt; and not this onelyonly, but is alſo of the apoſtaſie of Antichrist. To which two heads, the other Reaſons here enſuing may be referred. Yet the propounding & handling of them apart from the other, ſerveth more plainly to meet with ſome objections, and more fully to inſiſt vponupon other particulars, needfull in this cauſe to be conſidered. And ſo we will now proceed to the Reaſons following.

Not Lawful to Hear of Have Spiritual Communion With the Church of England, Reason 2

p. 17The ſecond Reaſon.