A Plea for the Non-Conformists · Thomas De Laune
A Plea for the Non-Conformists, Table of differences – Title page 3
foreign OR The IMAGE of the BEAST.
Shewing by a Paralell Scheme what a Conformiſt the Church of Rome is to the Pagan, and what a Nonconformiſt to the Chriſtian Church, in it's Rites Services and Ceremonies.
| The Dragonical or Pagan Church Conſiſteth in, viz. | The Beaſtly Papall Church is conformable to the Pagan in | The Chriſtian Church conſiſtoth in, viz. |
| 1. It's Head. | 1. It's Head. | 1. It's Head. |
| The Emperor of Rome preſiding by the Policy of Hell, over all Eccleſiaſtical affaires as well as Civil, was called Pontifex Maximus or high Prieſt; to whom was given Divine Honour and proſtration at his Feet: And as head of the Church or high Prieſt had firſt Fruits. Annates Oblations, &c. payd him and alſo a Purpurate Synod or Princes in Purple to aſſiſt him. | The Pope of Rome preſiding by the Policie of Hell, over all Eccleſiaſtical affaires; clayming the Civil alſo is called Pontifex Maximus or high Prieſt; to whom Divine Honour is given and proſtration at his Feet: And as Head of the Church and High Prieſt hath firſt Fruits. Annates and Oblations, &c. payd him; And a Purpurate Synod, viz. Cardinals in Purple to aſſiſt him. | Neither Emperor, Pope no… King, but Chriſt himſelf to whom the Father has committed it, having purchaſed it alſo with his own blood, who as High Prieſt & King is the alone Author and Inſtitutor, of it's Order, Rule and Worſhip, with all things that belong thereto, and neceſſary to be Obſerved therein. To whom Divine Honour is duly payd: God bleſſed for ever the Government upon his Shoulders, without any Catholick Vicar to aſſiſt. |
| Secondly it's Members. | Secondly it's Members. | Secondly it's Members. |
| The Members and partes of the Church were the partes of the Empire, as divided into ten parts; Hornes or Kingdoms. And thoſe ten Kingdoms diſtributed into Nations, Provinces, Dioceſs and Cures, under reſpective Governors. Civil-Military, and Eccleſiaſtical. | The Members and parts of this Catholick Church, are the parts of the Empire, as divided into ten Hornes or ten Kingdoms. And thoſe ten Kingdoms diſtributed into Nations, Provinces, and Dioceſs, and Pariſhes, for the better Adminiſtration of Papal Juriſ diction. | The Members of the Chriſtian Church are not any Empire, Region, City Dioceſs, or Province, but only ſuch of the faithful, or believers in all parts of the World, who are called to viſible Saintſhip and orderly put together into diſtinct Congregations, as Chriſt has directed in the New Teſtament. |
| 3dly, The Gods they Worſhip. | 3dly, The Gods they Worſhip. | 3dly, in Worſhiping the true God, only and truly. |
| Beſides their Supreame God Jupiter, or Jove, whoſe name they derived from Jehovah; the Governour of Heaven and Earth, They had diverſe inferior Deities, Gods and Goddeſſes, whom they divinely worſhiped, viz. Diva Veſta, (Juno or Luna) the Queen of Heaven (and Mother of God) with Saturn, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Phaebus Beacchus, Vulcan, to whom they as their Numens Heroes or Interceſſors built Temples, erected Alatrs and Statues. Dedicated Feaſts, and called the days by their names; They had Doemons Ethereal, and Tutular Gods and Goddeſſes, to be applyed to, by ſeveral Vocations, Country's, Cities, Families, Orders, Sick Perſons; As Divus Neptunus for Mariners, Divus pan for Shepherds, Divus Pales for Huſbandmen, Diva Flora for the Curtiſan, Diva Diana for the Huntſmen, Divus Eſculapius for the Phyſitian, Divus Bacchus for the Good fellow, Divus Mercurius for Tradsmen; They had gods for every Family, Country City, Deceaſe, as Cant, ſicat, Era, &c. Beſides in the Pontifex Maximus, and Synod, was placed the right of Apotheoſis, or God making, viz. to create and Inrole ſome deceaſed, worthy in the number of the Gods to whom Temples, Altars, Orders, and Statues were appointed, and Feſtivals in their names celebrated. | Beſides the Supreame God Jehovah, the Governour of Heaven and Earth they pretend to Worſhip, they have diverſe inferior Deities, Gods and Goddeſſes whom they divinely Worſhip, viz. Diva or Sancta Maria the Queen of Heaven (and Mother of God) with Divus Petrus. St. Paul, St. John, St. Thomas, St. Stephen, St. Andrew, &c. To whom they as their Numens, or Interceſſors, build Temples, erect Altars, dedicate Feaſts, paying alſo ſo much reverance to the Pagan Gods, as to keep up their Names in the Day's of the Week, viz. Sunday, Munday, Tuſday, Wedenſday, Thurſday, Fryday, Saterday. They have alſo Tutular and Ethereal Gods, and Goddeſſes, to be applyed to by ſeveral Vocations, Countrys, Citys, Families, Orders, Sick-Perſons, as Divus or St. Nicolas for the Mariner, St. Windoline for the Shepherd, St. John Baptiſt for the Huſbandmen, St. Magdaline for the Curtiſan, St. Hubart for the Huntſman, St. Criſpian for the Shoomaker, &c. The City, Country, Family, and Phyſick Gods are innumerable. St. George for England, St. Denis for France, St. Mark for Venice. &c. Gods almoſt for every Diſeaſe, Beſides the God making power, that is in the Pope and Cardinals to canonize what deceaſed worthy, they pleaſe and to appoint them Temples, Altars, Orders, Feſtivals. | Though there be that are called Gods, whether in Heaven or in Earth (as there be Gods many, and Lords many) But to us there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things and we in him. And one Lord Jeſus, by whom are all things and we by him; 1 Cor. 5. 6. Make no mention of the names of other Gods, neither let it be heard out of thy Mouth, Ex. 23. 13. Thou ſnalt have no other Gods beſides me, thou ſhalt not make to thy ſelf any graven Image, or any likeneſs of any thing that is in Heaveu above, or Earth beneath. Thou ſhalt not bow down thy ſelf to them, nor ſerve them; for I the Lord thy God am a Jealous God; Ex. 20. 4, 5. What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? For ye are the Temple of the living God? Wherefore come out from amongſt them, and be ye ſeperate ſaith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing, &c. The things which the Gentles Sacrifice; they Sacrifice to Devils and not to God; and I would not that you ſhould have Fellowſhip with Devils; 1 Cor. 10. 20. Rev. 18. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 16. |
| 4thly. The places of their Worſhip. | 4dly, The places of their Worſhip. | 4dly, In it's Worſhip, reſpecting place. |
| Temples or Fanes both rich and magnificent, they built in the names, and dedicated to the honour of their Gods; As the Temple of Jupiter, the Capital of Rome was dedicated to him. Veſta the Q. of Heaven, and Mother of God, had a Temple, and Nunnery, dedicated to her; And ſo had all the reſt of the Gods. Saturn, Mars, Venus, Diana, Minerva, Neptune, Apollo, &c. Yea, one to all the gods called PANTHEON. They build their Temples Eaſt, and Weſt, Worſhiping towards the Eaſt. By their Auguri, and Auruſpices, With many Frayers, Ceremonies, and Solemnitys. they conſecrated firſt the Ground, and then the Temple, upon which it was built: Altars were erected in them, and ſumptiouſly adorned, and Statues placed in them with lighted Candels which they Worſhiped: A Feaſt of Dedicaiton was Annualy kept to the Honour of the Daemon, the Temple was dedicated to, which after their Rligious Rites were over, was ſpent in Revelling and Jollity: And This as Gods Houſe, they pay'd great Reverence to. | They Enjoy'd the Temples of the Heathen, only new conſecrated and dedicated them to their own Gods to whom they gave new Nams at their Chriſtnings, As St. Saviours for Jupiters, St. Mary's for Veſtas Temple, And ſo for the reſt of their Gods, St. Peters for Apollos St. Paul for the Temple of Diana (ſo it was at London) St. Nicolas, for Neptunes, And all Saints, for PANTHEON. They build new Temples, Eaſt and Weſt, and Worſhip as the Heathens did towards the Eaſt: And do by their Prieſts conſecrate firſt the Ground, Then the Temple, upon which it ſtands; Altars are erected in them, and ſumptiouſly adorned, and Statues, placed on them with lighted Candels, which they Worſhip; a Feaſt of Dedication is annually kept to the Honour of the Saint, the Temple is conſecrated to, which is ſpent with Revelling and Jollity. And this as Gods Houſe they pay great Reverence to. | There having been no conſe crated place, or holy Ground ſince the diſſolution of the Temple, by Gods appointment to build Temples, or holy places for Worſhip. The true Worſhipers, who worſhip the Father in Spirit and in Truth, are truly his Chnrch, and Houſe, where ever they meet, be it in Wood, Field, Houſe, or Barne; ſo ſaith the Apoſtle, with all who in every place call upon the Lord Jeſus Chriſt our Lord; 1 Cor. 1. 2. Whoſe Houſe are ye. Heb. 3. 8. The moſt high dwelling, not with Temples made with Hands as ſaith the Prophet; What Houſe will ye build me? Or what is the place of my Reſt? Who Filles Heaven and Earth, Act. 7. 48, 49. No Altars and Candels Worſhiping Eaſt and Weſt, or Feaſts of Dedications in Chriſts Church, being all Pagan and Papal inventions. |
| 5ly▪ The times of their Worſhip. | 5dly, The times of their Worſhip. | 5thly, In reſpect to the time of Worſhip▪ |
| They divided their days into Faſti feaſt days, Profaeſti Working days, and Interciſi hafe holy days; The feaſt days they dedicated, in the Names; and to the Honour | They divided their days into Feaſts, Faſts, Vigils, and Working days (as their Kalender mentions) their Feaſts dedicated in the Names, the▪ And to the honour of | The firiſt day of the Week is the Chriſtians Sabbath, and the only ſtanding time for Reſt, and Worſhip to be Obſerved Holy unto the Lord; The other ſix days being appointed |
| of their Gods werev ery many, ſome of their Capital Feaſts were theſe, viz. Their Saturnalia, kept ſeveral days together in December, with Eul-game, Mrs. of Miſrule, Maſcarading; and all Debocheries, adorning their Temples, and Houſes with green Leaves, and Boughs, The Epiphony, (from the appearing of their Gods) Their Proſerpinalia, or Feaſts of Candles. In February Their Palelia, or Shepherds Feaſt on Midſumer-day, Their Florialia on May-day, with great Jollity by the young People of both ſexes, ſcattering Boughs and Flowers, and Dancing about May-poles, Their Ambervalia, or Proceſſion, when they begged a Bleſſing on their Gods, upon their Fields and Fruits; The Feaſt Eaſter to that Goddeſs in April. They had their Bacchanalia, their Ceralia, their Venalia & their Panathenea, a Feaſt to all their Gods. Canonical houres for Sacrifice, and Devotion, and a Jubile, or yeare of Reſt | their Saints (or Gods) are very many, ſome of their Capital Feaſts are theſe, viz. Chriſtmas (their Saturnalia) Obſerved directly, both in time and manner as theres was, with Eule-games, Mrs. of Miſrule, Maſcarad's, Debocheries, adorning their Houſes, and Temples, with green Leaves and Boughs. The Epiphony Feaſt, as ther's. Alſo Candlemas the purification of the Virgin Mary. In February, as their Proſerpinalia, or Candle Feaſt. Ther St. John Baptiſt on Midſomer-day, as their Palelia, Alſo Philip and Jacob on May-day, kept as their Floras Feaſt, time, and manner, Alſo proceſſion, or Perambulation, in Rogation Week, time and manner with their Ambervalia; Alſo the Feaſt of Eaſter, time, name, and manner, They have their Whitſonales, for their Bacchanalia, Their Allſaints, for their Panathenea, Canonical houres for Service, and a year of Jubile for Reſt. | for Labour, As the forth Commandment Orders, viz. Remember to keep Holy the Seventh Day, Six Days ſhalt thou Labour and do all thy Work. The Pope that changer of times ſaith, Thou ſhalt Labour but Three or Four Days; the reſt are his Holy days. No ſet times▪ either for Feaſts, Faſts or Vigils are appointed by Chriſt, which are only to be Obſerved as accaſion is Adminiſtred. All their Holy days, and Feſtivals, celeberated in Honour of the Papal and Pagan Gods, Numens, or Daemons, are an abomination to the Lord, and a great oppreſſion to the Nations. God requiring but a 7th part of time for his publick Worſhip and Service; and they exact half, if not two Thirds of it for the Worſhip and Sevice of their Idols. |
| 6thly, Their Priesthood. | 6thly, Their Priesthood. | 6thly, In it's Ministry. | |
| They had Superior Prieſts, viz. Flamins and Arch-flamins, for Sacerdotall ſervice in their Provinces, and Dioceſs, and Inferior Prieſts, diſtinguiſhed by dignify'd names, Tonſures, Orders, Habits, the dignifyed Prieſts, were thoſe who attended on the Capitall Temples, as the proper Prieſts of Jupiter, Appollo, Minerva, Veſta, Diana, Venus, Cybel, ſome of which were called Dialia, Martialia, Querinalia, Augures, Saliens, Fecialls▪ | Their Prieſts were either ſuperior, viz. Biſhops and Arch-Biſhops, for Sacerdotall ſervice in Provinces, and Dioceſs, or Inferior, diſtinguſhed, by dignifyed Names, Tonſures, Orders, Habits, the dignify'd clergy were thoſe who attended the Capitall, or Cathedrall Churches, as Deans, Chaptrs, Prebends, Arch Deacons, And the more inferior Prieſts, who have care of Sacred Celebrations, in the cures, or Pariſhes, calledi Cureats, Parſons, | In Chriſt Church there are only two ſorts of Offices, and Officers, (by his New Teſtament appointment) viz. Elders, and Deacons, the Elders, to adminiſter Ordinances, and Govern the Church. | And Deacons, to make Proviſion for, to viſit, and take care of the Poor, none of the Mineſtry, diſtinguiſhed from the Layety, by Habits, or Tonſuers, which are all Pagan, and Papal, Inventions, and Abominations. The prohibition of |
| And more inferior Prieſts who had the care of the ſacred Celebrations▪ in the cures called Curiones, there were proper Habits, for all the Prieſthood, and particular Veſtments, for their Divine Service, viz. Albes, Tunicles, Amicts, they had Tonſures, and ſhavings, ſo the Prieſts of Iſis, Diana, Jupiter, divers orders of Prieſts, whereof moſt Caelebate, to whom Marriage was prohibited as the Prieſts of Veſta, Minerva, Appollo, and thoſe of Cybil, whowere caſtrated, Elected, and concecra ted according to the Ritual of Numa, and put in to their cures, by the Pontifex, maintained, according to their Eccleſiaſtical conſtitution, the Pontifs, by Annates, Oblations, and the Prieſts by Beneſices, Offerings, Obſequies, &c. | Vicars, Deacons, anſwearing their Curiones, they have proper Habits for the Clergy, and particular Ʋeſtments for their holy miniſtrations, viz. Surplices, or Albes, Chaſubles, or Tunicles, Ʋailes, or Amicts, to which they add Coaps, Ephods, Miniples, Zones, &c. They have Tonſuers, or Shaveings of their Orders, and moſt whereof Caelebiate, to whome marriage is forbiden, Elected, and conſecrated, according to the Popes canons, and put into their Cures, by his Authority, maintained according to their Eccleſiaſtical cuſtomes, the Popes by A…nates, Oblations, &c. The Prieſts by Benefices, Offerings, Oblations, Obſeques &c. | Marriage being a Doct…ne of Devils, Elected and Conſecrated according to Chriſts cannons, by the particular Congrigations, where in they ſerve Chriſt, and according to Chriſt's Law, and primitive practice, are maintained by the vollentary contribution of the Flocks they feed, and Ride, haveing no Benefices or forced maintenance of Tythes to live upon. |
| 7thly, Their Rites and Ceremonies. | 7thly, Their Rites and Ceremonies▪ | 7thly, Their Rites and Ceremonies. |
| Their principal ſervice comprehending moſt of their Rits and ceremonys, was called the Maſs, whereof ten principal parts, viz 1. The Aſperges, which was their Sprinkling with holy water at the Temple door, all that attended that ſervice for ſanctification, 2dly, The Proceſſion, when the Prieſt in his Ʋeſt, ſhaven crown, Taper in his hand, caryed about Shrines, with ſupplication, and thanksgiveing, with Muſick. 3dly, Triming Altars, with Clothes, Lights, and Images. 4dly, The Confiteor, makeing Confeſſion, and Supplication to the Gods. 5dly, The Ʋertegines viz. Antick poſtures, and geſtures, of the Prieſt at the Alter. | There principal ſervice comprehending moſt of their Rites and Ceremonies, is called the Maſs, where we finde, 1. The Aſperges, or Sprinkling with holywater, at the Temple door, for ſanctification, all that attend the ſervice. 2ly, The proceſſion, wherein the Prieſt in his Ʋeſt, ſhaven crown Taper, in hand, carryes about the Relicks or Shrines, with Supplication, and Singing, with Muſick. 3ly, Adorning the Altars, with Cloths, Lights, Images. 4ly, The confeteor or confeſſion, 5ly, The Ʋertegines viz. Windings turnings, and lifting up of the Prieſts hands▪ 6ly, Their Church Muſick, vocall and Inſtrumental, their | No ſuch things in Chriſts ſervice, by his appointment, as Liturgys, Letanys, Church muſick, Organs, Flutes, Ʋials, Singing of prayers, Anthems or collects, no burning Incence, Odours, Tapers, Candles, upon Altars, no cringings croſſings, Kneelings, at Altars. bowing to the East, but praying in the Spirit, and prayſing in the Spirit, And receiving the Lords Super, the Bread and the Wine, according to his Inſtitution, without all their Pagan and Papall inventions and Superſtitions. |
| 6ly, The Church Muſick, Ʋocal, and iuſtrnmentall puting up Canticles, Paeans, Collects to their Gods, with Organs, Flutes, Vials, &c. 7thly, The Thurall part, Offering, Inſence, Odours, and Perfumes. 8thly, The Offertory, viz. Oblations, and Offerings. 9thly, The Round hoſt, or ſmall round Loaves, given to the Communicants. 10ly, The concluſion, with It… miſſa eſt pronounced by the Prieſt they had many Curvations, or bowings, faſtings, flagellations or, whipings, lying-wonders, by Sorcery, and miraculous Appearing of their Gods▪ Dirges, worſhiping towards the Eaſt. | puting up Songs, Collects, An. thems, &c. With Organs, Flutes, Ʋials, voices. 7ly, Offering Inſence with Odours, and perfumes. 8ly, The Offertory or offerings. 9ly, The wafer or round Hoſt, given to the Comunicants. 10ly, the concluſion withite miſſa eſt pronounced by the priest, they have curvations, Flagellations, penances, Lying wonders, dirges, worſhiping towards the East, They have alſo ſeveral additions, to the Maſs, as Letanys Epiſtles, Goſpels, Canons, Tracts, Kiſs-pix, croſſes, Kneelings, &c. |
| 8thly, Their Impoſition, and Perſecution. | 8thly, Impoſition and perſecution. | 8thly, In it's LoueLove Meekneſs. |
| They violently impoſe their ſervice, and Ceremonies, not ſuffering the Diſſenting Chriſtians, to buy or ſell; perſecuting them to confiſcation and to Blood. | They violently Impoſe their Service, and Ceremonys, not ſuffring the Diſſenters to buy, or ſell, but perſe…te them to confiſcation and Blood. | No forcible Impoſition of Chriſt's Service, no Perſecution, corporal mulects, and puniſhments, upon Diſſenters, or gainſayers, but the exerciſe of all Love, Patience, and long ſuffering, with Gentleneſs towards them▪ |
FINIS.
A NARRATIVE OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THOMAS DELAƲNE, For Writing, Printing and Publiſhing a late Book, Called, A PLEA FOR THE NONCONFORMISTS, With ſome modeſt Reflections thereon. Directed to Doctor Calamy; in Obedience to whoſe Call, that Work was undertaken.
By THOMAS DELAƲNE
Gal. 4. 16.
Am I therefore become your Enemy, becauſe I tell you the Truth?
Eccl. 5. 8.
If thou ſeeſt the Oppreſſion of the Poor, and Violent Perverting of Judgement and Juſtice in a Province, marvel not at the matter; for he that is higher then the higheſt regardeth.
1 Pet. 3. 14:
If you Suffer for Righteouſneſs ſake, happy are ye; and be not a fraid of their terrors, neither be ye troubled.
Printed for the Author. 1684.