POSITION 1. That Bishops jure Divino, are Superiours to other Ministers.

1. BEcause our Saviour made severall degrees in the ministerie, which the Apostle mentioneth, Ephes. 4. 11. Yet in the same degree, he set none over another; not one Apostle over another, not one Evange­list over another; [...] not one Elder or Bishop over ano­ther.

2. Because the Apostle in reckoning up the dignities. in the Ministery from Christ mentioneth no Bishops, as degrees in the ministery differing from the rest, but A­postles, [...], Evangeliste which were extraordina­ry, then Pasters, and Teachers ordinary, Eph. 4 11.

3. Because the name of Bishops, is given onely to They have the same name. those who are called Eld [...], Act, [...] 28. Tit, 1. 5. 7. Now Elders were all of equall Authority. Such the [Page 2] Ap [...]stles [...], and more th [...] on [...] in every Citie. Act. 14. 23. and had charge given [...]ot one over [...]ther, but over the fl [...]ck, over the which th [...] holy [...] had made them Overseers O [...] Bishops, Act. 20. [...].

4. The Apostle placeth Bishops onely before [...], Ph [...]l. I. 1. I Tim. 3. 1. 8. but no where b [...]fore Elders, as Superiours to them.

5. The osfice and quality of a Bishop described [...], Th [...] [...] on th [...] s [...]me. that which equally and alike agreeth to all teaching El­ders. 1 Tim. 3. 1. 2. 7. Tit. 1. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. and not to a speciall function in superiority before an Elder. For Titus was appointed to ordaine Elders, and the Apo­stle telleth him, what a [...] a Bishop, meaning an Elder, should b [...], as making an Elder, and Bishop one, and the same. It cannot be proved by S [...]riptura, that in the A [...]stles dayes, Elders and Bishops, were degrees one ov [...]r another, nor by Historie 200. yeares after that they were distinguished by degrees.

6. Because such as [...] Elders, were next to the Apostles, in the Councel at [...], and sate with them, as next to them, Acts 15. 23. Bishops here were none, except included within the name of Elders, and so all one.

7. The double honour which Saint Paul speaks of, T [...] [...]nour and [...]ard the same. he alloweth it to teaching Elders, 1 Tim. 5. 17. which dutie of teaching Bishops affect not, and yet claime dou­ble honour.

8. Because these Elders, Acts 20. 17. came to bee They [...]ad on [...] and the same charge over the flock. called Bishops, not in respect of any superiority they had one over another, but to mind them of their watchful­nesse and care over their flock, in respect of which Acts 20. 28. flock, and not in respect of their fellow Ministers, they 1. Pet. 5. 2. were called by Saint P [...]l, (who first g [...]ue them th [...]t title) Ov [...]seers, or Bishops, Acts 20. 28.

9. Because Tim [...]ie and Titus, from whom they would derive the superiority of Bishop [...] [...]ver Elders, were Euangel [...]s, 2 Tim. 4. 5. a dignity above other Churches, [Page 3] Offic [...]s, Eld [...]s, O [...] Bis [...]s, or P [...]stors, (all one) and [...]. Eph. 4. 11. now why [...] of [...] high­er degree, [...]hould be made Bis [...]ps, and so put in a lower for me, wa [...]th [...] perswade the reunto.

10. Because the Postscripts to the second Epistl [...] to Tim. and that to Ti [...], are worthy of no credit in this case, to prove Tim. and Tit. Bis [...]ps.

For these be no Scriptura, nor of divine authority, but Many [...] ter the epi [...]les were written. added by some private uncertaine S [...]ribe, and so bring of humane authority they c [...]nnot stablish Tim. and Tit. Bishops jure divi [...], who by divine authority were [...]. See the unbi [...] of Tim. and Tit. The vanity of alledging these, [...], are solidly by other confuted, and not answered.

11. Becaus [...] the consent of the Learned is fully against this superiority of a Bishop, to wit, to be above an Elder, or Presbyter in degree, [...] divi [...], but were all one, and the difference came by an humane consti [...]tion.

• 1. Of this judgement are ancient Fathers, [...],
  See the answer to Bishop D. serm. pag. 113. 114.
  A [...]stin, Chrys [...]stome, Ambrose, Seduli [...]s, Pri [...]sius, The­ [...]ret, [...], Theophylact.
• 2. John [...], and the Wald [...]ses.

• 3. The learned Divines beyond the Seas, Luther, [...], [...], [...], [...].

  H [...]minglus, Gnalter, M [...]sculus, [...], [...], pag. 115. [...], [...] ­ [...], and others.

• 4. Learned Divinesin our Land, D. [...], D. Reynolds, Doctor Holland, D. Fulk, D. Whitacres, D. Willes: and many moe.

  Our Bishops here, Bish. [...], Bis [...]p Peacock, T [...] ­stal, See T. and T. unbish [...], page 4. [...] ­shop Bil [...]n once so held when he wrote against the Semi­naries: Bishop [...] now living, yea and Arch. Bishop Whit [...]gift [...] as much.

  Yea, the Arch-Bishops, all the Bishops and the Clergie Ibidem. of E [...]gland acknowledged Bishops and Pres [...]rs, to bee [Page 4] [...], [...].

  Besides the [...] of our La [...] in 37. H [...]: 8. C [...] 17. [...]. in [...] of Edward 6. [...]. 2. 1. and 1. of Eli [...]. 1. have re­solved the same against Bishops authority, [...].

• 5. Orthodox [...] reformed, wi [...]eth th [...] much by their doctrine and practise.

Monarchies, [...] [...] which have cast them out; So [...] [...], and of late [...]ates of the [...].

[...], and many other Churches;

Shall we think [...] that all these have [...] in this point, so ma [...]y, so [...] m [...]n, and whole Churches?

11. [...] non [...] but Papists among us maintaine the p [...]sition, and such as be popishly affected, or are of [...] mind, [...]oving to have the preheminence, 3. I [...]hn 9. or [...]ch as flatter for favour, and pre [...]rment.

And yet here may be produced against them.

• 1. The Canon Law, which telleth [...]s, that superi­or [...]ty
  Pag. 117.
  of Bish [...]s over other Ministers, is of [...] Law: which [...] [...] out of [...]; fourth Coun­cell at Car [...]hage.
• 2. The coun [...]ell of [...] and B [...]il [...] it [...]o.
• 3. Two famous Doctors of the civill Law, [...]: [...], and [...]. [...] are of this judgement with us.
• 4. Some great Papists, [...], Hug [...] Cardi [...]: [...] ­ [...] Bish [...] of Civil, G [...]rg. [...], hold their autho­rity to be by positive Law, and came in after the Apo­ [...]les dayes.

The Ancients alledged for this superiority, speake but of their owne times, long after the Ap [...]les dayes: or [...]lse they judged of the times before by a mi [...]ke, that [Page 5] [...] ­ [...] in their dayes, which was nothing [...] 200. yeares a [...]r Chri [...].

12. Becaus [...] Bis [...] [...] of S [...]int [...] in T. and Tit. [...]. [...] 168. [...] [...] his dignity, and [...]owledged [...] that the Superiority of Bishops over Ministers, was [...] of all [...] of the word of Go [...]: and founded upon the onely politique [...] of [...].

Lastly, [...] Doctor [...] is hold to [...], that our [...]- [...] and Bish [...] do [...] d [...]ive their [...] from [...], as [...] of [...], and from the Pope of [...]; and therefore must Bis [...]s bee [...] over other Ministers? [...] may know, if he will that Peter was [...] at [...], proved to his h [...]d, and [...] [...] inferiour to his [...] [...]. And as for the Pope, he is proved to be [...] by many learned Divines, and is judged to b [...] the man of [...], in 2. Th [...]ss. 2. and the [...] with [...], speaking like the Dragon, Rev. 13. and [...] Bi­sh [...] p [...]ceeding from him, [...] needs [...] such, jure divi [...], because his [...] is from the [...].

POSITION 2. They are Di [...]cesan Bishop [...] by divi [...] right.

1 BEcause they know [...] hold that a Di [...]san Bishop is one over many [...]; [...] they [...] it writ­ten that the holy Ghost set many Bishops, and Elders o­v [...] [...] flocke and Church: at [...] one Church, Act 12. 47. and 15. 2 [...]. and therein m [...]y Eld [...]s, Acts 15. 6. 2 [...], 23. at [...] one Church, Eph 1. 1. R [...]v. 2. 5. but many Elders, Act [...] 20. 17. or [...] verse 28. At Philippi many Bishops, yet but on [...] Church, Phil. 1. 1. and Saint [...] when he had planted Churches, ap­pointed [Page 6] T [...] to ordaine Eld [...], Bishops in every City, more than one, Tit. 1. 5. [...]. as the Apostle himselfe did in every Church Elders, Acts 14. 23. who kept one way and co [...]rse al [...]ke, in all [...]nd ev [...]ry Church, 1 Cor. 4. 17. and 7. 17. Now so many in one Church could not be Di [...]san Bishops.

2. Because neither Christ nor his Apostles, ever or­dained any ordinary Ecclesia [...] function, to bee ever continued in any Church, which he that was appoint­ed thereunto, could not in his owne person performe without substitut [...]; But a Discos [...] Bishop takes more upon him, then he can by himselfe discharge, but must have his substitutes by reason of the largenesse of his ju­ [...]isdiction, over hundred [...] of congregations.

3. Bec [...]e [...] Postscripts to Saint Pauls Epistles, the one to Timoth [...], and the other to Titus, are the words of men, [...]humane testimo [...]ies, (and false too, as is pro­ved fully by the learned) and therefore cannot confirme a Dis [...] Bishop to b [...]of divine authority, and of di­vine right.

4. Because they [...]nne upon meere suppositions, taking for granted what yet they have not proved, nor can prove to uphold their Di [...] dignity: such bee these.

• 1. That Timothy and Ti [...] were not E [...]angelists, sub­stituted onely for a time at Ephesus, and in Creet (to doe what the Apostle would have done, had he been there) contrarie to 2. Tim. 4. 5. in that Epistle, in the Post­script whereof he is called a Bishop.
• 2. That these two were Bishops, differing from El­ders: when no where their consecration is mentioned; and were they Bishops Di [...]san, because the Postscripts say they were Bishops [...] but when so consecrated, or how, there is no mention; And is it any way likely, that S [...] [...] making else where, A [...] 20. 17. 18. 28. Elders and Bishops all one, yea, and that in his Epistl [...] to Titus, chapter [...]. 5. 7. that by the false Postscript naming [Page 7] them Bishops, we should take the name of Bi­shops to bee of another sor [...], [...] Saint Paul meant, and had made?

• 3. That Saint Paul [...] to them [...]is Epistles, as to di [...]san Bishops, and how to behave themselves in their Episcopall authority, as a p [...]terne in them to bee follow­ed of such like succeeding Bishops.

  If Paul wrote to Timothy his first Epistle, from whence they fetch all their authority for [...]piscopacy, why is not the Postscript put at the end of this Epistle, to make him a Bishop, while he was at Eph [...], but at the end of the other Epistle, out of which they doe make little [...]se for this their standing? If he was then Bishop at Eph [...], when the first Epistle was written, then its cleare that Saint Paul wrote not the Epistle to him, as a Bishop, but as his substitute for the time in his absence, 1. Tim. 3. 14. 15.

  To him Saint Paul wrote, as also to Titus, not to make them Bishops, of which not one word in the Epistles written to them, but what they should doe, according to the present condition of the Churches, and by those rules and precepts which he wrote, how the Churches of Christ should be ordered for the tyme to come, and not by these pre [...]pts and rules, to erect new Officers in Christs Church, which he never ordained, there is not a word in the Epistles to prove this to be the s [...]ope.

  But they having [...]ped this di [...]san, dignity, and presumptuously practising what they doe, they take to themselves, what they [...]n find in the Epistles to beare them up, contrary to the intention of the Apostles writing.

• 4. That the, power of ordination and jurisdiction was then [...] Bishops, and not in the Elders, when in the Eldership was the power of ordination, and imposition of hands. 1. Tim. 4. 14. Act. 13. 3. and jurisdiction and rule in them, to [...]t the Elders, they which preach­ed and laboured in word and Doctrine, which fed the [Page 8] [...] these were they t [...]t ruled, Heb. 13. 7. 1 Th. 5. 12. 1 P [...]. 5. [...], [...]. 1. Tim. 5. 17. you, such rule the Elders had, as Saint Peter warneth them not to lord it over Go [...] h [...]tage, which had beene n [...]dlesse, if the authority ha [...] be [...] in the hands of others. 1 Pet. 5. 3. These be their false suppo [...]tions and [...] imagi­nations, on which th [...]y [...]ave built their rottering dig­ [...]es.
• 5. Bec [...] thi [...] setting up of one in dignity over ma­ny, is an homane invention long after the Apostles dayes, which was devised to prevent Schi [...], say they. But this invention was no [...] of the spirit of Gen.
• • First for that in the Apostles dayes there were schi [...]es, 1 Cor 3. 3. and 1 [...]. 1 [...]. and [...], R [...]. 1 [...]. 17. yet the holy Ghost did not direct the Apostle, to ordaine any di [...] Bishop to prevent Schis [...], neither there, where he mentions those schi [...]es and divi [...] as [...], nor any such rem [...]y in his Epistles [...]to Ti [...]hy, and T [...].
  • 2. Be [...]se as Doctor Whit [...] hath written, the [...] devised hath proved worse than the disease: which doth never happen to that remedie, whereof the h [...]ly Ghos [...] is the Author.
  • 3. Because the holy Spirit which could foresee, what evill would en [...]r upon this devise, would not ordaine that for a remedie to prevent [...], [...] and dis­s [...], which was never [...]erto found an effectuall remedy for it, but [...] her begate pride, [...], and other evills in the Church even to this day.
  • 4. For that this devise was from the spirit of Anti­christ, Satan taking advantage upon this gro [...]d, to raise up [...] all, and so a [...] government, for the reason is alike for Arch-Bishops over Bishops, Pat [...]ks o­v [...]r Arch-Bishops, P [...] over Patriarks, as Bishops over [...]: except men would va [...]ly imagine that schis [...] would onely arise among Pas [...]rs, and not among Bishops, Arch. Bishops, [...], and [...] too, con­trary [Page 9] to experience and truth of Histories.

• 6 [...] in the [...] dayes all the Church [...] in Ci­ [...] the Beleevers met in one place, as Par [...]oners d [...] [...]ow [...]

  [...] [...], ( [...] Cities were [...] then Christians, [...] in [...]) [...] Bishops in those dayes [...] [...], [...] [...] if [...] bee denyed that then there were no Parish [...], [...] must de­ny di [...]cesan Bishops, because ther's no Di [...]cesse, where there be no Parishes.

• 7. Because all the [...] beyond the [...] no such Bishops; and shall we thinke that [...] [...] all such famous Churches, in so foule an errour, as to cast [...]? we have no sound [...] so to [...].
• 8. [...] his [...]; [...] [...] [...] [...] Church [...].

For Christs primitive Church in all the first hundred of [...], and after [...], [...] kind of Bishop.

Its wanting in all reformed [...], [...] from [...] [...].

Such [...] are cast out of the Church in [...], not onely as [...], but [...].

[Page 10]Here in England in every [...], at s [...]verall tim [...]s there have beene a vacancy of Bis [...], and that so [...] for 2. yeares, some for 3. [...], some [...] 10. [...] some for [...]. yeares, as [...] by some observed, and [...] downe throughout all the [...] in [...].

Lastly, what good doe they, which may not be done without them, as it was wh [...] they were not, and where in [...]her pl [...]ces they be not [...] There is theref [...]re [...] need of them.

To conclude, all that which hath beene said in the former position against a Bishops superiority over [...] [...], in their owne congregations, [...]re against [...]: whose [...] we [...] see to be divine, by the so many good [...] made against it, and therefore bee they not to [...] blame, who are so much offended with th [...]r so overtopping [...], and goodne [...]? It were [...]ch to [...], that all could see it, for the Churches, peace, which is heartily de­ [...]red, and prayed for.

POSITION 3. They are [...] called Lord [...].

1. BEcause [...] [...] Christ, said to his Disciples, [...] know that the Princes of the Gentiles [...], [...] [...]ship, but it shall [...] be so, with you [...] re­buking them fo [...] seeking after gre [...]tnesse, and chiefe­dome; Mat. 20. 2. 5, 26. Mar. 10. 42, 43. Luke 22. 2 [...].

2. [...] [...] (from whom they say they can fetch their greatnesse) forbids them to bee Lords over Gon [...] h [...]ritage, 1. Pet. 5, 3.

3. Because St. John the Apot wrote to L [...]dly [...], (who loved to have the preheminence in receiving, for­bidding and casting men out of the Church) that hee [Page 11] would (when he came) remember his deeds done, and his pr [...]ing against the [...], and others with malici­ous words, 3. I [...]hn 9. 10. for those that love the pre­hemine [...] cannot but [...]tter their malice against them, that find fault with their proud deeds and words.

4. Because Father [...] gave cou [...]ell to King Edward, to us lord all the Lordly Bishops, to remov [...] [...]hem [...].

5. [...].

[...] What was given them was of [...], and not of due as an invested title. [...] [...].

POSITION 4. [...].

1. [...].

2. [...].

3. [...]

4. [...].

5. [...] in the con [...]cration of Bishops, there is not one word of liberty this way, but exhortations and prayers made onely for executing the office of a Bi­shop, which he promiseth to doe, by the grace of God, by the help of God, God being his helper, which they very faithfully performe in being civi [...] Magistrates, and sittin [...] in the seat of ju [...]ice to heare temporall can­ses; [Page 13] [...]

6. [...]

7. [...].

POSITION 5. [...].

1. [...].

2. [...].

3. [...].

4. [...] [Page 14] Divines, witnessed by Chri [...], the great Bish [...]p of o [...] soules, who spent hi [...] time [...]n preaching day by day, and made it the great [...]st test [...]mony of Peters love to him, t [...] fee [...] h [...]s La [...] Ioh [...] [...]1 15, 16, 17. [...]lso man [...]fest by Saint P [...]l [...] frequent p [...]aching, and in his so charging [...], [...] before, and in alloting double honour, especially to the [...], that labou [...]s in word, and [...], [...] [...] 5. 17. [...] likewise by St. Pet [...], who [...] and [...], (then even [...]he that was the Bishop of Rome, the great [...] of Chri [...], if the [...] writers li [...] not) to feed the flock of Chri [...], taki [...]g the oversight thereof a [...] Bishops, not by con­straint, but [...] nor [...] but of [...] ­die mi [...] [...] [...]. [...] [...] 3.

5. [...] when [...] is consecrated, he is charg­ed to take heed to teaching, and to bee diligent therein, that he might s [...]ve himselfe and them, that heare him, and that the encr [...]se [...] thereby might appeare to all men, and to become unto the flock of Christ, a [...], [...]nd no [...] [...] Wolfe, [...] to feed them and not to d [...] [...] ­voure them, to hold up the weake, to hea [...]e the sick, to build up the broken-hearted, to se [...]ke the lost, and to [...] the [...] All this the A [...]-Bishop Abusing Gods name by s [...]eming to pray, for that which never is intended. be [...] of G [...] fo [...] [...] [...]nd desires the L [...]ord to endue the Bishop with his [...]oly spirit, that he may preach the word, and bids him take the holy spir [...]t, and to remember to [...]

6. Because Father Lati [...]er said, the very Dive [...]l him­selfe, [...] God setup the [...] [...]ching pr [...]la­cie; and if they preach not [...]aith Thomas Bec [...], its an evid [...]t tok [...] [...]hat Chri [...] sent them not, but Antichrist and the D [...]ll

7. Because th [...] very Councell of Trent, set this down for [...] truth, that the preaching of G [...]ds word was the Sess. 24. principall part of a Bishops Office adding many words, to shew the necessity of their preaching. And therefore [Page 15] the positio [...] is as true, as lead is steele: That Bishops [...] not preach but seldome or [...]ever, as it pleaseth them.

POSITION 6. They are Priests and may so bee rightly called. Though they be Bishops, yet they forget not their Priest­hood, but will be called Priests.

1. B B [...]cause the Scriptures of the N [...] Testament have given them their names, befitting their Office: which men may not vary from to miscall them by another name, not befitting their function: we may not presume to spe [...]ke otherwise of G [...]ds Minist [...]rs than he hath taught us to call them; except wee thinke we can better know how to impose names on them, than hee himselfe, wee m [...]y not in such cases presume above that which is written, 1 C [...]r. 4. 6.

2. B [...]ause when Christ ascended up into Heaven, and gave gifts for the Ministerie, Eph. 4. 11. the Apo­stl [...] mentioneth what he g [...]ve, but among these neither a Pri [...]sthood nor Priest, hee n [...]meth Apostles, Pr [...]phets, Euangelists, Pa [...]ours Tea [...]hers, and elsewhere Bishops, Phil. 1. 1. T [...]. 1 [...]7. Ti [...]. [...]. 1. 2. and Elders. 1. Tim. 5. 17. but no wher [...] put he the name of Priest upon any of them.

3. Because [...]he name Priest often mentioned in S [...]rip­ture cannot in any acc [...]ption of the name, bee rightly applyed to any one in [...] minister [...]all function under the Gospell. for the name Pr [...]sts are one of these sorts.

Either Patriar [...]hal, as was [...] before the Law, Ge [...]. 14.

Or A [...]ical under the Law, which God appointed by the [...]and of Moses, Exod. 28. 1.

Or Diab [...]licall, as were the Priests of Ba [...]l, and of, [Page 16] Jupit [...]r, 2 K, 11. 18. [...]cts 14. 13.

Or huatheni [...] like, as the Pr [...] of [...], 1 King. 11. 15.

Or the Evangelicall and spirituall Pri [...]st, which is but one, Iesus Christ after the order of [...]; such a Priest none may presume to bee, without hel­lish presumption and high arrogancy.

Or the Christian Priest, in which sense every Chri­stian man and woman is a Pri [...] unto God, R [...]v. 1. 6.

4. B [...]cause the title of Priest was a name of divine O [...]fice from Godunder the Law, but under the Gospell, it is a lying title without the office. For there is now no Priests O [...]fice: for a Priests Office is to off [...]r sacri­fice, a bloudie sacrifice, but now uuder the Gospel after Christ, no such sacrifice to be offered: And wee all doe acknowledge and have taught hitherto.

5. Because now it is the P [...]pish name of the Romish Masse Priests, pu [...] upon them by the Babylo [...]ish Seat of Rome, that great [...], the Mother of Harlots, and ab­hominations of the Earth, R [...]v, 17. 1. 5. out of which we are commanded to come forth, R [...]v. 18. 4. both from their idolatrous wordes, and idolatrous workes.

6. Bec [...]use its much dishonour to Gods holy spirit in his holy Apostles, to leave the names set downe in ho­ly writ, and to take up a name from the [...]re of R [...], and put it upon the Ministers of the L [...]rd I [...]us.

Lastly, because we all prof [...]sse to have re [...]ounced her, and therefore it is a derogation to our Church, a Church of Christ, to retaine a name of her idolatrie, as if still we [...]ither were her slaves, or had a mind to become so. For now of late the name Priest is so extolled, as the El­ders, of Ephesus, Act. 20. 17. mus [...]in in the pulpit bee againe and againe called Priests, as if the name of El­ [...]ers, Presbyt [...]rs given by the holy Ghost, and they made Overfe [...]rs of the flock, were too base, except it should be turned into the name of Romish Priest [...], for other Priests by office there are now none. Thus with impu­dent [Page 17] boldnesse is the holy Gh [...]st controlled, and m [...]de to speake aft [...]r the R [...]ish fashion, to bring us backe to that Wh [...]re againe.

POSITION 7. They stand for, and d [...]e mai [...]taine all Cerem [...] ­nies upon very good grounds.

1. B Ecause they [...]annot bee knowne whence they be, withou [...] these R [...]mish trincket [...], for with­out thei [...] Lordly [...], and these their Ceremoni [...]s the Mother Roare would soone be [...]orgotten.

2. Because they were first brought in by that blou dy Monke [...], the Arch-Bish [...]p o [...] Canterbury who dyed them in the [...] of the Monks of Bang [...]r; which red Scarlet colo [...] they have kept eversince; [...]or many Ministers have been [...] cruelly delt with in witnessing a­gainst th [...]se, suspended, excommunicated, deprived, [...]d imprisoned. And therefore Ceremonies laid in this scarle [...] dye in g [...]ine, a colour very costly, [...] no mar­vel, that they are held at so high a price by them, and not valued at [...]o low a rate, as they be by others.

3. Because they say no Ceremonies, no Bishops, therefore [...]ust c [...]use they have to sta [...]d for them, to keep their standing, and Ceremonious observances, though with much off [...]nce, of which they take no care: for they find it writt [...]n, W [...] bat [...] th [...] by wh [...] offences [...]; Mat. 18. 7.

4. Because there was a time in the Apostles [...] when there was Bishops, El [...]rs, and y [...]t no s [...]ch Po­pish ceremonies, nor pope-like Bishops.

5. Because [...]ue religion and [...] pure worship and service can stand well without them, as in other [...]for­med Chu [...]ches.

6. Because go [...]y Bishop Ho [...]per withstood them for a time, and desired to be discharged of his Bishoprick [Page 18] rather than to use them, wherein hee was opposed by Ar [...]. Bishop Cra [...]er, and Bis [...]p Ridl [...]y, (but when they were out of their Rochets) they did judge [...]t to be wisdome in him, aud simplicity in themselves, for urging him to the use of them.

7. Because they have beene nothing else but snares, and traps unto many Godly Min [...]sters, laborious men in the Lords Vin [...]rd, scourges in their sides, and thornes in their eyes, and heavy burth [...]s to them, for they find it written, that the Scribes, and Pharises did bind burthens gr [...]v to be borne upon the Pe [...]le, and laid them on mens shoulders. Mat. 23. 4.

8. Because if they hold them as necessary in them­selves, they have no authority from GOD to impose them so upon mens consciences, and it is against their faithfull promise made at their còns [...]cration, which was to maintaine (as required of necessity to salvation) no­thing but that which may be concluded, and proved out of Scrip [...]ue.

If they hold them in themselves as things indif­ferent, y [...] in the practise and imposing of them, they answere not to the rules prescribed for the use and practise of indifferent things.

For indifferent things must be,

1. Not onely lawfull, but [...] expedient, convenient, and profitable; 1 Cor. 6, 12. 3 making for peace; Rom. 14. 19. 4 for Charity, Rom. 14, 15. 5 done to the ed [...]ying of one another, R [...]. 14. 19. 1 Cor. 10. 23. Which is, that we may more and more grow up, in CHRIST, and be o [...]r in our faith, and be­come better. [...] Done [...], and in order, 1 Cor. 14 This rule they one y make use of, when all the rest are of like authority, di­vi [...], and Apo­ [...]ol call, and de­livered by the same Apostle, which they take no notice of, not careing to sinn [...] against their brethren and against Christ. 1 Cor. 8. 12. 40. That is, as it becommeth the House of GOD. De­c [...]tly, that is, agr [...]ble to the pure worship of GOD, without vanity, sup [...]stition, and Spirituall filthines. In Order, that is, without confusion, in a setled course, fit for a holy As [...]mbly. (7) Done to the glory of GOD, [Page 19] Cor. 10. 31. tending to set forth the LORD, eith [...]r in his titles, attributes, word, worship, and workes; by all which, God is knowne praised, and obtaineth glory. (8) That the use be without offence, whereby a Bro­ther may stumble, or be offended, or made weake, Rom. 14, [...]1. by being made to do those things with a doubt­ing, and so with a wounded conscience, and thus hee sinneth, Rom. 14. 23. and is made to perish. 1 Cor. 811. For they find it written, what is that to us, see th [...]n to that. Mat. 27, [...].

9. Because our Saviour CHRIST stood not upon idle Ceremonies, nor imposed any upon his Disciples, but re­buked the Scribes and Pharises, as Hypocrites, for their strict observation of such things as they had devised and taken upon them to observe. Mar. 7, 2, 9. So it's Pharis [...]icall to devise and undertake to observe of them­selves what. GOD never commanded.

10. Because Saint Paul would abstaine from the use of indifferent things all his daies, lest hee make his Bro­ther to offend, 1 Cor. 8. 13.

Lastly, because Sain [...] Paul tell [...]th them, that by usi­ng things indifferent wee are not the better, and by not using them are wee the worse, 1 Cor. 8, 8. but they by making others to use them, (who are not perswad [...]d of the Lawfull use thereof) they sinne against their Bre­thren, and so against Christ. 1 Cor. 8. 12.

By all those [...] they not very good cause to maintaine, to defend, aud urge, with great violence the use of these so pious and needfull Ceremonies, so much tending to peace, edification, and GODS glory? He must be very blind that cannot see what truth, charity, edifying, conveniencie, profit, and glory, commeth to GOD, where these Ceremonies be urged.

POSITION. 8. They judge it necessary that whatsoever is amisse in the Church, should be caref [...]ly and speedily reformed, and this is evident to all.

1. BEcause they refuse to heare and receive any complaints against their Courts, and devile which way to vex those that clearely informe against their unlawfull proc [...]dings, and illegall courses.

2. Because they stop the way and passages of all re­formation, by withholding the meanes which should do it; by making the supreamest in authority beleeve, that there needs no reformation towards the better part, ex­cept it be by innovations, to draw back to the Mother Church of R [...]me: By reproaching such with hatefull names, who labour for a reformation of abuses.

3. Because they or their Chaplaines doe with all strength, by their best learning, either [...]cuse, or defend every thing, which is justly found in faul [...] within their government, in their manner of governing, in their Mi­nistry, in their Ceremonies, and [...] service, or what else so ever needeth any reformation.

POSITION 9. They may very well rule by their sole power alone.

1. BEcause they find it written, that two is better than one, the one to lift up the other, if one happen to fall: but woe to him that is alone. Eccl. 4. 9. 10.

2. Because they forget not how King David in bring­ing up the Arke would have all the chosen men of Israel with him, 1 Sam. 6. 2. 1 Chro. 15. 3. and how King Hezekiah would for keeping the passeover consult with his Princes; and the congregation in Jerusalem, 2. Chro. 30. 2.

3. Because our Saviour said, tell the Church, Mat. 18. 17. which Church consisteth of more then one, at the least of two or three, vers [...] 20.

4. Because we read that at the ordination, not any one of the Apostles would ordaine Deac [...]s alone, but, said joyntly, whom we may appoint over this buisinesse Acts 6. 3. Nor did the Ap [...]stle Saint Paul ordaine El­ders, but with [...], for its said they ordained Elders, Acts 14. 23. And the imposition of hands was by the [...], 1 Tim. 4. 14.

2. In the act of excommunication, casting out, and re­ceiving in, Sa [...] Paul would doe neither of himselfe, but, with others gathered together, 1 Cor. 5. 4. 2. Cor. 2, 6 8. 10.

3. In making decrees and Canons for the Church, the Apostles would not doe it alone, but with the Elders also Acts 15. 22. 23.

[Page 23]5. Because its without all example in tempora [...]l go­vernment, in the handling of temporall matters, which are not of so high a nature, as spirituall, as every one doth willingly acknowledge: for Kings have their Counsels: and wee shall find, that no temporall court is there in this Kingdome of the higher sort, where the authority doth re [...]in one onely person; but the princi­pall person hath either Colleagues or Allessours.

Now if no one be fit to be alone in Civill Courts ( [...]x­cept Bishops, be neither faulty, nor subiect to bee faultie) the Bishops are not to be alone in their jurisdiction, and Ecclesiasticall Courts.

POSITION. 10. Their high authority so lawfull, they all obtaine by very lawfull meanes.

1. BEcause they preach to please, for they find it written, If I please men I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 10.

2. Because they follow the time, as the readiest way to preferment, observing what is acceptable to great ones, and avoiding what may offend them, because they find it written of some chiefe Rulers in the I [...]ish Church (who knew and beleeved more then they would manifest) that they loved the praise of men, more then the praise of God, Iohn 12. 42.

3. Because when some have not beene able otherwise to prevaile, they have offered monies; because they find it written, that Offers have beene made by one, a Divell, to Iesus Christ, All this will I give thee, Mat. 4. 9. and by another, a servant of the Divell, Symon Magus, of­fering to the Apostles money to have the gift of the holy Ghost, Act. 8 18, 19.

4. Because they greatly extoll the dignity of Lord Bishops, by writing for it, by preaching alowd for it in high places; and cannot or will not otherwise beleeve, but that they bee such [...] Lords jur [...] divin [...]; for they find it written, how can [...] beleeve which receive honour one from another, and seeke not the honour which commeth from God alone? Iohn 5. 44.

Now all these so lawfull meanes, they use, because they would be knowne to come with no greedy desire to such honour. And therefore before their consecra­tion, they hypocritically refuse it three times; because they have either read, or heard of, as it hath bintold them, [Page 25] that really, and in earnest, some ancient Bishops have had Bi [...]p-ricks forced upon them against their wills, as had Saint Augusti [...], Ambrose, Athanasius, Gregorie [...] Father and many moe; some utterly have refused, and by no perswa [...]ons would take diverse great and wealthie Bishop-ricks, as, on [...] Ephraim Syrus, Ny­ [...], and Saint Bernard, who did refuse the Bishop­rick of [...] and Mill [...], as also did Adrian the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, with others moe; but more fooles they, for their [...] shame none now, or ve­ry few, to seeke [...] after Bishop-ricks, and to use such blessed meanes as are afore mentioned, to obtaine them. For they find it written, that in the last dayes men shall be lovers of their [...] s [...]lves, [...], and so forth, 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2.

POSITION 11. They may not forsake their so warra [...]table Lordly Prelaticall standing.

1. BEcause they read the complaint, they ceased [...]ot from their [...] doings, nor from their stub­borne way, [...]. [...]. [...].

2. Because Christ hath said, [...] plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be [...] up, M [...]. 15. 13.

3. Because they know the lo [...]e to be great, both of wealth, honour, and ple [...]sure, and they read that Chri [...] Discipl [...] [...]sooke all to follow him, Mat 19 27. And [...] voluntarily left his honour, and the plea­sures of sinne, [...] the reproach of Christ with the people of God, Heb. 11. 25. 26.

4. Because they find it written, thou [...] not the things which be of God, but these things which bee of men, Mat 16. 23.

[Page 26]5. Because they are taught a good lesson by Saint [...] saying love not the World, nor the things that are in the World, (that is, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life) if any man love the world, the love of God the Father is not in him, 1 John 2 15.

6. Because they [...], or may read, of very many Bishops, in former times, who voluntarily renounced See Tim and Tit. [...]. their places, not onely Bishops in other Countries, but ours here in our owne Nation; as of foure Arch-Bishops of Canterbury. foure of Yorke, two of London, two of Lincolne, two of Coventry and Litchfield, two of Wor­coster, three of Rochester, and others to the number of 37. or 38. Bishops, Putta a Bishop of Rochester left his place and turned a Schole. Master. all his daves. Father Latimer gave over his Bishoprick of Worcester', and bles­sed God that gave him that grace to resigne it, and to make himselfe a quondam Bishop.

But when our Reverend Lordly Fathers thinke on thes [...], they oppose Lordly [...], a better example for them to follow, for hee (as they doe) loved to have the preheminence, 3 Iohn 9. and they looke upon hun­dreds of others, more worthie imitation, wiser men, who learned the words of our Saviour Christ without booke, The Children of this world are wiser in their genera­tion, then the Children of the light, Luke 16. 8.

7. Because they know that this Lordlynesse, and their secular employments, hinder greatly the spirituall function, and almost quite taketh them off from it, as the Kings of Denmarke and Sweden found to be true, and as wee find it, if wee will judge aright, and as the now most reverend Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, acknowledg­eth in his dedicatory Epistle before his late published booke, that by such occasions he was made too much a stranger to his Bookes.

8. Because they know, what great good they may do to settle peace betweene his Majesty and his Subjects, and prevent much evill, which may fall out upon both [Page 27] Nations; if they would freely and truely confesse these three things.

• 1. That their Lordly standing is not jure divine, but an hum [...] invention, as hath beene heretofore acknow­ledged by Bishops, by holy Martyrs, learned. Doctours, in this our Church.
• 2. That true religion, with the saving knowledge of Christ, might be more propagated, Gods holy worship more purely preserved without them, then with them, as the Church of Scotland hath found true by experience, and doth testifie as much.
• 3. That the Civill estate, may bee most peaceably governed, and Monarchicall government made to slou­rish in piety, and plenty without their great Lordships; If the Cathedrall great revenues might be employed to the training up of young Divines, and thence Pastours chosen when places are void in Parishes; If Bishops. Pa­laces might be for Schooles of Learning, and the Tem­poralities, bestowed to the maintenance thereof, and o­ther pious uses, as by the wisedome of the state in Parli­ament should be thought most fit, among other godly acts, to help to enlarge the maintenance of many poore Ministers, who have livings of very small value, of only ten pound or twelve pound per annum, and some no more numeratis [...], out of which they pay Tenths and Subsidies; yea and some where, at a new Bishops enter­ance they pay him a benevolence, the tenth of their poore maintenance, which their gracious good Lordships will not remit one penny off.

POSITION 12. No Bishops, no King; this is undeniable.

FOR they support the Throne of Kings; this is an undoubted truth: the reasons are very manifest.

[Page 28]1. Because its [...] in Revel. 17. 12. that the ten hornes are ten Kings, which receive power as Kings at [...] with the Beast.

2. Because they raigne as Kings, without the King; for.

• 1. They keepe their Courts, and Visitations without speciall patent under the broad Seale.
• 2. They print Articles upon their owne authority, and minister oathes upon them.
• 3. They send out processes in their owne name, and many other things they doe, contrary to the Statutes of the [...], as hath by some learned in the Law beene ful­ly proved; by which they doe rule over his Majesties good Subjects contrary to his Crowne and Dignity.

3. Because Kings may very well and safely reigne without them; for

• 1. The Roman Emperours did reigne, a long time be­fore there were any Lord Bishops.
• 2. King [...] here the first Christian King reigned without them, and it was hee that made some Bishops, some Arch-Bishops, and not they him a King.
• 3. [...], and others States in reformed Churches doe subsist without them, and cannot Kings be Kings without such Lord—like Bishops? they may if they have but eyes to see it.
• 4. As spirituall Lords, they have nothing to doe in Civill causes, and as they be Barons by their [...] ­lities, they be made so great [...], to live in su­per fluitie; and why should they supply the place of Temporall Lords? Is it not to the temporall Lords very disgracefull? yea is it not very ominous to a Kingdome? And this [...], because against the holy order of Pastours, and against Christs owne words ( it shall not bee [...] with you) they are lifted up to be 'Princes; busying themselves as busie-bodies in great affaires, which con­cernes them not, becomming ill Counsellours where they be, to the detriment of both Church and State; for they [Page 29] are left of God to themselves, because they leave their sacred calling, as if it were too base for their high minds, and deep reaches in State businesses.

4. Because Christian the third King of Denmark, our Kings great Grand-father by the Mother side, rooted out all the Bishops of his Kingdome in one day: as annoy­ance to the State, and have beene kept out now hither­to fully an hundred yeares; So as here, is a King, and no Bishop, and in Sweden, as I take it, no Lord Bishops, and yet there is [...] authority.

5. Because our King, as King, hath no dependency of Bishops, but is over them, and they his Subjects, they depend upon him, and if they usurpe not their power, they have their Episcopall authority and jurisdiction from him, at whose pleasure they fall, if his Majesty please to [...] their authority, and to cast them out.

POSITION 13. They stand wholly, for a learned, grave, paineful and godly ministery.

POSITION 14. They hate to [...] the King.

1. BEcause when they [...] as they ever [...] in [...] they [...] before the King, but not to the King, but ever for the King. B. M.

2. Because they studie the (as one of [...]) [...] what may [...] please, they [...] their [...], [...] the [...] Prophet [...] with his [...] in his [...] to his [...] 1. King. 22. 11. 12.

3. If any other bee admitted to preach before the the King.

• 1. They either must be [...] as [...] for [...], knowing [...] High way [...] and [...] how to [...] before King? for they have [...] their [...] by [...], and can say it perfectly without booke, and without the [...] of God, [...], [...] for each things, [...], [...] 30. 10.
• 2. [...] they be such of whom there is [...] then these mens [...] and [...] most be [...], or a premonition given them to be very [...] for offending for they [...] the [...] King [...] advised [...] to doe as the false [...] did, to say, as they said, and to speake good, [...] [...]. [...]. [...].
• 3. Or they be such (for all the forewarning) as will speake some what [...] as an [...], (which is hardly e­ver knowne in [...]) then [...] the [...] of Bethel will take him to [...], hee must be complained of to the King, be held unsufferable, [...] sent away with an inhibition, for they find it written in [...] letters, [...] any more in Bethel, for it is the Kings [...], [...] it is the Kings [...], [...]. [...].
• [Page 36]4. Because where they find in [...] any titles of Honour, and praise given to Kings, [...] what they should be, they apply [...] King beleeve, that every way he is such a one; Judge you that heare them preach, or read their printed [...] made before the King, for they find it written, there is no [...] Ps. 5. 9. [...], they have [...] out of [...]? Joh. 32. 21. 22. [...]
• 5. Because they teach the power of Kings to bee [...] for they [...] the Throne is established by [...]. 16. [...]. [...] And they may [...] it [...] God did use [...]

4. [...] they [...]

[...] [Page 38] Therefore can they [...] in the [...] ones, without their [...] find [...], as a [...]. [...]. So [...] that is [...] still, Rev. 22. 11. for they are not full of power, by the [...] of God, to declare unto Iacob his [...], and to [...] his sinnes, as [...]. did, [...]. 3. 8. 11. and as God by Esay comman­ded, Esay 58. 1.

POSITION 15. They greatly further the peoples knowledge in di­vine things [...] their ignorance. [...]

1. BEcause they make such ignorant Ministers and tollerate these sorts afore mentioned, to bee their Ministers.

2. Because they, as you have heard, [...] so much godly and painefull [...], whom they often displace, and put wicked ones into their roomes, their now daily practise.

3. Because [...] are put downe by some of them, and wholy throughout [...] [...], with a thanks be to God that they have [...] within their [...] for they read how their [...] shut up the King­dome of God against men, Mat. 23. 13. and [...] a­way the key of knowledge. Luke. 11. 50. [...] themselves, but did hinder others that would have en­tered.

4. Because they make reading preaching, for they find in the [...] [...], that when the [...] were read, they had [...] that preached unto [...] Act. 15. 21. and 13. 15.

5. Because they (at [...] some of them) preferre set payers read, before preaching, holding prayers to be Gods service, and preaching no part of his service.

[Page 39]For that they may read, [...] preaching was ever be­fore set [...], which [...] 300 yeares after [...], [...] [...] spent himselfe in preaching hee sent his [...] [...], [...]. [...] [...] [...], [...], and charged it up­on others with great [...], 1 Tim. 4. [...] More­over they [...] ( Rom. 10. 14.) knowledge and [...].

6. Because they forbid preaching in the afternoone, for they find it written that [...] Paul preached in the afternoone, Act. 20. 7. [...] the [...] Peter and [...], who went up to the Temple at the [...], and there preached, Act 3. 1. [...]. [...]. The [...] Fathers, [...], [...] and others, preached in the af­ter-noone, and so doe the Ministers in all reformed Churches.

7. Because they appoint catechising in the afternoon, to put downe preaching, and such a [...] as doth no good to the [...] and simple; for Ministers are [...] to aske no other questions then are in the common Ca­techisme; and yet this kind many Ministers observe [...]; and are never questioned for it.

8. They permit not any to leave a reading Minister, nor an idle preaching Minister, when he [...] paines to preach, to goe to [...] an other [...] Teacher, and [...]. The Preacher for his [...] shall [...] without check, but [...] that goeth to heare shall [...], and [...] open [...], and [...] God [...].

• 1. Because Sir Henry [...] [...], in a [...], [...] as [...] not [...] it.
• 2. [...].
• 3. [...] they know the people of the [...] went to heare Christ. [...]. 5. 1. and 21. 38. and also [...], [...] [Page 40] [...], [...] the [...] though [...] [...], saying to the people [...], why [...] you him, [...] 10. 20. they did not [...] the people to their [...], [...] made [...] to [...] for it, [...] made they [...], [...] going to heare [...], then themselves, [...] of, [...] in their [...].

Lastly they hinder this going abroad to [...], for [...] they have [...] how people [...] (to under­stand) without a Preacher, Rom. 10. 14. and they re­member what the [...] [...], that hee could not understand what he [...] a guide, Act. 8. 31.

Who [...] of understanding, [...] can­not [...] hence very [...] care [...] [...] [...] [...] have of [...] mens soules, because they find it written, that the mind [...] not good [...]. 19. [...].

POSITION 16. They have a speciall care; that God being a [...], should have a spirituall [...], and this [...] accor­ding to his written word.

1. BEcause they have [...] a [...] of [...] [...] of [...], to worship God by; for they find [...] [...] [...] so will I [...], [...] not [...] to [...] God; but whatsoever I [...], [...] 12. 39. 31. 32.

2. Because they are [...], that the [...] people, say their service and prayers with, [...] after [...], though they understand little or nothing; for they read, that we must pray with the [...] and [...] 1. Cor. 14. 15. and also of the [...], This people [...] me with their [Page 41] [...].

3. Because they bind all [...] such various [...], to [...] as [...] prayer, and [...] up [...] another; to stand [...] part of [...] [...] others to bow to [...] of the second [...] the [...] of God, and not to another; to bow to the Table, [...] the [...] of the [...], [...], and [...] [...] they [...] to be ob­served, [...] the [...] of God, making peo­ple [...] (which [...] no better) that these be [...] of [...] [...]. For they [...] written, [...] [...], 2 [...]. 3. 5. and that there is a shew of wisdome in [...], [...]. 2. [...].

[...] 24.

4. Because they [...] to serve God, as [...],

• 1. [...] God, [...]
  Three grounds of [...].
  [...] to [...] in their [...], [...], for they [...] [...] by the [...] of [...] and they [...] that [...] us not to God, for if [...] we are [...], and if we [...], we [...] Cor. [...]. 8. and to [...] to [...], [...] the [...] [...]. [...]. [...], 22.
• 2. [...], as to bow to the name of [...], to bow to the Communion Table, as an Altar, to kneele in receiving the Bread and [...]; to keepe dayes as holy dedicated to [...], to fast upon their Eves, and the like; for they [Page 42] find it written, who hath required this at your hands? Esay 1. 12. and in vaine [...] me after the Doctrines and [...] of men, Mat. 15. 9. Mar. 7. 7.
• 3. To be persuaded, that God may be [...] served, and his ordinances better set forth by humane additions, then he himselfe left them unto us; as to adde in baptising the In­fant, [...] making of the signe of the Crosse, playing up­on Organs in singing of Psalmes the wearing of a Sur­plesse, and [...], in saying of service, with [...] and o­ther vestments to grace their worship; to have over the Communion Table a painted [...]; or on a Table a velvet cushion with a [...] curiously wrought to [...] up [...] also the setting up of great Candle­sticks, with candles in them, and sometimes lighted, for they find it written, that the Scribes and Pharisees of their [...] up and received many things to held, Mat. 7. 4. And that the Lord hath forbidden, to adde to that which [...] commanded, or to [...] from it, [...] 4. 2 and 12. 32. They not forgetting the words of [...], They [...] the care, but [...] the counsels, and in the imaginations of their owne [...] [...], and [...], [...]. 7. [...]. 26.

5. And lastly, because they [...] not so much respect what God commands, as the observation of their owne [...] and Articles after which they examine how people frame themselves in serving of God. For they [...] it written, [...] the hypocriticall [...] and [...], the [...] Leaders of the blind did lay aside, [...]- [...] the Commandements of God, to hold and keepe their owne traditions, Mar. 7. 8, [...]. [...] they. also know what Esay [...], They have chosen their owne wayes, and their soule [...] in their [...], [...] and devises, Esay 66. 3. 4,

POSITION. 17. They preferre the Churches union, and what God requireth to be done, before their owne Lordly dignity, and what they themselves command.

1. BEcause they can bee content, that the King and his subjects should be at ods, even to the shedding of much bloud, if God prevent it not, rather then they will leave their Rochets. For it is written, the Divell is come [...] unto you, having great wrath, be­cause he [...] but a short time, Rev. 12. 12.

2. Because whosoever [...], that doe reprove them, and doe discover their pride, tyranny, and Lording over [...], [...] their corrupting of Gods worship, their grosse [...] of Princes, their opposing the [...] of [...] godlinesse, their cunningly suppressing preaching in part, and painefull preachers, their nour­ishing [...] undermining the Gospell, hatching innovations to bring in poperie, after [...], to procure them to bee attached, imprisoned, and whipt, [...], set on [...], their [...] cut off by a common bloudie hangman, and to lie in severall prisons, that they might not have comfort one of another, for they find it written, that the high [...] imprisoned [...], [...]. 20 that the flattering Sycophant [...]. [...] [...], 1 K. 22. that the high [...] & chiefe Priests beat the Apostles Acts 5. 40. that they [...] & killed such as were sent unto them, [...]. [...]. 34. 37. yea also they procured Christ himselfe to be [...] to death.

3. They trouble men more for neglect of their Cere­monies, then for not preaching diligently; more for [...] at the name of Jesus, then for swearing by the name of [...], the heart of God, and the bloud of [Page 44] Christ; more for breach of an All Saints day, then pro­phaning the Lords day: for that they find it written, as is before noted in the former position, that the Scribes and Pharises stood more for the observation of their owne traditions, and what they [...] of them­selves to [...], [...] the holy Commandements of God, like hypocrites as they were, Mar. 7. [...]. 8.

POSITION. 18. They be the greatest Enemies, that the Church of Rome [...] amongst us.

1. BEcause they hold her to be the Mother Church, for they find her called the Mother of [...], and abominations of the earth, Rev. 17. 5.

2. Because they hold her a [...] Church of Christ, for they find it written, that [...] is [...] with the [...] of the Martyrs of Iesus, and that Christ said, [...] of her [...], [...]. 17. 6. and 18. 4.

3. They deny the Pope to be [...]; for they find it written, that [...] is [...], [...], [...] himselfe in the Temple of God, above all, 2 [...]. 2, 3, 4. That he is that [...], the King of the [...], Rev. 9. 11. That [...] is the [...] with the [...] like a Lamb, but [...] as a [...]. [...]. 13. 11.

4. They lead the way [...] [...], for they [...] the name [...] more than before, they call the Table an [...], [...] bow to it very lowly, painting Crucifixes, setting up Candlesticks, and somewhere doe burne Can­dles, enfignes of [...] [...] the [...] of confes­ [...] [...] [...]. For they find it written, They are bent to [...], [...]. [...]. 7. They went backward, & not forward, [...].

4. [...] [...] Church and [...] in all the dignities, [Page 45] [...] [...] Courts and proceedings therein somewhat like, in not a few things, to [...]; their habits, their cere­monies, superstitious gestures; the name of Priest, [...], [...]; [...] in the Church of [...], for they find it written, that all [...], [...]. [...]. 3. 4.

5. Because they suffer Priests and [...], not [...] to be, but also to [...] in the Land, against the Law of God, and the Lawes of this Land, they seeke them not out, they call them not before them, they having them in their hands, use them very kindly, otherwise then they do many of Gods Ministers; for they find it written, that the high Priests [...] and [...] regarded [...], and other false Prophets more then [...].

6. Because such as fall away to that [...] Rome, are very gently dealt with, for [...] of offending them, and as for knowne Church Papists, they can friendly en­tertaine them; for they find it written, they strengthen the hands of evill [...], that none [...] wick­ [...], [...]. 22. 14.

7. Because they suffer popish bookes to passe, and popish [...] to bee preached without con­trole, for they find it written, that Letters have beene sent by false Prophets, [...]. 29. 25. and Teachers. 2. [...]. 2. 2. and have beene permitted to preach, and prophesie.

8. Because they cannot endure, so much as an Alma­nack, having in stead of popish Saints, put into it the They will [...] call them Mar­tyrs; but [...]. [...] may in print call them [...]. [...] in the high Commission Court, for they find it written, [...]. 9. 27.

[Page 46]9. Because the Papiste dare lodge [...] them, where the Mother Churches, the Cathedrells bee, and never appeate in their Courts; for who ever law a Papist cy­ted openly to their Count, and for neglecting, yes re­fusing to come to the [...], to [...], made to doe [...] or if not [...] be [...], excommunicated, aggri­vated and pursued to an [...]?

10. Because no kingdome or State ( [...] Lawee are enacted against them) is so troubled with Papists, and those seeds-men of Antichrist, Prieste and Iesuits, as ours is, where their good Lordships be.

POSITION 19. They ahborre all shew of [...].

BEcause our Church disallowing consubstanti­at on, and [...], and acknowledg­ing the Elements [...] and [...], to bee creatutes, yet they call to, as they call it the [...], not onely when the Sacriment is administred, but when the Elements are not there; which the Papists doe not, but condemne it in such as amongst us doe to. Because its written, they have hardened their necks, and des [...] them their Fa­thers, Ier. 7. 26. [...] every one after the imaginati­on of his owne heart, Ier. 16. 12.

POSITION. 20. They may very lawfully minister the [...] ex offi­cio, to any whom they dare call before them.

THis course they take, its well knowne, putting men to their oathes, making them to sweare to make [Page 47] true answer to them of all that which shall be demand­ed of them, for,

1. They know its practised of the horrible holy Fa­thers, of that blondie Spanish inquisition, hated of God, and all good men.

2. They know it to be against the Law of Nature, re­gistred in the civill Law, for one to sweare to become thereby an accuser of himselse; for Nemo tenetur prode­re seipsum.

3. Its a wicked putting of men needlesly, and ille­gally into a great danger of the fearefull sinne of perjury; if any for feare of man should forsweare themselves (as a Peter may sometimes doe,) and therefore much more others, may so through feare miscarry: In a necessary and legall way to minister an oath, if men damnably for­sweare themselves, the Imposers of such an oath are guiltlesse, but not so in this case.

4. Because they find it written, to bee contrary to Abraham dealing with his servant, when hee intreated him to take an oath, before the servant sware, Abraham told him what he should sweare, and the servant made objections for himselfe, to prevent the danger of taking his oath in vaine.

5. Because they are not ignorant of this, that this course is directly against Gods will and word, who no where alloweth this in an ordinary way, to evict any, but by a certaine number of faithfull witnesses, and accusers, Numb. 35. 30 thus in the time of the Law, and this was established in the time of the Gospell, Mat. 18 16. 2. Cor. 13. 1. especi­ally Deut. 19. 15 and 17. 6: concerning an Elder, 1 Tim. 5. 19.

6. They read of the equity of the Romans, how Fe­lix Heb. 10. 28. would stay for the Accusers, Acts 23. 35. of Saint Paul, who heard them, and gave him leave to speake for himselfe. The like did Festus, Acts 25. 5. who said, it was the manner of the Romans so to doe, verse 16. and King Agrippa approved thereof, Acts 26. 1. none of them willing to have him put to his oath, that so ad­vantage [Page 48] might be taken, against him. Trajane the Em­perour said, that without an Accuser, there is no place Plin. [...]. 10. for an accusation, for that is an evill example, and not Epist. 98. heard of in our age.

7. Because they cannot but know, that thus to deale with men (to put them to their oath, thereby to evict, and condemne them, when they cannot by witnesse prove any thing against them.)

• 1. That it is a preventing the order of Gods divine providence, whose will is to have such proceeded a­gainst, whose sinnes hee bringeth forth to the light, which if he doe not, he reserveth such persons to his owne, and not to mans judgement.
• 2 It is a running before the Lawes of men, which alloweth no judge to proceed without production of witnesses for an open crime; for hidden crimes mens Lawes take no notice of.

8. Because they well understand, that by thus dealing, their ground must bee their owne ill conceit, ill [...] ­on, or some report of ill minded Adversaries, or some such wicked uncharitablenesse, no allowable grounds to proceed in a judicatory way against any, either before God. or just m n.

9. Because they know, that thus proceeding against all justice and equitie; they themselves must first become their Accusers, and then their Judges.

10. Because holy [...], in his burning heat, thir­sting after Christs bloud, [...] Christ to it by a dreadful ad­juration, to make him speak somewhat where he might accuse him, and condemne him, with the consent of the like Enemies of Christ, as hee himselfe was; and this means hee used, because he had no just witnesses to ac­cuse him, and to condemne him by: an example of an high Priest worthie praise and their worthy imitation.

11. Because it is not onely against Gods will, under the Law, and under the Gospell, as before its proved, but its also.

[Page 49]Against reason, by the judgement of Ministers in A­phrick, Victor de perso­cut, Vandal. to whom when such an oath was tendered, they answered, [...] irrationalia nos putetis, ut jure­mus nescientes quid charta contineat? Thinke you us un­reasonable beasts to sweare we not knowing what the writing may containe?

12. Aganist the due reverence to the divine Majesty, Jer. 4. 2. in taking an oath, who requiteth when we sweare, to sweare in truth, in judgement, in righteousnesse, which we cannot doe, before we know what to sweare unto.

13. Against the civill Law, by which there is no Digest: lib. proceeding, till some accuser be bound to prosecute the accusation.

14. Against the ancient Canon Law, which saith, Decret. pag, 2 Cous 23. quast. 4. peccata quae publicis indiciis discernuntur, punienda non sune.

And here some alledge Sixtus 3. in Epist. ad episc. Ori­entales, who saith, before the Accuser comes and binds himselfe to prove the Accusations, Criminationes adver­sus doctorem uemo recipiat.

15. Against Saint Ambrose who saith, a Judge may In Epist. 1 Cor. c1. 5. not condemne without an Accuser for our Lord, though he knew Iudat for a Thiefe, yet he cast him not out, be­cause none accused him.

16. Against the equitie and justice of this Land to Statute 15. [...]. 8. ca 15 cemmen Law. See [...]. touch­ing Bishops effi­ctalls. pag 62. bring any into danger of life, name goods, or Lands, by any intrapping interrogatories, or by any other meanes then witnesse, verdict &c. a fellon at the barre is not for­ced to any oath, nor proceeded against, though knowne to be guilty, but is judged according to allegations, and proofe.

17. Against the Libertie of the Subject, to bee dealt This master Fuller hath fud manisesled in the defence of [...] Client. with otherwise then is by Law sufficiently warrantable.

18. Against the safety and peaceable security of any subject, whom they hate, and date meddle with, at their [...] and pleasure to call them into question, and by this [...] ex [...], force them to lay themselves open to their malice, and unjust proceedings;

[Page 50]19. Its not practised in Reformed Churches, but one­ly under that Romane Prelate; yet the State of [...], and some other places doe not subject themselves unto it.

20. The Lord Verulam, late Chancelour of England, held the continuance of this oath, to bee contrary to the Lawes of this Land, and custome of this Kingdome:

For Prelates are not to put any to their oath, except in matrimoniall and Testamentary causes; So say learn­ed Lawyers.

21. Its thought to have it originall from the Statute, Crompton 182 [...]: de [...] [...] brev. pag. 141 [...]. pag. 36. [...]. [...]. [...]. 2. [...]. 4. ca 15. procured by the Prelates, against true Gospollers, by them called Hereticks, Lollards, and so was framed against them for defence of poperie, and to overthrow the Gospell.

But here note,

• 1. It passed without the consent of the Commons who greatly repined against it.
• 2. Authority given to presse this oath, and for Pre­lates and Ordinaries to fine and imprison the K. Subj. was held abloudie Law.
• 3. Aboundance of Christian bloud was shed by the enacting of this cursed Law.
• 4. Gods judgements followed hereupon, and were laid to heart by the State.
• 5. Hereupon the Statute of imprisoning, and the oath ex officio was made void; And though in K. Phil. and Mar. [...], a Statute was made according to that of Hen. 4. yet in the 1. of Eliza: it was repealed.

Obj. In the Starre Chamber and Court of Chancery, there is an oath required.

Answer. This is by laying in of a Bill of complaint, in which a legall accusation is framed against the partie; be­yond which, the plaintiffe cannot goe, nor the defendant shall be urged.

But this oath ex [...], is first given to the partie to answere he knowes not to what, then is hee examined [Page 51] upon either flying reports, or secret witnesses, or upon some illimagination against the party, which dealing carryeth no shew of civill Law, and is flatly repugnant (saith the Lord Verulam) to the Common Law.

Obj. Some alledge that by this oath none are tyed to answer further then they are bound by Law.

A. 1. They have no Law to put men to such an oath, no Law of God, no Law of this Land, and there­fore none are tyed to take it, nor bound by Law to make any answere to it at all.

2. In answering, if they plead the benefit of the Law, that they are not bound to accuse themselves, if the interrogatories and Articles doe seeme, to touch the betraying of themselves, then they use captious questi­ons, and doe take it as for granted, that the partie is a delinquent, in such Articles as he will not make answer unto; so though it be said, you shall sweare as [...] as the Law onely bindeth, yet these bee but sugered words, to draw men into a snare, and to make the simple beleeve that they may take the oath, and the other may impose it.

Obj. They would faine have warrant from the Scrip­ture, and so to have God to approve of them, for this purpose, they doe alledge, Ex. 22. 11. Num. 5. 19.

For the place in Exod. 22. 11. Then shallan oath of the Lord be betweene them both, that he hath not put his hands unto his Neighbours goods, &c. This warrants not the wicked administring of the Oath ex Officio.

• 1. Here is one standing forth and bringing the party before authority; In the Oath ex officio, no accuser some­times commeth in sight, nor will such a one bee made knowne.

• 2. Here the matter is well knowne, before the party be put to sweare.

  In the other, he is inforced to sweare, before hee know what he is to sweare unto, and if hee refuse, hee is of their loving kindnesse and compassion sent into pri­son.

• [Page 52]3. Here the matter is of common equity, and a [...] civill businesse, concerning right betweene party and party.

  There it is about causes Ecclesiasticall and criminall matters, and not ever betweene party and party in a matter of [...] justice.

• 4. Here the oath is administred in a case, not other­wise to be tryed and decided, for if it could, say the Hebrew Doctors, the Oath was not to be administred.

  There its administred, whether it can, or cannot bee otherwise proved.

• 5. Here the Judges proceed, in the behalfe of the party complaynant, to end the [...] betweene them.

  In the other, the Judges proceed with relation to themselves, secretly becomming parties, not to end a [...] betweene others, but to begin it betweene the party and themselves too often.

• 6. Here the Oath is administred, not ex Officio, up­on the Judges pleasure, and their owne authority, but upon the just complaint of another.

  In the other ex Officio, is a proceeding upon their owne authority, and the framing of a bill upon their owne imagination against the party called before them, letting the wicked accuser lurke in a corner, or else to be gone, till they can ripen the [...].

• 7. Here is an Oath given to make an end of the con­troversie; to cleare the party, and the [...] to rest satisfied.

  In the other the Oath ex Officio, is to begin a contro­versie, not to cleare the party, but [...] breed him more and greater trouble, for they will not be satisfied, though they have no just matter against him, but if they let him depart, its by making him enter into a bond of appear­ance againe, whensoever they [...] call him.

  Lastly [...] the Oath is administred onely touching the particular cause in hand. That is administred upon ma­ny captious interrogatories, that by all or some of them, [Page 53] the party may be catched, and brought into danger.

Wee see from all this, that hence is no [...] for their wickednesse, but is rather against them.

Touching the other Scripture, though in a criminall cause of adultery, Numb. 5. 19. yet it helpes them no­thing, thus to tyrannize over Ministers and others.

• 1. It was a Law (all the circumstances and meanes used) peculiar to the Iewes, because of the mans jea­lousie against his wife, to satisfie him to prevent fur­ther mischiefe; but with us no such meanes is allowed to satisfie the jealousie of the Husband against his wife.
• 2. This was to take an Oath against her selfe; which our Law alloweth not.
• 3. Here the Oath, was not a bare Oath, but [...] Oath of cursing, to which he was to say Amen, Amen, such a kinde of Oath we use not to [...].
• 4. Besides the Oath with a curse, other meanes were u­sed, by which the truth should bee made undoubtedly to appeare, as the Text doth shew, so as the taking of an Oath in a matter of such [...], served not the turne, to take away the Husbands jealousie.
• 5. In this case, the woman found guilty [...] plagued of God; but if she were [...] shee received a bles­sing from God, verse 28.

Lastly yet this was not allowed to be done by the Lord, but when there was no witnesse against her, or shee [...] taken in the fact, verse 13.

These holy [...] are therefore [...], to make God speake for them, who, as I have proved, is [...] them.