Sacrificing Priests may be Ministers of the Gospell .

NOwe will I enter into a briefe discourse of some particulars , whiche chiefly séeme to beare the weighte and stresse of this diuision . And first of al least the greatest parte of our ministerie in Englande may be deemed lame & altogigither vnperfect , for the space of more than twentie yere , it shall not be vnméete to lay open the féeble principles of this senslesse Paradoxe , that none distayned or defiled with vnlawfull sacrifice , may be admitted to the ministerie . I would gladly vnderstande by what authoritie these fellowes cleuing so precisely to the letter , can be content , and thinke it not vnlawfull to admit an Idolatrous Priest vpon hartie and vnfayned repentance , into that kingly priesthoode , whereof mention is made in S. Peter , & in S. Iohns Keuelation , 〈◊〉 . Pet. 2. Apoc. 1. 5. 20. excluding him from the outwarde function , which onely dependeth vpon the other as chiefe and farre more excellent . May a man become the childe of God , and yet what store of giftes soeuer be imparted to him , of necessitie must be secluded from his ministerie ? shall it not séeme presumption in vs mortall creatures , to chalenge a coinheritance with our Redéemer in his euerlasting kingdome , and yet be reckened so greate impietie to serue him in this frayle and temporall vocation ? Hath Christ by renting of the vayle in sunder giuen frée scope and made a passage euen for the vilest Idolater that euer was , after regeneration and repentance , into sancta sanctorum , into the holyest , and most couert and secret places of the temple , debarring them notwithstanding from disposing of his worde and sacraments ? But the Leuites ( say they ) were so dealt withall in the Lawe : wherevnto I answere , that negandum est argumentum in Euangelio : this argument holdeth not in the Gospell , bothe for many reasons fitly and truly alleaged in the Answere to the Admonition , and chiefly bicause amongst vs the merites of Christes death and passion is a more sufficient purgation , & of greater force and strength , than any Leuiticall washing or clensing from vncleannesse . I sée not what can be entended by this newe deuised discipline , but onely restitution of the vayle , and clogging mens consciences with suche Iewishe obseruation , from the which we are enfranchised already by the Gospel . Surely these transformations , or rather deformations , are so straunge , as if Ouide him selfe were nowe aliue , he would for spite and rage deface and quite blot out his ancient Metamorphosis . Thoughe the ministerie were refused whyle the heart and minde was yet infected with corrupt religion , what maketh this for disproofe of those whiche are mortified wyth sincere deuotion ?

We are taught by the word of God to measure the outwarde action by the inwarde affection , for as the scripture sayth , Bonus bomo de thesauro cordis sui profert bona , Matth. 13. malus mala . &c A good man out of the treasure of his hart bringeth forth good things : An euil man euill things . And the heart ought alwayes to be the rule and squire of oure perfection . Now séeing in euident and expresse termes , since the offering of that sacrifice which hathe wrought more déepe effectes than euer the law could do , it can not be auo●ched the any Idolatrous priest was admitted , or reiected from the ministerie of the Gospell : bycause none stoode euer yet so well affected in the holy story of the new Testament to require it , charitie woulde require that whome it hathe pleased GOD to receyue as members of hys mysticall body , those wée shoulde not reiecte from dispensing of hys mysteries . For by howe muche the calling is greater and more honorable of haeres , than seruus haereditari●s , of filius than minister , euen so muche is that benefite to be reckened and accompted of greater value , whereby we are made coinheritors with Christe , than ministers and dispensers of his worde and sacramentes . Wherefore , if the greater bée not prohibited , the lesse maye bée permitted : For séeing all the faythfull are braunches , and Christe the roote : wée the members , and he the head : wé● the officers , and he the gouernour : and las●e of all , we the seruaunts , and he the Ma●●er : they can alleage no reason why admitting any as members of the Church , we should reiect them from that ●unction , wherein with greatest benefite to the vniuersall body , they may be employed .

If to auoyd such as had bin Idolatrous , had bin a matter of so great importance as you make it , I maruel that S. Paul in al Eit. 1. his commission vnto Titus for the purpose hath no speciall prouiso for suche men by name , considering the store of Idolatrous Priestes which abounded in Crete aboue al other places , béeing ( as some write ) the natiue soyle of that notorious Idoll Iupiter . It is there thoughte sufficient , that whatsoeuer in time paste the Ministers haue béene , they doe nowe amplecti eum , Tit. 〈◊〉 . qui secundum doctrinam est , fidelem sermonem , Holde fast the faythfull worde , according to doctrine , without limitation of their priesthoode .

Agayne in the liuely description of a Bishop vnto Timothie , though the Apostle 1. Tim. 3. take exception agaynst many faultes , which are sufficient to disable Ministers : yet maketh he no kinde of mention of vnlawfull worshippers : which maketh me iudge , that rather malice to the present state , than desire of reformation hath lately set abroche the lyes of this new fangled doctrine . It had béene no slender ouersight in the Apostle to maime his diuision , by leauing out one of the chiefest partes , or to giue out that for a perfect paterne , which must be perfited by later workemanship . S. Paule rather seemeth to enquire what presently they are , than to listen what somtimes they were , and more ready likewise to encourage them in their happie chaunce , than vpbrayde them with their auncient follie : God hath promised though our sinnes were as red as scarlet , to make them as white as snowe , whereas these followes put vs still in feare of some outward and apparant blemishe : and whereas Christ lyke a true Samaritane , cured the wounde of the afflicted trauayler , whome he sounde so greatly endamaged by our common enimie , these vnskilfull surgeons leaue such a scarre behinde them by reason of their helplesse salue , as almost we are as good continue without their medicine . And thus to vpholde these ruinous articles , for a shifte they are forced to abate and qualifie Gods mercy , and pretending deadly fode with the Papistes , endeuour by all meanes to fortifie their strongest bulwarke , I meane deliuerance à culpa , sed non à poena , from the offence , but not from the punishment . If this with other like stuffe , had beene well tryed and examined before the publishing of their late infamous libell , there would haue appeared ●uster cause to suppresse their owne forgery , than to charge the Answere with strengthening the aduersaries handes , whereas indirectly in mine opinion , they labour nothing more , than to proue what they séeme most willing and desirous to oppugne ( as bothe in this , and in the article of Supremacie maye at large appeare ) lyke running bargemen whiche euer looke one way , and bende their force another .

If the Gospell were indifferently and without respecte deliuered to Iewe and Gentile , circumcision and vncircumcision , Isaac and Ismaell , if God be indifferent vnto bothe , and bothe are iustified by one meane , I can not sée why aswell the ●nfi●ell vpon repentaunce , may not be admitted vnto the ministerie , hauing i●●erm●dled with vnlawfull sacrifice ( seeing Leuiticall scruples and ceremonies 〈◊〉 quite abolished ) as the Iew which after abrogation of the lawe hath ●ealt with his auncient and legall ceremonies : for if any be in worse case than other , Iewes must néedes come formost , bothe for their ingrateful casting off their promised Messias : and bicause we reade that what childe soeuer knoweth his fathers Luk. 12. will , and performeth it not , shall be beaten with many stripes . S. Paule equally Gal. 3. compareth and matcheth in all respects the conuerted Gentiles with the conuerted Iewes : and giueth these none other priuiledge than the other .

Wherefore , seeing wee are fully assured by many reasons , that God in Christe hathe absolutely cle●sed and purged those by the m●rytes of his deathe , whome he hathe called to the acknowledging of hys name and con●●ssion of hys truthe : seeing God is ●o accepter Act. 10. of persons , but in a● Nations embraceth those whiche feare him , and worke righteousnesse : seeing it was reuealed vnto S. Peter , neminem communem aut immundum dicere , To call no man common or vncleane . And agayne , Omnia munda mundis Tit. 1. esse , all things be cleane to those that are cleane . Eyther muste our newe instructors restrayne this clensing and purgation to the inward affection only , without respect of the outwarde calling , or else they will runne bankrupte amongst the wyser sort , for want of credite . Rather might men be thankful to God , when he maketh of stones bread : of persecutors , Pastors : and publisheth his Gospell by the ministerie of those which at the first were the greatest ha●●rs and oppugners of the same , than eyther enuye vpon malice , or hinder by vngodly practise , the going forwarde of present reformation . Stones can not gather mosse with continuall rolling : neyther may wisdome buylde hir neste in a minde vns●tled and alwayes wauering . If these textes before alleaged may be thought rather to leane vpon coniectures and probabilitie , than grounded vpon certayntie . I woulde gladly be resolued by some Cartwrightian , whether Moses were so greatly to be blamed in permitting Iethrothe Idolatrous Priest of Madian , to offer victimas & holocausta Exod. 18. Domino : sacrifices & offerings to the Lord● or howe it commeth to passe that Aaron not withstanding his Idolatrie committed , was yet permitted to retayne his office , ad extremum vitae spiritum : euen tyll Exod. 3● . he dyed . I coulde alleage the continuing of Peter in his office , after the thréefolde deniall of his Master , cum fleuisset am●rè , Mat. 26. when he had wepte bitterlie , and by outwarde teares had declared the secret remorse of conscience . The lyke maye be sayde of Marcellinus , and sundrie other , Plati● . who by terror of the tyme , and frayltie of nature , were enforced to renounce the testimonie of their conscience , and yet for all that restored vpon repentaunce to their former state and dignitie . These places beeing , as in deede they are more euident than that they maye bee shyfted off wyth Sophisticall interpretations , I fynde no grounde sufficiente to exclude suche persons from the ministerie , as eyther haue beene seduced vppon ignorance , or faynted by infirmitie . And thus muche briefly concerning this article .

As for the peoples interest in choosing Ministers , bicause it hath so playnly , learnedly , and truly béene opened in the Answere , as neyther any thing may conueniently be added , nor reasonable perseus can remayne vnsatisfied , I will let it passe , speaking a worde or two of thys question , Whether it be lawfull for 〈◊〉 man may o●fer hymselfe to the ministerie . any man vpon the inwarde motion of his conscience , and learned zeale , to proffer himself into the ministery , which seemeth to be so greatly reprehended by our Reformers .

And first of all ( to graunt as muche as may be iustly chalenged ) I will not denie but whosoeuer labouring to be minister , rather giueth eare , and listeneth to that wicked Cormorant , crying : Soule thou Luke . 12. hast muche good layde vp in store for many yeres , eate , drinke , and be merie , than Christe oure Sauiour sounding these sweete and comfortable wordes : Si quis Mar. 8. vult me sequi , deneget seipsum , tollat crucem suam . &c. If any man wyll followe me , let hym denie him selfe , take vp hys crosse , and followe me , is lyker to accompany Diues Epulo , the riche glu●ton , in eternall payne , than to liue with Lazarus in euerlasting ioy . No man with good conscience , can defende that idle and slothefull stewarde , whiche rather for his ease , and Luk. 16. bicause he would not begge , than vpon any good entent or purpose vprightly to discharge the same , desired to kéepe his office , no more than we may iustly discommende their forwardnesse , which studing any gifte of teaching or edifying in them selues , are willing to employ it in the ministerie , considering howe greate the haruest is in comparison of the laborers . And firste of all , we are commaunded Matth. 7. to knocke , and it shall be opened vnto vs , not to stande gaping at the doore fyll some other call vs in : And they of whom it hath pleased God to make his choyse , euen at the eleuenth houre , made proffer of their seruice , as maye be gathered by the Texte , for béeing demaunded the cause of their idlenesse , they gaue none other answere , than Nemo Mat. 10. con●uxit nos , no man hath hyred vs . Wherby their entent is euidently discouered . If to present our salues before we be outwardly summoned and elected , be a matter of suche weight : why did not Christ rebuke the Scribe for his rashs and vnaduised profer , crying , Magister sequar te Matth. 8. quocunque ieris , Master I will follow thee whither thou goest ? And this kinde of calling S. Paule him selfe seemeth nothing to mislike in these words : Qui Episcopatum 1. Tim. 3. desiderat , bonum cpus desiderat : He that desireth the office of a Bishop , desireth a good worke . Which words employ a manifest promptnesse and redinesse with some petition in the partie , rather commending the dignitie of the office , than disalowing the forwardnesse & zeale of the requirer . Many other textes of Scripture to like effect might be alleaged , if decision of this question rather stoode vpon heapes of places , than force of arguments , or were sooner ended by multitude of allegations , than certentie of matter . And thus muche to this article .

Of apparell of Ministers .

NOw omitting questions of pluralities , presentations , adu●…sons , & such like , which rather séeme to make a noyse vpon the stage , than to serue to edification : Omitting also what may be sayde in defense of reading scripture in the Churche , as an article to plaine to be called in question . I will nowe bring somewhat for mainteyning & approuing prescripte apparell among the ministers : which can not better be a●ouched , than by disprouing all suche childishe cauillations , as are obiected to the contrary , whiche already hath bene sufficienth p●r●ourmed in the Answere , and this ●…s Aesopicus : ( Esopes crow ) so shaken 〈◊〉 of his coulered and painted plumes , as he may haue little ioye hereafter to vaunto himselfe in any open audience . And whereas some alleadge that in respect of their abuse these garments shoulde be abandoned : to lette passe Gedeons example , and the president Iudic. 8. of Hierico , which cannot be better maynteyned Iosua , 6. than by the weakenesse of the aduersaries answere , in the one , inferring greater necessitie of fleshe for furnishing the legall sacrifice than we haue of li●…en in our seruice : in the other , making much a doe aboute purgation by fire , which serueth no whit at all to the purpose , seyng hereby we may gather that things abused by vnlawfull ministers may be reteyned in a lawfull ministery : yet here vnto may be further added , Manasses in the very selfe same temple from whence he had remoued , Deos alienos , strange Gods , Instaurauit altare Domini , prepared the altare of the 2. Par. 33. Lord And Ezechias that wise & vertuous Prince , setting downe a true and perfect platforme of godly reformation , rased not the walles , but clensed the sanctuarie , which 2. Par. 30. 31. our sauiour séemeth directly to follow in the Gospell , when he rased or defaced not the building , but droue out the Marchants & vngodly people , albeit he found it quite altered , à domo orationis in speluncam latronum : Iohn . 2. Math. 21. from the house of prayer into a denne of theeues . Receyue we not dayly profite by such things as eyther at the first were deuised by the Panimes , or sithence haue bene abused by pernicious heretiqu●s ? I will not speake of Phisicke , which as ancient writers testifie beyng firste inuented by Aesculapius , was afterwarde practised by Esai . 38. Esaie in the time of Ezechias his sicknes , and now is honored by the commaundement Eccles. 38. of the scripture : nor of shippes first builded and framed by that idoll Pallas , & yet occupied and vsed by Ionas , Christ , & Paule the Apostle , bicause perhaps our aduersaries will graunt that in suche necessary things as cannot be forborne without great inconuenience , & which rather appertaine to suffenance than discipline , we may vse a greater libertie than in rites and ceremonies belonging to religion : but then must they likewise answer , how it commeth to passe that Christe our Sauiour in the celebration of his supper made speciall choyse of bread and wine to represent his death and passion , sayng the same elementes were the wonted oblations whiche were exhibited to Ceres & the dronken Bacchus of the Panimes . The Priests of Cybele ( falsely surnamed Deorum mater , the mother of the Goddes ) went in mantels during the time of their ministration , so did Samuell , Elias and Eliseus . Ceres had a company of widdowes addicted specially vnto hir seruice , the like in the beginnyng of the Church was prescribed by the Apostles . Apollos seruice was celebrated in verse and meter , the 1. T●●t . 5. like did Dauid sing at the funerall of Abner . 1. Sam. 3. And M. Cartwrighte can be content to sing our Psalmes in meter without offence or grudge of conscience , without either warrant or commaundement of scripture . By these & such other like examples & presidents of antiquitie we may plainely gather that the Gentiles vsage in things decent and comely , neither was impediment to the auncient Fathers why they might not deale with the same things in an other sorte , after they had bene profaned : or retayne them , beyng first inuented by vnfaythfull authors . Of whiche minde it was not vnlike that Gregorie was when he had sente Augustine into England to conuert them from their gentilitie , did write to Melitus , saying : Quod Ex Regstro ad Melitum epist. 71. diu me●um de causa Anglorum cogitans tractaui : videlicet quia phana Idolorum destrui in eadem gente minime debeant , sed ipsa quae in eis sunt Idola destruantur . &c. Quia siphana eadem bene constructa sunt , necesse est vt à cultu Demonum in obsequium veri Dei debeant commodari , vt dum gens ipsa eodem pbana sua non videt destrui , de corde er●orem deponet , & Deum veruns cognoscens ac adorans , ad loca quae consueuit familiarius concurrat . &c. That is . That vpon deliberation I haue determined that the Churches of the Idols in that Nation ought not to be destroyed , but let the Idols in them be destroyed and pulled downe , for if those Churches be well builded , then they must be changed from the seruice of Deuilles to the seruice of the true God , that the people seing their Churches not destroyed , may in their hearts leaue their errour , and worshipping the true God may make their recourse to those places as they were wont . &c. Otherwise bicause wine was the cause why Tarquine defloured Lu●rece : Alexander made away his derest friende : and Lot Genes. 1● . commited that incestuouse folly with his doughters : S Paule mighte not licence Timothie to take a cuppe of wine for the 1. Tim. 5. warming of his stomake . We may not vse Phisicke , bicause Aha trusted so much in the Phisicians that he neuer called for 3. Reg. 1. the help of God , the true phisici●n both of body and soule . We must abandon all ciuill lawes and politique ●…tutions bicause so many woes and curses are denounced in the Gospell againste the doctors and teachers of the lawe . And last of all we may not lay the Scriptures open , bicause the i● disposed reader , as S. Peter 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 . 3. sayeth , oftentimes peruerteth them to his owne destruction . And ( as M. Cartwright teacheth ) it is a surer way to remoue a stone of offence and playne the way , than to hyre 〈◊〉 watchman to giue warning to the passengers .

But they say forsoth they were the garmentes of Balamites &c. what then● I am sure they will not make the Papistes worse than the Idolatrous Egiptians , and yet were the children of Israell charged to spoyle them of their ornaments , and put them vpon their wiues and children . Exod. 12. S. Paule was not so scrupulous as it seemeth , nor so precise , when be came into the Idolatrous temple at Athens & Act. 17. picked out of the very stones sufficient matter to confound the peoples ignorance . He alleageth heathenish Poctes in thrée Act. 17. 1. Cor. 5. Tit. 1. lundry places in de●ense of Gods truthe , which is , I am sure , as euill as clothing a Christian minister in a popish vesture : for if a man may adorne the spirite of God with suche base and homely matter in comparison , muche more may we set forth the person which is reputed of a great deale lesse accompt . And last of all , the Apostle in his voyage towarde Rome , was content to trauayle in a ship consecrated 〈◊〉 . 28. to the defes●able idoll of Cas●or & Pollur . To this I could alleage ( if allegories may goe for payment ) that these white garments Math. 17. Act. 1. Math. 28. Apoc. 3. haue ofte●●r bin taken vp by Angels , than worne by Balamites & popish priestes : or if their stomake be to daintie to di●gest these places , let them peruse & 〈◊〉 with themselues in what garment Dauid was clothed with the reste of his 1. Par , 15. company that bare the Arke , & yet was this accoumpted no Heathenish superstition ,

But it is a sporte to see , how with one petition of the principle these fellowes vndermine the whole estate of ciuile policie , and Ecclesiasticall gouernment : for ( say they ) forsoth they serue not to edification . Surely I maruayle the lesse that cappes & surplices are burdened with this faulte , whiche so often is obiected by M. Cartwright to the whole Cleargie of the ) Realine . The case is harde , when euery saucie iacke , discoursing of diuinitie vpon his bench at home , dare presume vpon his owne bare worde , to controll both Prince and state . A man may sée by this that how greatly soeuer they séeme to repine and grudge at our Bishops pompe and seate in Parliament , yet surely were they tollerated and borne withall a little longer , their consistorie would creepe from corners to carpets , & their Segniorie ascend from seueral parishes , to Westminster pallas , so great is their desire & longing for perfect reformation . Wherfore this conclusion being nakedly & without proofe affirmed , may with like authoritie be reiected .

As for the shew of euill , they haue it no more than one bell whiche they allow to ring to sermons , & yet that one , with one more was wont to knol to mattens . They haue it no more than wine in respecte of dronkenesse : Churches bicause they were the nestes and Celles of Imagerie : Ciuile lawes & constitutions in that they are deriued from idolatrous & heathen Princes : and yet did not Paule euill , either in aduising Timothie , to helpe the weakenesse 1. Tim. 5. of his stomacke with a cup of wine , or in chalenging the priuiledge of a Citizen of Act. 22. Rome , to auoyde the cruell whipping of his enimies . Wherefore to conclude , as their reasons are to childish to require any answere , so their malice is so péeuishe as it deserueth correction .

As for their working discorde , the case would quickly be determined , if contentious and rebellious natures would submit themselues to quiet discipline . Thus we may say reuenewes & possessions worke discord & dissention , bicause sometime vnruly persons pretend a wrongfull title against the lawful owner : & yet would M. Cartwright vnwillingly resigne the interest of his owne enheritaunce , to purchase this vnprofitable vnitie . If this reason be allowed of them , call in the Bibels for seare of strife & quareling , suppresse lawes and constitutions to auoide contention , and away with meate & drinke for feare of surfeting . This reason had bene good to persuade poore Naboth to giue vp his vineyarde , least quareling might arise betwene the king and him , & yet I doubte not but this simple man would then haue framed the selfe same answere , whiche in the like case we presently alleadge , Propitius 1. Reg. 21. sit nobis Dominus , ne demus baereditatem Patrum nostrorum vobis . God forbid that we should now reiect & quite abandon whatsoeuer hath continued in our house by many discents without iust and lawfull euidence . It cannot iustly be accompted discord , which procéedeth rather of malice of the person , than the vnlawfulnesse of the thing . For as it is the propertie of a froward disposition to spurne at the best and wisest kinde of gouernment , so may not godly Princes seeme euer a whit the more discouraged from discharging of their dutie : such discord , is concorde , and better nourished , than remoued . If Iustices would resigne their office bicause they are sometime hardly & leudly reported of by vagabondes , neither should equitie beare any sway in the common wealth , nor lawes be put in execution , in respect of causelesse feare , nor any man within a while be able to keepe his priuate house for feare of open spoile & robberie . If Cons●antine had suppressed as many constitutions as wrought discord among the wicked , the Churche of Christ had not yet come to his perfect age , but groned in his state and cradle of infancie . There is small heede to be giuen vnto their woordes : for as in this place priestly garmentes are misliked bicause they haue the shew of euill , so in an other place the crosse of Baptisme is condemned , although it signifie the combate which we must fight with our auncient enimies the worlde , the fleshe & the Deuill , vnder the imperial ensigne of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. Wherfore those that can disgest no sober discipline , muste néedes be bridled : But aboue all others those gapers after chaunge & alterations with the loytering Athenians , which as Luke reporteth , Ad Act. 17. nibil aliud vacabant , nisi aut dicere aut audire aliquid noui , Gaue themselues to nothing els , but eyther to tell , or heare some newes , in time must be restrained . And vntill then , he were very simple in my conceipt , that would suspend his verdite vpon their flitting & vnstable faith , which waxeth and waneth with the moone , the authors wherof séeming alwayes desirous of perfection , make wrecke of al good order , & as S. Austine sayeth , labor for nothing more , than non inuenire quod querant , not to finde that they seeke for . Well , seing it is manifest by this , that suche apparell as hath bene mentioned before , worketh discord in none , but those that will be ruled by no order : I come now to the preaching of the gospell , which they say is hindred : but howsoeuer this be affirmed in hast , it will be proued at leysure . For were it is so as they wold ●ow pretend , we haue the more to yéelde them thankes , that hauing long abused the simplicitie and credulitie of the people to their owne confusion , frame an argument therevpon against the sober gouernment & direction of the state . Apparel cannot hinder the preaching of the gospell , but their owne contentious & rebellious wrestling with ciuile pollicie , woulde to God themselues were but aswell enclined to kéeps vnitatem spiritus in vinculo pacis , The vnitie Ephes. 4. of the spirite in the bonde of peace , as they with whome they quarell for suppressing their schismaticall and diuelish faction . It was the presumption of the Pharisies vaunting themselues of verbum domini & Hierem. 8. lex domini nobiscum est , that bred dissention among the people , & not the wholesome doctrine of our sauiour Christ who humbled himselfe to the moste vile and accursed death of all , for our redemption . For little hope is to be had of the medicines working , where the pacient will obserue no order : Euen so must our superintendentes eyes be setled by profitable and frutefull reading , and theyr mindes quite purged of canker and malicious speaking , before eyther they can discerne the outwarde bewtie , or reape the hidden benefite of publike lawes and discipline . Wherefore let them forbeare a while to put toyes in the peoples heades , and no doubte but they will gently and quietly enough be guided and persuaded by their pastours .

Keepyng the memory of Aegypt still amongst vs , maketh no more for the taking away of surplices , than taking downe of Churches : nay in very déede not so much , ) sith the one was but the ornament of the Prieste , the other is the case and shryne of the Idoll . Wherefore , seyng the whole course of the Scripture whereby this principle is alleaged , Omnia munda mundis , Tit. 1. ouerthroweth quite the sandie foundation of this ruynous and vntowarde buylding , I will lette it passe , and briefly answere vnto that whiche is alleadged for brynging the Ministers in contempt . I would to God it were nowe holden in as greate reputation , and reuerenced as muche , as when these things were better thought of . The cause whereof though I ascribe not to the garment , yet is it no impertinent reason to mayntayne , that bothe may stande togither . And touchyng the reason it selfe , ( whiche in Logike , is termed Argumentum commune , bicause it may aswell be brought against them , & a great deal● better , than alleaged by them ) litle is to be sayd more , than that it séemeth to be pitied that so strong a cause as they would this should séeme , can find no better patrones than such as by intemperate zeale bewray the weakenesse of their quarell .

Men are brought by these strange opinions into such a maze of doubts & Labyrinth of confusion , as scant any one amongst a thousand knoweth where to settle his foote for feare of falling . The greater part I feare is poysoned and infected with the rustie sect of Academites , suspending all vpon opinion and probabilitie , but almoste holding and embracing nothing vppon assured groundes or approued certaintie . And yet is this the very fruite and haruest of ambitiouse stryfe for coloured perfection . It is nowe reputed a greate and hayn●use crime to offende a sillie artificer in his ignoraunce , and yet a matter of no waight to offende both lawe & ciuile gouernour , appointed by Gods ordinaunce . Their sight is sharper than eyther Lynx or Argus in other mens dealings , but they themselues more blinde than Betels in their owne behauiour . A mote cannot escape their censure in their neighbours eye , & yet great beames & rafters lie couered vnder their owne . I maruayle what is become lately of charitie , Quae operit multitudinem peccatorum : which Prou. 10. couereth the multitude of sinnes . Well , I can say no more , but God of his mercie abbridge their power , and contine we the shortnesse of their hornes , or els graunt them greater measure of his grace : for euen as day may be discryed at a litle creuise , so this we finde by good experience , that whensoeuer the time shall so much fauour them , or the Prince smile vpon them , that being principes Synagogae , the rulers of the Synagoge , they may lawfully crie out , nos legem habemus , we haue a lawe , the very Iohn . 19. n●●t●ittie and song may be , crucifige eum , crucifie hym . For my parte , I make but small accompt of the mildenesse of that beast , whiche neyther biteth nor scracheth when he lacketh bothe téeth and nayles , but rather say with blessed Augustine to the Donatistes , Saeuire se nolle dicunt , ego non August . Epist. 49. posse arbitror , they say they will not be cruel , but I thinke it is bicause they can not .

Nexte commeth in encouraging of the obstinate : a weapon surely not vnlike to be aforded by suche rude and rustie cutlers . But pitie it is that by grinding out the nickes which it hath already receyued at sundrie frayes and skirmishes , the edge is ground so thinne , as hardly it can ward a freshe encounter withoute cracking quite asunder . Nowe muste M. Cartewright furnishe and prepare him selfe to enter the field , not against D. Whitgifte , but Bishop Ridley , neyther shall he now be matched with a learned Minister , but a worthy Martyr , which thought the continuing of these rites and ornaments in the Churche , a moste perfecte and ready way to agréement and conformitie in religion Of the same iudgement was Cranmer , and the best learned of that companie , which sealed with their bloud the testimonie of their conscience . And thoughe M. Hooper made the matter somewhat dayntie at the first , yet in the ende he disdayned not to prefer other mens knowledge before his owne opinion . If any man obiecte M. Rogers , who by no meanes would be brought to this conformitie , we must craue pardon , dissenting from hym in a poynt more precise than perfect , whiche I trust the rather wil be graunted by M. Cartwright , for that himselfe can not allowe his iudgemente in a matter of great importance , I meane in placing euer euery tenne parishes a superintendent , sithe euery Minister must nowe become bothe Metropolitane , Pope , and parishe Priest , within his owne iurisdiction . But to let examples passe , for couering of this notorious vntruthe , I could first alleage our owne experience , as the surest grounde to proue that men are sooner ledde to lyke of suche a thing as carrieth styll some outwarde shewe and apparance of theyr olde opinion , than where there is no resemblance nor continuaunce at all . Then myghte I presse them wyth examples of former tymes , and presidentes of the beste called and gouerned states , who thoughte it very daungerous to make any chaunge or innouation in causes politike , muche lesse in matters of religion , whiche haue a déeper roote and grounde in conscience , without some shewe or shaddowe of the auncient gouernmente , althoughe the very substance thereof were quite and cleane abolished . So played the Romanes in prescribing twelue Sergeantes , at corners to gyue attendaunce vpon the Consuls , after that the Kinges were quite displaced , bicause so many were wonte to wayte vpon them while they lyued in chiefest authoritie . Agayne , bycause the sacrifice coulde not bée solemnized wythoute the presence and assystaunce of the Prynce , whose gouernmente was quyte suppressed : there was order taken , that for the tyme one shoulde bée appoynted to supplye the rowme , and beare the name of Kyng , ordeyned for the sacrifice , least any thing myghte quayle the peoples deuotion , or offende their conscience . Neyther was this pollicie deuised without great consideration , seeing the common sorte béeing rather guyded by their outward sense , than gouerned by vnderstanding , imagine the later state to be equall with the first , when the eye can discerne no difference : and thereby are the better content to liue in awe and due subiection . Suche simple soules are as well fed with séeing , as hearing , so muche the better , as nature hathe more sufficiently enhabled them by outwarde sense to discerne the one , than knowledge , skill , or experience to iudge of the other . But séeing nothing will content them , but the very Canon of the Scripture , marke whether the same course were not obserued by the kings of Israell and Iuda , whiche may be gathered by the Romanes historie . And first we reade that Dauid ware the crowne of the king of Rabbath , after his famous 2. Sam. 12 2. Chro. 17 victorie . Iehosaphat receyued giftes of the Philistians , as his auncestors had done before him . And euen as the Gentiles sanctified them selues after any pollution , so did the children of Israell after their 2. Chro. 29 transgression . Christ neuer reproueth the Pharisies apparell in the Gospell , but their hipocrisie , leuen , and corruption : and surely by the way I maruell with what conscience they can straine so much at the Papistes tippet , and weare a long gowne , which was the garment both of a Papist and a Pharisie , expressed in the Math. 2 3. Gospell . Did not S. Paule retayne a certayne shadowe and resemblance of the auncient discipline , when he deriued hys vayling of women from the Iewes ( as Tertullian proueth agaynst Marcion ) circumcided Timothie , purified him selfe in Act. 16. Act. 21. Act. 18. the temple after the Iewishe maner , shaued him selfe , with protestation that beeing free , yet had made himselfe , Omnium seruum vt plures lucrifaceret . &c. Seruant vnto all , that he might winne moe : vnto the Iewes 2. Cor. 〈◊〉 . he became as a Iewe. &c. Belike they would be very lothe , to come thus farre on , marching foote by foote with Paule , that so precisely stande on trifles of very small account .

Nowe to proue a prescript kinde of apparel vsed among the ministers , different from the common sorte , I will alleage the selfe same place whiche by them hathe moste corruptly béene abused , to the contrarie . 1. Sam. 28. for after the wicked sorceresse had descried to Saule the coniured spirite vnder the likenesse & resemblance of Samuell , he presently demaunded the forme and maner of his going , and béeing answered that he séemed an olde man clothed in a mantell , presently the King affirmed that of certaynetie it was Samuell , grounding hym selfe as it séemeth , vpon the wearing of his mantell , wherein Samuell differed from the common sorte , whyle he was yet alyue : for otherwyse neyther his hoare heares , nor Mantell , if it had béene common with ten thousande other , coulde haue moued the King so resolutely to persuade hym selfe , that doubtlesse it was Samuell . For other questions of his fauour , lineamentes , or stature , were not in that place demaunded . For confirmation of thys probable coniecture , maye be alleaged , that not onely Elias ware a mantell himselfe in execution of his office , but cast the same vpon Elizeus , when he admitted him to the function and dignitie of a Prophet , saying : Quod meum erat 1. Reg. 19. feci tibi , I haue done vnto thee that whiche apperteyned vnto me : as a man woulde saye : I haue bestowed vpon you the outwarde signe of your election and approbation before God. With which mantell 2. Reg. 2. the waters were afterwarde deuided . Whereby it appeareth playnely , that a Mantell was the speciall and peculiar vesture of a Prophet . Our Sauiour Christe béeing a president for all true and well disposed ministers , ware vestem inconsutilem , a garmente withoute Ioh. 19. seame : and yet can I reade of neuer an Artificer gooing in the same liuerie . We reade that Iohn was apparelled wyth Mar. 1. Cammels heare , and that a gyrdle of leather was about his loynes . And least they shoulde escape wyth hys extraordinarie calling ( whiche is Master Cartwrightes chiefest ●●eyghte , and laste refuge in hys late Replye ) I cann● proue a more common vse of thys garmente , in some whiche boasted not of any extraordinarie vocation : and suche were those godly men which walked vp and downe in mantles and goates skins , whome S. Paule condemneth not of ignorance and superstition , but affirmeth Hebr. 11. the world to be vtterly vnworthy of their vertue . Thus may truth be shadowed for a while , but neuer quite extinguished with colourable dealing : wherefore in myne opinion I thinke a prescript kinde of garment is no more repugnant to the worde of God , béeing vsed by the Ministers , than the Robes of Parliament , Coller , and Garter , with suche like among the Nobilitie , than Lawyers hoodes , or Doctors habites , which béeing aswell signa praedicantis , the tokens of a Preacher , as the surples , M. Cartwright himselfe hath béene content to weare in no closer place than S. Maries Church in Cambridge , and in no lesser companie than the whole Uniuersitie . But nothing striueth agaynst Gods word that serueth our aduersaries turne , though all the Papists in Europe weare it , and though it be as well , or rather a signe of their doctrine , than the surples of their ministerie . But for a conclusion , to make shorte worke , I woulde gladly vnderstande , whether of them selues suche thinges be indifferent , or not : if they graunte them indifferent , both the Prince may lawfully commaunde them , and by this commaundement procéeding from Gods Lieuetenant generall , ministers are enforced to weare them , the Princes Iniunction quite remouing the indifferencie , and restrayning the libertie of the thyng , and byndyng the conscience of hym whiche of pretensed malice breaketh it , for this is , to giue vnto Cesar Math. 22. Rom. 13. the things that are Cesars and to be subiect not onely for feare , but for conscience . For whatsoeuer the Magistrate be , representing Gods authoritie , to resist him is to resiste Gods ordinance , and hasten Gods heauy iudgement : and therefore did our sauiour Christ submit himself to Pilates wicked & vnconscionable dealing , bicause Ioh. 19. his power & commission came not from man , but God. But if they be not indifferent , I graunt S. Peters affirmation , that magis Act. 4. parendum est deo quàm hominibus , it is better to obey God than man , appealing to these Precisians answere , before the high Commissioners at Lambeth . 1571. for disprofe of this assertion , where they were content to graunt indifferency in these things , and yet restrayned the Prince from commaunding them . I could likewyse set all the Germans in a ranke agaynst suche friuolous and wrangling Pastors , declaring both in their publike workes , and their priuate letters , a contrary iudgement . For bothe Peter Martyr hauing at large declared the nature of indifferent things , concludeth in these wordes : Parendum Mart. in . 1. Reg. 18. est igitur Magistratu● in adiaphoris quamuis dura interdum & grauia videntur , we must obey the Magistrate in indifferent matters , although they seeme somtime to be hard & burdenous . And Luther , Bucer , & all the rest , mainteine the same opinion . Wherfore leauing out the opinions of our auncient fathers in this article of prescripte apparell , bicause they are reputed as suspected witnesses , and withall omitting Caluines iudgement touching the antiquitie Insti . lib. 4. cap. 5. of the same , I will héere conclude , desiring God to graunt our precise Apostles greater store & plentie of his grace , & poure into them either lesse abilitie to ●urt , or better wil to benefit the church of Christ .

Here is good occasion offered to deale in the defense of h●r Maiesties supremacie , but séeing the Bishop of Sarisburie his argumentes agaynst D. Harding maye serue as fitly for impugning of these assertions , I thinke no more can be wel sayd , than is already printed . And therfore leaue to your learned considerations that which can not be repeted without some tediousnesse .