The letters patents of the presbyterie vvith the plea and fruits of the prelacie. Manifested out of the scriptures, fathers, ecclesiasticall histories, Papists, and sundrie other authors. By Iames Peregrin.

THE LETTERS PATENTS OF THE PRESBYTERIE , With the Plea and fruites of the Prelacie .

MAn , fallen in Adam , going after his owne vnderstanding in spirituall things , walketh on in darknes , and oft thinketh himselfe in the right way , when he erreth & knoweth not whether he goeth : wherein who is many times mort blinde in som things , then he that thinks himselfe perfit , a Scribe , and a messenger fit for the kingdome of God ? wherefore our Sauiour thanketh his Father , that he had hid these things from this wise & learned , Mat. 11. 1. Cor. 1.20 . & reuealed them to babes . And the Apostle saith , where is the wise ? where is the Scribe ? where is the disputer of this world ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world ? But least som man might here say , If this be oft the case of Rabbins , Doctours and Guides , what shall become of their poore Disciples ? If the Shepheards erre , the sheepe must needes wander , and be in a worse estate : the Lord in his greate mercie promised , Ioel 2.28 . Isa. 44.3 . Chap. 42.16 . 1. Cor. 1.27 . that he would powre out of his spirit vpon all flesh , vpon theirs seede and ofspring : and make the blinde to see . Which he so fully performed , as to choose to foolish things of the world to confound the wise . And yet because many would pretend the Spirit that manifest litle , but som few well knowne principles , & the vision of their owne heart , and that they wrest the Scriptures to confirme it , he bids his people trie the spirits , and addeth , these gracious promises , fulfilled in the Gospell , Ier. 31.34 . They shall all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them . 1. Cor. 2.16 . The spirituall man discerneth all things . Neuerthelēs to shew they should come to it by a Rule , he had said , A law shall proceede from me , Isa. 51.4 . & I will make my iudgment to rest for a light of the people , mine armes shall iudge the people . chap. 2.3 . The Iles shall waite upon me , and on mine Arme shall they trust . That is on my word . For the Prophets had said , Mich. 4.2 . The Law shall goe forth of Sion , and the word of the Lord out of Ierusalem , And he shall iudge amonge the nations : 2. Tim. 3.15.16 . euen in this world : The reuealed word is sufficient in all matters of faith and saluation , For doctrine reproofe , and instruction , that the man of God may be perfit .

The holy Ghost teacheth that which Christ hath spoken , Ioh. 16. and no other doctrine , for saith our Lord , He shall not speake of himselfe , but whatsoeuer he shall heare , that shall he speake , and he will shew you things to come ( as the things in the Reuelation , Reuel. 4.1 . that some shall depart from the faith , & the like . ) He shall take of mine and shew unto you . Ioh 15.15 . For he had said , All things that I haue heard of my Father , I haue made knowne vnto you : * * Act. 20.27 . therefore the holy Ghost brought all these to their remembrance : and they haue declared to vs all that councell of God . That which is written , is that which Christ hath spoken to them , 1. Ioh. 1.3 . as Iohn saith , That which wee haue seene and heard declare wee unto you , that is to say in these our writings , that ye also may haue fellovship with vs , that is in the knowledge of these things , and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Sonne Iesus Christ , that is in knowing the * * 1. Cor. 2.16 . minde of God . He excepteth nothing reuealed , whether it be aboute the conuersion and perseuerance of the Saints , or Predestination it selfe , so far as it is reuealed in the Scripture . This word is an * * Cant. 3.4 . Psa. 45.1 . ointment powred out . It ministreth grace in them that art his . Grace was powred into his lips : and saith Iohn , ye neede not that any man teach you , but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things , 1. Ioh. 2.27 . and is truth and is no lie : Which I will no further vrge against the vnwritten verities , presumptions , errours and blasphemies of the Church of Rome . For he , who is the word , saith , I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walke in in darknesse , but shall haue the light of life . Ioh. 8.12 . And this is not only meant of Apostles and Doctors , but of euerie true beleeuer , as he saith , I am come a light into the world , chap. 12.46.40 . that whosoeuer beleeueth on me should not abide in darknesse . And to shew vs that in all matters of faith wee ought to be iudged by the reuealed word now , since wee must , whether wee will or no , be iudged by it at the last day , he addeth , He that reiecteth me , and receiueth not my words , hath one that iudgeth him : the word that I haue spoken , he shall iudge him in the last day . Certaine it is , that Christ as he is the eteernall word manifested and preached , is the only Iudge and Gouernour of his church in matters of faith & saluation : therefore it is said to him , Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies . Psa. 110. The kingdome , Dan. 7.14 . and dominion vnder the whole heauen is giuen to him , who is the Arme of God that should rule for him . God ruleth by his power for euer , that is by his word ; Isa. 40.10 . of whome is saide , I will giue thee for a couenant of the people , Psa. 66.2 . for a light of the Gentiles . I haue set my King upon my holy hill of Sion . He shall reigne ouer the House of Iacob for euer . Luk. 1.33 .

BVt because hereticks , and prophane and vnruly persons , would arise in the church : & there must needes be some orders & officers in the church , before whom such might be conuented , & by whose paines in alleadging the scriptures , they might be conuinced , reformed & ordered : Act. 20. he ordained som to be ouerseers of the flock , that should not be nouices , but well gronded in the faith , 1. Tim. 3.6 to hold fast the faithfull word as they haue bene taught , Tit. 1.9 . that they may be able by sound doctrin both to exhort and conuince the gainsayers . Which while they faithfully doe , without pressing for doctrines the commandements of men : it is not so much , they that rule , as Christ the word that ruleth in them : Isaie 9.6 . chap. 11.4 . therefore it is said : The gouernment shall be vpon his shoulders . He shall smite the earth with the rod of of his mouth . And so they are subordinate Shepheards and Bishops to feed the flock , to keepe and reduce the sheepe vnto the obedience of the chiefe Shepheard & Bishop of theire soules , 1. Pet. 2.25 chap. 5.4 . which is Christ . In regard whereof , the weapons of theire warfare are not carnall , but mightie through God , to the pulling downe of strong holds , 2. Cor. 10.4 casting downe imaginations , and euerie high thought , that exalteth it selfe against the knowledge of God , and bringing into captiuitie euery thought to the obedience of Christ .

The greatest question is aboute the dignitie , iurisdiction , power and authoritie of these Officers , and especially of the office of a Bishop : whether by Gods Testament , and ordinance it be to superintend ouer other Pastors and Elders in a diocesse or Prouince : or , as others affirme , Pastoral , ouer one flocke and congregation , wherein he is an Elder , and with other Elders an ouerseer of the same . In which controuersie , men , that are not willingly ignorant , or wilfully obstinate and blind , may receiue full satisfaction by the cleere testimonies of Scripture , and consent of the Fathers , shewing vs the old and good way that all should seeke & follow . Whereas he that commeth with a scoffing , or preuidicate censure , speaking euill of the things he knowes not , Iude 10. Pro. 3.22 . Pro. 14.6 . Psa. 25.14 . or in frowardnes will not know , can not so easily discerne the Truth . Ascorner seeketh wisdome , and findeth it not , but knowledge is easy to him that will vnderstand , The secret of the lord is with them that feare him , and he will shew them his couenant .

When Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles had first preached the Gospell in diuers of their cities , he & Barnabas retourned againe to Lystra , & to Iconium , and Antioch , Act. 13. chap. 14.21.22.23 . to confirme the soules of the Disciples , & exhort them to continue in the faith : & then it is said expresly , They ordained them Elders in euerie church by election . The word in the Greeke is Presbuterois Presbyters or Elders . Of it comes the Latin word Presbyter , which signifies an Elder : and which , as all confesse , in the primatiue ages of the church , was giuen ( if not to som others , yet at least ) to euerie ordinarie Pastor , of euerie congregation , in regard , that he , watched ouer the flock , to keepe them sound in the saith , and holy in life and manners . In place of those that men call parsons , or Curates of seuerall Parishes , there were then presbiters of seuerall congregations . Nicod . Dictionar . French and Latin . Our word preist seemes to come from the French word Prestre a preist , which , as Nicod obserueth , properlie signifies an Elder or presbiter : though after the masse was vnderstood to be a Sacrifice , offered by the hand of presbiters , the name prestre or preist remained , but was also corruptly applied to a Sacrificer or Masse preist , & in time was only taken in that sense both in France , and elswhere . Wherein we may answere with our Sauiour , from the beginning , it was not so ; but a Preist , that was a Presbiter or Elder : therfore throughout the whole booke of God , where there is any speech of those orders of Aarons Sons , that waited at the Altar , the french Protestants do not in their Bibles translate it preist , but Sacrificer : & blame vs that wee do not the like , to distinguish them & all masse mongers from the presbiters or priests ordained in the new Testament . Indeede Reuel . 1. Christ is s●●de to make vs kings & Hiereis , Sacrificers , where you haue the same word that in the Septuagint , and in the Gospell is put for the Iewish Sacricificers : but this is by Iohn mysticallie applied to all true Christians , and is not here Presbuterois , Presbiters , but a word far different , and therefore can not be vnderstood of the office , and ministrie of the Presbyters ordained by the Apostles . In the new Testament mention is oft made of these Presbyters or Elders . Act. 15.2.4.6 . Paul , Barnabas , and others were sent to Ierusalem vnto the Apostles , and Elders : when they came thither . vers. 22. They were receiued of the church , and of the Apostles and Elders . And the Apostles , and Elders came together , Act. 16.4 . to consider of this matter . Then it pleased the Apostles , and Elders , with the whole church . And wrote letters , The Apostles , chap. 10.17.18 . &c. and Elders , and brethren send greeting . They deliuered them , the decrees that were ordained of the Apostles , and Elders . From Miletus he sent to Ephesus , & called the Elders of the church : and said vnto them , ye know from the first daie that I came into Asia &c. vers. 28. Take heede therefore vnto your selues , and to all the flock ouer which the holy Ghost hath made you Bishops , to feede the church of God . The new translation reads it Ouerseers , but the word is Episcopus , Bishops , the same , that is vsed 1. Tim. 3. A Bishop must be blamelesse &c. Indeede both there , and here it may be translated a Bishop , or an Ouerseer . For in the original , as a Presbiter is an Elder , so a Bishop is an Ouerseer . But marke he saith to the Presbyters , Take heede to all the flock ouer which the holy Ghost hath made you Bishops to feede , &c. Whence it is infalliblie plaine 1. That the Presbiterall gouernment is the expresse ordinance of the holy Ghost , Ioh. 16. who changeth not : and of whome Christ saith , He shall not speake of himselfe : for he shall take of mine & shew vnto you . Heb. 13. Now Christ is yesterdaie , and to daie , and the same also for euer . This ordinance is therefore vnalterable . 2. That Elders by Christs ordinance are , or ought to be , ouer euery congregation . Take heede to all the flock ouer which the holy Ghost hath made you Bishops . Act 14 23 So Paul and Barnabas ordained them Elders in euerie church by election , & Paul saith to Titus , I left thee in Creete , to set in order the things that are wanting , Tit. 1.5 . &c. ordaine Elders in euerie citie , as I had appointed thee . For a whole prouince , or diocesse is to greate a flock for one man , he can not take heede to all the flock , as the Elders of one church may .

3. That their office is to feede the flock , & church of God , which one man can not doe in a whole Diocesse , & when they haue occasion to binde or loose , to reproue , correct , or comfort , to excommunicate , or restore , that must also be by the word : for it is he that in iust causes giues them authority , themselues are not Lords of Gods heritage , as S Peter saith , 1. Pet. 5.3 to doe it at their owne pleasure , by their owne rules , and traditions , but * * 1. Cor. 5.4 with the power of Christ . For he smites the earth , with the rod of his mouth .

4. That the holy Ghost hath made the Presbiters Bishops ouer the flock . For the words are peremptorie , Take heede to your selues , & to all the flock , ouer which the holy Ghost hath made you Bishops : there were diuers Elders of the church of phesus & the places that bordered neer it , as of that of Philippi , or Ierusalem act. 21.18 . to them all Paul saith , The holy Ghost hath made you bishops , to feede the church , So Phil. 1. To all the saints which are at Philippi with the Bishops & Deacons : that is , with the Elders , presbiters , Phil. 1.1 . and deacons : for ye see the presbiters are bishops : or otherwise you must graunt , that there were more bishops then one in 〈◊〉 citie : therefore Theodore well vnderstands it of the presbiters : which Bellarmine , obseruing can not denie , Bellar. de Clericis l 4 c. 14. Tit. 1.5.6.7 . but that here also presbiters are called Bishops . Which is yet more cleere by that to Titus , I left thee in Creete , that thou shouldest ●●daine presbiters in euerie citie , if any be blamelesse , the husband of one wife , haueing faithfull children not accused of riot ●r vnrulie for a bishop , ( that is the Presbiter before mentioned ) must be blamelesse , &c. Vbi supra . All which places are so cleare that Bellarmine confesseth , that in them all the presbiters are called Bishops , & consequently , that the Trent fathers cried , who would proue , that Diocessan Bishops are instituted by Christ and superiour to Presbyters iure diuino , Histor. of the councel of Trent . pag. 597. 598. english . because Paul saith , Take heede to all the flock ouer which the holy Ghost hath made you Bishops : which by his owne confession is spoken to Presbyters : therefore he answers to all the three places verrie poorely , that in those daies , these names Bishop & Presbyter were common to all preists , as if Phil. 1. with the Bishops and deacons , the sense must be thus , With the Preists & theire ministers the deacons : which is a weake shift of a Iesuit and so learned a Cardinal . For did the Apostle call the presbyters , Bishops in all these three places , & say the holy Ghost had made them Bishops ouer the flocke , & yet are they not so ? And if it were then a name so common to all preists , why should it now be thus restrained to one in a countie or prouince ? and he accounted an heretick , that with the holy Ghost affirmeth , the presbiters to be Bishops , as in these three places ?

And therefore out of all doubt , 1. Tim. 3. when Paul saith , If any man desire the office of a Bishop , he desireth a good worke , &c. That is the office of a presbiter or Elder , who is a Bishop , & that so he addeth , These things write I unto thee , that thou mightest know how thou ( a Bishop or presbiter ) oughtest to behaue thy selfe . Otherwise he would not haue passed , as he doth from the duty of a Bishop to the duty of a deacon : but rather first from the duty of a Bishop to the duty of a presbiter or pastor , that is , if it had not beene one and the fame office , somtime set forth vnder the name of an Elder or presbiter , Tit. 1.5.6.7 . & somtime of a Bishop , as in that to Titus before alleadged ( which shewes vs that when it is said of Titus , that he was ordained the first Bishop of the Cretians , that must needes be the first presbiter , Chrisost. in 1. Tim. 3. & so Timothie . ( 2. Tim. in fin . ) which in effect is acknowledged by Chrysos . in his Comentarie on that chapter to Timothie , who , though he liued in a time when canons , custom , and cloaked ambition had made a litle difference , saith , There is almost no difference betweene a Bishop and a presbyter , seeing the care of the church is also graunted to the presbyters : surely by giuing of orders only they are their superiours , & herein they only seeme to be more then the presbiters . Bellarmin acknowledgeth that Primasius , Bellar. de clerìcis , l. 4. c. 14. Theophilact and Oecumenius , in their Comentaries vpon the same place do teach the same thing , & almost in the same words . Wherin they come but litle short of that , which is more plainly affirmed by Hierom , on the first of Titus . Hieron . in Tit. 1. A presbiter and a Bishop is one and the same thing : and before by the instinct of the deuil , factions were made in religion , and it was said among the people : I am of Paul , I of Apollo & I of Cephas , the churches were gouerned by the common consent of the presbiters : but after euery one thought those which he had baptised to be his , not Christs , it was ordained in all the world , that one chosen from among the presbiters should be set ouer the rest , unto whome all the care of the church should pertaine , and the seedes of Sbhismes should be taken away . And a litle lower . As therfore presbiters know themselues to be subiect by the custome of the church to him that is set ouer them , so let the Bishops know , it is rather by the custom of the church , then by any disposition of the diuine truth , that they are greater then the presbiters , and that the church ought to be gouerned in commune . Vbi supra . Bellarmin doth not only cite these places thus , but confesseth farther that Hieron . hath the like things in his 85. Epistle to Euagrius . Yet he would faine haue it thought that Hieron . held a Bishop to be greater then a presbiter iure diuino : contenting himselfe , for lack of a better , to take that for a sufficient proofe , where he saith to Euagrius , what doth the Bishop , giueing of orders excepted , which the presbiter may not also doe ? whereas indeede this doth rather proue the contrarie , namely that presbiters had decisiue voices in councels , might excommunicate , or doe any thing else in their flocks , belonging to gouernment , saue the giuing of orders , this beeing all the difference of power and authority , the Bishops had them gained .

Wherein you must needes vnderstand him as before , that it is rather by the custome of the church , then any disposition of the diuine truth , that they were herein greater then the Elders : the same or the like humain ordinance & custom , which restrained the title of a Bishop to one in a Diocesse , which before was common to all presbiters , gaue him also the sole power of giuing of orders , which before belonged to presbiters in common , 1. Tim. 4.14 . as is cleere by that , Neglect not the gift that is in thee , which was giuen thee by prophesie , with the laying on of the hands of the presbiterie . Kemnitius therefore doth well obserue here , Vbi supra . that a Bishop may be ordained by Presbiters , therefore there is no difference betweene a Bishop and a presbiter . Bellarmin hereat offended answers with the Greekes verie weakely , By the presbiterall name , they vnderstood the quire or companie of the presbiters , that i● of the Bishops , which laide their hands on the new bishop . They that laied their hands on him were presbiters , but that is ( say Bellarmin and others ) Bishops . So saith S. Paul , and so say wee , presbiters are bishops . Indeed Bellarmin and the Greekes , do rather meane the bishops were presbiters ; but it is as true the presbiters are bishops , and that the loue of proffit or preeminence , or mens care to saue the honour of their church , and customs , haue blinded many , that they can not see a thing so cleere , that by imposition of hands of the presbiterie , he was made a presbiter , that is a bishop . Where wee must vnderstand , that they only laide their hands on those that were chosen by voices or hands . For it is said . They ordained them Elders by suffrages , Act. 14.23 , Beza annot as Beza obserueth out of the Greeke word Which commeth from a custome of the Greeks , who gaue their suffrages , by holding vp their hands . And , saith he , the force of this word Keirotonesantes , is to be obserued , that wee may know , that Paul and Barnabas did nothing of a priuate will , neither excercised any tirannie in the church , like that which is vsed by the Romish harlot , Idem Annota . in 1. Tim. 4.14 . or her pages , which they call ordinaries . So as he sheweth , was the gift of prophesie , giuen to Timothie with the laying on of the hands of the Presbiters . And thus is that to be vnderstood , lay hands sodainlie on noe man , &c. that is doe not , what in thee lieth , sodainlie to admit any man to any Eclesiasticall function , Idem in cap. 5.22 . for neither did all authoritie reside in the power of Timothie alone , but the Election was made by the suffrages of the whole church , as wee said on Act. 14.23 . and as is cleere by the election of Mathias , and of the deacons , & lastlie by this that with the laying on of the hands of the Presbiterie , the man chosen was consecrated to the Lord , as 1. Tim. 4.14 . Idem in Tit. 1. By these places , as he sheweth , is that of Titus to be expounded , That thou shouldest ordaine them Elders , that is by suffrages , as Act. 14.23 . by which place you may vnderstand why he addeth , as had appointed thee , see also 1. Tim. 5.22 . For in the choice of Mathias , nothing is carried by Peter , Idem in Act. 1. as by one endued with more excellent dignitie but by the suffrages of the whole church , there assembled : It is said : They appointed two . So for deacons the Apostles said : Looke ye out among you seauen men , &c. then it is added . And the saying pleased the whole multitude , And they chose Steuen , Act. 6.3 . &c. And set them before the Apostles , & when they had praied , they laid their hands on them . Therefore lay hands sodainly on no man , that is till he be well , & aduisedly chosen , & praiers be made with fasting . Which is spoken to all presbiters in his person , & especially to himselfe , as beeing both a presbiter & an Euangelist , which is greater . And thus indeede Paul left Titus to ordaine them presbiters in euerie citie , Tit. 1.5.7 . that is by suffrages , as he had done Act. 14.25 . Otherwise Titus should seeme to haue had an office like that , Histor. of the counc . of Trent . pag. 611. which the papalins in Trent chalenged for the Pope , to be a bishop of bishops , that other bishops should receiue institution & iurisdiction from him . For these presbiters are called Bishops vers. 7. but this makes not Titus a presbiter of presbiters , that is a Bishop of Bishops , much lesse doth it giue it to any other or infer that he must haue one to succeede him in such office .

It is obiected that Paul saith , 1. Tim. 5.19 . against a presbiter , receiue not an accusation , but before two or three witnesses . * * Vbi supra Where saith Bellarmin , we see a Bishop , in the time of the Apostles , the Iudge of the presbiters : therefore their true prince & superiour . I answer this can not be 1. Mat. 20.25 Because Christ saith to his Disciples , ye know that the Prince of the Gentiles exercises dominion ouer them , and they that are greate exercise authoritie upon them , But it shall not be so among you . And S. Peter saith to the presbiters , take the ouersight of the flock , not as beeing Lords ouer Gods heritage : much lesse as Lords ouer other presbiters , for that were to make one a Bishops of Bishops , or the Pope of a prouince . 2. That Timothie was the first presbiter or Bishop in that church , and not only an Euangelist , which is greater , but a man of exterordinarie gifts : therfore S. Paul writes to him an Elder , what course he and all Elders are to take , if any of their number be accused before them , as he saith , that thou mightest know how to behaue thy selfe , 5. tim . 3.15 &c , For all the Elders vsed to meete in such greate cases : and oft times other brethren also of the congregation Act. 15.6.20.23 . Paul saith to the Corinthians when ye are gathered together , 3. cor. 5.4 . and my spirit with the power of our Lord Iesus Christ , Mat. 18.17 deliuer such a one unto Satan . In which sense Christ saith , If he shall neglect to heare two or three , tell it to the church : but if he neglect to heare the church , let him be unto thee as a heathen . And Paul bids the presbyters to take heede to themselues , Act. 20. and to all the flocke ouer which the holy Ghost had made them Bishops : for of your owne selues shall men arise speaking Peruerse things : somtime the deuill may bring an Elder to that wickednesse , and then ye see the other Elders are the Bishops that are to looke to it , and reforme it , 1. Cor. 14.31 . that office is not giuen to one in a diocesse . For as the Spirits of the Prophets are subiect to the Prophets . So the Spirits of the Elders must in such cases be subiect to the Elders . Wheras if a Bishop fall into such faults like the Appealer , he will be subiect to none : who dare aske him ? you will say the Archbishop : but if the Archbishop be corrupt and mightie in court , who dare once taxe him ? The Pope . Adde he can not erre , or all is nothing . Such an endles labarinth , followes this humaine inuention of diocessan , and prouinciall Bishops : which hath and doth make wickednes abound , because it hath not so good meanes to stay and represse it , as the Eldership hath : 1. Cor. 12.28 . which v● as ordained for that end , not by man but by God himselfe . God hath set some in the church first Apostles , secondarily Prophets , thirdly Teachers then miracles , the gifts of healing , helpers , Gouernors , &c. these last are two distinct offices as Ar. Montan. Beza , and others reade them , * * Beza . Annot. in hoc lec . vnderstanding the helpers to be deacons , that helped the poore & sick And Gouernours to declare the order of the presbyters , who were keepers of the discipline of the church , as wee said elswhere . To whom then belongeth the Gouernment , but to those that God hath set in the church ? Now wee can reade of no others that he set to gouerne , besides the Apostles and Euangelist , but presbyters . Hath God then set them for Gouernours in the church , & will men presume to supplant them , and set others ? Dare men say that the gouernment , by diocessan Bishops , ordained by men is better then this of Elders , ordained by God ? To whome indeede God must needes giue a better blessing , as beeing his owne ordinance , he hath set them in the church . Neither doth that proue the contrarie , because in Amsterdam , and som other cities of Holland , there are many Religions : for neither Bishops , if they had such , nor Elders can hinder it , if the pollicie suffer them . But looke into the reformed churches there , in France , and elswhere , and you shall finde them better gouerned : and much better would be , if som burgers to enritch themselues , and get places of authority , or a league , & trade with Spaine , did not waxe negligent in religion , and for such ends turne Arminians and newters . If an Apostle were now liuing , and should write an Epistle to Mr. Moulin pastor and Elder in Sedan : Against an Elder receiue not an accusation vnder two or there witnesses , that would not argue , that he were ouer other Pastors and Elders in the prouince ; nor as a Lord in his owne congregation : but rather what were his duty , yea the duty of all Elders assembled in such a case .

The Apostle recounting all the officers , and Gouernours of the church , Ephes. 4. saith , He gaue some Apostles : and some Prophets : and some Pastors , and Teachers : where he neither names Bishops nor Elders , much lesse both , as two distinct callings , because the Pastor by his place was a Presbiter , and so a Bishop properlie , & the deacons had the care of the Almes . In such a church , as that of Ephesus or Philippi , there were diuers , who were teachers and helpers , but one who was somewhat more properlie the Pastor , and so the bishop of that flock : therefore though the charge go to all the Elders , Take beede to your selues , Reuel. 2. and to all the flocke , &c ▪ yet this is somwhat more especiallie applied to him that is pastor , and so the first Elder or bishop . Vnto the Angel of the church of Ephesus write , that is to the pastor . Euen as in the church of Paris at this day , which is one congregation , of about six thousand communicants , there are three preachers , who are all Elders to feede the flock , yet one of them is reckoned the pastor , & the other two helpers : the like in Diepe , and diuers other cities , where they liue among persecuting Papists , as the old Christians did among the heathen : hauing but one congregation or flock in a citie . In some lesser cities , or where there are fewer protestants , there is only a pastor with lay Elders . And thus out of all doubt , Act. 14. Tit. 1.5 . it was in the primatiue church , till after the death of the Apostles , who ordained Elders in euerie church , and citie , where one was the pastor , yet in matter of gouernment , all the Elders of a church ruled together , by common consent : euen in Ierusalem things were not done without the Elders , but the decrees went out in all their names . When Paul went last to Ierusalem , there were diuers with him : But , saith Luke , Act. 21.18 . Paul went in with vs to Iames , & all the Elders were present . The Apostle would doe nothing without them . Therefore Paul saith , 1. Tim. 5.17 . Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour , espectiallie they who labour in the word & doctrine . Whence also som collect , that there were som Elders , that were not ministers , but lay-men of the more understanding , & best gouerned sort . Howsoeuer , ye see they had all share in the gouernment were it with Timothie , Titus , or whosoeuer . For these were not greater then the Apostles , which was the highest calling in the church : yet euen with them in Ierusalem , there were Elders , as it were in ioynt commission for matter of gouernment : they themselues tooke on them this office , & disdained not to be reckoned with other presbiters . Peter saith , 1. Pet. 5.1 . The * * or Elders . 2. Ioh. presbiters which are among you , I exhort , who am also Sumpresbuteros a fellow presbiter : and Iohn , that might haue said , The Apostle , chooseth rather to say , The Elder to the elect ladie , The * * or Elder . Presbiter to the welbeloued Gaius .

None of the Apostles are in the new Testament called bishops , but presbiters , because a presbiter was a bishop , & then a name of no lesse honour , but rather of greater , beeing . Indeed one and the same pastorall office in euerie congregation , it was the highest in the church next the Apostles , Euangelists , and pastors , the Elders beeing the officers , which God had appointed to gouern his church to the worlds end . The holy Ghost saith not Bishops , least afterward it should haue bene taken for diocessan Bishops but Elders . Neither doth Iohn set the Pope , or any Bishop , but Christ among them , as their only head , for chap. 5. Christ standeth in the midst of the throne , and in the midst of the Elders , to shew they truly belong to his gouernment , as diocessan Bishops , so that of Antichrist It was stoutly defended in the councell of Trent , Histor. of the concell of Trent . pag. 599. & 613. Rom. 13.1 . that they held , of the Pope & not immediately of God True not so rightly as the Elders doe : nor yet in a manner so litle digressing as the first diocessan Bishops did , as we shall further see in the sequel : therfore they are not so truly of Gods Kingdome , but rather of a contrarie , For indeede There is no power but of God : The powers that be are ordained of God . Whence it followes , that all powers , much more those that gouerne the church , must be ordained of God , or else they be not lawfull . Now this can not be said of the Pope and Cardinals nor of Diocessan , Bishops : for these were not ordained of God , but of men . Ergo &c. They are indeede against Elders which are the powers ordained of God . Whosoeuer therefore resisteth these powers , resisteth the ordinance of God . One of the Elders speakes to Iohn concerning the Martirs , Reuel. 7. that suffered in the ten persecutions , signified by those troubles that followed the opening of the seauen seales , then past & gone . And though whilst the woman , the true Church fled , and remained in the wildernes from Antichristian titannie and superstition , their gouernment must needes be hid , and persecured with her : yet when the Gospell is restored , the Temple of God opened , & diuers kingdoms of this world , became the kingdoms of our Lord , Reuel . 11. and of his Christ , the Elders worship & giue thanks : as also when Babilon is destroied : & herevpon it is said : The Lord God omnipotent reighneth : that is in his word and ordinances . ●hap. 194.5.6 . Elders are then restored , whereas before she & her traditions , & hierarchie gouerned churches . For in that they are euer thus about the throne , on Seates , both before & after Babilon is destroied , this sheweth that they are the only spirituall Rulers , ordained by God ; to gouerne his church vnder Christ , to the worlds end , and by him set about his throne , as those which by his ordinance haue had the Ecclesiasticall gouernment , ought still to haue it by the furtherance of Christian kings , and princes , that are nursing fathers , and in Gods good time shall haue it againe . Christ wiloe in the midst of the Elders . Both that of the Bishop of Rome , and of all other diocessian , and prouinciall Bishops , shall be ouerthrowen : Isa 9.7 . Heb. 2.8 . and then of the increase of his gouernment , and peace there shall be no ende . but he will put all things in subiection vnder his feete . Which all as well high as low , should endeauour to know , that knowing it , when in praier they say , thy kingdome come , in heart they may both pray , that God would sent it , and vse the best meanes they can to effect it .

By all which is manifest , that the Presbiters , were the Bishops and Gouernours of the church , in the time of the Apostles , & a while after : and that the preeminence , which after some one in a prouince obtained , was by consent and custome , & not by authoritie of Scripture . Which is ingeniously acknowledged by S. Austin . August , in Epist. 19. ad Hibron . quae iam Ecclesiae vsus obtinuit . Ambros . comment . in cap. 4. ad Ephes. Bellar. de clericis l. 4. cap. 4. For although according to the termes of honour , which now the vse of the church hath obtained , a Bishop which is greater then the Presbiterie , neuerthelesse , Austin is in many things lesse then Hierom , Note those words , which now the custom of the church hath obtained , he saith not which is giuen in the new Testament . Ambrose saith , that of old the antienter Presbiters , were called bishops , that the eldest dying , the next might succeede him : but because the following presbiters , began to be found vnworthy to hold the primacie , the reason was changed wisdome foreseeing that not order but merrit should make a bishop , he was ordained by the choice of manie preists . Whence wee see , that the litle primacie , & authoritie the bishop had in his time gained , was not obtained all at a time , but by degrees : wherin things had bene still altered . Bellar. ' de clericis lib 4. cap. 14. Wich Bellarmin would faine denie , but can not : striuing to make nothing of these , & al other proofes : without daring to taske these fathers of heresie : which yet he boldly fastens on Caluin , Caluin . l. 4 Instit. c. 4. Kemnitius , and others for holding the same things , and producing these proofes . Caluin , saith he , speakes thus , Such as to whome the duty of teaching was enioined , were named presbiters , they out of their number in diuers cities , choose one to whom they specially gaue the title of a bishop , least out of equalitie , as it is wont to be , discords should arise : yet was not the bishop so the superiour in dignitie , and honour , that he should haue lordship ouer his collegues : but looke what priueleidges a Consull hath in the Senate , to make report of the buisnesses , that by aduising , warning , & perswading he may preceede others , gouern the whole action by his authoritie , and put in execution that , which is determined by common consent : the same office had the bishop in the companie of the presbiters : and that this verie thing was brought in for the necessitie of the time by humaine consent , the ancient fathers themselues confesse it , ye haue heard their testimonie . Against this Bellarmin for lack of better proofes alleadgeth the Acts of the Councell of Trent , Vbi supra . wherein the bishops were Iudges in their owne cause , as they had euer beene since the Councell of Nice .

In Trent it was alleadged that the Augustin confession put noe difference betweene a bishop , Histor. of the Counc . of Trent . pag. 606. and a preist , but by humaine constitution , and affirmed the superioritie of bishops was first by custome , and after by Ecclesiasticall constitution . Which those Trent fathers would faine haue disproued , but could not . For though in the age after the Apostles , custome had brought in a kinde of diocessan bishops to preside in Synods , yet in other respects , they were reckoned among other presbiters , Euseb. Hist. Ecclesiast. lib. 5. c. 22.23.24 . till about the yeere 195. when Victor presbiter or bishop of Rome , tooke on him to excommunicate the churches of Asia , about the feast of Easter , and for it , as Eusebius sheweth , was reproued by sundrie bishops : among the rest by Ireneus in an Epistle to Victor . The Preists , saith he , which before Soter presided in that church , which you now gouerne , namely , Anicetus , Pius , Higinus , Telesphorus , and Xistus , neither obserued that day themselues , nor suffered others to obserue it , yet they kept peace with others that did : where note he calleth them not bishops but Preists , * * or presbiters . notwithstanding the eminencie of that church , and the custome of presiding among other presbiters , as a kinde of diocessan : because a presbiter was a bishop . Againe , But the preist which were before you sent vnto them , &c. So fared it betweene Policarpus , and Anicetus the priest , that is the bishop of Rome . It is true that after this proud and rash act of Victor , the bishop of Rome grew greater , & the name of a bishop came to be more restrained to those that liued in greate cities , and presided in Synods : as also by that act of Steuen bishop of Rome , who attempted ●o restore Basilides & Martialis two bishops of Spaine about the yeere 250. And as Monsieur du Plesses obserueth * * Myster . of Iniquit . in the councell held at Rome vnder Syluester an. 324. the Preists stood behind the place where the bishops sate . And in the concell of Nice , held the yere after , Concil. Nicen. 1. can. 6.7 . the 6. canon is read in these words , let the ancient customes be obserued , which are in Egipt , Lybia , & Pentapolis , so that the bishop which is in Alexandria haue authoritie ouer all these , because such also is the manner or custome of the bishop of Rome . Which is but a weake authority for prouincial bishops , seeing the canon confesseth , that it had beene only a thing of custom : wheras if it had bene an Apostolick institution , the concell would rather haue alledged that . Mounsieur du * * Vbi supra . Plesses proues that many of the Ancient call it a custome .

Other things aduanced this dignity , & the wrath of God for it . Cyprian . l. de lapsis . Euseb. lib. 8. cap. 1. Cyprian yealdeth this reason of the persecution of Decius , because euerie man slept in the coueteous desires of his owne heart . Which he sheweth in the clergie . Eusebius giues a like reason of the succeeding persecution of Dioclesian , There was , saith he , amongst vs nought els , but cursed speakings , & continuall iarres of prelates , falling out with Prelates , & congregations with congregations : They also which seemed to be pastors , casting of this law , and rule of pietie kindled contentions betweene themselues , seeking only to increase debates , threats , iealousies , heart burnings and reuenge , with an immoderate desire to command and sway , as in a Tyrannie . It is easie to conceiue , that when peace and plentie came in , all things would waxe worse . Constantine to bring his people to Christianitie , Anno 330. Damasus & Anastas . in vita Sylvest. as he pulled downe Idolatrie , so he applied the reuenues of their Temples , to the maintenance of the Christian churches : and besides gaue them other great gifts : his greatest Princes , beeing conuerted , did the like , as appeares in the life of Syluest , and by Cedranus his Historie . S. Hierom , complaineth of Preists that wrunge rewards from ladies , Cedrenus pag. 243. Hieron . ad Eustich . Epist. 22. Ad Nepotian , 2. In God . Theodos . and from others . Others there are , who spend theire whole times in learntng the names , houses , and qualities of these ladies . Ovid in another place , There be Clerks , which possesse more vnder poore Christ , then erst they did vnder the rich diuell . This contagion spread so far , that the Imperours , Valentinian , Valens & Gratian , made lawes against it , prohibiting Clergie men to set foote within the doores of widowes , or Orphans to receiuee gifts by Testament , &c. With plentie came in corruption in life and religion . Baronius confesseth that men at that time hallowed heathenish rites & ceremonies , Baron . To 1. art. 44. art. 88. &c. To. 3. art. 324. art. 78. & 79. by bringing them into christian churches : That Constantine ordained , That the bishops of the Christian lawe , should thence forward haue the same priueleidges , which the idolatrous preists had enioied . That the Pagan preists had a chiefe among them , Rex Sacrificulus , and their soueraigne Pontife , arbitrator of all questions among them . And who , saith he , can thinke , that Constantine would long endure , that these should exceed the Christians in pompe and glory ? then he proues the Pope and Cardinals to haue the like glory in riding , clothing , salutations , and crowning . Which is to shew the Pope in habit of a pagan . Thus while diocessan Bishops were ordained , to withstand dinisions , on the contrarie they were increased therby , as appeares by the reasons Cyprian , & Eusebius giue of the persecutions , & others about the feast of Easter , appeales , pride & errours , in such as was Paulus Semosateneus , Arrius , Nestorius , & others , by whose great names , Fuseb . de vit. Constant . lib. 1. c. 37. & 38. grosse errours were receiued , & propagated . Constantine , by reason of sundry dissentions which he saw daily to arise betwene bishops , assembled Synods .

Now to see more exactly how from so small beginnings bishops came to the greate power , they haue , Hist. of the coure . of Trent pag. 226. wee may finde it proued in the historie of the councell of Trent : That at first the churches were gouerned by the common councell of the presbitery , and how after to withstand diuisions , the monarchicall gouernment was instituted giuing superintendency to the bishop . The neighbour bishops , whose churches because they were vnder one prouince had commerce , did gouerne themselues also by Synods : and to make the gouernment more easy , attributing much to the Bishop of the principall citie , they made him as it were head of that body : and so the Bishop of the citie , where the Ruler did reside , gained a certaine superiority by custome . These prefectures were the Imperiall citie of Rome : the prefecture of Alexandria , which gouerned Egypt , Libia , and Pentapolis : of Antioch for Syria , and other Prouinces of the East . This gouernment , brought in & ap●●●ued by custom only , was established by the first councell of Nice . The Pope had no other ground of his greatnes , saue this , and the translation of the seate of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople , till about the yeere 607. when he obtained of Phocas , that murdered his master , to be called vniuersall Bishop , which title , was a litle before proued to be Antichristian , by his Predecessor Gregorie , 1. The inundation of the Gothes , and Vandals had eclipsed his glorie , Guiciard . and so did the Fxarchs of Rauenna , till the Lombards , hauing gotten that Exarchat , & long oppressed all Italie , Pipin chased them away , and gaue this part to the Bishop , & church of Rome : which was confirmed by his Sonne Charles , that vtterlie rooted the Lombards out , and was by the Pope crowned Emperour : yet the Popes were subiect to him , till his posteritie growing weake , seuen Electors were ordained , and the Imperiall power , being translated to the Germans , and noe longer hereditarie , was much diminished , and that of the Popes thereby increased , espetially , after they obtained of the Emperour Henry the second , that the Cardinals only should choose the Pope , and then the Cardinals also waxed great .

If this shew not how bishops , but rather how the Pope grew greate , it is supplied by another discourse in the Historie of the councell of Trent , where it being considered , in what cases Christ saith , Mat. 18.17 . Tell the church , and what power is giuen to a congregation , in that place to the Corinthians , we may see how things were carried after diocessan Bishops were thus ordained . 1. Cor. 5.4 . The iudgment of the church ( as is necessary in euery multitude ) was fi● , Histor. of the concell of Trent pag. 330. to pag. 335. hat it should be conducted by one , who should preside , and guide the action . This care , due to the most principall , and worthy person was alwaies committed to the Bishop . And where the churches were many , the propositions , and deliberations were made by the Bishop first in the colledge of Preists , and Deacons , which they called the Presbiterie , and there were ripened , to receiue afterward the last resolution in the generall congregation of the church . This forme was still on foote in the yeere 250. & is plainly seene by the Epistles of Cyprian , who in matter concerning those who did eate of meates offered to Idols , and subseribe to the Religion of the Gentiles , writeth to the Presbiterie , that he doth not thinke to do any thing without their counsells , & consent of the people : and writeth to the people , that , at his retourne , he will examine the causes , and merits thereof , in their presence , and vnder their iudgment and he wrote to those Preists , who of their owne braine had reconciled some , that they should giue an account to the people . I must here referre you to the Historie it selfe , which sheweth how this gouernment had bene defended against the Canonists , & only recite som things to shew how it decaied , & how in the ruine thereof , that of the Bishops increased ; wherein if I striue to much too abridge things , consult the with place it selfe for better satisfaction . The goodnesse and Charitie of the Bishops , I dem vbi supra . made their opinion for the most part to be followed , & by title and litle , was cause that the churches , charity waxing cold , not regarding the charge laide vpon them by Christ , did leaue the care to the Bishop : and ambition , a wittie passion , which doth insinuate it selfe in shew of vertue , caused it to be readily embraced . But the principall cause of the change was the ceasing of the persecutions . For then the Bishops did erect as it were a tribunall , which was much frequented : because as temporall commodities , so suits did increase . The iudgment though distering from the former in forme , to determine all by the opinion of the church , was yet of the same sinceritie . Which Constantine obseruing , made a law , that there should lie no appeale from the sentences of Bishops : and if in a cause depending before a secular tribunall , either of the parties shall demand Episcopall iudgment , the cause shal be remitted to him . Here the tribunall of the Bishop began to be a common pleading place . The Emperour Valence enlarging it in the yeere 365. gaue the Bishops the care ouer all the prizes of vindible things . Which troubled Austin , and other good Bishops . Afterwards some Bishops beginning to abuse the power giuen them by Constantine , that law was 70. yeeres after , reuoked by Arcadius , and an ordination made that they should iudge causes of religion , and not ciuill , except both parties did consent , and declared that they should not be thought to haue a court . Which law beeing not much obserued in Rome , in regard of the greate power of the Bishop , Valentinian , being then in the citie , an. 452. did renew it , and made it to be put in execution . But a litle after part of the power taken away , was restored by the following Princes : So that Iustinian established vnto them a court , and audience , the causes of Religion , Ecclesiasticall faults of the clergie , & diuers voluntarie surisdictions ouer the laietie . By these degrees they got domination .

The Empire being diuided , and kingdoms erected , Idem pag. 332. the Bishops for the most part were made councellors of the Prince , which by mixture of spirituall and temporall charges , caused their iurisdiction to increase exceedingly . Before 200. yeeres were past , they pretended absolutely all iudicature , criminall , and ciuill , ouer the Clergie , and in some things ouer the laietie . After the yeere 1050. All the causes of the Clergie beeing appropriated to the Bishops , and verie many of the laiesie , vnder the title of spiritualitie , and almost all the rest vnder the name of a mixed iudicature , and placing themselues aboue the secular Magistrates , vpon pretence of iustice denied , they came to say that the Bishop , had that power to iudge , not by graunt , or conniuence of Princes , or by the will of the people , or by custome , but that it was essentiall to the Episcopall dignitie , and giuen it by Christ . And though the lawes of the Emperours remaine in the Codes of Theodosius and Iustinian , in the capitulars of Charles the greate , and Lewis the debonaire , and others of later Princes , which all shew , when , & by whome this power was graunted , and all Histories Ecclesiasticall , and prophane agree in the same : yet so notorious a truth hath bene ouercome , by a contrary affirmation only , without any proofe . Pag. 334. In the councell of Trent a defect was considered , that the charitie of the superiours was turned into domination , and that thence grew appeale vpon appeale . Iohannes Groperus , who assisted there as a diuine , and a lawier , spake honourably of appeales , & said that while the heare of faith remained in the breasts of Christians , Appeales were not heard of . But charitie in the Iudges waxing cold , and place being giuen to passion , they entred into the church , for the same reasons , which brought them into the secular courts , that is , for the ease of the oppressed . And as the first iudicatures belonged not to the bishop only , but to him with the councell of his Preists , so the Appeale was not diuolued to one man , but vnto another congregation . But the Bishops taking away the Synods , did institute courts and officers , like the seculars . Neither did the mischiefe stop there , but passed to greater abuses then in the secular court . Which he shewes in that Appeale , was made from Appeale , till it came to the Pope , and somtime by a leap to him without more a doe . Iohn Baptista , Castellus was made to salue vp these soares , by a cunning oration , Pag. 335. and 336. in the next congregation . And so , to restore Synodall iudicatures was reiected almost by all , because it did diminish the Episcopall , & was too popular . For proceeding against the persons of the Bishops , no man desiring to facilitate the iudicature against himselfe , the restoring of it to parochiall Synods , vnto which it did formerly belong , was not spoken of English Bishops in like wisdome suppresse all bookes , & Preachers that speake of the right of Elders , or of such Synods and the like things , that neither theu nor their owne vsurpations , may be knowne . By all which wee may see , that it is a weake defence , for the authoritie of Bishops , & against the Eldership , to alleadge the grant of Emperours & Kings , or as Bellarmin doth the Acts of any councell , much lesse that of Trent . Gods ordinance & word , should euer be of more force , & esteeme with true Christians , then any of this kinde whatsoeuer .

By these affirmations of this impartiall Author , whome they can not call a Brownist , or a Puritan , wee may see , that they in the church of England , who vnderstand this clause , Tell the church , as if it were meant , tell the Bishops , or their Officials , doe not only wilfully vnderstand it , as Christ neuer meant it , & of such as he neuer ordained , but euen contrarie to the interpretation , vnderstanding , and practise of the primitiue church till the time of Cyprian , that is for 250. yeers after Christ . Which shewes the Gouernment of Diocessan Bishops , & their Officials , Chancellors , Courts , and proceedings to be popish , nouell , & intollerable : such as make the ordinance of God of none effect , & take things vpon them , which belong not to them . If a man dwelling in the Isle of Ieresey , in the Isle of wight , or in Surrey , find himselfe much wronged & molested by a neighbour , would Tell the church : should he run to the Bishop of the Diocesse , or to his Chancelour at Winchester , and not rather to the flock , and the Elders thereof , whereof he and the offendour are members ? which flock should , haue the power the church of Corinth had .

It is remarkeable , that when Christ would reproue the seuen churches for certaine corruptions crept into them , he doth not say write , and send it to the chiefe officers of the church , to the Archbishops , bishops , or their officials , Chancelours , &c. For there were no such officers then , but write , and send it vnto the seuen churches , Reu. 1.11 . that is to the whole flock in Ephesus , so to that in Smyrna , and so in all the rest . So it is still added , Let him that hath an eare , chap. 2.7 . heare what the Spirit saith to the churches . Euerie man that was a member of the church must heare it , and take care to redresse it . Indeed he bids him write to the Angel , that is to the Pastor of the church of Ephesus , and so of the rest , because the Pastor as the principall man , and a President in the congregation , should propound , and make it knowne to the rest , he being one whome it did a litle more concerne then the rest , as he was Shepheard of the flock , & so one that should looke to such faults : yet all the Elders of euerie church , were also to looke to it , as those that had share in the gouernment , and things were determined by voices of all men , members of the church . The Epistles were written to them all , as appeares also by that to the church of Smyrna : the deuill shall cast some of you into prison . Vers. 10.22 23. I will giue vnto euerie one of you according to his works : And vnto you I say , the rest of them of Thiatira , as many as haue not this learning , &c. When he saith , of some churches , that they had kept his name , and not denied the faith , &c. and of others that they had left their first loue , or had them which held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans , of Balaam , or the woman lezabel : It is sensles to thinke , that only the Angel of each church is commended or taxed . The reproofes , and incitements to repentance are not to him alone , but to the church . Paul speaking to the church of the Colossians , Col. 4.17 . saith , Say to Archippus , Take heede to the ministrie , that thou hast receiued in the Lord , that thou fulfill it . He writ his Epistles , wherein their are directions for gouernment , to the churches . He willeth the church at Rome , Rom. 16.17 . to marke them which cause diuisions , and offences , contrarie to the doctrine they had learned , and to auoyde them . In that greate busines , Act. 15. the brethren were at the discussing of it , the decrees went out in all their names . It seemed good to the Apostles , Act 15.22.23 . and Elders , with the whole church . Letters were written after this manner , The Apostles , and Elders , and brethren , vnto the brethren , &c. And in that it is said , Vers. 12. All the multitude kept silence , and heard Barnabas , &c. All this shewes they had libertie to speake in due time , if they had seene cause . Act. 6.5 . The saying pleased the multitude . This shewes their consent , and that they had voices . For as Paul informed by the house of Cloe , that there were diuisions among them , 1. Cor. 2. conuinced them as an Apostle with words , which are the word of God : so when by them , or by such others , he was informed of the incestious Corinthian , he conuinced them , yet he referred the censure to the church , Chap. 5.4 . and would not doe the thing himselfe , though as an Apostle he was a generall officer in all churches . He wisheth them to excommunicate him : and after when he had repented * * 2. Cor. 2.7 . to forgiue him . It is true that the Keies of binding , and loosing in this kinde , were principallie giuen to the Pastors : but ye see they did not excommunicate , and restore without the consent of the church .

And yet it is not meant hereby , that this parochiall Gouernment should be ouerloaden with businesses : much lesse with friuilous contentions . For some things may be ended by the arbitration of two or three neighbours , and many causes are fitter for the common lawes , and those courts where the Kings Chancellour , and other Iudges sit , but only that such matters should be in the churches power , as are fit , that the church should take care of them , and iudge them . So that this doth not ouerthrow the authoritie of Christian Magistrates , and their courts . Neither can this be a cause of confusion , making that which is all mens busines , to be no mans : so that therevpon carelesnes should arise , or pride , and contention . For wee see , that after this manner , many things haue beene well discussed , and determined in the high court of Parliament , where all things passe by voices : as likewise in ciuill corporations , and common counsailes : In which , things are best , and most vncorruptlie carried , when men may speake their mindes freelie , and are not ouerawed by such greate ones , as are the Bishops , that haue power to sit on their skirts that displease them . For in this case men should thinke of that , Mat. 23.8 . One is your master euen Christ , & ye are brethren . Doe ye not know that the saints shall iudge the world ? 1. Cor. 3.6 . chap. 2.15 . He that is spirituall discerneth all things . And thinke wee then , that they may not as well be fit Iudges of manners now , as they were in the Apostles time , and the age next after them ? If it were once in vse , men would soone be well enabled to the worke .

Besides the proofes out of Cyprian aboue mentioned , Tertull. Apol. c. 39. lib. 3. contra a pist . Parment . Tertullian makes the officers to be only Presidents in the assemblie : Hierom ad Demet. affirmes , that the church it selfe hath right in excommunication , as the Elders haue in other church censures . Augustin thinks that it helpes much to the shaming of the partie , that he be excommunicate by the whole church . Zwinglius , Artie . 8. explanat . speaking of the contention which hath bene , what a church is , acknowledges no other churches , but 1. the companie of sure , and firme beleeuers dispersed through the whole world , called the Catholick church . And 2 , seuerall congregations which conueniently meete together in some one place , &c. of these he affirmes Christ to speake Mat. 18. Tell the church . Peter Martyr in his common places , Pant. 4. chap. 5. Sect. 9 making the church a Monarchie in respect of Christ , an Aristocracie in respect of the Elders , addeth also , that because in the church , there are matters of greate weight , and importance , referred vnto the people , as excommunication , absolution , choosing Ministers , and the like , it hath also a consideration of popular gouernment : and vpon 1. Cor. 5.4 . The Apostle , as greate as he was would not excommunicate alone , but did take counsaile with the church that the thing might be done by common authority . Which notwithstanding both Romish , & English bishops dare doe . The Apostle indeede goes before the rest , which is the duty of the ancients of the church , that the more ignorant multitude , by their ●uffrages goeing before , may be directed , iudging . Lib 1. de regno Christi cap. 9. Bucer affirmes , that Paul accuses the Corinthians , for that the whole church had not excommunicated the incestious persons . Bastingius , Loc. 4. quest. 85. of his Catechisme , speaking of the difference betweene the two keies , that of preaching , and the other of discipline , placeth it in this , that the former , which is of the preaching of the Gospel , is committed to the ministers , the other , because it pertaines to the discipline of excommunication , is permitted to the whole church . I omit that which Mr. Foxe , Mr Cartwright , and other English men had said to this purpose , because it would be too long for this place .

It wil be obiected , that many learned English men , hold better with the Episcopall gouernment . I answere , the necessitie of conformitie , imposed on them furnisheth them with arguments to that purpose . They know the Bishops can not looke to all things necessarie in euerie parish . But , say they , there are church wardens , & side men : They might adde whose office serues to litle , but to looke to the obseruation of their traditions , and ceremonies , and therefore not for the kingdome of God , but for the dominion of Bishops : they are but a mockerie of the Eldership . They know , that if the parish be full of prophane Swearers , drunkards , fornicators , extortioners , defrauders , and the like , all these in their turnes may come to be churchwardens . If they be but conformable to ceremonies , and do but speake well of the booke of common praier , though they haue no true loue to preaching , and hearing of the word , whereby , knowledge , faith , and other graces are wrought in the soule , but scorne , and mocke them that haue : they yet thinke themselues the better subiects , the better Christians , yea fitter to be churchwardens then professors : and the Bishops , finding them to be a bridle to such religious spirits , are well contented , kow●ng such ignorant conformists , are fittest for their turnes . ( If the person or curate be also a Droane , a non resident , or a good fellow , there is a flock strangely gouerned ) such are not apt for the kingdome of God , the blind can not leade the blind , the drunkard reforme drunkards . These will neuer informe the Bishop of corruption in manners , much lesse in doctrine , such as shames the Christian profession . And if they did , he is but one , he can not looke to things in euerie flock to know euerie sheepe , as Elders may in one congregation . If men had not the ceremonies , and seruice , to serue them for an intire religion , or a cloake of one , they could not for shame , but make some profession of loue to the word , & good conuersation . If there were but three , or fower religious men in a parish to be the officers , their example might moue the rest , such could not be scorned as they are . In the reformed churches men are ashamed to scorne professors , if they did , they should be reckoned prophane , and soone be questioned ; it would not serue them to say they loue the common praiers , they should soone be taught to know , that He that turnes away his eare from hearing of the law his praier shal be abhominable . Pro. 28.9 .

3. By all this wee may see , that those abuse the world , who for the authoritie of English Bishops , and the Hierarchie there , alledge the succession of Iames at Ierusalem , of Peter at Antioch , of Marke at Alexandria , of Timothie at Ephesus , & Titus in Creete . For wee see there were no such Lord Bishops , Courts , Chancellours , and proceedings as are now . The Apostles oft staied in these places , and looked to things as generall officers in all churches : but vsed no such Ep●sc pall authoritie as ours doe , who come not in by the word , that is by Christ the Doore , but clim vp another way , by the traditions , Ioh. 10. and corruptions of men , like theeues that come to steale to fle●ce and not to feede the flock . Ciuill gouernments may vpon good reasons be altered , & a new sor● of officers ordained . But Christ that changeth not , set officers in his kingdome to gouerne , and therein the perfit forme of his kingdome : the church is a kingdome , which can not be shaken . Timothie was an Euangelist , Heb. 12.28 . but hath no successours in that office , noe more can the Apostles in theirs : they left to seuerall congregations , the choice of Presbyters , consuring of offendours , and debating of matters as is alreadie proued . Other successours they haue not , * * To gouerne . Bellarm. de clericis l. 1. c. 14. as Papists are ans●vered for Peters being at Rome To as good purpose Bellarmin , and others thinke to make men ●lee from this opinion , as from a monster , by s●ying it was the herisie of Aerius . Medinae cited by Bellarmin affirmes , that S. Hierom was herein wholly of the opinion of the Aerians , and that not only S. Hierom was in that heresie , but also Ambrose , Augustine , Sedulius , Primasius , Chrysostom , Theodoret , Oecumemus and Theophilius , And so saith Medina , the opinion of those fathers , otherwise verie holy , and expert in the holy Scriptures , was by the church first condemned in Aerius , then in the Waldenses , and lastly in Iohn wicklife . And againe Of old therefore this opinion was dissembled , and tollerated in Hierom , and those Greeke Fathers for their honour , and reuerence : contrariwise in the hereticks , because they are also estranged from the church in other things , it hath bene alwaies condemned as hereticall . Bellarmine sticks not to say , Medina wanted wit , Hist. of the counc . of Trent . pag. 591. in being thus plaine knowing it had bene maintained in Trent , & that men would be ready to affirme , if this be not heresie in Hierom , and those other fathers , neither can it be iustlie called so in Aerius , who liued in the same times . Which Kemnitius spares not to manifest , Examen . conc . Trid. shewing that it was an ordinarie trick in those times , when they could not answere a mans arguments , to disgrace him with the name of heresie . Bellarmin saith , Vbi supra . That all the fathers constantly taught that bishops suceede the Apostles , & Presbyters the 70. disciples . I answere 1. wee haue proued the contrarie out of Hierom , & others , 2. That Presbyters who are Bishops may succeede the Apostles , Mat. 28.20 as they were Pastors , and Elders of any church , as Peter and Iohn call themselues , and as Timothie , and Titus were , and so that may be vnderstood , I am with you alwaies to the end of the world , in their successours as they were , Pastors , Teachers , and Elders , but not as they were Apostles , and so ouer Titus , Timothie , and all Elders . For to be an Apostle is to be sent immediatly from God , to haue an Embassage from him , and as a maister builder to lay the foundation for others to build vpon : 1. Cor. 3.10 . Tit. 1.5 . & to ordaine , and appoint things , as Paul did . This did the Apostles in their Gospels , Epistles , and Acts. But this can not Bishops do : for they are not so sent immediatly from God , hauing an immediate embassage : they haue theirs from the Apostles , and Prophets , and so mediately . Neither are they maister builders , to lay a fondation for others to build vpon , though they oft assume it in imposing their traditions , and rites for lawes : for other foundation can no man lay , then that is laide , which is Iesus Christ . Therfore the Apostles can noe otherwise haue Successours , then as they were Pastors , and Elders , & that must be in teaching the same , & * * Gal. 1.8 . noe other doctrine , Medina alledged by Bellarmin , * * Vbi supra saith , The hereticks the waldenses vsed the testimonie of Hierom , they therefore , and Hierom were of one opinion , that is , that the church ought to be gouerned by Presbiters , and that the gouernment by diocessan Bishops is of humaine authoritie , and inuention : and consequently the wisdome of the flesh , Rom. 8.7 . which is en●mitie with God : for it is not subiect to the law of God , neither indeede can be . As wee may see in those greate defendors of the Hierarchie in the church of Rome , and in England , that will not be conuinced , in this point , by the Testament of Christ . So much are they blinded by the proffit , and honour , that followes it , but crie out that this is nothing , but the madnes of the Brownists , and some others that seeke innovation , & change , that these are priuate spirits , and that they giue a priuate interpretation of the scriptures , and Fathers , because it agrees not with theirs , who are more in number , and greater in power . Which yet is the priuate interpretation , because not according to the expresse meaning of the holy Ghost . The consent of many clocks , and watches in a citie , doth not proue them to goe true , vnles they accord with the Sunne : No more doth that of many Bishops , and Councels , vnles they agree with the word . One Paphnutius hauing that on his side is not a priuate spirit , but ought to be preferred before many of a contrarie concord , as the Councell of Nice shewed in him . Therefore , it is but a shift , and a mockerie to call this Tenet Brownisme , when they know this of the Eldership is the gouernment of the reformed churches in France , Germanie , &c. and that to condemne this for an errour , is to condemne them all , yea the fathers before alledged , and the verie Apostles themselues .

It will be obiected , Diocessan Bishops came in , soone after the death of the Apostles : and if the church gouerned by Elders be the true church , where was the true church from the first comming in of diocessan Bishops , till the Nicene Councell , when they were first confirmed by a generall councell , and Imperiall authoritie , and the woman fled into the wildernes , and was followed by a flood of Gothes , Reuel. 12. and Vandals : I answere , Bishops were then diocessan , & prouinciall , rather nomine , quam re , in name then indeed , excercising title power , and authoritie ouer them , as ye haue seene out of the testimonie of Cyprian , Hierom , and Chrysostom . What doeth the bishop , giuing of orders excepted , which the Presbyter may not doe ? He was not then come to his power , ●nd strength , but was then litle other then a Presbyter in ●atter of gouernment , had a Pastorall charge ouer one con●regation , yea gouerned like them , and with them : the Pres●yters had their voices in Councels , they neither were nor would be so soone thrust out . So that for a time , they had still the essentiall parts of a true church : at least till such staines , and blemishes grew greater , & the Hierarchie excercised more authoritie ouer the Presbiters , and became the mint , defence , & authority of humaine inuention , errour & superflition , & to be made a marke of a true church . Then the mistery of iniquitie , that had long before wrought , in that inuention , began to shew the fruits thereof : then that was true which one saith of episcopacie , It was inuented against an euill , but the remedy proued worse then the disease . For out of these smal beginnings , issued . 1. The insupportable power , & impietie of the Pope , and church of Rome : which haue brought so many , and so vnspeakeable euills on the church . For though perhaps those ancients meant to doe noe hurt , but rather much good , in ordaining diocessan Bishops , and giuing them but litle power : yet hereby the misterie of iniquity wrough● for they thus presuming to set one ouer others in a diocesse , this power increased : & with like reason , & authoritie Archbishops , and Patriarcks were set ouer Bishops , & in the end a Pope ouer all . For grant they may ordaine diocessan Bishops , and that their ordinance is by a diuine instinct , and of good authoritie , and it will fellow , that others after them , may as well ordaine the rest : and that their ordinance also is by diuine instinct , and of good authoritie : & so indeed to ordaine Cardinals , and as manie vpstart orders of Priests , and friers , as are among the Papists . I might add setting vp of Images to be worshipped , and all other popish Tenets , and customes , which haue bene authorised by councels , and kings , if that were sufficient , as some thinke it is .

Hence therefore as from a spring haue issued all the errours of the Romish church , established by Bishops in councels for sound , and good doctrines , and all the vast authoritie , and power of Bishops , and the multitude of those traditions , and ceremonies , wherewith , they as Rulers , haue burdened the church , and by which the word of God hath bene made of none effect : So that now neither the Romish , nor English , Bishops , will endure that the scriptures should be alledged in these points of their Hierarchie , & traditions : and many as well of the Princes , and Clergie , as of the common people , seeing the name , and office of a Bishop in the Scriptures , are contented with the Bishops , to take it for graunted , that it is meant of diocessan Bishops , that the gouernment of the church , was in the new Testament giuen to them , & not to Elders : or at least as others inferre , As the church was enlarged , vnder the old title of bishops a new order of gouernment might be ordained by counsailes of men , and authoritie of Emperours , and kings , for the better gouernment of the church . As if any thing could be better deuised , or bring forth better fruite , then the ordinance of God : who hath punished , that presumption with so ill fruites of it , to make vs see the contrarie : or as if the Testament of God were insufficient , and he had not as sufficientlie prouided for his church in this point , as in others . He will teach vs at length to know the tree by the fruit : and that these great places in the Hierarchie , are but meere baites to corrupt men : and make them to please such bishops , and courtiers as can aduance them , ofters bribes , wrest the Scriptures for the Hierarchie , Arminiaisme , and such popish points , traditions , and ceremonies , as make the word of God of none effect .

Neither is it any reasoning from the time of Augustin , and those fathers , that saw Diocessan Bishops , and said not much against them , but rather seemed to thinke their vse , tollerable , and proffitable , and them to be hereticks , that denied it , beeing established by councels .

1. Because the power of Bishops , as we proued in those daies , was nothing like that they now haue , but as one saith , as vnlike , as the power of the Duke of Venice in the Senate , is to that which some Monarch hath in his dominions , and ouer his subiects .

2. Those Fathers had not seene such fruits of it , in Antichrist , and Antichristian power , as we haue : and so what it is to take such a custome , or an ordinance of a Concell , for a good warrant . So many traditions , and superstitious rites were not then inuented , much lesse proposed as lawes by the Episcopall power .

3. That it is no reasoning from the consent , or continuance of the fathers , if the institution be not warrantable by Gods word . Neither they nor a generall Councell , nor Emperours , & kings , can make that to be ex iure diuine , which is not so by Gods Testament . Men will not presume to make other Ouerseers to a mans Testament , then he hath appointed , to see it performed , much lesse ought they to doe it to Gods , as they haue in ordaining diocessan Bishops , and suffering them to obscure , and annihilate those places of scripture , wherein God giues the Ecclesiasticall gouernment to the Presbyters , or sacrilegiously to vsurpe , and applie them to any gouernment , so contrarie to the Eldership , as that of the Hierarchie is . These passages of the new Testament are the letters Patents of the Presbyterie : and yet diocessan Bishops doe not only vsurpe them , as Papists doe some places for the Pope , and make them serue to authorise a contrary gouernment , most pernicious to the ordinance of God , but quite exclude the Presbyters , to whome they were granted , from the gouernment , and from that effectuall power in Synods , which is due to them . & not to Bishops : who could not well be opposed in the Nicene Councell , because the hurt , and wrong that Bishops doe to Christ● kingdome could not be so manifest to Constantine , and his ●onnes , nor so euident in the time of Cyprian , and Atha●asius , as it was since , or now is . Euen as the Lion , or Leo●ard doth but litle harme , while it is but a litle whelpe . For ●●deed they had not such dominion ouer Presbiters , nor ●●ch courts , Chancellours , Officials , Dea●es , power in pro●●ues of willes , and Testaments , much lesse in forbidding ●he defence of the truth against Pelagians : nor such Rules , ●nd ceremonies to suspend , and silence about surplesses , ceremonies , &c. Neither can the church giue it them , much ●●sse , some in Synods , that beare the name of the church , if ●he things giuen , and commanded be against the kingdome , ●nd ordinance of God , or make religion rediculous , and the word of none effect , as may be said of the Hierarchie , and ●ome ceremonies .

As namely that in baptising an Infant , they should signe ●im , with the signe of the crosse in token , that he shall not be shamed to confesse the faith of Christ , and manfully to fight ●nder his banner against sinne , &c. and yet when he comes page , he is prohibited to contend for that faith against Arminian and popish , errours : yea a minister is also forbidden ●o doe it , though at his ordination he is made to promise to be ready with all diligence to banish , See the ordering of Bishops Priests , &c. and driue away all ●rronious , & strange doctrines , contrarie to Gods word : What ●●ockeries are these ? And now in these daies of the churches ●rouble , & persecution , haue the English , that stand so much ●or these signes , and ceremonies , proued better souldiers of Christ , in such cases as that of the Palatinate , and the like , ●hen they of other churches , that haue them not ? or haue ●hey not rather proued worse ? Doe they more feare God , ●re they more obedient to his ordinances , and keepe the ●hurch more vncorrupt , then those Protestants that weare ●o surplesses , bow not to the Altar , nor kneele not when they receiue ? Surely not more , but lesse . Such a one as Doctor Lambe , or other prophane men , amidst all their knowne abhominations , may liue in more peace with them , then one , that without iust cause they call a Puritain . God is much better pleased when churches , and their learned defenders , are more in deedes , and lesse in such signes of humaine inuention , as are but meere mockeries , and burdens .

That ancient Bishops and Synods haue vsed , and ordained these , & the like things , is no warrant for them . For you may see the case of the ancient Bishops in their successions , by the English , and their most learned defenders : who ( as manie now liuing haue seene ) because they receiued not the loue of the Truth , 2. Thes. 2. in matter of the Eldership , traditions , and ceremonies , but their * * Isa. 29. feare toward God hath , in these cases , bene taught by the precepts of men : therefore God hath giuen them ouer to beleeue some popish , and Arminian lies : and because they receiue not the loue of the truth , in those matters of Arminianisme , wherin also their feare toward God is taught by the precepts of men , God must needes giue them ouer to stronger delusions , to beleeue worse things , & the wisdome of their wise , and learned men , must needes be more , and more hid , and perishing : and they must needes fall more , and more into earthly polecies , practises , and factions , to colour , and maintaine what they haue done amisse , and to hold vp ▪ and increase their power against parliaments , and all their opposers : which is not to preserue order , but to confound it , nor to be true , but false helpers to kings , and States : whereby Romish religion is more helped , then the Protestant , the House of Austria , then the house of God , the greate whore , then the reformed churches , and all true , & effectuall confederacie , with those churches , against the common enemie , is hindred : for indeed to desire Romes ouerthrow , were to seeke their owne , in that which is Romish : they can not truly loue them , that are gouerned by Presbiters : 2. Cor. 6.10 . for what communion hath light with darknes ?

Hence it is that forraigne Protestants , who , trusting to ●he helpe of the English haue suffered for it , and in steade of helpe haue seene many dangerous diuisions in English par●iaments , and counsailes , which could not haue bene so carried away , but by the helpe , and counenance of the Bishops , ●ay , that these euils in England , and all others , that by these meanes haue be ▪ allen the reformed churches , haue sprung from the English prelacie , & Hierarchie , which bring forth ●uch Protestants , & Bishops , & which maintaine a newtrall , or mixed religion , partly popish , in the Hierarchie , traditions , and ceremonies , maintained with most zeale , partly of the reformed , in points of faith lesse regarded , and partly of Arminianisme lately receiued : all which makes them luke-warme Laodiceans , or newters , that as much helpe the one side , as the other , in treaties , leagues , succours , &c. And so the Prelates , with their Hierarchie , and traditions , are like to the ●iuer Euphrates , that ran betweene Babylon , & her enemies , watered both sides , & hindred the surprising of her , as these must needes doe the sacking of Rome , till their dominion , & ●iches , that makes them thus corrupt , be taken away , & their ●euenues turned to better vses . And therefore their saying against vs , that this is Cham like to discouer the nakenes of ones Father , or mother , 1. Sam. 6.16 . 2 Sam. 6. with the Bethshemites to prie into the Arke , with Vzzah that offered to support it , to meddle in things that belong not to vs , but to the Bishops : there must be such to preserue order , and all the other parts of their plea , are plainly a bused , made meere shifts , & mights as w●ll haue serued the Papists against Waldo , Luther & Caluin , as them against the Eldership . If they would speake truth , they might rather say , as by Constantines , so by Queen Flizabeths comming to the crowne , with peace entred plentie , & honour , and with them anibition , coueteosnes , & corruption . So in short time , and by degrees , it fared with those ancient Bishops , their feare toward God in matters of their Hierarchie , traditions , and ceremonies , began to be taught by the precepts of men : with these ambition , and coueteousnes entred into the church : therefore first in these , & then in other things , their wisdome began to be hid , and perishing , so that they could not see the mischiefes following diocessan , and prouinciall Bishops .

4 The church of Rome at that time the Bulwark , and authoritie of diocessan Episcopacie , was not then knowne to be the Whore of Babylon , and mother of fornications : but for her integritie in other matters , as against Arrians , and other hereticks was thought the pillar of truth : and for the greatnes of her Bishop not opposed by many , but rather applauded 〈◊〉 the most : therefore few or none would then speake against her custome , and tenets : which indeede made their owne Episcopall authoritie to be held the more lawfull ; and necessarie , the rather because of the honour & profit , that accompanied it : So prone is all mankinde to encline to those vanities , and be blinded by them .

5. Though it were without all true authoritie of Scripture , yet custome , and consent of Synods had established , and increased it , as they also did the primacie , and power of the Pope in the Nicence , Sardean , and other councels : & therefore it was thought an heresie in Aerius to dissent from them whereas the heresie was rather in them that dissented from the institution , and practise of the church in the time of the Apostles : but indeed the misterie of iniquitie could not other wise haue wrought , that the church of Rome should become the great whore , and her Bishop the Antichrist . For these ordinances , that set vp diocessan Bishops , Archbishops and Patriarchs , with many many new rites , and ceremonies , furthered the greatnes , and authoritie of the Bishop , and church of Rome , and such was then the custome , and doctrine of that church , implying , that they were necessarie : therefore it was counted Schisme , and heresie to hold any thing to the contrarie , though taught in scriptures , the name of the church did carrie it against all proofes whatsoeuer . If any opposed , and saide , these things were Iewish , heathenish . or Antichristian , or tended that way , they could not want instrumentall daubers , to quiet or confound them , with abusing such places as that , Gal. 5.15 . Ephes. 4.3 . If ye bite & deuoure one another , take heede ye be not deuoured one of another . Keepe the vnitie of the Spirit in the bond of peace . Dispute not about things indisterent , but rather obserue vnitie , and vniformitie , with due obedience to the church , to Bishops , to Synods , and their ordinances : and neuer say they are ill carried : be not so seditious , schismaticall or peruerse : they are your guides , and you should be guided , and ruled by them . By these , and the like meanes , and deuises , they passed from errour to errour .

Euen as at this day in England , the Supporters of the Hierarchie , and Arminianisme preuaile by the same reasons , by abusing the same , and the like places , and by saying , the ancient Synods ordained Archbishops , and Bishops , and the custome , and doctrine of the church of England doe implie , and teach , that they , and their traditions , and gouernment are necessarie , therefore it is schisme , and heresie to dissent from them , that is , though you hold with the scriptures : the name of the church of England must carrie it against all proofes whatsoeuer : and therefore though they will not be accounted Papists , as those are who stand for the Pope , yet are they Pontificians , such as maintaine diocessan , and prouinciall Bishops , & the opposers thereof to be schismaticks and hereticks . For they know , that as it was of old , so at this day , the calling of them hereticks , is ( next to power , custome and humaine constitution ) the best argument to defend their Hierarchie , and the traditions thereof . For while they scoffe at them , and their Tenets , and call them hereticks , Puri●ains , & peruerse Spirits , that labour to proue that the Hierarchie ought to be abolished , & the Eldership restored , this makes Princes , nobles , ministers , and people to stop their eares , and eyes , against all the best reasons , and proofes of Scripture , in these cases , and in like manner to scoffe at them . * * Luk. 16.14 . Iohn 9.29 . So the Pharises derided Christ , like as at this day , the greatest defence of Romish religion , is scoffing at the Protestant faith , calling it heresie , & them hereticks that professe it : this makes Princes , Priests , and people to looke no further , but to stop their eares against all proofes , as against the Sophistrie of hereticks . With this deuise also hath the church of Rome preuailed from time to time , and by it ran from one errour to another , till she became full of abhominations , and to haue such power , that no man durst vndertake to conuince her . And so may the church of England , who hath begun such a progresse , in some popish ceremonies , & Arminian errours , which are maintained by practises , as beeing such , as they will suffer no man to dispute against : but with power , and cunning pretences prohibit all from gainsaying her Prelates in any thing , * * 2. Cor. 1.24 . as the church of Rome did . This is to haue dominion ouer mens faith , which the Apostles abhorred , seeing the truth of God , is in these points reuealed , and things reuealed belong to vs , to whome it is giuen to contend for the faith . Whence it must needes follow , that they also will get a power to doe , & teach what they list , and yet no man shall dare to conuince them . For Christ saith , He that is vniust is the least , Luk. 16.10 is vniust also in much .

Let no man therefore say these are small differences , that the authoritie of Bishops should be receiued in them , or that they are matters too high for the people , seeing they are not higher then the mysteries of the Trinitie , which being also taught in Scriptures should be held of all , and not forbidden , as these are , to open a gap for * * Which is the drift of the pro●ectors and Abettors . poperie to enter . For such euer haue bene , such are , and such must needes be the fruit of greatnes in the clergie . And therefore whereas some say , as the church grew larger , and larger , so there might be new offices , & officers ordained , hauing greater honour , and more ample iurisdiction , and command , ouer whole countries , and Prouinces , they see here the fruits of it , in Rome , and in England . It is not the putting of religious men into the papacie , or into English Bishopwricks , that will helpe these things , if the callings be of men , and not of God , as is proued in both . For out of this opinion Antichrist arose to his greatnes , and the church of Rome to her authoritie , errour , and tyrannie , Luk. 16.15 and that which is highly esteemed amongst men is ( oft times ) abhomination in the sight of God , that punisheth mens inuentions , and presumptions . Which in this case were verie absurd . For the church was much enlarged in the Apostles daies , yet did they not appoint diocessan Bishops , and Archbishops : Act. 14.23 Tit. 1.5 . but as churches were daily founded in any kingdome , so they ordained them Elders , and deacons in euery church or congregation , hauing no other spirituall head then Christ ; nor no other meanes to repr●sse errour , and Schisme , then was in the Apostles time , to wit , calling of Synods to reduce doctrine , and discipline to that of the Apostles . Which indeed should be furthered , cherished , and maintained by kings , and Magistrates , as by nursing fathers . Wherein all should remember those things . Remoue not the ancient bounds , Pro. 22.28 Eccle. 10.8 which thy Fathers haue set . He that breaketh an hedge a Serpent shall bite him . The Inuentours , enlargers , and maintaimers of Diocessan Episcopacie , haue remoued , and broken the bounds , the Apostles set , and haue planted Diocessan , and Prouinciall Bishops , trees that brought out fruits accordingly many biting errours haue bene propagated by the great names of Bishops and Popes , such as Paulus Semosateneus , Liberius , Nestorius , and many others , after the bounds were broken , which should haue bin better obserued . And if in any congregation , by reason of the largenes of the parish , or the many , and rich people that dwell in it , some ministers come to better meanes then other , happy man by his lot : that is the greatest difference , that ought to haue bene betweene one Pastor & an other . The choice of ministers lying most in the parish , and such ministers , and Elders , as dwell neere about them . And this way ministers , and people should haue bene better prouided for , then now they are , when some haue double benefices , Bishopwricks , Denaries , comendaes , and in a word some few haue all , though they preach litle , but the most haue litle or neuer a whit , though they would preach , and instruct . Therefore whereas some say these places are better encouragments to make Schollars studdie , then the paritie of the Puri●ains : we see here that they are rather nurseries of superstition , briberie , simonie , non residencie , idlenes , ambition , and errour , and meere allurements to make men studdie , to maintaine such traditions , and ceremonies as make the word of none effect , to get dominion ouer mens faith , and euen to mold religion after the pleasure of such as can aduance them to those great places : so exceedingly doe they corrupt the church . And therfore that hath , and will more fully be found of them which Zanchie saith of the Hierarchie , & ordinances of the ancient fathers , and councels . * All things by succession of times wer● brought to an extreame tyrannie and ambition : Zanch. sides de religio . Christia . cap. 25. See . 12. which is the reason why , by so much the neerer , as men approach in these orders of ministers to the simplicitie of the Apostles , by so much the more ought they to be approued by vs , and wee iudge th●● men ought to indeauour that things may euery where be brough● ●o that order . All the Reformed Churches hold , and follow ●he proofes of this opinion . Ioh. 3.20 . Only the Prelates and Doctors of England account them verie strange , and therefore hate ●he light in this point . So that God may say of them , as of ●phraim , I haue writen to him the greate things of my law , Hos. 3.12 . ●ut they were counted as a strang thing . They haue a better ●pinion of their owne ordinances , and are better acquainted ●vith them : they suffer Princes , and people to heare , and ●now them , and all the reasons they haue for them ; but not ●he proofes that are for the Eldership , though our Lord say : He that is of God , heareth Gods words : Ioh. 8.47 . yee therefore heare ●hem not , because ye are not of God . chap. 18.37 Euery one that is of the Truth heareth my voice . Wherein they are not the more ●xcusable , because these or the like things haue bene in some ●ort vsed by the ancient churches , or are commanded by Kings & States , when indeed it hath commonly bene , at the ●nstance of the Bishops or their faction . It is strang that men , ●hat thus beare all the sway in the church , rule all things , and ●uen giue lawes to others , haue no other warrant for this ●heir office , & authority , then custome , Ecclesiastical constitu●●on , wherein themselues haue bene the Iudges , or the con●ent , and appointment of Kings . For as to such custome , and ●onstitution , that which a learned Author saith in a like case , ●s worthy obseruation . Histor. of the counc , of Trent . pag. 18. The impietie of Nestorius had diuided Christ , making two sonnes , and denying him to be God , who was borne ●f the blessed virgin , the church to inculcate the Catholike truth in the ●indes of the faithfull , made often mencion of her in the churches , as ●vell of the East , as of the West , with this title , Marie the mother of God . This being instituted only for th● honour of Christ , was by litle , and litle ●ommunicated also to the mother , and finally applied to her alone , and ●herefore when Images began to multiplie , Christ was painted as a babe ●n his mothers armes , to put vs in minde of the worship due vnto him , ●uen in that age . But in progresse of time , it was turned into the worship ●f the mother , without the sonne , he remaining as an appendex in the ●icture . The writers and Preachers , especiallie those that were contem●latiue , caried with the terrent of the vulgar , which is able to doe much in these matters , leauing to mencion Christ , inuented with one accord new praises , Epithites , and religious seruices : In so much , that aboute the yeere 1050. a daily office was instituted to the blessed virgin , distinguished by seuen Canonical howres , in a former which anciently was euer vsed to the honour of the diuine maiestie , and in the next hundred veers , the worship so increased , that it came to the height , euen to attribute that vnto her , which the Scriptures speake of the diuine wisdome . And amongst these inuented nouities , this was one , her totall exemption from originall sinne . Yet this remained only in the breasts of some few priuate men , hauing no place in Ecclesiasticall ceremonies , or amongst the learned . He sheweth , how it was opposed , and yet after came to be receiued by the industrie of Scotus , and other Franciscans , which is a Storie too long for this place . From this part of the narration , wee see how many euils sprung from that ancient inuention of painting Christ as a babe in his mothers armes , which it may be , did litle hurt at the first , and was beheld , as a thing indifferent , with litle or no offence , & accounted tollerable , if allowed by authoritie . The inuentors might meane as litle harme in it , yet doubtles the inuention , and allowance gaue occasion of all these euils , & was some breack of the second comandement ; as women that frisse their hair , paint , or lay open their naked breasts are occasions of lust , & breake the commandement , & such precepts , as require modestie , though they doe not these things on purpose to make men fornicators , but for fashion sake , to get husbands , or the like reason . At this day there is such an Image of the virgin reedified , & beautified at the crosse in cheape side . Besides Engl●sh Papists , diuers Spaniards , & others , haue bene obserued to worship it : and therefore neither the ancient custome of this inuention , nor any constitution allowing it , nor the little hurt it did at the first , or now doth to many , can serue to excuse the Rulers that suffer it . For wee see many kings are blamed for suffering the high places , which some time were litle frequented , or at least not by many . Smal faults & errours make way for greater . It may be the inuentors and maintainers of diocessan Bishops , & som Romish ceremonies meant ●●s litle hurt at the first , as any of these ; yet seeing they haue ●one , doe , & may doe so much hurt , it is a great fault to main●aine or suffer them . The Iesuits know , that the maintenance of them , and suppressing of bookes against them , are notable ●nductions to newtralitie , luke warmnes , ignorance , errour , ●nd poperie , as they finde in many Arminians , and pontifici●ns : & further , that no Protestant church in the world hath ●o handsom a cloake for a church Papist , Spanish , or Romish , ●s these serue for . And yet these , as all the errours of the Romish church , being once receiued , haue bene maintained by men of great pretie , & knowledge in other things . Who are thought to haue more knowledge , holines , & deuotion then some franciscans , that maintaine these errours about the bles●ed virgin , & others of poperie . The deuil , & all corrupt men , hauing once broached any errour , euer get some of the most religious , and learned to defend it , or at least , that it is a thing indifferent or tollerable : thus the beginnings of Diocessan Bishops , and Romish ceremonies , some primacie in the Pope , Images in the churches to a religious vse , and the like , being begun with smaller digressions from the truth , haue gained some to defend them , as things indifferent , and tollerable , who were reckoned , & oft were , men of great knowledge , and pierie in other matters and then these errours , and abuses , being thus defended , grew greater , and more intollerable . So the Bishops in England , hauing gotten some men to subscribe , that are verie learned , & religious , they then get them also to defend their Hierarchie , traditions , and ceremonies : which doctrine they know , will be best receiued at such mens hand , as wee haue of late seene in Doctor Burges , and others , much graced by the Bishops , who among themselues also haue some that are , and others , that seeme to be verie religious in many things . But wee should remember , that these are but men , that engaged a litle in any cause , are subiect to fall farther into it ; that gifts or hopes of preferment blind the eies of the wise , that the church of Rome could neuer haue gained her cause in so many things , if she had not had the helpe of men , esteemed as religious , and learned ; that she could neuer want of this sort , who had such rewards for her champions , & such power to suspend , and silence , the opposers ; no more can the Bishops .

The 34. Art. 34. Article saith thus , It is not necessary that traditions , & ceremonies be in all places one or vtterly like , for at all times , they haue bene diuers , and may be changed according to the diuersitie of countries times , and mens manners , so that nothing be ordained , against Gods word . I answere , in some cases this may be admitted . For the Apostle would not haue a man praying , to be couered in the church , and in those hot countries , if any that might wel endure to be bareheaded in praier , 1. Cor. 11.4 . &c. as the most might , should haue worne a night cap , or the like thing in the church , it had bene as greate an euill in him as if he had worne a hart : yet in ours , being a much colder countrie , the church , with good reason , alloweth such to weare night caps in time of praier , as can not with safety of their health be vncouered so long . God requires not the death or danger of his creatures in such cases . In Muscouie , Swede , and some colder Climates , men are so bitten with frost , that they are constrained to keepe somwhat on their heads . Here necessitie requireth , that the ceremonie be not the same , nor in some old or sick body , that is not able to kneele all the time of praier . But what necessitie is there for the crosse in Baptisme , the surplesse , copes , or kneeling at the Sacrament , which were not vsed in the age of the Apostles , are but meere mockeries , make the word of none effect , and haue bene so much abused to idollatrie , as the Image of the blessed virgin ? Because the Apostle saith , 1. Cor. 14.40 . Let all things be done decently , and in order , therefore some infer , the church or the magistrate may ordaine these , and the like . A foolish inference , that serues as well for the Paplsts , and their trumperies , pretended to belong to decencie , & order , as for them . For how is there more decencie , and order , in these things then was in the time of the Apostles , or is now in the reformed churches ? The Apostle speakes of decencie and order , whereby they should be the better Christians , the women being couered , the men vncouered in time of praier : the men speaking in a knowne tongue , and one after another , not confusedly , the women keeping silence in the church : of these , and the like , he saith , Let all things be done decently , and in order . But what better Christians are men for the crosse in baptisme , for the surplesse , and kneeling at the Sacrament ? what more decencie , and order in the surplesse , then in a shirt of haire , a Iesuits cloake a friers white roabe , a Capuchins gray gowne , & hood , or the rope wherewith he girds himselfe ? what more decencie , and order in the crosse in baptisme , then in the crosse that hangs at the friers girdle ? in kneeling at the receiuing of the bread , then in kneeling at the feete of a Priest in confession , before a crosse , or Image , or at their receiuing of the host ? what more decencie , and order in diocessan , & prouinciall Bishops , Chancellours , Deanes , and Archdeacons , and their courts , and proceedings , then in those of the church of Rome , the Cardinals Generals , and Canonists , saue in the degrees of superstition and impietie ?

That place indeed giues warrant in some cases , as touching the time , and place of Gods worship , and needefull ceremonies therein . That on the Lords day , it should begin about 8. or 9. in the morning , and end before noone , and begin againe about two , because men in many places haue far to church , and the daies being short , must haue time to goe to , and fro , and to dine . That though in the primatiue church , the place were oft in mens houses , a barne , or in the feildes : yet now it is fit to haue a Temple , where it may be had , or a place set apart for that vse . In the reformed churches one reades the chapters , & begins the Psalmes , these things are done in better order , when they are committed to one , who commonly hath a good voice , and skill in tuning : and if it were not so , there would be some disorder . Order is also taken for the most decent comming to the table of the Lord , gathering of almes , keeping silence , and vsing decent gesture in the church . Now if these things were not altogether thus in the primatiue church : yet the alteration in ceremonie , is litle or nothing , and rather to things decent , and necessarie , then to hurtfull , & vnproffitable . But this can not be said of the crosse in baptisme , the surplesse , or kneeling at the Sacrament , much lesse of the Episcopall power , and Hierarchie , these are not things necessarie , but vnproffitable , & hurtfull , not better but worse . In England verie many Ministers , & some that haue smal meanes , weare beuer hats of great price ( which not many yeeres since were worne of none but Princes ) also cassocks , & dublits of Sattin , cloakes faced , & some lined with veluer , & plush : their wiues also goe in loose gownes of silke , beuer hats , fannes in their hands , and many other vanities . It is true that both the one , and the other may goe neare , & cleane , not fordid , and nastie , but yet not thus costly , and vainly : wherin they making litle conscience , are the easier induced to thinke of two liuings to maintaine it , and a coach to boote , & then of being made Doctors , Deanes , & Bishops , and somtimes at the instance of their wiues , because they would haue place ; yea to buye these honours , and benefices , or flatter for them : wherin mens mindes are seldome satisfied , but rather more enflamed , and corrupted : being Doctors they would haue a prebendarie ▪ or another liuing , and then be Deanes : hauing a Denarie , they would haue a Bishopwrick , hauing gotten that , they aime at a better : and to attaine them , they are still forced to flatter , bribe , bid , & outbid , as in a market , or where things are sold by the candle , or at an outcrie , to the extreme shame of the Christian profession . So that if these great places were lawfull , yet almost nothing is left to desert , or free election : commonly all goes by money , corruption , or friends in the court , such as the Duke , who strengthen their faction , by them ▪ Hence followes idlenes , and non residence , lukewarmnes , and temporising : they who make no conscience of such th●ngs can not but be blind in others , the spirit of God forsakes them , they are the more easely induced to defend the Hierarchie , and ceremonies , to let in Arminianisme , some kinde of poperie , or other corruption in doctrine , and discipline at the pleasure of such as can aduance them , or at least to winke at such proceedings : and thus they become nourishers of poperie , and the steps to it : for our Sauiour saith , He that is not with me is against me ; Mat. 12.30 and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroade . But indeed an euill tree can not bring foorth good fruite . These great places in the Hierarchie being not of God , but of men , such must needes , be the fruits of them . If the church seeing these euils spring from pride , ambition , & coueteousnes , should ordaine a meane to all , in apparell , and yeerely maintenance and such other things , like that in the reformed churches , doubtles such an ordmance were to be obeied , the church hath power to doe it , not simplie , & absolutely by any authoritie giuen it in all things , that they please to call indifferent , but in things thus necessarie , & agreable to the word of Gods , which forbids such costly apparell , and lordship in them , & commands them to be graue , and ensamples to the flocks : the churches authoritie is nothing but in these cases , and such others of discipline as is aboue named . In all other , Christ is the only lawgiuer of his Church , as the Sole husband thereof , and Lord of the familie .

Not to insist vpon other things , what necessarie vse is there , of Cathedral churches , of which , some make so much religion , to haue them reedefied ? In that of London , the vpper , and lesse part is only vsed in seruice . Some of those greate fabricks haue bene , and might be well imploied as colledgiate churches , for reading of lectures , and preseruing of puritie in doctrine , good manners , and learning : things of this nature doe indeed make them somwhat worthy the repairing . The greatest Temples in the reformed churches are put to good vse , but where there is not such vse , there it is not worth the cost . Plesses myst . of iniquit . progres . 24. Mounsieur du Plesses obserueth that when religion , and doctrine began to be corrupted , that they might couer it , and see me no lesse religious , they fell to building of Temples , and Altars , to presse deuoute gestures , ceremonies , &c. euen so the Bishops , that want zeale against poperie , Arminianisme non residencie , and such errours , and abuses , as are crept into the church , flatter such friends , and supporters of them , as are mighty , or able to defend , & reward them , and in the meane time , to seeme no lesse religious , make greate religion of deuoute gestures , building , repairing , and adoring of Temples in both which , the Papists exceede them : and as he saith , * * Plesses vbi supra . The worser sort of men are euer most spendfull in such things to shadow , and obscure the memorie of their euill acts . It is true , that many who worship in spirit , and truth , and are zealous that doctrine may be preserued in the purity the Apostles left it , are yet too negligent in deuoute gesture in praier , that some grow too familiar , and sauc●e with God : this is ill , but the other is much worse , when men seeke the outward , neglect due preaching , and hearing , the defence of the truth , & cause of God , in such cases as that of the Palatinate , the Rochellers , and the like , or flatter their falle friends , and betraiers , such as the Duke , &c. for while thus the true church of God , Mat. 23.23 . the liuing stones and Temples , wherein God dwels , are spoiled and wasted , such mens calling for bodely gestures , & building of Temples , is but tithing of mint , and annise , and leauing the weightier matters vn●ared for , like hypocriticall Pharises . Yet who sees not that these are the chiefe things the Bishops looke after ? who in the meane time thinke it sufficient , that Synods , and kings haue established their authoritie .

It is true that Solomon iustly deposed Abiathar the Priest , 1. King . 2.27 . chap. 25.13 2 Chro. 17.6.7 . and put Zadock in his roome , that Asa remoued his mother from being Queene , because she had made an idole , which he destroied , as Hezechiah did the brasen serpent , when it was abused to idolatrie : that Ichoshaphat , and Iosiah put downe idollatrie , reformed the church , and caused the word of God to be duly taught : That Christian Kings , as nursing fathers haue great authority in like cases : but all this is , as was said of Synods , in things necessarie , as reformation of abuses supressing errours , abolishing of idollatrie , and superstitious rites , and gouernments , reestablishing a preaching ministrie , and Elders , and ordaining ordinances , and ceremonies , so necessarie , as those aboue mencioned : That God will require it of them , if they doe not looke after these things . But for the Hierarchie , and popish ceremonies , so hurtfull , to proue that they may be maintained , I hope they will not say , 1. King . 11 2. King . 16 10. Salomon built the high places , Ieroboam set vp Calues , Ahaz saw an Altar at Damascus , and made Vrijah the Priest build such a one , so prone are the clergie to thinke the will of the Prince a sufficient warrant , that any king of Israel , or Iudah did what he list in religion , 2. Chro. 22 34. that among the reft Ahaziah walked in the waies of the house of Ahab : for after the death of his father they , & his mother were his counsellers to his destruction . They should rather put the higher powers in minde of that , why tempt ye God , to put a yoke vpon the necks of the Disciples , Act. 15.10 . which neither our fathers , nor wee are able to it beare ? The King of Kings would not doe it , but after he had finished his Testament , Reu. 2 , 24. he saith , I will put vpon you none other burden ; and shall men then presume that they may doe it , if they can get kings to authorise them ? Kings should remember that Christ is set vpon the holy hill of Sion , Psal. 2. as the only * * Isa. 33.22 . King , and lawgiuer of his church in matters of religion : in regard whereof it is said , Be wise now therefore , o ye kings : be instructed ye Iudges of the earth . Serue the Lord with feare , and reioyce with trembling . Kisse the Sonne least he be angrie : as if he said , shew your subiection , and loue to him , in setting vp Gods throne , and ordinances , not Satans . Where any Ecclesiastical power , and dominion is besides , and against his ordinances , there hath Satan his throne , though in some gouernments , & orders more pernicious , then in others : among the Papists , in Popes , Cardinals , Iesuits , Regulars , & Bishops . In the Franciscans , or Capuchins lesse then in the Iesuits : yet hath he it , as well in the best order of them , as in Mahumetans , or any other wherein it is worst . If English Bishops haue a power besides , and against the ordinances of God , & that is pernicious to his kingdome , Satan hath his throne in them , though not in so desperate a manner as in others .

It helpes not to say , that many of them striue to doe God seruice in many things For so doe diuers in all those orders of the Papists , and so far as they can doe it wi●h the safety of their religion , and order : but cast their crownes ordinances , ceremonies , tradi●ions , and rules at the feete of Christ Iesus , to haue them tried , and iudged by the word , they will no● no more will the Bishops . When I consider how weake their vsurped and tyrannicall title is , I am amased that as yet , no English Bishop euer did it . Yet when I remember againe that the Scripture saith : Gifts blind the eies of the wise : that our Lord saith . Luk. 16. No man can serue two maisters : ye can not serue God and Mammon . His seruants ye are to whome ye obey : Rom. 6. then I wonder the lesse , I maruaile not that they doe not beleeue these things : because indeed our Sauiour saith to such men , How can ye beleeue which receiue honour one of another , Ioh. 5.44 . and seeke not the honour , that commeth f om God only ? and of such men : If any man doe his will , he shall know of the doctrine , Ioh. 7.17 . whether it be of God or noe . These and their de●enders can not v●ell know , because they are not willing to know it , much lesse so to doe it , as to be reformed by it . They are resolued to holde to the Hierarchie , because they haue subscri●ed , or for the honour , proffit , or peace they haue , or may haue ●y it , or vnder it , & without which , as things are they know ●ot how to liue , much lesse to preache , and doe good Now ●he great and mightie God the father of lights , with whome 〈◊〉 no variablenes , and from whome euery good , and perfit gift ●roceedeth : giue them , and vs all the grace , Luk. 9. that denying our ●elues , our owne affections , wisdoms , proffits , earthly ima●inations , vanities , and delights , wee may become true Dis●●ples , and followers of Christ , such as truly seeke the king●ome of God , and the righteousnes thereof , that by his mercie wee may once come to see that ioyfull day , Reuel. 19. wherein that blessed acclamation shall be heard , Alleluia : For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth .

FINIS .