THE FAITH , DOCTRINE , and religion , professed , & protected in the Realme of England , and dominions of the same :

Expressed in 39 Articles , concordablie agreed vpon by the reuerend Bishops , and Clergie of this Kingdome , at two seuerall meetings , or Conuocations of theirs , in the yeares of our Lord , 1562 , and 1604 :

THE SAID ARTICLES ANALISED INTO Propositions , and the Propositions prooued to be agreeable both to the written word of God , and to the extant Confessions of all the neighbour Churches , Christianlie reformed :

THE ADVERSARIES ALSO OF NOTE , AND name , which from the Apostles daies , and primitiue Church hetherto , haue crossed , or contradicted the said Articles in generall , or any particle , or proposition arising from anie of them in particular , heereby are discouered , laid open , and so confuted .

Perused , and by the lawfull authoritie of the Church of England , allowed to be publique .

PRINTED BY IOHN LEGATT , PRINTER to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge . 1607.

MOst reuerend Father in God , there is no one thing in this world that of men truly zealous , & Christian in these latter daies of the world with greater earnestnes hath bin desired , then that by a ioynt , & common consent of all the Churches rightly , & according to the canons of the sacred Scriptures , reformed , there might be a draught made , and diuulged , containing , and expressing the summe , & substance of that Religion , which they doe all both concordablie teach , & vniformely maintaine .

That holy man ( of happie remembrance ) D. Cranmer ( who sometime enioyed that roome in our Church , Archb. Cranmer . which your Grace nowe worthily possesseth ) in the daies of that most godly young Prince , King Edward the sixt , employed a great part of his time , and studie for the effecting of that worke ; and imparted his thoughts with the most principall persons , and of rarest note in those daies for their wisdome , pietie , and credit among the people of God throughout Christendome . M. Caluin , vnderstanding of his intent , addressed his letters vnto the sayd Archbishop , and offered his seruice , saying that might his labours stand the Church in steede , ne decem quidem maria , it would not grieue him to saile ouer ten Seas to such a purpose .

2. But this proouing a worke of much difficultie , if not altogether vnpossible in mans eies , especially in those daies , to be brought about , the next course , and resolution was , Vnitie of doctrine in all Churches reformed . that euerie Kingdome , and free state , or principalitie , which had abandoned the superstitious , and Antichristian religion of the Church of Rome , and embraced the Gospell of Christ , should diuulge a Briefe of that religion , which among themselues was taught , and beleeued , and whereby through the mercie of God in Christ , they did hope to be saued . Which to God his great glorie , & the singular benefit , & comfort of all Churches , both present , and to come ( as the extant Harmonie of all their confessions doth most sweetely record ) with no great labor was notablie performed .

This worke of theirs tolde the Churches in those daies , and doth vs , and will enforme our posteritie , that not only in euery particular State , & Kingdome , but also throughout Christendome , where the Gospell was entertained , the primitiue , and Apostolicall daies of the Church were againe restored . For the multitudes of them that did beleeue ( I speake both ioyntly of all , and seuerally of each reformed people , not of euery particular person , fantastique , False-apostles , and peruerse teachers , or professors in any Church , who were not wanting euen in the Apostles daies ) touching the maine , and fundamentall points of true religion , were then of one hart and of one soule , and did thinke , and speake one thing , and liue in peace a a Ab initio reformationis ardebant amore veritatis omnes Poli●ici ecclesiastic● , plebei . Jezler . de diutur . belli Euchar. p. 49. .

3. The said Archbishop ( for vnto whom better , after God , and the King can we ascribe the glorie of this worthy act ? hee wrought this Vnitie , and Vniformitie of doctrine in this kingdome , in the Halcyon daies of our English Iosias , K. Edward the sixt of that name : and the same doctrine , so by his meanes established in the time of peace ( a notable worke of peace ) like a manly , Vnitie of doctrine in the Church of Eng. in K. Ed. 6. his daies . haeroicall , and heauenly Capitane , vnder our Generall , Iesus Christ , he resolutely , euen with his heart blood , & in the fierie torments , afterwards confirmed in the daies of persecution .

An. 1552. A certaine learned man ( speaking of the Religion heere then professed , and wrighting vnto the Lords of our late Queenes Counsell ) doth say , he ( meaning the Papist his aduersarie , who charged our Church with discord , and disagreements about matters of religion ) He ought ( saith he ) if hee had bin able , K. Edward 6. to haue brought out the publike Confession , and Articles of faith , agreed in K. Edwards time , and haue shewed any in England , that professing the Gospell , dissenteth from the same . So esteemed hee ( and with him many thousands of learned , and iudicous men ) of the doctrine then ratified by authoritie , and professed in this kingdome .

But those daies of our Churches peace continued not long ( through our vnthankefulnesse , and sinnes ) neither on the other side was our persecution permanent ( through the goodnes of god ) , though for the time exceeding vehemt , & violent . q. Mary For nubecula fuit , & cito transiit , it vanished away quickely , as do many raging stormes euen vpon the suddaine : yet not through the power of Gunpowder , and treasons , but through the force of ardent praiers vnto the Almightie . For arma ecclesiae preces .

4. Wee finde that M. Latimer ( that sacred , The pr●iers of the persecuted Saints for the reducing of true religion into the realm . and reuerend Father ) addicted himselfe very seriously in those daies vnto the exercise of prayer ; and his principall , and most vsuall praiers were first , for himselfe , next for the afflicted church of England , and lastly for Lady Elizabeth , the deceassed K. Edwards , and Q. Maries sister .

For himselfe hee praied , that as God had made him a minister , and Preacher , of his truth : so hee might constantly beare witnesse vnto the same , & haue the grace , F. Latimer and power to maintain it in the face of the world , euen till the hower of his death . For the church of Enland hee praied , that God would be pleased once againe , to restore the free Preaching of the Gospell to this realme ( and this withall possible feruencie of Spirit , hee craued at the hands of God ) . And for Lady Elizabeth , that hee would preserue , and make her a comfort to his then comfortlesse people in England . And the almightie , and our heauenly Father both heard , and granted , all , and euery of his petitions .

M. Gualter ( that learned , painfull , & excellent diuine at Tigure ) dedicating his holy , B. Parkhurst , and Christian comments vpon the lesser Prophets vnto D. Parkhurst , Bishop of Norwich ( who in the daies of the forementioned Q. Mary , voluntarily had exiled himselfe so farre as Switzerland , for his preseruation , if it might be , vnto better times ) saith of the said Parkhurst , that when he liued in Tigure , Lady Elizabeth was euer in his mouth : her Faith , her wisedome , her magnanimous , spirit , her virgineous and chast behauiour hee would euer celebrate with high words , and commendations , and that God would gard , and safegard her person for the good of his people , was his daily praier : yea ( saith the same Gualter ) orabant idem te cum pii omnes , it was not your praier onely , Q. Elizab. but all Gods people so praied besides . And their prayers were not made in vaine . For both Q. Mary liued not long ; and L. Elizabeth was placed in the royall throne ; superstition was expulsed , and true religion againe , to the singular comfort , and multiplication of Gods people in this kingdome , very solemnely restored .

.5 Nothwithstanding an Vniformitie of doctrine to be taught embraced , and professed , by authoritie of the Prince , and State was not published till certaine yeares after the Queenes attaining the kingly diademe ; True doctrine restored . an. 1558. and an vniformitie of the same established , and publshed , an. 1562. but then Articles of religion , to the number of thirty-nine , drawen yet three yeares afore , were commended to the consideration , and perusall of the whole clergie of both Prouinces , in an orderly , and lawfull assembly , or Convocation of theirs at London ; and by a sweete , and vnanimous readines , thereupon by them allowed . This was effected in the yeare of our Lord 1562. ( the same yeare that the mercilesse Massacre at Vassey in France was committed by the Duke of Guize ; An. 1562. and the same very time also that all the Protestants in that country of France , for holding and professing the same doctrine , were sentenced vnto death , and destruction by the Parliament at Paris : after which their condemnation ensued those horrible , and more then sauage murders , and slaughters of the Religious , and onely for this Religion , at Carrascone , at Tholouse , Amiens , Towres , Sens , Agen , Aurane , and many other citties , townes , and villages throughout France ) .

A principall contriuer of this Vniformitie in religion , and thereby Vnitie among vs , Arch. Parker . was another Predecessor of your Graces , euen D. Parkar the first Archbishop of Canterburie in the said Queenes daies .

Here vpon Beza from Geneva , Doctrinae puritas viget in Anglia , Pure & syncere , religion flourisheth in England ; Zanchius , from Strasborough , Per hanc reginam factam , by her ( meaning Q. Elizabeths ) comming to the Crowne , God againe hath restored his doctrine , and true worship ; and Daneus , The whole compasse of the world hath neuer seene any thing more blessed , nor more to be wished then is her gouernenment .

So now againe flourished those Apostolicall times ( as I may say ) of vnitie , and Vniformitie of doctrine in our Church . For then were there no contentions , nor dissentions , nor thornie , & pricking disputations among vs about questions of religion , tantum res nobis fuit cum satellitibus quibusdam Pontificiis ( as Bishop Iewell said ) wee then skirmished onely with the Papists . As it was at the building of Salomons temple : so was it with vs then . Wee set vpon the building of Gods house ( which is his Church ) without deane , without noyse , and stirres . The adversaries without heard vs , and heard of our doings abroad by the pens of the learned Iewel , Nowel , Calfehill , and such other Architects of ours ; to our selues wee were comely as Ierusalem ; to our enemies , terrible as an armie of Banners .

6. Also what afore , viz. an. 62. they had agreed vpon , the same at another Assembly at London , an. 71. and the 13. of Q. Elizabeth , according to a Act of Parliament then made , Subscription required vnto the Booke of Art . an. 1571. An. 1572. the said Clergie of England ( the Archbishops and Bishops first beginning , and giuing the example ) by their seuerall Subscriptions with their owne hands , most readily did approoue .

Howbeit in the yeare next ensuing , sciz . an. 72 ( a yeare many waies memorable , especially for the great , and generall Massacre of aboue an hundred thousand Protestants in France , chiefly in Paris , and the country thereabout adioyning , begun on S. Bartholemewes eeue * * Bartholomaeus flet quia gallicus occu●hat a●las . , for Pope Gregories excommunicating of Q. Elizabeth , for defending this doctrine , and religion , which here wee speake of ; and thirdly for the erecting of priuate Presbyteries now first in England ) diuers of the inferior ministers in , and about London , and else where in this kingdome , not a little disturbed the quiet of our state , and peace , some of them by vntimely , and inconsiderate Admonitions , pamphelets , and Libels ; others by obstinate refusing to subscribe , as both Lawe did enioyne , and their Fathers in Christ , and superiors afore them had done . But these men speedily both by learning were answered , and by authoritie censured , suspended , or depriued .

7. And yet not one of these Recusants , and so not one of Englands clergie , Vnitie of doctrine still continued . either now , or afore did euer oppugne the receiued , publike , and catholike doctrine of our Church , but most willingly approued , and applauded the same , as the truth of God .

For euen the admonitioners themselues ( which said that they did striue for true Religion ; and wished the Parliament euen With perfect hatred to detest the church of England , whereof notwithstanding they were members ) euen they doe say how they ( meaning the Bishops , and their partakers ) they hold the substance of Religion with vs , and wee with them . And againe . Wee ( all of vs ) confesse one Christ . And their Champion doth acknowledge , that her maiestie hath deliuered vs from the spirituall Egypt of Poperie .

So that for doctrine ( I meane still for the maine points of doctrine ) there was now a sweete , and blessed concord among vs : which Vnitie continued all that holy , and reuerend Fathers , I meane Archbishop Parkers time , which was till the 17. yeare of Q. Elizabeth .

8. After him succeeded in the said Archiepiscopall chaire B. Grindall , a right famous , and worthy Prelate ; and for religion so sound , as in K. Edwards daies ( had the Prince liued a while longer ) he had bin promoted vnto the Bishoprick of London , Archbish. Grindall . vpon the translation of B. Ridly vnto Durham ( for these things had the State then in purpose ) . But God otherwise had decreed for their advancements , as that the one of them should passe through the fire vnto the kingdome of heauen ; and the other escape the dangers of many stormes , and waters before hee came vnto any preferment at all . And so accordingly Ridley was burned , and Grindall banished , and both of them depriued either of life , or liuing , or both , and that for one , and the same cause , and doctrine , which they had preached , and wee professe .

But the tempest being ouerblowen , and Q. Elizabeth ( her selfe hauing likewise escaped the bloody hands of her cruel enemies , yea and Gunpowder traines , and Treasons too , in most barbarous manner laid to haue blowen vp her saint-like , & sanctified Body , and Soule , into the heauens ; and all for her constant fauouring , and embracing this very doctrine ) her Maiestie ( not forgetfull what he had endured for the cause of Christ , and his Church ) aduanced this zealous Confessour , and tried Souldier , vnto the See first of London ( afore designed him ) ; next of Yorke , and lastly of Canterburie .

The care of this Archbishop was great to further the glory of God , but , through the enuy and malice of his ill willers , his power was but small ; his place , high , but himselfe made lowe , through some disgraces , by his potent aduersaries : which hee meekely , and patiently endured till his dying day .

9. During the time of this mans troubles , among other , two things especially deserue obseruation : One is , The f●ctious encrease , and growe confident . the flocking of Iesuits into the kingdome ( who afore them neuer came among vs ) the other is the insolencie , and boldnes of our homefaction .

The Iesuits indicted Councels ; summoned Synodes ; enacted and reversed orders , and exercised Papal iurisdiction among vs , wee not weeting , nor so much as dreaming of any such matter .

The Brethren ( for so did they now stile themselues ) in their Churches and charges would neither pray , nor say seruice , nor Baptise , nor celebrate the L. Supper ; nor Marrie , nor Bury , nor doe any other ecclesiasticall duty according to the Law , but after their owne deuisings . And abroad ( as if they had bin acquainted with the Iesuiticall proceedings ; or the Iesuits with their practises ) they had their meetings both classicall , and Synodicall ; they set downe decrees , reuersed orders , elected ministers , exacted Subscriptions , and executed the censures of suspension , and excommunication where they thought good .

The Iesuits had for their prouinciall first Roberr Parsons , alias Cowbuck , then Weston , and lastly Garnet ( which Garnet continued in that office till the yeare 1605. when he was apprehended , and for most horrible and hellish treasons , as an arrant Traitor put to death in Pauls Churchyard the same yeare . And the Brethren had their ( I know not what ) cheife men . All of these residing in , and about London ; and in speciall fauour both with the Gentiles , and vulgar people of their seuerall factions : and so continued multiplying their number , and growing strong , euen head-strong in boldnes , and schisme till the dying day of this most graue , and reuerend Archbishop , which was in the moneth of Iuly . 1583.

10. Some foure moneths afore whose death the said Brethren , at a certaine Assembly of their owne appointing , among other things ( as I finde ) decreed , that if Subscription vnto the booke of Articles of religion ( afore mentioned , and still meant ) should againe be vrged , Vnity of doctrine stil holdeth among vs . the said Brethren might subscribe thereunto according to the Statute . Which declareth that what diuersitie , and disagreement soeuer was about other matters , An. 1583. yet abode ther stil a blessed Vnitie among vs touching the foundation of Christian religion . And this was in 25. yeare of Q· Elizabeth .

11. Next vnto him D. Whitegift , then Bishop of Worcester ( a man deseruedly vnto that dignitie promoted and for his manifold paines in writing , Arch. Whitegift teaching , and defending the truth ; his wisedome in gouerning ; and his well demeaning of himselfe euery way , worthy the double honour which hee did enioy , or the State could aduance him vnto ) from thence was translated vnto the See of Canterburie .

No sooner was he confirmed in his office , but ( obseruing both the open and intolerable contempt in many places of all Church orders by authoritie prescribed ; and hearing both of many secret conuenticles , & vnlawfull assemblies in his Prouince ; and of the tumults , and garboiles abroad , and euen at his very admission vnto his charge , raised in Scotland , and that for the selfe same cause , which by the Brethren here in England was maintained ; & foreseeing the dangers , and troubles likely to ensue ( for which hee should giue an account , if in time hee sought not meanes to preuent them ) hee thought it his bounden dutie ( for the preseruation of vnitie , and puritie in religion ; the preuenting of further schisme ; and the discouery of mens inclinations either vnto peace , or faction ) that all , and euery Minister eclesiastical ( hauing cure of soules within the Prouince of Canterbury ) vnder his owne hand , and by Subscription , should testifie his consent both vnto the points of religion in the Conuocation an. 62. approued , Subscription the second time called for . and likewise vnto other Articles , necessary for concord sake of all , and euery man , minister especially to be acknowledged : and accordingly , by due course of Law called then therevnto , Which was done the very first yeare of his removeall , and of her maiestie the 26.

This of the brethren was tearmed the woefull yeare of subscription , but that they should so doe there was no cause , An. 1584. vnlesse they are greiued that factious spirits , and malecontented Ministers , and Preachers were discouered ; and their erroneous , & schismaticall opinions brought into light . And surely neuer was their subscription hitherto by authoritie vrged in this land , but diuers newe fancies ( held yet for truthes , not to be doubted of , among the brethren ) were thereby detected , for Gods people to auoid as monsters ; neither hath our Church lost , by imposing , nor the aduersaries gained at the long runne , by refusing Subscription .

12. In the yeares 71 , and 72. when subscription first was required , the whole land will witnesse , that manie , How basely the Brethren conceiue of the doctrine by the Bishops agreed vpon , and established by the prince . and sundrie bookes ( aswell in Latine , as English ) then , and afterward flewe abroad . In which wee read howe then , and in those daies The truth of God did in a manner but peepe out ( as it were ) at the screene ; that Cranmer , Parker , Grindall , and all the other Martyrs , Preachers , and learned men ( which first in our age brought the light of the Gospell into this realme ) , did see a litle , and had a glimpse of the truth , but ouersaw many things , which in these daies of the Sunshine of the Gospell , men of meaner gifts doe see ; and yet may not vtter them without great danger of the Lawes ( through the iniquitie of the times ) , though the said things now seene be comprised in the booke of God , and also be a part of the Gospell , yea the very Gospell it selfe ( so true are they ) ; and of such importance , as if euery haire of our heads were a life ( say the Brethren , ) wee ought to afford them in defense of these matters ; the Articles of Religion penned , and agreed vpon by the Bishops , and Clergie , and ratified by the Prince , and Parliament , in comparison of these things nowe reuealed and newly come to light , are but Childish , and toies .

Thus write they ( as your Grace best knoweth ; and I would haue quoted the places where they may be read , had I either not written vnto your selfe , or did write vnto a man vnacquainted with their bookes ) . And had they heere stayed , there words had bin able ( without the more grace of God ) to haue mooued the Parliament , & all the people of this land ( as they haue preuailed but too much alreadie with their too credulous fauorites ) to thinke our Church , for all the reformation wrought , and Vniformitie in doctrine established , to be much awrie , and farre from the truth it should professe . But setting downe ( as they haue donne ) and publishing both what the truth is , which nowe breaketh out , and offereth it selfe by their ministerie to the viewe of the whole world ( which afore did but peepe out at the Screene ) ; and what the things be , which theie of meane gifts doe see , and our Fathers , the Martirs , Bishops , and Preachers , both in King Edwards daies , and afterwards ( knowne , and acknowledged to be men of excellent parts ) either did not see at all , or Ouersee ; and what likewise the points of doctrine newly now reuealed , their aeternum Euangelium ( which without great danger may not be preached in England , no more then the doctrine , and Articles of the Church of England may bee preached at Rome ; and for defence wherof they ought to afford euen their very liues , weare they so many as the haires of euery of their heads ) is , and bee , they demonstrate themselues to be most childishly vaine , and idle in their imaginations ( which they take yet to be illuminations of the spirit ) .

13. For all their doings , and discourses ( to say the best of them ) are but to erect a newe ( which they tearme a true ) ministerie ; The vncoath doctrine of the factious Brethren . and their Discipline among vs .

Themselues doe say , The controuersie betwixt them , and vs , is not as ( the Bishopes , and their welwillers ) they would beare the world in hand , for a Cap , a Tippet , or a Surplesse , but for greater matters , concerning a true ministerie , and regiment of the Church , according to the word : the one whereof , that is a true ministery they shall neuer haue , till Archbishops , and Bishops be put downe , and all Ministers made equall : the other also will neuer be brought to passe , till Kings & Queenes doe subiect themselues vnto the Church , and submit their scepters , and throwe downe their Crowes before the Church , and lick vp the dust of the feete of the Church ; and willingly abide the censures of the Church , that is , of the Presbyterie . For , as the Church is subiect vnto the ciuill magistrate in respect of his ciuill authoritie : so must the magistrate , the King and Queene , subiect themselues , and bee obedient to the iust , and lawfull authoritie of the Church . The ciuill magistrate is none officer at all of the Church . For Church officers bee non Magnates , aut Tetrarchae , not gracious , or honorable Lords , but Ministers of the Church . The Presbyterie is the Church ; and euerie Congregation , or Church , should and must in it haue a Presbyterie .

This is the Light , which indeede the Martyrs , neuer sawe ; the Religion , which our Brethren striue for ; the Truth , which they may not preach ; not Childish doctrine , like the Bishops Articles , but the wise Gospell ; the maine , and materiall points of religion , nowe in these last daies last of all ( yea after the eight Thorowe breaking of H. N. his Euangelium regni ) reuealed , and for furtherance whereof they are to lend , and spend euen all their liues , if occasion be ministred .

14. Strange , and strong delusions : First to take these and other such assertions for Truths , and heauenly mysteries , which are but the fancies of troubled braines , not grounded , nor truly gathered from Gods word :

Next , to teach one another , and al their fauorers , howe they should be as readie , and prepared euen for these matters , to giue ouer their liuings , and to giue their liues ( were they as many as the haires of ( all ) their heades as Cranmer , Ridley , Latimer did ; and Parker , Grindall , and all other Preachess would , and euery Christian man , and woman , should ( if they bee called thereunto ) for the Apostolicall , and Catholique doctrine of our Church , which all Gods people doe knowe , and the Brethren themselues ( as afore hath bin noted ) doe confesse , is originally from God , and his written word .

These , and many moe ( too many heere to be recapitulate ) such phantasies of theirs , or phrenesies rather , this first subscription brought first to light ( and yet happie had it bin for Gods Church , and people , they had neuer bin broached ) .

15. Semblablie the next Subscription called for by the last Archb. your L. predecessor , an 84. discouered euen the verie thoughts , Of the second Subscription vrged . an. 84. and desires of those ( Brethren before , but nowe stiled ) faithfull Brethren , which haue , and doe seeke for the Discipline , and reformation of the Church .

Many Treatises afore , but nowe , and diuers yeares ensuing they flewe about , and abroad like Atomies ; and by them the same things which afore , but in a differing sort , and in other words , they publish .

For touching Church officers , they name who , and howe many sorts they be of them , viz. Doctors , Pastors , Gouernors , Deacons , and Widdowes ( no moe , no fewer .

They say , Euerie Church must be furnished with a Teacher , and a Pastor , as with two Eies ; with Elders , as with Feete ; with Deacons , as with Hands . Euerie Congregation must haue Eies , Hands , and Feete , and yet neither all , nor at all any Congregation is to haue an Head , answerable to those Feete , Hands , and Eies .

The doctor , by their doctrine , must be a distinct minister from the pastor , and onely teach true doctrine , and neither exhort , nor apply his doctrine according to the times , and his auditorie , nor minister the Sacraments . For these things the pastor is to performe . Which pastor also , whensoeuer he administreth the Sacraments , must necessarily make a Sermon , or els he committeth Sacriledge .

And concerning discipline , by their doctrine , euery Congregation must haue absolute authoritie , to admonish , to censure , to excommunicate , and to anathematize all offending persons yea euen Kings , and Princes , if they be of the Congregation . And no Prince but must be of some parish , and vnder one , Presbytery or other alwaies , Where this power is not , in their iudgements , one of the tokens of a true Church , is wanting . For this Discipline with them is a Marke of the Church , and numbred among the Articles of their Faith .

16. This ( say they is the great cause , the holy cause , which they will neuer leaue suing for , though they should be a thousand Parliaments in their daies , vntill either ther obtaine it , or bring the Lord in vengeance , and blood against the Stare , The Brethrens diuine conceipts of their Discipline . and the whole land , for repelling the same . The Discipline is Gods holy yoke , Gods sceptre ; the kingdome and throne of Christ .

Our controuersie ( say they ) is whether Iesus Christ shall be King , or no. Againe , the end of all our trauaile is to build vp the walles of Ierusalem , in to set vp the Throne of Iesus Christ , our heauenly King , the middes thereof ; the aduauncing whereof is a testimonie vnto vs that wee shall haue part in that glorie , which shall be reuealed heereafter .

So learne we nowe from their said bookes , learned and demonstratiue discourses ( which the Fathers , and our fore fathers neuer sawe , nor had learned ) both that their Discipline established , and exercised is a visible marke of a true Church ; and to desire the aduauncement of the same , an inuisible token of an elect childe of God : so as neither is that a Church , at least no true Church , where their Discipline is not ; neither they but titular christians , no true christians indeede , which either sigh , or seeke not to haue it established , and Presbyteries in euerie parish to be aduaunced .

17. The Articles of our religion ( concluded vpon by the reuerend Clergie of our Church ) with these learned , The Br. renue and continue their base conceits of the publike Art. of in our religion , comparison of their new Gospell . and all seeing Brethren , are but the Bishops decrees , the Articles of the Conuocation house ; and reueale some little truth : but these wise Brethren ( so faithfull haue they bin betweene God , and his Church ) they haue not failed to shewe vs the whole counsaile of God .

And yet these faithfull Brethren , either through forgetfulnes , or frailtie , or ( which I rather thinke ) forced thereunto by the power of truth , doe plainly confesse , that those verie decrees of our Bishops , and Articles of the conuocation house , euen that little , litle part of the Gospel , which the said Bishops , and Martyrs brough to light , and hath enlightned the whole realme , containeth the very fundamentall points of Christianity .

Whereof I still gather that had their newly reuealed , tearmed learned Discourses , and doctrines touching Discipline , & their Presbyteries ( howsoeuer with goodly , & glorious titles , to rauish poore heartes with the desire thereof , brandished , and set out ) neuer bin diuulged , or preached , we may be saued , but without knowing , and beleeuing , the Articles or doctrine of our Church ( which yet is not ours , but Gods ) there is no saluation ordinarily to be looked for , of any man : so true , and of such necessitie , is this ; so impertinent , and vnneedefull the other .

18. Octogesimus octauus mirabilis annus : it was prophecied to be a wonderfull yeare long afore it came , and will neuer be forgotten now it is past . An. 1588. Q. Elizabeth opposeth her authoritie against the Br. their bookes , and writings .

Among the things for which the yeare 88. is famous , one , and not of least regard , is , that afore it expired , these bookes of the brethren , by a Proclamation from Q. Elizabeth , were denounced Schismaticall , and seditious ; and the doctrine in them contained , erroneous , tending to perswade , and bring in a monstrous , and apparent dangerous Innouation within her dominions , and countries ; and to make a change , euen a dangerous change of the forme of doctrine then in vse . And therefore the said bookes were commanded to be brought in , and deliuered into the hands of authoritie ; and speciall charge giuen that no moe of that nature should come abroad , or be printed .

Wherby ( so much as in that blessed Queene , whose name with eternall honour shall be recorded ) these newe fancies of the brethren were hissed , and exploded out of this Christian kingdome ; and the articles , or publike doctrine of our Church , confirmed , countenanced , and by the royall prerogatiue of that peerelesse Prince , more strongly ratified , and commended to her awefull and good subiects then afore .

19 The zeale of learned , and godly men herevpon was inflamed , and their courage so encreased , as whereas afore this time but one or two , or a very few ( the first whereof was your L. imediate Predecessor , whose memorie be alwaies honourable among the Saints ) did encounter the Brethren and oppugned their fancies : now an Armie of most valourous , Most learned & worthy men set themselues against the Br. and the Presbyterian discipline . and resolute Champions , and Challengers rose vp , which then , and diuers yeares ensuing ( among whome as your Grace was the first in time which gaue the onset : so are you to be reckoned with the first , and best for zeale , wisedome , and learning ) did conflict with these Brethren , defended the Prelacie ; stood for the Prince ; and State ; put the newe Doctors to the foile ; profligated the Elders ; set vpon the Presbyterie : and so battered the new Discipline , as hitherto they could neuer , nor hereafter shall euer fortifie , and repaire the decaies thereof .

20. Notwithstanding what the brethren wanted in strength , and learning , they had in wilynes ; A Stratagem of the Br. and though they lost much one way in the generall , & maine point of their discipline ; yet recouered they not a litle aduantage another way , by an odde , and a newe deuise of theirs , in a speciall article of their classicall instructions .

For while these Worthies of our Church were employing their engins , & forces partly in defending the present gouernment Ecclesiasticall , partly in assaulting the Presbytery and newe Discipline , euen at that verie instant the Brethren ( knowing themselues too weake either to ouerthrowe our holds , and that which we hold ; or to maintaine their owne ) they abandoned quite the Bulwarkes which they had raised , An. 1595. and gaue out were impregnable ; suffering vs to beate them downe , without any , or very small resistance : and yet not carelesse of their affaires left not the warres for all that , but from an odd corner , and after a newe fashion , which wee little thought of ( such was their cunning ) set vpon vs a fresh againe , by dispersing in printed bookes ( which for tenne yeares space before they had bin in hammering among themselues to make them complete ) their Sabbath speculations , & Presbyterian ( that is more then either Kingly ; or Popely ) directions for the obseruation of the Lords day .

This Stratageme of theirs was not obserued then , neither I feare me is regarded as it should be yet : and yet did , & since hath , and doubtlesse in time to come , if it be not timely seene vnto , with vnsound opinions , and paradoxes will so poison many , as the whole Church , and Common-weale will find the danger , and inconuenience of them ( so plausible are they to men either popularlie religious or preposterouslie , and iniudiciouslie zealous . )

Certaine fruites , and effects of the Sab. doctrine published by consent of the Brethren . 21. In this their fallie ( as I said before ) they set not vpon the Bishops and their calling , their Chancelars &c. ( as Popish , and Antichristian ) they let them alone , seeing and knowing they are too well backt for them to subuert : but ( which are of great , all ; and almost of the same antiquitie with Bishops diuers of them ; and I had almost said as necessarie ) they ruinate , and at one blowe beate downe all Times , and daies by iust authoritie destined to religious , and holy vses , besides the Lords day , saying plainely , and in peremptorie words that the Church hath none authoritie , ordinarily , or from yeare to yeare perpetually to sanctifie any other day to those vses but only the Lordes daie .

They builde not Presbyteries expressedly ( though vnder hand , if it be well marked , they doe erect them in their exercises of the Sabbath : but they set vp a newe Idoll , their Saint Sabbath ( earst in the daies of Popish blindnes S. Sunday ) in the middes , and mindes of Gods people .

By the former they haue opened not a gap , but a wide gate vnto all licentiousnes , libertie , and prophanes on the Holie daies ( which is readily , and greedily apprehended of all sorts of people euerie where , especially of their fauorites ) to the hie dishonor of God ; decay of deuotion ; hinderance of Christian knowledge and wisedome in all sorts , especially in the vulgar multitude , and poore seruants ; aduantage of the common enimies ; and grosse contempt of the necessarie , and laudable orders of our Church . By the latter they haue introduced a newe , and more then either Iewish , or Popish superstition into the land , to no small blemish of our Christian profession , and scandall of the true seruants of God , The summe of the Sa● . doctrine broached by the Brethren . and therewith doctrine most erroneous , dangerous , and Antichristian .

22. Their doctrine summarilie may be reduced vnto these two heads , whereof the one is , that the Lords day ( euen as the old Sabbath was of the Iewes ) must necessarily be kept , and solemnized of all , and euerie Christian , vnder the paine of eternall condemnation both of bodie , and soule .

The other , that vnder the same penaltie it must bee kept from the highest to the lowest , both of King , and people , in sort , and manner as these Brethren among themselues , haue deuised , decreed , and prescribed .

The former of these is like that of the false Apostles , which came from Iudea vnto Antioch , and taught the Brethren , that vnlesse they were Circumcised after the manner of Moses , they could not be saued . Whome the Apostles , Paul and Barnabas first ; and afterwards Peter , Iames , and the rest at Ierusalem both zealously did resist , and in their first Synod , or conuocation powerfully suppresse .

The latter , as bad as that , hath bin the mother of many hereticall assertions , and horrible conclusions .

I haue read ( and many there be aliue which will iustifie it ) , how it was preached in a Mercate towne in Oxfordshire , that to doe any seruile worke , or businesse on the Lords day , is as great a sinne , as to kill a man , or to committe adultery . It was preached in Sommersetshire , that to throw a bowle on the Sabboth day , is as great a sinne , as to kill a man . It was preached in Norfolke , that to make a Feast , or wedding dinner on the Lords day , is as great a sinne , as for a Father to take a knife and cutte his childes throate . It was preached in Suffolke ( I can name the man , and I was present when hee was conuented before his ordinary for preaching the same ) that to ring moe Bels then one vpon the Lords day to call the people vnto Church , is as great a sinne as to commit murder .