Paralleles, censures, observations Aperteyning: to three several writinges, 1. A lettre written to Mr. Ric. Bernard, by Iohn Smyth. 2. A book intituled, the Seperatists schisme published by Mr. Bernard. 3. An answer made to that book called the Sep. Schisme by Mr. H. Ainsworth. Whereunto also are adioyned. 1. The said lettre written to Mr. Ric. Bernard divided into 19. sections. 2. Another lettre written to Mr. A.S. 3. A third letter written to certayne bretheren of the seperation. By Iohn Smyth.

A LETTRE WRITTEN TO MAISTER Ric. B●●nard Minister off worksop , by Ioh. Smith Pastor off the Church at Ganesburgh .

The First Section .

MAister Bernard I have sufficient reasons that have moved mee to breake silence in respect of you , & by this Lettre to attempt a further tryall of your pretended Zeale for the truth & faith of Christ : I have long tyme observed the applause yeelded you by the multitude : Likewise I have taken notice of your forwardnes in leading to a Reformation by publique proclamations in Severall pulpits out of that Text off Daniell . 3.16.17.18 . As if you had meant contrary to the Kings mynd to have caryed all the people in the country after you against the Ceremonies & Subscription : afterward having lost your vicaridge of worksop for refusing Subscription or conformity I have observed how yow revolted back & vppon Subscription made to the Prelate of york , have reentred vppon your said vicaridg . Againe I have noted your vehement desire to the parsonage of Sawenb●e , & your extreme indignation when you were defeated of it : Further your earnest desire to have been vicar of Ganesburgh , & al this after your subscription : besides I have carefully weighed with my self your Readines to embrace this truth wee professe , First , at Sr. W. Bowes his howse when it was opposed by some adversaries , after that your acknowledging of it before many witnesses at one tyme , & before one or two witnesses at divers tymes , aledging Naamans speech for your continuance in your Ministerie , 2. King . 5.18 . as if therby you meant to reserve libertie to sinne against your conscience . And now of late I have considered your covenant made with one hundreth people , a thing of such note & observation as that the whole country ringeth of it : but alas againe you have revolted from al this t●uth ( only excepting your opposition against the dumb ministers ) & have not only rejected it , but set your self against it , hinder divers from it , both in your putpits , & writings proclame against it as error & schisme , yea & beginne to justifie all the corruptions of the ministerie , worship & government of the assemblies & all this with a high hand : Al these things & many more I have noted in you , & all the forward professers , yea & the verie ennemies also have observed the same . In al which particulars two things may be mynded : your inconstancy : & apostacy : ( misconstre not the word ) for how can I judg it otherwise seing you have acknowledged the truth , & now reject it & oppose it ▪ your inconstancy in falling of & on so often as you have done : now allthough these general reasons might have moved any of the Prophets & Teachers of our Church for the truths sake , to have delt with you : & to have discovered you to the simpler sort whome you seduce : yet I have attempted it vppon two private groundes wherein I am especially interessed to this busines : one is certayne aspersions by you personally cast vppon mee : Another is certayne particular oppositions directed against some of my writings : For the First , you may remember that at Broxtow when you returned from Mr. Hildersham before certaine competent witnesses you vttered wordes tending to this purpose : that in defence of the truth wee professe , I chose out asitt adversary ( viz. Mr. Rich Clifton ) to deale withall ; a man that could not dive into the depth of my arguments & that I refused to deale with you in that respect . This speech savoreth verie strongly of pride , which vice take you heed of especialy : it conteyneth also an vntruth , & manifesteth contempt against a man of better hability then your self in the judgment of them that know you both , besides the wrong that you doe mee , as if I knowing the cause wee testife to be weake & bad durst not adventure it to the trial of your sufficiency & diving wit : but in good earnest Mr. Bernard tel mee : is your dealing vpright in this point ? Doe not you remember that you have in your handes & had in your handes at that instant when you vttered those wordes my answer written in one Columne , to certayne doubts & objections you made written in another Columne , which I desired you to answer & wherto as yet I have receaved no answer from you ? Surely you may pretend holines & zeale for the truth , but this dealing & these speeches declare no such matter : yea rather they do manifest the corruption of your hart : This your speech & dealing is one reason that moveth mee in Special to deale with you that your mouth may be stopped in that behalf : although it be stopped already sith you answer not my writing that is in your handes : & for Mr. Richard Clifton , I assure my self as you shal find shortly to your litle credit , he wil approve his sufficiency to be Superior to your diving witt : A Second reason that in particular leadeth me to medle with you in this matter , is your oppositions against some truths which I have expressed in some of my writings .

Paralleles : Censures : Observations : aperteyning to the first Section .

The place of Daniel mentioned in the beginning of this Section is : Dan. 3.16 . O Nebuchadnezzar wee are not careful to answere thee in this matter : 17. Behold our God whome wee serve is able to deliver vs from the hote fiery fornace , & he will deliver vs out of thyne hand o King , 18. But if not , be it knowne to thee o King , that we wil not serve thy Gods , nor worship the golden jmage which thou hast set vp .

This place of Scripture Mr. Ber●a●● handled oft tymes in several places , in so much as every man conceaved that he would have been a ring leader to reformation : For the circumstances being considered , that this Scripture was handled when the King vrged Subscription & conformity throughout the whole land , & when divers of the forwardest preachers were silenced , & himself then endaungered to leese his vic●●ridg : that then he should thus p each was enough to have brought him within the compasse of petty-rebellion , in stirring vp the myndes of the people against the Kings proceedings : besides the shew of the text might aford that he compared the King to Nebuchadnezzar : Subscription , to the Kings commaundement of worshipping the golden jmage : Refusal of Subscription , to the Refusal of worshipping the golden jmage : the parts of Subscription to the golden jmage : the Ministers refusing Subscription to the three persons that refused to worship the golden image : their Resolution & courage to the Resolution of those three : The Prelates that vrged Subscription & conformity , to the accusers of the Iewes : I would therfor know of Mr. Bernard whither his mynd be now altered from that he held when he Preached these Sermons vppon this text , if yea : then I demaund whither feare of affliction & love of his living & reputation with the world , have not caused that in him : & whither a man should beleeve him rather now he is a formalist , then before when he was a reformist .

The place of Naaman the Assirian is this : 2 King . 5.18 .

When I bow in the howse of Rimmon to worship , the Lord be mercifull vnto thy Servant in this point .

By this place Mr. Bern. intended to sinne against his conscience for he did acknowledg this truth wee now professe divers tymes , & was vppon the point of Seperation with some of his people with him : yet loving the world & preferment as Naaman is thought to doe he chose rather to stay stil in his vicaridge against his conscience , then to leese it & to follow Christ with a good conscience : do you not remember Mr. Bern. what you said to mee & Mr. Rob. Southw . comming together from w : that speaking of the daunger of walking in this truth of Christ we now professe you said you could easely die vppon the tre for the truth , but you could not withour great horror think of being burned as the Martyrs were in Q. Maryes dayes ? & that all the jorney you were casting how to dispatch your estate & to get away with safety : I speake this to prove vnto you & the world , that you were as forward to the truth of Christ with vs then , as you were before to the cause of the Reformists : & yet as then so now you have wholly & I feare finally apostated from it : the L. be merciful vnto you in these your sinnes : wherevppon this followeth that if ever you come to the truth of Christ wee professe , you can not be admitted into the office of Elder in the Church , but therein you must beare your iniquity , bicause you have apostated fearfully from the truths you did acknouwledg , therein giving Suspition of your constancy & faythfulnes for the tyme to come : & whither you be a worthy Minister of your owne Church , lett the Reformists judg who have betrayed their cause into the Prelates handes so shamefully as you have done : wherfor be it knowne vnto you , first , that wee reject you , Seconbly , that the Reformists have just cause to reject you whither then wil you goe , but to your LI. the Prelates to whome you have sworne your Can. obedience , & vnto whome you have now at the last fuly returned as it were a dog to the vomit , & a swine to wallow in the myre .

But your covenant Mr. Bern. is beyond all the endevors of al the reformists of the land that you should cull out an hundreth persons of so many paris hes so far distant to enter covenant together not to heare the dumb Ministers , to watch one over another , to admonish one another , &c. And therevppon to receave the Lords Supper : What ? was not the covenant the Church of England large enough , but you must enlarge it thus ? Did not your conscience tel you then that the dumb ministery was vnlawful ? that you sinned in not admonishing your brethren & therfor went to seek out an hundreth brethren where your proctor or agent could find them ? That al your parish were not your brethren , being not of your covenant , though of the covenant of the Church of England ? or that you had two sorts of brethren , one of a general nature , viz: all the people of the parish ? another of a Spiritual nature , viz: Those hundreth persons of your covenant ? & yet that you admitted both those sorts of your brethren to all the holy things among you , excepting the particular covenant ? I pray you with your logick , or divinity , justifie vnto vs these things . But now all this is forgotten & the Prelate of york hath so bewitched you with his flatterie , eloquence , & aungels , that your covenant is profaned & cast in the dust , men of your covenant must shift for themselves , you have deceaved them like the staffe of reed , & you justifie your wonted speeches , you love the world , & ease with all your hart : & therfor I say vnto you with the Apostle : The love of the Father is not in you : I do therfor Proclame you vnto the whole land to be one of the most fearful Apostates of the whole nation that excepting , Whyte , & Clapham , you have no Superior nor equal that I know or remember , who have thus often confessed & witnessed much truth , & now not only have fallen from it , but have so childishly & yet most slaunderously written against the cause of the Lord , to blaspheme the name of the Lord , his Tabernacle & them that dwell in Heaven , as if , bicause your sinnes weren not known Sufficiently to the world , your would with inck & paper publish them to al men & ages to come , that they might remain in record agaist you vppon the file at the day when the Lord shal recompense every man according to his worke .

But Mr Bernard ther is yet one other thing that I must discover to the world : namely that you have written a book against the Prelates , wherein you have proved by divers arguments that their authority is Antichristian : this book some of your Frends have seen & read & though you durst not print it your self , yet you would have been content a Frend should have caused it to be published vnder the vizard of an vnknowne Author : is not this so Mr. Bern ? then tel mee with what face , or conscience you can Subscribe to the Prelacy , you can plead for the Prelacy : is not this to build that which you have destroyed ? Surely all these things compared together do plainly convince , your deep Hypocrisy : & yet in your pulpit & among the simple sort you would seem a brother to the Sonnes of Thunder : but I desire the Lord to open the eyes of his people that they be no longer deceaved by such Pharisaical Hypocrits as your deedes manifest you to be even in the indifferent censure of those that love you best .

Now therfor to conclude this Parallele of your Famous or rather infamous acts : compare your resolurion against Subscription & conformity , with your Subscription to the Prelate of york : your acknowledgment of the truth with Naamans presumption to sinne : your covenant , with your confirmity : your book against the Prelates , & your book against the Seperation & therevppon it will follow , that you are as chandgable as the Moone , as mutable as Proteus , as variable as the Chamaeleon . And whereas you object aganst me pag. 37. & 73. that before I came to the truth I wrote against it & was distracted to & fro before I saw it cleered to my judgment & conscience , I must needes acknowledg it so to be , which was my greater sinne , & the weaknes of my vnderstanding , but therein the L. hath shewed mercy vnto me , which mercy I desire also for you : but what is this to excuse your slaundering , rayling , scoffing , inconstancy , Apostacy , conformity , subscription , blasphemy , & the rest which you have plentifully discovered to al the world : Shew me , how & when after the acknowledgment of the truth , I fell back as you have done many tymes ? that I ever yeelded to the Prelates , conformity , or Subscription , after I once withstood it ? & among the rest of your follyes ther is one vntruth that I did kneele downe & praise God for Satisfaction after doubting , Not so : I remayned doubting alwayes till I saw the truth after I once doubted , but during the tyme of my doubting which was 9. Months at the least I did many actions arguing doubting , but that I ever sel back from any truth I saw I praise God , I can with a good conscience deny it , & you are never able to prove that against me : but the L. wil cut out the tong that speaketh lyes .

The second Section .

These oppositions of yours you have written in a lettre which came of late to my sight : which are thus in your lettre .

Touching your oppinions in these things shall I never be perswaded that you doe well in :

1 , In Seperating from all the Reformed Churches . 2. In holding that one sinne of one man publiquely & obstinately stood in & not reformed by a true constituded Church doth so pollute it , that none may commicate with it in the holy things of God til the partie offending be by the Church put out after lawful conviction . 3. In maintayning that it s not lawful to heare any ministers amongst vs whatsoever thy be , nor to joyne in prayer with such as feare God among vs . 4. In holding that Princes have no more to doe in Ecclesiastical causes , than one of you in a particular congregation . 5. That the powre of binding & losing is given to the whole multitude , & not to the principal members therof . 6. That the word truly preached & Sacraments rightly administred are no infallible tokens of a true Church . 7. That a minister may be made without Elders ordinarily I meane for extraordinary courses are not now to be vsed , for ought I see . 8. That such as are not in your way are to be accounted without after the Apostles meaning , 1. Cor. 5.12 . 9. That those which are not of a true constituted Church are no subjects of Christs Kingdom . 10. That an erroneous constitution of a Church is a real Idol . 11. That only Saints as Mr. Smith defineth them by 4 proporties are the matter only of a visible Church . 12. That every of our assemblies are false Churches , al our ministers false ministers , our worship a false worship . 13. That a company truly fearing God , if any open wicked joyne with them are not capable to chose them a minister over them . 14. That baptisme is not administred among vs simply into the faith of Christ , but into the faith of the Bbs. or Church of England . 15. That ministers ought only to live of voluntary contribution & not of stipends or any set mayntenance . 16. That our Churches ought to be rased downe , & not to be imployed to the worship of God . Al which I do verely beleeve to be crrors , & I see not which way men can joyne to you to swallow vp al these as truths into which you doe runne in avoyding our corruptions : & that with such deep condemnation of vs , as is greatly in your behalf to be lamented : but I am tedious , &c. _____ R. B.

This is your writing word for word : wherein you have taxed mee by name in one particular , & indeed in most of them : it shal be my part therfor to cleer these matters for your information , that if it be the wil of God , you may see the truth & walk in it , which I vnfeynedly desire of the Lord : or els that you may no longer seduce others from the truth , your corrupt walking being once discovered vnto the simple : my intent therfor is not to take these points in that order which you have placed them in , but to assume them in the natural order wherin things vsually among Schollers are discoursed .

Paralleles , Censures , Observations , aperteyning to the Second Section .

I desire heer to advertise the reader , that these 16. points which Mr. Bern. accounteth error are againe in his book intituled the Seperatifts Schisme rehearsed , refined , augmented changed , as it pleaseth the forger into another order , shape & nomber which it shal not be impertinent heer to propound for evidence sake , that the Reader comparing these 16. points with those 22. ( For so they are in nomber ) may discerne the agreement & difference , & so more fully be informed of the whole cause .

The particulars are these following , as they are expressed in divers pages of his booke as . pag. 78 the title of them is this .

The Errors of the Seperatists , & the matter of their Schisme .

1. They hold that the constitution of our Church is a false constitution , pag. 78. 2. They hold our constitution a real Idol , & so vs idolaters , pag. 79. 3. That such as are not of a particular constituted Church ( to wit such a one as theirs is ) are no subjects of Ch. Kingdom . pag. 80.81 . 4. That all not in their way are without ; & do apply against vs , 1. Cor. 5.12 . Eph. 2.12 . pag. 82. 5. That only Saynts , ( that is ) a people forsaking al knowne sinne of which they may be convinced , doing al the knowne wil of God in creasing & abiding ever therein , are the only matter of a visible Church , pag 83. 6. That the powre of Christ , that is , authority to preach , to administer the Sacraments & to exercise the censures of the Church belongeth to the whole Church , yea to every one of them , & not to the principal members thereof . pag. 48. 7. That the sinne of one man publiquely & obstinately stood in being not reformed , not the offender cast out , doth so pollute the whole congregation , that none may communicate with the same in any of the holy things of God ( though it be a Church rightly constituted ) til the partie be excommunicated , pag. 102.103 . 8. That every of our assemblies are false Churches , pag. 109. 9. Al our Ministers say they , are false Ministers , pag. 128. 10. Our worship say they is a false worship , pag. 146.

Divers other opinions they hold which I will also set downe : & they be these , pag. 150.151 .

1. That our congregations as they stand are all & every of them vncapable before God to chose them Ministers , though they desire the meanes of salvtion . pag. 151. 2. That God in our best assemblies is worshipped after a false manner , pag. 151. 3. That baptisme is not administred into the faith of Ch. simply . but into the sayth of Bishops or Church of England , pag. 152. 4. That our saith & repentance is a false faith & false repentance , pag. 152. 5. That our Ministers converting men to God heere , do it not as Pastors , but as Teachers , pag , 152. 6. That our Church standoth in an adulterous estate , pag. 152. 7. That they cannot say certaynly by any warrant off Gods worde that any of vs hath eyther fayth , or seare god . pag. 152. 8. That none off our Ministers may be heard , pag. 152. 9. That it is not lawful to joyne in prayer with any off vs , pag. 155. 10. That Ministers may not celebrate marriage , nor bury the dead , pag. 156. 11. That Ministers should only live off voluntary contribution , & not eyther off sett stipends or tithes , pag. 156. 12. That our Churches ought to be raced downe , & not to be imployed to the true worship of God , pag. 156.

And thus much off this & al other their Brownistical opinions , pag. 157.

This is the Recapitulation of our Brownisticall opinions , as Mr. Bern. of his blasphemous vncharitablenes giveth them their denomination : Remember herein that every company of men whome god raised vp in this latter age to testifie for the truth against the man of sinne , hath been intitled with like names , as Lutherans , Calvinists , Zwinglians , &c. As in the act : Christians are caled the Sect of the Nazarits . whence I for my part should rather gather encouragemeht in the truth we hold then any discouragement , seing no other thing befalleth vs herein then befell al the witnesses of the L. truth in al ages : but let Mr. Bern & his conforts vnderstand that we chardg them with Antichristianis me , which they can not deny , but which the best & most sincere professors of the truths which he calleth Brownistical , we justifie from the holy Scriptures , wherein let Mr. Bern. consider whither he doe not wound the Holy Scriptures , the Holy Apostles , Christ Iesus himself , & the Holy Spirit , the author off the Holy Scriptures , & that through our sides . For if these opinious as wee hold them be the truth of God , then is he a blasphemer in a very high degree & I would know whither he that heretofore oft tymes confessed them for truths can nowwithout horrible impiety apostacy & blasphemy , proclayme them Brownistical opinions : see also whither his conscience can be cleer in this

Now Further I desire the reader to compare these 22. particulars , with the 16. points which I in this lettre have answered , & therby he shal observe two things . First that Mr. Bern her in chardgeth vs with no thing truly which is not already answered in this lettre , & therfor he needed not againe to have objected these things publiquely except he had first published the lettre & answered the particulars therof , but herin it seemeth he thought to bleare the eyes of the world , & to beare men in hand that he had somthing to say which was vnanswerable , which notwithstanding was already answered as may be perceaved . Secondly , that this book of Mr. Ber. is most properly & directly aymed at my lettre , wherin I am most especialy interessed to yeeld answer , & though it be once answered by another : & happily may receave a third answer , yet I cannot overpasse it least I seme to betray the truth who am by name singled out to the combat ? finaly seing Mr. Bern. hath published against vs without answer to this lettre , let vs also herin consider his fraud & decept , in perverting , misconstruing , adding , detracting , falsely chardging vs following therein the dealing off his Father the Devill , with Christ , & our first parents : For all these evil courses I wil discover evidently to the reader , that Mr , Bern. in the particular Sections of this lettre hath vsed with mee : & so let these be added to his former sinnes mentioned in the First Section , & it wil appeare that he is now manifested by the L. to be one that hath fulfilled the measure of his iniquity .

The third Section .

The first point therfor that I wil speak to is vour tenth . viz:

10. That an erroneous constitution of a Church is a real Idol .

Heer I would fayne knowe whence you had this position , I confesse I have written some such thing : but neither have I written neyther doe I hold it as you propound : I say that a Religions society framed after the invention of a man without the warrant of the word is a real Idol : but I do not say that some errors in the constitution of a Church maketh that Church a reall Idol : For as in generation every fault in the seed which is the matter , as for example a seed inclined to the gont , or consumption , or stone doth not make a false man , but the partie begotten may be a true man not withstanding the infirmity of the seed : So in the constitution of a Church not every error , ( as if the members wherof the Church is framed have ignorances errors or infirmities in them , ) maketh the Church a real idol : For so ther should never possibly be a true Church in the world , seing it is impossible to find men free from error . Therfor this is the ground that I hold , that if either the matter of the Church be not such as the word teacheth , but a devised matter : or of the forme be not that which the word teacheth , but a devised forme : or if the Church have not the properties which Gods word teacheth , which doe necessaryly proceed from the forme induced vppon the matter : then such a Church I avouch to be a real idol : take a fimilitude to illustrate it : The seed of an asse & a horse mingled together in generation doe not produce eyther a true horse , or a true asse , but a third thing formally differing from both viz: a mule : even so wicked men joyned with Godly men in a Church , doe not produce a true Church , but a false Church , viz: a reall Idol the church of Antichrist . For this point consider what the holy Ghost writeth : Apoe 18.2 . That Antichrists Church is ther Prophesyed to be a cage of every vncleane & hateful byrd , which might not be eaten or offered in Sacrifice by the Holy people , Deut. 14 , 3.11 . againe , 2. Cor. 6.14 . The Apostle willeth the Corinths not to yoke with vnbeleevers bicause as in the old Testament the Holy people were forbidden to yoke an oxe which was a cleane creature , & an affe which was vncleane to draw the plough together , Deut 22.10 . Even so the faithful may not now yoke themselves to draw the L. plough with vn belevers , bicause they may have no communion , concord , agreement , followiship , or part the one with the other , but the faithful who are righteousnes , light of the body of Christ the Temple of God , the Children of God , must come out from the vnbeleevers , who are vnrighteousnes , darknes , of Belial , the habitation of Devils , Apoc , 18.2 , yea & must be seperated from them : & must touch none of there vncleannes . For if they stil stand in confusion with the vnbeleevers , consenting to al ther sines , they in that constitution are not a true Church , but the prayers they offer vp with the prayers of the wicked , comming from that false constitution are taynted with the idolatry of that constitution : but perhaps you wil say that although a false constitution be a sinne yet it is not Idolatry : you must manifest it to me to be a sin of another commaundement if you plead that : otherwise I stil hold it to be a sinne of the Second commaundement viz: to worship God in a constitution of an humane invention , even as it was in the Church of Ieroboams in vention : & as it is in a popish parish assembly , & as it is in the English assemblies : now further to prove vnto you that a false constitution of a Church is an Idol : I use these places .

2. Cor. 6.16 . What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols ?

The faithful who have made a covenant with God are heer cailed the temple of God : & thervnto are Idols opposed : signifying that an assembly of men who are vnfaithfull , ( though some faithful men be among them who are commaunded to come out & to be Seperated ) endevoring to worship God after ther fashion are an Idol : therfor if the temple of Ierusalem now stood , & the Iewes assembled to worship God ther after the fashion of the Old Testament , that assemblie was an Idol : So are the assemblies of Turkes Idols : So are the assemblies of Papists Idols : as Abbayes , Monasteries , &c. Such are al churches framed of a false matter , or having a false covenant .

1. Ioh. 5.21 . Babes keep your selves from jmages . Zach. 11.17 .

The Apostle who wrote the Revelation forseing through the Spirit of prophecy the abhominable Idolatryes of Antichrist , which would grow vp in the Church giveth the Churches a caution especially to take heed of those Antichristian Idolatryes : now the Idolatryes of Antichrist are not heathenish & paganish , but of another nature , viz: not false Gods , but meanes invented by men to worship the true God in or by : Hence I gather thus :

Whatsoever meanes is devised out of a mans brayne & vsed as a meanes to honour God in or by , is an Idol :

A devised constitution of a Church is of that nature .

Ergo an Idol .

For further amplification whereof consider that as a false minister ( wherof afterward ) is an Idol minister : Zach. 11.17 . So a Church of a false constitution is a false Church that is an Idol Chuch : & as it was vnlawful yea flat Idolatry for a Priest of Ieroboams devising to offer Sacrifice to the L. So is it also Idolatry to offer vp service to God in a Church of a false constitution .

Col. 2.23 . Mat. 15.9 . Wil-worship & vayne-worship is forbidden in these two places : namely , such worship as is offered to God after the wil & precept of man , whose wisdome is enmity to God :

But a false constitution of a Church is after the will & precept of man even invented & devised : go it is forbidden : but wil worship & vayne worship is a transgression of the second commaundement , go : it is idolatry , & so that false Church wherin or wherby it is offered vp to God an Idol .

These things are manifest to him that wil not blindfold himself , I pray you consider of the particulars by mee alledged : & if you find a truth in them embrace the truth & lead on your people with you to the truth : if not , let vs heer from you an answer , that we may see our errors , & wee wil & can reforme : so cannot you so long as you stand as you doe : ther is no way to reforme but to Seperate , as we have done already .

Paralleles , Censures , Observations , aperteyning to the third Section .

I published a litle Methode not long since intituled , Principles & inferences concerning the visible Church : in the tenth page of the book I write thus : visible Churches constituted according to the devise of men are Real Idols .

Mr. Bern. in the beginning of his third Section chargeth vs to hold ,

That an erroneous constitution of a Church is a real Idol . & in his book intituled the Seperatists Schisme pag. 79 , hath these wordes : They hould our constitution a real Idol , & so vs idolaters : & pag. 152. of the same book he writeth thus : that our Church ( viz. the Church of England ) standeth in an adultrous estate : accounting this as an error that wee defend .

Mr. Ainsw . in the answer to Mr. Bern. pag. 172. faith , that a false constitution of a church set vp in stead of a true , what is it better then a very Idol ?

Heer let vs consider the difference & agrement betwixt Mr. Ains. & me : he saith a very Idol , I say a real Idol : I cal a false constitution a real Idol , For that in existence & being it is an Idol : Mr. Ainsw . calleth a falsely constituted Church a very Idol , bicause it is indeed & truly an Idol : heer is litle difference except it be in wordes : but for the further cleering of my position viz: that a falsely constituted Church is a real Idol : two things must be discovered : 1. what an Idol is : 2. what Real is .

For the first vnderstand that most properly an Idol is contrary to an ordinance apoinred by God in matter of Religion : So the Apostle willeth the brethren to keep themselves from jmages or Idols , 1. Ioh. 5.21 . & the Lord himself in the Second Commaundement forbiddeth , vnder the phrases of making & worshipping jmages , al inventions of men in matter of Religion , Exod. 20.4.5 , Now matter of religion especially subsisteth , in Religious worship , or religious government , For the Saynts are made Kings & Preists vnto God : & as Kings they excercise a regiment , as Preists they performe their Sacrifices Revel. 1.6 , 1. Co. 6 . 1-9.1 . Pet. 2.5 . & therein they performe homage to the Lord , & submit their consciences to be wrought vppon . & seing the conscience must bow only to the Lord , & not to man otherwise then in the Lord , therfor in matter of Religion the conscience is not to yeeld to any thing devised by man : but must alwayes have the Lord for the leader & Governor therein : hence then it foloweth that whosoever substituteth any devise of man , any thing taught by the precept of man : Mat. 15.9 . Esay 29.13 . any will worship , or any ordinance of the world in matter of Religion , setteth vp that which is contrary to the Lords ordinance , contrary to the Lords wil , contrary to the Lords wisdome , & I would fayne learne whither this be not an Idol or jmage : So that Idols are of two sorts : 1. A false God , 2 , A false meanes to honor or submit , or doe homage to the true God in or by : as a false or devised tyme , place , person , instrument , action , & if the●be any thing of the like consideration : therfor a false or devised tyme may be caled an Idol day as 1 , King . 12.33 . the month which Ieroboam appointed for the worship of his Calves is called the month which he had forged of his owne hart , that is an Idol moneth & so by consequent the 15 days of that moneth an Idol day . So in the old Testament the place where God was to be worshipped was the Tabernacle or Temple . Deut. 12 . 5-8 . & therfor the high places in iudah also Dan & Bethel in Israel were Idol places bicause they were places forged out of the harts of them that first appointed them : such were al the places dedicated by the hethen to worship their Gods in , which therfor were commaunded to ●he rased downe : Deu , 12.2.3 . so likewise a shepheard or minister framed according to the devise of man is called a foolish or Idol Shepheard : Zach. 11.17 . Such were Ieroboams Preistst 1. King . 12.31 . & the false Apostles , 2. Cor: 11 . 13-15 . who are therefor called the ministers of Sathan : In like maner Gideons Ephod : judg . 8.27 . Michaes Ephod , Teraphin● & molten jmage , Iudg. 17.4.5 . The brasen Serpent 2. King . ●8 . 4 . being instruments of idolatry might justly have been called Idol instruments & so forth for actions . Thus we see the first point what an Idol is , & by consequent that Idols are infinite in nomber , & that they are not only 47. as Mr. Bern. fayth Marlorat reckeneth them : & againe that Mr. Bern. question is answered which he maketh pag. 152. What Idol worship wee Saith Mr. Bern ? I answer that Mr. Bern. doth both worship an Idol , & worshippeth in or by Idols : The Idol which he worshippeth is a false Christ , who is neither a King to him , seing he submitreth not to his kingdome & ordinances thereof , nor a Preist , seing he yeeldeth not to his true Ministerie , nor a Prophet , seing he receaveth not the Holy doctryne which he teacheth : but yeeldeth to a Kingdom , Preishood & Prophecy erected & established according the doctryne & commaundements of men : as shal be sufficiently cleered heare after & hath been o●t tymes already done : The Idols wherein & wherby he worshippeth , is , 1. his owne false Church , 2. his owne false standing as a meber of the false church 3. his owne false Ministery , 4. his owne false parish Church , or Idol Temple , 5. his service book , 6. his Lords the Prelates , their courts , & ministers wherin & wherto he submitteth . Generally : look how many Prelates , Preists , Deacons , Parishes , Temples , Service books , Surplices , Crosses , Holy dayes , Courts Ecclesiastical , Officers in these Courts ther are in the Land : So many Idols there are : that wee may say as Esay said in his tyme of Iudah , Esay , 2.8 . their land is ful of Idols . & so this question of yours Mr. Bern. is answered : Now the second point to be manifested is . What is Real : I opposed Real to mentall as may be seen Princip Inferenc . pag. 9. & 10. Mental or intellictual is that which hath his being in the mynd or vnderstanding : as the frame of the English Churches conceaved in the mynd , I called a mental Idol : Real is that which hath an existence & being out of the mynd & conceipt : as the Parish Church of worksop , whereof Mr Bern. is vicar , is a real Idol , having existence , & being not only in the mynd & conceipt , but also in deed & truth . Now Real is eyther Natural , or Moral , or Artificial , or Political . Natural as a man , Moral as vertue , Artificial as a howse , Political as a Cittie or common wealth , & whereas I called a falsely constituted Church a real Idol , I intended it a real Politique Idol : For so a Church is a politie , Cittie , or common wealth . Revel. 11.2 , & 18.2 . Wherefore as the true Church is the Holy Cittie the new Ierusalem that commeth downe from God out of heaven : Revel. 21.2 . Even that true Politie & common wealth of Israel , Eph. 2.12 . So the false Church is Babylon , Egipt , Sodom , that Cittie , Politie , common wealth , or Sinagogue of Sathan : & so a Political Real Idol : & therfor the English assemblies being proved to be false Churches , are real Idols . Let vs in the next place consider what Mr. Bern. saith to these things : First he saith the Scripture never taketh an Idol in this sense : I have both in this Section of my lettre , also in this Parallele shewed him already that an Idol is so taken in the Scripture , but for further evidence I use this argument .

That which is contrary to a true Church is an Idol .

A falsely constituted Church is contrary to a truly constituted Church .

Ergo : A falsely constituted Church is an Idol .

The Major is true by natural reason as also by the consideration of the nature of contraries : For as light is contrary to darknes , vertue to vice : white to black : fire to water : So is true contrary to false , & a true Church , to a false Church .

The major is the Apostles owne argument , 2. Cor. 6.16 . his wordes are : what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols ? whence I reason thus :

That which is contrary to the Temple of God , is an Idol .

That which is contrary to the true Church , is contrary to the Temple of God

For the true Church is the Temple of God .

Ergo : That which is contrary to the true Church is an Idol .

Herevppon it followeth that seing the Apostle opposeth an Idol to the temple of God as he opposeth light to darknes , Christ to Belial : & seing the Temple of God is the true Church , therfor an Idol in that place is a false Church : now Mr. Bern , with al your learning avoyde this place , & I wil yeeld you this particular .

Further , A false Christ is an Idol .

A false Church is a false Christ .

Ergo , a false Church is an Idol .

The Major is vndeniable .

The Minor is proved two wayes : First by the contrary thus :

A true Church is true Christ as may be collected from these two places , 1. Cor. 12.12 Gal. 3 , 16.

Therfor a false Church is a false Christ .

Secondly it may be proved by Christs owne wordes , Mat. 24.24 . ther shal arise false Christs , & false Prophets , that is to say false churches , & false Ministers which professe & teach doctrynes of the Lord Iesus falsely , both of his person & offices as the Arrians , the Lutherane vbiquitists , the Papists , the Anabaptists , &c. Thus you see wee have proved vnto you now this second tyme that a falsely constituted Church is a real Idol . But bicause you cannot soundly answer , therfor blasphemously you scoffe at the doctryne of the constitution of the true Church , wee doe constantly & bouldly defend that out of a Church truly constituted ( when a man can & may joyne therto ) no ordinance of God can be accepted , neyther preaching , nor praying , nor Sacraments , nor any other religious action . what the Lord accepteth in secreat that we dispute not : but what the word of God teacheth vnto vs to be acceptable that wee speak of .

And tel me Mr. Bernard , can ther be a true ministery , a true baptisme , a true faith , true prayer , true preaching , or administring the L. supper true excommunication in the church that is falsely constituted ? did the L. accept of the Sacraments & Sacrifices of the Church of Israel constituted by Ieroboam that author of Idolatry ? doth not the Lord say vnto that people in that false Church , Lo , Ammi , Lo , Ruhamah , No People , No Pitie , Hosea , 1.6.9 . & is not the Lord as severe now against a Church falsely constituted in the New Testament , as he was against the false Church of the ten tribes in the old Testament ? or do you think that the Lord accepteth of a false saith , ministery , baptisme , prayer , preaching , excommunication & the rest ? make these things agree Mr. Bern. if you can : if you cannot , cease your scoffing , & give glory vnto God : I demaund of you : do you think that God accepteth the prayers & Religious exercises of the Papists , the Arrians , the Anabaptists , the Familists , or any other heretiques or Antichristians , if not what is the true cause that God accepteth them not ? is it not for that ther is not that true communion of the Saynts there , the true Church , the true spouse of Christ , the Spiritual Temple where God hath provised his presence ? So then it followeth invincibly that a tiue constitution of a church , that is a true communion of Saynts , is that only lawful religious , society , or communion of men , wherby God wil be honoured , wherin he wil be served , & wherto he hath promised his presence & acceptance : & as conventicles are vnlawful assemblies of men in civil states , so are al false churches vnlawful ecclesiastical assemblies & the actions therein performed vnlawful , & so abhominable in the sight of God , the summe of all 〈◊〉 breefly thus much .

That communion of men wherto God hath given the covenant : the Holy things the promises , Christ for King , Preist , & Prophett , is only accepted , & their Ecclosiasticall actions only acceptable : But a true visible church , that is a communion of Saynts , joyned together in the true covenant , is that only communion of men wherto God hath given his covenant , his promises , his holy things , Christ for King , Preist & Prophet .

Therfor a true visible church , that is a communion of Saynts , & their actions ecclesiastical , as preaching & prayers , &c. are only accepted . & by consequent on the contrary 〈◊〉 inserre thus .

That communion of men wherto God hath not given the covenant , the holy things the promises , Christ for King , Preist , & Prophet , is not accepted of God , neither their actions ecclesiastical are acceptable .

A Church falsely constituted ( as in the old Testament was the Apostate church of the ten tribes , & in the new Testament is the churches of Antichrist ) is such a communion of men , wherto God hath not given the covenant , the holy things , the promises , Christ for King , Preist , & Prophet .

Therfor a church falsely constituted is not accepted of God , neither are their actions ecclesiastical , as prayer , preaching , &c. acceptable in the sight of God .

Herevppon I conclude not as Mr. Bern. blasphemously scoffeth that the Idol or Goddesse constitution , but that the true constitution of a Church which is the Lords Holy ordinance is that which Sanctifieth al ecclesiastical actions : & that a false idolatrous , Antichristian constitution of a church , corrupteth , polluteth , stayneth al the ecclesiastical actions of that false church : So saith the Apostle , vnto the pure al things are pure : but vnto them that are defiled & vnbeleeving is nothing pure . Tit. 1.15 . & this is my welbeloved sonne ( saith the Father from heaven ) in whome I am wel pleased , Mat. 3.17 . & God heareth not synners , but only the true worshippers : Ioh. 9.31 .

Finally , I avouch that a falsely constituted church is a greater & more abhominable Idol , then any Idol that possibly can be in a true church : For a false worship , Ministery & government may be indeed in a true Church through ignorance & the like occasions : But a true ministerie , worship & government cannot possiblie be in a false Church : For the true Ministerie , worship , & Government are the Holy things of God , which are not given to false Churches , but only to the true Churches of Christ , the true communion of Saynts : & a false Church being an Idol doth conveigh her idolatrous & false constitution as a poison through all her Ecclesiasticall actions or workes off communion : Breefly therefore to compare True & False : Idols & Ordinances together : Bonum qu● communius eo melius : Malum quo communius eo peius : They are two maximes true in nature & experience , & ▪ so also in Religion : Truth & ordinances the more common & vniversal the better & more excellent : Falsehood & Idols , the more common & generall the worse & more pernitious , For example , a true Church better then a true worship , then a true Ministery , then a true government , &c. A false Church worse then a false worship , then a false Munistery , then a false government , &c. For a true Church is the first & most noble & vniversal in Religion , from whence al the rest issue as a streame from the Fountayne : & a false Church is the first , most ignoble & general qualifying al the ecclesiastical actions of the Church with her owne falsehood & idolatry : Therfor I am bould to pronounce your false & idolatrous Church constitution to be worse then your false Ministerie , worse then your false worship , worse then your false government , &c. & on the contrary , our true constitution to be the most honorable & beautiful ornament of our Church ; more glorious then our true Ministerie , worship , & government , sith these latter issue & do flow from the former as from the spring ●r Fountayne . A true man may have a wooden legg , an eye of glasse : So a true Church may have a false ministery & worship , or government . A man carved out of wood , cannot possiblie have any truth of a man in him , but al his parts & limmes are wooden , even as the image is of wood So a false Church can have nothing true in it , but al is false , idolatrous , vsurped , for what agreement hath Christ with Belial ? These things are playne enough to them that will vnderstand .

The fourth Section .

Your ninth position followeth , viz:

9. That those which are not of a true constituted Church , are no subjects of Christs Kingdome : This you hold error , & I hold it truth which I wil manifest vnto you most evidently ,

The true Church in the Scripture is called the house of God , Heb. 3.6 .

The Temple of God which the L. inhabiteth , & wherin he walketh . 2. Cor. 6.16 .

The household of fayth , Gal. 6.10 . the body of Christ , Eph. 4.15.16 .

The Kingdome of heaven of Christ & of God , Eph. 5.5 . Mat. 3.2 . Luk. 19.11.12 . Act. 1.3 . Further this true Church is but of one shape , forme , fashion , or constitution : Eph. 4.4 The body that is the Church is one , that is of one shape : For one in that place signfieth vnum specie , not vnum numero , for ther are many Churches in nomber , but one true Church in the frame or constitution : Let this therfor be set downe for an invincible truth that the true visible Church is the Kingdome of Christ , wher Christ the King only ruleth & raigneth in his owne lawes & officers & over his owne subjects : & al those that wil not be subiects to this King in this his Kingdome he accunteth his enemies & wil have them slayne before his face Luk. 19.27 . Hence then it followeth that those that are not members of a true constituted Church , are not subjects of Christs Kingdome : which you say is error , wherin you see you give the Holy Ghost the lie , imputing error vnto the word of truth : But you wil say if men be not subjects of Christs Kingdome , ther is no salvation for them ▪ I deny that : wil you condemne al the Iewes , Turkes , Papists in the world ? yet I say they are no subjects of Christs Kingdome which is the true visible Church : I pray you therfor be as good to vs , as you are to your sel●e in that censure : wherfor we must remember to distinguish betwixt the visible Church which is Christs Kingdome , & the Catholique Church whi●● is invisible . The visible ▪ Church hath in it a visible communion , visible & sensible ordinances for men to walk in a visible fayth expressed in the outward declarations thereof in confession , & profession of the truth , this visible Church must we joyne to & live in , this is the sheepfold wherin Christ foldeth his sheep , into this sheepfold both sheep & shepheard must enter by the dore , & not clyme vp another way as theeves , & robbers doe : Of al those that live & continue in this true visible Church we are bound to beleeve holmes , fayth & election in particular . Eph 1.1.4 . Now the Catholique Church which is invisible is the comprehension of al the elct in al ages & places : whose persons are vnknowne to vs , & such secreat things the L. hath reserved to himself , & concealed from our knowledg , & therfor we are not to search after them , but must walk in that way which he hath taught in his word wher so much of his wil as is fit for vs to know is revealed : now I would have you manifest to me two things concerning this point : one is that the Catholique Church is Christs Kingdome , another is that al that are on t of the visible Church are condemned : I for my part hold the contrary , viz: First that the visible Church truly constituted is the only Kingdome of Christ , which he at the day of judgment shal give vp into the handes of his Father , 1. Cor. 15.24 . & that therfor they who are not members of Christs true visible Church are no subjects of Christs Kingdome : & Secondly , notwithstanding that ther are many who are no members of the visible Church , & therfor no subjects of Christs Kingdome , who notwithstanding aperteyne to the L : Election , & are within the compasse of the Catholique Church , out of which ther is no salvation , Now Mr. Bern. if you have any thing to object against this truth , let vs have it I pray you that we may receave instruction & reformation from you : you assume great dexteritie in diving into mens arguments , I pray you dive into the bottome of this point & discover the error therof if you be able : if not , lay your hand vppon your mouth , & give glorie to God , & confesse your ignorance & errors .

Paralleles , Censures , Observations , aperteyning to the Fourth Section .

In this Section Mr , Bern. saith that it is error to hold : that those that are not of a true constituted Church are no subjects of Christs Kingdome .

In his book intituled the Seperatists Schisme pag. 80. & 81. He affirmeth the same thing in these words : viz: That such as are not of a particular constituted Church ( to wit , such a one as theirs is ) are no subjects of Christs Kingdome .

Mr. Ainsworth answering Mr. Bernard , pag. 173. vseth these wordes :

Neither is this position set downe in our wordes ( to my knowledg : ) if therefor Mr. Bern. were not a caviller , he would not have reckoned this among our errors

Although Mr. Bern. oppugneth this truth , & Mr. Ainfw . forsaketh the defence therof , yet I stil defend it as the vndoubted truth of God . First , therfor I wil expound the true meaning thereof : then also answer Mr. Bern. cavils & cautions .

I say not therfor as , Mr. Bern. ignorantly & vaynly & captiously conce●veth , that whosoever is not actually a joyned member of a true visible Church not living in communion with that church , is no subject of Christs Kingdome , but I say thus : they that are not of a true constituted Church are no subjects of Christs Kingdom : now it is one thing to be in a true church as a member therof actual walking in presence & communion therewith , another thing to be of a true church . which one may be eyther as yet actually vnjoyned or being a joyned member actually & yet absent in regard of bodily presence , that one vnioyned actually may yet be of a true visible church , I declare by divers particulars ▪ as first one that by violence is deteyned from a true constituted church yet may be of it in desire , wil , affection & purpose though actually vnioyned , the Lord accepting the wil for the deed when it cannot be performed . Againe when as yet ther is no true visible church established actually ? a man may be of it , in that he would be joyned vnto it , if it ●ad any real existence , So the Martyrs in Q. Maryes dayes may be said to be of a true visible church , both for that they would have actualy joyned to the true constituted church if it had been established , as also for that they in wil & purpose desired so to do , although violently they were deteyned by imprissonment : Further they that are of the true saith which is professed in the true Church may be said to be of that true church : which faith is not a thing invisible , but visible & sensible : as namely a man Seperated from all false churches , & professing the true visible faith of the church , holding it vnlawful in regard of some corruption which he seeth in the true church , to joyne therevnto may yet be said to be of the true church . Lastly , if some brethren though but two or three walk together in holy communion , they are a true Church : & although perhaps they have not solemnely entred covenant , yet ther communion in holy exercises is a declaration that they have contracted together , though weakely & corruptly yet truly So that these particulars being wel weighed may sulficiently informe you of my meaning but Mr. Bern you have in your book quoted this point otherwise then I have propounded & expounded it in my lettre , & that in two particulars , viz: 1. in saying , a particular constituted Church : 2. in adding these wordes : Such a one as theirs is : For ther is asmuch difference betwixt a true constituted Church , & a particular constituted Church , as ther is betwixt a man , & this man or that man : the one is species : the other individinum : & it is evident that a man may be of a true constituted Church , & yet not of a particular constistuted Church as may be perceaved by the 4. particulars before mentioned . Againe in adding these wordes , viz: such a one as theirs is : after a scoffing vprayding & disdainful manner he seeketh to draw into hatred & abhomination the true Church of Christ : but the tyme wil come when the Lord wil reward every man according to his workes .

In the second place let vs consider of Mr. Bern. cavils & cautions which are 4. in nomber . pag. 81.

First , he saith the Scripture never setteth forth any of Gods people by this marke : say you so Mr. Bern ? is not the Scripture plentiful in declaring vnto vs that the L. addeth dayly to the Church , such as should be saved : Act. 2.47 . that they that gladly receaved the word were baptized & added to the Church , & continued therin : Act. 2.14.42 doth not the Apostle teach that ther is one faith , one body , one baptisme , one Lord , & but one ? Eph. 4. And that they that are not of this faith , body , baptisme , Lord are without the faith , without the body , that is the Church , without the true baptisme , without this true Lord & King Iesus Christ ? & so are none of Gods people visible , none of Christs Kingdome , none of Christs body , none of his faith , & baptisme ? Are not true faith , prayer baptisme , the Lords Supper , the true church plaine & pregnant do monstrative proper adjuncts of Gods visible people ? & how can you with any face of truth or a good conscience of your judgment & knowledg say , that to be of a true visible church , is no note of Gods visible people ? out you say further that he synneth which doth not live in a true constituted Church ordinarily , when he can & hath meanes offered : nay we say further then so : that he synneth that doth not seek meanes to live in a true constituted Church , & not only he that vseth not meanes offered so to doe : wherfor we say that which you say & more also : but I pray you , what meaneth your ordinarily living in a true constituted church : doe you hold that ther are two sorts of members & conversers in the true church some ordinary & some occasional or extraordinary ? & do you think that to be of a true chuch , & to live in a true church are one thing ? we say that members of true churches are al ordinary & of one kind & consideration : & further we say , that it is one thing to be of a true church or a member of a true church another thing to live in the true church : & a man may be a member of a true church potentialy & actualy , as I have already declared in the 4. former particulars . but al this is nothing to that which I affirme , for I say thus : that he which is not of a true visible Church , is no subject of Chr. Kingdom , that is he is not vnder the visible dominion & Lordship of Chr. in his church which is his Kingdom : I do not say that he is invisiblie none of the L. people : for a man may be one of the L. people in election & grace invisiblie , & yet not in the true visible church which is Chr. visible Kingdom : againe take an instance to exemplifie the mater : al we that are of the seperated churches in these contryes are of the common wealth of England , & therfor subiects of the King of England our Soveraigne Lord on earth , though we are not actually vnder the execution of his lawes , courts , officers , by reason of banishment , & that we may submit to Chr. ordinance , &c. So a true seperated Christian is a subject of Chr. visible politie & Kingdom , which is his church , eyther actually or potentially , although by banishment that is by vndeserved communication , by imprissonment , by other occasions he be actualy absented & seperated from the presence therof . wherfor Mr. Bern. I doe in this section indite you before the L. & the world , as one that of purpose & so maliciousty perverteth my meaning & slaundereth this excellent truth of God : doth not your conscience tel you may you not read it in the copy of my lettre that I distingnish betwixt Gods people , which are of two sortes , visible subjects of Ch. visible church which is his Kingd. & invisible ones known only to the L. certaynly & particularly ? further this doctryn of myne you say is contrary to 4 , places of Scripture , pa. 81. the first place is Gal. 3.7.9 . the Apostles wordes are these . They which are of saith are the children of Abraham . vs . 7. & they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham which scripture proveth my doctryne or rather the L. truth . I say that faith heer is oposed to the works of the law , & that faith signifieth a visible faith . For the Apostle Iames saith , Iam. 3 . 21-24 . Speaking of the same matter , viz: of Abrahams faith that it was made perfect by works : for if Abrahams faith had not been manifested by his workes , it had been invisible , & it would not have been discerned by man : & therfor in the same place vs . 14. the Ap. speaketh directly of a visible faith this place of the Ap. therfor confirmeth my assertion plainly , that they that are not of a true constituted Church , are no subjects of Chr. Kingd. bicause they do not by their workes shew their faith _____ but if they have faith they have it with God , & not with man , who can judg only by the fruites .

The second place is , 1. Ioh. 3.14 where the Apostle speaketh thus : Wee know we are translated from death to life , bicause we love the brethren ? Who are the brethren , are not they that cal God Father ? who can cal God Father but they that have Christ for their Lord & Mr. for their Elder brother ? To whome is Christ Lord & Mr. but to them that are subjects of his Kingdome ? So that this place also maketh most evidently for the confirmation of this truth of God which I defend . But you Mr. Bern. dreame of am visible faith , of an invisible Kingdome , of an invisible brotherhood or consanguinity : whereas Christ saith directely , that they which doe the wil of God , are his brethren & of his Fraternity , Marc. 3.35 . & what have we to do with things invisible , hidden , & secreat , Deut. 29.29 . I avouch that you cannot prove to me by any rule of Gods word certaynly , that those that are not members of a true constituted Church , are subjects of Christs Kingdome invisible as you I am sure intend it : Further , what is the love of the brethren wherof the Apostle speaketh ? is it not a visible love testified in the performance of the visible ●utyes of love : Christ faith Ioh. 14.25 . if ye love me keep my commaundements : obedience is the true touchstone of the love of God , & 1. Ioh. 3.17 . whosoever hath this worlds good , & seeth his brother need , & chutteth vp his compassion from him , how dwelleth the love of God in him ? So the visible dutyes of brotherly love are the true touchstone of brotherly love : but the principal visible dutyes of brotherly love are the dutyes of admonition , consolation , supportation , patience . 1. Thes. 5.14 . Exhortation , edification , vs . 11. among them admonition is most excellent . Mat. 18 . 15-17 . compared with Levit. 19.17 . they therfor that altogether omit these visible dutyes of admonition in the degrees thereof injoyned by Christ & the Apostles , how can they be said to love the brethren ? but al they that live out of a true constituted Church wholy omit the visible dutyes of love to the brethren , seing they neyther know , nor have brethren vppon whome they may exercise these dutyes : Therfor this place of the Apostle is pregnant & invincibly strong against you .

The third place is 1. Cor. 1.1 . Now what wordes Mr. Bern , intendeth in this place I can not conjecture except they be these : viz. in the second verse : with al those that cal vpon the name of the L. Iesus Christ in every place : whence it may seem he would gather that ther were some subjects of Christs Kingdome , & not of a constituted Church . I do verely think that seing these persons that were absent from the Church of Corinthus , did call Iesus Christ Lord they did therfor acknowledg him for their Lord & King , & therefor did apertayne to his Kingdome which is his visible Church : happily they might be some brethren which did not dwel in Corinth , but in some villages about Corinth : & that this is so the place afordeth evidently : For he wrote both to the Church that was in Corinth , & to the brethren that were in other places which were no doubt of the church of Corinth , El● how did that Epistle in the contents of it concerne them , For seing the Apostle writeth this Epistle to them they had to doe with the matters wherof he taxeth the church , for he taxeth them al indifferently , seing he writeth indifferently vnto them al Herevppon it followeth that eyther these persons that were in other places were members of the Church of Corinth : or els if they were no members off that church , the Apostle in vayne doth direct his Epistle to them taxing them off the corruptions off that Church : Except it be said that the Apostle doth hereby interest other churches to deale with the Church of Corinth , for their corruptions , & then Mr. Bern. gayneth nothing by it neither , seing therby he confesseth that these other brethren were members of other true constituted churches .

The third place therfor is nothing to the purpose .

The last place is 2. Thes. 3.15 . & count him not as an enemy , but admonish him as a brother .

To passe by what some think of this place , I say vnto you Mr. Bern : that it hath not so much as a shew for your purpose : The Apostle speaketh in this verse negatively & affirmatively . For he teacheth that they ought not to recken of an excommunicate , as they account of an enemy , but they are to admonish an excommunicate as they doe admonish a brother : Therby teaching vs that an excommunicate is in a midle condition neyther an enemy nor a brother , but one that is vnder the censure of the church , as a meanes ordeyned by God for his reformation how wil this place prove that an excommunicate is a member of Christs invisible Kingdome ? or if it should prove that some excommunicate are members of Christs invisible Kingdome , how can you prove that this or that excommunicate is so ? do you know the Lords Elect certaynly , & particularly , that are out of the church ? Or what doth this assertion of yours , & this place of Scripture against my assertion ? who say , that such as are not of a true constituted church , are no subjects of Christs Kingdome : viz: Of the Kingdome which he shal give vp into the hands of his Father in the day of his final judgment ,

In the third place Mr. Bern. asketh what may be said of wicklife , Hus , Luther , Bucer , Melanchthon , the Martyrs , Gods people in England , of Lot , Iob , the people in captivity in Mordecay his tyme : wherto I answer as I have already done : That Iob was a member of a true constituted church , & so a subject of Christs Kingdome , So was Lot , so were the people of the Iewes in captivity , though violently deteyned from the Holy land , Cittie & Temple : & therfor Mr. Bern. in these three demaundes gaineth nothing except the estimation of ignorance & folly be gaine : to that of the Martyrs , Hus , Luther , & Gods people in England , I say two things : eyther that in affection & desire they aperteyned to the true visible church being seperated from the false church : or that they were of the invisible church , & of the invisible Kingdome which is vnknowne to man , & the members therof vnknowne : disprove you this if you can .

In the last place you demaund , whither Christs Kingdom be not Spiritual & invisible also ? Ioh. 18.33 . & 10.16 .

The two places of Scripture quoted by you do not prove that Christ hath an invisible Kingdome , & so invisible subjects knowne to vs , For Ioh. 18. Christ saith my Kingdom is not of this world , that is to say : it is not begunne , continued , & perfected by worldly meanes : So Christ expoundeth himself , afterward saying : my Kingdom is not from hence : my subjects would fight for mee vs . 36. meaning that his Kingdom is neyther erected nor supported by worldly meanes as by sword , speare or shield : in respect whereof the Apostle saith Rom. 14.17 . The Kingdome of God is not meate nor drinck , & 2. Cor. 10.3.4 . Though we live in the flesh , yet we do not warre after the flesh for the weapens of our warfare are not carnal The second place is Ioh. 10. Wher Christ saith not as you dreame very ignorantly & childishly , that he hath an invisible Kingdome , but that he hath sheep of two sorts , some of the visible Church of the Old Testament , which is one fold , some of the visible Church of the New Testament , which is another sold o● the Iewes & Gentils : both which sorts of people shal in Christ Iesus , the partition wal being taken away , be joyned , & made one that so ther may be one sheepfold & one shepheard , but what is al this Mr. Bern. to disprove the truth of my position ? Again to answer your demaund , I say that Chr. Kingdome is Spiritual & invisible aswel as outward & visible : For when we say that Christs Kingdome is visible & sensible , we do not deny that it is also invisible & Spiritual : neyther are these two contraryes to be oposed , as excluding one another : For as a man is not only the body which is visible & sensible , but cheefly & principally the soule which is invisible : & as the true Sacraments are not only the outward Elements , but the inward grace also , & that most especialy : So the visible Church which consisteth of men , is not only the outward communion , but especially & cheefly the inward & Spiritual fellowship which the Saynts have with Christ , & one with another : The Apostle therfor saith both that ther is one body & one Spirit : Eph. 4. & that al that are baptized are baptized into one body , & al that communicate are caused to drinck into one Spirit , 1. Cor. 12.13 . And as the Saynts are members of Christs body , of his flesh , & of his bones , Eph. 5.30 . So they that are joyned to the Lord are one Spiritt : 1. Cor. 6.17 . we grant you therfor Mr. Bern. that Christs Kingdome is Spiritual & visible , but we deny that Christs Kingdome is only invisible , or only visible : he that doth plead to me that he is a member of Christs visible Kingdome , & yet cannot shew vnto me his fayth by his workes , I say vnto him as Iames saith : What avayleth it him ? o thou vaine man ? shal thy sayth save the ? thy sayth is dead : & he that shal plead with the Lord in the day of his judgment , that he hath prophesyed in Christs name , & by his name cast out Devils , & wrought many great workes , given his body to be burned in the fire , given al his goodes to the poore , hath spoken with the tongs of men & aungels , wanting true inward love & faith the Lord wil say vnto him depart thou worker of iniquity , I know the not : al this outward shew was hypocrisy : & thou art but as sounding brasse , & a tinckling Cymbal . Therfor as the Apostle saith : glorifie God with your body and Spirit , for they are Gods : 1. Cor. 6.20 . he that is only an invisible member of Christs kingdome , is but half a subject of Christs Kingdome at the vtmost , though it be the better half : & he that is only a visible member of Christs Church , he is vnto vs truly & fully a subject of Christs Kingdome , though vnto the Lord he is but half , & so the worse half , & so as good as nothing : Let the Lord judg in secret what he pleaseth in mercy , but wee must judg in visible that which we see visiblie , & therfor to conclude this Parallele : I say he that pleadeth himself to be a true subject of Christs Kingdome by his invisible fayth , yet standing in confusion with the world in the false Church , worship , ministery & Government , let him be what he may be vnto the Lord , to me he is eyther an Antichristian or Famelist : & he that wanting true faith only in secreat knowne to the Lord , is yet a member of a true Church , though I must needes say vnto him thou art holy , faithful , & Elect , yet the Lord wil cal him an Hypocrite , & a worker of iniquity in the day when he will bring vnto light every secreat thing whither good or evil : Therfor my position standeth firme notwithstanding al your cavils , that he that is not of a true constituted Church is no subject of Christs Kingdome .

The fisth Section .

In the next place followeth your eighth position which you account error , viz.

That such as are not in your way are to be accounted whithout after the Apostles meaning , 1. Cor. 5.12 .

I take it to be most evidently true vppon the former groundes , that seing the true visible Church is Christs sheepfold , his Kingdome , his howse , his household or family , his Temple or Tabernacle , his body : That therfor al those that are not within this sheepfold this Kingdome , howse , family , Temple , body , are without : For they are either within or without , but they are not within : go : they are without : Now for the Apostles meaning in that place of the 1. Cor. 5.12 . I do also take it to be manifest that he aymeth not only at the grosse Idolaters in paganisme , but at al manner of vnbeleevers , that is both Iewes & Gentils that did not embrace the saith : now these persons were of 4. sorts , 1. persecuting pagans , 2. civil pagans , 3. persecuting Iewes , 4. the Iewes that were Zealous & vnreprovable in the law of Moses , ( as was Paul ) & yet refused Christ : Such as the Apopstle speaketh of Rom. 10. 1.2.3 . Who have the Zeale of God , but not according to knowledg who sought to establish their owne righteousnes & did not submit to the righteousnes of God : al these 4. sorts of persons were then without the true visible Church of the Apostolique institution , which is called the Kingdome of God : Now whereas you say wee doe account al without that are not of our way , I answer two things . First , that all the members of every true Church in the world wee doe account within . Secondly , that al the members of false Churches wee doe indeed account without : & therefore we doe account your particular Church at worksop to be without : For it is not the true constituted Church of Christ , & therfor it is a false Church , & therfor without according as the holy Ghost testifieth , the court that is without the Temple cast out : Apoc. 11.2 . Now you know that in the old Testament al sorts of people good & bad came into the vtter court : but now in the new Testament , Iohn by vision was commaunded to cast that vtter court out & not to measure it , bicause it is given to the Gentils who shal tread the Holy Cittie vnder foot : & now only the true visible Church , which is the Temple of God : 2. Cor. 6.16 . consisteth of a holy people which must come out from the vnrighteous & vnbeleevers that are Belial even without the yoke of the L. ordinances : & must be a Seperated people : And must have no followship nor agreement with vnrighteousnes , not touch any vncleane thing : & such a people the L. promiseth to receave to be his owne people & no other : I avouch therfor that seing you parish Church wherof you are parish preist consisteth of a confused rowt even such a people as came into the vtter court in the old Testament , that therfor by the commaundement of the Lord your parish church must be cast out & not measured . & therfor it is without & so are all such assemblies as yours is : what say you Mr. Bern. now ? either justifie your Church or forsake it : Let vs heer what answer you make to this matter : for I gesse it toucheth your freehold very neerly : but I proceed .

Paralleles , Censures , Observations , aperteyning to the fifth Section .

In the beginning of this Section Mr. Bern. imputeth to vs to hold that such as are not of our way are to be accounted without after the Apostles meaning , 1. Cor. 5.12 .

In the book called the Sep. Schisme , pag. 12. Mr. Bern. saith , This is one ●●ror of ours , that all not in our way are without . And that wee do apply against them . 1. Cor. 5.12 . Eph. 2.12 .

Mr. Ainsw . confutatio● of Mr. Bern. pag. 173. saith : we hold that al not in the way of Christ , are without .

In the midst of this fifth Section I expounding what wee hold , saying thus : All the members of true Churches wee account within : & all the members of false Churches without : & al that are of Christs visible Church , which is his Sheepfold , Kingdom , Family , Temple , Body , are within , & al that are not within this true visible Church , are without .

Hereby it appeareth that in this particular ther is no difference betwixt Mr. Ainsw . & me indeed & truth .

Mr. Bern. I do wonderfully mervayl at your boldnesse , that you dare so contrary to all truth , & contrary to my expresse wordes in this Section thus impute vnto vs : I say , and so al of vs say : That the members of the true Churches whatsoever , are within : & therefor not only our particular Churches that Seperate from the English assemblies , but all other true Churches that seperate from the false wayes of Antichrist , & walk in the true faith of Christ , are within : al false Churches & the members of them , are without : Ther is one only faith & truth , Eph. 4.5 . as in the Old Testament so in the New the true church ministerie , worship , & government is but of one kind : al the Churches or assemblies of the Edomites , Ammonites , Moabites , Ishmaelites , Israelites , Samaritanes , & the rest were false churches , hada false ministery , false worship , & false government , & only the Iewes had the true Church , Ministerie , Worship , & Government with them : So in the New Testament al Churches or assemblies of men whatsoever professing Christ ( as Abbayes , Monasteries , Nunries , Colleges , Cathedrals , Seminaries , Rectories , Parishes , &c. ) & not Seperated from the Antichristians & worldlings , are false Churches , & so without : only the Seperated Churches are the true Churches , & are within : you should have answered this Section of my lettre Mr. Bern. before you had printed your book , if you had dealt ingeniously & plainly but seing you cannot answer ( for I take it so bicause you doe not answer , for your book declared that ther is no wil wanting ) let vs see what you object , your objections are three .

First , the two places of Scripture , 1. Cor. 5.12 . Eph. 2.12 . you say are ment of such as never made so much as an outward profession of Christ Iesus at al : your argument is this : No Scriptures directed against pagans , can truly be applyed against Antichristians .

These places are directed against pagans : vic: Eph. 2.12 . 1. Cor. 5.12 .

Ergo these places cannot be truly applyed against Antichristians .

I deny your Major Mr. Bern. & you have not proved it at al : Let the reader judg whither your speeches be oracles that they must be believed , bicause you vtter them : but herin your fraud and evil conscience or palpable ignorance appeareth , that you leave out your Major , which you should have confirmed , & propound only your minor : For that these places are vnderstood of Pagans I deny not , but that they are only to be vnderstood of pag●●● , & that they ●●nnot be vnderstood of Antichristians I deny 〈◊〉 : & I prove the ●●ntrary evidently to your conscience , & the conscience of al men after this manner .

That which the L. hath taught vs to doe , we may lawfully doe . But the Lord hath taught vs to apply against Antichristians places of Scripture directed against pagans ,

Ergo : places of Scripture directed against pagans may by vs be applyed against Antichristians .

The Major is evident . The minor is proved by the consideration of these Scriptures , ●evel . 11. ● . & 18.2.7.21 . where the holy ghost applyeth against the Antichristians , matters & Scriptures spoken literally of Sodom , Egipt , & Babylon , which were all pagans .

Ag●●●● , If Antichristians be in condition eyther equal to or worse then pagans , than by proportion , Scriptures directed against pagans , may be applyed against Antichristians .

But Antichristians in the Lords account are in a condition equall , you worse then pagans :

For so Christ saith , Mat. 11.22 , that it shal be easier for Tyrus & Sidon , & the Sodomites then for Chorazin , Bethsaida & Capernaum , & Ezech. 16 . 44-52 . Iudah , Sodom , & Samaria are sisters in sinne & punishment , & Iudah hath justified Sodom .

Therfor , Scriptures directed against pagans may be applyed by proportion eyther of equality or superiority against Antichristians .

Now for your further instruction in this point Mr. Bern. consider that in the new Testament the phrases , speeches titles , priviledges & benefites of the Church of the Iewes , considered as the true Church are ordinarily applyed to the visible Church of Christ in the new Testament : & contrariwise the phrases , speeches , titles , priviledges , & judgments pronounced agaist the Gentils in the old Testament are customabley applyed against the false Churches & Antichristians in the new Testament : Hence it is that the true visible Church of the new Testament is called the holy Cittie , Temple , Tabernacle , the new Ierusalem & the like , & the false Church is called the Gentils , Egipt , Sodom , Babylon , &c. the reason whereof is bicause that the Church of the Iewes was a type of the Churches of the new Tastament , so the assemblies of the Gentils were types of the false Churches of Antichrist : as you may see through the whole book of the revelation in divers particulars : which point if you had eyther vnderstood or attended , you could not thus frivolously have objected to vs this one particular , that speeches vnderstood of pagans may not be applyed against Antichristians : I pray you what vse do you make of the prophesies of the old Testament against Nineveh , Babylon , Elam , Madai , & the rest ? What vse can you make of the judgments threatned & inflicted vppon the Gentils if not this that Christ & the Apostles make , Mat. 11.22.24 . & 12.41.42 . 2. Pet. 2 . 5-7.15 . Iude. 7.11 . Heer I know you will say that you are not Antichristians , & so though these places may be applyed against Antichristians , yet not against you : that particular wee will see afterward in his proper place : in the meane tyme thus much we have gayned that places af Scripture directed against pagans may as wel be applyed against Antichristians , as places of Scriptrue spoken to the true Church of the Iewes may be applyed to the true Church of the new Testament .

Secondly you object that wee cannot prove , laying aside the forge●●s of our owne braynes , that this scripture phrase without , may be applied vnto you as to a people without . Well wee wil lay aside our owne devices : & so let vs trye what wee can doe .

Arg. 1. Churches that are in condition equal or worse then assemblies of pagans are without . Revel. 11.2 .

Antichristian Churches are in condition equal or worse then assemblies of pagans .