1. A GODLY PRINCE may and ought to compell his Subiects ( if any refuse ) to the externall Seruice of God .

IT is the Princes duetie to prouide able men to teache the Lordes Religion in his dominions . So did Iosaphat the king of Iuda . 2. Chro. 17. and Artaxerxes the king of Persia . Ezra 7. therefore , it is the Princes duetie , to prouide that his Subiects doe heare and learne the Lords religion . Teachers and learners are relatiues .

Great outrages were committed against both the tables of the commandements , as appeareth in the booke of Iudges : for , euery man did that which was good in his owne eyes : Iudg. 17. & 19. cha. The reason of these absurdities is set out liuely and often in these words : There was no king in Israel . Iudg. 17.18 . & 19. Chap. by which words it is manifest , that if a religious Prince had bene in place , Idolatrie and wicked behauiour had bene suppressed , and the Israelites pressed to serue the Lorde . That Princes doe not passe their bounds in this , it is cleare by that which Augustine reporteth of and commendeth in the King of Babylon . Contra Cresc . gram . lib. 3. cap. 51.

The Prince is bound to sanctifie the Sabboth : so are his subiects : the Lords commaundement is flat for this : Remember the Sabboth day , to keepe it holy : Sixe dayes shalt thou labour , and do all thy worke : But the seuenth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God , in it thou shalt not do any worke , thou , nor thy sonne , nor thy daughter , thy man seruant , nor thy mayd , nor thy beast , nor thy stranger that is within thy gates , &c. Exo. 20. If none are exempted by almightie God , none can be dispensed with by man , for all are charged to present themselues in the holy assemblies . And , least any , either prince or subiect , should forget this duetie , the Lord himselfe is their remembrancer in these wordes : Remember , that thou sanctifie the Sabboth &c. that is , the sanctification of my Sabboth , is a matter very important , it concerneth my honour , but thy comfort , therfore remember and forget it not . If any refuse , they may and ought to bee compelled : for the breach of the Sabboth is a hainous sinne . Iere. 17. Nehem. 13.

Faith commeth by hearing of the word , Rom. 10. therefore refusall to heare , hinders both the beginning and growth of faith . The Samaritanes heard Philippe in Samaria : they beleeued . Actes 8. Lydia heard Paul at Philippos : she beleeued , Act. 16. Augustine was a Manichee nine yeeres : he heard Ambrose the Bishop of Mediolanum , and was conuerted . August . confess . lib. 4. cap. 1. and lib. 5. cap. 13. and 14. If any shal aske me why all that heare , beleeue not : I answere , Arcana Deisunt adoranda , non scrutanda : That is , Gods secrets are not to be searched , but adored : and , that vnlesse Gods spirit touch the heart , as the worde doeth pearce the eare , Gods holy Trueth is a dead letter vnto vs .

Asa , Iosias , were famous kings of Iuda . Asa commanded Iuda to seeke the Lord God of their fathers , and to do according to the law and commandement , 2. Chron. 14. Iosias compelled his subiects to serue the Lord their God , 2. Chron. 34. So did Manasses after his conuersion . 2. Chron. 33. If it were lawfull for these Kings of Iuda , to commaund and compell their subiects , it is not vnlawfull for ours to do the like . If it be not lawfull to compell recusants , why are Asa , Iosias , Manasses , commended by the holy Ghost for this excellent course ?

Ezra was a learned Scribe : he was authorized by the King of Persia , to teache them beyonde the riuer Euphrates the Lawe of God , which did not knowe it , and to punish such as refused to learne . Artaxerxes warrant is set downe in this sort : And thou Ezra ( after the wisdome of thy God , that is in thine hand , ) set Iudges and arbiters , which may iudge all the people that is beyonde the riuer , euen all that knowe the Lawe of thy God , and teache yee them that knowe it not : And whosoeuer will not doe the Lawe of thy God , and the Kings lawe , let him haue iudgement without delay , whether it be vnto death , or to banishment , or to confiscation of goods , or to imprisonment . Esra . 7. verse 25 , 26. And least any should take exception against Artaxerxes commaundement , Ezra cleareth it of all suspition of vnlawfulnesse , in these wordes : Blessed bee the Lorde God of our fathers , which hath inclined the Kings heart to beautifie the House of the Lorde that is in Ierusalem . Ezra 7. verse 27.

Augustine the Bishoppe of Hippo in Africke , was a very famous man : hee was sometimes of opinion , that heretiques were to bee pressed by argument , and not by the Magistrate : his reason then was , Ne fictos Catholicos haberemus , quos apertos hereticos noueramus , That is , least wee should haue them counterfait Catholiques , whome wee knewe to bee notorious heretiques . But after weightie consideration , hee chaunged his former opinion , and is very resolute , that Recusants may and ought to bee compelled by the Magistrate . August . Epist. 48. 204.

Siterrerentur & non docerentur , improba quasi dominatio videretur : Sed rursus , Si docerentur , & non terrerentur , &c. August . Epist. 48. that is , to punish and not to teach , were tyrannie : againe , to teach and not to punish , were to harden them in their auncient custome , and to make them slowe to enter the path of saluation .

Exi in vias & sepes , & compelle intrare , Luke 14. Qui compellitur , quò non vult cogitur : sed quùm intrauerit , iam volens pascitur : August . Epist. 204. that is , Go out into the high wayes , and hedges , and compell them to come in : he that is compelled , is compelled to enter against his will : but when hee is entred , hee is fedde willingly .

Ad caenam tanti patrisfamilias , si sponte non vultis , intrare compellimus . August . contra . 2. Gaudentij Epist. lib. 2. cap. 28. that is , to the supper of so great an householder , if you wil not of your owne accord , we compell you to enter .

Quod autem vobis videtur , inuitos ad veritatem non esse cogendos , &c. August . contra 2. Gaudentij Epist. lib. 2. cap. 17. That is , where as yee thinke , that men are not to bee compelled to the Trueth against their willes , yee erre , not knowing the Scriptures , nor the power of GOD , which maketh those willing , though they bee compelled against their willes .

Qui phreneticum ligat , & lethargicum excitat , ambobus molestus , ambos amat . Aug. Epist. 48. That is , he that bindeth a frantike man , and awaketh him that hath the lethargy , loueth both , though he be grieuous to both .

2. A GODLY PRINCE MAY not suffer any religion but the true religion , either publikely or priuately in his Dominions .

THe exercise of false religion is directly against the sanctification of the Lords Sabboth : Exo. 20. therefore the Prince may not at any hande suffer it . The Morall lawe , as it teacheth the worship of Almightie God in the first , and honestie of life in the second table of the commandements , is perpetuall , and bindeth vs vnto the worldes ende .

The Israelites being in captiuitie in Egypt , were required by Pharao to sacrifice to Almightie God in Egypt : Moses refused &c. Exod. 8. The Israelites being in captiuitie in Babylon were required by the Chaldeans to sing one of the songs of Sion . They refused and answered thus : How shall we sing the Lords song in a strange land ? Psal. 137. Of these places I gather my argument thus : It was not lawfull to sacrifice in Egypt , and to sing the Lords song in Chaldea , which were polluted landes : therefore it is not lawfull to suffer Idolatrous & popish seruice in England , which is a holy land . That professed papists are Idolaters , it is manifest : first , they worship false gods : for they worship Angels and Saintes deceased which are no gods , Secondly , they worshippe not the true God aright : for they doe not worship him according to his written worde .

Confession & consent in the true religion , is Vinculum ecclesiae , the chaine and bond of Gods Church : for the Apostle saith , there is but one faith . Ephe. 4.5 . therefore dissension and difference in religion is a dissolution of Gods Church . But no prince may haue any , either hand or litle finger in dissoluting Gods Church : for Kings and Queenes are the nursing fathers and mothers of the Church . Esai . 4.9 .

It is the Princes duetie to prouide for the safetie of the bodies , therefore much more for the safety of the soules of his subiects . If for the safetie of their soules , then they may not suffer them to poyson their soules . True religion is the foode of the soule . It is but one . To swarue from that , is the bane of the soule . It leadeth to hell . The Shipmaster and shepheard must keepe his shippe and sheepe from rocke and wolfe . Qui non scruat si potest periturum , occidit .

The prince is bounde to serue the Lord in feare . Psal. 2. therefore he may not suffer almightie God to be dishonoured by any of his subiects . God is notably dishonoured , when false worship is suffered either publikely or priuately .

The Angel of the Church of Pergamus is reproued by Christ for hauing such in Pergamus as maintained the doctrine of Balaam , and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans which God hated . The Angel of the Church of Thyatira is reproued by Christ for suffering Iezabel &c. to teach and to deceiue . Apocal. 2. therfore Princes sinne grieuously which suffer the exercise of a false religion .

A godly prince may not suffer a wilfull breach of his owne lawes : therefore not of Gods lawes . Almightie God is greater then all Princes . His lawes doe as farre passe the princes , as the gold of Ophir the clay in the street . Besides , they which hate Gods religion , and consequently sinne against the first table , are easily induced to disobey their prince , which is a sinne against the second table . It was a famous speech of the Emperour Constantius the father of Constantinus the Emperour : Howe can they bee fast and true to the Emperour , which are Traitours to Almightie God ? Euseb. lib. 1. de vita Constant . King Asa deposed Maachah his mother from her regencie , because she had made an idoll in agroue : Asa brake downe her idoll , and stamped it , at the brooke Kidron . 2. Chron. 15. Ezechias and Iosias were famous Kings of Iuda . They destroyed the groues and temples of the idols . They destroyed the groues and temples of the idols . They tooke a direct course for Gods religion . Almightie God may not bee dalied with in his seruice . There must be no parting of stakes . Hee will either haue all or none . Ezech. 20. The Lordes Altar and Baals Altar must not stand together . Iudg. 6.

Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon made a decree , that euery people , nation and language , which spake any blasphemie against the God of Sidrach , Misach and Abednago , should be drawen in pieces , and their houses made a Iakes , &c. Dan. 3.

Constantinus the Emperour did not suffer I dolatrie in any part of his dominions . Euseb. lib. 4. de vita Const. The Emperours Theodosius and Gratianus did not suffer Arianisme &c. Theod. lib. 5. cap. 16. Sozom. lib. 7. cap. 12. and 4.

Edward the sixth , a Prince of famous memorie , was dealt with by his honourable counsailours that the Lady Mary which succeeded in the kingdome , might haue popish masse &c. Arguments were vsed to induce his Maiestie to like of that course . His answere and resolution was negatiue . So doth master Foxe report in the Actes and monuments in these wordes : In the dayes of King Edward the sixth , Carolus the Emperour made request to the sayde King and his Counsell , to permit Lady Mary ( who after succeeded in the crowne ) to haue Masse in her house without preiudice of the Law . And the Counsel on a time sitting vpon matters of policie , hauing that in question , sent Cranmer then Archbishop of Canterburie , and Ridley then Bishop of London , to intreate the king for the same : who comming to his Grace , alledged their reasons and perswasions for the accomplishing thereof . So the King hearing what they could say , replied his answere againe out of the scriptures , so groundedly , grauely and fully , that they were enforced to giue place to his replication , and grant the same to be true . Then they , after long debating in this maner with his Maiestie , laboured politikely in an other sort , and alledged what dangers the denying thereof might bring to his grace , what breach of amitie of the Emperours part , what troubles , what vnkindnesse , and what occasions sundry wayes it woulde enforce &c. Vnto whome the king answered , willing them to content themselues : for he would ( he saide ) spende his life and all he had , rather then to agree and graunt to that hee knewe certainely to bee against the trueth . The which when the Bishops heard , notwithstanding they vrged him still to graunt , and would by no meanes haue his nay . Then the good king seeing their importunate suite , that needes they woulde haue his Maiestie to consent thereto , in the ende his tender heart bursting out in bitter weeping , and sobbing , desired them to be content . Whereat the Bishoppes themselues , seeing the kings zeale and constancie , wept as fast as he , and so tooke their leaue of his grace : and comming from him , the Archbishoppe tooke master Cheeke his Schoolemaster by the hand and sayde : Ah master Cheeke , you may be glad all the dayes of your life , that you haue such a scholler , for he hath more diuinitie in his litle finger then all we haue in all our bodies &c. Thus farre master Foxe .

3. ABLE TEACHERS OVGHT to be prouided ( so much as can be ) for the Churches .

GOds people are the Lordes sheepe , spouse , citie : therefore they must be fedde , garnished , watched ouer , with the Lords foode , furniture , weapons . This cannot bee done without able teachers .

The worke of the ministerie is a famous worke . Ephe. 4. It passeth Moses Tabernacle , and Salomons Temple : therefore it is to be committed to skilfull and faithfull men : by it Dagon , Diana are cast downe , and the Lords Arke and religion are set vp : by it ignorance , darkenes , are remoued , and knowledge and light are planted : by it , many wandring sheepe are brought to the Lords folde , and many sheaues of corne into the Lords barne . This appeapeared notably in Samaria , Ephesus , Corinth , &c.

The Ambassadors of earthly Princes , either are or should be men of choise : otherwise , they dishonour their Princes , and become ridiculous : therefore , the ministers which are the Ambassadors of the highest prince , Mal. 2.2 . Cor. 5. must haue some mettall in them . If they haue not , howe either can , or shall they deliuer the Lords commission ?

A learned teacher is a singular blessing : for hee feedeth Gods people with knowledge and vnderstanding . Iere. 3. Such were Ezra amongst the Israelites , Epaphroditus at Philippos , Epaphras at Colossos , Apollos at Corinth : such are many ( thanks be to God ) in this land : therefore an ignorant minister is a grieuous plague , for he cannot strengthen the weake , heale the sicke , binde together the broken . Ezech. 34.

The Popish and Anabaptisticall sort haue done great hurt in this land . This is as cleare as the sunne : the way to heale this sore , is to prouide such , as by souereigne plaisters and medicine out of the Lords Eden may remoue this dangerous infection , and plant in the peoples hearts the Lords holy religion .

Where teaching is not , the people are in a woful case . Solomon saith , Where prophecie ( that is , the expounding of Gods word ) is not , the people perish . Prouerb . 29. Almightie God saith , My people perish for want of knowledge . Hos. 4. Our sauiour Christ saith , This is life eternall , that they might knowe thee , the onely true God , and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent . Ioh. 17.

Where sound teachers are placed , these commodities are apparant . First , Almightie God is notablie serued . Secondly , the prince is duetifully obeyed . Thirdly , the enemie to religion is either won or descried . Where the people are not taught , these absurdities doe followe : First , they cannot serue God , for they doe not knowe God . Esay . 19. Prius est Deum scire , consequens colere . Secondly , the prince is not so dutifullie obeyed : the rebellion in the North , is a proofe of that . Lastly , the enemie to religion cannot be wonne : for faith commeth by hearing . Rom. 10. nor so easily descried : for the holy word is a searcher . Hebr. 4.

All which loue the religion , haue and doe desire a greater nomber of able teachers , that our church may haue more beautie , our prince more honour , our people more heauenly comfort . None mislike this , but such as make Gods Church either a marke to shoote at , or a carkasse to feede vpon . The one sorte are professed enemies : the other , gracelesse hypocrites . For they preferre myre before pearles , earth before heauen , and their filthie swine before Iesus Christ , as the Gergesens did , Mat. 8.

4. THE TEACHERS OF Religion , must haue maintenance .

TO shewe kindenesse to the Lordes house , is an excellent worke : so did Nehemias a courtier . To prouide maintenance for the teachers , is to shewe kindnesse to the Lords house , Nehem. 13. verse 14. What then is their kindenesse , which sell Church liuings as Iudas did Christ ? The abominable sale and marchandise of Church liuings is cried out against in Court , Citie , and Vniuersities . Propter abundantiam , as one said of late , nonpotest , & propter impudentiam non vult celari : that is , the polling and sale of Church liuings is so common that it cannot , and so shameles that it will not be hidde .

To forsake the house of God , is a heinous sinne : not to prouide for the teachers , is to forsake the house of God , Nehem. 10. and 13. Chap. Howe greate then is their sinne which robbe the Church and Churchmen ? It is a grosse sinne to spoyle either the souldier or the merchant aduenturer , which in their places are a singular defence to their countrey by sea and land : therefore it is a heinous sinne to robbe Churchmen , which ( as Elias ) are the Chariots and horsemen of the common wealth . The weapons of our warrefare ( saith the Apostle ) are not carnal , but mighty through God , to cast downe holdes , casting downe the imaginations , and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God , and bringing into captituitie euery thought to the obedience of Christ , and hauing ready the vengeance against all disobedience . &c. 2. Cor. 10.

The repairing of Churches is to bee performed carefully : So was it in king Ioas time , therefore much more prouision for the teachers : the Priestes maintenance in Ioas time , neither was nor might be abridged for repairing of the Churches : the reason of it is conteined in these wordes , The money of the trespasse offering , and the money of the Sinne offring was not brought into the Lordes house : for it was the Priests . 2. Kings . 12.

Skilfull teachers doe plough the Lords field , and are the Lords , both mouth and hands to deliuer his blessings and treasure vnto vs : therefore they ought to haue defence and maintenance , and not to wander as Michas Priest did . Iudg. 17. Students cannot liue of the ayre as the Chamelion doth . Church pollers shut vp the kingdome of heauen before men : for they themselues goe not in , neither suffer they them that would enter to come in : therefore the woe denounced by Christ against the Scribes and Pharises , seazeth vpon them . Matth. 23.

Ezechias the King of Iuda commanded that the Priests and Leuites should haue maintenance , and that their wiues , children and families should bee prouided for . 2. Chron. 31. vers. 4 , 18. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Iudah , and did well and vprightly , and truely before the Lord his God . And in all the works that he began for the seruice of the house of God , both in the Law and in the Commandements , to seeke his God , he did it will all his heart , and prospered . 2. Chron. 31. vers. 20 , 21.

Diuers famous Princes haue had some Church-men to be of their honorable Councel : Iehoiada was in King Ioas Court . 2. Chron. 24. Zadok and Abiathar , in Dauid and Salomons Court , 2. Sam. 20. 1. King . 4. Daniel in Darius Court . Dan. 6.

It is Queene Elizabeths pleasure , that the worthiest men should bee aduaunced for the gouernement and seruice of the Church . That very meane choise hath bene made of diuers Churchmen , the land sees , feeles , and cries out of .

Question .

Whether such thinges as were giuen for the maintenance of idolatry , may , and ought to be conuerted to the seruice of God ?

Answere .

They may , and ought . My reasons are :

If men should conuert them to their priuate vse , it might be iustly thought , that in abolishing superstition , priuate gaine is the marke which is shot at , and not the aduancing of Gods religion . August . epist. 154.

When such things are conuerted , not to priuate , but common vses , or to the honour of God , that falleth out in them , which in men themselues , when of Church robbers and wicked men , they are conuerted to true religion . August . epist. 154.

Eleazar the Priest tooke the brasen censers , which they that were burnt had offered , and made broad plates of them for a couering of the Altar . Numb. 16.

The gold , siluer , the vessels of brasse and Iron in Iericho , were brought into the Lordes treasury . Ios. 6.

Gedeon did offer vnto the Lorde , a bullocke which had bin fed for Baals seruice , and did vse the wood of the groue a dioyning . Iudg. 6.

If such thinges as were giuen to the maintenance of Poperie , may not be conuerted to the seruice of God , then pull downe Churches and Vniuersities , take away their landes &c. And let Atheisme be in steade of Gods religion , and Macciauell in the place of the new Testament .

5. ALMIGHTIE GOD blesseth those kingdomes with peace , which promote and embrace his religion .

THe holy host setteth out in liuely colours , the consequents of teaching and embracing the Lordes religion . They shall breake their swordes into mattockes , and their speares into siethes : they shall sit euery man vnder his vine , and figge tree without feare of the enemie . Mich. 4. The prophet Esay singeth the same song : The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe : The Leoparde shall lie with the kidde , the Cowe and the Beare shall feede together . Esay . 11. That is , wicked men which in cruell affections resemble the Wolfe , the Leoparde , the Beare , shall cast off the chaine of pride , and the garment of crueltie , and shall goe hand in hand with the godlie , who for their innocencie are compared to the Lambe , the Cowe , the Kidde . The reason is : For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lorde . Esay . 11.

The Egyptians and Assyrians were deadly enemies : they denied traffique one to an other , and all passages were shut vp betweene Egypt and Assyria . Esay describing a great alteration of minds in them of Egypt and Assyria , sayth , that There shall be apath from Egypt to Assur : and Assur shall come into Egypt , and Egypt into Assur . The reason of their agreement , is set downe in these words : The Egyptians shall worship ( the Lord ) with Assur . Esay 19.

Where idolatrie is aduanced , no peace can bee looked for . They chose newe gods , saith Deborah , Then was warre in the gates . Iudg. 5. The Israelites for a long time were without the true God , without Priest to teach : In that time , saith the Prophet Azariah , there was no peace : for nation was destroyed of nation , and citie of citie . 2. Chron. 15. The Reubenites , Gadites , and halfe tribe of Manasseh , transgressed against the God of their fathers , and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the lande , whome God had destroyed before them : The God of Israel stirred vp the spirit of the kings of Assyria , who caryed them away captiue , &c. 1. Chron. 5. Iehoram the king of Iuda , did forsake the Lorde God of his fathers : the consequents were : Edom , Libnah , rebelled : the Lorde stirred vp against Iehoram , the spirit of the Philistines & Arabians . 2. Chron. 21. King Ahaz was a notable idolater : He sacrificed to the gods of Damascus : the Edomites , and Philistines inuaded the cities of Iuda , and preuailed : Yea , the king of Aslyria , whose helpe Ahaz desired , and accounted greatly of , did trouble and not strengthen him . 2. Chron. 28. Iehoiakim the king of Iuda , did euill in the sight of the Lorde his God : The king of Babel came vp against him , and bound him with chaines to carie him to Babel . 2. Chron. 36.

They which dissent in religion , cannot bee knit fast together . The Samaritanes and Iewes differed in religion : they contended about the Temple . Ioh. 4. The stirre betweene them was very great . Some in the Apostles times after Christ ascension , vrged circumcision as necessary vnto saluation : other condemned it as an absurd & grosse error . The stirre was great in the Churches of Antiochia and Galatia . Arius erred blasphemously about the godhead of Christ : Alexander the bishop of Alexandria , both misliked & condemned his filthy heresie . Socrat. lib. 1. ca. 6. There was hotte stirre in the church of Alexandria . The Lordes arke , and the Philistines Dagon : the Ephesians Diana , and Pauls preaching : Poperie , and the Gospell cannot stand together .

Asa was a religious Prince : he suppressed idolatrie and planted Gods religion . The kingdome was quiet before him , and hee vanquished the Ethiopians . 2. Chron. 14. & 15. Chap.

Iosaphat was a zealous promoter of the Lords religion . Almightie God crowned him with this blessing : The feare of the Lorde fell vpon all the kingdomes of the lande that were round about Iudah , and they fought not against Iosaphat : the Philistines brought to Iosaphat giftes and tribute siluer : the Arabians brought him flocke , both of rammes and goates . 2. Chron. 17.

Vzziah the King of Iuda , prospered so long as hee sought the Lord . Almightie God helped him against the Philistines and Arabians : the Ammonites gaue him tribute , and his name was famous euen vnto Egypt . 2. Chron. 26.

Ezechias was a carefull aduancer of Gods religion . The land had great quietnesse , and was notably deliuered from the Assirians . 2. Chron. 32.

Queene Elizabeth hath planted the Lords religion , Popes , Gregory , Pius , Sixtus , haue cursed her Maiestie : the Popish enemies haue bene & are maliciously bent against her , & this land , as Sennacherib & Rabsakeh against Ezechias and Ierusalem : but God hath blessed , and miraculously preserued her Highnes and Dominions , as he did Ezechias & Ierusalem : the greatest enemies of the English nation , are the sinnes of the English nation : but if we desire and obtaine pardon for our sinnes at Gods hands , & shal serue our God , & sanctifie his Sabboth more carefully then we haue done , the Lord wil goe forth with our armies , our captaines and souldiers shall amaze and vanquish our Popish enemies , as Gedeon did the Madianites , Iephthe the Ammonites , and Dauid the Philistines : and our gracious God will couer both Prince & people with the shield of his Iustice , and defend vs with the sworde of his Iudgement .

Obiection .

When the Gospell is preached , stirres doe grow : that appeared in Ierusalem . Act. 7. in Iconium . Act. 14. in Rome . Act. 28.

Answere .

I grant that stirres appeare sometimes , when Gods trueth is deliuered : the fault is not in the seede , but in the ground . It was not Elias that troubled Israel , but Achab and his fathers house , which forsooke the Lords commandements , & followed Baal . 1. King . 18. The holy preaching resembles medicine , daylight , and the heate of the sunne . It is not the medicine , but euil humors which distemper the body : varietie of colours are not made , but discerned by the day light . The heate of the sunne is not the cause , but the descrier of the stinke of a carrion .

6. THE CHILDE OF GOD is not polluted , though hee bee present at , and partaker of the publique prayers , Sacraments , &c. at such time , as wicked men are present at , and partakers of them .

IN the Prophets time , there were many & grosse corruptions at Ierusalem . The magistrates , Priests and people were greatly disordered : The Lordes religion was partly contemned , and partly defiled . Did the holy Prophets seuer them selues from them of Ierusalem in Salomons temple ? Did they builde newe , either Churches to assemble in , or Altars to sacrifice vpon ? It is certaine , they did not , and yet they were not polluted .

Our Sauiour Christ was presented to the Lord in Ierusalem . An oblation was giuen . Luk. 2.22 . Hee was afterwards partaker of the Sacrifices in Salomons temple , with the Scribes , Pharises , & vngratious people of Ierusalem . My reasons are : First , Christ was subiect to the law . Gal. 4.4 . One branch of the Law was , to be partaker of the Sacrifices in Salomons temple . Secondly , Christ in the dialogue with the woman of Samaria , speaking of himselfe , and the Iewes , vseth these wordes : We worship that which we knowe . Ioh. 4.22 . Vnder the worde ( worship ) are contained the sacrifices . Calu. contra Anabapt .

The Churches of Corinth and Galatia , had many and grosse sores in them . Saint Paul , I confesse , deales very roundly with them : yet hee doth not , either license , or cal vpon Gods seruants in Corinth and Galatia , to seuer themselues from the assemblies . If to be present in the assemblie had brought pollution , the Apostle woulde not haue failed in this Christian dutie .

Let a man examine himselfe . 1. Cor. 11.28 . The Apostle doeth not say , Let euery man examine the rest of the communicants : which no doubt hee would haue giuen in charge , if the lewdnesse of others did pollute Gods seruants .

He that eateth and drinketh vnworthily , eateth and drinketh iudgement to himselfe . 1. Cor. 11.29 . Saint Paul saith ( to himselfe ) not to others .

The Apostles receiued the Lords supper with Iudas . Aug. contra Lit. Petil. lib. 2. cap. 11. & 23. & lib. 3. cap. 106. But they were not partakers of Iudas theft . Aug. contra Cresc . Gram. lib. 4. cap. 26. or Iudas treason . Acceditur ad vitium corruptionis , vitio consensionis . Aug. contra Don. post Coll. lib. That is , to consent to vice , is to bee corrupted with vice . That Iudas was a theefe , Saint Iohn reporteth . Ioh. 12. vers. 6. That the Apostles did knowe before the partaking of the holy supper , that Iudas should betray Christ , appeareth manifestly in the Euangelist Matthewe . Matt. 26. vers. 21 , 23 , 25.

The most famous men , before , and in our time , are of my side . Augustine in his writings against Petilian , Acon , Cresconius , the Donatists : and Caluin in his treatise against the Anabaptistes , are very peremptory in this Argument . None can , or wil mislike it , vnlesse they be alreadie , or meane to bee Donatistes , or Anabaptistes .

Obiection .

The Apostle commaundes vs to withdrawe our selues from euery brother that walketh inordinately . 2. Thess. 3.6 .

Answere .

We must withdrawe our selues , Quoad priuatam consuetudinem , non quoad publicam communionem : that is , touching priuate conuersation , not touching publike partaking of the worde and Sacraments . Caluin is of this Iudgement , in his treatise against the Anabaptistes .

If any shall gather of this I haue set downe , that I am content to admit notorious sinners to the holy table , he doth me great wrong , and is refuted in my treatise of the Sacraments , where I vse these wordes : It is a great sinne for a knowen wicked man , either to minister the Lordes supper , or to present himselfe to the holy communion : and such lewdnes must bee seuerelie punished , by them in whose handes it is to redresse it . But if this grosse sinne be practised , and no medicine vsed to cure it , the godly must content them selues with griefe for these enormities , and remember that the Sacrament sealeth vp Gods sweete promises to them , which the wicked sort at no hand are partakers of .

7. THEY WHICH WERE baptized in the Popish Church by Popish Priestes , receiued true Baptisme , touching the substance of Baptisme .

THe Popish priestes doe retaine the essential forme of Christs baptisme , that is , they doe baptise in the name , not of Pope or idoles , but of the holy Trinitie : therefore it is not mans , but Gods baptisme , which is deliuered by them . If it be Gods baptisme , I am sure it is true baptisme . Maister Caluin calleth them Catabaptistes , which deny that wee are rightly baptized in the Popish Church . Institut. lib. 4. cap. 15. Sect. 16.

Obiection .

The Popish priestes haue no lawfull calling : therefore , it is no true baptisme which is deliuered by them .

Answere .

The Argument followes not . I confesse that the Popish priests haue no lawful calling : yet , they haue a calling , though a faultie one . They which are not lawfully called vnto the ministery , and yet sit in the chaire of the ministerie , are to bee accounted in an other place then they which haue no calling . Caiphas was not in deede the lawfull high priest : for he entred by money , & the priesthood in his time was rent in peeces : yet , because he sate in the high priests chaire , he was accounted the high priest . A faultie vocation may hurt him that vsurpes an office , but it doth not defile those things which are done by that partie .

This is master Bezaes Iudgement in his 142. question .

If any shall gather of this , that I allowe the Popish priesthood , he deserues rather a Censor , then Confuter : for I confesse that Sacerdotium papisticum est sacrilegium : that is , that the Popish priesthood is Sacriledge .

8. THEY ARE THE SAcraments of Baptisme and the holy Supper , which are deliuered in the Church of England , by vnpreaching ministers .

IF such as were baptized in the popish Church , receiued true baptisme , I trust they are rightly baptized in the Church of England , which are baptized by vnpreaching ministers .

If such as were baptized by popish priests in the popish Church , and by vnpreaching ministers in the Church of England , receiued no sacrament , many grosse absurdities would followe . First , very many are vnbaptized : and if they bee vnbaptized , they sinne grieuously , in not presenting themselues to the holy Sacrament . Secondly , a great number haue sinned grossely in partaking the holy supper . My reason is : None vncircumcised might eate the Passeouer . Ezodus 12. verse 48. therefore none vnbaptized may receiue the holy supper . Thirdly , many excellent men haue vsurped the preachers office . My reason is : It is vnlawfull for any man to bee a publique teacher in the visible Church , which is not by baptisme graft into , and so become a member of the visible Church . Our Sauiour Christ was baptized of Iohn in Iordane , before hee preached . Matth. 3. and 4. Chap. The Apostle Paul was baptized of Ananias in Damascus , before hee preached . Act. 9.

The vnpreaching Ministers doe adde the worde vnto the Element in the administration of Baptisme : therefore it is the Sacrament of Baptisme which is deliuered by them . Accedit verbum ad elementum , & fit Sacramentum . Aug. Tract. 80. in Iohan. that is , The worde is added to the Element , and it becoms a Sacrament . By ( worde ) in Baptisme , is vnderstanded the word of Institution , which is , to Baptize in the name of the father , the sonne , and the holy Ghost , &c. Of this iudgement are Beza confess . Cap. 4. Art. 47. and Musculus de sig. Sacram. Art. 4.

Obiection .

Christ sayde to his Apostles , Goe and teach all nations , baptizing &c. Matth. 28. vers. 19. therefore , if the word preached , be not added to the Element , it is no Sacrament of Baptisme .

Answere .

The argument is very weake . I confesse , that Christ commanded his Apostles , first to teach such as were of yeeres and alients from his religion , and then to baptize them . If the Gentiles had not bene first taught , they would not haue offered them selues , nor the Apostles haue admitted them to the holy Sacrament of baptisme . If any will conclude of this place in Saint Mathewe , that none whatsoeuer may bee admitted to baptisme before they bee taught , they shut our infants from the holy Sacrament , and therefore are Catabaptists .

The vnpreaching ministers doe adde ( verbum adificans ) that is , an edifying worde , to the Elements in the administration of the holy supper , therefore &c.

That there is verbum aedificans , I proue it thus .

The summe of Christes sermon in the Institution & administration of the holy supper by himselfe , is the word of Institution in the administration of the holy Supper in the Church of England : therefore , vnlesse we wil denie the summe of Christs Sermon , to be an edifying word , ( which no learned man wil deny ) we must confesse , that we haue verbum aedificans in the administration of the holy supper with vs .

If any will conclude of this , that I mislike preaching before the administration of the Sacrament , he doth me great wrong .

Obiection .

Vnpreching ministers are not apt to teach : therefore they are no Sacraments which are deliuered by them .

Answere .

The argument followes not . My reason is , Many Iewish Priestes were both ignorant and dissolute in Esay and Christs time . Esay 28. vers. 7. Matth. 9. vers. 36. But the Sacrifices offered , and the Sacraments reached by them , were both Sacrifices and Sacraments : otherwise , the Prophets which were at Ierusalem , when the Iewish Church was full of corruption , woulde not haue bene present at , and partakers of the Sacrifices in Salomons Temple . Calu. Institut. lib. 4. cap. 1. sect. 18 , 19.

Obiection .

Ignorant ministers are not apt to teach : therefore no ministers , and consequently , they are no Sacraments which are deliuered by them .

Answere .

The argument followes not . I grant that it is of the substance of a lawful & good minister of God to be apt to teach : but it is not of the essence of a Minister simply : for which it is sufficient to haue the Churches calling . This appeareth clearely in the Magistrate . The holy Ghost requireth that none shoulde bee chosen a Magistrate , vnlesse he were a man of courage , fearing God , dealing truely , and hating couetousnesse . Exodus . 18. verse 21. When such are aduanced as defile their handes , either with filthie bribes , as Felix did , or with barbarous crueltie , as Abimelech and Herode did , shall we say that they are no Magistrates ? I confesse , they are not singled out by the electors according to Almightie Gods direction in his holy Bible : but they are Magistrates notwithstanding , and we are commanded by the Lord to perfourme all duetie vnto them , Saluo officio , that is , our duetie being reserued to the highest Magistrate , which is God himselfe .

If any shall gather of this I haue set downe , that I vndertake the defence of Ignorant ministers : my answere is , that my writings and sermons , are not Aiax shielde to couer them , but the Lords sworde to cutte them . I confesse freely , that I am very farre from opening either the Church doore to ignorant Ministers , or the Pulpit doore to vnskilfull preachers : which vnskilfull preachers giue Gods religion a greater blowe then the ignorant Ministers : for in steade of deuiding the worde of trueth aright , they speake at al aduentures , yet very boldely : and as vnskilfull Apothecaries , deliuer quid pro quo , chaffe for wheate , and strange fancies for Gods holy trueth . By such absurde fellowes , many Churches and excellent men in this lande haue beene greatly disquieted , and the good course of religion hath beene greatly hindered . The cause of this sore , is intollerable pride , and grosse ignorance in these bad companions , and want of care in the Magistrates .

If any shall aske mee what the true causes are , why so many vnfitte men are the Churches Ministers : I answere , either great want of iudgement , or great corruption in such , which doe ordeine and preferre them . The sinne of these men is very great : for they dishonour Almightie God , and do grosly abuse the people of the land . This disease will bee healed , when the Churches maintenance is not disposed of by them which haue the golden dropsie , but is freely giuen to worthie and painefull students , which will neither fish with the siluer hooke , nor open the Church doore with a siluer key .