Errour on the left hand, through a frozen securitie Howsoeuer hot in opposition, when Satan so hears them. Acted by way of dialogue. Betw. 1 Malcontent and Romanista. 2 Mal-content Romanista & Libertinus. 3 Malcontent and Libertinus. 4 Malcontent and Atheos. 5 Malcontent and Atheoi. 6 Malcontent & the good & bad spirit. 7 Malcontent and Mediocrity. By Henoch Clapham.

Errour on the Left Hand . THROVGH A FROZEN SECVRITIE : HOWsoeuer hot in opposition , when Satan so heats them . Acted by way of Dialogue . 1 Betw . Malcontent and Romanista . 2 Betw . Mal-content Romanista & Libertinus . 3 Betw . Malcontent and Libertinus . 4 Betw . Malcontent and Atheos . 5 Betw . Malcontent and Atheos . 6 Betw . Malcontent & the good & bad spirit 7 Betw . Malcontent and Mediocrity .

By HENOCH CLAPHAM .

Prou. 4. 26. 27.

Pouder the pathes of thy feete , & let all thy waies be ordered aright .

Turne not to the Right hand , nor to the Left , ( but ) remoue thy foote from euill .

Horat. Epist. 18.

VIRTVS est Medium vitiorum , & vtrinque reductum .

LONDON , Printed by N. O. for NATHANIEL BVTTER . 1608.

To the Reader .

AGainst my booke ( touching Error on the Right hand ) certaine fiddle-faddle Spirits do take exception .

Some say there be certaine formes of speech farre vnworthy the pen of a Preacher . I grant that somethings be much vnworthy , both my writing & many their hearing ; howsoeuer the Schismatikes thinke the things Ezec. 1● 5. 16. 17. 5 16. 17. 25. 26. & 23. 3. 8. &c. not vnworthy their Doing . Ezekiel was forced to speake more grosly then he would ; when from filthines of the body , he would delineate the soules vncleannes for Idolatry . The like also did Saint Iohn . Let the Reu. 17. 4 Factious be ashamed of so doing , and we will be ashamed of so writing and hearing .

Some say that in the Diologicall speeches , I seeme to point at certaine particular persons , vpon whom some of my speeches cannot be truely fasteded . I grant ; first that I haue aymed at some particular persons , so well as they in their Dialogues of the Barwicke Souldier , the Host and Chaplaine &c. with many such Martinicall libels , haue done right often . But as their magnaticall one-eard Inuectiues were set on fire from hell , for destroying the Church peace , so , I doubt not but my feruent breathings , will be found to haue beene kindled by the coales of the Altar , for the consumption of Schisme Let them consider the parable of Iothams trees , that gathered together for electing a King ; when as none but the brabling Iudg. 9. 8. &c. Bramble would accept of the offer . That parable will fit them , as if it onely had propounded vnto them . Secondly I answere , though all there spoken , cannot bee auerred of euery person in a faction , ( by reason no faction is at vnity in it selfe ) yet it may sit close to some other they thinke not of , in the same faction : and potentially , though not actually , concord with the leud spirit of that whole Corporation .

Besides , to such as say , that Arianisme was long since confuted by the Fathers , and what neede Clapham meddle with it , & c ? I answer : first by Retortion : So Donatisme , Anabaptisme , Reordination Nicolaitisme , Atheisme &c. were confuted by the Fathers ( so was the very adultery , murder , &c. ) what need any preacher then iterate these arguments ? The answer to the last , will fit So Mr. More in his tables doth record . the first . Secondly , I answer : Our heretikes haue added vnto the ancient teaching such conclusions as of old were not dream'd of . And had I not one Arrian Anabaptist , & ano ther , a luish Arrian , both burnt at Norwich by trauaile abroad found out that , I might seeme vnto many to speake but in darke parables . Search all the bookes that I haue writ , and that is from Anno Dom. 1595. hitherto , 1608. ) and consider if still I pronoked not all the Factious , specially on the right hand , howsoeuer hitherto vnanswered of any . Which doubtles they would haue done , had I not too truely pressed them . Thirdly I answere , I know none that condemne my labours , of that kind , but such as be either open foes , or hypocriticall brethren . If open foes , then no maruaile though they ball and barke against me , whenas they raile against the whole body of the Church . If Hypocriticall brethren , who let some Factious haue their hearts , and for maintenance sake let vs haue their bodies onely , I waie not of their doome no more then of Laodiceans deuotion : for what is such an Hypocrite , but an Ambo between two , a bifronted Ianus looking two wayes , and a Neuter faithfull to none ? The opposite side do spit at them , and can we do lesse then spurne them ?

In this booke is acted Errour on the Left hand . In the fore-front wherof I haue Marshalled the Romanist , as one who primordially through a frozen security , did decline towards Libertinisme , establishing such deuises , as vnto flesh and blood might be most acceptable . Vnto which side also , if I had reduced the carnall Familist , ( for there be a second sort more spirituall ) I suppose I had done him no wrong . But sit as they shall , naught be they all , and it is the naughtines of their opinions that I specially dart at .

As for the Male-content , I make him the Nicka-fidge here ( running from one faction vnto another ) as I did the Flyer in the former . Who also here doth at last meet with Mediocrity ; and so ( after some dehatemēt ) become an honest man . Worse I wish to no Flyer , nor a straw the worse to any Mal-contented . Dei est non errare , hominis errare , insipientis perseuerare in errore .

Great a a Ioue the short of Iehoue . Ioue himselfe is onely free from falt : The rightest man with Israel doth halt , But froward fooles in sollie will perseuer ; Though tentimes braid , a foole he wil be euer

If thou canst well relish the Matter , but not the Maner of handling : ( for euery one doth quickly conceit a Dialogicall Prosopopeia ) I then referre thee to my Antidoton , my New Ierushalem , my Manuall of the Bibles doctrine , together with diuers of the heades , sparsed in my Bibles briefe , in my poeme Aelohim , and fiue parts of my labours of Salamons Song ; not to mention any of my imperfect workes printed abroad ouer immaturely .

But to helpe the slowe conceited ( for these two bookes of Dialogues were penned , almost altogether for such about the citie of London , who are ordinarily toyled with the Factious ) it must first be obserued that the maine thing I driue at , is , to vnfold the principall argument , whereby euery sort of Schismatique doth fabricate vnto himselfe a new society or Church . Secondly , to shewe , how that principall argument is laide at home by our Mal-content , whereupon others build their rendings from vs . Thirdly , to disclose such their argument , by that forme of introducting them , in their mutuall brablings , wherein , as sometimes one of them confuteth another , so , much of their extrauagant speech is so absurd , Vt recitare , idem est quod refutare , As the bare repetition is a sufficient refutation . Lastly , my drift is , in the person of Mediocrity , to establish a Meane ; Which held and kept according to knowledge may keepe our people from flying out into extreames , as they would auoide the grosse and leaud consequents insuing their breach from vs .

Had not some learned ( in authority ) obserued so many points ( at least ) in my former booke it had not obtained a passe to the presse : For sure I am , that it stood vpon more sufficient examination , then all the books which besides I haue diuulged . So much is sufficient for reasonable spirits . As for such as be wilfully malitious and ignorant , nothing will content them ; b b Pro. 26. 4. Neither will I answere such a foote to his full , lest I become like him . Neque Iupiter omnibus pluens placet , neque abstinens . The Lord deliuer our Church from euill .

Amen . From my House at Norburne in East-kent , this 8. of Iune . Anno Dom. 1608. Thine in the Lord He. Cl.

THE FIRST DIALOGVE between Mal-content and Romanist . First , it must be conceiued , that Malcontent sitting vnder a tree , in the Hie-way , hee thus alone expostulates with himselfe . Malcontent .

O Mal-content , how vnhappy art thou in this life , whither shalt thou go , and what will become of thee ? Go to the Brownist , shall I do so ? In them and their proceedings , I find no vnity , no concordance ; Their hand being against all , and the hands of all against them . The a a Geo. Io. brother of that Churches Pastor , hath writ a great booke against them , their vnsetled resolutions , bloody excommunications , and hie-handed tyrannies ; as if the Pastor were a Pope , taking more vpon them ( for the measure of strength they haue ) then do all the English prelates . In so much as , howsoeuer he perswades people to ioine with the cause of Separation , as himselfe had ( and therein since hath died ) yet , at no hand to ioyne with his brothers congregation : for manifold reasons there alledged .

Since which time , one ( whose b b Mr. Sm. name soundes vpon an Anuile ) hath drawen certaine Principles and inferences , touching a true visible Church ; where in he quoteth scripture for another forme of discipline , then that which the Brownist practise , and most of vs haue taught in our sermons and writings : He purposing as it seemeth , to receiue others into communion with him , who shall separate , as he hath ▪ and so shew themselues willing to be ruled by his discipline . Aes me , which side shall I leane vnto ? Both of them hold a set forme of discipline to be contained in the word . Both of them alleadge ( for the substance thereof ) the very sarue scriptures ; but both of them differ exceedingly in the sense of such Scriptures .

Another side , hauing no Baby for their leader ( although his sir name begin with a c c Him and his words I haue alledged in my preface to my Manuall . B. ) he holds both with the gouernement at home by Lord Bishops ; as also , with that of Lay-elders abroad ; as being in the scriptures neither commanded , nor forbidden , but things in themselues of an indifferent nature . So he holdes , and yet denies to subscribe , for sundry reasons . Shall I separate with the first two ? or shal I continue in the Church of England with the third ?

But miserable man , how shall separation , or not separation be good ? If I separate from the Church as Antichristian , then the Anabaptist take hold vpon me , and saith ▪ that I must separate not so much for the prelaticall discipline ; as for that the spirit of Antichrist there breatheth Antichristian doctrine . Yea that the Church becomes to be Antichristian : for that their groundes of faith therein held , be principles opposite to Christ . And in my conscience , if the first be granted , the second will ineuitably follow .

If I separate not , but continue still in the Church , I shall in my worke iustifie that which I haue condemned in word . In word I haue condemned the Tippet , the Surplice , the Corner-cap , the Crosse in Baptisme , and the like for markes of Antichrist . But forsaking my ministry , I may liue in some other calling , and so be put to the vse of no such ceremonies . Yea but if I haue a child , I must bring it , where before I will not , it cannot be baptized without the crosse . Come I to the Common seruice , I must sit in the sight of a Surplice ; and come I to the Communion , I must there kneele & receiue at the hands of one that vseth the ceremonies . And be I called to be a Church-warden ▪ I must take an oath to present the sincere-sort ▪ that omit , or speake against such ceremonies . I am diuided in my selfe , what shall I doe ? H. I. his followers do say very well , that this persecution is worse then that of Queene Maries : for that made an end of a man quickly ; but this grants life with a continuing misery . Wo is me , how is my soule pained within me ? Though heretofore Ifumed against the author of that booke , intituled Errour on the Right-hand , yet now mine affections bee cooled and calmed : for well I see , that there is nothing yet right amongst them . And at home I know not how to liue , as I would not be held an Hypocrite or turne-coat . The euasion must be by some third meanes , & that as yet I know not . Rest poore head , rest ▪ rest against this trees roote , and take a little nap in the shade .

He being asleep , Romanista passeth by , and espying Male-content asleepe , be staieth and so speaketh . Romanista .

What fast asléepe ? who may he be ? By his habite hée should be some Scholar or Citizen . Whoo I know him , it is Male-content , whose head is full of whirligigs , and whose pen spins nought but Cob-webs . Stay , his lips moue to and fro , as doth my dog Grim , when as he is ready to chunder and barke sléeping .

Malcon . sleeping .

Fire , fire , Elias fire .

Romanista .

He is calling for fire from heauen , as did Elias : But it will burne as fast , I thinke ▪ as did our Uault-gunpowder , that should haue blowne vp the Parliament-house in Westminster , together with all the heads of the Country . But stay , some politique retch now or neuer : for an inch of policie , I hold better then an ell of Diuinity . In the time of discontent it is best working vpon Malcontent : for vpon conceit it is then most easy to worke . I remember a Dialogue in Erasmus his great Colloquium ; where one passing by the hie-way , was desire us to fasten some strange conclusion vppon the conceit of his fellow Passengers . Hereupon hée stops his course , with his eies vpon the firmament fixed , gaping , gazing , crossing , blessing , trembling . The passengers thereupon stay , looke vp , and wonder whereat he should so wonder . Anon , as with much ado , he tels them what a fearefull signe he saw in the firmament , a Dragon ▪ a terrible thing in description , I warrant you ; hereupon he startles ▪ holds vp his hands and wondreth at all the rest , that they should say they see nothing . Anon , one of them thinking scorne , but he should see as much as another , he also affirmeth that he saw such a terrible wonder : Afterwards , some and some , euery one said he saw it , and trembled . In this dialogue ( some haue thought ) that Erasmus flouted people in England , for conceiting a certain great prelate in the Churches firmament , beyond that they should conceit , &c. But howsoeuer , I will take aduantage of the time , and see if so I can worke some strange thing vpon him . I hope it the rather , because one of this spirit ( a Sole ▪ sincerian ) being of late conuented before a great Prelate of this land , he offred , that if he the said Prelate , could proue but one point then in hand , hee would without more adoe turne back to the Church of Rome . whereupon the Prelate spake to this effect : I , is it true indéed ? are you now ready to go a poping ? what a poping I had thought there had bin many grounds of opposition between vs & them ( howsoeuer this stands ) that would haue kept you from poping : wel , I wil break one cudgel of my inuention vpon him . There , there , he is awaking , I will stand as butter would not melt in my mouth , gazing , crossing , trembling .

Malcon . awaking .

Ha , ha , what a yawning keep I , and out of what a troublesome sleepe awake I ? But husht , who is here ▪ what ailes the man ? I thinke he is dast . Honest man , what s the matter with you ?

Romanista .

An , an , an . Credo in deum patrem omnipotentem .

Malcon .

Surely the man is mad or in an extasie .

Romanista .

Pardon me Lord , parden me , and I wil returre to the holy Catholique Church , the mother of peace and vnity : For I must needs confesse that I haue sinned much in following blind Zeloists , setting al oustre with Samsons Foxes .

Malcon .

Ha , blind Zelosstes , surely hee hath been on our fide , ▪ and in truth , that is of no side : For howsoeuer we all agree in the terme Reformation , ( as the Separistes do in the terme Replantation ) yet in the particulars of Reformation , we are ( amongst our selues at as much oddes , as the Separators bee , about their forme of Replantation .

Roma .

I go Lord , I go ; yea , I run to do thy will .

Malcon .

Fall you a runinng ? nay then haue after you . I will know what the matter is , ere we thus part — Nay I haue hold of you friend , stay , I pray you buskle not , stay there , stay and let vs breath a little . — — — Now I be ▪ seech you , tell mee what you are , and how it fares with you ?

Roma .

O Sir , do not tempt me , you know well enough , that I haue had an apparition .

Malcon .

Surely not I. But if you haue had an apparition , I pray you let mee bee acquainted with it .

Roma .

O Sir , as I drew neere vnto you , behold certaine splendent beames far more full of splendour , then the Suns beames ) did sodainely shine vpon me ; wherewithall I saw one like the Son of man , sit by you with his hand in yours , who turning his head aside , said vnto me ; Zeloist , hereafter thy name shal be Romanist : and for gaining peace to thy wearied soule , thy name shall bee entred into the Catalogue of Holy Romes Confessours .

Malcont .

But stay , stay , this can be but some notable delusion : for what holines can there be in Romes religion ?

Roman .

O Sir , he told me , that you would not submit your selfe to the truth , but vpon palpable reasons . I was this morning , as you haue beene , and yet are , a desirer of Reformation . But all in vaine , to séeke after a reforming of Israel , beeing once schismed from Iudah . To kéepe vs at home , from going vp to Rome , the place of the High Priest ; loe , Dan hath béene builded at Yorke , and Bethel at Canterburie . As the vpstart ministry of Ieroboam did make their people beléeue , that all was naught at Ierusalem ; so this ministry of Harry the eight , sowes all false rumors of the holy Sea of Rome . Stand not ( Sir ) mazing at the matter . I hated the Church of Rome till now ; but the holy Angell no sooner breathed vpon me , but my bowels yearned after her presence , yea , me thought such a light flashed vpom my senses , as therwithall , all intricate scruples vanished . There was a booke published by Doctor S. Hars . concerning falshood of certaine Priests about London , in counterfeiting possessions & dispossessions , specially practised vpon the bodies of yong tender damsels . That booke made me loath the holy Priesthood , as being but false packing companions . O sir , I repent my credulity ; for new it was reuealed vnto me , that such as came to bee examined , and so deposed by the Prelates of England , they were but such , as sought profits & pleasures , amongst the Protestant Libertines , by so reuiling the eldest sonnes of their mother . Her discipline was too strait for them .

Malcon .

Were I assured , that you had such a Reuelation , I could bee contented to reconcile my selfe with you , vnto the Church of Rome .

Roma .

O sir , must you put your fingers into the wounds , and see also the print therof , before you can beleeue ? well , the Angel hath told me a secret of yours , vpon the rehearsall wherof , you are to hasten your soule vnto faith . What if I tell you , what was in your mind , when you were now sléeping ?

Malcon .

That would moue me much .

Roma .

Then this ; your mind ran of Elias .

Malcon .

T is very true .

Roma .

And vpon that part of Elias his story , wherin he called fire from heauen . Why gaze you so at me ? Speak , is it not true ?

Malcon .

True ? yea , as true as the Gospell . Now I perceiue that you haue had a Reuelation , and a Reuelation most true . Euen as Daniel brought Nabuchadnetsars dreame to his mind ; so , haue you brought that into my mind , that till now I had forgotten . O man of God , thou art more welcome vnto me , then thousands of gold and of siluer . But reuerend father , for so I must henceforth call you .

Roma .

Good sir , giue me no such title , for if I take titles to my selfe , my Creator will destroy me . Ego quidem Minimus Seruorum Dei : the least place in my mothers house , is too good for me .

Malcon .

Well brother , I would intreate you to resolue me of some obiections , that so I may stand firmer in the Faith .

Roma .

Set we on forward , and propound what you will , but alwayes with an heart , willing to receiue the truth .

Malcon .

How shall that Action be made good , which commonly is called , The Gun-powder treason .

Roma .

Uery well sir , it being but an attempt against Heretiques , for maintenance of the Catholique faith . Dauid slue the Ammonites , for but cutting the haire and garments of his seruants ; and shall not the Pope cut short hereticall princes , for cutting off the heads , and quartering the members of his Embassadours ? Did not Ioshua turne the wals of Iericho vpon the heads of his foes : and did not the High-Priest , pull Athalia the queene out of the Temple , and so hew her in pieces ? The Pope hath excommunicated and accursed this people of England for a Babel ( and the Brownists will witnes that is is a Babel ) and therefore , as the Psalmist saith of Babel , I say of this synagogue of Gospellers , O worthy to bee destroyed : blessed shall hee be that rewardeth thee , as thou hast serued vs . Blessed shall he be , that taketh and dasheth thy children against the stones .

Malcon .

But they will say sir , that our Sauior did neuer so auenge himselfe .

Roman .

True sir , because in his place , he was but a priuat man . But this other is done by publike authority . Otherwise you fall vpon the rocke of Anabaptisme . For they reason thus ; Our Sauiour and the Apostles vsed no swords ; therefore not to be vsed of any Christians .

Malcon .

But they will say , that the Pope is as priuate a man , as Christ was .

Roma .

That is to be denied ; for though Christ carried no sword , yet hee allowed his successor S. Peter to carry two ; and said that there should be a time to vse them . Now , our holy Father the Pope succeedeth him , so verily as did S. Peter : and so the sword Ciuil , and the sword Ecclesiastique are both in his hands . Now , when we are too weake for them , S. Peter and his successor must put vp the sword left they perish with it : but when we are able to ouertop them , out must the sword ; for as the Apostle saith , the sword is not carried for naught . O father Garnet , father Garnet , how glorious is thy martyrdome , and how miraculously shineth thy physnomy vpon a strawe !

Malcon .

Do you thinke it came by miracle ? I heard a Preacher in London say , that it was a miracle not worth a strawe .

Roma .

Giue them leaue to raile for a season . Honourable and learned persons haue seene it , and commended it to the Pope : and I doubt not , but one day it will bee canonized for a Sainct : it arising from a drop of blood issuing from that holie Priest , S. Garnet . Glorious be thou Saint Garnet with thy twelue Apostles . Happy soules we , if we may liue to followe ye .

Malcon .

Thus Sir , wee are come neere to a towne . May it please you to rest there an houre , and I will pay for your dinner ?

Roma .

I thanke you Sir . But go you no further ?

Malcon .

Yes sir , I should to London to night .

Roma .

So should I. Euerie thing sorts well , I see , for the good of body and soule .

The second Dialogue betweene Malcontent , Romanista , Libertinus and the rest . Malcon .

NOw beloued Romanista you are welcome vnto mine hosts house . Mine host what haue you ready for vs ?

Hoste .

Nothing sir , but fish ; for this is Ember-weeke .

Roma .

I like that best of all . I pray you let vs haue it quickly . But meane time , where shall wee be ?

Host.

Pardon vs gentlemen , for wee are not prouided of roomes . There is a parlour , all that wee haue . There is no bodie within , sauing one Libertinus that came lately from Rome . A very familiar gentleman , and one that will be glad of your companies .

Roma .

Master Malcontent , let vs in and aboard the gentleman for some newes . By your leaue sir , we are bold ( vpon our Hostes speech ) to trouble you .

Libert .

No trouble Gentlemen , you are heartily welcome . I had rather be here with two such natiue consorts , then at Rome confronted with al the English house of students . Pol , Aedipol , by Ioue , they bee the most hunger bit slaues , that be betweene this , and the furthest confines of Canibals . I muse not , though they wil be ready to bound themselues for England , with th' aduenture of a turne and a halfe at Tiburne ; for better die here quickly , then liue there in continuall miserie . They may beshrew Robin Parsons their Iesuiticall father , for he it is , that licks the fat from their fingers . Come mine Hoste , lay the cloath , Ifaith thou would be a notable fellow for courting the Nuns .

Host.

I thinke my wife will become one ere long , she is giuen so to obserue fasten-daies . I warrant , our Parson is not acquainted with halfe so many as she . And I am sure , that I can find few of them in Allens Almanack .

Roma .

Master Malcontent , we must giue idle-headed fellowes leaue to talke they know not what . Viatoribus atque Poetis . &c.

Libert .

I protest mine Host. Saint Peters Church at Rome , is nothing so well maintained as your Church . Doctor Board , that worthy Physitian in Harry the eights time , he sawe it in extreame ruine at that time , as appeareth in his chapter Daemoniacus ( were not our Peter pence then well paid to Rome ? ) and ( by the hand of a Gentleman , that neuer drew bloud violently but by faire play ) it is bad enough now , to make a tithe-barne for Islington .

Roma .

His tongue runs as round as her wheele of Islington .

Libert .

Now mine Host , introduce our viands , tot-quot & omnes , ac nos iugutabimus profectò . Gentlemen , we that haue trauailed externall Regions , delight in discourse . And get I but once the London ordinaries on my back , I hope to saciate the stomachs of yong Gallants and braue Caualleroes , with Italianat-discourses . Hey , terey , a surso , so flounced Frier Bartholmew , and fetcht his Capretto aloft , when he saw Madona Speranza ready to enter his shriftplace . By the head of Tamberlane , they are the maddest laddes in a country . Thus much for a preface to dinner . Come mine Host. Canst thou marshall thy dishes in order ? Come bashfull slaue , I will vsher thee .

This Plase , shall haue that place & so make place to the rest . This Pike , amongst fishes is the Pope ( deuouring all , but deuoured of none : sometimes indeede the little frog leaping from the hillock vpon his caput , doth with her forelegs scratch out his eies ) hee shall haue Locum maximè supremum . What , an Ecle ? As little hold to be taken of her taile , as of a Iesuites tongue : stand thou vnder the shadow of Lupus-marinus , Pope-pike . As for you Master Codsh●ad , in next affinity with a Monchs-head ( as it goes with monchs in these daies ) stand you there alone , as the word monch signifies : howsoeuer Ierome saith you haue forgot your name , since you came to liue , in turba , amidst the routs of people . The Codde ( they say ) deuoureth the oilie Anchouns or Capelinos , , as the idle Monch is the consumer of the fatte Beefe & mustard . What Seignior Ruffe , all in your ruffe ? Giue me that dish of Maidens , these two shall stand together ; till the Ruffe haue deuoured all the damsels dowrie . As for you sir Carpe , take vp your place by my hostesses trencher , till the giddy-headed Auditor catch you , that may carp at the preacher , til himselfe proue but a pratler . What mounser Smelt ; feele at your nose mine Host , you may smell it .

Hoste .

Bones of mee , you haue hurt my nose

Libert .

I bid you but smell it , mine Host. Well , because thou smelst of mine hosts nose , and my hostesses old suet ( as strong as Ciuet ) stand there below , where mine Host Blowse must sit . Now bring in your cheese , and euery one choose where he list .

Roma .

Sir , you are as good as a fiddle to this feast .

Malcon .

I would sir Libertinus , I had as light an heart as you .

Libert .

You may easily haue it , if you will enter into my religion .

Malcon .

Your religion , what is that ?

Libert .

First , I doe beleeue that there is a God .

Secondly , that his sonne came into the world to saue sinners , by suffering in our nature . And S. Iohn saith , Euery spirit that confesseth that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh , is of God : but I do so confesse , therefore I am of God : So are you , and you , and you , and my hostesse Blowse , in so confessing that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh . And therefore lawfull for me to heare Papist , Protestant , Anabaptist or any that so professe . This point I learned of a William , that sometimes liued in Netherland ; who running from the English Church here , to the Brownist ; from the Brownist to a particular faction of his owne , wherto he did bap tize himselfe ; from that to one sect of the Anabaptists , where they baptized him againe ; from that to another sect of the Anabaptists &c , finding no rest in any , till hee setled ( from that place of S. Iohn ) to heare all , to walke with all , and to hold all true Christians that confessed Christ as afore .

Roma .

The Diuell confessed him to bee Christ and the son of Dauid , and so to be come in the flesh : therefore you must vnderstand S. Iohn better .

Libert .

Yea , these varieties of vnderstandings , causeth varieties of sects , and therefore I leaue them to such as loue to contend . Mine Host , Loue ( as the Apostle saith ) beleeues all things and extends it selfe to all , as my stomach extendeth to all these dishes , sauing the Smelts .

Host.

Smelts , quoth you , I shall neuer sée smelts , but I shall remember you . I pray thée wife come ; here is a gentleman able to cheare thy heart .

Libert .

Come sweet Hostesse ; and because once you were a prety maid , there is a prety Maiden for you .

Host.

She was prety ( sir ) but that ne uer loued the Frier .

Hostesse .

I pray you let the Friers alone , and fall to your fish . I wis , it was neuer good world since Friers went downe .

Host.

I warrant you sir , the Friers did easie penance to my wife , which makes her so much respect them . But since I read of the Minykin Friers that in their Cloyster at the city Minykin , did handle the virgins in that sort , I haue been able to kéep tack with my wife .

Hostesse .

As true a booke , as that of the Iesuites play at Lions in France .

Liberti .

Hostesse , on the faith of a gentleman , such things are not vnlikely to be acted of them . I haue seene some of their fashions in my trauels Talk what they shall of religion , when all comes to all , they iump with mee in Religion , excepting their treasons . I will tell you a prety story of some of them , then iudge of their Religion . The Scene of my discourse shall lie at home . In Wisbich castle there were many Priests and Friers of sundry fashions ; what time the foule railing schisme fell out , betweene the secular Priests and Iesuites . Let these fellowes haue gone to bowles in the castle yard , as viually they did ; you should haue had some of them to play for their Deuotions , that is , for so many Pater-nosters , so many Aues , and so many Creedes . If you had asked , how these should haue bene paid ? they would haue answered ; the loser shall pay them on his bare knees . For when he went to say ouer his owne deuotions ; then hee was after that , to say ouer so many of the Paters , Aues and Creedes as hee had lost ; and that in the behoofe of the winner . This is my tale : now iudge of their religion : for my part I think the most of their religion to be but méerely This caused the Author to cast Popery on the left hand , as begetting Libertinisme . political , for keeping people in a timorous obedience : otherwise , for the learned of them , let them be alone by themselues , they can turne that into glée and gladnes , which the Lay-lort must tremble at in sadnes . Machiauel could well say , that the bringing of people into such seruile feare , it fainted their hearts in fight , wherby the Empire still lessened . But hee should haue further obserued ; that howsoeuer it decreased the Empire , it was the meanes to strengthen the Popedome .

Roman .

Master Malcontent , a word in your eare . We do not well to stay the hearing of such vile speeches against our holy mother the Church . And it is no contending with him , for feare hee bring vs into question . Follow a little after , as nothing were . And if you ouertake me not in the next field , I will stay at the great gate beyond it . Hostesse I must rise ; my friend may stay a little , and hee will pay for my dinner . Gentleman , I thanke you for your company . Mine Host farewell .

Host.

Farewell heartily sir. Ha , ha , hay ; is it so ? See you not how my wife sneakes after him . She must haue a little of his Benediction before he go .

Malcont .

Why , doe you know him mine Host ?

Host.

Yea , that I doe . There is neuer a tooth in his head , but it hath cost me an Angell . My wife went orderly vnto Church , before she fell in his company . His name is Romanista : is it not ?

Malcon .

Romanista ? how came you to know that name ?

Host.

I haue knowne it this halfe seauen yeares . But if any bee in company , then I may not know him , vnder paine of my wifes curse .

Malcon .

O monstrous ! he made me beleeue that his name was Zeloista , till within these three houres , and that then it was turned vnto Romanista , by an Angell that appeared vnto him .

Libert .

What , what ? let vs heare that againe . I pray you swéete Gentleman out with it , that so wee may end the meale with laughter .

Malcon .

I haue told you the generall ; you shall pardon me for the particulars . But now I smell , he is a notable Cony-catcher .

Libert .

Ha , ah , ha : Had he seene an Angell to day ? I hold my life , it was an Angell created in the Tower , of the Mint-masters . If hee haue got no angels from you , it is well . Ha , ha , hay ; this was an Equiuecating Angell , that neuer came in heauen , nor meanes to doe . They bee the notablest lads for apparitions and reuelations of Angels , that euer any sect afforded .

Host.

Stay , husht : my wife hauing done her deuotion to her Saint , she now returneth .

Libert .

Come good Hostesse . Sit downe a while .

Hostesse .

Master Malcontent ( for so I take your name to be ) the Gentleman that is gone , willed me to put you in mind of what he spake in your eare .

Malcon .

Well forsooth .

Libert .

Do you know the gentleman ( Hostesse ) that is now gone ?

Hostesse .

No acquaintance sir , it may bee I haue seene him .

Libert .

Me thinkes ( by his lookes ) he is an Angellike man .

Hostesse .

He hath a sweet Angellike voice , in my iudgement .

Libert .

I doe not thinke ( Hostesse ) but hee conuerseth much with Angels .

Host.

But I thinke my wife neuer had an angell out of his purse .

Hostesse .

What a prophane man my husband is ! The gentleman talkes of Angels in the good part , and hee answereth touching Angels in the ill part .

Host.

Surely wife , I would take them in the good part , if I could get them . Master Malcontent , me thinks you are malconceited . Pluck vp a good heart , man , and be frolike . Here M. Libertino , to all good fellowes , and let the world slide a.

Libert .

Hartily mine Hoste , as hartily as euer I turned my back vpon Romes walles .

Hostesse .

I hope sir , it is a place of all delight for a soule to liue in : I thinke in my conscience sir , one cannot be damned that liues in it .

Libertinus .

Certainly yea ; he cannot be damned whiles he liues there . But dy he once there in possession of the Cities sins , I will take ●●●lfe peny for all the part hee shall haue in paradise .

Hostesse .

Surely the Pope wil not suffer any of his louing subiects , to goe to the Diuell , for hee hath the keys of Hell , and will keepe his owne out .

Libert .

He will no doubt doe it , when hee hath beene at hell , and taken order with the three-headed porter about it .

Hostesse .

And I pray you , has he not béene there already ?

Liber .

No forsooth , not this Pope , but he is preparing to go thither , so fast as he can .

Hostesse .

Mary , and I wil pray for his good speede . For then I hope euery true Catholick shall fare the better by it . Good Lord , he hath to doe with heauen , and he hath to doe with hell , and he hath to doe with purgatorie , and he hath to doe with Limbo .

Libert .

Nay , sweete hostesse , I heard a Frier in Rome say in the Pulpit , that one that was no Pope , did aboue 1500 years since , open the gates of Limbo , let al the soules out , & ouerturn the place

Hostesse .

And had he not the Popes licence to doe it ?

Libert .

He neuer spake with any Pope about it .

Hostesse .

And hath not the Pope since curst him ?

Libert .

Yes forsooth : He curst him euery time , wherein he cursed Queene Elizabeth .

Hostesse .

Well , then let king Iames take heed he do not anger him : And I would pray you sir , to beware how you speak any thing against holy mother Church , or any of her children . While I was of your mind , euery thing went crosse : Marry since I reconciled my selfe to holy mother Church , my hens lay bigger egges then they did , and I take two pence for good ale now , where I tooke but a peny then , I thanke Saint Campian , and S. Garnet for it . Well husband , I see your flearing well enough ; These gentlemen can giue audience in all humbility ; but you will be a flouting Hmybeel , as the man said . Well gentlemen , I will take away , for I see you haue done .

Libert .

I pray you do , meane time what s the reckoning ?

Hostesse

Fiue shillings , sir ; and you are heartily welcome .

Libert .

There it is ▪ Deo gratias . I thanke you mine Host , for your good company .

Malcon .

I pray you sir stay , there be three shillings towards it , and I desire I may walke with you a while .

Libert .

Well , I will take your moneies for this once . As for walking with me , I am right willing , if with any conference I may hestead you .

Malcon .

Yes sir , seeing you haue bin behinde the Seas , and seene the papists and their doings .

Libert .

I haue séene them , and heard them , and laught in my sleeue at them . But which way lieth your way ?

Malcon .

Towards Westminster .

Libert .

Haue with you at the nearest . Hoste , and Hostesse farewell .

Both.

We thanke you heartily , kind gentlemen .

The third Dialogue , betweene Libertinus and Malcontent . Libert .

NOw Mr Malcontent , what is it , you will propound ?

Malcon .

I desire ( sir ) to haue notice of the state of Rome in these daies vile things be diuulged on it ; if it be so bad , it were too bad .

Libert .

It was neuer famed for worse then it now is . First , for the state of substance ▪ it is generally very beggerly . Traffficke , as some other Cities in Italy haue , it hath not . Indeed many trauell thither as Pilgrimes , and there be allowed to stay for certaine daies : but as the number of such Pilgrims now , be scarse one for an hundred that passed thither of yore : so , ordinarily they bee but of meane degree , and ere they come thither , their purse hath cast her calfe : For the small time of their aboad then there , somewhat comes out of the coffers of the scarlet Cardinals . Which spent , they put vp their pipes and packe away . They might come out full , but they returne foole and empty . Secondly , for the state of Pope and Cardinals , it is altogether pompous and princelike : the Cardinals hauing hinges enowe in their doore to turne vpon , and the Pope besides other meanes hath a mighty allowance annually from the Curtizans scalding-tubs : for no occupations in Rome more common ▪ then Venery , and Penury . Thirdly , for the state of their religious houses , let the vaults & secret preambulations vnder earth tell y● . Fourthly , for their publique deuotions , the formes of them be Pagan-like ; the multiplicitie of them , be as Sisyphus stone , alwaies rolling , but neuer at an end . In a word , it is an Egypt for slauery , a Babel for bondage , a Bethel for idolatry , a Tophet for confused noise , a Gehinnon for bloud-shed , a Sodome for all spurcicity , an Hell for damnation .

Malcont .

If the head be no better , what shall become of the body ?

Libert .

And whereas they plead Vnity , & taxe all other Churches for Distraction ; I protest , a man shall finde more emulations , heart-burnings , vituperies , bloudy practises , amongst them ( with mutuall oppositions one against another ) then amongst all other Christians in the world besides . Euery schoole man standeth so for his owne schoole doctrine , ( as Thomists for Thomas , Scotists for Scotus , & sic ad infinitum ) as the like diuision neuer yet hath béene raised betwéene the Aristotelians and Ramists . Then go to the friery Orders , and the Augustine condemns the Dominik , and the Dominik him . The blacke frier vituperates the gray & white , and either of them againe preferres highly his owne order . The Iesuite condemnes the Secular , for an Apostate ; and the Secular priest againe , auerreth that the Iesuite aberreth from his orders , and is now become a Statesman and Factor for Spaine . As for the bloody Inquisition , they plague all , and all curse them , what shall I say ?

Malcon .

Nay you haue said enough , and yet but that , which I oft before haue heard . I beseech you sir of your counsell : I haue beene one of them , which haue stood heere for the new discipline , holding that we haue for popish and Antichristian . And seeing this discipline would not be had , I lastly resolued to separate , and so enter into that course , which is called Brownisme . As I thus resolued , there comes a booke into my hands , touching Principles and inferences of a true visible Church . This booke teacheth a Separation as do the writings of the former : but when he comes to the discipline , he then differs much from the former ; and so from the most of our Reformistes , heere at home , so well as from the Church of Scotland and the like .

First we haue held , that the Pastor might onely administer the Sacraments : but the author of this booke , holdeth that the Doctor may administer them also .

Secondly , we haue taught , that the Elders were to be imploied in Church gouernement onely ( I meane in the discipline ) but he affirmeth further , that they are all of them apt to teach ; and so to assist in doctrine .

Thirdly , we haue published , that the Church is to giue the officers their Calling ; meaning thereby all the men of the Church were to giue their voice : but he intimates further , that women and children are to giue their consent also for such election and calling .

Fourthly , we held Excommunication to be the casting out of a contumaticus person ; and that to the excution thereof , there appertained only , rebukes , the word and prayer ; as all spirituall : but he infinuates further , that some bodily punishment also is to be annexed .

What shall I say ? in many things he is crosse to the discipline , which before hath beene applauded : and yet the man ( they say ) an honest man , reuerend and learned .

In the necke of this booke , I met with another , called Errour on the right hand . The author thereof being sometimes intangled about Discipline , ( and yet it must be confessed that many yeares he hath in print checked ours , for the which we euer caried an hard hand ouer him ) and during such time of the entanglement about that point he trauailing into forren parts , and there abiding some yeares ( where all sorts of factions were daily in his eies and eares ) he , ( about some nine yeares since ) came ouer , and in London continuing , hath all this while conflicted with factions , and not a little vexed vs . The foresaid book he now publishing , it plainely euinceth , that if separation bee made from the Church of England for Antichristian , then will ineuitably follow an endles wandring from faction to faction . These two bookes haue put me to my wits end ; I know not what to do : and to subscribe vnto this Churches Canons and orders , I cannot : Once , for that I am knowne in these parts to haue set my selfe against them . Secondly , for that I hold some of them to be repugnant vnto the word of God . Could I get out of these briers , I were an happy man .

Libert .

And are you so ignorant , that you cannot do that ? within this noneth I helped a kinsman of mine out of this pit ; who since hath subscribed , is now beneficed ; and yet in nothing harmed his conscience : for still his opinion in priuate liueth with him , and helpful he is to such as be distressed about that opinion . The Apostle willeth vs to serue Kuri● ( the Lord ) which some doe read , Kair● ( the time ) And were it not , that somtimes we are to fit the time in his humour ; the Prophet would not haue said , There is a time wherein the prudent shall be silent , nor would Salamon haue said ; There is a time for all things vnder the Sunne ; but this is one thing vnder the sun , therfore a time for it ; yea , a time to be silent from some good , & yet not to euer throwe the maine good and our good .

Malcon .

I like this speech well ; for indeed , pearles are not to be cast before swine who wil but turne back & all to rend vs . Tell me sir , how I may without equiuocation come out of Iosephs pit , and I will giue you forty ▪ shillings towards a veluet paire of breeches .

Liberti .

Then if I do it not , call me cut .

Malcon .

And I will doe it , and more then that .

Libert .

Then thus to worke , sir , haue you printed any thing of your diuers opinions ?

Malcon .

Not any thing that hath my name at it .

Libert .

Then cary it away closely , and henceforth conceale it ; But further , haue you beene much noted abroad , in the land , for such a Contradictorian ?

Malcon .

No sir , for I was no man of extraordinary gifts .

Libert .

Then that damme is closed vp . There be some which I know , that if their case were such , they would presently subscribe , specially in secret . Your best then is , to leane this place where you haue beene noted , and so to repaire vnto another .

Malcon .

But how then shall I doe for subscription ?

Libert .

The subscription runneth , that you must ex animo protest that euery thing they propound is agreable to Gods word , and in nothing re pugnant .

Malcon .

True .

Libert .

Now sir , they can propound nothing so erroneous and wicked , but it doth agree with some part of Gods word : As for example , if they propound any thing for Christian , which is indéed Antichristian , it doth agrée with the word of prophecy , who foretelleth that such euils shall be . If they propound obedience to the beast in Reuelation the 13. it agrees with the word of Prophecie , which saith , such euils shall be propounded ; And in such sense you onely subscribe , namely , that all their euill agréeeth with the word of prophecy : & not that you meane , that their euill is good ; otherwise then respectiuely , as it is a fulfilling of the holy Prophecy . Muse not at the matter , the case is plaine , the pearle of your meaning is not to be cast before them , no more then Abraham would deliuer his preseruatiue meaning vnto the licentious Pharaoh : nor Christ would deliuer his Reseruatiue meaning vnto them of Emmaus , when he looked another way . A certaine Doctor once being demanded , what hee thought of Q. Elizabeths supremacy : hee vnto them replied ; I desire ( my Lords ) to know what you thinke of it . They answer , we do beléeue the within her owne dominions she is ouer all persons and in all causes , Ciuill and Ecclesiastique , supreame . He answeres , And my very good Lords , I do truely beleeue the same . Whereupon ( it is said ) he scaped . Now sir , what was it he beleeued ? not that the Queene was so supreame , ; but he beléeued that the Lords so beléeued .

Malcon .

Me thinkes this should be equiuocation in him , and yet the former I reasonably affect .

Libert .

Tut , if euery close helpe wee vse , for euading dangers , must be called equiuocation , then we wil condemne Patriarkes and Prophets , Martyrs and Confessors and all godly policy . Whereas contrariwise our Sauiour hath taught vs , yea , commanded vs to be subtile as serpents .

Malcon .

Without all question , it must bee so , and I do verily beleeue you : But another thing , sir , if I come to be beneficed , I must once within a moneth after , publiquely read in my cure , 39. articles of religion , concluded vpon by our Conuocation house , and thereto must then signify my assent , and there be some that I like not .

Libert .

That s nothing , for vpon the former ground you may say : All these agrée with Gods word : Or you may say thus ; beloued , here be articles , that I must read , whereto I assent , and of whom I affirme that they be gooly . Now , you say , there be such holy articles but not that all the articles are such and holy .

Malcon .

O , how happy was I to meete with a man of such prudence & diuine experience ! O , that all my brethren were acquainted with this sacred policy .

O sir , you must beware to whom you communicate it : Otherwise , it may come to the Bishops eares ; and they would fetch you about againe , & not only you , but all others , that yet kéep their places , who seeme to leane to the new discipline . Take héed therfore of that , lest otherwise the latter errour be worse then the first .

Malcon .

I thanke you for your good counsell : for indeed they be but hollow-hearted towards vs . Well sir , here is what I promised : and if you come to my lodging , ( that is at N. ) I will bestow a supper of a crowne on you . be it to night or any night within this seuennight .

Libert .

I thanke you master Malcontent ; And I will be at your seruice in what I can . There lies your way & here is mine .

Malcon .

Farewell prudent Libertino .

Libert .

As much to you reuerend Gentleman .

The fourth Dialogue betweene Malcontent and Atheos . Malcon .

MAster Atheos , I am glad I haue such a Chamber-fellow to night : that bed I take to be the better , and it is that ( as mine Host saith ) which you had last night . On this other therefore I fix my rest .

Atheos .

And it please you ( master Malcontent ) you may for all that vse this ,

Malcon .

I thanke you sir , but this shall suffice . One thing Mr. Atheos , as wee we are preparing for bed : your discourse this supper time , I marked wel , & in my poore iudgment , you spoke more for the soules immortaltty , then I euer heard . It appeareth well , that master Cuffe , is not the onely man of our age , for handling that Argument , yet in the heele of our discourse ( let me make my selfe no wiser then I am ) I could not collect , what ( after the bodies death ) became of that soule , except it then entred into some other body , Uegetatiue , Sensitiue , or Rationall .

Atheos .

Sir , ouer while you liue , obserue when he that dilateth vpon an argument , doth insist in his owne person , or in the person of another . The immortality of the soule was mine owne , but the passage of it into some other body , the I deliuered in the person of another , namely of certaine ancient Philosophers very iudicious & learned . And hereto some haue of late the rather inclined , for that these great Polititians which penned the scriptures , do call Iudah a Lion , Isachar an Asse , Dan a Serpent , Herod a For , with the like , as either hauing had the spirits of such beasts within them , or else , for that their spirits were destinated ( vpon the bodies death ) to enter into such Beasts .

Malcon .

It is somewhat which you say , and more then I euer heard before . But me thought you inferred further , that the starres haue life .

Atheos .

Uery true ; else how should they giue life to inferiour bodies ? Plato the Philosopher , read him well . The like do to Clemens Alexandrine his Stromata , towards the end : & hee a famous diuine amongst the Gréekes within 200 yeares of Christ . Read ( not to mention , Trismegistos , Iamblicus , Porphyry , Proclus ) the writings of the great Physicall clerkes , Paracelsus , Quersitanus & others ; & you shall find ( by plaine demonstration ) that euerie Minerall hath his life & spirit : And as the Galenists haue granted , that the cor ruption of one creature , is the generation of another : so neither can this be , if so a life & spirit were not conueied from the dying bodie into another . Whereupon else commeth it , that notwithstanding all sortes of daily dyings , there is yet a plentious conseruation of euery creature in this kind ?

Malcon .

Surely , it must needes bee so . And I now perceiue , that is impossible for a man that pores much vpon the Scriptures , should euer bee a wise man .

Atheos .

Tut , the writers of the scriptures , were very politick men . The summer of Trogus Pompeius , notes Moses to haue beene a very pollitick Captaine , and Ioseph a notable Magician , who well knew , that such an itchie people as Israel , would neuer be kept vnder , but by propounding some formes of Religion , whereby they might be imbusied in these religious deuotions , as time should not afford , ( ouer and besides that ) any leasure to looke into their Captaines purposes . Vnto which religion , they being once fashioned , in hope of a reward , at the hands of one they called GOD , they afterwards , neither durst do otherwise , as they would auoid certaine torments , in a place they called Hell . What was it that Mahomet else intended in the deuice of his Alcoran ? And hath hee not thereby , purchased to himselfe abundance of Kingdomes , with subiugation of very many Christians ? And this the rather , by obseruing a want in the others policie , ( at least , in the exercise of their policy ) when as he leaues no liberty to his people , for calling so much , as any one point of their religion in question , but die therefore he must . Wherupon followes that differences they haue none ; and so are at all times amongst themselues vnited , and fit with one heart and spirit , to fly confidently in the faces of any their aduersaries . Whereas distraction in our policy , weakeneth our affections one toward another ; and infirmeth the whole bodie against our forraine Aduersary .

Malcon .

O wonder , what a foole haue I béene all the daies of my life ! Some what I learned to day of another ; but that farre short vnto this . I haue but two kine to my paile , I would ( with all my heart ) spend them ( yea , and maggot my Sow ) that I might but heare you read lecture vpon such points , but one forthnight . Now sir , I would I might intreat you , to vse some words of praier at our downe lying ; and then wee will giue out selues vnto rest , till the morning : for this daies busines , hath awearied both bodie and soule .

Atheos .

I will ; then thus : Thou subtile nature , that ( as a streame ) conuaies thy selfe thorow euerie creature & which mouest diuerslie , according to diuers matter , giuing forme and being to the same accordingly , preserue thou vs in our formes this night . And what time the Elements and principles of our body , shall through their mutuall warres , ouercome some one of his fellowes , do thou so appetite thy like from some other similar creature , as wee presently may adde that spirituall Mumia vnto thee , whereby thou maist bee abled to recouer thy former standing , to the taming of the rebellious Element or spirit . Nor bee thou carelesse ( at the time of these Elements downefall ) to transplant the immortall spirit , into some Iouiall or Herculean bodie , be it in the Spheres or the Center ; that so this WE , may become a more excellent WE . Amen .

Malcont .

Marry , Amen , I neuer heard such a prayer in my life . I would beg of you sir , that to morrow morning I might heare you , to comment vpon this prayer : for surely surely , there is much hid mysterie in it .

Atheos .

I will , Natura inspirante . But now to our rest , and Good night .

Malcon .

Many good nights to you sir. O happy day , well spent .

The fift Dialogue , betweene Malcontent and Atheos . ¶ It must here bee conceited , that thundeer cracketh , and lightning flasheth about the chamber , as they be setled to sleepe . Atheos .

FIre fire , the house is a fire . It cracks , it cracks , heauen falles , house falles , earth falles . Wo is me , what shall I doe ?

Malcon .

Lord be mercifull . — — Lord be mercifull . — — — Iesus haue mercie vpon me . What a crack was this that shaked all ? O Lord forgiue me my sinnes , what a light run thorow the chamber ! Master Atheos , M. Atheos , where are you Master Atheos ? Lord helpe me : Is he gone ? I am afraid the lightning hath taken him away . What M. Atheos , where are you man ?

Atheos .

Peace , — — peace .

Malcon .

A Gods name , where are you ? Let me come to you man .

Atheos .

I am vnder the bed , vnder the bed .

Malcon .

Where , which bed ?

Atheos .

Here , here .

Malcon .

Body of me , I haue run my head against the poste .

Atheos .

Has it done , has it done ?

Malcon .

Has what done ?

Atheos .

Is the lightning & thunder gone ? for I haue shut eares and eies .

Malcon .

It is gone I thinke : for I neither heare nor see any thing . Onely I feele a bad smell .

Atheos .

It is no matter for smell , so the thunder and lightning be gone . Pull mee out by the hand , I pray you . There . there ; so , now I am well .

Malcon .

I pray you sir , from whence might this thunder come ?

Atheos .

It comes from that region of the aire which is middle-most . And is no thing else , but a sodaine bursting asunder of a cloude : the tearing of whose wombe in peeces , you might sensibly heare . The cloud consists of viscous vapours , which rolling about , doe in fire beget a stone in the wombe of the cloud ; the heauiest part of the matter falling into that center . But as the whole bodie of the cloud cannot be a like condensed and firme ; so , a breach in time is made , for venting that stone or pellet . The resemblance of this lightning , this crack & thunderbolt flying , you may see in a peece of Ordinance , where you haue a sudden flashing light ; a terrible crack , & the pellet flying out .

Malcon .

Yea but sir , who is the Lord of this firmamentall Gun ? For some one must set it on fire , and leuell the shot at some marke .

Atheos .

It hath no other Master , then nature , that so moueth . As for the shots fall . it is meerely casuall .

¶ Here another c●●ck must be conceited &c. Atheos .

A , a , a , a , a.

Malcon .

Lord blesse vs , what newes ? M. Atheos , M. Atheos ? Bodie of mee , I am downe vpon some bodie . Who is there ? Speake a Gods name . Is it Master Atheos ? Speake man , speake man . Mine Hoste ; ho , a candle for Gods sake , ho. What , you cannot sleepe I am sure . A candle quickly .

Host.

Heres a candle Master Malcontent . How do ye both ? Here has beene a shrewd nights change . Aes me , what see I ? Master Atheos slaine .

Malcont .

God be mercifull vnto vs : see how his face is burnt , and no haire singed ; his legs broken , and no skin pierced . I cannot abide to behold him any more . O Lord forgiue me , O Lord forgiue my sinnes .

Host.

What shall wee doe master Malcontent ? for the hand of the Lord is vpon vs .

Malcon .

Alas , we haue no other thing to do , but get down into some other roome , and betake our selues to prayer .

Hoste .

I beséech you , then let vs doe so .

Malcon .

Take the candle sir , and leade the way . O Lord , lay not my sinnes to my charge . I acknowledge thee to be God , and a iust God . Oh , extend thy mercie vnto vs .

The sixth Dialogue betweene Malcontent , and the good and Bad Spirit . Malcon .

NOw I am apart , sequestred from all mankind , solitary in this Arbour .

●ad spirit .

Not so apart , but thou shall heare rung in thy eares , the iudgements of God , which attend thée for thy abominations .

Malcon .

What art thou that speakest so ?

Bad spirit .

He whom God hath appointed to haunt thy Ghost , & to pursue thee vnto iudgement . Hearst thou , hearst thou , thou giddy head , thou Apostaticall wretch , thou hypocrite , thou Atheist ( that hast said in thine heart , there is no GOD , there is no iudgement ) now the houre is come , that GOD will bee auenged on such a wretch ? why startlest thou back ? why lookes thou agast ? Thy conscience cres out of thee . Thine owne conscience condemnes thee . And vile hypocrite , God is at hand to iudge thée . Hypocrite , blasphemer , strebrand of hell fire . All too late to quake & tremble . Knock thy knées together with Belteshar , the hand writing is come out . No place is left to repentance ; no mercy , no pardon , thou art damned , thou art damned .

Malcon .

O Lord God , what shall become of me ?

Bad spirit .

Hell , hell , hypocrite hell ; nothing but hell .

Malcon .

O Lord of heauen , is there no recouery ?

Bad spirit .

None , none , Hypocrite , thy teacher is iudged , and thou must follow . Come away , into this Well cast thy selfe headlong . So thy conscience wil leaue gnawing , fretting . Or take the line , that goes from the one post vnto the other , and in that tree hang thy selfe . Why stayest thou ? Eate and drink thou canst not , settle thy selfe to any calling , thou canst not ; Ioy in any thing , thou canst not . Therefore life is now to end . Faith thou hast none ; all Hope is gone ; charity is farre from thee ; and pray thou canst not . Therefore now , now , euen now , the very time to be damned .

Malcon .

Am I quite forsaken ? O Lord is there not one drop of mercie ?

Bad spirit .

Not one drop , hypocrite , wherewithall to coole thy black , blasphemons tongue . An end , an end . The heauens looke black vpon thee . The aire drawes it selfe from thee . The earth trembles at the waight of such a Reprobate . Hell , hell , loe how it gapes for thee .

Malcon .

O Lord God , if there be no mercy with thee , why diddest thou not slay me together with Atheos ?

Good spir.

Hee spared thee , to the end thou shouldst repent .

Bad spirit .

Repent , he cannot repent . The eie of his iudgement is out . His heart is hardened . He is a wandring starre , a cloud without water , a tree twice pulled vp , a despiser of gouernement . A speaker euil of them that be in authority . S. Iude saith he is damned .

Good spi.

Bad spirit , thou slanderest Iude , he foretelles indeede , that in these last dayes , there should be such damnable waies , wherein the most would walke to finall destruction . But that no such should come out of these euill waies , he affirmes not ▪ nay , hee intimates that some should . And therfore he willeth the sanctified , to haue compassion of some , in putting difference ; sauing other with feare , pulling them out of the fire .

Bad spirit .

Ho , ho , but this hypocrite is none of these fewe .

Good spir.

Bad spirit , God neuer told thée y● . He sends forth his good spirit , for wit nessing to a mans spirit , the forgiuenes of his sinnes : yea , the good spirit is sent to seale such assurance . As for the euill spirit , there is no one scripture that saith , how hee is sent forth of God , for sealing to a soule the assurance of damnation .

Bad spirit .

Oh but this runnagate from all religion , he cannot repent .

Good spir.

Of himselfe hée cannot ; but that same God that spared him , when hée smot the eother , can giue him repentance , which he denied to the other .

Bad spirit .

Hee can do it ; but he will not doe it .

Good spir

Satan thou takes too much vpon thee , thou art ignorant what God will . A lier ( as well as a murtherer ) thou wast from the beginning . The Lord reproue thée .

Bad spirit .

He hath sinned the great sinne against the holy Ghost .

Good spir.

That sin lieth in an Apostasie , or Departure : First from the principles of true religion , once truly held , as in the Hebr. 6. 1. 2. 3. &c. Secondly , in a Departure from all such Christian fellowship , as wherewith before he had ioyfull communion , Heb. 10. 15. First thou canst not proue that euer he was so déep in , with that mysterie of Faith and holy communion , and not prouing that , thou canst not conclude , that his fall is so farre , as from the vppermost step of these staires that ascend to the throne of Gods mercy .

Bad spirit .

He is fallen from the very highest step , and so not one step of mercy for him .

Good spir.

Nay Satan thou now liest , and the Lord againe reproue thee , all the ground of Faith was not gone , for he desired Atheos to pray .

Bad spirit .

And he said Amen to a monstrous praier .

Good spir.

Hée said Amen hée knew not to what ; and such in effect was his confession . But whatsoeuer Atheos intended by Nature , poore Malcontent had in minde , that there was a God to become vnto , and that by Christ Iesus onely . His head indéed was intoxicate with Vanity , but not therefore the Verity pulled vp . Besides , whatsoeuer thou maiest suspect , by his euill company he last day kept ; thou yet canst not proue that he had fréely resolued to forsake all charitable Communion with his brethren in the former grounds of faith . This departure from Faith and Fellowship , is not acted vpon a stickering giddy conceit , but vpon mature deliberation : and then also done , vnconstrainedly and freely .

Bad spirit .

Let it be , he haue not acted that sin fully : yet if he liue but a little longer , it will be come to the full . Therefore the best to preuent it is to hang himselfe presently .

Good spir.

As thy selfe art , so is thy counsell .

Bad spirit .

Let him not do that , and yet hee hath sinned sufficiently for a thousand damnations .

Good spir.

Who knowes not , Satan , that one sinne is sufficient , where grace from aboue comes not ? Therefore the third time I say : The Lord which hath chosen this brand out of the fire , euen he reproue thee . Zach 3. 2.

Bad spirit .

Nay wher thou commest thou meanst to be vmpire , there is no talking with thee , the last word thou wilt haue , and therfore I go .

Good spir.

Malcontent , Malcontent ?

Malcon .

Who cals Malcontent ?

Good spir.

One that wisheth thée well .

Malcon .

O but I wish not my selfe well ; nor can I ; for I haue sinned , grieuously sinned , & my heart is disquieted within me .

Good spir.

Doest thou grieue Malcontent , doest thou grieue ?

Malcon .

O Lord , I grieue because I cannot grieue .

Good spir.

Art thou burthened Malcontent , art thou burthened ?

Malcon .

Neuer did soule carry such a burthen . Sinne vpon sinne , sinne vpon sin , and more sin , and no end of sin .

Good spir.

Go then vnto Christ who can ease thee .

Malcon .

Sweet Christ I know can ease mee , but will he ease me ?

Good spir.

Doubtst thou whether he wil ease thee ? Neuer was Shepheard so willing to take vp the poore shéep on his shoulders , that had spent the strength in the briers , and so to bring it to the fold ; as he is willing to take vp a poore soule , and to bring it home from wandring . Let the Priest passe by , and suffer the shéep to porish ; Let the Leuite passe by , & stretch out no hand to help ; yet Christ ( with the Samaritan ) and sooner then the Samaritan will bind vp thy breaches , get thee vp on his shoulders , settle thée in his Inne & feed thee more tenderly then Ioseph fed weake Iaacob .

Malcon .

O but I cannot look him in the face , I am ashamed , my face is confounded there is nothing right in me .

Good spir.

The more thou dislikest thy selfe , the better he likes thee , downe vpon thy knees and pray : if it be neuer so little , yet pray .

Malcon .

Well so , I am downe , what shall I say ? my heart is cold , my tongue is frozen , Lord helpe me I cannot pray .

Good spir.

Call for his help , and hée will help thée .

Malcon .

O sinne , sinne , stops my mouth , I cannot pray : heauenly Father for Christ his sake , teach me to pray . O , here at this heart it is , lies heauy , & as cold as lead .

Good spir.

With the poore Publican , knocke the same breast , wherein sins spaune lieth . Cast thy selfe vpon the earth , shake vp thy vnto ward affections .

Malcont .

Hard heart , wilt thou not melt ? melt heart , melt : Lord for thy sonnes sake , take a way my hearts hardnesse , my hearts vnbeleef , my hearts vntowardnes : Oh , oh , ho , lord that I could pray , as sometimes I haue prayed .

Good spir.

To desire grace , is the beginning of grace , and to sorrow because one cannot pray better , is an infallible degree of true repentance . Blessed are these that ( so ) hunger after righteousnes , for they shal be satisfied . A contrite heart the Lord will not despise .

Malcon .

I hate Papisme , I loth Libertinisme , I abhor the very remembrance of Atheisme ; but a three fold cord of iniquity they be , which cannot be easily broken . Errour on the right hand is as Salomon teacheth in Eccl. 7. 18. a sin that consisteth in Being iust ouermuch , and wise ouermuch , whose iudgment is to make such Zeloists desolate , but Errour on the Left hand , is a Being wicked and foolish ouer much , whose iudgement is to hasten a mans perishing , before mature time , Eccles. 7. 19.

Good spir.

Thou meritedst to haue perished , but God would not thou shouldst perish , for his owne names sake : for by thy conuersion he will haue his mercy made glorious ; and therefore being conuerted , sée thou also do help to strengthen thy brethren .

Malcon .

It shall be my duty , with Saint Peter so to do : but will the Lord pardon me ? whia , my sinnes be extreamly large .

Good spir

Thy sins cannot be so large , as his mercy is large : For thy multitude of iniquities , he hath a multitude of mercies , and in the pardoning of thée much , thou maiest loue him much .

Malcon .

Loue him , Oh that I might die for him ! shed my bloud for him ! lose all that I haue in the world for him !

Good spir.

That affection of thine is the fruit of true loue . And ( as S. Iohn saith ) God is loue , and he that dwelleth in loue , dwelleth in God , and God in him .

Malcon .

O Lord , I thanke thee for sparing me from suddaine death : I haue mocked at that kind of praier heretofore . but now Lord I see what a mercie it is , not to be taken away suddainly ; how soeuer we should indeede alwaies so liue , as alwaies ready to die ; but Lord , we are not alwaies ( nay seldome ) so prepared ; and therefore an exceeding mercy of thineto giue a poore sinner some time to looke about him , and to prepare for death : but sweete Lord howsoeuer I feare & tremble at the very remembrauce of Faction and Schisme , I yet am so deeply plunged with scruples and doubts , about sundry things in the Church of England , as I know not what to doe , without further direction .

Good spir.

Repaire to Mediocrity : and so fare thou well .

Malcon .

GOD grant I may fare well , for my poore soules health . O Mediocrity , I heretofore haue scorned thy precepts , because I had no mind to keep any meane , accounting all meane , but an haulting betweene two opinions . I go Lord I go : Forthy sonnes sake , blesse Mediocrity for speaking , & me for hearing , Amen . So be it .

The seuenth Dialogue , between Malcontent and Mediocrity . Medeoc .

WHo knocks there ?

Malcon .

One , that desires to speake with you . Your seruant told mee sir , that you were amongst your Bees , and I haue made bold to interrupt your busines .

Medioc .

Neighbour Malcontent , I pray you come neere . Will you sit downe by me ? Me thinks , from the consideration of this poore little creature , many excellent meditations may arise .

Malcon .

But , will they not sting a man , that sitteth amongst them ?

Medioc .

Not at all , except a man prouoke them by crosse carriage towards them . And then no maruaile they cast out a dart : for the least creatures haue their splen and their gall . And this I will tell you further , if shee can draw her sting back againe , them all is well enough with her , howsoeuer she haue tickled her molestor . But if she leaue it quite behind , then through want of choser to inflame her vnto duty she becommeth a drone and loiterer , liuing vpon the spoile of others . All which may put vs in mind ; First that a Christian is to be zealous in a good cause , but so as he ouershoot not the compasse of his owne good . Secondly that a man ouerlashing in zeale , doth finally grow to be as cold as a clocke , a plaine loiterer , liuing , vpon the vndeserued paines of others : For extremity of zeale , ordinarily is turned into extreame security . We are therefore to spend our zeale to day ▪ as wee may be feruent in the Churches quarrell to morrow .

Malcon .

A wise obseruation and godly .

Medioc .

Now sir , when such a one becomes a plaine loiterer , they want not discipline ( and that a sharp one ) for procéeding with such a party , marke these two bées , you shall haue a present instance ; sée you how that blacker Bee is got vpon the iacke of the other ? sée how she tugs her forward , now she tumbles down with her from the stone , now she flies vp againe , hauing left the other for dead .

Malcon .

Surely she is dead indeed .

Medioc .

Whia , this was an idle bée ▪ and seeing shee would not worke ( as the Apostle vrgeth ) she shall not eate amongst them . May not both Church and common wealth learne from hence , that it is shame to suffer loiterers to the consumption of their labours ? Now sir , marke againe how some come forth to fly about for more prouision : Others againe , see how they come with their thighes laden with matter for effecting of hony . And in the third place obserue , how some others help to beare in their burthen . From hence may wee not learne , that as euery Christian is to haue his calling and therein to bee painfull ; so , the stronger are to support the weaker , one bearing anothers burthen , and so fulfill the Law of Christ ?

Malcon .

How dull haue I beene in contemplating the workes of God!

Medioc .

Now sir , all these maintaine Vnity in the bonds of peace ; and so their small beginnings increase to a mightie lump : whereas on the other side , the greatest things by discord and dariance , do come vnto nothing . Furthermore , as they haue a gouernor to goe in and out before them , so they do camp round about his person as willing to be slaine before that their anointed be touched . And may not the obseruation hereof bring confusion of face vnto such as not only make away , but also themselues ioyne in traiterous violences against the Lords annointed , our dread Soueraigne king Iames ? Besides , how may it plainly demonstrate the leaud spirits of some Zeloists , who being called to inuiron the Church , as the Tribes with their tents in the wildernes inuironed the Sanctuary , are not onely , not such , but in deede and in word , and in writings incompasse her with firebrands , setting all on fire . Though the Lord had his holy fire in the Temple ; yet it was the Diuels wild-fire ( by Nabuchadnetsar ) that set the Temple on fire .

Malcon .

Wel , now I perceiue that the smallest creatures do go before me in obedience to their Creator . Reuerend sir , as I heartily thanke GOD , for the good I haue this way already receiued , so I beseech you to giue me patient hearing , while I propound my soules sorrow vnto you ; and that shal be in so fewe words as I can . I haue sinned against our Church mightily ( I am afraid ) in hauing bin vnto her not a Bee , but a spider , in drawing all into the euill part , for nourishing my poisonfull iudgement . My humble desire is , that in propounding some doubts , which yet ( as stumps ) remaine behind vnpulled vp , you would vouchsafe vnto mee some reasonable resolution .

Medioc .

With all my heart , and the Father of Christ Iesus , exhibite a plenteous blessing .

Malcon .

Amen , I beseech him . The first question is , how may I be assured that the ministrie of our Church , is one with that ministry which Christ left vnto the ministration of the new Testament , that is , of the Gospel , or glad tidings , through Faith in Christ , opposite ( in respect of the forme of iustification ) to the workes of the Law . The doubt ariseth ; First from their diuersity of titles ; the one called Bishops and Deacons ; the other called Arch-Bishops , Lord Bishops , Priests , Parsons Vicars . Secondly , our Bishops seemto haue greater dignities & prero gatiues in the world than the other had .

Medioc .

To the first I answer : The house of Ioseph made no separation from their master ; nor the Iewes from Daniel , Hananiah , Mishael and Azariah : howsoeuer Pharaoh altered the first and Nebuchadnetsar gaue bad ones to the second . Names are not of the essence or being of things , otherwise , false Christs should bee true Christs , and false Prophets , true Prophets , because they be inuested with the commendable titles of Christ and Prophet . And yet no such euill in our names , ( for what is Archbishop but chiefe ouerseer ? Lord Bishop , a ruling ouerséer : Priest ( the corrupt word of Presbyter , as Bishop of Episcopos ) signifieth onely an Elder ( which phrases of Bishop and Elder were giuen to the Apostles also ) The first in respect of ouerseeing Church or Churches ; the second in respect of their yeares sufficiencie , before they entred into the worke of the ministry . As for the terme Parson , you may call him Pastor if you will ( the Law giues you leaue ) the terme Parson arguing rather the nature of his Maintenance , then of his Office . The same may be said of Vicar also : and therefore hee that in Lancashire said God hath giuen me a liuing , and the diuell hath giuen me a name : argued therein more precipitate zeale then sadnes of learning . I wonder why Phanatique spirits , ( so well as at this ) do not brabble with their Parents for giuing , and with themselues for bearing , such names ( as Richard , Robert , Roger , Hercules , Diana , Mar-prelate ( for so one was baptized ) and these & thousands moe , be not onely , not in the Bible , but , many of them rapt from heathen Poets , & what not ? But they haue litle to do , that will contend with their owne shadow .

Secondly for the greater dignities & prerogatiues , which our Bishops haue in the world : I answer , the Apostles had right to far greater dignities 1 Cor. 9. 1. &c. then ours be possessed of , the Apostle had right to euery vineyard 2 Cor. 8. 20. 21. hée planted , to euery flocke hee had fed ; and that is , right to maintenance from multitudes of Churches , and countries . If it be replied , the Apostles had it not , no , not the Arch-apostle S. Paul : I answere , that was not because it was not their right ; but because the people would not giue vnto them their right . If here it be obiected , but our Bishops haue not so laboured and conuerted the people from whom they haue such dignities ; I answer , the first had to do with meere Infidels without the Church , but ours with Christians within the visible face of the Church , and therefore no such cause nor néed . But as the Apostles hauing ordained Presbyters ( or Priests ) to euery Church , for the néere ouer sight thereof , did notwithstanding care for all the Churches , and 2 Cor. 11. 28. visite them as opportunity was offred : 1 Tim. 1. 3. Tit. 1. 5. so it is the duty of ours , and their maine duty . If any one faile herein , Est quidem error personalis , non legalis , the fault is in the person , not in the function confirmed by Law .

As for their Prerogariues , what haue they , wherein the Apostles exceeded not ? If they incarcerate persons , by authority deriued lawfully from our Prince ( a thing which Infidelious Princes would not commit to the Apostles , nor yet to any Christian ▪ is therfore the sword vnlawful to a Christian ? ) in the roome therof , the King of kings collated a farre greater power vpon them : In so much as thereby , S. Paul●mot ●mot Elymas the sorcerer with Acts. 1● . 6 blindnes ; and S Peter smote Anamas Act. 5. ● . and Sapphira with present sodaine death . When the times begun to be ordinarily Christian , then the Lord tooke away that extraordinary prerogatiue , and conferred vppon his Church , the ordinary meanes , for protection and correction of bodies . A weake & despised Church they would haue her ; who being destitute of extraordinary power , would haue her robbed of that which is ordinary also . The Prophets could foretell , that Kings of the earth should bring their honour and glory vnto it , and these cannot abide it . Yes ( they will say ) we would haue the Church , not her ministry to haue it . I beleeue it , they would haue themselues and their lay children euected , and the ministry deiected . Euen as they expound that precept , Tell the Church , to bee , tell Tom Tynker , tell Dick Cullion , tell Ione the oyster-wench , with all the rest of their Ignorants ( such a Sanhedrim the Iewes neuer had ) so , that bringing of glory and honour vnto the Church , must not be at all ( or almost not at all ) to the ministerie ( for they be but vassalls ) but to her Laicall members , as being the only vessels , capable of glory & honour . They would haue all power and dignity in their owne hands , that so the ministery ( standing both in Need , & Awe of them ) they might be topped and ouertopped at their pleasure ; not daring once in their Sermons to touch their corruptions , as they wold not haue their good Masters and good Dames , to withdraw their Almes from them . So indeede it would come to passe ( as it did in Ezechiels time ) wee should be glad to preach for a crust of bread ▪ and an handful of barley .

Malcon .

Indeede sir , I must needes say , it would come to no better . Experience euery where , will giue testimony vnto it . But I beseech you ( sir ) another question ; how shall wee cleare , that the Surplice is not an Idolothyte ?

Medioc .

By the definition of an Idolothyte : for , an Idolothyte is , whatsoeuer is dedicate or consecrate to an Idoll by way of deuotion : But none of our Surplices haue been so deuoted , therfore none of them Idolothytes . If any can fetch out a Surplice , that hath beene by the Papists consecrated to their Idol-idle ▪ masse ; such a one may be termed an Idolothyte , and it skils not though it were burnt . As for ours , they be not such , though like to such ; no more then the Animal-offerings of Israel vnder the lawe ▪ were Idolothytes ; howsoeuer like to the oblations of Aegypt , out of which they made their exode and passage . But that which is more ; if the idolatour had abused it , may I not vse it ? The Apostle teacheth otherwise : vnto the Corinthians , he layes downe the case Cor. 10. 23. thus : Of cattle offered vp to the Idols , some part comes to the offerers ; and from them sometimes , that part comes to the flesh market . Some infidell buyes of it , dresseth it , and sets it before thee . Let thy conscience make no scruple to eate of it , how soeuer it was Idolatrized for as the earth is the Lords ( not the Diuels ) so , the fulnes thereof is his ▪ and created for the vse of his . Yet , this prouiso withall : If any one at table with thée , doe pointe at it , and say ▪ certainly this is an Idolothyte , I like it not ; then because of his conscience ( not because of thine ) let it alone : for the Lord hath things know besides in the earth for thee to feede vpon . Otherwise , thou eating of it and giuing thankes to God for it , why should another speake end of thee ? Hence it is plains , that the children of God may lawfully vse any creature in the earth , howsoeuer it haue beene by others prophaned . Only , in case of anothers weaknes , he is to forbeare , euen from his owne right . This Prouiso , I know , is the maine of all their speech , who kéepe such a stir about the poore garment : but in pressing this prouiso , they must take with them this ▪ they must confesse themselues to bee but ( as yet ) very yong Christians , and not fitted to be Pastors ouer flocks of people : no more then they were fit for ministeriall function , which were but Neophyts , newly come from heathen Idolatry vnto Christianity : for , such were they , of whom the Apostle speaketh . And then it will followe ; first , that they haue sinned , in medling with the strongest function in the congregation , being but as yet nouices in the faith . Secondly , that they deserue to be sharply censured , for making their people weaker then they ●ound them ▪ who at first , could brooke the Garment well , but now must 〈…〉 ▪ as if it were an Idolothyte . And if they say , they knowe their owne Christian liberty therein ▪ but many about them will be offended : I answere , there be none about them , that can ( as the former Neophyts ) plead tollerable infirmity . All about them be Christians borne , of Christian parents , in the profession of Christianity , for some thousand yeares and vpward . Let them sée to it then , if such their exception doe not growe ; not from infirmity , but from wilful péeuishnes ; as willing to stick , rather in their owne preiudged opinion , then to ●eeled forward vnto Christ . With the Apostlo to the Colossians , I say thus ; If they be dead Colos. 2. 20. with Christ from the ordinances of the world , why , as though they liued in the world , are they burdened with traditions , as touch not , taste not , handle not ? wee say , ( to shew the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free ) they ought to weare it . They answere , that they may not . We say , besides the former reason , the Christian Princes commandement ( propounding it , but as a garment for seemelines and order ) it ought to moue their conscience , to the vse of it . They answere , it doth not . Propound what we shall , they still with the superstitious Colossians , doe returne vs a not : as if their only study were , to crosse Christ , to crosse a Christian King , and to crosse the Churches affirmatiue , with their Ethelothreskia , their Negatiue Not.

Malcon .

I wonder , how ( reading that place to the Corinths , so often as I haue , so well as this last to the Colossians ) I could neuer enter into the Apostles true meaning ; which now ( after these fewe words of yours ) are so plainly euident , as the Sunne at Noone-daies . God haue the praise for it . I beseech your patience ( sir ) a little longer , for my further assurance in the faith . In the next place , somewhat touching the forme of the Letany . Phrases and Clauses I know there besundry , which some except against , but hee that brings Charity with him ( I doubt not ) may with the Bee gather honey , where the Spider conuerteth all into poison . The like may bee said , of exceptions against some other praiers . But that which seemes to bring with it some equall exception , is , the many repetitions of one and the same thing , as , Good Lord deliuer vt , &c. wee beseech thee to heare vs good Lord , &c.

Medioc .

I know that some doe call this often Repetition , by the name of vain-babling , as if our Sauiour in Math. 6. had condemned it . Our Sauiour there doth not condemne Repetitions simply , but Respectiuely ; that is ( as himselfe there expoundeth ) when men thinke , that for their so doing , they deserue to be heard of God . Otherwise , doing it ( not with perswasion of merit , but ) with a simplicity of heart to God ▪ ward , wee doe but as our M Christ himselfe did in the Garden , who three times ouer repeated the selfe same praier to his father . Or as the Prophet doth in Psalme 136 , whose burden of his song is , For his mercie endureth for euer ; and this 26 times together : euen so oft as there be veries .

Malcon .

Stay good sir. The point is plaine enough , but I haue beene as an horse and mule void of vnderstanding : and to the blind , Suns light is but darknes till scales fall from Pauls eies , by the Ministery of Ananias . There is one question ( sir ) which is as Goliah , not able to be remoued .

Medioc .

And yet little Dauid , with a small pebble-stone , may knock downe the monster . Bring him forth of the camp of the Philistins , and see if his owne sword , cut not off his owne head .

Malcon .

GOD giue the truth to preuaile timelily with me and all his people .

Then this it is : How shall we subscribe to our translation of the scriptures , namely , that it containeth nothing Repugnant to the word ?

Medioc .

I answere , something in the translation may bee diuers to the Originall , and yet not Repugnant to the word . Nam diuersa non sunt opposita . vnderstand you that ?

Malcon .

Very well : and most true it is .

Medioc .

Secondly , I answere by another Question : can there be any subscription in this life , made vnto any one Churches translation ?

Malcon .

Surely , that must needes bee ; else , there will neuer be any vniformity or orderly communion ; where euery one shall be left to their owne priuate interpretation and meaning .

Medioc .

What should let then , that there cannot bee a subscription to our Church ?

Malcon .

Because some learned in the tongues , doe find some wants in it .

Medioc .

By that reason , there can bee no subscription to any Translation , I meane , the septuagint , for the old Testament . Greeke , Latine , English or any . For what translation ( that I say no more ) euer was there , is there , or euer shall be , which shall not sauour of mans weaknes ? Tell me ; is there any Church so priuiledged in this life , as she shall not erre ?

Malcon .

Doubtles no. And therefore the whole Congregation of Israel , had her sacrifice appointed for sin , done of Ignorance . Leuit. 4. 13.

Medioc .

Then it vnauoidably followeth ; that either subscription is due to euery true Churches translation , or else to none at all . And if to none at all : then much lesse to the Pastors sermons , or to the churches constitutions or Articles ; seeing all these doe depend vpon the iudgement of men also , which haue their wants and Ignorances .

Malcon .

It must needs be so .

Medeoc .

This puts mee in minde of one , who within these fewe yeares said thus vnto mee : what if I poue that there is no true bible & c ? God tooke him soone after away , I hope for his owne good ; but sure I am , for the Churches good . Good friend , our mother church knowes what shee doth herein ; but these excepters are blinde in their manner of exception ▪ leading the high-way vnto Atheisme For thus they must argumentate .

No lawfull subscription ( in such sort as our Church vrgeth ) can bee made to any Translation , in any thing dissenting from the Originall .

But euery Translation in some things dissenteth from the Originall :

Therefore no Translation to be subscribed to , as our Church vrgeth .

Then hereupon will followe ;

1 No such subscription is due to any Bible , sauing to the Hebrew for the Old testament , & the Greeke for the newe .

2 These Not-subscriptors , besides may ioyne with some Romanists , & séem to haue as lawfull exception against the said Hebrue and Greeke also . If they know what I meane in this , them let them be ashamed of their ignorant péeuishnes . If they know not ; then with the Apostle I say , Let the ignorant 1. Cor. 14. 38. be ignorant .

3 ( Not to say any thing of our Sauiour , & some others of his Disciples ) Then they will bring the credit of S. Luke into question ; who introduceth S. Stephen , saying ▪ that 75 soules went downe into Aegypt , whereas Moses mentioneth only 70 Act. 7. 14 , Genes. 45. soules . Nor can Beza deny , but that all Greeke copies hee met with , doe read 75. As also the Syrian and Arabian , and the Latine , with Ierome and Augustine . And herein indéede ( to speake only what is probable ) S. Stephen followed the Greeke translation of the old Testament , called the Septuagint ( of the 70 , or 72 Rabbines , that translated it so , at the request of the Egyptian King , Ptolemy Philadelph ) which translation in our Sauiours time was most vulgar , & best knowne to the Iewes themselues .

And therfore followed of S. Stephen : Master Broughton standeth stifly for this . that I speake nothing of others ; nor yet here , what the Septuagint might intend by 75 : nor , how in very many places , they differ from the Hebrue .

4 Then neither may there be such Subscription to any Sermons , Articles of faith , Ecclesiastique constitutions , Leitourgie or the like . For man failing in his worke , vppon the Canon or Rule of faith , then likewise ( if not much more ) he is like to faile in his maner of building vpon that rule of Faith , yea , not only in maner , but in the matter also .

5 Then necessarily followeth , that no such subscription is at all to bee made ; but euerie mole is left to dig in the earth , as pleaseth his owne blindnes . And in such libertie , they may go shake hands with Segnior Li bertino ; and of Libertines become Atheists , and of Atheists Diuels incarnate . This is not M. Perkins his golden chaine , but the black chaine that leadeth and draweth vnto perdition . And thus is it not euident , that men then begin to be phrenetike , when they begin to be fantastique : and the despising of the mothers counsell , is of God punished , with extream blindnes .

Malcon .

Oh Lord , how haue I been mislead by Sathan ! All seemed faire that I followed . But now to thy praise O God , I more and more see , that it was but Sathan transformed into an Angell of light , that so mislead me ; and the fruit which I cropt was but the forbid-fruit the ruine of such as couer knowledge beyond knowledge , wich Salomon ( vpon his Repentance ) calleth a Being-ouerwise .

Medioc .

The Apostle therefore commandeth , that no man presume to vnderstand , aboue that which is méete to vnderstand ; Rom. 12. 3 but that he vnderstand according to sobriety : all one with his Mottie , that writ vppon the errour on the right hand .

Malcon .

I pray you sir ( by the way ) know you the Author of that Booke , intituled , Errour on the right-hand ?

Medioc .

I doe .

Malcon .

And what thinke you of his booke ?

Medioc .

The man is so neere and deare vnto mee as I cannot speake what I thinke ▪ but I should be held partiall . Yet this I dare say ; as he had experience in himselfe of the Flyers error : so ▪ in the persons of others , he ( by experience of disputation ) did wel obserue ; that if the first positions of Malcontent did hold currant ; then ( not onely would followe the Brownists separation , but also ) would followe , the main positions of the Anabaptist , and if of the Anabaptist , then also of othres .

Malcon .

Was hee not then at some times caryed away ( or entangled ) with Anabaptisme , Arianisme & c ? Some conclude , that by his booke , hee should .

Medioc .

Uery wittily and conscionably , I warrant you , as if certaine of the Fathers ( as Epiphanius , Augustine ) should haue been tainted sometimes , with all Schismes and Heresies of their times , because they writ against all Schismes and Heresies of their times . A conclusion good enough for Tom-Scull , sometimes of Immanuel Colledge in Cambridge . But to leaue this By , and to returne vnto the main , namely , the Subscription afore discoursed of . It seemeth somwhat hard , that subscription by our church shold bee pressed , to all her conclusions agreed vpon in common , as agreeing to the word of God .

Malcon .

It is so indeede . Neither doth the former booke ( intituled , Errour on the right hand ) decide that point ; as to to me it seemeth .

Medioc .

When you shall reade it with a lesse partiall spirit , you shall obserue , what yet ( it seemeth ) you haue not : specially , by the positions added to that hee le of that Booke . But to leaue y● and to come vnto the Scriptures , for helping vs out of the Atheisticall consequents , that follow their reason , of not subscribing . You remember , that of Iob it is thus recorded ; Hee was an vpright and iust man , one that feared God and eschewed euill . And the word Tám turned vpright , is in propriety , perfect : was he such a one before God absolutely if so he should haue beene examined by the perfection of the Law ?

Malcon .

Onely Christ could bee such a one .

Medioc .

Well , in the first of S. Luke it is testified touching Zecharias and Elizabeth ( the parents of Iohn Baptist ) that both were iust before God , and walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord . Did S. Luke herein , testifie truth ?

Malcon .

It were blasphemy to say the contrary , seeing therein he was but the pen ▪ man of the holy Ghost .

Medioc .

Were both of them , so iust , and had both of them so kept all the commandements as in nothing they had offended ?

Malcon .

Doubtles no : for all haue gone out of the way , and all need grace and free pardon for sin ; else Christ vnto such died in vaine .

Medioc .

How then were they iust ? and how then did they kéep all the commandements ?

Malcon .

Iustice and perfect obedience was imputed vnto them , because their hearts were vpright in the maine of their conuersation , howsoeuer they failed in the By , through imbecillity and weaknesse .

Medioc .

And if God lay not the By to his childrens charge , where the maine of their cariage is iust ; what are we , that we shold once dare to lay the By vnto his churches charge , ( being a whole corporation of his children ) and besides , to make it an argument of brawling with our mother , Salomon saith ; The eie that mocketh the Father , and despiseth the instruction of the Mother , let the Rauens of the valley picke it out , and the yong Eagles eate it .

Malcon .

You in your wisedome haue inforced me to cut off the head of mine owne doubt .

Medioc .

Why alas , doth not our Church hold , that she erred in this life , and could she be thought to hold a subscription against her owne Tenet ? Shée doth not presse inch subscription in an high absolute sense , as if in none of her words , or writings , shee failed from the perfection of the word ( one of her 39 articles cleares that , so well as all her Apologie doth , against the pride of the Church of Rome , in that point , but she presseth conformity ( Secundùm quid ) according to that is due vnto her in this world , as she hath receiued of God , to be a faithful Dispensator of his will . Nor otherwise could wee put a sufficient difference betwéene the Canonicall scriptures & our writings . For priuat conceits , as you may haue yours , & I may haue mine , a third , may haue a third , and so on without end ; must these be causes why euery of vs must exclaime one vpon another : and all of vs agree in one to disturbe the Church ? So there shall neuer be communion , neuer any order , & so consequently not any peace . If she be a mother , let her keepe her place , remembring still , that here she is but as Israel in the wildernes : and if we be not bastards but true borne children , let vs know our place , and not with Corah , Dathan Abiram , rise vp against the congregation our mother : for if we do , the earth will desire to swallow vp our glory , and we shal be but as they that went downe to the pit .

Oh Malcontent , Malcontent , if Quéene Maries scortching Beames were vpon vs againe , wee would ( a thousand times ) be thankfull for the least cooling shade that our Lawrell gouernement affordeth . But it is in such fulfilled , whereof Moses long since sung ; He that should haue been Deut. 32 25 vpright , becomming once fat , hath spurned with his heele . Had not Manna béen so plenteous they would not so soone haue lothed : and had not their mother béene so familiar , shee had not beene so soone despised . Nam nimia ingurgitatio facit ineptum ; & nimia familiaritas parit contemptum .

They still haue in their mouthes ; wee must grow in grace , grow in knowledge , grow in obedience : but when we examine their growth , behold they go from good vnto bad , from light vnto darknesse , from obedience to disobedience , from some order vnto none , from some vnity to all sorts of faction . First warring with their mother , then iarring amongst themselues ; and lastly , a loathing vnto all men . So grew Israel in the wildernes , from discontent vnto faction , from faction vnto Schisme , from Schisme vnto rebellion , from rebellion to lifes confusion , till the earth was weary of them , the Sanctuary lothed them , and the Lord slue them .

Malcon .

O Lord how nere this comes vnto me ! and how may I seale to the truth thereof , from mine owne experience ! Reuerend sir , I haue beene thus troublous vnto you ; but God ( I doubt not ) will reward you for your labour .

Medioc .

If wée wil be zealously painful , let these litle bees teach vs to be painful in vnity , against the common aduersary , painfull in shewing loue , bearing one anothers burden : painfull in preparing hony , not in building of cobwebs , painful for the common good , no one séeking alone his owne particular : So the aduersaries mouth shal be stopped , the church be conforted , all our soules shalbesatisfied with good , & we ( in all burli-burlies of the world ) may hold vp our head , in the assurednes of our redemption . As for them Psal. 129. 5. &c. that hate Zion they shall be ashamed and turned backward ( as Apostates ) they shal be as the grasse on the house tops , which withereth ere it commeth forth ( to any goodnes ) whereof the mower filleth not his hand , neither the gleamer his lap , ( for indeed they be ▪ tée hie spirited to be dealt withall ) neither they which go by , say ( vnto them ) The blessing of the Lord bee vpon you , we blesse you in the name of the Lord . And if they be once past the Churches Benedicitie , how shall they come out of Satans snares vnto amendment of life ?

Malcon .

O how the Lords loue hath abounded towards me , thus timelily to to deliuer me ! what shall I render vnto the Lord , for all his benefites vnto me ? I will out of my heart , ( as out of a sauing cup ) poure forth praises vnto the Lord , yea by his grace in the presence of his people , I will pay my vowes of thankfulnes vnto him .

Medioc .

Pray for the peace of Ierusalem , let them prosper , that loue thee ( O Zion ) Psalm. 122. 6. &c. peace within thy walles ( deare mother ) prosperity be within thy pallaces : For my brethren and neighbors sakes , I wil wish thee now prosperity , because of the house of our Lord God ( it being the place of publique worship ) I will procure thy wealth .

Malcon .

And Lord for thy sons sake giue me grace to be as painful for her peace as I haue beene for the breach of her peace : That so thy blessing by her mouth may come vpon me , & thy bles sing againe by my ministry may bee doubled vpon her .

Medioc .

Now my Bées begin to gather themselues to their rest : and we will retire into the house to refect nature . The questions already propounded and resolued , although they haue beene but few , yet adding discretion vnto iudgement you may refer all other scruples to the same heads of doctrine , at least for setling your owne soule in a peaceable progresse . Come friend , let vs walke in ; but by the way , sée you this plant Colutea ? breake a branch off disorderly , and plant it in the earth carelesly , & yet it will prosper . Sée you this Anthora ? plant it neere to the poisonfull Aconitum , and it attracts the poysoned nature Againe , here is the herbe Arum , of the root therof starch is made : but let the Laundres prouide wel for her hands : for it will chop , chinke and blister them exceedingly . From these and the like , many excellent meditations may arise , and such ( if we marke the scriptures well ) was the practise of the holy Prophets . But as a bow continually bent , doth lose his strength : so * * Prou. 25. 26. Salomon wisheth that in hauing found hony , we should but eate that is sufficient , lest other . wise it fall out , we vomit it vp . Ac modus semper adhibendus est appetitui .

Malcon .

And all I can say is , * Wisedome wil Math. 11. 19. be iustified of her Children , when * Follie will not depart from a foole , though Pro. 27. 22. he were brayed in a morterwith a pestell .

PROV. 13. 20. He that walketh with the wise , shall be wise , but a companion of fooles shall be afflicted .

A Pastorall Epilogue , betweene Hobbinoll , and Collin Clout . Collin GOod Hobbinoll , why hangs thou so thy head ; hast lost some sheep , or be some lambkins dead ? Thou Whilome sung vnto thy oten pipe , as Fary ▪ queen could not but loue and like . What meane these dumps ? Hobb . Oh , Collin-clout , ays me , Some of my Lambs , that erst were full of glee , Now droope amaine and squat aside the hill , As hauing suckt from Dams , some fatall ill : Or from the grasse , haue lickt the venomd web , Which hath them brought vnto so low an ebbe . Black Will ( that vsde to lead them with his Bell ) His heart is broke , to see they be not well . And , that is worse , the cause is yet vnknowne , From whence these euils , vntimely euils be growne . Collin . And what shall Collin haue , if he can tell From whence it comes , and how it shal be well ? Hobb . O Collin , there s a kisse , and it shall binde Me to performe the promise is behinde ; Speak louing Boy , I long to heare thee speake . Collin . Ey , ey , but you your promise once did breake , Giue me your hand , that you will pitch and pay : Now , what s your promise ? Hobb . Hearken what I say . I haue a nest of Turtles , flidgd well ny ; Hearke , hearken Clout , one of them now did cry : Tell me good newes , & thou shall haue them both . Collin .

But fetch them first .

Hobb . Clout , Clout , thou' rt very loth To giue me credence 'fore thou haue thy pay : Well , well I le fet them . Collin . See you doe not stay . I trust him ? no : gainst Christmas he did say , He would me giue a dozen points to play , But when yoo le came , he dodgd me off with twaine ▪ And said he should but sin , play to maintaine , Come , set them downe . Now hearken forth : Seest Hobbinoll , on th' outside of that dale ( my tale In shadowie plots , the Vipers , * * Deadly wolfesbane , or , Aconite . Monks-cowle groes ; Which with his yellowe flower full trickly shoes , His leaues ( but darker ) snipt like to the vine , But trust me Hobbinoll , too bad for swine . Some of thy flock , too greedy of that shade , There lickt and cropt , till they were sickly made . And to say sooth , with such a trick as that , Pers lost ten Ewes and Lambkins , that is flat . Hobb . Aes me ; but what will help them to recouer ? Collin . Giue me my doues . This vale now walke we ouer , Seest thou that Hill ? seest thou that helmet flower , Anthora , the antidote . Whose stalke is hollow as a kex ? In it is power , T' expell the venom of the others bane , If now in time , it off the sheepe be tane . Hobb .

How , how good Clout ?

Collin . Dig it vp Hobbinole . That double-root , now stamp thou in a bole , And put the iuyce to milk made somwhat warme , Then geet them with an horne ; & feare no harme . Hobb . For euerie sore , no doubt , a salue there is , But sin blindes sheepherds , that they doe amisse . But well I wot , hereafter I shall watch , If in such shades my sheep doe poison catch . Collin farewell , I must about this geare , Till they haue drunk this draught , I liue in feare : But proue all well , that sheepe and I may ioy , I ( better while I liue ) will loue my Boy .

An Epilogue to such Scholars amongst vs , who by their places in our Church ( and in respect of the treasure they receiue out of her dowry ) ought to defend our writings against Schisme & Heresie , and not vnder-hand , and in corners , to suggest euill against vs , for strengthning the hands of the Factious ▪ their priuate Fauourites . In Segnior-ambo . SIr Ambo takes a Pension of his Mother , But fees the Fugitiue that calles her whore , To vs one hand , to him he giues the other , A Proditor behind , a Friend before . But marke , whilst he , thus doth himselfe delite , Both sides do damne him for an Hypocrite . In Segnior-drypate . Sir Dry ▪ pate reads , and carps , and hems , & spits , No maruaile though he haue purg'd out his wits : For little 't was , when wit was at the full ; And yet 't is true , he has no little skull . But let him bite no warriour of our Kirke , For feare my purposd Satyres do him Iirke . In quendam Fig-fag . Se , see how Figfag stirs , and moues and strouts , Heark , heark the silly Syre , how trim he flouts . Boys , girles & fooles , applaud him for some body ▪ And yet his carps do proue him but a Nody , But say not so , lest that when he shall read Iambick girdes , he swound and fall downe dead . In homunculum Snuffe . Sniffesnuff must iudge , not knowing what it ment : For Barly ▪ broth is Snuffes chief element . Put him besides the cushion of his cup. And all his liquid ▪ sense is dried vp . But launce no further Busie ▪ bodies Tumour , For euery foole , must needs be in his humour .

To the louing Reader .

BEloued , if GOD grant meanes , I am purposed to draw into forme , a description of the true Church and false , of the true Christ and Antichrist , according to that modell and measure of grace , which of God shall be administred vnto me . Meane time , the peruersnes of time hath forced me to write as already ( in these two books ) I haue . Accept my labours , with as right a hand as I giue them , and then I doubt not of thy louing acceptance , at least , of thy readines to help me in my weaknes , by publishing thy better meanes , for publike vtility . If thou canst bring Algummim trees to the worke of the Temple , I pray thee do it : my Firre shall giue place , and how canst thou require more of me ? Farewell .

FINIS .

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