The syn, against the holy ghoste made manifest from those grounds of faith, which haue bene taught & received by the faithfull in Engla[n]d, & that for those 40.y. togither vnder the prosperovs raigne of my Soveraigne Lady and Quene Elishabet. Which may serue for a rayning in of the heady, & yet for a spur to slouthfull spirits: by Henoch Clapham.

Proposition .

All such as voluntarily forsake the grounds & true beginings of Christ & therewithall the fellowship spiritual they haue with the people of god therein , all such do syn that fearfull & horrible syn against the holy Ghost , which is spoken of in the Epistle to the Hebrues , Chap. 6. & 10.

FOr the manifestation hereof let vs heare the scriptures speak . In Heb. 6. t is thus : Leauing the doctrine of the begining of Christ , let vs be lead on to perfection , not laying againe the Foundation of Repentance from dead works & of faith towards God , of the doctrine of Washings & Imposition of hands , & of the Resurrection from the dead & of Eternall Iudgement — For it is impossible that they which were once lightned & haue tasted of the heauenly guifte , & were made partakers of the ho. gh. and haue tasted of the good word of God , and of the powers of the world to com , If they fall away shold be renued againe by ‡ ‡ Because with Esa●… they may with tears seek repentance but not fynd it : Heb 12. 17. Repentance : seing they crucify agai●…o themselues the Son of God & make a Mock of him : Falling away from the former light , they for that are said to crucifie againe Christ and to deride him after a sort with those which bidde him saue himself if he will saue others . And indeed what do such Apostate schismaticall spirits lesse , when they put Christ to begin theyr new-birth againe as of yore , and that from the very foundation . In the 10. chap. the substance of this doctrine is called Faith ( vers 22. ) because the whole lump is seasoned by the first fruites Faith : and ( in ver. 23. ) called Hope , because it ministred Hope of salvation . And herein ( ver. 24. 25. ) they had Fellowship with the faithfull . In which terme Fellowship is plainly implied Charity sanctified in the body mysticall of Iesus : for as that Bodie is the * * 2 Cor. 6. 16. 1 Pet 2. 4. 5. Temple of the ho. gh. so in the same fellowship is Loue and all actions of Loue only sanctified to saluation . This causeth Luke to say , Act. 2. 47. The Lord added vnto the Church ( ▪ he speaks onlie of the visible church ) from day to day such as should be saued . And hereto accordeth the types † † Cyprian 〈◊〉 large proueth this in h●…s B. of Prelates 〈◊〉 plicity . Noahs 〈◊〉 , the Howse wherein the Paschal lamb was slaine , Rahabs howse , out of which places whosoever were found when the LOrd came to iudgment , loe , without all mercie they perished as straungers to the common wealth of Israel . And this is it the Spirit teacheth in those words : Not forsaking the fellowship that we haue among our selues ( as the maner of som is ) but let vs exhort●… one another & that somuch the more , because we se the day draweth nere : for if we syn voluntarily ( vnderstanding the former doble syn spoken of ) after we haue receiued the knowledge of the truth there remaineth | | No Intercession , as anone . no more Sacrifice for synnes , but a fearfull expectation of iudgment & violent fyre which shall devoure the aduersarie . The collection of the whole is this : Those that once haue bene illuminate and tasted of God his good word so far , as they haue bene interessed with the ground and principles of the Gospell , therewithall enioying fellowship with Noah and his few sowles in the Arke ( notwithstanding som vncleane creatures within ) if now they voluntarily reiect the word of Noah they once beleiued , and so willinglie leap out of the churches bosom , it is impossible to vs ward but they drowne , vnable to be recouered by our prayers or theyr vnseasonable repentance . Yea only we can expect the convayance of such soules to be ❧ ❧ 1 Pet. 3. 19 20. pent till last iudgment , in the prison infernall where now the sowles are who mocked Christ his spirit preaching of old in Noah for 120. y. togither .

Blessed † † 1 Ioh. ●● . Iohn hauinge taught that Christ Iesus is our sole reconciliation : that the same death effecteth in vs loue towards God and our brother , anone he teacheth that we haue assurance of synnes remission in our sowles and in our brethren , by being stirred vp by his spirit to pray in faith ( called ‡ ‡ Ch. 5. 14. parrhesia ) a trust leaning on a promise : but therewithall he intimates a certaine kynd of syn , for the which a brother hath no promise to pray : Ver. 16. There is a syn to death , I say not that he shold ask ( forgivenes ) for that . And what is this but what is taught to the Hebrues , There remaineth no sacrifice for such . ‡ ‡ 1 Tim. 2. 1. &c. Prayers , supplications , intercessions we are commaunded to offer vp for all sorts of people ( for that * * Ps. 51. 17. Dauid foresawe to be ghospels sacrifice : and thus saith A glorious auntient of the Ghospell : ‡ ‡ Iustin Martyr with Tryphon the Iuc . supplications & thanksgiuings are the sole perfect sacrifices pleasing God & that Christian hearts haue learned only to offer them ) but for those that syn this syn to death , I say not ( saith Iohn ) thow art to pray for that . * greek is , teleiaj mo●aj . Som haue taught this syn to be finall desperation : them Iohns speach might implie prayer for a penitent person dead , but no prayer for him we se to dy impenitent : and this Rome liketh well . Others graunt the syn seable in this life ( and so both the former scriptures imply ) and hereof two iudgments : the better sort adde vnto all is said vnto the Hebrues , a willing malitious persecuting the knowen truth , because it is the truth . This I can hardlie beleiue to be in anie but the deuell himself . But if it can be I say it doth not simplie cause this syn to be but more to be : for such a syn we shall not be able to proue in manie ages , whereas the holy writ affirmeth that in the latter days ( begon in th apostles tyme ) † † Math. 24. 24. 1 Tim. 4 1. &c. 2 Ep. 3. 1. &c. Iude 4. &c. Reuel. 8. 10. 11. & 9 1. &c. manie shold depart from the faith , hauing seared consciences , teaching doctrines of deuels with Iannes and Iambres , ordeyned of old to destruction etc. and therefore this syn no such Rar'auis black swan as manie haue made it thorough too much pitie , which hath brought with it much detriment vnto the lords city . The worser sort ( the Brownists : though I knoe not that he was euer so stupid ) hath babled , that euerie syn which brought the body vnder Death by Moses his lawe , that is this syn Iohn speaketh of . A collection of bloody crueltie , rather beseming Bull the hang-man , then anie that wold be demed disciples to Iesus . But such was the old condemned heresie of Nouarianus . Our sauiours practise with the * * Ioh. 8. woman taken in the act of adulterie , it argued another spirit : and so did the censure of excommunication practised by Corinth against the incestuous fornicator : which being for humbling the flesh ( therefore before not humbled ) and recouering the spirit yet steeping vnder the ashes of senslesnes must needs ( togither with the pronunciation ) admit prayer for him , as for a brother not vtterlie but almost gone in a spirituall trance . But because they wold scorne to be thought to learne anie thing of Clapham ( though secretlie somtimes the greatest of them are forced to leane towards me ) let them learne of S. Paul two excommunications : the first ( whereof 1 Cor. 5 ) existing for a season viz , Till the flesh be humbled : the second enduring to death , chap. 16. 22. called in Syriak phrase ‡ ‡ Mareethan is interposd for sound sake . Maran-atha : in English The Lord commeth , And this is of like value with the Hebrues Cherem or creature accursed , Iosh. 7. 11. 13. And this is the syn the Author to the hebrues teacheth , as also Iohn , terming it a syn to death ( because excommunicate to the narall death ) for whome he will not say , pray : for whome ( to the hebrues ) the church cannot sacrifice : for whome S. Paul appointeeth the denunciation , The Lord commeth : whereto S. Iude ( borowinge | | Iude. 1● . Henorhs prophetie ) addeth , Behold the Lord commeth to iudgment : because such synners are euer to heare of Iudgment , no more of the Ghospell which they willinglie haue torne vp by the rootes , and despitefullie reiected . And so ( and no otherwise I thinke . ) those scriptures can of vs be reconciled .

When th apostle speaketh of an Heretike gone from the truth ( For of an Heretike neuer possessed therewith he cannot speake ) he commaundeth vs to * * Tit. 3. 10. 11. Reiect him after once or twise admonition , adding a reason . Knowing that he that is such is * * ●…xestraptaj : 〈◊〉 it i●… his mynd 〈◊〉 . turned ouer , & sinneth ( on autokatakritos ) being damned of him self . Will an Heretike tell vs he damnes himself ? Noe : how then do we knoe he is damned of himself ? no otherwise but because he is obstinate in som principle contrarie to that of the Gospell he once beleiued . So in this generall willinge apostacie from the rudiments of Christ , such will not ( vpon our dealing with them ) acknowledge they syn against Conscience ( nor do I thinke theyr Conscience in the present state doth euer condemne them ) but comparinge it with the former waking estate , this present state is accompted , condemned : yea for euer to be dispared of : nor maruell we that such as from heart and mouth voluntarily vomited vp faith and fellowship , they shold be vnto vs a people dispaired of , more then an arme or legge of the bodie droppinge downe rotten rype of itself , is depriued of all physik as Ministringe no hope of recouerie . And therefor this syn not committed of Peter , ‡ ‡ The story written by Gribal du●… y. 1548. published by Hen. Pantaleon . nor yet of Frances Spiera Lawyer of Citadella . For howsoever with the mouth ( thorough feare of man ) they denyed Christ and true faith , yet the heart neuer gaue consent fully to the mouth : much lesse did they voluntarily shake of both faith and fellowship * * Rom. 10. 10. With the heart man beleiueth vnto Righteousnes & with the mouth man confesseth vnto saluation . After the heart hath once retained the sauing foundation of faith , and the mouth hath once by confession thereof brought the bodie vnder † † Isa. 49. 22. the standerd of the Church , marching there in equipage with yon ge and olde of the saued of the Gentiles , what one reason have we to expect Re-repentance of such , Re-regeneration of such after once they voluntarilie haue cast and cashierd themselues from the faith and fellowship of Iesus ? A man may liue lacking an arme , or legge , or hande : but let him loose his head or heart , lyfe is gone , and no more so good as a mayined man . Iude therefore denominates such Trees twise dead ( once before theyr spirituall birth : then now by a willinge break-neck downefall twofold , from faith and fellowship wherein they had bene planted ) yea , he calls them trees pulled vp by the M●…th . 15. 13 rootes ( accordinge to that of our sauiour , Euery plant my heauenly father hath not planted it shal be pulled vp by the rootes as if thereby we shold thinke ( at least feare ) that they are not destinate to a lyfe-plot in the vyne Iesus : but so shred of from head and body * * Ioh. 15. 6. Heb 6. 8. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 4. 2. they are to expect in the next place to be burned ●…n fyre , hauing the ernest thereof before hand , seated 〈◊〉 . And such was Alexander the Coppersmith his syn ( it semeth it was he ) who by Paul reiected in the first ep. to Timothi , against him in the second ep. he thus imprecates : The Lord reward him according to his works . After which sort Ieremie imprecateth ch. 18. 21. and so doth Dauid diuerse tymes . Vnder the Maran-atha the heretick Cerinthus it semeth lay , ‡ ‡ 〈◊〉 in his Eccles. ●…ist . book . 4. ch. 14. an therefore S. Iohn comming into the Bath where he found him , he retired saying : Let vs away least the Bath tumble downe . So it is said he retired also vnbathed , Epiphanius in ker . 30. fyndinge Hebion in the Bath . In like state it semeth Marcion stood , who metinge Polycarpus the Angel of 〈◊〉 , and sayinge , Acknowledg thow vs : vnto him the holy Pastor replies , I acknowledg I knoe the for the first begotten of Satan . But what need more testimonie that such are to be imprecated against , rather then precated for , when we see Peter Act. 〈◊〉 . vpon euidence of Simon Magus his euell imprecate thus : Thy mony perish with the : which in english valueth , Thow & thy mony goe togither into destruction . Obiection . He saw him eternally reprobate . Answer . T is false : for he willeth Simon to pray ( for himself wold not ) if so it were possible that the thought of his heart might be forgiuen . But Simon desiringe the Apostles to pray for him , the ho. Gh. shutteth vp the hystorie without one tittle sounding they did so . Yea the ecclesiasticall histories do mention that vpon Simons persistance in euell , attempting afterwards in 〈◊〉 to flie from the Capitol , Peter shold fall downe and imprecate against the seducer , vntill he fell downe and broke his neck . What shold I say , doth not our sauiour say of such , that not the old v●…rleane spirit alone , but ‡ ‡ Math. 12. 45. accompanied with 7. worse . he reenters such , and therefore vtterly vnlike to be againe dispossessed ? I conclude therefore , that Such as giue theyr fre-will to Satan for being torne vp from the foundation of Christian faith & fellowship therein , they commit that fearfull & horible syn against the ho Gh. Heb. 6. and 10. Hearken to the rest .

Assumption .

But all such of our English people as once were interessed with the substance of faith receiued in England , & synce that haue forsooke that ground of Beleif togither with all spirituall fellowship therein , Euen all such haue forsaken the true beginnings of Christ & fellowship they had with the people of God therein :

Conclusion .

Therefore all such haue synned that fearfull & horrible syn against the Ho. Gh. heb. 6. & 10.

IF the Assumption be true , no question is to be made of the Conclusion , it growing naturallie from the Antecedent : but the Assumption is true in the iudgment of all learned Protestants ( English , Scottish , Dutch , French etc. ) therefore vnto all such the Conclusion must be true : for they all do teach and professe the learned in England to deliuer a true foundation of faith : and therefore by the voyce of such , all such our English Apostates and Sthismatikes haue synned that fearfull and horible syn . That the foraigne churches haue departed from England ( som in the maner of gathering the Church and all of them in the forme of disciplines exercise vttered in Math. 18. 15. 16. 17. etc. ) yet they all profes one and the same foundation and substance of the Ghospell : charitablie hopinge ( as they ought , say malicious Donatist what he can ) that notwithstanding men in ignorance and infirmitie ( but woe to him that sinnes against light reuealed ) do build stubble , strawe , ●… Cor. 3. 11. 12. &c. This scripture held fast , it ouerturne●… all o●… 〈◊〉 ●…ons And this foundation I can proue euer ●…o haue prevailed against Hel-gates , & so consequently the Churh ●…uervisible . tymber : yet kepinge the foundation in a moritified estate , such shal be saued in theyr owne persons ( with the losse of theyr tras●… labour ) saued as priuate poore Christians , obtayning no glorie for such ministerie : yet as by the fyre , hardly saued though saued . And towching this sence , I haue Ambrose manie in Theodorets tyme : as also Caluin , Seb. Munster , Hemingius , Beza and others : nor can the scripture ( comparing it with that goes before ) be vnderstood of anie thinge but diuersities of doctrine , good and bad .

The beginnings of faith wherein the Hebrues had bene catechised , are syx : Repentance , Faith , Baptismes , Imposition of hands , Resurrection , Eternall iudgment . Under Repentance is contained mortification and Uiuification , according to that : fly euel do good : called Repentance from dead works . Under Faith is comprehended not only a generall consent vnto the history of god his word and works , but also ‡ ‡ Coloss. 2. 2 ●… Tim. 1. 15. Rom. 5. 1. a particular plerophorie or full assurance of our reconcilation with God , who through Christ Iesus God and Man ( and therefore fit to interceed betwene God and Man ) is pacified towards vs for syn : as also through the vaile of his flesh ( * * Gen. 3. 15. Galat. 4. 4. Heb. 2. 16. & ●…0 . ●…0 . the seede of woman : our first fruites without which our lump could not be sanctified ) he hath made a new and liuing way into the Holy of holyes , the hiest heauens , sitting there at the right hand of Maiesty , till all his enemies be made his foote stoole . Under Baptismes is intimate purifications vnder the lawe , and water-washing sacramentally vnder the Ghospell : sealing vnto old and yong so baptised , the purification of theyr sowles from syn , ‡ ‡ Heb. 9. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19. Reu. 7. 14. only by the price of Iesus his blood , wherein the garments of the saints are made white : † † Nomb. 8. 10. compared with Nehem. 10. 29 & so in al generall actions , the Elders of the Tribes are alone vsed , much more in this Se our Conclusion 6. through which blood we alone conquer and triumph ouer all hellish powres . Under Imposition of hands is insinuate ‡ Reu. 12. 11. the laying propheticall and sacramentall hands on the heads of men before the Law ( so did Iaakob with Ephraim and Manasseh ) on Animals and men vnder the lawe ( so did Moses with Ioshua : and the ▪ Elders of the trybes on the Leuits : and the Leuits on Animals sacrificed ) on the heads of diuerse vnder the Ghospell : as our sauiour blessing infants ( like inough before baptised ) brought by beleiuers vnto him : his imposing hands ( as did also the Apostles ) in giuing the visible guiftes of the spirit : vsed of Presbyters in creating ad enstalling persons into ministeriall functions : somtymes to the Gatheringe Ministerie , but euer on Ministrie tyed to som certaine congregation : signifyinge and sealing hereby vnto such sowles beleiuinge , * * Szegedi●… ▪ Fenner &c. no lesse than the presence of God with them in such theyr Christian callinge . This Mr Caluin consideringe , he therefore truly calls it ‡ ‡ Institut b. 4. c. 19. sect. 28. such a sacrament as hath a faithfull siigne of spirituall grace . And for a sacrament in no larger sence , † † Against Parmenian the Donatist q. 2. ch. 12. Augustine ( hauing spoke of Baptisme ) saith thus : Either of them is a sacrament & by sure consecration both of them is giuen to man : that , when he is baptised : this when he is ordained : therefore in the Catholicall church it is held vnlaufull to reiterate them . Yet neither of them nomber it elswhere with the few and easie sacraments of the new testament , because ( as before ) it hath bene common vnto all the ages of the Church : yet this must be no reason why not to teach and repute it for a glorious sacrament : wherewithall a blessing from the ‡ ‡ Heb. 7. 7. Greater is convaid vnto the Lesser . Under Resurrection is contained , Eph. 2. 1. 5. & . 5. 14. Rev. 20. 6. first our rising here from spirituall death vnto the life of Christ in his body the Church : secondlie our resurrection after the bodies naturall death , and that vnto eternall lyfe : for the resurrection of the wicked is but a rising to the second Death . The last is , eternall iudgment : first , to the eternall glorie of the faithfull ( contrary to cursed * * They hold the glorie but for 1000 yeares . Chiliasts ) secondly to the eternall confusion and never dyinge worme of the vnfaithfull : contrarie to the blynd pitifull colection of † † who hold all ( Deuell & all ) shal be finally saued . Origenists . And those are the doctrines he calleth the ( Themelion ) foundation , as also begining of Christ . Which must be the rather obserued , because som put no difference betwene the foundation of faith ( which here made the hebrues a true visible people of God , and other accidentall doctrines which tende but to the perfection of the same foundation : the contrarie vnto which foundation can onlie in proprietie of scripture he termed ‡ ‡ 2 Thess. 2 4. 1 Ioh. 2. 18. 19. Reu. 1●… . 11. Anti-keimenon , Anti-christian , opposit to foundation , opposit to Christ . The not retaining of which distinction hath caused too manie libells be dispersed , and railings against such as Gather truly ( though weakly ) with Christ : ●… and himself teacheth , that he who gathers with him , that works not against him .

But are euery of those seuerall heads the knowledge and beleif of them , of absolute necessitie vnto saluation ? ( For infants of the faithfull theyr * * Gen. 17. 10 11. Leuit. 2. 12. Rom. 11. 1●… . Act. 2. 39 & 16. 31. according to Gen. 17. 27. lump is to be considered in theyr first fruites ) I answer : it is impossible for any sowle to com anie way to true lyfe , but by passing thorough him who is the Way Truth and Lyfe . Nor can one goe into the sheepfold but by the Dore and the Porter . Nor can this be don but by Repentance and Faith . Besides , faith is exercised in beleiuing the promise of Resurrection and eternall iudgment : and quiet it cannot be till the promises be sealed in Baptisme , the dore sacrament into the Church . Which caused the Eunuch vpon a litle information to cry , what lets I may not be baptized ? As also when Peters hearers cryed out , what shall we do to be saved ? him to make this answer , amend your liues & be baptized : and no sooner they confessed faith in Iesus , but straight way they were baptised . Yet this I suffix : Faith apprehending the word of promise , it trulie iustifieth with God and his Church before the Seale com : seing the seale is not the Begetter but * * Rom. 4. 10. 11. Col. 2. 11. 12. Mark . 16. 16 Confirmer of that faith whereby we apprehend righteousnes in Christ Iesus : and so holy writ teacheth both of Circumcision and Baptisme . I conclude then , the two first and last of the 6. principles to be absolutely neccessary vnto salvation . As for Baptisme it is required vnto salvation conditionally , that is , if it may before death be had : nor ought it be deferred within the Church beyonde the 8. day ( called the Lord his day , the day of Convention ) and in conuerting without the Church , beleiuers for them and theyres ought presently to be baptised with the Eunuch , Paul , laylour , and Lydia . As for imposition it is also symply necessarie t●… such as to whome it suiteth , for the end where to it serueth : that is , not to seale saluation , but to assure the sowle of GOD his helping hand in the work whereto the partie ▪ is alotted . Not symplie necessarie in the * * This Ministry not held the Ro manist is but badly answered . Gathering and propheticall ministery : and therefore we se before , and vnder and after the lawe ( within and without the True visible church ) diuerse stirred vp to call people vnto God and his Christ , who neuer had anie hand of man so put vpon them . But it is symply necessary to a ministerie designed to a particular Church : and therefore the Tabernacle ministerie ( Priests and Leuits ) and the new testaments ministrie ( Presbyters and Deacons ) they neuer were installed without it .

The principles then that are of absolute necessitie vnto saluation , may therefore be deduced into two heads : the first knowledg of the true Christ : for otherwise our ‡ ‡ Math. 24 ▪ 23. 24. 28. Iob. 39. 30. 3. 32. 33. Galat. 3. 1. Sauiour telleth vs we shall haue manie kyndes of CHrists preached by pseudo-prophets , to whose factions we are not to goe forth : but only to repaire for our fedinge where his spirituall eyed Eagles do gather to his carcase or body slayne in word and sacraments : as Paul afterwards described him crucified vnto the Galatians . The second poynt is , the true apprehension of Christ whome knowledge propoundeth : and this is onlie by * * Rom. 10. 14. 15. Gal. 3. 2. Faith , a guifte of the spirit within , but wrought by externall ministerie of preaching , euen the preaching of faith ( And so Rom. 8. 32. hauinge giuen vnto vs his Son , how shall he not with him giue vnto vs all things also ? ) Which apprehendinge faith is vnto others ( liue the beleiuer no longer after , then the good theif on the crosse ) manifested by the fruit of the lips : and in liuing longer it vtters it self conformable in som good measure to doe the commaundements of him who hath frelie saued him : otherwise , Iames termes it a Deuels faith , a dead faith a meere delusion . For the exellentie of true faith , it Synecdo●…hicallie is put for the whole doctrine of the Ghospell ( Iude. 3. Gal. 3. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 1. & alibj ) nor maruell , because all obedience without it , is but a Crab-fish crallinge backward , and a Pharisaicall painted sepulcre : for without this faith it is impossible to please God . It is to all our actions ‡ ‡ Leuit. 2. 〈◊〉 as salt vnder the lawe was to all sacrifices , the ●…erie sauourer and purifiez : and this Peter maketh the cause of no difference betwene Iue and Gentile , the purification of the heart by faith , Act. 15. 9 : which faith not mingled with the word when the Israelites heard it , was cause of theyr downefall in the desert , Heb. 4. 1. 2. When therefore an Auntient considered that the Iust li●…es by faith etc. He speaketh thus pathetically : Chrysostom in ●… homely offai●… hope , 〈◊〉 All●…dged by Centueie Faith is the originall of righteousnes , the head of holynes , the begining of deuotion , the foundation of religion , — this excludeth doubts , holdeth sure things , sealeth vp the promises . He that holds this is happy : forsaking it he is miserable . Yea saith another before him : * * Cyprian 〈◊〉 . 3. to Qui●… , ch. 4●… . To the beleiuer all things are possible . And how shall it be otherwise , when first it vniteth vs with Christ , and then from him by the conduit of faith , all holines and diuyne giuings are ( as out of a treasurie ) deriued vnto vs . Where therefore the Law proclamd , Do and liue : the Ghospell before , in and synce the Lawe frely crieth : Beleiue and liue . Obiection . But we are vrged to works also in the newe church . Answer . But not to merit thereby ( Iam. ●… . 〈◊〉 . for he that shall keep the whole lawe and but faile in one poynt is guiltie of all ) then what merit-monger can hold vp hand and cry , vuguilty my Lord ? If he be iudged by God and the contrie he wil be found guiltie ) but such works are Certificates from the spirit of Christ vnto his Church , that so such a one may be acknowledged a member of the Catholicall bodie and communicate with the Church her spirituall treasure : and therefore to the faithfull no Cawse but a Signe or Index of iustification : which causeth one to say : ‡ ‡ Fulgentius to Monimus b. 1 GOD crowneth the righteousnes in his Sayints which he gaue vnto them Gratis , kept Gratis perfected Gratis . Wherevnto a successor addeth : Anshelm , of the measute of the crosse . If a Man shold serue God a thowsand yeares & that most feruently , he shold not merit ( ex condigno ) of condignity to be half a day in the kingdom of heauen . And in another place thus : Galat. c. 2. Works are of grace , but not grace by works : because that ( Grace ) is first , whereby other things are valued . Therefore no one by any meanes can be iustified by works , but by faith which by grace goeth before . All which substance of faith , with manie golden and coloured sylk appendices of the Lo. his Tabernacles religion , thowsands in England do teach as truly and learnedly as euer was taught synce the first age after Christ . From and by whose ministerie , diuerse of our people comming ouer hither , did seme verily and with much comfort to haue received the same grounds at least , couetinge with ernest affection to walk with such ( and only with such ) as were willing to build vpon the same foundation in the syncerity of IEsus ( although with infirmity in faith and manners ) for they had learned of none to fynd here Angelicall perfection . But synce all this , diuerse ( if theyr owne lips have spoken trulie of theyr owne hearts ) they have ( Ekousios ) frankly and voluntarily vnconstrayned outwardly , giuing vp themselves to the spirit of fundamentall Apostacie and Schisme , breaking the former bonds of obedience and casting the coards far away for Anti ▪ christian : ioyning themselves frely , som with A●…rius and Samosatenus , making theyr Christ a meare creature and bare man . Som ioyning to a Christ that tooke not the seed of woman ( ouerturning the Ghospell preached first in Paradise ) and this because they cannot and will not without a naturall reason beleiue that super-naturall worke : and so they are one with the hereticall body of Valentinus , Manes and Eutiches . Others with Apollinaris do make a mixt confounded Christ . All of them condemned generally of the Catholicall Church aboue a 1000 Y. agoe in sondrie councels . Herewith they beleiue frewill to holynes in the vnregenerate , addinge iustification before god by works : both poynts ordinarily more Al those ●…aresies not only resisted by severall faithfull writers , but also Anathe matized in sondry provinciall & generall counsel●… . grosse then som Papists dare be seene in : in a word flat Pelagians . Unto the former they adde rebaptisation with Donatus and cut Children of from Baptisme with bloody Herod . Makinge the Maiestrate ( with Seruettus ) a meere Scar-crowe without the church : with such a rable of inventions raked out of the donghill of all heresies , as if not 7. deuels , but 7. score deuels were entred into them : Therefore appearingly to vs ward they have synned that fearfull & horrible syn agaynst the ho : ghost .

But the Brounist * * This root of bitterne●… must be puld vp or it ●…vill defi●… many . teaching that neyther Clapham nor England teach the Ghospell of Iesus , it fodeth on ignorant sowles with more boldnes to reiect all such faith and fellowship for Antichristian . First I say to such Teachers , that it were better for them to have a milstone hoong ▪ on their neck , and they with Sherajahs scroule and stone violently throwen into the midst of Euphrates , then such speach scandalous shold be vttered , whereby silly-ones are turned out of the way . Secondly , ‡ ‡ Doctors of the ghospell yet they knoe the ghospell . what will they say is the substance of the ghospell ( for in the adiuncts the wisest shall euer be to seeke in somthing ) ? I knoe they insinuate to the simple ( and this theyr whole practise will witnes to theyr faces ) that to teach the former principles without subiection to the outward Church-government of Christ , it is no Ghospell . And wherein exists this ? In the ministery of Pastors , Doctors , Elders , Deacons , Widowes with theyr forme of installments etc. I answer : the verie terme Outward ( if they were not forgetfull of Logick , that is , of Reasons rule ▪ ) it w●…ld teach them : That which is outward , yea so outward , as somtymes seperable from his subject , that is not essentiall or of the Ghospells substance : but such is that outward government . This may appeare from S. Paul who sayth the Ghospell was preached vnto Abraham , Galat. 3. 8. as also the ghospell ( ver. 17. ) was preached to that Patriarch 430. Y. before the lawe , and yet no speach of outwarde church government . Iohn Baptist preached the Ghospell , yet ignorant ( as also the Disciples in theyr first sermons ) of this outward church government . Nay , our sauiour before tyme of Ascension ( Act. 1. 2. 3. ) cannot be thought to haue spoke a word of the Ecclesiasticall functions : so did Peter and others in theyr sermons after his ascension , when I ●…roe they preached Ghospell , and yet no word of those matters . If all the former preachings was the Ghospell ( and Form●… 〈◊〉 esse . the forme giues being to a thinge ) them those fanaticall spirits of ignorance or mallice blaspheame the ghospell . Being driuen from that sconse , they will say : but th externall church-order reuealed , euery such sowle as will not be adiudged Antichristian ( that is , against Christ ) must be only subiect to the outward Church-order prescribed by Christ . I answer : First , theyr concluding of euery sowle Antichristian which in anye thing is contrarie or against Christ , it is a grosse abuse of the word vsed in scripture : For so euery sowle shold be Antichristian . Apostle is in english , Messenger : Euangelist , a Good tydings-man : shall we therefore say , Euerie messenger is an Apostle , and euerie one that tels vs good newes is an Euangelist ? The very word Antichristian ) falsely applied , it hath kindled the fyre which Satan will neuer suffer to be quenched . So●…ers of that seed had need repent in sack & 〈◊〉 In the large sence of the words , we may so say : but comming to examine these termes by the art of Theologie , we say the words are restrayned to such and such : so also , bringing the word Antichristian to be examined by the Apostles , we shall fynd that such a sowle must be Anti-keimenos opposit in the foundation : and so , nothing so large as blynd Zeloist●… do vrge it . Secondly , I answer : euerie sowle is bound to giue obedience vnto euerie peece of god his will reuealed . Then they adde : But th externall government hath bene by som of their owne teachers as also by vs bene preached , therefore now none of theyr Parish people visible Christians : nor can the preachers be sayd to preach the ghospell . Answer to the first conclusion . First , if they can prove euerie sowle there to have sufficiently heard that doctrine , and yet to be Contumax ( which no reasonable sowle can beleiue ) then they say somthing . Secondly , the same word is exercised even now in England ( when the Sun of Brownisme shines in Netherlande ) shall we thinke it begets not faith in som now , aswell as of yore , and must those also be no visible Christians ? Thirdly , the Author to the ●…ebrues fynding the people he writ vnto in a maner Dunces ▪ who for the tyme might have bene Doctors , though he fo●…res them with the irremissable syn which might steale vpon them through negligence , yet He wold not pronounce them cut of from God . The Apostle teacheth another Rule , Philip. the second Conclusion . As for that they preach , if it contained not the substance of the Gospell , how haps anie sowle hath bene saued or bene brought into the state of saluation thereby ▪ Death begets not lyfe : † † Mat. ●… . 〈◊〉 Iam. ●… . 〈◊〉 falshood begets not truth : and so no Brownist could euer by that preaching haue bene interessed with , iustifyinge faith . Faith is got by hearinge : or haue they heard som Angel from heauen : or did the first of them get theyr iustifying faith by readinge ? obiection . But there is no promise made of good to such preaching , although God somtymes extraordinarily do blesse it to good . Answer . T is false : for it hath bene the only ordinary way of begetting sowles to god for those 40. y , togither vnder the raigne of our soueraigne Queene : nor did euer other Doctrine in any age before beget true faith : and therefore a promise of blessinge i●… lynked with that ground of faith , be the preacher thereof otherwise and for other causes highly reproueable . Besides that euident effect , Gold is as verily gold in the snowte of a swyne as vpon the fynger of Zorobabel . Augustine teacheth this largely , Against 〈◊〉 b. 7. ch 8. the like plentifully vnto Cres co the Grāmaria●… . tellinge the Donatists , that the 4. Riuers of Paradise ( though appointed for watring it , yet ) they verilie ron downe into Egipt : so equally mynded was he towards the schismatiks his sowle lothed . But all must be no Ghospell with those , which theyr aduersarie preacheth .

But to make the Ground of Brounisme lesse colourable to the allegiants : theyr Suns light hath giuen afalse shyne , and thus it is : First they tell vs , that in raising vp this Church-ministerie lay-men may ordaine by Laying on hands and consecrating the partie to such businesse . That this is but a dreame , I haue all ‡ ‡ 1 Tim. ●… . 22 Tit. 15. Act. 6. 6. ●… 14. 23. cheirote●…è santes , signifying ordination by hans : seing scripture neuer speaketh of Election by lifting vp hands . rules in scripture and consent of all Auncients , and all Churches in this age against them . Are they not like to haue a sound platforme of externall church-order that begin in such disorder ? Sec they tell vs of a Doctor exercised in the Church her peculiar exercises , and that in deliuering doctrin , vpon whome ( in the second place ) the Pastor must iump in with his exhortation ( distinguishing Doctor and Pastor only by Doctrine and Exhortation which rather ought to be reconciled by 1 Cor. 14. 26. ) hauing for this only a poore sermon written on Rom. 12. 3. &c. misapplyinge verse . 7. thertof as also the end of verse 8. for ‡ ‡ 〈◊〉 cleon is the Male gender ( he that is mercifull ) & so they censure others for lack of Chr. ministry yet they knoe ●…is ministrie Men-widowes : here against I haue the concordance of scripture and the voice of all Churches : who acknowledge no Doctor , peculiarly , distinct ) but him of the Schooles : much lesse did euer any dreame of menwidowes in one age or other . Thirdly ( taking for graunted , ( which is false to me who can proue a visible Church in all ages ) that all our synagogues were builded by Anti-christ to Idolatrie and therfore symply vnlawfull for a christian therein to pray or teach . Besides the first may not be graunted , I iudge theyr doctrine Iuish : and after a sort to be a denyall of Christ com in the flesh , and opposit to those scriptures , Iohn 4. 21. 23. 1 Tim. 2. 8. & 4. 4. Coloss. 2. 20. &c. Isa. 23. 17. 18 Micah 4. 13. with others : and heare againste hath bene the practise of the Church euer synce such was builded . Fourthly , they teach a man after the first excommunication , he is to be held an enemie . And to this end , where Mr Barrowe had in his description of the Church placed that of the Apostle ( 2. Thess. 3. 15. ) after excommunication , they in reprintinge it last yeare ( but subtilly giuing it th olde date , as if he had bene of theyr mynd : although both he , Mr Penry , Mr Greenwood wold haue shamed to stand in this and others theyr condemnations ) * * Against the 9. comma●…ndement . they do place that Apostolicall Canon before 〈◊〉 ) , because they wold quickly ridde their hand ▪ of brotherly admonishments : as for all scripture and 〈◊〉 the Catholike church it is euer against them . As thei begin theyr discipline so they finish it in Censures vn-ruly : neither beginning nor ending with anie harmonie of scripture or consent of anie church . To omit other inventions of theyrs if now Corah , Dathan and Abiram do seeke for offices by a lawe of theyr owne makinge : trobling the Chatholicall Church with theyr start-vp inventions , though they schismed not from the vniversall body ( which they haue ) the vniuersall church of Israell is bound in payne of death vpon the insight of theyr insurrection to depart from theyr tents , againste whome alredy a deuouring fire is gone out from Iehouahs presence . So far are they from beinge fitte to sit as Iudges on all others : or fitte to prescribe rules of direction to all Churches . But let them ( if they can ) afforde vs th interpretation of any one Riddle in the Ghospell , which they did not synd out by psowing with Samson his heifer in England .

Hearing thus that the grounds of Brownisme will nothing sheilter the Reuolts that vse them , let vs heare what Daut●… saith of such as are adverse to the Church : They that hate Zion Psal. 129. 5●… &c. ( the place where god hath put his name There : called by Ezek. ch. vlt. Iehouah-there , because the eternall shold in habit there for euer ) they shal be ashamed & turned backward ( ashamed to returne , they shall apostate ) They shal be as the grasse on the howse tops ( despising fellowship with the lord his poore people in a lowe estate , it may be because of som weeds , they therefore cry : * * Isa. 65. 50 . stand apart , com not nere to me , for I am holier them thow : and so they ●…ount vp alofte , swelling in the bladder of theyr pride , as grasse on the howse tops ) which withereth before it com forth ( these are saith Isaiah a smoke in the lords wrath : they shal be sodainly destroyed , euen when the mockers , eat and drinke , saying peace vnto his owne sowle : as euery of those hatefull spirits braggeth they neuer had such rest in theyr sowles : but woe to those that are at rest in Zion , much more at rest out of Zion ) whereof the Mower filleth not his band ( the Man of god may hope to reape such for the Lord his barne , but god his iudgment ceazing on the proud Pharises , the ministers hope shal be frustrate ) neither shall the glainer fill his lappe ( nor shall anie of the Church that hope good of them , be otherwise then disapointed ) they that passe by ( Christian pilgrims who here haue no biding city ) neither shall say , The blessing of the LOrd v●…on yow , we blesse yow in the name of the Lord : like vnto ●…hat commaundement of Iohn , ‡ ‡ 2 Ioh. 10. Bid him not God speede 〈◊〉 , if he bringe another Ghospell ( that is , another found●…tion of faith ) were he saith the Apostle Paul an Angel from heauen , let him be * * Gal. 1. 8. 9. A nathema , accursed : but those voluntarie Reuolts from the former faith and fellowship , do also teach another Ghospell , therefore to vs ward accursed . Nay som as large conscienced as others strait , do iustifie people of all religions ( as did the heretike † † Eusebiu●… . b. 5. c. 12. o●… eccl. hist. Apelles ) abusing ( as the Deuell did with Iesus ) the scripture thereto , saying : Euery spirit that confesseth Ies. Chr. to be com in the flesh , is of God : and so the Deuill which confessed him to be the Son of Dauid in a truer sence then the Anabaptist doth ) he is also of god , and they may ( as alredy they haue ) enter into communion with him . Such doctrine plainli arguinge persons , willinglie selling themselues to all prophanity and Atheisme : as hauing the eyes of Conscience bored out , and the senses made voyd of felinge , by the searing of an hot iron , the iust smoking vengeance of the inuisible Iehouah .

Question . Those that vnto vs haue synned that voluntary twofolde syn , are thei not to be received againe into fellowship vpon externall humiliation ? answer . If they but went bachward in the tyme of persecution , Nouatianus for euer refused them : yet seing the word Willingly hath lead vs to another collection , I answer : if such a one who once semed voluntarily so to haue synned , shall returne with apparant contrition , such cannot be denyed but received : not now as hauing oure verily committed the former twofold syn , but deming by such contrition that the sowle so fell and schismed , eyther before there was such solid assurance of the Ghospells foundation as semed , or because there was som outward coaction ( hid vnto vs ) which lackinge to the perfecting the syn , now the rather such a one is againe recouered . But all the yeares passed , not one person hath for such syn bene humbled , therefore vnto vs ward theyr recouertes the more to be dispaird of . * * Leuit. 14. 42. If by outward humiliation such scrape of the former leprosie , let them with new morter and stone be repaired : but if after reparation the plague arise againe , * * 44. 45. then it is a frettinge leprosy , they but scorners of repentance and no more to be received . ‡ ‡ Socrates eccles. hist. booke . 3. ch. 11. Ekebolius a Christian Sophist fallinge from the church vnder the bloody raigne of Apostate Iulian , he after th emperours death retorued into the synagogues porch at tyme of Conuention , and there lying prostrate he cries : Tread me vnder foote , for I am the vnsauoury salt . If he sawe himself no better for vnwillinge backsliding , what wil those spirits se and acknowledge themselues to be if once they haue graunted the heart t●… repent ? meane tyme ( as our sauiour saith ) we knoe , If salt haue lost his sauionr ( it appeareth not by anie reason ) where Math. 15. 13. with it self can ( againe ) be salted : but indeed , it is thensforth good for nothinge but to be cast out & to be conculcate of men .

Question . What course is to be taken for auoyding this syn , and by what meanes shold one be ouertaken therewith ? Answer . This syn stealeth vpon a sowle two ways : either by too much remisnes and sluggishnes , which causeth the Lord to say , † † Luke . 21. 36. heb. 3. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 7 Watch , be sober , exhort one another : or else coms by aboundance of Gall , vntempered heat , ouerflowinge zeale , an ouerweenige of wit and holynes : and this causeth the spirit not only to tell vs before that such wil be so badly qualifyed ( 2 Tim. 3 : 2. 3. 4 ) though with face of men and weomens haire they will couer all till they sting , but also to will vs ‡ ‡ Prov. 26. 16 fynding hony to eat but sufficient , lest being ouerfull we vomit it vp : as also to enioyne vs * * Rom. 1●… . ●… . not to presume to vnderstand aboue that is meet to vnderstand , but to vnderstand acording to sobriety . Which not obserued ●…eawseth a man * * eccl. 7. 18. to be wise & righteous ouermuch , that is , in his owne conceit : and so vnwares causeth him be desolated of the spirit ‡ ‡ Pro. 13. 9. and his candle put out . The He brues were in the way towards it through neglect of being led forward vnto perfection : and in that pad are swarmes of sowles in England , who after a whiles waking do sit downe as willinge there to stand till mosse groe on theyr heeles , and they as rotten at the Core , as the vulgar Queene Maryes protestant . Once zeale abounded : now Zechariah may againe say , † † Zech 1. 11 All the world sitteth still and is at rest : and if it wil be no better , Let them Rest till they Rust : | | Reuel 〈◊〉 11. Let the filthy be more filthy , & the vnrighteous be vnrighterous stil. In the second tract were once all those spirits who vrged me to pen this tractate , although som of them synce , by ronning themselues out of breath , are now deadly cold as those who haue quenched theyr spirits . There is an errour on the right hand ( as when a Bow bends till it breaks ) and an errour on the left hand : as when with Salomon his sluggard one cryes . * * Prou. 24. 33. 34. A litle sleepe , a litle slumber , a litle folding the hands to sleep , so ( spirituall ) beggery as a truailer & armed man coms vpon him . * * Pro. 28. 14 Blessed therefore the man that always feareth : seing with feare and trembling he is to worke out his saluation . And yet not so , but he is to ‡ ‡ Psa. 2. 11. reioyce in his tremblinge .

If I haue well said , wisdom wil be iustified of her children : if not let the righteous sinite me , it sha be a benefit . The loue of Christian faith and fellowship , oh my God thow knoes it vrged me to write this . Water it therefore O Lord to the sowles of the Readers . Let them consider what I haue said , and do thow giue them vnderstanding in all things .

The Epilogue to his forsaid brethren and the rest of that congregation .

A Certaine Auncient saith : † † Vincentius in his 〈◊〉 . of ●…aer . ch. ●…7 . Newly speaking , speak not new things : because indeed vnto such as once are stablished in the ground of faith , things vttered according to Analogie of faith , they are but sienes of the same stock , as was Sheth begotten in the image of his father . But the Ronnagates of Ephraijm ( nay , Epraijms worse ) they euer cry , We must groe in faith : and this they do , not by growing in , but by flitting from the faith . Let theyr fall cause you with holy feare to regard your standing : least also ye fall after the same sort of vnbeleif . Those two yeares last passed , God hath for your sustentations only vsed my weak vnworthie ministrie . Of what nature the fodder is , let the sheopherds of the LOrd his Meads iudge : ‡ ‡ 1 ●…or. 14. 32. for the spirits of the prophets must be subiect vnto the prophets : and why shold I with the conuenticle Companions turne aside , as if there were no prophet but my self ? I can fynd prophets in all Ages to witnes the substance and foundation of all I teach vnto yow : and euen for that , both I and yow do owe much praise to the hiest . * * Ior. 6. 16. Stand in the ways & behold & ask for th old way , which is the good way . If the old way be the good way of god contained in the Bibles Canon , then what are the ways wherin sowles must stand while they enquire for that good way ? Is it anie thinge , but the voices of the faithfull in al ages who haue trod forth the way of life before vs ? And this is it causeth Christ to direct his Loue no otherwise but by bidding her | | Cant. 1. 7. If she were ignorant to get her forth by the steps of the flocks who had trod the tract before her . And for this cawse also is it that the Church is called , * * 1 Tim. 3. 15. The piller & ground of truth . Manie cold be contented I drewe such a Carde of antiquitie for clearing the life of faithfull in Succession , who yet with Iob haue bene ouerron with an outward scab ( sowle vntoucht of Satan ) but they shold knoe it vnreasonable to bid the Israelite make brick , and then deny him strawe . And yet yow and I haue gone a warfare ‡ ‡ Except what once was administred by six out of England . at our owne charges : though euer we cannot all things but the lord knoeth , what is necessarie . Meane tyme , as we are debtors to all so let vs ( as we may ) † † Eccl. 11. 1. cast our breade on all waters ( or sorts of people ) for after many days we shall fynd it . * So Ieroin vnderstands it : comparing it with 〈◊〉 . 1●… . 15 And so besuchinge yow to hold fast least another take the crowne , I desire the Lord his sauing spirit to dwell for euer in our spirits : So be it .

¶ To his beloued Tho. whicks and Ri. Carter , 〈◊〉 sauing guiftes of the Spirit , Amen .

NOt knowing if so we shall liue to behold one anothers face againe in this lyfe , let me supplie the wast paper with those few lynes . Returninge * * Towards th end of our Lo. 〈◊〉 . 1597. from the funerals of my excellent gracious frend Mistris Anne Ogle , I was motioned to conflict with your neighbour Romanist prisoners . But considering I had no orderly callinge so to doe , yow knoe how vnwilling I was . Yet afterwards perceiuing a nere frend of myne his foote snarled in theyr grin ( which amazd me more then all Romish learning could ) I not only was willinge , but also made challendg : yet vnder hand-writing , that so any beholder thereof , they might more orderlie iudge . The Doctor agreed . Under his hand ( for shaking my ministrie ) he put downe this I ●…esis : All true Ministers of the Ghospel are only raised vp within the present established church of Rome . Hereto I opposed , drawing his argument into forme : vrging him to proue the ❧ ❧ First proposition : & Minor , the second proposition : th●… third is , Conclusion : fo●… an argume●… in forme ( called also 〈◊〉 Syllogismo ) it existeth o●… 3. propositions . Maior : All such Ministers are only raised vp in the established church of Christ ( for that I denied ) secondlie , That Romes Church euer was or is that only church : which also I denied . To the Minor ( but skipping ouer the word Only ) he said somthing . And therto I excepted : first by calling into question ( and not vnworthily ) if euer Romes Church , was truly established . Secondly ( though that shold appeare ) I denied the present church of Rome to retaine the Auncient Apostolike faith . And here I propounded theyr ❧ ❧ Pighiu●… chap. 6. of 〈◊〉 . 1. of ecclesiasticall hierarchi c. Also the Moguntine councel hallowing water , wax , Bells for driuing away deuels etc. * * Episcop Roffensis against Luther . Biel in exposition of Masse , Lection . 56. D. Purgatory fyre for cleansing away sin : theyr constituting Sts. departed ‡ ‡ Romaine . breuiarie , of Peter & Paul Pope Sixtus his prayer to many saiuts . Prayer to S. Blaze . &c. Mediators : wherevnto I now adde , Sauiors : * * Vigueriue in his theologicall institut . ( ch. 16. ) approued of 〈◊〉 . theyr postinge ouer one mans works for supplying anothers lack : which they terme works of Super-erogation , and the church her treasure , set of sale in leaden Buls in theyr yeare of Iubile : with a Fifte doctrine I now remember not : for I lefte the writings behind in Marshland . Hereat the Doctor sterued , callinge me falsifier etc. denying theyr church to teach those doctrines . As for the Major proposition ( though in 3. sondry writs I prouoked him ) which first in order shold haue bene handled ( in Nature or Art ) yow knoe in neuer one of his papers , he wold somuch as looke that way , he perceiuing it ( I doubt not ) to be an Iron too hot for his fingring . And so Clapham remaines vntouched and interessed with a ministrie of the ghospell : although my god knoweth I knoe my self most vnworthie : and cold be glad thereof to be disburdened .

It now remaineth to be examined if so I charged theyr church falslie . And therein I refer my words to be compared with all Romish writers , manie before , but specially since theyr cursing cursed ‡ ‡ Held in our Lords y. 1545. Trident ( in English ) a triple toothed instrument , such as Poets attribute to the Sea-god Councell of Trident : Neptunes thre-tynd forke for hurling one sea of errour vpon another . But I knoe he knoes the charge most true : only till he had trapped som sowles and fettered them fast , he wold not haue such trumpery discouered . This was it which caused him speak so plausibly , Viz , The common seruice book could neuer beget faith ( and yet themselues make most of it theyr owne ) that faith is begotten only by preaching ( and yet themselues first introduced domb priests ) that they haue the office of Elders ( but yet none that in the same Congregation assisteth a Pastor ) as also that of Deacons ( although none to waite on the Loue-tables , nor occupied about the poore ) such couert speach he vsed , till one was foulie snarled . Yea , such was his fetch in bellowing out against my Biblio-thecaes * * where I speak of Chr. his presence in the supper ) chapter 14. 14. chap. sainge first there were no such words in Hierom: then being let se them , crying forth I had not truly translated them : afterwards saing I had misalleadged them : as if I had collected two real bodies of Christ , whereas therewith Hierom and Augustine I only collect two manner of presences , not substances . And yet being in place togither , his ‡ ‡ impudentlie ( yow knoe ) affirming I had neuer seen Ierom . vnblushing forehead made me abashed , and that to his ytching eared auditorie stood against me for victus , victa , victum .

But such seing , I knoe they will not se when they knoe an Auncient to make against them : as for example : A Romish mate ( at table of our right Woo. frend ) he in a brauerie ( knowing none there able in that to conuict him ) wold proue that the Beasts nomber * * Reu. 13. 18 666. it cold not arise ( as protestants wold ) from the word Latinus . He accomptinge , 666. wold not arise , and did not som hearer say he had sufficientlie confuted ? I do not think but he well knewe that auncient * * Episcop of Lions in our Lo. y. 180. in his 2. b. 25. ch. Ireneus said yes , and yet himself of the Latine empire . But you must knoe that the father ( as also Iohn ) did write in Greeke , and so the word not Latinus but Lateinos : from whence results the nomber thus : L 30. A 1. T. 300. ‡ ‡ Greek Epsilon . La●…cinos is in English a Latine . E 5. I 10. N 50. O 70. S 200 And so the Cock crewe before the victory . The same nomber artseth from Ecclesia Italica thus . E 5. C 20. C 20. L 30. * * greek Eta . Ecclesia Italica , is , Italique Chur. E 8 S 200. I 10. A 1. — I 10. T 300. A 1. L 30. I 10. C 20. A 1. Their Paris Genebrard he labours to disgrace such calculation , by propounding the name Luter . But not fynding the nomber in Greeke , he turnes it into hebrue Character , but yet it will not reatch : he bumbasts it therefore with another L , so makinge it ❧ ❧ Martin Luther will not yeild the 666. except they doble rib him . Lulter for tentoring out 666. But if the Malice of France wold haue the nomber out of an hebrue word , let him count * * In english , Romish . Romijth : R 200. O 6. M 40. I 10. I 10. TH 400 : and so the Beast ( at least for one of the Lamb-like hornes ) of the Latine , Italian , Romish Church .

All this but by the way for curbing of peuis spirits in theyr willinge wilful ignorance . But a iudgment iust inough , specially vpon such , as once initiated with the foundamentall truth haue synce that vncoustrained , yea frely forsaken the faith and fellowship they had thereyn . Our English Harding ( who once wished his voyce as Osney bells for ringing out Romes trumperie ) he afterwards ( neglecting his standing ) fell and became † † Reade our Ieuels conflicts with that Apostate a patroene to all theyr drudgerie : euen to theyr very Stewes . Those that of curiositie will ( as did Heuah ) confer with the Serpent , it is iust with God to leaue such to the powre of the Tempter . The wyseman wills vs , ❧ ❧ prou. 19. 27. not to heare the instruction which causeth to erre from the words of knowledge . And our Sauiour * * Iohn . 10 , 5. denies that his sheep will followe or acknowledge a straungers voyce . If God shall take me away before I publikly handle the vn-masking of Antichrist ex professo , let the former tractate remaine a goade in your sides for kepinge yow watchfull to your ways . Which if ( and I hope all good ) then , though a 1000. fall on the right hand by ouer-lashing zeale , and a 1000. on the left hand by Laodiceaes lukewarmnes , ye shall stand to the praise of the Eternall , and your owne neuer dyinge happines . And so with my hartie salute to euerie our christian frends , I leaue yow and them to the mercifull guardure of the hiest .

To the Apostaticall , schismaticall , Factious .

THe faithfull beleiue that Iesus his kingdom excelleth that of Moses in this , that once established * * Heb. 12. 27 28. Psal 45. 6. Mark . 13 22. Luk. 17. 23. it is neuer remoued : though false prophets cry , Lo here , Lo there , as if for manie hundreds of yeares it had bene vanished , and now begon to peep vp head in the desert : and therefore haue learned not to goe out of the Catholike Arke . Thow who in an ouerweninge of thine owne witte and holynes thinks al fooles and filthie sauing thy Pharisaicall self , knoe O painted tombe , whose out side is fairest ❧ ❧ ●…uk . 1●… . 20. 21. psal. but the kingdom of god rather within ) that wheresoeuer thow goes in that estate , the dreadfull vengeance of God pursues the : for the † † prou. 30. 17 Ey which mocketh the father and despiseth the Mothers instruction , the vally-rauens shall pick it out and the yong Eagles eat it . Till O ye Factious , ye haue ripened further matter against yow , I for the present conclude thus with the prophet : ‡ ‡ Isa. 30. 11. Behold all ye haue kindled a fyre & are hemmed in with the sparks : Walk in the light of your fyre & in the sparks ye haue kindled : this shall ye haue of myne hand : Ye shall lye downe in sorowe .

Who wold saue som 〈…〉 as by pulling them out of the fyre . HE. CLAPHAM .