A briefe ansvver vnto certaine reasons by way of an apologie deliuered to the Right Reuerend Father in God, the L. Bishop of Lincolne, by Mr. Iohn Burges wherin he laboureth to prooue, that hauing heretofore subscribed foure times, and now refusing (as a thing vnlawfull) that he hath notwithstanding done lawfully in both. Written by VVilliam Couell, Doctor in Diuinitie.

CERTAINE REASONS , BY WAY OF AN Apology , deliuered to the Right Reuerend Father in God , the Lord Bishoppe of LINCOLNE , by IOHN BVRGES . Wherein hee laboureth to proue , that hauing heretofore subscribed foure tymes , and now refusing to subscribe ( as a thing vnlawfull ) that he hath ( notwithstanding ) done lawfully in both .

¶ The Preface of the APOLOGY .

RIGHT Reuerend Father in God , according to my promise made vnto your Lordshippe , at our conuention , before you on the third of October , and since by Letters , I now present vnto you my determinate answere , and therein my refusall of such subscription , as your Lordshippe and the late Canons doe require . And because it will seeme strange that I should now stick at subscription ; who haue already foure times subscribed , I craue leaue to performe vnto your Lordshipe a true and sincere report of what I haue yeelded vnto , as of what I now refuse , and the reasons of both . And because there goe many rumors and some copies , and both ( perhaps ) false of my late subscriptions . The now most reuerend L. Archbishopp his grace of Canterberrie . I pray leaue to set downe those very words , which acquired ( as from the King ) I sent by maister Deane of the Ch●ppell vnto his excellent Maiestie ; and the report of that which I afterward performed before my Lord of London .

ANSWER .

THere is little hope in the sequell of this Apology to find that submission and humility , which were requisite in the Ministers of Christ , when one of inferiour place dare aduenture to make a determinate answere of refusal to subscribe , hauing notwithstanding before subscribed , and yet maintaineth that he is lawfully warranted to do both ; doubtlesse if it had but beene the obedience to a priuate bishoppe in his own Dyoces , ought we not rather to haue yeelded than either to haue incurred the suspicion of contempt , or to haue hazarded by suspension , the vse of our ministery ? But when by your confession it was that Subscription which his Lordship and the Canons did both require you giue a singuler testimonie of his Lordshippes Episcopall vigelancie , and withall , runne into suspition of singuler contempt , vnlesse , your reasons being examined , do prooue good : for except the inferiour Clergy be obedient to the Bishoppe , and the Bishoppes to the Metropolitane , Tot essent scisma . ta quot sacerdotes . Hiero. contr. Lucif. there would bee ( saith S. Hierome ) as many Scismes as Priests .

And one of the most modest and most learned that seemeth to fauour the cause of discipline maketh it a principall poynt of the ecclesiasticall gouerment ; that the Inferior clergye in things honest be obedient to the Bishop ,

Vt peculiarem promitterent obedientiam , in rebus honestis suo Episcopa et Episcopi Metrapolitano .

Zach. de Relig. Cap. 25. Sect. 38. Canon . 140.

and the Bishoppe to the metropolitan , so that you not onlye refusing obedience in this vnto the Bishopp but violating those canons wherevnto in ther intendiment you gaue consent , & which doubtles being so lawfully authorised was the whole church of England by representation , you had need to afford good reasons of this refusall or else to account this refusal a great sin , which the rather I doubt not but your wisdome will be carefull to avoyde as being not onlye to render an account of your owne obedience but to do it being required by so humble , so learned , so vertuous a King , who in the midst of the greatest affaires of his realme vouchsafeth in his vsuall and extraordinarye loue to his cleargie , to respect you and to require your answere by their message who if they had spoken in their own names , deserued verye much to haue bene reuerenced by yow .

APOLOGY .

MY Answere to his Maiesties demaunds , touching the discipline , Ceremonies , and Subscription . I doe thinke and beleeue , touching the gouernment of the Church by Bishops , as with vs in England , or by ruling Elders , as in other Churches of God , that neither of them was prescribed by the Apostles of Christ ; neither of them is repugnant to the word of God , but may well and profitably bee vsed , if more fault bee not in the persons , then in the callings themselues .

2 Secondly , I doe hold and am perswaded of the Crosse and Surplesse , I prayed the Deane to Interpret my self for one of those vnto his Maiestie . that as our Church vseth them , they bee not vnlawfull , though in some men and places , so inexpedient , as that ( I thinke ) no mans ministery likely to do so much good , as some mens sodaine vse of them might doe hurt .

3 Thirdly , for the subscription to the Articles of 62. as the Lawe requireth it , and to his Maiesties Supremacie , I approue it without any exception or qualification . And touching the third Article , about the booke of Common Prayer , and booke of Ordination , doe holde , that howsoeuer they haue some things in them , which cannot simply bee allowed , as false translations , &c. Yet , considered in the purpose , and intention of the Church of England , and reduced to the propositions it publickly professeth , they containe nothing contrarie to the word of God , and in witnesse that this is my vnfained Iudgement in the premises , I haue set to my name this second of Iuly 1604. and will be alwaies ready to professe at his Maiesties command .

ANSWER .

I doubt not , but you haue well examined what you haue here set downe , and wise men in cases of this moment , deale not like vnwise builders , but cast their account before hand . Wee heare your opinion , which it pleaseth you to call your vnfained Iudgment , my vnfeyned Iudgment . concerning Discipline , Ceremonies ; and Subscription , matters oftentimes handled before , as be also the most things set downe by you , wherein we must craue pardon , if we alledge our owne words , euen in that which we haue been occasioned to answere in another Treatise ; Post malam segetem serendum est , soepe quicquid perierat Infoelicis solisterelitate , vnius anni restituit vbertas . Senec. for wisdome telleth vs that it is necessarie to sowe againe after an euill haruest , seeing oftentimes that which perisheth by the barrennes of some badground , is abundantly restored in the fertility of some one year that followeth . In your first , concerning the gouernment of the Church ( which you call discipline ) neither is it vndetermined what was prescribed by the Apostles of Christ , nor what succession of Bishops was continued in all Churches , euen from their time , so that it must needes seeme strange , that the gouernment by Elders or by Bishoppes should in your opinion , be a thing so indifferent , as that neither beeing prescribed by the Apostles of Christ , neither of them repugnant to the word of God , may wel & profitably be both vsed . It seemeth strange to my vnderstanding , that after so many sharpe conflictes for the discipline of the Churh , after such bitter inuectiues against the authority of Bishops ; After so confident commendation of the gouernment by Elders maintained , as onely warrantable and inioyned out of Gods word ; fancies wherwith ye haue filled the Church for this fifty yeares , that you should now confesse neither to be commaunded , neither to bee repugnant to Gods word . What meant the demonstration of discipline , and others , to indeauour to proue the gouernment by Elders not to bee the inuention of wise men , and not against the word of God , but to be the expresse commaundement ( in euery particuler ) of GOD himselfe , accounting those to haue no Church ( this being as essential as either the Word or Sacraments ) where this is wanting : What meant the vehement commendations of this discipline , in a booke called the Humble Motion , Pag. 31.27.74.64 . that if this were established , God would blesse our victuals and satisfie our poore with bread , that he would cloath our Priests with health , and his Saints should shout for ioy , that it is best and surest for our state ; that it would cut off contentions and suites of Law ; that it would norish learning ; that then there would bee vnity in the Church , that it would bee strength and victorie and many other benefits like these . Why haue they striuen so earnestly for it , if it were not absolutely commaunded in Gods word , Quod de scripturis sacris authoritatem non habet eadem facilitate contemnitur qua probatur . Hier. in Mat. 26. which seing you now denye , giue me leaue to tell you , we will henceforth be bolde with Saint Hierom ( seing it wanteth this warrant ) to reiect it with the same facility that it is alledged . And wee hope ( seeing it is not commaunded in the Scripture ) that they will for euer now cease to poyson the Church with such opinions , or to couer the policy of their first teachers , with the vnhallowed contentions of all after-times . But though you haue dealt so liberally with vs for the gouernment of Elders , yet we dare not doe so with you in the gouernment of Bishops . For , if Clement saide true ( whome Polidore alledgeth to that end ) that Peter in euery Prouince appointed one Archbishoppe , whome all other Bishops in the same Prouince should obey , if the name of Archbishoppe and Bishoppe were not so vnusuall , that Volusianus was not afraid to say , Volustanus wrot . Anno. 855. that Dynosius Areopagita was by S. Paule made Archbishoppe of Athens ; or Erasmus to call Titus Archbishop of Creete , or Eusebius to giue the authority to Iohn the Euangelist , Euseb lib. 5. cap. 23. who suruiuing the rest , brought this benefit vnto the Church , that for consecrating of Bishops , & other vses , he was the Archbishop or Metropolitan to the whole Church ; for the Bishops ( as Epiphanius reasoneth ) begot fathers in the Church , Haeres. 75. but the Presbiters ( only ) begot sons . Bilson . If this was the perpetual gouernment of the Church ( as that thrise learned & most reuerend Bishop hath proued ) euen from the Apostles time , we dare not say as you do , that it hath but a tollerable alowance equall to Elders , and that neither being repugnant , the Church may lawfully imbrace either .

2 Concerning the second point , touching Ceremonies ( you name only the Crosse and the Surp●ice ) these you hold lawfull ; for so ( I thinke ) you meane , when you say ( they be not vnlawfull ) being vsed as our Church doth , but yet notwithstanding in some men & places so inexpedient , as that you thinke no mans Ministery likely to do so much good as some mens sodaine vse of them might doe hurt . Consider ( I pray you ) the substance of these word● , the things are lawfull as our Church vseth them . 1. Cor. 12. 1. Cor. 10.23 . What then ? inexpedient , that is in respect of some circumstances not conuenient to be vsed ▪ a discretion attending vpon things indifferent by the Apostles aduice ( all things are lawfull , but all things are not expedient ) euen then restraining the vse , when it is like that the vsage will doe much hurt . This hurt you set downe to be , that no mans Ministery is likely to do so much good , as some mens sodaine vse of them might do hurt . Is this your determinate iudgement of these things deliuered vnder your hand vnto the king ? It is like ( nay , doubtles it is more then like ) for it is sure ( otherwise most lamentable were the condicion of this land ) that the Ministery of some men shal be able to saue soules ( for that Gospel which we preach , Rom. 1. is the power of god vnto saluation ) now , what hurt can you thinke of , equall to this good , peraduenture the destruction of soules , and doe you thinke in earnest , Ioh. 10.29 . that this scandall will be the destruction of mens soules ? 2. Cor. 2.16 . Well , what are they ? are they elect ? then I am sure you will say they cannot fall ; for Christ saith ,

In quantum possumus proximorum scandalum vitave debemus .

Si de veritate scandalum oritur , satius est vt illius scandal um nascitur , quam veritas relinquatur . Hiero. in Math.

No man shall take them out of his hands , are they otherwise giuen ouer to a reprobate sence ? to such euen the Gospel it self is the sauor of death vnto death . I confesse , wee are to auoid scandall in what we may , but better it is , that that should arise , then betray the truth , and ( peraduenture ) by conformity and obedience , your Ministery would receiue those blessings which now it wanteth .

But howsoeuer , seeing the number can neither bee many , the most part of our Land being better instructed vnder the long gouernment of the most vertuous Prince that euer England had , before it had her , nor the danger great , being but the Scandall of such , who are not willing to seeme weake , and therfore I suppose , wee neede not bee afraid to say contrarie to that which you affirme : that many mens Ministerie is likely to doe more good then yours , or any mans sodaine vse of the Ceremonies can doe hurt .

3 The third thing , whereunto you answered , was Subscription , and in this , to some things without limitation , as to the Kings Supremacie , Anno 13. &c. to others with , and in both , as the lawe requireth . It hath beene the vsual euasion of a great number , to pretend an obedience to the lawe , in subscribing , whilest ( notwithstanding ) they were not willing to subscribe , as the Lawe required . Surely there can be little hope of peace in the outward gouernment of that Church , where the leaders of others are not willing or think it not lawfull , to be obedient , neither can there be any one act in the obseruation of all wise men more avayleable , and in reason more likelye to procure this then Subscription , which tyeth the tongue & hands from any way resisting those lawfull ordinances , that preserue peace , all other creatures obserue that law which their maker appointed for them , Psal. 148.6 . for he hath giuen them a law which shall not be broken : This being the reproofe of man ( saith Saint Ambrose ) but most of all of vs of the Cleargie , In Hexamer . who being the children of the Church , nay , fathers in Christ to beget others , are notwithstanding disobedient vnto those lawes which in great wisedome for her owne safety the Church hath made . It is dangerous when we say : Surely we will walke after our owne imaginations , and doe euery man after the stubbernnes of his wicked heart . Ier. 28.1 . But wee finde in you a better show of comformity then in many others , who professing to subscribe to his Maiesties Supremacy without exception or qualification , cannot in reason but yeild obedience vnto the lawes which are all of them authorized from his mouth , & for the censure of the communion Booke , notwithstanding you thinke something to bee faultie in it , yet ( wee desire you to remember it ) considered in the intention of the Church of England , and reduced to the propositions which it publikely professeth , Subscription being a kind of oath , I doubt whether priuate men haue power to make their own limitation . it contayneth nothing contrarie to the word of God . This then being your approbation vnder your hand , doe you not think it lawful to alow by subscription what you think lawfull ? The truth of those things whereunto you haue beene required to subscribe , hath forced a confession of their lawfulnesse , euen from the mouthes of her greatest aduersaries , and yet for all this , because they would be to others examples of disobedience , they haue refused to subscribe , to thrust others of lesse learning & greater moderation into the like contempt . This being ( as one noteth ) the principal vnhappines of those men , Authoritatem habent senum , ● . tia pueroru● . S●nec . Ep. 4. that they had the authoritie of the aged , and the faults of youth . Who being in this ( as they thought ) to publish their vertue were supposed not without cause to affect glory .

APOLOGY .

A Weeke after I was called before the Bishop of London , the Deane of the Chappell being with him , and ( after many sharpe rebukes for my Sermon preached before his Maiestie ) vrged to subscribe to the three articles ; we stood a time in clearing some exceptions then taken : at last , I prayed leaue to write downe the same limitation which I had written to his Maiestie , and then read before them . Which being denyed as idle and needlesse to be exprest , because it was alwaies implied and vnderstood , I ( taking them both and God to witnes that I did subscribe in the same sence , and with the same limitations that I had expressed in that sent vnto his Maiesty ) did then subscribe . This done , I pretested vnto them that I had in the some manner , and with the same protestation subscribed twise before , yet wished that my present subscription might not be diuulged , but as I my selfe should open it , least I should be thoght to haue done that at this time out of feare , & for desire of inlargment ( which God knew , I had done according to my iudgement ) & so become lesse profitable in my calling , & lesse able to satisfie other men . The bishop replied that the King must know it , otherwise for his part it should be concealed , which the Deane also promised as well as he , I answered that I knew well his Maiestie must know it , and cared not who knew it but in the former respect , and that my selfe would make it knowne , ( which thing I did the same houre and neuer yet denyed ) beseeching them to informe his Maiestie that I had done no more now then before , least his Maiesty should thinke me caried by feare as a man of an euill conscience , which they both promised to doe : his Lordship and Master Deane then exhorted me to conformitie in practise , I answered , that for my iudgement of the ceremonies , they knew it ( as did also many of the ministers ) amongest whom I had at sundry conferences discouered and maintayned my opinion of their lawfulnes : but for practise , I should yeilde to haue them vsed in my cure , but in my owne person who had neuer vsed them , and once lost my place for not vsing them , I durst not promise it ( at least ) vntill I had done what I could to preuent offence . Two daies after this , I was called againe before the Bishop to be discharged of mine imprisonment by order from his Maiesties Counsell . At what time the Bishop exhorted me to conforme my selfe , and perswade other men , for conformitie I besought his Lordship not to expect it at my hands , nor to say , I doubled with him , if I performed it not so long as the feare of scandall should restraine me , adding that his Lordship might gaine much honour to himselfe , and peace to the Church by shewing compassion vpon the ministers in a few lighter things , when their hearts were so inclinde to peace , his Lordship replied that I should haue time to teach and satisfie my people , I answered that I did not so much feare the offence of those , with whom I now liue , as of other places where I had liued . And as touching the satisfying of other men I tolde him , I might not vndertake to perswade , but would be readie vpon any occasion to professe freely what I thought , as I had done alreadie at sundrie conferences , and that I had that day receiued some obiections of a friend in writing , to which I had promised Answer . His Lordship wished to see the arguments , but I craued pardon , bycause they were committed to me from a friend , and vpon trust , he then required to see mine answer before I should send it to my friend , which I yeilded vnto , and haue not yet broken , for I neuer sent answer to it , nor euer shall . And this my Lord to my best remembrance is the whole summe of that which I haue done , and the world speaketh of so much , and diuersly out of all which this summe ariseth : First , that I haue foure times subscribed to the Booke of common prayer with limitation and reference of all things therein contayned , vnto the purpose and doctrine of this Church of England , and limitation I eyther wrote down or protested before witnesse : Secondly , that I neuer promised present conformitie in practise , howsoeuer I confessed the ceremonies not simply vnlawfull , as I did since also before your Lordship .

ANSWER .

IT is the desire of all men who are willing to continue the reputation without wrong , to be able to giue account of what they doe , and to render a reason of what they speake . The narration of your behauiour and trouble , as also your opinion concerning conformitie with this Church , as we haue receiued it vnder your owne hand , so wee desire leaue without offence to obserue some few things materiall to this end , and although your reducing the summe of the whole storie to those two heads : first , that you haue foure times subscribed to the booke of common praier with limitation and reference of all things therein contayned vnto the purpose and doctrine of this Church of England . Secondly , that you neuer promised conformitie in practise , howsoeuer you confessed the ceremonies not simply vnlawfull ; be the principall things contayned in it ; yet , because some other things are pertinent to this cause , wee will rather examine then answer what you haue alleadged .

1 You haue yeilded to subscribe with limitation , which limitation is the purpose and intention of the Church of England , a caueat ( doubtlesse ) not needful to be expressed , seeing it is the same Church that requireth subscription , who would not haue any within her own bosom require an allowance to the fancies & opinions that others hould . And peraduenture wise men will thinke that the distinctions found out , are but euasions do what they would not seeme , whilst in the meane time they might lurke vnder some equiuocall cloud as the Iesuits doe .

2 Further , you desire that your present subscription might not bee diuulged , but as your selfe might open it , a thing you see both yeilded vnto , and performed by those , in whose power it was but doubtfull what intention you had , in concealing of it ; I can easily afford you so much charity as to thinke it was , least some sinister and false collections might be deriued from it , whilest some others ( peraduenture ) more probably think , that you meant to beare your brethren in hand , that you yeilded not so farre as in truth ye did . Consider if the concealement of this subscription haue not some proportion with the hypocricy of Saul , 1. Sam. 15 , 30. but honour me I pray thee before the elders of my people : and that which you feare would be taken to be an euil conscience , could not ( but in the iudgement of so wise a Prince ) be thought an obedient and an humble mind .

3 The third thing is , that notwithstanding your allowance of these ceremonies , yet you could not conforme your selfe , but would willingly allow the practise of them by some other , euen in your owne cure , this in my apprehension doth seeme strange , for seeing your flocke haue that good opinion of you as is fit for sheepe to haue of their pastor , and that you feare not any scandal amongst them ( as your selfe afterward confessed ) your example might haue remooued both from them & others neare vnto you all offence ( if there were any ) who peraduenture might haue stumbled at the same things being vsed by others , and scandal being so , dangerous is not fit to be offered by a Curate .

4 Fourthly , you intreat compassion towards the ministers in a few lighter things . Let me tell you that mildnesse in some other cases may be a vertue , but in this a vice : and surely he fayleth in his episcopall courage , who through remisnesse or pitie suffereth the lawes of the Church ( by being wilfully broken ) to be vnhallowed disturbers of the Churches peace , and surely if the vrging of subscription which the law required , haue beene the cause of the seuerall dissentions in our Church , a worse effect could not haue proceeded from so good a cause , then that that which was a vertuous inuention to make peace , by the vnquiet disposition of some few should become the originall fountaine of so much warr . Besides , experience telleth vs that the mildnes which that Reuerend Archbishop Grindall vsed in those times little auailed with those men for to make them better , and the last Archbishop of famous memory found it to be most true that such as were spared eyther from his owne compassion , Whitgif● . the importunity of others , or a hope to win them by this means , the fauour shewed them in that kind they esteemed but desert , & his mildnes & patience to be their own merit : besides , the things are not to be esteemed few or light which are manifold disobediences to those peaceable orders & lawful constitutions which the Church maketh .

5 Fiftly , you feare not so much the offence of those with whom you do now liue , as of other places where you haue liued . In Norwick . This can be no good pretence for disobedience in this case , seeing they by your example were most fit to be resolued of the true lawfulnesse of those things , An alteration in the intent and purpose of the Church of England , in requiring subscription . of whose suspected vnlawfulnes they first grew iealous by your doctrine , who since I hope haue been better taught .

APOLOGY .

NOw because it may seeme a part of dishonesty or leuity , SECT. 1. now to refuse the conditions so often accepted , I beseech your Lordship to wey this mine answer that for so much as the purpose ( if not doctrine ) of our Church to which I referred my subscription appeareth vnto me by the late Canons , Booke of conference , and some speeches of your Lordship and some others to be varied somewhat from that which I before ( not without reason ) tooke it to be , I hold my selfe to be where I wa● , but the state of subscription to be changed from it selfe , partly in the end of requiring subscription partly in the things subscribed vnto , I euer-●ook our subscription to import an admission of things so farre tollerable taken in the Churches intention , that men not otherwise preiudiced might lawfully vse them being imposed : this conceit the words of the subscription in which we acknowledge the booke , such as may lawfully be vsed , did breed in me and the Ordinary , speeches of your Lordship and other Bishops strengthen as that the ceremonies were trifles , rags , beggerly rudiments , that in the booke were multae tollerabiles ineptiae , which if it pleased the King to remoue , they would be glad , which all are pleas rather for tolleration then approbation of them . Neither did I mistake ( if mistake ) that point alone , for there be many , some of geeat place that vrging subscription and conformity , neuer sticke to say that authority ought to remoue some things , and sinneth , in not doing it , thereby shewing that they thinke not Subscription to approue the voluntary imposition , but the compelled obseruation of some things in the booke . a) a) Yet he doth not tell vs what he doth perceiue . Cano. 36. But now I perceiue by the close of the third Article of Subscription , wherin ex animo , we must professe to subscribe to all things contained in any of the three articles , and by the sixt Canon where the approbation of the rites and ceremonies is prouided for , as well as the vse , and by the whole tenour of the Canons which apparently condemne and preiudge all clayme made , or to be made for any alteration : now my Lord , if this be the intention of our Church in requiring Subscription , I cannot yeild thereto , some things a man must aequitate improbare ( as Austin speaketh ) and many things may be well obserued that are not so well commanded saith Beza , Li. 2. cont. parme: ●pist. 12. be it that a man might doe well rather to vse the ceremonies then loose his calling , shall I acknowledge your Lordship to doe well in the ordaining of them ? hath God in vaine commaunded dissimilitude with idolaters ? were the fathers vnwise that called so instantly from conformity with the heathen , or the sects of Iewes or heretikes in matters indifferent , such a garland or habit , or keeping of Easter day , or thrise dipping ? &c.

ANSWER .

THere is little hope of sufficient strength in the sequell of this Apology , whose foundation is laide vpon so false a ground ; nature hauing taught all men this truth , that where the beginnings of things faile , the deductions which are ( as it were ) an issue proceeding from the same originall , must needes bee worse , both because all vertue , which is communicated ( except imediately from the author of all vertue ) must by participation bee weakned , and all admission of concurrence in other causes , cannot but make something which is weake , Insimulari quiuis innocens a quouis nebulone potest , Apuleius . cleaue vnto that vertue : besides , nothing is so easie ( if there were either as much honesty or safety in it ) as for men euill disposed , to wrong those that are innocent , whome if wee cleare from all fault , ( as they deserue ) we shall either bee thought to flatter , or else burden their modestie with their deserued praises . A change in you , not in opinion , but in obedience can no way be iustified , but by an accusation of our whole state , as if that now vpon the sodaine , wee varied and declyned , not from the doctrine , but from the intention and purpose , that the Church had . Wee accept very willingly , that which you haue graunted , & which no aduersaries to this Church , shal be euer able to disproue , that as the foundation of our doctrine is the vnchangeable word of truth , so it is & hath beene like the author thereof , God himselfe , euer constant and the same : neither can the vsuall imputations of difference laid by our aduersaries , bee any blemish to vs , seeing those things wherein wee dissent are rather the opinions of some few , then the setled consent of the whole Church . It seemeth you haue hitherto mistaken what subscription was , supposing it to import an Admonition of things so farre tollerable , that men not otherwise priudiced , might lawfully vse them beeing imposed . Where priuate fancies aduenture to interpret the limitations of their own obedience , the wisdome of those that make lawes , shall haue little vse , & men disposed not to obey wil find colorable excuses ( vnder pretence of being preiudiced ) for that which they do refuse : could any man think Subscription to be a Tolleration , onely of things not to be approued , and not rather an allowance of things to be tollerated , the intention ( doubtles ) of the Church in this , was not to require a tolleration or approbation from you , or any inferior , of such things as were thought fit for the Church to command , but to tye the tongues and the hands of all men , from disturbing the Churches quiet , & from any way resisting those lawful ordinations that preserue peace . Rom. 13. It cannot bee the duety of inferiours to examine with what reason lawes are made ( seing other places & times wherein they are interessed , are appointed to that end ) but only by obedience , to giue an allowance , & by subscribing an approbation to what the lawes command ; which either by way of tolleration to indure without approbation , or in show to approue without an harty allowance , were subtilly ( by conformity ) to procure their owne peace , and dangerously , when occasion should serue , Cano. 36. to disturbe the Church . Would any man do that vnder his hand , which he is loath to be commanded to doe ex animo ▪ surely , it cannot be seuerity in that lawe , which requireth the heart to consent to what the hand doth , seing reason telleth vs , that in reasonable actions , the hands and the tongue should expresse the heart , & whosoeuer desireth to seuere these , either intendeth to dally with God , or to delude man . But many things ( say you ) are in the Communion booke , which may be tollerated , but not approued :

Tollerabiles ineptiae .

Discourse of the troubles a● Franckford . pag 35.

for therin are multae tollerabiles ineptiae . Indeed , it pleased M. Caluin ( writing his censure of that booke from Geneua , to Knox and Whittingam at Frankford ) to say as you doe , that in it were many tollerable follies . But we see not how either ( if they be follies ) they can be tollerable in a Church Lyturgy , or how any dispraises of ours haue inuented a Lyturgy of their owne , more absolute and perfect then ours is : but least the commendation of this should be thought but the opinion ▪ of such as were willing to flatter the state , at that time the graue approbation of that holy Martyr Doctor Taylor , is fit to be alledged in this place , a censure giuen in England , within two daies of that which before M. Caluin gaue . There was ( saith he ) set forth by the most innocent king Edward for whom God be praised euerlastingly ) the whole Church seruice , with great deliberation , In his conference betwixt him and Bish. Gardiner . Ian. 22.1555 . Act. and ●on . fol. 1521. & the aduice of the best learned men of the realm , & authorised by the whole Parliament , & receiued & published gladly by the whole Realme , which book was neuer reformed but once ( note that seldom alterations are their vertues that were before vs ) & yet by that one reformation , it was so fully perfected , according to the rules of our Christian religion in euery behalf , that no Christian conscience ( I pray you mark it ) can be offended with any thing therin contained , I mean of the book reformed . Si ner ●mnia ●re●tionem sanctorum verba discurra● quantum existimo nihil . And shal we now from the conceipt of so●e few , make light account of so honorable a testimony , & not rather say of this booke , as S. Austin doth in another case . If thou runnest through all the wordes of the holy prayers ; Inuenies quod non ista dominica contineat & concludat oratio . Aust. Epist. 12. ad probam viduam . I suppose , thou shalt finde nothing which the Lords Prayer doth not containe and comprehend , therefore wee may in other words speake the same things in our Prayers , but wee may not speake contrary thinges . Those of great place , who thinke some things fit to be remoued , may peraduenture be wronged by you : for if their wisdome bee answerable to their places , they knowe , and must confesse , both alterations with cause to bee dangerous , and without ( cause such as this were ) to be needlesse . No man would blame you to obserue the moderation , Lib. 2. contr. par. cap. 2. which you mention , out of Saint Austin : for , quisquis , vel quod potest arguendo corrigit , vel quod corrigere non potest , saluo pacis vinculo excludit , vel quod saluo pacis vinculo excludere non potest aequitate improbat , firmitate supportat , hic pacificus est . In all which , if most of the refusers to subscribe , haue failed , wee must needes say with the Prophet DAVID ; The way of peace haue they not knowne . Et quia hoc credunt cum Impudenter dicunt Christiani sumus audent di●ere nos soli sumus . Aust. contr. parmenianum lib. 1. Cap. 3. Ipsa quippe mutatio consuetudinis , etiam quae adiuuat vtilitate , nouitate perturbat . Aust. And because they beleeue , when impudently they say , wee are holy , they dare say , wee alone are holy : but if these things may bee well obserued , the faults in commaunding ( doubtlesse ) wil not bee required at your hands , and surely , the wisdome in our Gouernours was great , who sawe that in alterations of custome , that which may helpe ( peraduenture ) with the profit of it ( doubtlesse ) with the nouelty of change will doe more hurt , and yet in reason , you cannot but acknowledge that their LL. haue done wel in commanding these Ceremonies , beeing both ancient and seruing for order , and to edefication , vnlesse you can shew that they are vnlawfull .

But say you , hath God in vaine commaunded dissisimilitude with Idolators ? Were the Fathers vnwise that called so instantly from conformity with the heathen , or the sects of Iewes or hereticks in matters indifferent , such as a garland or habit , or keeping of Easter daye or thryse dippings ? &c.

In the weaknes of my vnderstanding these can be no warrents for your manifest dissenting from the orders of this church ; are the rulers Idolatours ? are the things commaunded idolatrye ? you yourself haue cleared them from that fault . Magnum Ecclesiae lumen nisi caduca stella fuiss●t . Lisp . Tertullian a great light ( surely of the Church ( if he had not beene a falling starre ) reporteth of one ( at whome peraduenture you aime in mentioning the garland ) who chose rather to dye , then with the rest of the souldiers to be crowned with lawrel , only in this respect , that the Christians had a ceremony not to doe it . For to cast away ( in time of persecution ) the badge and signes of their warfare , was to discouer vnto the world , that they were cowardly soldiers , and ( vndoubtedly ) in the Church , there would haue beene no difference about thrise dipping , if the Arrians had not abused it , to establish their heresie of the three natures of the three persons , Lege Gregor. lib. 1. Epist. 41. a● Leandra . Concil. Tol. 4. Cap. 5. which made Gregory to commaund , that through all Spaine , there should bee but once dipping , and this after was confirmed by the Counsell of Toledo : but speak seriously without affection , is there any thing remaining in our Church of this nature ? Is there any thing exacted of this danger ? Doubtlesse , if there were most of these Reuerend Fathers , who now are earnest exacters of obedience & subscription in these things , would be humblysuters to his Maiesty , that the burden therof might be remoued from the shoulders of their brethren , & that the beauty of the Gospel might not be blemisht with these stains .

APOLOGY .

Pag. 125. ARe the Iudgements of the most learned of this age , which thinke them fittest to be remoued ( euen the garmentes ) because ( as Martyr saith ) they carry to the lo●kers on , pestiferae missae expressam Imaginem , and that wee might demonstrat● ( as Bucer saith ) our renuntiation of that Roman Antichrist of no moment ? Is the generall practise of the sister Churches in abol●shing these things , and drawing themselues rather into conformity with the Apostolicall simplicity , a it were the patterne shewed in the Mount , of no respect . Is not that reason that P. Martyr giues , in saying , if we did hate Idolatry heartily , Loc. com . pa. 1124 we would bee carefull to roote out the very steppings of it , consonant to S. Iude , to Esay , and other Scriptures , which incite our zeale against ( not Idols only ) but their very names and all their implements . Vers. 23. Es 2.20.30.22 . Deut. 12.3 . Is the experience of aboue fifty yeares contention about them insufficient , to shewe vs the great hurt ( which without any fruite ) we take by them ? Or should not the experience of incommodities alter these things , which sence or rather hope of commodity brought in , Aust. ad Marcel . E●ist . 5. Ma●tyr . L●c. com Class. 2. ca● . 2. as S. Austin and others teach . Doth not the obseruation of forty fiue yeares together , shewing that we gaine no Papists , but loose Protestants by them , and that Papists are fewest , where the vse of the Ceremonies hath beene least in this Land , teach vs , that as the reuerend fathers did well to retaine them at the first , in hope of winning the Papistes , so wee shall doe better in remouing them now , when we finde the Papists confirmed in their superstitions , insolent in hope of more to come , many godly men offended , the Ministers deuided , the people distracted , & the Church vpon this quarrell , like to loose many of her worthy lights , and all for supposed ornaments , taken immediatly out of the wardrope of Antichrist miserably , in times past superstitious , in themselues needlesse ; in vse , not vnprofitable onely , but scandalous , and by their long disuse , euen in the grauest and godliest persons , now scorned as much ( almost ) as was the Masse after one and twenty yeares exile at Argentine , when the young men laughed ( saith Sleydan ) & could hardly be restrained , as in our parts we finde .

ANSWER .

IF the iudgements of men had as much power to discerne , as their opinions haue strength to apply , false causes would bee no imputation to truth : neither should innocency suffer as an euill doer : but where hurts are sensibly perceiued , and yet the groundes of those euils directly mistaken , Iustice must suffer as a transgressor , and mindes vertuous must be punished for the faults which are none of theirs . Wee cannot better esteeme Good , then by that goodnesse which it bringeth vnto vs , and in those things which are not easily discerned what they are , that we may not be carried with a preposterous loue , wee reuerence the iudgements of the learned : We dissent not easily from the practise of the sister Churches : Wee are vnwilling to treade euen in the least steppes of Idolatry . Wee eschewe the contentions of former times : Wee cast the account of what benefits we haue receiued by their means , and then wee dare deliuer our opinion in this case : That the Ceremonies commanded in the church of England ( howsoeuer vncharitably traduced , as superstitious & Antichristian ) are neither dissenting from the opinion of the best , and most of the most learned in this age ( both Vniuersities hauing giuen their allowance of them ) nor disagreable to the practise of the sister Churches ( vnlesse you meane Geneua , whom necessitie droue to entertaine that discipline , not as best , but as then safest and fittest for her ) nor so ioynd with Idolatry , but that all men can make a difference , nor the cause of contention , had not men rather loued that , then to bee obedient , nor lately a hinderance to the Gospell in this fortie fiue yeares , wherein infinite numbers haue beene reformed , and many more would haue beene , but for the contentions of these men , and therefore , Bonus doctor est qui in humilitate seruat disciplinam , et per disciplinam non incurrit in superbiam . Isiodor . lib. 3. de summo bono . cap. 40. vntill we come to the particuler examination of the exceptions , that are made against them , wee answere these interrogatiues with negatiues , and allowe him to be a good teacher , who in humility obserueth discipline , and by discipline doth not incurre pride .

APOLOGY .

MOre particulerly my Lord , how can I approue in your Lordship , General exceptions to the Communion booke in the Intention . SECT. 2. that had power to help it , the continuance of the signe of the Crosse , which in popery was made an Idoll euen the transiant signe , & worshipped with Letrea , and still worshipped by euery Papist , with inward religious worshippe , considering how the brasen Serpent , being descended of more noble birth , of better vse to be continued , for the only burning of Incense to it , not by all , but by some of the people was commendably demolished , and with contempt , and considering how God commanded the vtter defasing of the Idolatrous things , Deut. 12.2 . Numb , 33.52 . & that not vpon Typical or personall , but vpon such morall & perpetuall respects ( Deut. 7. least they should become a snar vnto his people ) as reach vnto our selues in things of our owne deuise , & no necessary vse . And who can commend in your Lordships the placing of it so neare in situation and signification to the Sacrament , when God forbad a groue to be planted neere vnto his Altar : Deut ▪ 16.2 . and generally who can in conscience approoue the pressing of these things in controuersie , more then the great duties out of controuersie , without regard of charity toward the weake , Zanch. com . 〈◊〉 . 14. de tradit . pag. 631. or scandall to the blind , and vnder farre sorer penalties then the breach of Gods commaundements , which Zanchius maketh a note of impious traditions : and finally my Lord , how can I approoue vnder my hand your course herein , that haue reinforced a needlesse warre about those things , which were almost at rest in the graue , and still hiding your owne selues vnder good words and seemings to pitie vs , and to wish the things were gone ( if it pleased his Maiesty ) to draw vpon his excellent Maiesty the vehement and general grieuance of the subiects , whose honour in the hearts of his deare seruants , it were fitter for vs to purchase with losse of our not honour alone , but liues if need required .

ANSWER .

SEeing the principall cause of our departure from the Church of Rome , was that idolatrie which like a canker hath infected the best parts of their worship , we cannot but thinke it an accusation both vnreasonable and strange to lay this blemish vpon those that doe rule ouer vs , as if they meant ( by retayning some ceremonies ) to bring vs backe againe to the Idolatrous slauery of that Church . But first to thinke the opposition ought necessarily to be so great betwixt them and vs , as that nothing were now lawfull for vs that were vsed by them were peraduenture to traduce to our posteritie without cause , as the corrupters of all religion in all parts , and to denie vnto our selues the iust furtherances of pietie and holines , onely because Idolatrie and superstition had corrupted those meanes amongst them , but if neither they esteeme so of the Crosse , that the transiant signe ( as you call it ) is to be worshipped with deuine worship , nor that we haue proportioned our selues in the same ceremonie to the supposed or manifest Idolatrie amongest them : The iniury must needes bee accounted greate vpon an opinion of zeale , to wound euen through the sides of her enemie , the vitall partes of that Church that doth giue vs life . Peter Martyr ( from whence it seemeth you haue taken this accusation ) saith that the Church of Rome teach , Part. 2. cap. 5. That the signe of the Crosse is to be worshipped with Latreia . Which surely by him was vnderstood not of the signe transiant , but of that verie crosse , whereon Christ suffered , which they make a relicke , we will not stand to examine their errour in this point , Non est dicendum imagines vllas adorari debere Latria . Bellar. Tom. 1. lib. 2. d● imag. cap. 22. onely let me put you in mind what Bellarmin saith , That it is not to be taught that any Images are to be worshipped Latreia . And to this end he alleadgeth the authoritie of diuers councels . What then must wee say to your reason which is grounded vpon that which they say not ? but we will suppose , seeing Peter Martyr doth ioyne with you that it was their opinion , although they haue reclaimed it at this day , must it therefore needs follow , that eyther it is so vsed by vs , or by vs not lawfull to be vsed at all ? hath there beene any greater idolatrie in the Church of Rome , then that which they exhibiting to the bread in the Supper , vpon an opinion of Transsubstantiation haue therewith vnhallowed and prophaned the blessed Sacrament , and yet may not wee ( nay ought wee not ) lawfully to retaine it as a thing holy ? Nay , Peter Martyr himselfe confesseth , whom sundry times you alleadge as your patron in this cause , That the signe of the Crosse is worne by Princes vpon their crownes without superstition , because by that signe , they onely testifie and professe that they honour and maintaine the religion of Christ . But peraduenture you will say wee ought not to make it a significatiue ceremonie to expresse that warfare which wee vndertake when we are baptized : Loc. Com. part. 2. cap. 5.20 heare what he saith : If it bee lawfull for a man to beare in his armes the badge of his owne famimily : It is also lawful for him by the signe of the crosse to professe Christian Religion , there is some difference from them whilst we vse it in Baptisme which you giue vs occasion fitly to handle in another place , onely let me tell you , that if the Papists worship the Crosse more than they ought , must the Church of England neglect the vse thereof more then the ancient Churcher haue done , or then any moderate and wise Christians would do , who glory in nothing so much as the crosse of Christ , which was not vnderstood of afflictions ( although wee may glory in them ) but euen of the sufferings of Christ vpon that crosse whereon he died . See the Reue. Bish. of Winch. in his last boo● . Neither hath the crosse as it is vsed in our Church any proportion eyther with the brasen Serpent , when it was broken , or the groues forbidden , seeing the one continued vntill it was strangely prophaned by insence from their handes , Deut ▪ 16 . 2● . who were not allowed at any time to offer any , and the groues not simply forbidden , but when they were neare the altar . In this respect vertuously restraint hath beene made of the ouer frequent vse of that signe tending to Idolatry , to auoid superstition , and yet a discreete admission of some vse thereof , to eschew prophannesse . Neyther can we commend your vnwillingnesse to approue the Reuerend Fathers of the Church for the continuance of these things , seeing they had power to helpe them , we will not examin their power ( wee wish it were farre greater ) we know their discretion and wisedome hath and shall infinitly beenefit the Church by the late Canons ; and for those who peraduenture allow the things as you speake , but approoue not the commaunding of them , we must say as Saint Austin doth , Non est amicus recti quando si fieri posset mallet id quod rectum est non fieri . Aust. inps. 66. he is not a friend to the truth , who had rather if it were possible that that which is truth were not commaunded . Neyther is the warre about these things so needlesse as you thinke , seeing it is like that if euer there were out of milde patience strongly and vehemently ( euen with much hypocrisie ) importuned any truce , the Church hath receiued more hurt by that , then by all the seueritie which requiring obedience doth bring peace .

APOLOGY .

SO againe my Lord , admit that we may lawfully read that Apocripha , See the Kalender in the new edition of the booke . which is not corrupt , being so commanded can I allow in your Lordship , that care of keeping euen the parcels of those Chapters , some parts whereof we reiect as drosse , as if we must needs gather all the broken pieces of brasse into the treasurie of the Church of God , and leaue so many golden plates which beare for letters of credence the stampe of Gods Spirit sleeping in the decke , as if they were neither currant coyne nor good mettall . Yea ( my Lord ) who can with iudgement allow the ordayning of any Apocripha to be read in the congregation , in such sort as it is appointed , that is , at the same times with the Scriptures , vnder the name of Holy Scripture , as partes of the old Testament , and as parts of diuine seruice , and without any manner of difference or distinction , for when as the booke prescribing to say onely at the reading of the Lessons , Rubrick . Cano. 4. & 14. heere beginneth such a Chapter taken out of such a booke , and the 14. Canon forbiddeth any addition to this order in matter or for me . It is plaine , that we are not allowed to discypher the difference betwixt the base mettals and the Lords owne stamped coyne . Now my Reuerend Father , howsoeuer some of these bookes haue many godly and deuine sayings , yet seeing the sacred Scripture onely is principium 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 1. Pet 1.25 . 2. Timoth. 3.16 . Inspired of God , and therefore of sole power to commaund the conscience , and that Scripture is so large in volume , that we cannot often read it all , neuer do : so rich im matter , that we need not for a ground-worke any other , who can commend that order which is taken of reading some Apocripha oftener then any of the Canonicall , much of it twice , and as much of the Canonicall not once , and that vpon high daies the Sonne of Sarah must giue place to Agars Sonne , The Canonicall to the Apocriphall Chapter , Rubrick . Eld. 2.62 . whereas it s●emeth as fit to dismount the vsurper from that dignitie , as it seemed to Ezra to abandon from the priesthood all such as could not draw their pedegree from Aaron . And though in Ruffinus and Hieronus time , Cyril . Hieros . Chap. 4. Chrisost. in Mat. Homel . 38. Athanas. in Synops. when they went safely vnder the name and knowledge of Ecclesiasticall or Apocriphall bookes , they were read for information of manners , yet seeing in those ancient times , some of the fathers did inhibit the reading of them , some say they were vsed by the Catechistes ( as wee permitted base coyne to the Irish ) some ( euen Councels ) forbad the reading of them , and seeing by their first more innocent then prudent admission of them to be read in assemblies , Three conuersions and ●ther Papistes . they wonne ( as appeareth in the third Councell of Carthage ) the stile first of Canonicall Scriptures , and afterward the full dignity , and haue since iustled with the Canon as Ismael did with Isack for precedence , and hauing wonne it by this stratagem do maintaine their stile from the s●me reason of being read , and that euen amongst vs , me thinks there was neuer so great cause of aduancing them so neare the Chayr of estate , as is now of teaching them to know their distances eyther by sylencing their voyces in the assemblies as most of the reformed Churches do , or else by teaching them to speake in a different time , as doe those Churches that read them while the congregation is gathering , not as parts to diuine seruice , or at least that euery Minister were ioyned to giue them their note of difference , that the people might know and discerne the voice of God , from the voice of good men . Veru eoque iugulante notauit . And if Hierom , translating some of them , did giue them a brand of difference , why should not we in the reading ? Or if the elder brother suffer not the yonger to giue the armes of his house without a Crescent to distinguish them , how will God ( that is so Iealous of his Honour ) put it vp , that wee put no sensible difference betwixt the children of his spirit , and the baser sonnes of men ( though good men ) . Pag. 60. In which cause ( my Lord ) I am the more earnest , because I finde at the Conference Hierom taxed for calling them Apocripha ; and there ( though not truely , for Cyril did it before him ) saide to bee the first that so termed them , and his exceptions called the old euils of the Iewes , and I find them also tearmed Canonicall ad mores , as if any writing but Gods could be properly Canonical , which is co ipso canonica quo authentica , as D. Whitaker well saith , which make one feare , that which I am loth to feare or speake , must make me by so much the more afraid of allowing their admission , by how much they incroch vpon the prerogatiues royoll of the Scriptures , eyther in titles or in vsage .

ANSWER .

THe custome of accusing the lawfull ordinances of this Church hath imboldened some men ( aboue both dutie and reason ) to continue still vehement in their first opposition , which peraduenture at the beginning was vndertaken without cause , this land as it neyther doth , nor I hope euer shall professe any other doctrine , but that which is sincere and true . The learned discourse of 〈◊〉 . Our home aduersaries confessing , that for the substance of Religion it maintayneth the true and the holy faith , so for our publike Lyturgye which now is misliked by you , wee will first take the censure of one as strickt as any that liued eyther since , or before him , and after ( if wee be further vrged ) enter into the particular defence of all that iustly can bee misliked in our Church , not that wee are willing to giue any strength to this last errour , or to flatter for aduancement the eye or the hand of this time , ( an infirmitie which we hope shall not cleaue vnto vs ) but because wee are perswaded in conscience , that the holy Spirit hath directed the consultations of the fathers of our Church ( euen then when first they banished superstition ) to frame by the assistance of a Diuine power , a publike seruice of God in this land , purer for the matter , more effectuall for vse , more chast for ceremonie , more powerfull to procure deuotion , then any Lyturgye publicklye established since the defection from the primitiue Church : Deering against H●●don in his booke call●d a sparing restraint . Of which ( as I promised ) I must tell you what Maister Deering said , Looke if any line be blameable in our seruice , take holde of your aduantage , I thinke Maister Iewell will accept it for an article , our seruice is good and godly , euerie title grounded vpon holy Scriptures , and with what face doe you call it darknesse ? But men are ashamed to seeme guiltie , Erubescit aliqu●●do s●ri reus , qui semper fuerat Index . Chrisost. who alwaies haue beene Iudges , or at least accusers . That then which you mislike in this place ( for the rest wee shall indeuour to defend , when wee come vnto them ) is the reseruation , euen of the parcels of those Chapters , some parts whereof we reiect as drosse , that is , to summe vp your whole accusation in few words , that no Apocripha is publikely to be read in diuine seruice . The Church of Christ according to her authoritie receiued from him , hath warrant to approoue the Scriptures , D. Whitaker . to acknowledge , to receiue , to publish and to commaund vnto her children : so then , that the Scriptures are true to vs , wee haue it from the Church , but that we beleeue them as true in themselues , we haue it from the holy Ghost . By this power the Church hath severed those parcels of Scripture by the name of Apocripha from those , which vndoubtedly were penned from Gods Spirit . In this diuision , neyther hath the light nor the approbation beene all one , seeing euen some partes penned by the holy Ghost , ( and so now generally approued both by the Church of Rome and vs ) haue had some difficulty , not without great examination to be admitted into the Catalogue of Gods Canon . As the Epistle to the Hebrewes , of S. Iames , the second of Peter , the second and third of Iohn , the Epistle of Iude , and the Reuelation . And howsoeuer those that were neuer doubted of , may seeme to haue ( in some sort ) greater authoritie then those that were : Zanch. de Res. Ca. Hiero in praefat. in . lib. Salom. Cyp. in Simb . Con. Laodi . cap. 59. yet wee giue them ( saith M. Zanchy ) equall credit with the rest , and to the Apocripha , the next place of all other to the holy Scripture . The Canonical only wee allow for probation of the doctrine of Faith , but the other ( being proued ) for the confirmation therof : Nay , the Church of Rome confesseth ( howsoeuer they and wee differ , Apocriphis non est dandus in Cano ne locus . Dryedo . lib. 4. cap. 1. de lib. Apocriphis . which are Canonicall ) that the Apocripha in the Canon are to haue no place .

Saint Austin calleth by a larger acceptation of the word Canonicall , euen those , which though they had not perfect and certaine authority , yet accustomably were read in the Church , to edefie the people : a custome ( as it seemeth ) neither now , nor differing from the practise of our Church . Chatachumenis Pag. 27. Contro ▪ . 1. de scriptura . Athanasius allowed them to some men . The third Counsel of Carthage not at al. Cyrill Bishoppe of Ierusalem reiectes them from beeing read in the Church , of whome Doctor Whitakers ( whome you alledge ) giueth this censure , Hiero. in praefat. in libros Salo. in this Cyrill ( peraduenture ) was ouer vehement which forbad these bookes to be read at all . For other Fathers , although they accounted them Apocripha , yet they permitted them to be read . And Saint Hierome speaketh of the booke of wisdome and of Ecclesiasticus ( out of which two is more read in our seruice then out of al the Apocripha besides ) that they may be reade to the edification of the people not to confirme the authoritye of Ecclesiastical opinions or decrees , this ( peraduenture ) was not vnfit , Quodam simitudme Salo monis esse dicuntur Concil. Trudent . sissi . 4. de Scripturis . seeing antiquity thought as the counsel of Trent hath set downe , that by a kinde of similitude , they might seeme to bee Salomons . Wherein ( notwithstanding ) because there are thought to bee some errors according to the graue moderation of our dread Soueraigne , whose wisdome appeared in this , like the wisdome of Salomon , Conser . at Hamp . pag. 61. Lect 26.46 are le●t out . Nouemb 7.17 . Harmonia Cons. Gallia . Belgia . wee reiect such parcels as are faultie , and retaine the rest . And yet those , which according to the example of the most reformed Churches ( for you rule vs in all things by the tyranny of example ) are retained amongst vs , are neither read nor esteemed as the rest of the holy scriptures , seing liberty is left to all men in their seuerall charges , to informe their people in the different valuation of these writings ( which though the Canon forbid in the Lyturgy , Canon . 14. both because our additions are vnseemly , and often vnsafe ) yet it is lawfull in your Sermon , to instruct your pa●ish , what respect and authority is to bee giuen vnto these bookes : and therefore your feare ( in my opinion ) is needlesse , seeing the very naming of the booke from whence the lesson is taken , to the most of your hearers , will bee difference enough . Non ●unt contēnenda quasi par. na sine quibus magna constare non ●o●●unt . Hierom. Epist. ad Laeta . S●pes●ect●t Humililitas quoduce virtus po●uit s●per are nic ratio . Ambros. Let me aduise you therefore , according to the counsell of Saint Hierom , not to contemne those things , as smal , without which things , that are greater cannot well stand . And therfore it is wisdom , to leaue both the reading and the often reading of these bookes , to the wisdome and direction of those that doe rule ouer vs , and ( I hope ) humility will conquer you in this case , if neither vertue nor reason could ouercome , onely I must tell you before I end this point ,

By my Lords Grace that now is .

Confer pag. 60.

that if Saint Hierom were taxed at the conference , as the first that gaue them the name of Apocripha , there wanted both duery and thankfulnesse in you , to interpose that clause ( though not truely , for Cyrill did it before him ) , Chatech 4. in fine Hiero. omnium a●tissim● è Cano. reijcit . Whitak . pag. 25. contro . prima de Scrip. Seeing all men knowe that Hierom was the first , that of all other did openly tearme them by that name , & ( without all exception ) amongst the Latine Fathers , for any thing that I knowe , was the first , neither was Cyrill his opinion equally sound to S. Hieroms in this case , seeing all men knowe , that by him B●ruch was accounted Canonicall , which worthyly is refused by our Church . Sisentis beneficium , reddedebitū , si ac . ●pis benign● tatem , redde charitatem . Hug , C●ntra rationem nemo sobrius , contra scripturam nemo Christianus , contra Eccle. ▪ nemo pacificus senserit . Aust. de Trinita . lib. 4. cap. 6. And therefore , if you acknowledge the benfit you haue receiued , discharge your debt , and hauing receiued fauour as at his hands , returne loue , as Hugo speaketh . For as S. Austin saith , none that is sober , will striue against reason , None that is a christian , against the Scripture , and none that loueth peace , will thinke contrary to that which the Church doth . And if beyond this , you will needes feare , it may argue your loue , but not your knowledge . Besides , what wisdome ( euen in the greatest safety ) can make a freedom from feare , in the mindes of some melancholy humours .

APOLOGY .

AGaine , Rubrick about Confirm . and at the Communion . though we beare , and with the best , rather then likliest expositions , admit som speeches as we find in some Rubricks , Collects , or translations in the booke , being in shew dangerous , or in sence idle , or ( perhaps ) false yet ( my good Lord ) who can with a good conscience , allow your part , I meane , the reuerend fathers therin , Collect on Innocent day . Epiph. first Sond . in Lent . that in so many Impressions of the booke , could correct none of them , but rather still leaue them vpon improbable defences , then remooue them with ease , as who can Commend in your Lordshipps , still to call those peeces of Scripture Epistles which are taken out of Ieremye , ●sayes , the Acts , and Reuelation , when the verye counsell of Trent that absurdit● in the M●sse booke . And though the eagernesse of some spirits , to innouate to many things , maye somewhat excuse your ten●citye of them , yet in yeilding to nothing you seeme to haue forgotten Augustus Leuell of hating equallye morositie and noueltie as equall faults , Cacozelos & Antquarios Sueto de Aug. yea , to forget how easie it may be in time for the papis●s to ingrosse our own speeches , as by name , that of confirmation , That it giueth strength against temptations to sinn &c. As the Gothes made the laws of the Romans to become theirs by a Gothish interpretation . C●i ▪ in . Epist. ad Ranconem . And in all this stiffnes , what is more manif●st then the difficultye of denying our selues , and of ayming simplie at the glorie of God , when wee are once ingaged and het in the quarrells of our owne .

ANSWER .

SEeing it pleaseth you to repeat the same things , as new , which often heretofore haue beene answered , both by vs and others : It shall not bee ( I hope ) offensiue to any If we say againe what ( else where ) wee haue vttered , which peraduenture hath not come vnto your vew . That because men are easily wearied in those duties that are best , and prayer making vs apt to fall into speculations concerning God , both that our wearines may be lesse , and our thoughts more sound and more agreable to the present busines , those wise men that haue beene before vs haue chosen lessons for the church ( fitting seuerall occasions ) that as prayer make vs fitter to hear , Iust. Mart. 2. Apoleg . Tertul. in Apoc. 39. so the hearing of these may make vs fitter to pray . To read scriptures in the time of diuine seruice , wee hope being auncient and of such vse , their wisdom will not much mislike ,

Coloss. 4.16 . 1. Thess. 5.27 . Saint Austin in many places mentioneth this custome to be ancient , and vsuall .

De ciuit . lib. 22. Ser. 236. Luke 4. Act. 13.15.17.18 .

& if the name of epistle doe offend , you cannot but know that the originall of this ( both for the name and the thing ) was from Paule himselfe , commanding the same Epistle which he sent vnto the Collossians to be read in the Church of the Laodiceans , and of that to the Thessalonians ( he saith ) I charge you in the Lord that this Epistle be read vnto all the brethren the Saints ▪ from which custome the Church hauing appoynted that portion of scripture , whether out of the prophets , Acts of the Apostle , or Reuelation , which circumstances considered , was thought then fittest to be read vnto the people , as if it were sent directlye vnto them , thereby procuring their attention , is not vnfitly tearmed by the name of Epistle : to these as Saint Chrisostome noteth , the minister stood vp and cryed with a loude voyce . Let vs attend : this practise hath resemblance to the practise of the Iewes euen vntill this daye , amongst whome some thing is read euerye Sabboth out of Moses , or the prophets , besides these , if any thing offend through the seueritye of some expositions ( as what scripture so holye that some expositions will not corrupt ) wee desire more charitye at their hands , seing the cause wee defend is the Honour of our church , the wisdome of our forefathers , the worship of God , and not our owne wils , for which onlye if our Reuerend fathers had been ingaged , they would ( I doubt not long since ) rather haue relinquished their owne right , then with so much preiudice haue hazarded the Churches peace : as for the Church of Rome , we are so farre from being vnwilling , that they should ingrosse our speeches , as that wee daily and heartily pray , that they would in all thinges both thinke and speake as wee do .

And if you , or any other ( notwithstanding all this ) shall labour to make the world beleeue , that the courage of Bishops for defence of the Church , is but a stifnesse in their owne quarrels , wee must let the world vnderstand , which we know to be true , that greater moderation and patience ioyned with carefull thoughts of what was to be altered , hath by many degrees more appeared in them , then in the meanest of the Cleargie besides , wherewith if you cannot rest content , but desire them to followe the Counsell of Trent , in the alteration of these things , Propriètamen loquendo nulla Epistola est de veteri t●stamento , sed illae lectiones vocantur . Stephanus Durantus lib. 4 cap. 16. Sect. 6. wee are sory that out of loue to example , you will rather propound them then none , & to please you , wee can be content to say as Du●antus doth , that to speake properly , there is no Epistle out of the old Testament , but rather they are called Lessons .

APOLOGY .

Of the things subscribed vnto : And first of the Ly●urgy in generall . SECT. 3. Canon . 14. AND now my Lord , from the intention of subscription , which I dare not answere vntil I come vnto the things subscribed vnto . Wherin , I pray to haue considered first the Liturgy in general , & then some particulers in it . In general ( acknowledging the booke to be a good and godly booke : I take exception at that new imposition of the Canons , which doth absolutely command against all exceptions the whole Lyturgy to be read euery Sabboth , and that at the vsuall houres . The Booke at the first , was ordained in part to supply the want of a learned ministery , and ( vntill now ) some parts might be omitted lawfully for a Sermon , as the Lord Cheefe Iustice of England iudged lately at Thetford in Norfolke in Tylneys case . And in this intention , who could condemne the Churches godly care of supplying some meanes of Gods seruice , where all could not bee at once prouided ? But this intention is so changed , that by the Canons , no peece of the seruice must giue way to a Sermon , or any other respect , which computed with the accessorie occasions of Christinings , Buryals , mariages , and Communions , which fall out all at sometimes , some at all times in many congregations , doth necessarily pretend if not a purpose , yet a consequence of diuorsing Preaching and so not widowes houses , but Gods house , vnder pretence of long prayers , while neither the time , nor the ministers strength , nor peoples patience can beare that taske of reading and preaching to , of which intention , if we be afraid , who can maruell , that either shall obserue my Lord of Londons motion at the conference , for a praying ministery , as more needefull in a Church planted , then Preaching , as his speech since also haue professed , Pag. 53.54 . or that shall marke how some Canons are planted against Lectures in market townes , whereby the light hath spred to many other darke places , and withall how skilfully all his Maiesties godly purposes against the ignorant , Canon . 27. negligent & scandalous Ministers haue beene not so much delaid , as deluded , and the offendours couered ( as the Flauians in the battell at Cremona by the rysing of the Moone at their backs , Tacit. Hist. lib. 3. cap. 6. which casting long shadowes vpon , which the blowes being spent , fell short of the bodies themselues ) of which there remaines an indigne abuse to his Maiesty , a foule sinne to your Lordships , a heauy plague to the Church , and to the offenders intollerable insolencie , in stead of deserued shame . Now ( my Lord ) I that could well subscribe to the vse of the Lyturgy , as it was before intended , cannot doe so now , the intention not being somwhat shifted , but to the contrary point .

ANSWER .

FEw things are likely to escape vnreproued , where the best things in our Church are reprehended , there is no duty vpon earth , that concerneth man , with a greater nearnes then prayer doth ; Mook. lib. 5. Sect. 23. which vsuallye expresseth euen all the seruice that wee owe vnto God ; for in religion ( as one wisely noteth ) there is no acceptable duty , which deuout inuocation of the name of God doth not either presuppose or inferre : Math. 21.13 . neither can there be greater approbation of this action ( being publick ) then that the Temple being appointed for this end : in this respect God vouchsafeth , it to be accounted his house , as if Sermons , Sacrifices , Sacraments , and all other seruices performed in that place , were but second intentions for the building thereof , in respect of Prayer . Now for the better performance of this duty , the late Canons haue renewed that care which in all ages was found in the gouernours of Christes Church , that the strange desire of some few to heare themselues speake , might not banish from amongst vs an institution of that vse , a dutie of so much profit , an ordinance so holy , as if for feare to displace preaching , our Temples ought not now to be accounted a house of prayer . We must first for answere to their iniurious accusation in this case , tell them that neuer any ( sauing some few & meane persons ) haue disliked a forme of publike prayer ; those which mislike ours , euen with the greatest seueritie that eyther malice , or ( at the best ) the most scrupulous conscience could inuent , haue beene able , but to alleadge some few shadowes of faults , all which haue beene often heretofore answered , and if any in the feruencie of a zealous conscience remaine as yet vnsatisfied , Bucerus in cens●ra de primo libv . sacrorum . we will be bold to vse the words vnto him of Bishop Ridley ( after his condemnation ) to Master Grindall then beyond the seas . ( Alas ) that our brother Knox could not beare with our booke of common prayer , in matters against which , although I grant a man ( as he is ) of wit and learning , may finde to make apparant reasons , but I suppose he cannot be able soundly to disproue by Gods word , the reason he maketh against the Leteny , and the fault per sanguinem & sudorem , he findeth in the same . I doe marueile how he can or dare auouch them before the learned men that be with you . As for priuate Baptisme , It is not prescribed in the booke , but where solemne Baptisme for lacke of time and danger of death cannot be had , what would he in that case should be done ? Peraduenture he will say , it is better then to let them die without Baptisme : For this his ( better ) what word hath he in the scripture ? and if he haue none , why will hee not rather follow that , that the sentences of the old ancient writers doe more allow ? from whom to dissent without warrant of Gods word , I cannot thinke it any godly wisedome . And as for purification of women ; I ween the word purification is changed , and it is called thankesgiuing : surely Maister Knox in my mind is a man of much good learning , and of an earnest zeale , the Lord grant him to vse them to his glorie . Thus farre Bishop Ridley : Bishop of London , and a blessed Martyr , with whom , we say of a great number , they are learned , they are zealous , the Lord grant them to vse them to his glorie , for wee will confesse as Maister Bucer doth , there are not some few things wanting in the Lyturgye of England , which if they be not charitably interpreted , may seeme to dissent from the word of God . But accessimus ( as Maister Iewell confesseth ) quantum maximè potuimus ad Ecclesiam Apostolorum & veterum Catholicorum Episcoporum & patrum , quam scimus adhuc suisse integram atque ( vt Tertullianus ait ) incorruptam vi●ginem , Ioel. Apoc. cap. ●6 . part. 16. nulla dum idolclatria nec errore graui ac publico contaminatam , nec tantùm doctrinam nostram , sed etiam sacramenta , praecumque publicarum formam ad illorum ritus & instituta direximus . In al which , doubtlesse there is nothing wanting , which is requisite in a religious & reformed Church , sauing the charitable construction of our brethren , who will needs ( eyther out of singularitie , or feare ) bee our aduersaries in this cause . And when nothing can bee said against the forme of that Lyturgy which wee vse , they blame the orders of our Church which inioyne the whole Lyturgy to be read at the vsuall houres . And vnder pretence of long prayers to banish preaching out of the Church : I meruaile that any man will obiect it now , seing it was an vntrue imputation long since by Master Cartwright layd vpon this church ( but as one telleth him ) neither aduisedly nor truly spoken : T. C. lib. 3. pag. 184. wee will not compare two things of that nearenes and vse together , but if some mens discretion could haue tempered their Zeale so farr , that their owne paynes ( which they call Sermons ) might haue beene shorter , and the orderly prayers of the church wholly read , I doubt not , but the religion of the people would haue beene much greater : the worship of God more sound , and the vnseasonable contentions of the Church farr lesse , and if they continew but ( as some before them haue done to allow ) an houre & half , according to the pattern of reformed Churches , for the whole Lyturgy or seruice ( wee are perswaded ) it will both bee time sufficient for performing the intention of the Canon , Canon . 14. which forbiddeth all diminshing , in regard of preaching ; & yet no man shal haue iust cause ( if he be willing to preach ) to complaine that hee wants time , or that the length of prayers hath deuoured the Church , for by this means ( hauing time , which the wisdom of authority thinketh sufficient for both ) all extemporall inuention of vnsounde prayer , shall bee vtterly banished out of christes Church , and in Preaching the shortnesse of time shall necessarily cut off all impertinent discourses , whilest they are forced to comprize abundance of matter in few words .

But if any man thinke the Communion booke at first to be ordayned in part , to supply the want of a Learned ministry , which being obtayned , may beomitted either in part or in whole , as men please ; It is an error greatly mistaking the first vse ; and ouermuch differing from the modesty and humility of auncient tymes ; Wherein the Apostles came into the Sinagogue of the Iewes at Antioch and sat downe , Act. 13.14.15 . and after the Lecture of the law , & the prophetts ( which I take was their ordinary seruice ) the rulers of the Sinagogues sent vnto them , saying : ye men and brethren : if ye haue any word of exhortation for the people , say on : read the ordinary marginall note vpon this place , and it will seeme that the Sermon expected the finishing of ordinary diuine seruice , as neither all waies necessarily following , when this was , nor at any time presuming to be ( vpon the Sabbath ) when this was not : nor if the vnhallowed boldnesse of some in our time , hath aduentured to thrust the graue , religious , discreete , deliberate , and iudicious prayers established by authoritie out of our Churches , and forced them ( against all reason ) to giue place to an vnlearned , vnorderly , and bould exhortation without wisedome or sobrietie ( onely somewhat glorying in the show of a hote zeale ) was it not a petition necessary and seasonable , humbly at the conference to intreat of his Maiestie for a praying ministery ? From the contempt whereof haue directly proceeded the prophannesse , the Atheisme , and all the want of Religion in this land , yet let no man thinke , that eyther the Canons or any of the Reuerend Fathers desire that preaching may be lesse , but rather that with all modesty God being honoured in our praiers as we ought , wee maye the better be able to profit by those lessons that sermons doe giue vnto vs . And therefore it is ouer greate boldnes of our aduersaryes in this , to accuse any man in authoritye in the church as an aduersarie to preaching , Read Can. 33.34.42.43.44.45.46.47.59 . &c. seing the whole scope of sundry of these late Canons prouideth better , for more and more learned Sermons , then any lawes heretofore concluded in this Kingdome ; so that wee banish not preaching for prayers as you would make the world beleeue , but saye as our Sauiour doth in another case , this ought ye to haue done , but not to haue left the other vndone . For doubtles the children of God fynd continually an excellent vse of both , Math. 22.23 . Orationibus mun . damur , lectionibus instruimur vtr●mque bo●um est si liccat , by prayer ( saith Isiodore ) wee are clensed , by reading and hearing wee are instructed : If both may be had , they are both good ; If both cannot be had , it is better to pray . So then , to say lesse , then their vncharitable accusation deserueth in this cause , ●i non liceat vtrumque , melius est orare . Hesiod . de suo bono . lib. 3. cap. 1 D. Bridges . Pag. 634. wee affirme that they surmise vs to seeke to haue preaching neglected , but wee know too wel , that praiers are contemned by their meanes , from which at the last , without great care , the neglecting of preaching must needs follow , and therefore the restraynt of the one , with discretion , to giue way to the other , is neither to delay , or delude the Kings purpose against an vnlearned and scandalous ministery ; Tacit. lib. 3. cap. 6 or like the shadowe of the moone at the battell of Cremona , or an abuse to his Maiestie , a sinn to bishops , aplague to the Church , or to the offenders , Intollerable Insolencye in stead of deserued shame , but rather to speake truly , and as this wisdome deserueth in the vpright sinceritye of a good conscience , an execution of the Kings vertuous and religious care , an honour to his Princelye Maiestye , a holye discretion in the reuerend Bishops , a happines to the Church , & a brydle strayt enough to such as deserue shame , for now all may learne to be longer in prayers , and shortter in Sermons , because speeches ouer much inlarged want vnderstanding ( saith Saint Austen ) .

Frequenter in longum protractus sermo caret intelligentia . Aust. de doctr. Christi .

Alteri ignoscito , tibi i●si nunquam . Senec.

And you may be aduised heareafter to blame your selfe and to pardon others .

APOLOGY .

ANd thus from the generall , I descend to some particular exceptions , Particuler except●ons in the Liturgy , and first of omission of the Canon . SECT. 4. as first , those about the Scriptures to be read which are three , 1. The omission of the Canon , 2. The appointing of some corrupt Apocripha : 3. The translations . It is manifest that 160. Chapters of the Canon , and therein some whole bookes , as the Chronicles , Canticles , and most of the Apocalipse are omitted in the Rubrick , as least to edifying . This I excused in my owne heart thus , that because most of these chapters omitted , were either obscure or obnoxius to euill hearts , if read without interpretation , Iuni●s Ar●t . in Bed● 〈…〉 lib. 1. cap. 9. the Church ( in good discretion making a choyce of Scriptures which the learned allow ) did omit them in the direction of the Kalender , but made no doubt , but any able Minister might read them , ouer and aboue the appointed Lessons , with some exposition of their difficulties ; or for a need exchange any of them for some other chapter . But now the Canon ( inhibiting all addition and exchange ) doth not onely sylence for euer those chapters omitted , but so many moe also in our Parochiall and country Churches , where our people will not come , but on holidaies , and where reading is most needfull in publick , because ●ewe can , fewer do reade in priuate , as that a great part of the Bible shall neuer be read ; which , as it crosseth the practise of the Iewes , and of all Christian Churches , the end of the holy Scriptures , which are all written for our learning : so it directly crosseth the first intention of the booke , which proiected the reading of the olde Testament once , Act. 13.15 . Iohn . 8.34 . 2. Tim. 3.16 . Rom. 15.4 . Preface except cer●aine Chapter● ▪ and New thrise euery yeare , accounting of foure chapters in euery day , which takes place in Cathedrall Churches onely , not in Parochiall . Now how the Church may ordaine a course of drowning so much of the Canon , and be innocent , I doe not see .

ANSWER .

IF the Church of England , for blessings the most happy , for learning the most sufficient , for sincerity of Religion the most reformed , and for Lawes and ordinations that concerne piety , the most vpright ( be it spoken without enuie ) of all the Churches of Europe at this day , haue no greater blemish to staine her with , then the drowning of the Canonicall Scripture , which you impute vnto her . Wee are and will bee euer readie ( although the meanest of many thousands that liue in her bosome ) to proue her Innocent . Whereas , if shee haue wilfully silenced Gods truth , and vttered vnto the people vanity and Lyes in steade thereof , wee will mourne for the sinnes of our mother , with hearty sorrowe , and not enter into the defence of so great a fault : for , God forbid , that any partiall affection to her ( who whilest she is vpon earth , may erre ) should make vs transgresse against our father in heauen , who is trueth it selfe , but if shee haue done nothing in this case , which well befitted not the wisdome and care of a mother ( howsoeuer it please others to mistake her meaning ) then let her great wisdome bee iustified of her owne children : to reade in the Church of God , the Scriptures haue beene the honour of our Liturgy , the happynes of our people , and the true and readiest directions to a better life ; but either to reade them all , or onely to reade them , our forefathers ( in discretion ) did not think safe ; seeing the one might bee to small vse , the other not without great profit , and both most agreable to the wisdome and practise of former times : for if a hundred & threescore chapters of the Canon be omitted , as you say ( for we can be content to take your account in this case ) and therein some whole bookes , as the Chronicles , Canticles , & most of the Apocalipse be left out , wee nether doe in this , without warrant what otherwise refuse , nor refuse to doe with warrant , that which reasonably was practised by those that liued before , and yet are neither some things in all the bookes of Apocripha , nor all things in some of them , by authority permitted publicklye to bee read in our Church , and those which are ( as often you haue been told ) are not for confirming of faith , but to reform manners . And so ( as Saint Austen speaketh ) from the customary phrase of the Church wee retayne them and read them as parts of the ould Testament . Ad exempla vitae & forman●os ▪ mores , non ad dogmata cofirmanda . All which ( we confesse ) inpropryat you of speech onlye to bee written by Moses , and by the prophets , but from the time of Artaxerxes , to the age , wherin Iosephus wrot , the want of prophets was supplied for the continuance of the Historie of those times , by other men godly and zealous that were no Prophets , which was the true cause , that they were of lesse estimation , then all the rest of the Scriptures are ; but if we show the reputation that the Apocripha had , & that ( as Saint Cyprian speaketh ) these anciently were accustomed to be read in the Church , Cyprian de symb . then neither doth this Church deuise any new custom , nor by the admission of these , can worthily be iudged to silence the holy Scripture : Saint Austin writing against some Pelagian Libertines of his time , alleadgeth a place out of the booke of Wisedom , wherunto exception was taken , that this booke was not Canonicall ; hereof thus Saint Hilary wrot vnto him : Illud testimonium quod posuisti ( raptus est ne malitia mutaret intellectum eius ) tanquam non Canonicum definiunt omittendum : Vpon this occasion , amongst some other reasons , to iustifie his allegation , he sheweth fi●st , that excepta hu●us libri attestatione , August . de praedist cap 14. the thing that he proueth therby is otherwise manifest ; then he saith , that many worthy men ( such as Saint Cyprian was etiam temporibus Apostolorum proximis ) alleadging , nihil se adhibere nisi diuinum testimonium crediderunt : and againe , non debuit repudiari sententia libri Saptentiae , qui meruit in Ecclesia Christi tam longa amositate recitari , & ab omnibus Christianis , ab Episcopis vsque ad extremos laicos fideles , poenitentes , Catechumenos , cum veneratione diuinae authoritatis audiri : So that if in Saint Austins time , who liued not much aboue foure hundred yeares after Christ , some of these ( which we call Apocripha ) were of long continuance read in the Church , and of all ( euen from the Bishops to the meanest layitie ) heard with the attention and reuerence of diuine Scripture ; how can we iustly be blamed to retaine them , or be thought in this so ancient and so warrantable a custome , wilfully to silence the Canon of holy Scripture ? Saint Hierom ( who of al other was most earnest to distinguish these books from the Canonical , Hiero , in praefat. in Prouerb . yet ) sheweth that they were anciently read : Sicut Iudith & Tobiae & Machabaeorum libros legit quidem Ecclesia , sed eos inter Canonicas scripturas non recipit : sic & haec duo volumina ( intelligit Sapientiam & Ecclesiasticam ) legit ad aedificationem plebis , non ad authoritatem Ecclesiasticorum dogmatum confirmandam . But if Saint ( Hierom who was most earnest against these bookes ) cannot moue you to approue ( as warrantable ) their reading in our Church , the consent ( peraduenture ) and the practise of the Churches reformed may . Harmo . Confess ▪ Sect. 1. Confess . H●lum . In the harmony of confessions set out at Geneua this article of the Belgick confession is there approued . Differentiam porro constituimus inter libros istos sacros , & eos quos Apocriphos vocant , vtpote quod Apocriphi legi quidem in Ecclesia possunt , & fas sit ex illis eatenus etiam sumore documenta , quatenus cum libris Canonicis consonant : At neutiquam ea est ipsorum authoritas & firmitudo , vt ex illorum testimonio aliquod dogma de fide & religione Christiana certo constitui possit , Articul in Synod 1562. Zanch. de Relig. cap. 1. art 4.5 . Pellic. in praes. in Apocriph . Chenis . exam. Concil. Trid. de Script . Can. Kimedo . de scrip . vero . dei . lib. 6. cap. 9. tantum abest vt aliorum authoritatem infringere vel munere valeant : Hereunto agreeth the confession of this Church Zanchy giueth them the next place to the Canonicall Scripture , and this ( as himselfe confesseth ) not without warrant both of the Greeke and the Latin Church , hereunto wee may add the testimonie of others , as of Pellican Chenitius and Kymedencius , all not ouer great fauourers of vs , and whom our aduersaries may not refuse in this case : all consent in this : Sciendum maioribus placuisse vt preter libros vere Canonicos ex quibus fidei nostrae assertiones constant , Ecclesiastici quoque ad plebis aedificationem publicè legerentur vt sunt liber Sapientiae , Ecclesiastici , libellus Tobiae &c. From all antiquitie , it then appearing many thinges profitable to edification , to be read in the Church , both in the time of the Iewes before Christ , as also since , which the Church did not esteeme Canonicall , how can it be a silencing of the Scripture in vs , who onely after the example of all antiquitie , read some writings which were called Ecclesiasticall , and more profitable to edification then some Scriptures , although not of equall authoritie for doctrine of faith , as the rest of the Scriptures are , neither was this custome euer thought vntill now of late vnlawfull and idle , Hook. lib. 5. pag. 37. but lawfull , and of much vse , nor as one well noteth , can it be reasonably thought , because vpon certaine solemne occasions some Lessons are chosen out of those bookes , and of Scripture it selfe , some Chapters not appointed to be read at all , that we therby do offer disgrace to the word of God , or lift vp the writings of men aboue it . For in such choise ( considering the intent of the Church ) we do not thinke but that fitnes of speech may be more respected then worthines . And therfore although for the peoples more plain instruction ( as the ancient vse hath bin ) we read in our Churches some Apocripha , besides the Scripture , yet as the scripture we read them not , all men know the difference that the Church of England maketh in this point . But men shall easily fall into error when they once oppose their priuate iudgement against the Reuerend authority of their owne Church , neither is their conclusion altogether sound , that seeing Moses amongst the Iewes was read euery Sabbath day in their Synagogues , that therefore such Scripture should be onely read , which had the same authority that the writings of Moses had , vnlesse they be able to proue that it was not lawfull for any bookes to be read of them , but the bookes of Moses , which if it were true ( as all men know it is not ) then eyther there was no Scripture , but the bookes of Moses , or elfe all partes of the Scripture was not read in the Iewish Synagogues . If they vrge vs further with the councell of Laodicea , which forbiddeth any thing to be read , that is not Canonicall , we must tell them that the same councell accounteth that Canonicall which is not . Further , we must craue leaue of those who vrge so strictly the reading of the whole Scripture in Churches , in what part of the world ; or in what tonge the new testament was read in the purest times . Besides , if the authority of Saint Hierome ( which you vrge against vs ) may be accepted as sufficient in this case against you , he will tel you that some part of the beginning of Genesis , In praefat. in Ezech. the Canticles , the beginning of Ezechiel were not amongst the Iewes permitted to be read of any , vnlesse they were comne to the age of priesthood , which was thirtye , from whence ( paraduenture ) the gouernors of our Church haue restrayned their voyces from speaking ( by bare reading ) to the comon people , who either vnderstand them not at all ( being so read ) or else peruert them to their owne harme , this is not to sylence them ( as you say ) but rather to reserue them to a better and safer vse , that those ( who for soundnes of Iudgment & knowledge are able ) maye reade and expound them at seasons , which are more conuenient . This , if it weare not by lawes strictly commaunded to be obserued of all , but should giue liberty ( as you seeme to desire ) to some able ministers to doe otherwise , Ignorance ( which is euer boldest ) would take aduantage continually to be reading the obscurest chapters , whereby the church of necessity could not chuse , but receiue greate harme , & therfore the desires of a few ( peraduenture ) by reason of their sufficiency not hurtfull , ought to be no motiue why lawes should not be made or executed , which preuent that the worst disposed may not haue libertye to doe harme , or the weakest to receiue . The Chronicles ( some part ) the Canticles , the Apocalipse , the chapters of some Genealogyes ( things wherin ignorant men haue beene euer most forward to deale ) contain ( in the iudgment of wise men ) many things not so requisit for silly people to know , because they are not bound to giue an account of those things , & their imployment therein , doth not onely distract them , but make them vnable to know such Scriptures as are of more vse , and nearenesse to their owne saluation . Prou. 20.3 I may say as Salomon doth in another case : It is modest humilitie to abstayne from these , but euerie foole will be medling : so that what safely peraduenture might be admitted to able ministers ( such as it may be you are ) ought not to be a reason , either , why lawes should not be made at all , or why libertie for not vsage should bee granted to those that are able , seeing experience telleth vs , that euerie man will be a Iudge to account himselfe able , and so exemptions ( perhaps ) reasonable from the strict obseruation of some Canons granted to a few , shall become warrants for the intollerable boldnesse of others , and in the end bring a contempt to all vniformitie in order , from whence must needes follow a ruine and desolution to the gouernment of the whole Church . And surely if men well considered eyther the generall weakenesse of many that take vpon them to expound , or the common ignorance of silly people mixt with a pronnesse to euill , when such Scripture is read , hee must needes thinke the wisedome of our forefathers in this choyce of Scripture to be great , and esteeme the instruction of the people to be the principall end that was propounded by them , this made the Vniuersitie of Cambridge to giue permission onely to such , to interpret Saint Paules Epistles , as were thought in diuinitie fit to be admitted to the degree of Bachelers , because Saint Peter saith , that in them are many things hard to be vnderstood , which they ( that are vnlearned and vnstable ) wrest , as they doe all other Scriptures vnto their owne destruction , 1. Pet , 3.16 . and for the Canticles , which euery man now vndertaketh to expound : Aquinus being requested by the example of Saint Bernard , to write something vpon them , he gaue this answere , giue me the Spirit of Saint Bernard , and I will doe it , yet our Church goeth not so farre to forbid any ( that is licenced to preach ) to expound these , but only for reading vnto the people , admit in their roome ( with out stopping their voyces in due season ) other writings euer accounted Ecclesiastical to be read , not as better , but as better seruing for reformation of manners . Yet , howsoeuer , they haue wrongfully accused our Church , in this point , we are glad to see them now so earnest intreaters , for reading the Scriptures in the Church , seeing heretofore , the most of them haue beene content for a Sermon of small edification , but of great length , to omit the reading of many Chapters , which might haue beene done at that time , so that , in true vnderstanding , the silencing of the Scripture , was rather to be feared at their hands , who desired to haue it indifferent , and left free for to read it at all .

APOLOGY .

Some supposed exceptions against some Apocripha . SECT. 5. AS for the corrupt Apocripha appointed in the Calender , it made to me no scruple of subscribing to the Booke , with reference to the Churches intention and doctrine , for , besides that our doctrine was , and is pure , touching the dignities of the Canon , the reformers of the booke , professing to haue ordered , that nothing should be read , but eyther the pure word , or that which is euidently grounded vpon the same , gaue me reason to thinke , that howsoeuer , Proem to the second Tome of Ho●elies . some vnmeet Chapters kept their old standing in the Calender , yet our Churchment not to vrge the reading of them , in which , I was the more confirmed by that prouision , which vnder the Queenes authority was published with the Homelies , that the minister might exchange any one or other , lesse profitable Chap. of the old Testament , for any of the new testament more profitable ,

Abbots against Hill .

Iunius annot. praef in Dany .

& if ( as Doctor Abbots saith ) of the Canon , much more of the Apocripha . But now I perceiue by the Rubrick , that the tale of Susanna must be read to the last verse , which helps to manifest the falshood of the whole fable , as Ierom calles it : and I see by the order of the Canons , our former liberty of exchange , 2. Pet. 1.16.19 . Whitak . cont. 1. qu●st 1. cap. 11. Luther in his Almain Bible and pro●me to these Apocripha . & all ●iberty of censure to be repealed . Now , how can I su●scribe to the reading of an vncertain tale in stead of the more sure word of the Prophets , which Peter biddeth vs attend and not to Iewish fables , such as is that of Iudith , for which no time can be found out to father it vpon : And that of Tobit , both which Luther ( as I haue heard ) thought to be pla●es at the first , and after made st●r●es . How can 〈◊〉 for instruction of Gods people , read these fictions better then the popish Legends , or so well as Holinsheds or Eusebius Chronicles ? for what ground is there for conscience to build vpon , when nothing can be certainly obserued for doctrine , where nothing is certainely knowne for truth ? Finally , in the 13 of Daniell ( as it is vnfitly called ) is a repugnancy to the true story of Daniels age , and beginnings of honour . In the ninth of Iudith , a commendation of Simeon and Leuies bloody act , as ordered and blessed of God , & vndertaken with praier , yea , euen of that most outragious cruelty , Deut. 14.16 . in which for the offence of one , they executed many innocent & harmeles persons . Gen. 49.6.7.5 . And this woman blessed that zeale which Iacob cursed , and God plagued as a rage . And this exception our men tooke against Campian in the Tower . So in the 7. of Tobit , 3. the Angell maketh himselfe of the tribe of Nepthaly , in the 12. one of the seuen Angels , that offer vp the prayers of the Saints to God , in both , a lyar . And in the latter , a lying vsurper vpon that office , which none but the Angell of the couenant may meddle with . Now knowing that God hath no need of lyes , I dare not read ( as a part of diuine seruice ) these tales , in his presence , and the presence of his Angels and people , much lesse allow the appointing of them to be read , especially , obseruing how idlely wee shall tell the common people of their basenesse , while yet we read them out of the Bible .

ANSWER .

WE are glad to heare you confesse that the intention of our Church was , and is pure ( and I hope euer shall be touching the dignitie of the Canon ) which in my opinion ought to haue been a strong motiue both to you and others , neyther to haue dissented from the practise of the Church in reading things , Whitak Pag. 37. de scriptur . ancient , profitable , and such as were called by the fathers , Scripture , though not Canonicall , nor to haue quarrelled with these bookes , as if all that were in them , were thought by vs to be of an infallible & vndoubted truth : we say then , first , concerning all these bookes , that neither doe wee , nor any in our Church retaine them , as Canonical truthes for doctrine , nor of equall authoritie with the other Scriptures , & yet peraduenture we may giue some reasons , why these things misliked by you , are not of that moment , that thereby they ought to be accounted of no better authority than Hollinsheads or Eusebius Cronicles . Dani. 13. We confes that we read ( by apointment ) the Historie of Susanna to the last verse , but the last verse ( which is the greatest exception to the History ) we read not : and the Church of Rome confesseth , Sextus Synens . Bibli . lib. 8. Her. 5. pag. 643. that it ought to belong to the beginning of the foureteenth Chapter . It is knowne that Africanus wrot to Saint Origen concerning the truth of this book : but what hee wrote , wee haue yet no warrant , neither can Origen or S. Hierom be iustly proued to bee aduersaries to our opinion in this case , for hee that is most earnest against them ( which was Saint Hierom ) affirmeth as Doctor Whitakers collecteth , that this storie of Susanna , Vulgata & lect. passim suisse . Whitak . de Scrip. pag. 38. of Bell , and the Dragon , the Hymne of the three children was commonly read in the Church of God , which is al , for which we desire your allowance as a thing not new or lately inuented , but auncient , warrantable , & so practised by our Church . I could willingly enter into a defence of the trueth of this History , if our aduersaries of the Church of Rome were not ouer-apt to make this conclusion ( which is not sound ) that whatsoeuer was aunciently read in the Church , and is true , ought to bee esteemed as the Canonicall Scripture ; so that , they from truth concluding scripture , we are forced against them , to accuse them of some faults : Whereas , if confessing them to bee no canonicall Scriptures , they or others would haue giuen vs leaue to read them in the Church , as profitable to manners , wee could ( without violence ) haue afforded them the reconcilement of other Scriptures , and ( vndoubtedly ) haue proued them to be most true . But howsoeuer , the Church of England requireth not the Subscription of you , or of any other to warrant the falshood , and vntruth of any Iewish fable , but to approoue the forme of our Liturgy , so farre , that those books , which anciently were read in the Church , or at least , those parts which containe nothing contrary to faith , may still retaine their auncient place in the Church , for edifying of manners , which was giuen them in the first and the purest times . In which ( doubtlesse ) the liberty of exchange , formerly left to the discretion of the minister , might haue continued stil , if men would haue tempered themselues from indiscret & causelesse neglect of publicke order : for , as Saint Austin well noteth , That surely he hateth his country , who thinketh himself neuer well , except he trauell . So , little obedience or loue appeareth in those men , who account it their greatest perfection , to oppugne the Church . Now , if Luther thought Iudith and Tobith to be playes at first , and after made Stories , we must tell you , that wee are glad to heare you ascribe so much , to the thought of Luther , but sory to see you ascribe so little to the iudgement of our whole Church ; and yet , it is no reason to esteeme them of lesse valew , except wee wil follow the steps of the Anabaptists , and reiect likewise the booke of Iob , seeing the Rabbins in their Talūd , haue taught them to account it as a Tragicall Comedy , and no true storie . Concerning the exception of Daniels age : answer first Bellermin and others , who hold that there were two Daniels , and then you may thinke your obiections stronger then as yet they are . It little concerneth vs to proue the Apocripha to bee true , who euer haue confessed that they are not Canonicall scripture , and therfore may be false : but howsoeuer they are , I must tell you in humility & loue , it was a bold & an vnreuerend comparison to make them no better then Holinsheads , or Eusebius Chronicles , seeing their greatest enemies haue willingly confessed thus much :

Aprocriphis qui in voluminebibliorū habentur , primum post Canonicos locum tribuimus .

Zanch. de Relig. cap. 1. Act. 4.5 .

that of all writings , that are , they haue , & ought to haue the next place of estimation to the Diuine Scriptures : & not only these , but all the rest tearmed by S. Cyprian E●clesiasticall : by S. Hierom Apocriphal : & by S. Austin Canonical , haue bin red in the Church , with the other parts of the old Testament ; if not in the Apostls times , Ruff. yet euersince . If Ruffinus be not deceiued , they were approued as parts of the old Testament by the Apostles : for when S. Hierom writ so scornfully of the history of Susanna , & the song of the three children , he chargeth him therin to haue robbed depositum sancti Spiritus , & instrumentum diuinum , quod Apostoli Ecclesiijs tradiderunt . & S. Hierom ( who is not vsually slow to defend himself ) leaueth that point vnanswered , pretending , that what he had spoken , was not as his own opinion , but what the Iews obiected . And for his pains in translating the book of Iudith , Chemnisius in ex . Concil. Trident. de saer . Scrip. he giueth this reason : Quia hunc librum Synodus Nycenain numero sāctarum scripturraū legitur computasse . Chēnisius ( a man deseruing wel , of the religion professed by our church ) hauing proued against the counsel of Trent , these books ( wherof we speak ) not to be canonical , propoundeth vnto himself a question . Num quid igitur simpliciter abiiciendi & dānandi sunt libri isti ? and he answereth , that we are not to cast them away , wher we thinke they haue some thing in them , which are not consonant to the Canonical scriptures , but rather so to expound them , as that they may agree with them , therfore concerning the fact of Symeon & Leui , for which ( as it seemeth ) you are not willing to read the book of Iudith , Iudith . 9.2 , because she confesseth that GOD put a sworde into their handes to take vengeance of the straungers , blessing the zeale which Iacob cursed , and God plagued as a rage , wee must answere as others haue done , that the king of Ashur is called the staffe of the Lords wrath , Gen. 49.6.7.5 . and his hand was the rod of the Lords indignation , Es. 10.5.6 . the Lord sent him to rob , spoyle , and tread downe his people like mire in the streetes . God , therefore put a sword in his hand , and armed him , and not him onely , but as many also as were stirred vp against any country , or Nation , or peculiar persons , good or badde , when it pleased the Lord , either to chastice his children for amendment and tryall , or to punish the wicked to their destruction . Now then , the Sichamites without all controuersie had grieuously offended , and a heauie iudgement of GOD ( for their offences ) falleth vpon them ; therefore may wee say , that the Lord did arme those instruments , by whome hee did execute his vengeance against them . And Master Caluin confesseth , that Vnius puellae stuprum horribili totius vrbis strage Deus vltus est . Calu. in vers 15 Gen. 34. And Musculus saith , voluit Deus insignem hanc contumeliam , tam graui & insigni vindict a punire , vt euidentissimo exemplo monstraret , non fore impunes omnes eos qui contumeliam , & ignominiam Israeli inferrent , modo corde erga se integro esse perseueraret : therefore against reason and the iudgement of learned men in our church , you seeme to deny that God did arme Simeon , by whom he did execute his punishment . Besides , Iudith doth not commend that which Iocob condemneth , or curseth ; for , Iacob reproueth there the fact , Gen. 34. ver. 30. Gen. 49. for that they did exceed in anger and cruelty ; but Iudith commendeth the zeale which they bare vnto the Lord and his lawe , for the villany that the Sichamites had committed , and yet , as concerning the fact of Simeon and Leui , such as were not ignorant of that which Iacob doth vtter in both places , are bold to affirme thus : Non est nosirum , de hoc facto filiorum Iacob ferre sententiam , Musculus in cap. 34. Gen. haud enim secundùm externam faciam considerandum est , quem admodum in foro Iadiciifieri solet , sed totum relinquend●m Iudicio Dei , qui dubio procul hunc illius zelum , ad sumendum de reprobis vltionem indidit . Of like iudgement were some long since , that liued in the church , of whom Beda saith , alij dicunt hanc vindictam , quae facta est a Simeone , & Leui , domino non displicere , quod in hoc ostenditur , quia liberati sunt de manu inimicorum suorum : Siue quod Legem dei , & circumcisionem vindicauerunt , eo quod vim fecit incircumcisus super illam quae de Circumcisione fuerat . Lyra ( writing vpon the ninth of Iudith ) saith thus ; hoc videtur falsum , nam Iacob reprehendit illud factum tanquam malum . Gen. 34.49 . Dicendum quod in facto illo duo fuerunt , scilicet zelus vlciscendi s●uprum , & illud fuit licitum & iustum , quia non habebant Iudicem , qui vellet factum punire , cuius author erat ●rinceps ciuitatis , & populus eius fautor . Et sic loquitur hic Iudith , Iudith commend . in the fact . Aliud quod fuit ibi fuit modus vlc●scendi , qui fuit malus & proditorius , in quantum filii Iacob fregerunt pactum habitum cum Sychamites , & sic reprehendit illud Iacob . All which considered , with that which many other Diuines haue written in this cause , you cannot but confesse that Iacob and Iudith ( in diuerse respectes ) might censure the same fact in a diuers manner , Iacob condemneth the maner , and both truly . and yet both true . The next thing which you mislike ; is , that in Toby , where the Angell maketh himselfe of the trybe of Nephthaly , and in another place , one of the seauen holy Angels that offer vp the prayers of the Saints to God ; Tob. ● . 3 . Tob. 12.45 which it pleaseth you to censure thus , perhaps with greater zeale , then either discretion , or modesty ( in both a lyer & in the latter , a lying Vsurper vpon that office , which none , Reuel 8.3.4 . Heb. 8.2 . but the Angell of the Couenant may meddle with . ) Iunius is the first ( to my knowledge ) that findeth an vntruth in the first place , but so hard a iudgement ( in wisdom ) might haue been well spared , considering that he confesseth the place to be corrupt , which might haue moued him , either to acknowledge , that by reason therof , he is ignorant of the true sence of the place , or to allow of the interpretation of the learned , before him , that haue deliuered such sence as may be admitted without allowing any vntruth . Lyra saith , It is a figuratiue speach , like that in Tob. 6. vers. 12. Wher Azarias is interpreted adiutor Dei , & so are the Angels : Ananias is interpreted gloria Dei , whose sons are the Angels . Now , if it be an vsurping vntruth , for the Angels to offer vp the prayers of the Church vnto God in the mediation of his Son , we shal ( peraduenture ) depriue our selues of a great part of their ministery , & dissol●e that communion of Saints , which we professe to beleeue as an Article of Gods truth . We doubt not , but Christ maketh intercession for vs , and offereth our prayers in another manner , more powerfull & effectuall then Angels can Zanchie concludeth thus : Zanch. de oper. lib. 3. cap. 22. Si hos non licet inuocare , qui nos audiunt , nostraque spectant , & nos curant , quomodo igitur dem●rtuos homines ? And in the same booke , he alledgeth this place ( not doubting that this was a true Angell ,

Zanch. de o●er . pag. 206. & lib. 3 cap. 20.

Ignorantia Iudicis plerumqu● est calamitas innocentis . ●●st . ta 〈◊〉 perfecti , 〈…〉 ●e●fectia● 〈◊〉 dolores al●e . 〈◊〉 .

to whom you giue the lye ) to proue that the Angels are both sent vnto vs , & yet haue their aboad ( especially ) in the presence of God himself : so that , these bookes ( being in some sort innocent ) haue tasted of much euil through the ignorance of such , as haue bin their iudges . But we cannot shew our charity better , then hartily to be sory for those , who wil needs erre . To conclude then this point , I must intreat you in the spirit of meeknesse , to take a second view of this your vnreuerend & vncharitable censure , both of his Angels in heauen , & his Church on earth : for if the Angel had made the same answere , which you alledge , that he was one of the seuen Angels , that offer vp the prayers of the saints to God , he had not bin a lying Vsurper ( as it pleaseth you to tearme him ) : for saith P. Martir : If thou read in the scriptures ( note that he calleth them Scriptures , and in the margent quoteth this place ) that the Angels offer vp our prayers , Luc. Com part. 1 cap 13. Tob. 12.15 . this is not done of them to instruct or teach God , but by discouering & laying them open , we our selues be the more earnestly bent to craue the helpe of God : And what discommodity should arise , if we affirm this selfe same thing of Angels ? Thus far P. Martir , which was taken of S. Austin : so that , you see , there was smal reason to account those bles●ed spirit ( the Angels ) Lying vsurpers , hauing spoken no otherwi●e then truth may warrant : or else to what end were that speech of our sauiour : Lib. 15. de Trin. cap. 13. Se that ye dispise not one of these little ones , for I say vnto you , that in heauen , there Angels alwaies behold the face of my fath●r , which is in heauen . But you cannot with a safe conscience subscribe to a translation that vttereth so vsurping an vntruth . Math. 18. ver. 10. I doubt not , but you haue wel considered , that it is ( as you say ) or else , as in the doctrine you haue wronged the Angells : so , for the translation , you will be found , for to wrong the Church . You cannot be Ignorant , that the approued translation authorised by the church of England , is that which cometh nearest to the vulgar , and is commonly called the Bishops Bible , wherein according to the Latine , the words are onely read thus . I am Raphaell , one of the seauen Angels , which stand in the presence of GOD . I confesse the Geneua translation readeth it as you reproue , but it was a translation neuer for the notes or the text , publickly authorised in our Church , so that modesty and due consideration ought to haue examined accusations of this Nature , with greater care , least others rightly iudge , that the assertions of such cannot be sound , that wrongfully , without conscience , dare aduenture to accuse both the church , on earth , and the Angels in heauen .

APOLOGY .

TOuching the corrupt translations of the Psalmes , Epistles , or Gospels in the booke , Against false transla●ions . SECT. 6. they made before , no barre to my Subscription , because I supposed that our Subscription extended , but to the forme of Diuine seruice . In which , such portions of scripture were appointed to bee reade , A true supposition . ledd thereto partly by the words of Subscription , wherein wee acknowledge in the booke , such a forme as may lawfully be vsed , and promise to vse the same ; partly by the Doctrin of our Church , which iustly taxing the Papists , Iewell , Fulk . Whitak . & others . for adhering to the vulgar Latine , and maintaining , that all translations ought to bee corrected by the Originall , made it to me vnprobable , that our Church would impose an allowance of any corrupt translations , and chiefly by the practise of our Church in authorising another translation , The BB. Bible . of the Church Bible ; by which I made no doubt , but any man might correct the translations in the Communion booke , where they obscured or crossed the sense . But you ( my Lord ) gaue me in this point another light , telling mee , that we must vse only , and subscribe to the translations in the booke which I also vnderstood to be auouched , by some other of your brethren , and lately found out to be intended in the Canon for subscription , wherin it is said , that the booke of Common Prayer , containeth nothing in it contrary to the worde of GOD , and may lawfully ( So ) be vsed , so ( a word now put in ) as containing in it nothing contrarie to the word : and after , that I do ex animo subscribe to all things contained in the three articles . Now my Lord , if Austin ( vpon the credit of many Latin copies ) would not admit one word ( palam ) , where the sense rather required , then receiued it , because it was not in the Greeke , how shall I approue vnder my hand a translation , which hath many omissions , many additions , which sometime obscureth , sometime peruerteth the sense , being sometime senselesse , sometimes contrarie ; of which I pray your Lordship to take a tast in the last page of this booke , where I will muster them together .

ANSWER .

IF you had continued in your former resolution , not to haue feared to subscribe , although some faultes were iustly to be found in the translation vsed , in our Church , you had neither opened a way to your owne wrong , hazarded for your curious disobedience , the Churches censure , nor procured our labour in defending her at this time . It need not to be supposed by any , that the Church of England desireth to impose an allowance of any corrupt translation , neither are you , or any other , as we haue often told you , required to allow by subscription the translation , but onely to approue the forme of diuine seruice ; and yet surely the care of this Church , since the light of the Gospell did shine in it , was neuer wanting to publish the scriptures , translated as agreeable to the fountaines , as they could deuise ; and to this end , authoritie did commaund the allowance of that translation , which for their 〈◊〉 and cost in it , is commonly cal●ed the Bishops Bible , from whence if you , or any man collect that , because a new translation is authorised , and the papistes iustly taxed by our men for adhering to the vulgar , Iewel , Fulk whitakers &c. that any man might correct the translations in the communion Booke , where they obscured or crossed the sense : we must tell you , that , first for the vulgar translation , Ital translat . we disable not so farre , but that we are readie to confesse ( whether you vnderstand the Italian , or that which goeth vnder the name of Saint Hierom ) that they were vsed anciently in the Church , a thousand and three hundred yeares ago , Lib. 2. dedoct . chr. Cap. 15. in praefat In Non test . one of them ( by Saint Austin ) preferred before all the rest , the other highly commended by Beza , and that of the vulgar ( though with Pagian and Dryedo ) we thinke it were not Saint Hieroms , but mixt , yet we can be content to say as Isiodor doth of it , Lib. 6. Etimolog . cap. 7. Interpretatio eius ceteris anteponitur , his translation is to be preferred before others : but for all this , both you , & the Church of Rome must know , that these , neither are so pure , as the fountaines themselues ( for no translation ( whatsoeuer ) is Authenticall Scripture ) and that from hence ,

In praefat. in I●s . Tot esse apud latinos exemplaria quo● codices , cum quisque pro suo arb●irio vel addiderit , vel subtraxerit quod ei videretur : Ecclesia falli potest in locorum quorundam versione , vt interim non desinit esse vera Ecclesia .

Whitak cont. 1. de script . quest. 2. ●ap. 7.

euerie priuate man must not take libertie vnto himselfe , to correct and amend at his owne pleasure , least wee haue iust occasion to complaine , as Saint Hierome doth , that there be as many varieties of translations , as there be bookes , whilest euerie man ( according to his fancie ) addeth or detracteth as seemeth good to himselfe . Neyther can an error in translating , in any Church , be an argument sufficient to proue it to be no Church . And concerning the Church of England , it hath not wanted a care , and a religious care in this point , and therefore it were no reason for you , or any to reproue her , for that wherein she deserueth prayse , onely your patience is required , to forbeare all priuate corrections of translations , vntil authority from the diligent labors of learned men ( wholly imployed in that busines ) may establish a better & yet the faults in this , are not such , but they may be tollerated without offence , though ( peraduenture ) corrected with more benefit . And seeing there is no error in faith , contrarie to the doctrine of the Church , that can be in pretence confirmed , by any reading , which we allow , me thinks the article of subscription may wel say , that the book of common prayer containeth nothing in it contrarie to the word of God , and that it may lawfully be so vsed . But say you , if Austin ( whom I call Saint Austin ) vpon the credit of many Latin copies , would not admit one word ( palam ) where the sense rather required , than receiued it , because it was not in the Greeke , how shal I approue vnder my hand , a translation which hath many omissions , &c. If your moderation had beene like vnto Saint Austins in this case , we should haue little cause to mislike your doing , and yet the example , which you bring for your best warrant , being stretched so far , as you do , cannot iustly be reckond amongst S. Austins vertues . For in that place which you alledge , he saith : Multa latina exemplaria sic habent ( et pater tuus quividet in absconso , reddet tibi palam , ) sed quia in Graecis quae priora sunt , non inuenimus ( palam ) non putauimus huic aliquid disserendum esse . Now , I see not , what can be directly gathered from S. Austins example , for ( palam ) was not in some Greek copies , but I hope you know what 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is , which sometimes they translate in propatulo , somtimes palam , & if the old Latin translation want it , & the Greek haue it ( as Doctor Whitakers noteth ) Iudge whether you ought to imitate Saint Austin in this , De script . cont. 1. quest. 2 cap. 12 whom the Rhemistes follow , rather then the original which is followed by our Church , and therefore the blemishes in our translation , which your zeale hath published , of omission , addition , obscuritie , Ostendere hoc non pet●s quia iugeniū d●est , sed quia bona causa . Aust cont ●e●il . lib. 2. cap. 98. peruerting as senselesse , contrary , and such like ; we are willing to answer them , when we come to your obiections in the last page , whch wee know you cannot proue , not that you want wit , but because you are not assisted with a good cause .

APOLOGY .

Exceptions about Baptisme . SECT. 7. FRom the exceptions concerning the Scriptures , I come to those which arise about the Sacraments . And though there because to speake of priuat Communions , as on the Churches part , not so well ordained ; yet I will insist vpon priuate Baptisme , and will draw vnto it that Rubrick , which saith ( that it is certaine by Gods word , that Infantes baptised haue all things needfull to saluation , and are vndoubtedly saued . This speech I did interpret as spoken not simply , but ex hypothesi in opposition to the popish conceit of the necessity of confirmation in this maner , that the child ( hath al things necessary ) that is , all outward means , & needs no confirmation ( & is vndoubtedly saued ) that is as vndoubtedly , as if it were confirmed . And vnto this construction the precedent part of the Rubrick directed me , & the sound doctrine of our Church against the simple necessity of Baptisme , and grace inseperably annexed therto , did set me in it , & then the speech seemed like that of Christ in the ninth of Iohn , where hee saith , ( neither hath this man sinned nor his father ) that is not in such sense as the question was asked , whether he or his father had sinned . As for priuate Baptisme by a lawfull minister , being acccompanied with such doctrine , as our Church hitherto hath generally receiued about the same . I thought , it might be inexpe●tent , but not vnlawfull . But ( my Lord ) obseruing since in the booke of conference , Pag. 16.17 . that my Lord of Londo● ( leauing the state of the child vnbaptised , as vncertaine ) saith : that if it die baptised , there is an euident assurance , that it is saued ( without any exception made of Gods eternall purpose ) and further , that the place in the third of Iohn ( Except a man be regenerate of water , and of the holy Ghost , &c. ) must be vnderstord of the Sacrament of baptisme , which conceit ( if we draw the text to infants ) must necessarily thrust vs , as it di● Austin , and other Fathers , vpon the simple necessity of that Sacrament vnto saluation as the like words in the sixt of Iohn : Except ye eate the flesh , and drinke the bloud of the Sonne of man , ye cannot be saued : being vnderstood of the other Sacrament , A●st Epist. 23. & saepe . Ambros. de iis qui I●it . ca. 7.8 . 〈◊〉 . 1. e● . 95 apud August . drew on the Administration thereof to Infants : perceiuing ( I say ) the grounds laid in that conference , and by whom , and adding therunto that addition to the Catechisme , that there be two Sacraments , as generally necessary to sal●uation ; and the sixtie ninth Canon , which vnder paine of suspension bindes the Minister ( in case of necessity ) to hast to the baptising of euery weake child ( the very night not excepted ) : It seemeth to me , that our Churches doctrine , in this point , is declining to that opinion of the simple necessitie of that Sacrament , and grace annexed thereto , which we formerly opposed . The second daies Confer . in the Tower , and all ou● writers against the papistes . And if this be the present intention of our Church , I dare not subscribe to such an vse of priuate Baptisme , neither to the former Rubrick , which being capable of a good sense , may also be taken , and hereafter pleaded ( vnder our subscriptions ) in a bad one .

ANSWER .

WE cannot but wish that the holy pretenders of zeale had so much discretion , that those things were iustly blameable , for which they are so willing to forsake the execution of their deuine function , & so boldly without conscience to transgresse the lawful ordinations of a religious King , whose commaundements , eyther to limit to their owne fancies , or to censure after those opinions , which they apprehend to be vertuous & iust , were both to commit an act neuer warrantable in any age , and to vsurp vpon that throne , which they must not touch ; all men that liue in the bosome of a Church , whose peace to them ought to be dearer then 1000. liues , are to be caried with that charity towards the doctrine & lawes , which it publikly professeth , or wherwith it is well gouerned , that all indeuors of reconcilement , are to be bended to this scope , to make it seeme both to teach & to gouern like the Church of Christ ; for there is nothing of that euidence in the word of god , nor euer was of that vse in the family of Gods house , which opposition vnbridled could not peruert , or vnhallowed boldnes misconster ; there is nothing left vpon earth to the Church of greater vse , then the Sacraments ; whose chiefest force , & vertue consisteth in this , that they are heauenvly ceremonies , which God hath sanctified & ordained to be administred in his Church : first , as marks to know when God doth impart his vitall or sauing grace of Christ , Hook. lib. 9. pag. 126. vnto all that are capable therof : & secondly as means conditionall , which God requireth in them , vnto whom he imparteth grace : for ( as elswhere we haue noted ) It must needs be a great vnthankfulnes , In the defence of master Hooker . pag. 95. & easily breed contempt , to ascribe only , that power to them to be but as seales , and that they teach but the mind by other senses , as the word doth by hearing , which if it were al , what reason hath the Church to bestow any Sacrament vpon infants , who as yet for their years , are not capable of any instruction : ther is therfore , of Sacraments ( vndoutedly ) some more excellent & heauenly vse . Sacraments ( by reason of their mixt nature ) are more diuersly interpreted , & disputed of , then any other part of religion besides , for that in so great store of properties , belonging to the self same thing , as euery mans wit hath taken hold of some especial consideration , aboue the rest ▪ so they haue accordingly giuen their censure of the vse & necessity of them , for if respect be had to the duty which euery communicant doth vndertake , we may cal them truly bonds of our obedience to God , strict obligations to the mutual exercise of christian charity , prouocations to godlines , preseruations from Sin , memorials of the principall benefits of Christ . If we respect the time of their institution , they are annexed for euer vnto the new Testament , as other rites were before to the old : If we regard the weaknes that is in vs , they are warrants for the more security of our beleefe : If we compare the receiuers with those that receiue them not , they are works of destinction to separate Gods own from strangers : & in those , that receiue them as they ought , they are tokens of Gods gracious presence , wherby men are taught to know what they cannot see : for Christ & his holy spirit with all their blessed effectes ( though entring into the soule of man , we are not able to apprehend or expresse how ) do notwithstanding giue notice of the times , when they vse to make their accesse , because it pleaseth Almighty God to communicate ( by sensible means ) those blessings which are incomprehensible ; seeing therfore that grace is a consequent of Sacraments ; a thing which accompanieth them as their end : a benefit , which he that hath , receiueth from God himself , the author of Sacraments , & not from any other naturall or supernaturall quality in them . It may be hardly both vnderstood , that Sacraments are necessary , and that the manner of their necessitie to life supernaturall , is not in all respects , as meat , drink , and such like , vnto naturall life : because they containe in themselues no vitall force or efficacy , but they are duties of seruice and worship which vnlesse we performe , as the author of grace requireth , they are vnprofitable : For all receiue not the grace of God , which receiue the Sacraments of his grace , neither is it ( ordinarily ) his wil , to bestow the grace of sacraments vpon any , but by the Sacraments : which grace also , they that receiue by Sacraments , Non enim ist ▪ tribuunt quod per ipsa 〈◊〉 Hugo de sacr. cap. 3. or with Sacraments , receiue it from him , and not from them : for ( as Hugo saith ) These do not giue , that which is giuen by these , and yet ordinarily ( as necessary ) to receiue these , as those graces are necessary , which we receiue by these : so that , Baptisme , though it be not a cause of grace , yet the grace which is giuen by Baptisme , doth so farre depend vpon the very outward Sacrament , as that God will haue it imbraced , as a necessary means , whereby , we receiue the same : and howsoeuer we dare not iudge those , that in in some cases do want it , for the want of it , yet we may boldly gather , that he , whose mercy now vouchsafeth to bestow the means , hath also long since intended vs that , wherunto they lead : so that , we think in this discourse of yours concerning priuate , & the necessity of baptisme , that some things are misunderstood , some things misconstrued and some things false : misunderstood , where you make this to be the opinion of our Church , that all , who are Baptised , must necessarily be saued , or of the contrary : whereas , it is but vnderstood , as , eyther man hath euidence left to direct his iudgement , or the Church hath power , to admit into the house of GOD . And for others , who want this Sacrament , although wee cannot Iudge of the secret election of God , yet we haue reason to feare a denyall of that Grace , Hook. li. 5. where we see a manifestation of the want of the meanes , appointed for the obtaining of it : for ( doubtlesse ) as one noteth , the sacrament of Baptisme in respect of God , the author of the institution , may admit dispensation , but in regard of vs , who are tyed to obey , there is an absolute necessitie : for it is in the power of God , without these to saue , but it is not in the power of man , without these to come to saluation . And yet our Church holdeth constantly , and truely ( notwithstanding your doubts ) as well touching other beleeuers , as Martyrs , that Baptisme taken away by ne●necessity , taketh not away the necessity of Baptisme ; but is supplyed by the desire thereof . For , as the visible signe may be without true holinesse ; so , the inuisible sanctification ( saith S Austin ) may sometimes be without the visible signe , Lib. 3. Quest. vel Test. cap. 84. Canon . 69. and yet these are no reasons , either to debarre the Church from imposing priuate Baptisme , vpon great peril , from this necessitie : or to conclude out of this care , that the Church declyneth to a necessitie , ouer rigorous , and such as formerly was oppugned in our Church .

2 Misconstrued the speech of the most reuerend father , the now Lord Archbishoppe of Canterbury , who ( as you say ) made no exception of Gods eternall purpose . D. Barlow Deane of Chester . Confer pag. 16. It cannot bee ignorance , but want of charity , which maketh you to misconster him thus , seeing euen from that learned Deane , who penned the whole conference , you might haue collected what manner of necessitie , was vrged by him , his words are these : which word ( Necessity ) he so pressed not , as if God without Baptisme could not saue the childe ; but the case put , that the state of the Infant dying vnbaptized , being vncertain , & to God only knowne : but if it dy baptised , there is an euident assurance , that it is saued . What could be more religious & agreeable to the doctrin of truth , or more necessary in these presumptuous times , wherin a Sacrament of so absolute necessity ( by practise of some ) is growen into such contempt : which necessity , if at any time wee haue denyed ( dealing with those of the church of Rome ) , It is because ouerstrictly they bind ( from the act done ) grace to the Sacraments , as if none that receiue them , could want it , or none receiue that grace that do want them . Ioh. 3.6 . Read our defence of master Hooker . pag. 110.

3 False ; that the plac● of S. Iohn , is not vnderstood of the Sacrament of Baptisme , which you seeking to shun , least you shold magnify Baptisme ouermuch , ought to take heed , least you run into the contempt therof : the one being that , wherunto al men are inclined , & the other bringing lesse hurt to the church , by a necessity ouer absolute , which serueth but to make al men carefull , not to neglect a thing of such institution , & so great vse , whilst a fear to establish an absolute necessity , bredeth ( by degrees ) a contempt of that , which is the only ordinary way into the church of Christ in heauen , & the only way into the church vpon earth . And because the Iews had many rites , which in a larger acceptation , were called Sacraments , but in a strict acceptation ( as we ) only two : to distinguish betwixt these & the other , it is added ( not without cause ) to the catechisme ; that there be two sacraments , as generally necessary to saluation : noting , that ours ( succeeding two of theirs , Circumcision & the Passouer ) retain a necessity as theirs , more & aboue the rest : so that , the intention of our church , being neither differing from it self , nor from the doctrin of truth , in this point , you need neither feare by subscription to giue your allowance , nor doubt least your subscription might iustly be pleaded to a bad sence . Exceptions concerning interrogatories in Baptisme . SECT. 8.

APOLOGY .

MY second exception , about the Sacraments , is to the interrogatories in Baptisme , made to the child , & answered by the suretyes , that this fashion was causlesly & needlesly transferred from those of years , & forerunners to Infants free born in the church , I hold with Beza , Bullinger , Zepper , & others ; yet thought it not vnlawful in this construction ; namely , that this profession ( made in the childs name ) shold not import , either such a distinct faith in the child , which ( saith Austin ) were Insanus error : or that the faith of the sureties should auaile the Infant , which the word reiecteth : or , that the sureties vndertook that the childe shal hereafter make good this profession , which were Insana presumptio : but that this profession was thus made by the mouthes of the Godfathers , partly to admonish the understanding congregation of that couenant , which Baptisme really inioyneth to euery Christian , euen as the Prophet spake to the dead Altar , to admonish liuing Ieroboam , & the Prophets ( as Chrisostom notes ) spake to the vnreasonable creatures , 1. King . 13.1 . Homel . 3. de paenit . to teach reasonable men , how vnreasonable they were become : and secondly , to cast vpon the Godfathers , a kind of charge , & with it , an aduantage of calling vpon this childe , when he came to yeares to knowe & answere that stipulation of Baptisme , which they made profession of , as in his name , when he was Baptized , to shew what he should haue done himselfe , if he had bin of years : & in this sense , I thinke it lawfull though ( perhaps ) too obscure and vnnecessarie . But my Lord , if the Catechisme , which making Faith and Repentance ( that is , the profession of Faith and Repentance ) necessary to those that are to be baptyzed , proceeds to say , that Infants perform this faith , and repentance by their sureties . If ( I say ) this intend ( as it doth insinuate ) a necessitie of such a profession to be made in the childes name , before it might bee admitted to the Sacrament , as I reiect that conceipt as an error fauoring this Anabaptisticall opinion , that faith must fore-goe the Sacrament of Baptisme : so , I dare not subscribe to the practise so inioyned , and intended , and would wish it changed into that course , Cons●●r . cap. 14 that Bucer aduised .

ANSWER .

IT seemeth , there is a curious desire of reprehension in those men , who are willing to reproue the practise of their owne Church , for that which is a custome ancient , necessarie , and of much vse : wherein wee reprehend not alone the disposition of such , but wee are ready to let the world see , that the things themselues are most innocent , which they doe reproue . Most of them are not yet come so farre , as to deny Baptisme to Infants ( an arrour which may follow from their former opinions , if they suffer Scisme to growe in them , and humours to bee rules for conscience but they are ready to professe , that there is no saith in the childe required to Baptisme , and that to bee borne of faithfull Parents , is as much for their admission into the Church , as the profession of the faith , which they make by the mouthes of others . This , as it is vnthankfull to spurne at the indulgence of the Church ; so , it is a contempt of duety , which God requireth on our part : there is no attainment to life , but through the onely begotten sonne of God , nor by him otherwise , then being such for beleefe as wee ought : as if those Articles in the iudgement of God , were set downe for all men : first , to subscribe vnto whom , by Baptisme , the church receiueth into Christs schoole ; and seeing no religion inioyeth sacraments , the signes of Gods loue , vnlesse it haue also that faith whereupon sacraments are built , could there ( as one well noteth ) ( which I am sory you obserued not before you stumbled at these doubts ) be any thing more conuenient , Hooker lib. 5. Page 152. then that our first admittance to the actuall receipt of his grace in the sacrament of Baptisme , should be consecrated with profession of beleefe , which is to the kingdome of God as a key , the want whereof excludeth Infidels both from that , and from all other sauing grace ; And howsoeuer we say with S. Austin that Infants haue not a present Actuall habit of faith yet they haue then the foundation of that wherupon afterward they build , the first ground whereof was laid by the sacrament of Baptisme ; so that without any madd presumption ( as you tearme it ) we may say truly of infants , that they are then beleeuers , because in Baptisme they begin to be , which continuance of time doth afterwarde make perfect . For if we call them beleeuers for their outward profession sake who are much further from faith then infants , why may we not without madnes or presumption , account infants to haue faith which haue that grace giuen them , Quem potuerunt illi nosse nec habere , isti potuerunt habere antequam nosse ▪ Aust. which is the first and most effectual cause , out of which our beleeue groweth : and whilest others that know him beleeue not in him , these beleue in him before they know him . Now seeing then that Baptisme implyeth as Circumcision a couenant betwixt God and his people , it is to be thought that as God in that sacrament bestoweth remission of sins & the holy Ghost , binding himself as it were to bestow all other graces requisite in time to come ; so euery infant receiuing the same sacrament at the hands of god tyeth himselfe likewise for euer , to doe and beleeue what the Lord commaundeth . Now , who is there ( considering this contract ) that can blame either the interrogatories , or the suretyes which vndertake in this stipulation , seeing the thing is required , nay , inioyned with such necessity for the Church , to exclude infants , because they cannot by their owne tongues contract , were ouer rigorous : and not to take securitie at all , for those who cannot answere for themselues were to bee to carelesse ; for the profession of faith , beeing necessarie to a publike admittance into the house of God , what cause is there why suretyes may not lawfully doe it , seeing they know they are the children of fathfull Parents , and so consequently partakers of the promise , and that they are such as would make the same profession themselues , if they were of yeares , or that the Church should not require it , euen to put men in minde vpon what condition they admit them into the Church , and to manifest a reason , why they refuse others : so that for any thing I see alledged against it , as faith and repentance are necessarie to make the Sacraments effectuall , so this faith in this case is lawfully professed by the sureties , and effectuall for the infant , whome to accept into the Church without this , were to wrong the Sacrament , and not to receiue with this , were to wrong those infants , to whom the couenant belongeth by an euerlasting promise . Gen. 1●

APOLOGIE .

Of the Crosse in Baptisme . SECT. 9. THE last thing about Baptisme , is the signe of the Crosse which though I long held otherwise , yet of later yeares I held lawfull to bee vsed , taken in this construction that after the childe was incorporate into Christ and his Church by Baptisme ; the congregation , by the mouth of the minister , as their Agent in this and not Gods , as in Baptisme , should acknowledge their acceptance of him into their societie ▪ and signe him with the signe of the crosse , as with an auncient token of christian profession , in token of that which the congregation hereafter expected and hoped for at the hands of this childe newly made one of their fraternitie by Baptisme . In which vse , I held it no sygne from God to men , as bee the Sacraments : nor of men to God , as the bowing of the knee in prayer , but of men to men , as the Kisse of Loue , or the Ring in Mariage ; no part of Gods worshippe , no part of the Sacrament , no consecrating or operatiue signe , no Symbolicall or Sacramentall sygne , no not so much as explicatorie to set out the vertue of the Sacrament , as oyle , milke , hony , and other olde deuised , but wel reiected cerimonies did ; but to bee a simple significatiue ryte , to expresse the congregations hope , and expectance of this childe . And in this haue defended it , not as well imposed , but as lawfull to be vsed , at sundry meetings before and since my Subscription ; and to perswade mee that our church intended it in this sense , I haue these reasons . First , because it followeth after the verie act of Baptisme finished . Secondly , because the words are in the plurall number ( wee receiue this childe &c. Thirdly , in priuate Baptisme , where the company expecting present death , could not hope for such a christian profession to be , after made , that Sygne was omitted , which if it had intended any consecration or operatiue vertue , might and would then haue beene vsed ; and lastly because the Godly fathers which reformed the book cast it out of the sacrament of the Supper , and all other vses where it assumed any superstitious purposes , I beleeue they ment here to reduce it to the very first vse and only good vse which it had to make it a simple token of christian profession , and no more .

Answere .

It litle auaileth in the consideration of wise men , either to publish our owne former true opinions which afterward we indeuour to disproue , or to afford iust excuses for the lawfull practise of that church , with which notwithstanding we are not willing to consent ; It being either decept in vs to allowe what in conscience we think not to be good , or an vnexcusable weaknes not to consent vnto that which we doe allow ; In this respect of the practise of sundry men ( who are willing to seeme and peraduenture in truth are vertuous ) the church of England may iustly complaine as Saint Hierom doth ab , Hieronimus Epist. 133. aemulis nos frustra Lacerari , qui malunt videri contemnere praeclara quam discere : doubtlesse the number is great ( and yet a number deseruedly not of any great account ) which will rather seeme to contemne , Maximum iudicium ma●oe mentis fluctuatio . Senec. then to learne wholesome things . Morall wise men haue thought wauering to be the greatest signe of an euill minde . For wisedome cannot better appeare , then euer to will and to nill the same things ; this being as one noteth the foundation of that truth , that the same thing cannot euer please , Non potest idem placere nisi rectum . Sen. if it be not iust . Let those then that bee wise consider of your speach . You first for a long time held these Ceremonies not to bee lawfull ( we take you first from the beginning of your resolution in matters diuine ) then after that lawfull ; now vpon the third change vnlawfull , and paraduenture heareafter we shall haue better hope ; I can in all humilitie and charitie grant vnto you the same fauour , which vppon such inconstancie I would desire to bee granted to my selfe in the like case : but surely wise men not so easily mooued with the same passions that wee are , doe well discerne that it is not safe in matters of this nature , to relye vpon their fancies at all , whose opinions in things for which they contend with so much earnestnes , are continually subiect to so much change ; reason euer by collection concluding thus , that whasoeuer hath bene may be , and those who haue thrise changed are not at all times when they seeme so guided by the truth which is euer the same , but rather may feare the imputation of a double minde , Iames 1.8 . which as S. Iames faith , is vnstable in all his wayes . Yet notwithstanding , wee are willing and desirous to heare from you such speaches , as are arguments of that loue and obedience which all men ought to beare vnto that Church wherein they liue : we are content to allowe ( although you haue not fully expressed the intention of the Church of England in this point ) That to signe the Infant with the signe of the Crosse , was to signe him with an ancient token of Christian profession : that it is not a signe from God to men , nor of men to God , ( and therefore no idolatrous worship invented in our Church ) but of men to men ( as the Ring in marriage ) no part of the Sacrament , no consecrating or operatiue signe , no Symbolicall or sacramentall signe not so much as explicatory but a simple significatiue rite expres to the Congregations hope & expectation of that child ; which no man can doubt to be the vertuous & religious intention of our Church : both because ( as you confes ) It is after Baptisme , 2. It is saide , wee . 3. It is omitted in priuate Baptisme . 4. And lastly the signe is omitted in the Lords Supper , as not giuing either vertue to the Sacrament or holinesse to the action , which were ( in these latter times ) vnsufferable errors , superstitiously brought in by the Church of Rome : wherein all indifferent men may see the moderation of our church , which hauing left the ordinary vse of the Crosse , in al actions at all times , ( for which the practise of antiquitie might haue beene some warrant ) haue onely admitted the same in Baptisme , as then chiefly requisite for a signification of that profession , which at that time the Infant vndertooke , and therein ment to continue for euer after . In this sence ( which is the warrantable intention of our Church ) if you haue held it lawfull heretofore , and now doe not , wee may say as S. Paule to the Galathians ; Gal. 5.7 Ye did run well , who hath hindred you , that you did not obey the trueth ? but wee will not censure you , but rather hope better things of you , desiring all men to remember the Apostles peremptorie conclusion ; If any man teach otherwise & consenteth not to the wholsom words of the Lord Iesus Christ , & to the Doctrine which is according to godlinesse , 1. Tim. 6.3.4 he is puft vp and knoweth nothing , but doteth about questions & strife of words , wherof commeth enuie , strife , railings , euill surmises , froward disputations of men of corrupt mindes , and destitute of the truth , which thinke that gaine is godlinesse .

APOLOGIE .

BVt now my Lord obseruing duely the 30. Canon , made of purpose to explaine the lawfull vse of the crosse , to which we are now tyed , Canon . 140. as to the iudgement of the church ( though for my reuerend opinion of that assemhly I could easily beleeue that in this explication they haue bin vsed as were the good fathers at the counsel of Arimine , vnder great penalties ; ) I finde that our Church professeth to retaine it for the very remembrance of the Crosse , which is precious to all that truely beleeue in Christ , and in such vse as did the antique fathers and churches , and by name , that by that cerimony and honorable badge the infant is dedicated to the seruice of him that dyed vpon the crosse ; In which construction I do not see how I can subscribe vnto it , as before I did ; for confessing that I grudged the name of an honorable badge , remembring to what dishonorable Idolatry , it serued of late and yet doth in Popery , and being therupon attainted by the Peares and neighbour Churches is not yet restored in blood , and think we may say of it , as Iacob of Reuben ; Thou wast fair , but hast lost thy bewty by clyming vp vnto thy fathers bed . I protest against that memoratiue vse of it in the congregation and in the Sacrament , to call to minde the Crosse of Christ ( whether thereby his sufferings , or his Altar be ment ) as that which openeth a gappe to crossings in daily vse , and crosses and crucifixes , and so any Imagery in the church and worship of God ; and think that this which hath bin abused with spirituall fornication , as a common harlot , may easily proue in that vse a cunning baud to solicite the vnstable hearts of men to their old superstition , and therefore seemeth to me to be against the second commaundement , which forbiddeth all prouocations vnto Superstition , as well as the seauenth doth all incitations to Adultery .

ANSWERE .

FRom dislikes seeming as grieuous in shewe , & for a long time as vehemently persued by a great number , we are now come at the last to that one point ( the Crosse in Baptisme ) wherein alone both antiquitie is thought to be too superstitious , and this present age , for following the same example , vnexcusable of a dangerous & vnsufferable idolatrie : but as the Church of England , hitherto hath not found it sa●e to follow the reformation of those men , who know no other means to purifie Churches , but to pull them downe ; so in this shee esteemeth it safer and more vertuous , to free the signe of the Crosse from the staines of superstitions , contracted in these later and corrupted times , rather then altogether to reiect the more auncient and purer vse thereof , as men ashamed of that which was . Saint Pauls reioycing at the Crosse of Christ . Galat. 6 , 14 Wee are not desirous in things of this nature , to satifie the Reader with empty words , b● . as farre as wee are able in truth , to let all men see , that both the Church hath reason to exact an obedience to that which it doeth lawfully command , and that their curiositie is without excuse , who either of singularitie or ignorance , seeme to pretend holy reasons to warrant them , in that which they doe refuse : and surely it must needes bee thought , an vnthankefull and ouer-bold accusation of those men , who dare aduenture to accuse a whole Church , a sincere and religious Church , a Church wherin they haue bin borne , nourished & brought vp ; whose true doctrine hath bin the foundation of their-iudgements , if they haue any , rather then they will be thought to like others or in what things they refuse obedience to her Lawes , not to be warranted by Gods word , as the vnstained actions of a sanctified , grounded , & pure zeale : as if the Church of England , which in the true opinion of the world is more setled , more reformed , more vertuous , vnder the gouerment of so sincere and so religious a prince , had by an vniuersall consent conspired as it were to increase Idolatrie , and established constitutions for the vniust recalling of the iustly banished superstions of the Romish Church , and therfore obseruing duely the 30. Canon made of purpose to explaine the lawfull vse of the crosse , to which we are now tyed as to the Iudgement of the church , Can. 140. you do not see how you can possibly subscribe vnto it as before you did . We desire all that are indifferent to viewe the reasons and vses contained in that Canon , and we doubt not but it will appeare that their motiues were sufficient to ratifie the vse of the Crosse in the intention of our Church , and to free that learned and religious assembly from the imputation , you lay vpon them , by comparing it to the Counsell of ARMINE ; First , Iewish and heathenish blasphemie derided our fathers in the christian faith , for preaching & beleeuing in him , who was crucified vpon the crosse , by which all vertuous and pure both men and times were so farre from being discouraged in their profession , by the ignominie of the crosse , as that thereby they rather reioyced and tryumphed in it , yea , the holy Ghost so farre honored the dispised name of the crosse amongst the Iewes , that vnder it , was contained all the suffering , the merits , the fruites , and the comforts of Christs death . From hence proceedeth a reuerend vse and estimation of the signe of the crosse , in the Apostles time , signing hereby not onely themselues when they met with the Iewes , but their children which were baptised , to dedicate them by badge , as it were to his seruice , whose benefits bestowed vpon them , were contained vnder that name , and procured vnto man by Christs death vpon the crosse . But time corrupting often with staines of superstition the best things ( for if Christ tell Peter , If I wash thee not , Ioh , 13 , 8 , 9. thou shalt haue no part with mee ; Peter will answere , Lord not my feete only , but my hands and my head ) so apt are we to ouerdoe that which wee finde to bee profitable vnto vs ) The signe of the crosse in the more ignorant times of the church that followed after , became so loaden with a continuall and necessarie obseruation , full of superstitious Idolatry , as if it had beene for all occasions , a compleate armour to euery Christian , and that nothing could bee well , either begun , continued , or ended , that was not first hallowed with this signe . From which ignorant opinion , blemishing a thing of vertuous and good vse , the Church of England desiring to free the signe of the Crosse , doth not commaund or allow the publick vse at any other time but in Baptisme , and that first , as no part of the substance of that Sacrament , adding any thing to the vertue or perfection of Baptisme . Secondly , nor as a meanes of admitting of any into Christs flock , but as a lawfull outward ceremony , and honorable badge , whereby the Infant is dedicated to the seruice of him that dyed vpon the crosse . In respect whereof , the very name hath and shall bee honorable amongst all true christians to the worlds end : and therefore your comparison , of those in the conuocation for making of this Canon , to them in the councell of ARMINE might haue beene well spared , seeing the perticulers of both beeing duely waighed , wise men may easily perceiue the beginnings , the proceedings , and the conclusion to bee farre vnlike : and therfore I must tel you , though not with so much seuerity as the cause deserueth , you could not with all your studie , haue found out a comparison more vnbefitting this cause , & more presumptuously iniurious to the King and the whole Church ; which , that the reader may better vnderstand , wee will briefly set downe as others haue done , from the begining to the , end the proceeding of that councell . After CONSTANTINES death , whose wisdom supprest the greatest heresy , & whose vertue taught the whole world religion ; CONSTANTIVS his sonne raigned , one rather seeming not so euill as hee was , then beeing in trueth , so vertuous as hee seemed , whom to haue setled in a right opinion in his Fathers time , had beene a duety of good seruice toward God , a meane of peace and quietnesse to the church of Christ , a labour easie , and peraduenture , as pleasing as the suggestion of those , who were the vnnaturall corruptions of a well disposed sonne , of so vertuous a father . CONSTANTIVS , by the perswasion of the ARRIANS , deuised to assemble all the Bishops of the whole world , about their great controuersie ; but in two seue●all places : the Bishops of the West at ARIMINA in Italy ; the Eastern at SELVCIA the same time ; amongst them of the East there was no stoppe , they agreed without any great adoe , gaue their sentence against heresie , excommunicated some cheefe maintainers thereof , and sent the Emperour word what was done : whom doubtlesse it much offended not , that an heresie of that nature could not from the authoritie of wisdome obtaine strength , which it is like had not beene so much fauoured by him , if hee had not esteemed the daunger in the word to bee little , whilest their meaning , as they pretended in sence , was all one ; but I lay the greatest part of the blame for this euill vpon AELIV● LEONTIVS Bishoppe of ANTIOCH , that fauoured the ARRIANS ( for mildnesse and yeelding in some Bishops made the whole church bee troubled with that herisy ) who scratching his head , white for age , said when this snow is melted there will bee much durt ; Sozo● . lib. 3 cap. 19. as if the bishops which were to succed him , would not suffer the same Hymnes ( it is like of gloria patri ) agreeable to the Nycen councel which he did , they had at Armine foure hundred which held the trueth , scarce of the aduerse part foure score .

But these obstinate , and the other wearie of contending with them thereupon , by both it was resolued to send to the Emperour , such as might informe him of the cause , and declare what hindered their peaceable agreement ; Ex parte nostra leguntur homines adolescentes , parum docti & parum cauti●ab Arrianis autem miss●senes callidi & ingen●o valentes veterno perfidiae imbuti , qui apud regem facile superiores extiterant , Sulp lib , 2 , Sozom. lib , 3 , cap , 18 , Ruffin , lib , 10 , cap , 2 , Hiero , in dialo , contr. Lucifer . there are chosen on the Catholick side such men as had in them nothing to be noted but boldnesse ; neither grauitie , nor learning ▪ nor wisdome . The Arrians for the credit of their faction , take the eldest , the best experienced , the most warie , and the longest practised Veterans they had amongst them : the Emperour coniecturing of the rest on either part , by the quality of them whom he saw , sent them speedily away , and with them a certaine confession of faith ambiguously and subtilly drawne by the Arrians , whereunto vnlesse they all subscribed , they should in no case bee suffered to depart from the place where they were ; whereby many vexed with hunger , and violent detention , yeelded vp their conscience as captiue to those penalties that were vrged vpon them : yet as it seemeth by some others , what error soeuer was concluded in that councell , was rather from the obscurity of the Greek word , then from any penaltyes : of which Saint Hierom saith thus ; Ingemuit totus orbis & se Arrianum esse miratus est . Now , what can there be in the late graue and reuerend conuocation of the clergie of England answerable to this councell ? First , for any thing that I know there was amongst them no faction ▪ Secondly , they dealt not deceitfully with the king to obtaine an allowance of what they concluded . Thirdly , no man was vrged by compulsion , or detained vpon penalties to giue his consent ; onely in this one thing , peraduenture not vnlike , that the councell of Nyce had on her side foure hundred , whereas the Arrians ( these inuentors of new opinions ) had not foure score : besides I doubt not , but what was practised with the Emperour in this councel , the contrarie was done with the King at the conuocation , and so consequently you haue little reason to thinke that they were vsed as the good fathers at the councell of Armine , for all men see that such as the Catholicks made choyce of as Embassadors for their part , to the Emperour at that time , such the Scismaticks selected as solicitours of their cause , and followers of those petitions which were deliuered vp : some in whome nothing was to be noted , but boldnesse , neither grauitie , nor learning nor wisdome . Which if you confesse , and thereby would conclude your selues to haue the trueth , but to haue also the same euill choyce of Agents , as the catholickes at that time ; we say this were to wrap his sacred Maiestie in the ouersight of Constantine , and for excusing of your selues , to lay an iniurious imputation vpon one of the grauest , the most religious , the most learned and vertuous conuocations that euer were assembled in this church : wrong not your pretended sincerity & zeale ouer much in your vncharitable & vncomly censuring of that meeting from which wee doubt not but holinesse and piety shall receiue strength and comfort ,

Signum domini●●m . Insigne Regni ▪ Symbolum patiennae , humilitatis , mortis Christi triumphi .

Bucer . in censu . cap. 11.

and the church very shortly shal be blessed with a consent and happie peace , striue not against the retaining of that which the auncientest fathers so much commend , called it the Lords sygne , the badge of Christs Kingdome , the note of patience , of humility , of the death of Christ , of his tryumph , from these beginnings men may not ignorantly proceede to become in the end direct enemies to the cros of Christ , this made master BVCER modestly to speake concerning the retaining of the sygne of the crosse in Baptisme in our church ; Signum hoc non tam quod est vsus in Ecclesia antiquissimi , quam quod est admodum simplex , & presentis admonitionis crucis Christi , adhiberi nec indecens , nec in vtile existimo , Bucer in cer● . cap. 11 , si adhiheatur , modo pure intellectum & religiose excipiatur , nulla nec superstitione adiuncta , nec elementi seruitute aut vulgari consuetudine : all which considerations are and haue beene obserued in our church , and therefore I cannot but maruell how you should compare it to Reuben ascending to his fathers bed , the one being an agent of much euill , for which hee lost his beauty , the other onely an innocent sufferance of some euill , by which , if any blemish were contracted to a thing faire , for you say , ( Thou wast faire ) It is more fit the spots to bee put to an euerlasting banishment : and therefore discretion would haue forborne those speaches , which follow , seeing wee must tell all the world , which often by others hath beene proued alreadie , That the Crosse in Baptisme as it is vsed in the Church of England was neuer either a spirituall harlot heretofore , or a band now , and consequently his vse no way forbidden by the first table , which will better peraduenture appeare in that which followeth .

APOLOGIE .

AGaine , if by it the childe bee dedicated vnto Christ , then is that done by it ( at least externally ) which was before done both effectually and solemnly by the Act of Baptisme it selfe , which must imbrace either the sacrament of insufficiencie to the same point ,

Act. 15.28 . 1. Cor. 14 , 26 , Gal. 4 , 9

Bafil . de natali Chri.

Zanch , Com. pend ▪ Loc. de tradit ,

for this addition of idlenesse and superstition in either , whereof it is made vnlawfull ( at least in the imposers ) and vpon as good ground to bee refused , as those other ceremonie , which Popery drained from antiquitie , and all reformed Churches haue religiously cast out .

ANSWERE

WHere men are willing to dissent from the ancient lawfull practise of their owne church , either because they are desirous to bee like others , or because they cannot long indure to be like themselues , It is strange with what care they are subtilly cunning , to ●inde out probable excuses wherby they may seeme to the common capacitie of man , for to erre with reason . If when wee admit into the church the Infant by Baptisme , wee than also signe him with the crosse , in token of that warfare which hee promiseth to vndertake : shall wee therefore conceiue that either the Sacrament is impeacht of insufficiencie in that point , or that this addition is idle and superfluous ? It is ouer much confidence and rigour to conclude thus ; wee derogate nothing from the sacrament of Baptisme , when wee call the crosse a token of our warfare for Christ . For there may bee many signes of one and the same thing , though notal alike excellent . Baptisme is a Sacrament ordained of God , and a seale of his promise , teaching vs also that we are Christs soldiers & must fight vnder him , choosing a ceremony ordain'd by the church in the purest times , in signe and token also of the same warfare , and as it was not superfluous in the Lawe to declare one thing by many signes , as namely , mans vncleannesse by circumcision , purifying &c. So it must not bee accounted needlesse vnder the Gospell to make that plaine by words or signes , that at the first cannot so easily be vnderstood . Saint Austin saith that the whole action of our Redemption , is signified vnto vs by the day of the natiuity of Christ yearely celebrated , and also by the Sacrament of the supper , but after a diuerse sort : Aust. Epist. 190. ad lanuarium . for the day of the Natiuitie is onely a memoriall thereof , the other a Sacrament . The same may be said of crossing in Baptisme , and of baptisme it selfe ; the one is a more externall & accidentall signe the other a substantiall Sacrament , Act 15.28 , 1. Cor. 14 , 26. Gal. 4 , 9 neither is this signe in the numbe● of those vnnecessary things which are a burden , or not to edifying , or one of those beggerly rudiments which bring vs into bondage againe ; or one of those which Popery drained from antiquity and all reformed churches haue cast out : but a signe for vse of great antiquitie in the Sacrament of baptisme : now things that are significant are not all equally significant , for a sacrament saith Saint Austine , is when there is such a remembrance of the thing done , that there is also something signyfied which is holily to be receiued , Sacramentum est autem cum reigestae ita rememoratio fit , vt aliqnid etiam significari intelligatur . Aug. so that howsoeuer many ceremonies are retained in the church significant for those ends , furtherances of piety whereunto they serue , yet we neither do , nor dare account them significant as the sacraments , which represent christ , and are rather to be receiued then done , the other rather to be done then to be receiued by vs . If this signe then of the crosse haue not beene drained from Popery , as you imagine , but of ancient and publike vse in Tertullians time , who liued within lesse than a hundred yeares after Saint Iohn ; If Bucer in his censure of our Lyturgy , P. Martyre , Hemingius , Beza , and diuerse others of the reformed Churches ( as shall appeare hereafter ) account it to bee lawfull as it is vsed and retained in this Church ; we cannot but tel you and the whole world , that the curiositie of some few , is no iust preiudice to antiquitie : nor these sleight occasions either warrant to your conscience for disobedience , or in the opinion of wise men , any great imputation to our Church .

APOLOGI .

IF by this signe the Infant be dedicated to Christ , then is this signe a meanes by which Christ is worshipped ,

Mat. 15 , 9 Col. 1 , 20 , 22 , Zach. de Rede . in precept . 2.

P Mart. lo Co. Clast . cap. 9

Hos. de Origin . templor . lib. 4. cap. 1 & 2.

and so will-worshippe is raised repugnant to the word ; for this is plaine , that euery action referred to God , to set out any part of our deuotion and duetie to him , is worship . And againe , it is confessed by the learned , that in dedication of the Temple at Hielrusaem , mens houses , the Priests , the Altars , or whatsoeuer was dedicated 〈◊〉 Gods seruice or protection , the very ceremonies , as being then built vpon a word of God , were parts of Gods worship , and concluded against the Popish dedicating ceremonies , that we now may vse no other means or rites of dedication then the word , Sacraments thanksgiui●g and prayers , such as Constantine onely vsed at the dedication of the Temple which he built at Hierusalem . Add hereto that the Papists which abound in significant ceremonies for dedication do hold them all to be meane ; and parts of Gods worship : finally yet if he that dedicated an Altar to an Idol were , Lib. 6. de S. ●om . as Austine saith , the worshipper of an Idol in that dedication : them they that dedicate a child vnto God are in that dedication worshippers of God , and then the means of that dedication , must be the means of his worship , which for man to deuise de nouo and impose , is to teach for doctrine , mens traditions .

ANSWERE .

THere is no plea we so willingly heare , as that which striueth for the sincerity of Gods worship , for that being mans duety and happinesse , yet because easily corrupted , least of all permitted to mans liberty ( God hauing prescribed an exact forme how hee will be honored ) wee ought all of vs , both to search out and to further those holy obseruations , which are free from superstition , & do serue vnto this end . To dedicate the infant by this signe to Christ , is to make this signe say you a meanes whereby Christ is worshipped , and so will-worshippe is raised repugnant to the word of GOD , a thing surely not fit either to bee commanded or performed by any that are vertuous in our Church .

It seemeth that in this more then ordinary curiosity of zeale , you haue neither rightly waighed what it is to dedicate in that sense which the Church taketh it , nor how many , and of what nature are the parts of externall diuine worship . For euery action referred to God ( of which kinde pearaduenture this is not ) to set out any part of our deuotion and duety to him , is not of necessity worship ; for as in Baptisme wee are incorporat into the death of christ , which was ignominious vpon the crosse : so by this signe we doe externally testifie to the world , that we haue commended our selues ( for it doth not please you to say dedicated ) vnto his seruice , of whose death , merit , and profession we are not , nor euer purpose to bee ashamed ; all which wee testifie by signing this signe in the seat of shame , without any proportion or resemblance with diuine worship . Only we acknowledge ( as D. Whitakers noteth ) that this is an ancient ceremony from the first beginning almost of Religion , Whit. contra . Quest. 6 and the christian church ; the reason wherof , as hee noteth was this ; Vt Christiani qui tum inter Ethnicos viuebant qui a fide alienissimi essent , sese omni ratione Christianos esse declararent , atque testarentur publice , That christians , who then liued amongst the Heathen , and such as were aliens from the faith , might publickly restifie and declare themselues that they were christians .

For with this signe ( by reason of the contempt of the crosse which all others had ) the christians were accustomed to marke and signe themselues , as with the ensigne of their owne profession ; which being the custome of those times ( as Doctor Whitakers noteth ) and no more then is performed at this day , wee cannot but wonder at the cauelling of such as make it any part of Diuine worshippe , and at the peeuishnesse of those who from hence would conclude a will-worship inuented from humane reason .

All men may knowe that there was vnto the Iewes , and so is and shall bee in all Churches vntill the end of the world , besides the Sacraments in the externall worshippe sacrifices , oblations , and such like , which are not the inuentions of men , but traditions of the church which ( in matters of this nature ) hath authority to appoint daies , places , and things furtherances and parts , though not of the immediate , yet in a large phrase , of the externall worshippe of God ▪ of which external worship , some parts belong to obedience , doing and fulfilling the morall precepts , some other to the obseruation of outward ceremonies , and yet euen these are not all of one nature , nor of equall nearnes to the principall parts of the outward worshippe : for the ceremoniall worshippe , which hath and shall bee in the Church in all ages , consisting in things and actions , is thus distinguished : into those wherein the worshippe consisteth , & into those which are annexed to it . These amongst the Iewes were Temples , Altars , Persons , Garments , Vessels , Times and such like , but with vs ( as one noteth ) they are for number fewer , Zanch , in Deca . pag. 41● . for signification more famous , for vertue more excellent , for● obseruation more easie . Numero pauciora , significat●one Aug. ●o●a v●rtute ●rae●●ātiora & obseruatu taciliora , Aust. Zanch. And howsoeuer wee can bee content , to say and thinke , that it is not lawfull to worshippe God with any other externall and ceremoniall worshippe then is warranted in his word , by his owne allowance : yet if any thing bee varied , which is not commaunded of God , or added , not as essentiall , but accidentall , and not as necessarie , but as indifferent , pertaining to comelinesse , order , and edification , wee cannot thinke that there is any change in the worship commaunded , nor any new worship brought in without warrant . For example , Christ celebrated the Supper at e●ening , the Apostles and the Church after them , in the morning ; shall wee say therefore any thing is added or detracted in this Sacrament ? no because Christ did not command that this should be celebrated in the euening as he did , but only that we should do that which hee did , not at that time wherein hee did it , so that the auncient Church ( as wee may reade in Iustin Martyr ) mingling and delaying the wine with water ▪ did not therefore or thereby change the institution of the Supper , whereof there may be a twofolde reason ; one that the wine which Christ gaue to his disciples , might be so allaid for any thing wee knowe , seeing the Apostles haue set nothing downe to the contrarie , and therefore probable that the ancient Church receiued it from them . Secondly , because the ancient Church did not adde ●his in the Sacrament , as an essentiall necessary thing pertaining to the substance of the Supper , Blood and water out of the side of Christ . but as accidentall to signifie a mysterie ; the like may bee saide of many things in Baptisme , where either by adding or detracting to alter things otherwise not essentiall in Baptisme , and therein stil following the lawes and ceremonies of that Church wherein wee liue , is not to change either the sacrament of Christ , or to prophane it by addition of any wil-worship ; to ordaine then new diuine worshippe , is to adde vnto his word : which thing is not lawfull , seeing the word is necessarie , bindeth the conscience , deliuereth the substance of diuine worshippe , and hath nothing in it expressed indifferent . Now to adde hereunto is to ordaine somewhat , as a thing absolutely necessary , & pertaining to the essence of worshippe , and which so bindeth the conscience as the word it selfe , and therefore they adde not to the word , which by the consent of the Church , do ordaine any ceremony in the externall worship ( obseruing the limitations of order , comlinesse , and edification ) not as necessary , but as a thing indifferent and free , binding the conscience not out of the qualitie of the thing , but onely from hence , that it is commaunded : for as there are ( as the schoolemen say ) somethings which are mala quia prohibita , somethings which are prohibita quia mala , so there are some things mandata quia necessaria , some things necessaria quia mandata , of which kinde in Baptisme we account the crosse .

But as wee neither allowe vnmeete , nor purpose the stiffe defence of any vnnecessarie custome heretofore vsed in Baptisme , so wee knowe not yet any reason why infants should be the worse , if at their first admission into the Church of Christ , if at the time when they are deliuered as it were vnto Gods owne possession ( for the Church and euery member thereof , as Master Zanchy noteth , ought first of all to offer it selfe to God ) ceremonies fit to betoken such intents be vsuall with vs , as in the purest times they haue beene . Hereby putting the whole congregation in mind that the Infant thus admitted into the church , hath by the promise of his ●ue●ties renounced all obedience to the enemies of God , & surrendered vp himselfe for euer vnto his seruice who suffered for his redemption vpon the cros . This being then our innouation , and the beginning of that profession wherein wee purpose to continew to our liues end , to haue either besides the thing , which is Baptisme , a significant signe which is the crosse , or to call it a dedication ( seeing the Greeke word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is by the olde translatour of the Bible , Vnde Encoenia noualia . sometimes translated dedico , sometimes initio or innouor ( which Quintinus obserued at the fift canon of the councell of Gangren ) cannot be , in my opinion , from the word Dedicate to make the crosse any part of diuine worship : for though our dedication bee not such as the dedication of the Temple was ( and therefore the comparison vnfitly alledged in this place ) yet godly men ( as P. Martyr noteth ) are then visibly consecrated vnto God when they be washed in holy Baptisme , Loc. Com. part. 4. cap. 19. and hereof to haue a signe externally to signifie their intention , or this signe to bee the crosse cannot in any , reasonable construction bee the inuention of a wil-worship .

And if this signe bee lesse lawfull at this time , by the blemish it may seeme to receiue from Popery ; It is not impossible , but that sometimes they may iudge as rightly , what is decent about such externall affaires of God , as in some greater things what is true .

The Hebrewes did dedicate and initiate their things not by simple and bare words , but by adding of outward rites , signes I meane , and tokens which might bee seene , not that they taught any holinesse or diuine quality to bee in those things ( for seeing it is in the soule , these are not capable of it ) but so they thought because the rites beeing instituted by GOD ( whose authoritie in this case the Church now hath ) those things which were consecrated , might become instruments of the holy spirit , Loc. Com. lib ▪ 4 19. lib. 4. cap by which the faith of men might bee stirred vp ; this is the opinion of P. Martyr . Seeing then our dedication , as shall appeare afterward , is not as you imagine , wee conclude , that it is neither vnlawful for the church to adde ceremonies , significant in this kinde , as accidentall parts of the externall worshippe , nor ( though wee yet graunt you not so much vnlawfull amongst those for to account the crosse , beeing neither by our church esteemed as a meanes ) of diuine worshippe , nor imposed for Doctrine , being but the tradition of men .

APOLOGIE .

IF the childe bee dedicated by this signe , then either initiated as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 importeth or consecrated hereby as the worde 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Chanack ▪ Chadash . If the former then Baptisme is made void , if the latter , then the crosse is operatiue , and to say trueth , in vse of speach , to dedicate vnto holy vse , and to consecrate is all one ; nor can it bee replyed that dedicated is as much , as declared to bee dedicated ( though if it were so , this signe should come into a needles office , yea into that for which Baptisme was ordained ) for beside that the phrase is not vsed , the verie words of the Canon do reiect that sense ,

Illir . Clauis . script .

Bel ▪ Ide cult. sanct. lib. 2 , ca. 5 Martyr , lo. Co. Clas. 4 , 9 ▪

Orig. Homil. 8. in diueri . Ter. de Co●o . mil. Cypr. Epist. 6. & ad Demet & test . advers 9. Iud. lib. z. cap. 1. Hier. epist. ad Demetriadem Amb. Ser. 49. & 90.

Athanas. de Incar . vbi . Basil. de Sp. san. cap. 37. Aug. tract . in Ioh. 110. & others .

Maashal of the Crosse. fol. 24. Bellar. de Imag. lib. 4. cap. 30.

Confer . pag. 73.74 .

Rhem. Anno● . in ● . Tim. 2 , Stapt . prompt . part . 1

Belar . demis . lib , 2. cap. 15.

Marshal of the crosse . Missase , in benedict ▪ crucis .

by confessing our Dedication by this signe to be such , as the ancient fathers before Popery did vse .

Now it is plaine , that sauing the verie point of adoration and worship , with which popery crowned this Idoll , there is nothing ascribed to the crosse , in or out of Baptisme , by the ranckest Papists , but the fathers are as deeply ingaged in the same . So , if we vse it as the fathers , wee hold it to be so necessary for our defence , as was the bloud of the passouer vpon the Israelites posts , or as the marke on their foreheads in the ninth of Ezechiell without which none can be safe . For so did the fathers , and we take the soule to be fenced by the crossing of the body , and the crosse to haue vertue of consecrating the sacrament or the childe : of driuing away diuels witchcraft and diseases , of strengthing against temptations . And if we will excuse the fathers by saying they spake thus relatiuè , with reference to the crosse of Christ and his death , neither will all their speaches heare this releefe , nor haue we at all distanced them from the Papists , who say as much for themselues : and then what Popish superstition is that , from which we haue purged it ? Specially if his maiestie were truely informed at the conference , that in Ba●tisme the Papists neuer ascribe any power or spirituall grace therto ( as indeed he was not ) witnesse their writers , and how either skilfully or negligently haue we vnder the faier name of the Primitiue and Apostolicall Churches , reduced it to that vse of holinesse and consecration , which in the name of the Papists could not haue beene borne : I confesse my Lord , I had rather thinke some committies to whom the penning of this Canon was betrusted to haue failed therin then misdeeme all that reuerend assembly to haue intended such a meaning . But so long as this interpretation stands as the mi●de of our Church I shall feare it iustly , knowing how vnder the couert of phrases , the maine points of trueth haue beene surprised , and therefore may be againe . So I conclude , that as the Israelites bore that alter for a signe , which for Sacrificing they could not haue suffered , so for a simple significatiue signe , I could haue borne that of the crosse , which for an altar of dedication I cannot approoue .

ANSERE .

WHILST some men , in the sincerity of an vpright minde , haue laboured with humility to giue satisfaction to contentious spirits , both those persons runne more speedily from vs , whom wee desire to ouertake , and also a common enemie surpriseth vs with aduantage , making vs to seeme in the eye of the world to bee of their minde , because with greater moderation we abstain from that vehement zeale to reformation , that others more rashly are transported with ; so that in this case , the labour is neither easie nor safe . For to answere our brethren at home with that trueth and freedom , which both the cause and our loue to their persons doth chalenge from vs , is but to open the mouth of the common aduersarie , as if wee spake and thought as they doe , and out of this feare , to suppresse our answere , were with much weakenesse to betray the trueth .

This consideration , as it is not of small importance in the whole cause , so especially in this point concerning the crosse , where the diffence of a lawful ceremony , may easily bee thought the erecting of that Idoll , whereunto the most superstitious in those later times haue beene corruptly perswaded to giue honor .

For mine owne pa●t in satisfaction to the Church of Christ ( whereunto I owe the vttermost of that simple talent which GOD hath giuen mee ) I Protest , that neither out of malice I oppugne our brethren at home , nor willingly would bee thought to Patronize the least errour of the Church of Rome ; neither , I hope , hath any thing euer passed my pen with so sleight consideration since I was able to deale in this cause , whereof I cannot giue a sufficient reason that it is farre from the defence of any error of the Romish Church .

And therefore in my opinion , the late Authour of the Protestantes Apologie hath dealt somewhat vnkindly with mee and others , to alledge vs as witnesses for their side , but most inconsiderately , to the disaduantage of his owne cause , who now in the latter end beeing driuen from Scriptures , Fathers , and Councelles , are compelled to support themselues with the wrested mistaken Testimonies of such as haue and are willing to fight against them , and yet if wee erre of what valewe are our errours to conuince a trueth ?

The daunger of this euill , if it were fully considered by our brethren that will needes striue with vs , would make them forbeare all further contention in this cause ; and Ioyne with our Church in cerimonyes , as they doe in doctrine , that all like the children of the same wombe might bee readye as with one heart and one voyce , to resist their subtill and malicious attempts , who vnder colour of Religion , and the Catholike faith , seeke treacherously the ruine , and subuersion both of this Church , and this commonwelth .

And therfore ( in the Iudgment of all wise , and religious men ) vnexcusable is their paynes , and trauell , who extend their witts to the vttermost of that they are able , to deriue an enuye vpon that gouerment , ( as Infected with Popish superstition ) wherein , hitherto they haue louingly peaceably and plentifully bene brought-vp .

It seemeth that the vse of the Crosse in Baptisme offendeth not so much , as that the Infant by this means is dedicated to Gods seruice ; because ( say you ) If dedicated ( at which word you take all your offence ) then either Initiated or consecrated ( for the words in the Hebrewe doe onely signifie one of these two ) of which if we graunt the first , you peremptorily conclude that Baptisme is made voyde , if the second that then this signe is operatiue and hath vertue in it : and yet ( say you ) in the true vse of speach , to dedicate and to consecrate is all one ; I am sorry that in matters of this consequence for which men can perswade themselues that it is warrantable to forsake their flockes , that at the last , the conclusion being summed vp , it should bee onely a contention of wordes ; yet I must tell you that to speake properly , and as men of Iudgment haue done before vs ; to consecrate is to make of prophane thinges holy ; to dedicate is when they are appoynted to some certayne GOD ; P. Martir , loc. Com. Par. 4.9 fo● to dedicate or Initiate the Greekes called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 but to consecrate 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and to sanctifie 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , for to sanctifie as Peter , Martyr saith , is nothing else but to apply to diuine & religious vses , or to prepare himself to offer some thing to God .

Now if it may appeare ( as doubtlesse it will ) that not onely religious things were dedicated , but other things also , and that their dedication was in another kinde , without any worship diuine , but by first vsing ; what inconuenience wil follow , if in the whole action of baptisme , and those prayers that are vsed , the Infant be dedicated , which in the canon is ascribed vnto the crosse , that being the onely externall cerimonie expressing the intention of the whole act ? Thus Dauids house was dedicated , for which was made the thirtieth Psalme : the walles of a citie . Nehem. 12.27 . were dedicated , which was nothing else , as P. Martyr saith , but that the wals of a citie being made vp , the people together with the Leuites and Priests , and also the Princes went thither , and there gaue thanks vnto God , because the walle ; were reedified , and prayed that the city might bee righteously vsed . This kinde of Dedication was called by the Hebrewes Canach . The other which was Chadash , was to consecrate things holy to God . Now , which of these you vnderstand to bee done by the crosse in Baptisme , it will not bee greatly material against vs , seeing the verie act of Dedication or consecration dependeth not vpon the signe of the crosse , but yet so said , because the crosse is an ancient significant conuenient signe of that act of dedication or consecration which is done in Baptisme , by the worde and prayer .

For our Dedication in Baptisme is as it were , a surrendering of al that tight which our parents , or our selues might haue in our selues into Gods hands : wherein as in the dedication both of the Temple and the Tabernacle , God gaue a manifest signe that hee tooke possession of both : so it standeth with reason , that on the Infants behalfe , hereafter to put him in minde , and for the present to admonish those that are lookers on , that the minister signe him with that badge , which is the ensigne of his merit & victory , whom the child must serue . The ancient vse of the crosse at all other times was for infidels , but in Baptisme for the good of beleeuers , which is intended still : but as they haue done in this , so they exclude the crosse in the dedication of Temples , as if it were all one to build a house to God , and a parlour or Kitchin to our selues ; wherin though I allow not greatly , the superstitious number of twelue in the building of Churches : yet I am not altogether of their opinion , who hold crosses vnmeete at the dedication of Temples , which if some corruptly haue vsed to a false end , wee cannot but mislike their superperstitious intention , and yet retaine that warrantable signe , which wel becommeth that place , which ought to be the religious Schoole-house of Christs death . If wee may credit antiquity in the storie of Iulian , when hee looked the intrals of beasts ( for south-saying , Sozo● . pag , 108. Nazian , or ● in Iul. 1. P. Diac. &c. inuenit crucem coronatam , hee found a crosse with a crowne , from whence some collected Christian religion to be perpetuall , and that Iulian could not ouercome it , others Angustias & quasi carceres crucis ; but peraduenture more truely , to signifie an euerlasting Crowne purchased by his death , that suffered vpon the crosse ; besides , in the garments of those Iewes which sought to reedifie the Temple at Iulians commaundement , there were imprinted crosses , as if that power that suffered ignominiously vpon the crosse , would testifie the strength of his arme , even in that which they most contemned , shall wee then bee ashamed of that badge ? or bee vnwilling to dedicate our selues vnto his seruice by that sygne , which was the note of his fearefull power to such as resisted his right hand , and so farre honored by the holy ghost that it often expresseth the whole meritt of his passion , by the bloode of the Crosse , so that if strange conclusions be not vrged vpon vs , It is neither to make Baptisme voyde , to say wee are dedicated by the Crosse , ( ascribing that to the signe which is done in the whole act ) nor to make it , or Baptisme operatiue in that sence , to say that by Baptisme and so manifested by that signe , we are consecrated to gods seruice , and that consequently , our dedication by this signe , is such as the auncyent fathers before poperye did vse .

But least the Innocencye of the auncient tymes , should seeme to be a warrant for the simple vse of the Crosse among vs , ( who thought it ever Honor and vertue enoughe to treade in the harmeles steppes of our forefathers ) you laye an equall burthen for this corruption vpon them , as if nothing were ascribed to the Crosse , in or out of Baptisme by the rankest Papists ( saving the very poynt of adoration ) but the fathers are as deepely ingaged in the same ; this If I had vttered , the Church of Rome would Iustly haue thought , that I had done them a great honor , in allowing their superstitious abuse of this signe , sauing onely in one poynt , to be the verye same ●or vertue , and power , as the auncyenter fathers did ascribe vnto it ; so that whilst you desire to make the Church of England as guilty of superstition in the vse of this signe , as they are now of the Church of Rome , you Inconsiderately and perhaps vntruely make the rankest papists no lesse Ignorant in that poynt , then the auncyentest and purest fathers haue bene before them : whatsoever is capable of corruption ( as the best thinges and actions wherein man concurreth , of necessity are ) ( for wee haue all corrupted our owne wayes ) commeth not vpon the sodayne to that height of euill but that more evident markes of the former Integritye remaine , which in continuance of time , are not onely blemished , but whollye turned into another corrupt nature .

This is evident in that great and Antichristian defection of the trueth , which was not all eclipsed or ouershadowed at once ; but Ignorance breeding superstition ; superstition never satisfying it selfe in the surmised acts of religion , but erring in the excesse , as prophanenes in the defect , hath added daylye to the first corruptions , that she is nowe as the heade of a smalle riuer , which sendeth forth but one streame , which cannot knowe her owne daughter in , continuance of time , being growne like vnto an Ocean , by the manyfold additions of sundrie and strainge waters .

The Histories of former ages doe record vnto vs the beginning , the increase the perfection of the grouth in the superstitious corruptions of the Church of Rome ; and howsoeuer all agree not , when this defection beganne , yet most men knowe , that there was a time in the priatiue age of our fathers , when few or none of the ceremonies of the Church were infected with such corruption as now they are . So that the seueritie of those is ouer great , who would wrap the fathers immediatly succeeding the Apostles time , with the same superstition ( saue only in the point of adoration ) wherwith the Papists are iustly accused to bee infected at this day : I confesse , when the Papists are charged by vs to haue corrupted the truth , by rehearsall of many false miracles done by the signe of the crosse , they alledge the testimonies of all fathers , Bellar. Marshall . saying ( which you confesse , but I doe not ) that they haue esteemed no otherwise of the crosse then the fathers of the Church haue done before them . Wee then say for satisfaction in this point , that it had beene equall and right in you , before the imputation of so much corruption to the blessed memory of those holy men , to haue showed what the Papists ascribe vnto the crosse , what the fathers , and what wee ; No man can deny , but that God , after the death of his sonne , manifested his power to the amazement of the world in this contemptible signe , which peraduenture gaue iust occasion , beeing the instrument of so many miracles , that corrupter times , as those that succeeded were , did ouerburden it with fables and worshippe , the one false , the other Idolatrous , both seruing to poyson the after ages with dangerous superstition : the Church of Rome at this present , differeth from the ancient fathers , as we differ from them , in making the very crosse wherupon Christ died , to bee a relick , and all other crosses to be as Images : and lastly the vere figure made in the ayre , to haue a spirituall and diuine vertue , to cast out diuels and to worke miracles , Beller . lib. 2. de Imag. cap. 30. and as Bellermine saith Terret & fugat daemones , pellit morbos , & omnia mala ; sanctificat ea quibus imprimitur ; which vertues or some of which , if God manifested in the crosse in the dayes of our forefathers , Sanctit as accedit rebus cum signantium cruce . to ascribe the same vnto now , is not to say truly as they fathers did , but superstitiouslie to err with the church of Rome , as if the power of healing which followed annoynting in the primitiue church , might be a warrant either for the annointing vsed amongst papists at this day , or imbolden any man to say that nothing is ascribed by the rankest papist ( for that is your phrase ) to annointing , but the fathers are as deeply ingaged in the same ; so that whilst our church professeth the vse hereof as the fathers did , they neither tie themselues to the example of all , nor can be iustly denyed to haue the warrant of the soundest fathers for the vse hereof . For the moderate vse as now it is retayned in the church of England seemeth to be an apostolicall constitution , being accounted as a thing auncyently & generally receiued in Tertullians time , who was within two hundred yeares after Christ , and within lesse then a hundred yeares after , Saint Iohn , Conser . pag. 73 74. in which shortnes of time , it were Iniury to think , that a superstitious Idolatry , should gaine that honor , to be accounted an auncyent and a reuerend sygne . And therefore in my opinion lesse excusable is their fault , who laye the imputation of false dealing with his maiestie by the Bishops at the conference , being informed ( but as you say ) ( vntruly ) that the papists neuer ascribe any power or spirituall grace in Baptisme vnto the Crosse ; surely wisedome must account it if not malice , yet great rashnes to giue the ly to those reuerend persons , in answere whereof I only say thus much ; that what the Bishops had informed his maiestie in this point , his profound knowledge like the oracle of God , Rhem. Test. in 1. Tim. 4 Bellard . de miss. Lib. 215 Signum crucis est ceremonia omnium communissima et antiquissima Aust Tract. 118 , in Iohan. addeth ( and I finde it to be true ) ; and questionlesse those places alledged in your margent , do not proue that in Baptisme the papists ascribe any power or spirituall grace vnto the crosse : but onely make it a most auncyent and most common cerimonie , without which no Sacraments can rightly be performed . Wherein if following Saint Austin they go to farr● yet it is iniury to charge them with that which is none of theirs ; and for our selues we say , & I doubt not but shortly it wil be proued to all the world , we haue purged the crosse in baptisme from all that popi●● superstition which did cleaue vnto it , and therefore you need not excuse that reuerend assembly by laying the fault vpon some committyes , seing a little before you are not affraid to accuse them , for dealing with others , for the making of the Canons , as the fathers were vsed in the councill of Arimyne , and whom immediately in the words following , you iealously susspect , vnder the couert of phrases to surprise the truth ; but as wisedome and iudgment is their honor , so reuerence and obedience is our duety . So then to draw to a conclusion in this point ( leauing the full defence of the crosse to others of more Iudgment ) we cannot but confesse that we haue read many things in the ecclesiasticall histories , and the fathers in commendation of this signe , which at first peraduenture not euill gaue occasion of superstition to those that followed : many things we confesse to be fabulous & vntrue , sōethings perhaps counterfeited by Satan , other things true but not auaileable to warrant the blindnes of after times : some things which in those times might well be tollerated but not now : some things which euen in these times , & in our church may iustly warrant the vse of the crosse amongst vs : Hooker . Lib. 5. Sect. 65. Pag. 165.68 . for ) as one learnedly observeth ( which may giue the indifferent reader satisfaction in this cause ) betweene the crosse which superstition honoreth as Christ , and that ceremonie of the crosse which serueth onely for a signe of remembrance , there is as plaine & as great a difference , as between those brasen Images which Salomon made to beare vp the cestern of the Temple & ( sith both were of like shape but of vnlike vse ) that which the Israelites in the wildernes did adore ▪ 2. Chro. 4.3 . or betweene the altars which Iosias destroyed , because they were instruments of meere idolatry , Exod. 32 4. and that which the tribe of Ruben with others erected , near to the riuer of Iordan , for which also ( as you do ) they grew at the first into some dislike , & were by the rest of their brethren suspected yea hardly charged with open breach of the law of God , accused of backwardnes in religion , vpbrayded bitterly with the fact of Peor , and the odious example of Achan ▪ as if the building of their Altar in that place had giuen manifest shew of no better then intended Apostacy , till by a true declaration made in their owne defence , it appeared that such as misliked , misunderstood their enterprise , in as much as they had no intent to build any altar for sacrifice which God would haue no where offered , sauing in Ierusalem only , but to a farr other end and purpose , which being opened satisfied all partes , and so deliuered them from causeles blame : so likewise touching the signe & ceremony of the crosse ( which for a simple significatiue signe your selfe can allow ) we no way finde our selues bound to relinquish it , neither because the first inuentors thereof were but mortall men , nor least the sence and signification ( namely to dedicate ) should burthen vs , as the authors of a new ghospell in the house of god nor in respect of some cause which the fathers had more then we haue to vse the same , nor finally for any such offence or scandall as heretofore it hath been subiect vnto by error now reformed in the minde of men . Of kneeling at the Communion SECT. 9.

APOLOGY

My last exception about the sacrament is about the kneeling at the communion , which for my owne part I neuer stuck at , as at a thing vnlawfull to be vsed , because it is administred with a prayer ouer euerie receiuer , and for that it is not vnlawfull , nor ( if superstition had not staynd it ) vnfit to take such a token of Gods fauour ( aswell as the fauours of a prince ) vpon our knees . But my reuerend Lord this so extreame vrging of it , in the Canon as to make the only omission of it ( in a poore man who of a tender conscience and in detestation of the late popish and Idolatrous vse thereof shall forbeare it ) so deepe a cause of seperating a man from all part in Christs death , as that the minister himselfe shal be suspended if he suffer him to communicate , seemes a charge of more waight , then an indifferent cerimonie should beare , & such as thrusteth men vpon a breach of gods commaundement , Math. 15.6 . Zanch. compe . de Trad. Histor. Lib. 1. Cap. 11. either in doing against perswasion , or forbearing the Lords table . And this makes me dout how I can subscribe thereto , and calleth to mind Tacitus obseruation , that the mutuall hurtes of the men of Lyons and Vyenna were so often & cruell , that a man might easily see , they fought not alone for Nero and Galba .

ANSWERE .

Where the weaknes of man hath no other strength , and his soule by reason of sinn , no other meanes of saluation , but In and By the couenant betwixt God and him ; there we are especially to make account of those duties , which are Signes , and meanes , of all that which religiously is to be performed on our partes : this the fathers haue expressed vnder this one name of Deuotion , which some of them not vnfitly tearme the marrow of our burnt sacrifices as if our burnt sacrifices without this , Medulla Hol● caustorum , Lib. 4. Orthodox . fid cap. 3 were like the offerings of Caine , without fatnes . Now as man ( as Damascen speaketh ) is composed of two natures , Intellectuall and sensible ; so he oweth and is to offer vnto god a two fold deuotion , the one spirituall , which consisteth in the inward minde , the other corporall in the outward humiliation of the body : this latter is rather for the furtherance of our selues & others , Iohn . 4. in the waies of piety , them as a thing of it selfe acceptable to God , who being a spirit , is to be worshiped in spirit & truth : yet by this external gesture ( the bowing of the knee ) as by the manifest figure of our humility which corporally we performe : our inward affection cherefully is stirred vp , with alacrity & diligence to discharge what belongeth to his inward worship : the vse of bowing the knee , when we either begg or receiue any thing from Gods hand , hath beene ancyent and warrantable in Gods church , and it is no lesse comely & behooueful for vs vpon our knees , to beg that the cupp of his blood may profitably and effectually passe to vs , Luk. 23 then for our sauiour himselfe prostrate to in treat , that the cupp of his passion might passe from him .

For seing all men in the time of that action , whilest the minister vttering the words in the administration of the sacrament praye , that they may be preserued in body and soule vnto eternall life , are then ( vnlesse they be carelesse of so great a benefit ) humbly prostrate in their harts , and begging with all , the assistance of his grace to receiue it worthely : all other offices of religion may better want the bowing of our knees then this one , whereof by reason of our sinnes we may iustly feare to want the benefit , and wherein we hope to receiue our sauiour and all his merits , at whose name all knees are to bow both in heauen and earth ; & therefore our kneeling at the communion , as one well noteth , is the gesture of piety , Mr. Hooker . Lib. 5 Doct. 68. Pag. 183. for if we did there present our selues but to make some show or dumb resemblance of a spirituall feast ; it may be that sitting were the fitter ceremonie : but comming as receiuers of inestimable grace at the hands of God , what doth better beseeme our bodies at that hower , then to be sensible witnesses of mindes vnfainedly humbled ? and if the example of our sauiour ouersway any mans conscience in this case , we must tell them that the church hath varyed euen with allowance , both the time and the place from those which our sauiour vsed ; and in this our Lord himselfe did that which custome and long vsage had made fit , we that which fitnesse and great decency hath made vsuall : which externall decent humility if any ignorantly haue stayned with superstition , it is not their voluntary seruice without warrant in doing more then they ought can priuiledg vs contrary to reason and the commaundement of our owne church to performe lesse then we should ▪ For seing , all locall bodyes must haue some position in all that which they do or suffer , what could be thought of in this action more conuenient for both , then kneeling , which fitly serueth to expresse our humility in receiuing so vnspeakeable a fauour , and withall to set forth the offering vp of our thanks , which , prostrate vpon our knees we desire god to accept in his owne sonne ? wherein doubtles if all men had beene wel instructed ( nay if many had not been taught the contrary ) without lawes euen reason it selfe would haue ●ould them that nothing was better beseeming the reuerence of this act , then hartely to begg & humbly to giue thanks , for so vnspeakable a benefit vpon their knees . And therefore you haue truly considered ( waighing the thing it self ) that it was neither vnlawfull nor vnfit vpon our knees to take such a token of gods fauour , wherein how far euen at ordinary times , others in former ages haue gone before the presumptuous stubbernes of our dayes , de viris Illust. in Iacobo , et epist 15 , de laud , bu● Marcellae , Tertull , ad Scap , ce Lib , 3 , ad Ver. Mark , cap , ●8 . Ille interior in uisibilis qui ●o● fecit auge●ur ac per hoc ●ordis affectus qui vt fierent illa precessa quia vt facta sunt cressit quia facta sunt crescit Aust. de cura p●o mort , cap. 5 saint Hierom and others may witnesse . For howsoeuer the motions of the body cannot well be , vnlesse the minde before be prepared with the same affection , yet euen that inward inuisible humilitie of the hart which gaue strength to this outwarde receiueth strength from it : and that which went before that it might be done , receiueth increase from it in that it is done : which decent behauiour if any mislike because what the church thinketh fit to be done it punisheth sharply when it is not done , these take vnto themselues a libertie , that whilst the church censureth worthely the disobedience of such as heare not her voice , these ouer boldly censure the church in that her voice , is not guided by their tongues . And if the punishment of excommunication be thought by any ouer greeuous for the omission of so indifferent a ceremonie ( which in your opinion is a small offence ) you must know that wise men cannot account the offence small , where the disobedience is great ; and the disobedience cannot be little , where there is a contempt of those lawes which the church doth make : nay as the seruants answered Nahaman the Syrian , if you had beene commaunded any great thing especially in the humility of our soules to receiue so great a benefit , ought we not to haue done it ? and therefore howsoeuer we pitty their case , yet vnexcusable is the error of those men who chuse rather to want the food of their soule by this blessed sacrament , then to receiue the sacrament prostrate vpon their knees , as if an opinion of that superstition wherwith some others had stayned it , could hurt him that kneeleth in obedience and humility , especially knowing his owne heart to be vpright in that point , and seeing no reason sinisterly to suspect the vertuous intention of this church which professeth an vtter abolishing of al superstitious ceremonies . And therefore if you thinke the reuerend fathers of the church to deale with you and others in vrging of these things , as the men of Lyons and Vyenna , whose hurts being often and cruell , shewed that they fought for some further end than for Nero and Galba : it is but your want of charity and not their fault . Neither do I se how that act can be fitting to this purpose , seeing as the translatour of Tacitus doth tell you in the margent ; the first inhabitans of Lyons had beene driuen by force out of Vyenna and therefore were iustly to hate them as vniust vsurpers of that which was theirs . Tacit. Histo. Lib. ● , cap. 11. Which in my small vnderstanding can beare no proportion betwixt the bishops and those which refuse subscription , against whome if seuerity be vsed ( I date protest for some of them vpon my knowledg ) it is with much griefe , Math. . 18. Excomunicatus hosti non datur quasi damnandus sed corrigendus . Aquinas . and for no other end but for the vnitie & peace of this church . And if any man be excommunicated in this case , I dare not excuse him seeing our sauiour commaundeth vs to account him as a heathen that will not heare the church , who notwithstanding doth not giue him to Satan to condemne him but to correct him , & therefore I hope we may be bold to conclude as the church doth , that kneeling at the communion is a ceremonie lawfull , and fitly commaunded to be vsed &c. and that those iustly are excommunicate who refuse to doe it .

APOLOGY

TO end , Of buriall . SECT. 11 my last exception is at those words in the order of Buriall , wherein we pronounce a sure and certaine hope of resurrection to eternall life ouer the departed , and pray to haue our perfect consummation and blisse with him . ●●was wont to defend the booke herein thus , that the church prouiding a generall order therin for her children , meant not to vrge the application thereof to euery person , Canon , 58 and in that sense subscribed thereto ; But now I finde by the Canon that a minister is bound to bury euery corps , vnlesse the party stood excommunicate with the greater excommunication , Mathew . 16 . 1● Iohn . 20.23 Canon , 26 , & then to vse the forme prescribed in the booke : whence will issue that be a man neuer so haereticall or exorbitant , neuer so vile in life , or in death impenitent , vnlesse he stood excommunicate &c. The minister who should discern betwixt the cleane and vncleane , whose power is to bynd & loose , who by an other Canon is tyed to suspend from the communion euery notorious offendour , must pronounce an assured hope of this mans happynes , Esay , 5 , 20 Prouerbs , 17 , 13 and pray to be consummate & blessed with him , which is to speak good of euill ; and ( which god abhorreth ) to iustifie the wicked .

ANSWERE .

AS in a great variety of Iewels , affection & iudgment do not easely agree which to valew and esteeme of most worth , so amongst al those vertues ( the true ornaments of a Christian life ) which seuerally are deuided vnto Christian men , all being excellent , it cannot easily be determined , which exceedeth ; but leauing the rest , and following the blessed contention which Saint Paule maketh concerning Faith , Hope , and Charitie ; wee say Abraham testifyeth for the first , who beleeued , and it was accounted vnto him for righteousnesse . Enoch taught the assurance of Hope , who religiously expecting a better life , Gen. 4.26 . gaue beginning to the publicke inuocation of Gods name ; Lastly , the patterne of true Charitie was Christ himselfe , whole loue being stronger then death , Amor tenuit in Cruce , quem mors non tenuit in sepulchre . 1. Iohn . 4 held him vpon the crosse whom Death was not able to hold in the graue ; nay God maketh Loue , to be himselfe , in that hee maketh himselfe to bee loue , and who so abideth in loue , to abide in God , and God in him , and howsoeuer there can be no Christian life , where these three remayne not , Fayth , Hope , and Charitie , yet the greatest of these is Charitie . 1. Cor. 13. For if we had all faith , so that wee could remooue mountaines ; yet if wee wanted Charitie , we were nothing : Faith is the foundation of the Spirituall building of Gods house , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Charitie the roofe , without which the best are , but as houses vncouered that cannot long continue : there is no iust reason to denie our loue vnto our brethren of the same promise , ( who are the sonnes and hoyres of the same life with vs ) except sin : nay though they sinne , which wee ought not to loue in them , yet we are not warranted to leaue off our loue ; thogh they leaue not sin . For euen out of this vertue of charitie we can afforde them a couering to make their sins in our opinion to seeme lesse , Charitas oberit multitudin●m peccatorum 1. Pet. 4.8 . Charitie still directing vs in other mens falles for to hope the best . And therfore euen those whom wee ought to excommunicate ( if we had authoritie ) we dare not pronounce as absolutely cut off from the attainement of euerlasting life ; the one is the discipline of the Church , to cut off for a time that which is euill ; the other is our peculiar charitie to hope that that may be good , which is cut off . And therefore such men who haue no other interest in their brethren , but to hope and to speake the best thing● , can no way receiue preiudice , if ( following the commaundement of the Church ) they pronounce of all liuing within her bosome , a sure and certaine hope of resurrectio to eternall life . And pray to haue with them their perfect consummation and blisse , not taking vnto them the exact iudgement of God himselfe , who onely knoweth such as belong vnto him , in which men may erre as well ( though not so easily , In Ecclesia sunt ●●ulta lup● , extra ecclesiam sunt mul●a en●● nor so often ) in those of much outward holinesse , as in them that are openly prophane , and therefore in both we thinke and speake onely as we are warranted by Hope . Wherein if our charitie shall exceed the happinesse of any that so dyeth , it shall be no hurt to our soule to pray to haue our perfect consummation and blisse with him , of whom charitie made vs so to hope and to speake , though he be not saued : this being the intention of our prayer , that all dying in the bosome of the Church shall haue part in the triumphant ( with whom we desire from the communion of Saints to partake , not as they in Gods secret iudgement may bee , for so wee thinke it not lawfull to speake of the best that are , but as our charitie maketh vs to hope of them , and as the church teacheth vs to speak ) with this our brother , and all other departed in the true faith of his holy name ) for so we suppose him to be ; for howsoeuer his sinnes may be manifest and publick in this life , yet we dare not esteem him in death impenitent ; neither can any authoritie belonging to vs , so warrant vs to distinguish betwixt the cleane , and the vncleane , but that in charity we may both hope and speake better then the secret iustice of god will permit : and yet neither speake good of euill , seing we thinke as we speake , nor iustifie the wicked seeing we acquitt but them , whome we haue no authority to condemne ; following in all things a christian charity which there is litle feare should be ouermuch , especially in these dayes wherein it it is prophesied that it shall wax cold .

APOLOGY

Of complaints & coniectures . SECT. 12 THese are mine exceptions , for as for some incommodious phrases and speeches , I hold it my duety to take them in the fairest sense , till cause be giuen to suspect a worse ; and now ( my Lord ) I humbly beseech you to consider that I haue not reuoked my former subscriptions , but onely refused a new ; that I had reason for that I did and that which I doe , that the interpretation of ambiguous things make them good or euill , that it is neither straunge nor vnfit , to chaunge the iudgment as the euidence chaungeth . And if I can obtaine any thing of your Lordship , let me craue the repute of an honest man , how ignorant or deceiued soeuer you take me to be . And for the rest I will now speak as a dying man counting my selfe after twenty yeares ministery ( painfully I thank god peaceably as his church knoweth , would god I could add fruitefully ) spent in the churches seruice , vtterly cast out of seruice and of all me●●●s of maintenance , charged with a wife , and ten children in a poore estate .

ANSWER

THere are few considerations that more effectually do moue pittie , then where the innocent are wraped in a misery procured by the offence of others ; and I confesse for my owne parte , I neuer heard or thought of the iust depriuation of any of tollerable desert , but I hartily lamented , that those things should seeme so greuous in their iudgment , as to defraude the church of God , of their best indeauours , and to sylence themselues from the preaching of the gospell , that might be through a blessing so benificiall to many , & being imposed by a woe , could hardly be neclected without a curse . This hath made me earnestly and often to pray that the thirst of Innouation increased in many by the comming of his maiesty vnto this kingdome , did not inforce men through the euill counsell of some hypocriticall brethren , Iealously to suspect , and malitiously to depraue the cerimonies and gouernment of the church , when they had least cause . And amongst those manifould misteries which accompanyed the King into this land , this is not the least , that when a strong continuance of a setled truth , dispersing all wandering opinions vnder a learned prince , was more then hopefully assured to be the blessing of our Land , that then , euen then there should be an increase both of papists and puritans , as if both had discouered an extraordinary fauour , to be showed to either ; but I can better satisfie my selfe in those of the church of Rome , then in the other , for all men in affliction ( which surely though not simply , yet comparatiuely was their case ) are ouer apt to flatter themselues in all changes of a state , that some thing will ease them , but most especially then , when they see fauours and mercies almost not denied to any . But it is the distemper of euill humors that maketh false constructions , or collections from a mercifull Prince .

Now for your selfe and others , who inioyed your libertie , fauour , preferment , and all other benefits with , and beyond men of your owne time , and perhaps of your owne worth , yeelding your obedience and subscription to the gouernment and rites of this Church , in the daies of Queene Elizabeth of famous memorie : after a learned conference for satisfaction , wherein the best and most Iudiciall that desired reformation , yeelded : after exceeding care , and Zeale manifested in our dread Soueraigne , after the most religious and sincere conuocation of the cleargie , that euer was in this Church : wherein the whole scope was a purer reformation of all that in manners and ceremonies wa● thought faultie : now I say , to refuse to subscribe , whereas before you had often done it , vpon some suspicious feare without cause , that the intention of the Church was altered , I wish you could as wel satisfie others , and the whole flocke of Christ , then committed to your charge , as I can beleeue that you are perswaded that you satisfie your owne conscience . A wife and tenne children are strong motiues , but to flesh and bloud : thinke I pray you , and thinke seriously of Christs Church , how many of her children ( as farre as in you lieth ) are frustrate of nourishment by your meanes ; and thinke that the ground of this losse eyther to your selfe , or to the family of Christ , is your owne want of conformitie , which more iustly is to be lamented , by how much more , God hath blessed you with excellent giftes , but I trust the Church shall neuer need their paines , that loue not her peace , nor desire them to speake , that haue not yet learned to harken vnto her voyce .

APOLOGY .

I Now beseech your Lordship to remember , that most of vs haue beene peaceable in Israell ; and that if some mens rashnesse , draw reuenge vpon vs , Aemilius hath faulted , and Rutilius is beaten ; one Mardochey hath not stouped , and all the Iewes must perish for it : And say we cannot conforme in euerie poynt ; you know who said , the varietie of Ceremonies did commend the vnitie of faith : and would God you would thinke that our labour in the Church might doe more good in one yeare , then the Ceremonies will while the world standeth : and though in your wisedomes you thinke the retayning of them to make vnto the Churches increase and benefit , is it vnpardonable that wee should thinke another course better ? haue not our men sought Chyna by the North-east ▪ and by the North-west passages ? Doe not some Physitions set vpon the Chollicke by cold medicines , other by hotte , the one Sedando , the other Discutiendo ? Doe not maryners seeke the safety of the ship , by perswading some to hoyse sayle , others to strike it in a tempest ? And what though now you haue great aduantage ouer your poore brethren , yet may it bee good Counsell which Hanno gaue vpon Hannibals victory , that it should be vsed as occasion of making the better peace , Leui. Deca . 3. lib. 3. with the Romanes , Cum pacem dare potius quam accipere possent . O my good Lord will it not bee enough to keepe safe and well fenced your iurisdictions and persoall dignitie ? not enough to deuide the honors to your selues , and labours to vs ? Is their no feare that vpon the casting out not of Caananites , but borne Israelites at once , which this subscription will doe ( for I know you are nothing neare the reckoning in your owne diocesse ) wyld beasts should multiply and deuoure the land ? pardon me if I prophesy that when all is done , Curt. Holling . and the heat spent , your lordship will finde some want of vs as did Alexander of Pa●meno , King Henry the eight of his Cromwell : and then perhaps either not a minde , or not meanes to remedy that which might haue easily beene preuented . In which your Lordships shall not be able to deuide eyther faults or comforts with vs , seeng we as the Lord knoweth , forbeare vpon the point of conscience , your Lordships seeme to stand vpon tearms of your pleasures , I say yours , as perswaded that his excellent Maiesty would deny you nothing that you should ioyntly and earnestly seeke , for the peace of the Church of God . The Lord God direct your Lordship and your brethren , as becommeth your great years , learnings and functions ; as for me I shall pray alwaies for the Kings Maiestie , and the state , for you and the Church of God , and henceforth striue to liue as an honest and peaceable priuate member of that Church , in which I was not so happy as to stand a publike , though honest and peaceable minister .

Your Lordships alwaies to commaund in the Lord IOHN BVRGES .

ANSWER .

THere is no part of this whole Treatise , which so vnwillingly I answere as this last ; wherein many things are vttered with so much passion , as eyther our seueritie in replying , must exceed the vsuall moderation which wee desire to hold , or else we may iustly be suspected , to betray the cause and the persons whom we should defend . And therefore without any other answere , we will only put you in minde of those harsh speeches , which may peraduenture in this discontentment be agreeable to your fancie , but are no way sutable to your cause , nor verie well beseeming a man of your place . First in these words : I now beseech your Lordship to remember that the most of vs haue beene peaceable in Israell , and that if some mens rashnes draw reuenge vpon vs , Aemelius hath faulted , and Rutilius is beaten ; one Mardochey hath not stouped , and all the Iewes must perish for it . Can you beleeue that your depriuation is a reuenge which some mens rashnes hath drawn vpon you ? Is the proceeding of the reuerend Fathers , for the vnitie of the Church , as if Aemilius had faulted , and Rutilius should be beaten ? or can you in your own conscience compare it with the perishing of the Iewes , for the not stooping of one Mardochey ? assure your selfe none of them are so transported with ambition , nor so incensed with any particuler contempt offered vnto themselues , which they could not easily haue remitted , if their remissenesse in this had not hazarded the Churches peace . And therefore doubt not but your selfe and others can well testifie that some of them haue dealt with your selfe , and diuers in your case like fathers with their owne children , leauing nothing vnattempted to reforme your opinion , before they proceeded to giue sentence . A dutie that lieth vpon their shoulders , with as much indispensable necessitie , as conformitie and obedience vpon ours . Like vnto this surmise , is that which followeth ; And say wee cannot confirme in euerie point , you know who said , the varietie of ceremonies did commend the vnitie of faith : But doubtlesse it had beene much better for the Church : more warrantable for your selues : more pleasing to the state : more profitable to your owne families : to haue conformed your selues in euerie poynt , then by refusing to hinder the Church of that good , which by your owne confession might haue beene more in one yeare then all the Ceremonies will doe whilest the world standeth . For if any thing be imposed by authoritie contrarie to the word of God , let some men take vpon them to prooue it ; and farre be it from vs for any mans cause to maintaine an euicted errour ; wee may bee deceiued , and haue our infirmities as other men , but wee are not vnwilling , who will needes bee our aduersaries , to account them our maisters , if there bee iust cause .

But if these ceremonies be onely vnlawfull to some men , for want of true resolution , and so contrarie to conscience ( which yet is no warrant for disobedience ) let them learne to know that in things not vnlawfull ; It is better to obey , then to offer Sacrifice . Amongest men of equall authoritie in place of freedome , diuersities of opinions may safely be published without offence , but where men want authority and place to aduise , and when Iawes haue set downe what is though fit , there , to thinke otherwise then the Church doth , it is , as if common passengers would sayle to Chyna , by the North-east , when the maisters and gouernours had determined to sayle by the North-west .

Wherein if both partes remayne equally stiffe in their owne opinions , a mutinie must follow for want of Discipline : sometimes I confesse varietie and alteration of cerimonies are thought fit ; both to shew the authoritie of the Church , ( for you selfe haue confessed when you read your articles that euerie particuler or nationall Church hath authoritie to ordayne , Articles of 156. Artic. 34. change , and abolish ceremonies , or rites of the Church ordained onely by mans authoritie , so that all things bee done to aedifying . ) Secondly , that they are but furtherances of deuotion , and no partes of diuine worship .

But when they are established as thought fit for decencie , edification , and order , by such as haue authoritie from Christ to moderate those thinges : then by inferiour persons ( such as wee are ) eyther to bee oppugned , misconstrued , despised , or disobeyed , it is daungerouslye , to kindle a fyre of Rebellion in the principall parts of Gods house . But that which followeth , is much worse .

O my good Lord , will it not bee enough to keepe safe and well fenced your Iurisdictions and personall dignities ? not enough to deuide the Honours to your selues , and labours to vs ? Haue the last Canons no other end , but to fence the Iurisdictions , and personall dignities vnto the B B. Doubtlesse the diminishing of their honors , which could neuer haue been without wrong vnto the Church , was little to be feared ( though the Canons had not beene ) where so wise a King ruled ouer vs , who had throughly tasted the calamities and miseries of that Church , which placed the greatest part of their Zeale in suppressing of Bishops ; and whilest they laboured that none might haue too much , they presently brought it so to passe that scarce any had what was reasonable enough : besides if you knew the vnwearied paines , the intollerable burthens , that diuers of the Reuerend Fathers , who watch ouer vs dayly , sustayne for the peace and the happinesse of this Church , Episcopi . you would plainely acknowledge preaching not to be the greatest paines , and that it is a misdeeming of their care to thinke , That they haue deuided the honours to themselues , and the labours to you . Surely there is no greater or more vehement exercise of faith amongest so many perils , then prayers for the publicke peace of the Church , and it is our parts to vnderstand those perils , and to iudge them to appertaine to our owne safeties .

Besides it is our dutie to ascribe to the Magis●rates , Wisedome and Iustice , that is , that wee doe not preferre our priuate iudgements before the lawes , and decrees of the Church , but obey them : This honour is most agreeable to publicke peace , not to cauill against the lawes , nor to interprete them with Iealousie or Enuie ; but to couer , to excuse , and mitigate the ouer-sightes of Magistrates and lawes if there be any . This as it is in priuate the ornament of a Christian , so it is in publicke the honour of a good subiect . 1 , Cor. 13 Coloss. 3 Loue beareth all things : Loue is the bond of perfection , to preuent dissolutions of a Church or a commonwealth . And heerein if the requisite seueritie which the palsie of the Church exacteth from the Reuerend Fathers , draw them to punish , whom they desire to fauour , to aduance and cherish , it is not a casting out of borne Israelites ( as you terme it ) but a iust reprehension , setting a marke vpon that sonne , that hath made no conscience to discouer the supposed nakednesse of his owne father . Cha●● . In whose place it any wild beasts ( Papists you meane ) shall multiply , I doubt not but their religious care , will be as readie to suppresse the one , as depriue the other : And if in the ende ( as you prophesie ) ( which God forbid ) vnfortunately it happen , that the Bishops shall want you , as King Henry did Cromewell , it shall be much safer to indure the hazard of those times , then to buy an aduantage at so deare a price . In the meane time beleeue ( which it is fit for you to acknowledge ) that if you forbeare vpon the poynt of Conscience , their Lordshipps haue better reasons for that they do , then to stand vpon termes of their owne pleasures . Now to conclude this vnpleasing worke , which wee laid aside , in hope to haue rested without trouble , vntill such time as we saw their bookes of this argument to increase still , and heard that as much of this as was then printed , was by them confuted ; wee desire all men to think of vs , as of those that account the infirmities of our brethren our owne harmes , and the modest directions of men as meane as our selues , to be no blemish vnto vs , who propound not victory , A prayer . but truth , and the Churches peace . The God of all loue , and the giuer of all graces multiply his blessings vpon this land , let them be poured ( O Lord ) as an oyntment vpon the Kings head , strengthen the weake hands of the reuerend fathers , the chiefe builders of his Temple ; giue vnto vs all vnity and peace , as the bonds and sinewes of the communion of saints ; make vs to thinke and to speake the same things ; grant vnto you and others that refuse conformitie vpon conscience a better light : peace in your hearts ▪ remorse for silencing your selues ; comforts against all worldly afflictions : and if it so seeme good to his infinite wisedome ( seeing our Church hath so many trayterous and seditious enemies without ) that all within her owne bosome , may thinke , loue , desire , and behaue our selues in all things as be . commeth the Saints of God . Amen . Amen .

FINIS .