CHAP. I. Whether the King may lawfully consent to the abrogation of Episcopacy .

1. I Find a Case of Conscience proposed by Mr. Geree , and this it is ; a a I. G. p. 1. Whether the King ( considering his O that Coronation , to protect the Clergie and their Priviledges ) can salvâ conscientiâ consent to the abrogation of Episcopacy ? But why ( I pray you ) is the question proposed here , when you have determined it before ? For doth not your Title page speak thus ? In this Case of Conscience it is cleared , that the King may , without impeachment to his Oath , touching the Clergie at Coronation , consent to the Abrogation of Episcopacy . Thus you have full magisterially determined , before the question be so much as proposed . Is this the fashion , first to resolve , and then to argue the case ? This may be the course of Hereticks ; it is otherwise with good Catholicks . But you are resolved to maintain , that a Christian may swear and forswear , without the least prejudice to his soul .

2. And your practice is accordingly ; witnesse the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy ; which you with your great Masters have taken more then once . And those of your perswasion have taken up Arms against their Soveraign Lord , without impeachment to their Oath of Allegiance ; and maintain that b b Mr. Challenor● Speech . The Parliament is subordinate to no power under Heaven , without any breach of the Oath of Supremacie . And your self , like a good Preacher of Gods Word , have taken the Oath of Canonicall obedience to the Bishop ; and yet endeavour the abrogation of Episcopacy , and the extirpation of that Order , from whence you had your Orders , and without which you could have had no Orders .

3. Me thinks , the Smectymnuans should not endure this Proposition , since with them a Bishop and a Presbyter are one and the same . Thus , while you endeavour to ruinate Episcopacy , you subvert the Presbytery , according to their tenets . I wonder much , how your case hath passed so long unsifted , and uncensured by the Divine Masters of your learned Assembly .

4. But I shall take it for your best advantage , as it is distinguished , or ( as we say ) a distinct order from Presbytery . I shall also take into consideration , the severall motives , which you produce for the Abrogation of Episcopacy .

5. Whereof your first is this ; that c c I G p. 1. there is no hope of the Kings or Kingdoms safetie , without an union between our King and Parliament . I must confesse with anguish of spirit , as matters have been handled , the King and Kingdom are driven into a great streight ; and an Vnion between our King and your Parliament hath been prayed for , and sought for by all commendable , or tolerable means . The hope left us is onely in our God and Saviour , whose custome it is to d d S. Luk. 1 51. 52. scatter the proud in the imagination of their hearts ; to pull down the mighty from their throne , and to exalt the humble and meek . Thus can he e e I● . v. 49. 31. shew strength with his arm , and do great things for us . And this , I hope , in his due time he will do , and reduce this Kingdom from irreligion and sacriledge ; and not cast off the innocent with the prophane blasphemers . Oh , that we might begge that blessing from Heaven , to see a Parliament rightly regulated , religiously minded , and with-out any by ends of their own : f f Ex. 18. 21. men of courage , fearing God , men dealing truly , hating covetousnesse . Such , as will not be g g Ex. 23. 2. led by a multitude to do evil , or to subvert the truth . I am certain , we should then have an Union , a blessed Vnion between King and Parliament .

6. But by you it seems , that h h That such an union is ●●n●●p●●si●i●e ●●p●●si●i●e , 〈…〉 the King condescend in the point of Episcopacy l. G. p. 1. there is now no probable or possible means of reconciliation left , in mans judgement , unlesse the King yeeld to the extirpation of Episcopacy . You should have added , unlesse he lay down his Lands , Royalties , and just Prerogatives at his Subjects feet : unlesse he abandon the wife of his bosome , and become a stranger to the Children of his loins : unlesse he sacrifice his friends to the malice of his foes , and the ruine of whole families to their avarice : unlesse he cast off the Service of God , that most excellent form of Common Prayer , and give up the houses and lands of God , and all that is accounted holy , to satiate their sacrilegious appetite .

7. But , in sober sadnesse , do you beleeve that the Abrogation of Episcopacy is that , they yawn at ? You are mistaken , good brother , the Episcopall houses and lands , as also what ever belongs to Deans and Chapters , to Archdeacons and Prebendaries , are the things they hunger and thirst after ; they will wipe your mouthes of all such morsels : as their Ordinances for the sale of such Lands have fully manifested .

8. And wheras you seem to be much troubled for his Majesty , lest i i For the King to condescend renitente conscientiâ , though it might gratifie us , it would be sinfull to himself . I. G. p. 1. he should condescend renitente conscientia , against conscience , to gratifie you in this kind , and to bring sin upon himself . Which you perceive , and in a manner confesse , he must do , if he do , as you would have him : for you say , It would be sinfull to himself . Thus you endeavour to perswade our Soveraign into sin , upon pretence to sin : how you can salve it , we shall see hereafter . In the mean space I must tell you , that you trouble your self for the King , blessed be God , without cause ; for we cannot perceive , that He is inclinable to gratifie you in this kinde . Neither doth every reluctance of conscience make a grant sinfull ; but onely when my conscience checks me upon just grounds . It is not the renitence , or strugling , of conscience , but the pulling down of Gods Ordinance , Episcopacy , that makes the sin ; though , I confesse , the sin is the greater , if it be done upon deliberation against conscience ; let the pretence be , what you please . If this indeed should prove to be the Kings case , which God forbid , then must it necessarily follow , that k k I. G. p. 1. it would be sinfull to him ; and so he should forfeit inward to procure outward peace ; and be represented to times in the glasse of conscience , to adventure the heavenly , to retain an earthly Crown . Nothing more certain . Wo then be to him , or them , who ever they be , that plot , how they may endanger the Kings earthly Crown , that so they may deprive him of his heavenly inheritance . He hath been tried as gold in the furnace ; he hath been enforced thorow fire and water ; but for all this , with Gods blessing he shall arrive in the haven of happinesse .

9. But there is an l l The oath taken at the Kings Coronation hath been prest by some learned Pens with that probability , &c. I. G. p. 1. Oath , that stands in the way , which was taken at the Kings Coronation . This hath been prest by some Learned pens , with that probabilitie , that ( by your own confession ) may stumble a right intelligent Reader . But you are none of that number , you stumble not , but smoothly passe over such rubs ; and though m m Neither have they that I know , received an● satisfactory answer in Print I G p. 1. they have not hitherto received any satisfactory answer , yet now we shall have it in Print n n It may ●e a work worthy some pains to resolve this case ▪ and clear your obj●ctions , that while they stand unanswered , cast an ill reflect on both upon the King in condescending to abrogate Episcopacy , and the Parliament , in pressing him to it . I. G p. 1. . By your pains the Obj●ctions shall be cleared , which while they stand unanswe●ed , cast an ill reflection upon the King , in condescending to abrogate Episcopacy . I beseech you , do you dream ? Who told you , that His Majestie had condescended to this impious and Antichristian demand ? No , no , blessed be God , he hath done Christ , and his Church , and himself that honour , in the refusall of this Proposition , that His memory shall be glorious in our Histories , and his Name high in the book of life . But for certain , they will cast an ill , a foule , an infamous ref●●ction upon those , who ever they be , that shall presse him to this unchristian act . This you , and your Masters of the Assembly can never avert with all your Dutch devices , and Geneva fallacies . I say it now , it shall be explained hereafter .

10. But why am I so forward , when o o The bond of the K●ngs Oath may be taken off two waies Either by clearing the unlawfulnesse of it I. G. p. 1. the Kings Oath may be taken off two wayes ; either by clearing the unlawfulnesse of it ; or else by manifesting , that p p Though it be granted , that Episcopacy is lawfull ▪ yet notwithstanding that his Oath , the King without impeachment may consent to the abrogation of Episcopacy I G. p. 2. though Episcopacy be lawfull , yet notwithstanding that his Oath , the King may consent to the abrogation of Episcopacy . Both these your wayes shall be severally taken into consideration ; and first for the unlawfulnesse thereof .

CHAP. II. Whether the Kings Oath taken at his Coronation , be an unlawfull Oath .

1. YOu say , and say truly , that a a It was vinculum iniquitatis , and so void the fi●st day : for qui jurat in iniquum obligatur in contrarium , ● . G p. 1. the oath , which is vinculum iniquitatis , the bond of iniquitie , is void the first day . And your reason is firme ; for Qui jurat in iniquu● , obligatur in contrarium , he that swears to do that , which is unjust , is bound to performe the contrary . Your argument hitherto is good ; and upon these very grounds we will joyne issue . But how will you proove , that his Majestie hath sworne to uphold that , which is unjust or impious ? This shall be done by manifesting that b b I. G. p. 1. the King hath sworne to maintaine that , which is contrary to Christs Institution . And what is that ? Episcopacy , say you . Your resolution is high and peremptory , as if you were settled upon infall blegrounds ; which upon just try all will dissolve into sand . And yet with you I readily acknowledge , that c c I. G p. 1. If Prelacie in the Church be an usurpation contra●y to Christs Institution ; then to maintain it , is to sin , and all bonds to sin are frustrate .

2. I hope you use no tricks ; but fairely without any fallacie , according to the question proposed , by Prelacie you mean Episcopacy , properly and strictly so called . Otherwise there are foure termes in your syllogisme . Now if this proposition be firme , upon the same grounds it will follow , you cannot deny it , that If Supremacie in the Parliament be an usurpation contrary to Christs Institution ; then to maintain it , is to sin . But Supremacie in the Parliament is an usurpation contrary to Christs Institution ; Ergo to maintaine it , is to sin . That Supremacie in the Parliament is contrary to Christs Institution , is evident by St. Peter , who placeth Supremacie in the King ; in these words , d d 1 S Pet. 2. 13 , 14. Submit your selves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake , whether it be unto the KING as SUPREME , or unto GOVERNOURS , that are SENT BY HIM , by the King . And every rationall man cannot but discerne , that there can be but one , not two Supremes , in the same Kingdome , e e I. G. p. 9. as you would have it . But of this more fully in the last Chapter . Secondly , it followes , If ordination by Presbyters be an usurpation contrary to Christs Institution , then to maintain it , is to sin . But O●dination by Presbyters is an usurpation contrary to Christs Institution . To maintain it therefore is to sin . The minor with Gods blessing , shall suddenly be made good against the Presbyterian Jus divinum . Thirdly , If Episcopacy in the Church be no Vsurpation , but Christs Institution , then to endeavour the extirpation thereof , is sin . But Episcopacy in the Church is no usurpation ; but Christs Institution . Therefore to endeavour the extirpation thereof , is sin .

3. That f f Solemn League and Covenant . you , your Assembly , and Parliament , have made and taken an oath to extirpate Episcopacy , is too notorious to be denyed . But if I shall prove , that Episcopacy is not contrary to Christs Institution , then shall I cleare the Kings oath from sin . Secondly , if I shall demonstrate , that Episcopacy is the Institution of Christ , then is your Covenant g vinculum iniquitatis , the very bond iniquitie ; ● . G. p. 1. and you are bound in conscience publickly and penitently to retract it . That the same Order cannot be Christs Institution , and contrary to Christs Institution , is so apparent a truth , that a meer idiot may discern it . But the Order of Bishops is Christs Institution : and yet ye have sworne to up with it root and branch . Much like to those in the Prophet , h h Ier. 11. 19. Let us destroy the tree , with the fruit thereof . And yet the root of Episcopacy is our B. Saviour ; Who is called i i S. Pet 2. 25. the Bishop of our soules ; from him it takes his rise ; from him it receives life , it springs up , and is watered with the dew of his heavenly blessing .

4. We know , that he , from whom a familie springs , is called the root of that familie . That * * As Scripture is the Rule of Church ▪ Government ▪ so Christ is the sole root and fountain wh●nce it originally flows I. D. p. 50 our Saviour is the root of Episcopacy , that from him it received being and life , is evident in the Apostles strictly so called , who had their Orders immediately from Christ , as is evident S. Mat : 10. S. Luk: 9. S. I● : 20. 21. &c. To them he gave power to ordain Apostles , in Gratis accepistis , gratis date . S. Mat. 10. 8. so S. k k Ambr. de dignit Sacerd c. 5. Ambrose , so S. l l Hieron . in Mat. 10. 8. Jerome , so m m Gen●ad apud Balsam . p. 1085. Gennadius Patriarch of Constantinople , with seventy and three Bishops more in a full Synod . Our Saviours words are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which the Greekes understands thus , A gift ye have received , give ye this gift . This Commission he renewed unto them after his Resurrection , in these words , n n S Ioh 20. 21. As my Father sent me , so send I you . So S. o o Hilar in Mat. can 10 Hilarie , so p p Cyril in Io. l. 12 c. 55. S. Cyril , and other with them , upon the strength of this commission Christs Apostles ordeined some other to be Apostles , conferring upon them the same honour and power which they themselves had received from Christ . This is evident in S Iames Bishop of Hierusalem , in Epaphroditus , Bishop of Philippi , and in Apollos Bishop of Corinth . These are called Apostles in Scripture ; S. Iames , Gal. 1. 19. Epaphroditus , Phil. 2. 25. Apollos , 1 Cor. 4. 9. And these are confessed to be Apostoli ab ipsis , Ap stolis ordinati , Apostles o●dained by the Apostles ; Even by q q Hieron i● Gal. 1. ●9 . S. Jerome , r r Calvin in 1 Cor 4. 9. Calvin , and your mighty champion s s Wal ▪ Messal . p. 41. Walo Melsalinus .

5. Apostles they were at that time called , but afterwards that title , upon just occasion was taken from them , and the name of B●shop was setled upon them , and their successors in Office . So Theodoret. t t Theo in Phi. lip . 11. The same persons were sometimes called both Presbiters and Bishops , but those who are now named BISHOPS , were then called APOSTLES . But in processe of time the title of APOSTLE was reserved to those , who were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 APOSTLES properly and t●uly so called . And the name of BISHOP became appropriated to those , who were lately called APOSTLES . Hence is it , that Timothy and Titus are called Bishops and Apostles : Bishops in the postscripts of those Epistles , which were written to them by S. Paul ; but Apostles by k k Ignat ad Eph. Ignatius , l l Theodoret ▪ in 1 Tim. 3 1. Theodoret , and m m Walo . Messal . p ●0 43. many other .

6. Bishops they were at that time called , when Episcopacy was distinguished from the Presbyteriall Order ; But n n I● p. 53. Apostles they were named , when a Bishop and a Presbyter were one and the same . These were o o Timoth●m Apostoli munere & officio functus est Ib p 42. 52. Apost●es not onely by name , but in office and power ; and p p Ib. p. 47 50. 244. governed Churches and their Presbyter-Bishops by the same right , and with the same authority , that the cheife and prime Apostles swaied them with . And as they governed , so they , and they onely ordained Pres●yters .

7. From hence we argue thus . They , that have the same name and office with the true Apostles , are of the same order with the true Apostles . Bu● Bishop Timothy , and Bishop Titus , and Bishop Epaphroditus have the same name and office with the true Apostles . They are therefore of the same order with the true Apostles . q q Smect . Answ. to the Remonst. p. 21. & 26. The major is Smectymnuus his Proposition , and not to be doubted of . The minor , or second Proposition shall be justified by Salmasius ; who in severall passages acknowledgeth this name , and office , and power in Epaphroditus Bishop of Philippi . Take this for all ; r r Epaphroditus by S ●au●●● ●● called the Apostle of the P●●lippians , b●caus● h● had sent him to the Philippians to confirm their Church , and therein to ordain them ●resbyters and Bishops Walo . Messal p. 58. Epaphroditus Pau●o dicitur Apostolus Philippensium ; quia ad Philippenses eum miser at ad Ecclesiam eorum confirmandam , & constituendos in eâ Presbyteros & Episcopos ▪ That the name of Apostle was usually given to Timothy and Titus , I have already manifested . That the Apost●licall power was in each of them , is evident by those Epistles , which S. Paul wrote unto them : and more briefly in these words to Titus s s Tit. 1. ● . For this cause left I thee in Creete , that thou shouldest SET IN ORDER , o● redresse , WHAT IS WANTING , or a misse , and ORDAIN PRESBYTERS in every City as I have appointed thee . Herein is both Jurisdiction and Ordination allowed him ; and the maine power of the Apostolicall Order consists in Jurisdiction and Ordination . Herein the Bishops , and onely Bishops , succeed them .

8. Since then the Apostleship and Episcopacy , are one & the same Office , he that is the root and author of the one , is the root and author of the other . But Christ is the root and author of the Apostleship ; he is therefore the root and author of Episcopacy . In Covenanting then to take away Episcopacy root and branch , you have done no lesse then Covenanted to take away Jesus Christ , t t Ephes 4 11. 1 Cor. 12 28. who gave the Ap●stles , and ᵘ ordeined them in the Church . Indeed ye have taken the ready way to root him out o● our hearts & soules . For ye have absolutely stripped the Church of the three Creeds , the ten Commandments , and the Lords Prayer , with the Epistles and Gospels ; wherein was daily mention made of our B. God . and Saviour , as also of his power , pleasure , and mercy . And what I pray you , is become of the Lords Supper , x x S. Luk. 22 19. 1 Cor. 11. 24 , 25. which we are commanded to administer and receive , in remembrance of our B. Saviour ? And y y ● Joh. 6. 53. unlesse we eat his flesh , and drink his blood , in that holy Sacrament , we have no life abiding in us . Many Parishes in this Kingdom have been utterly deprived of this heavenly Supper , even since their lawfull Parsons or Vicars have been imprisoned , or sequestred by your instigation . So farewell ro●t and branch , and fruit , as much as in you lieth . And now , I hope , the Kings Oath is cleerly discharged of sin ; and your Covenant sufficiently proved to be the bond of iniquity .

9. But how comes it to passe , that if root and branch must up , yet by your Ordinance some branches of that root may be preserved ? For it is resolved , that z z Ordinance for Ordinat . p 2. Ordination performed by a BISHOP , being a Presbyter , j●yned with other Presbyters , is for substance va●id , and not to be disclaimed●y any , that have received it . And most probable it is , that you are a branch , or sucker , of that root . For a a Ib. p ▪ 13. Presbyters so ordained , shall he admitted to a charge , without any new ordination . Is not this a flat contradiction ? some branches lopped off , and some spared ; is this according to your solemne league and Covenant ? Indeed had they taken all branches away , which spring from that root , there had hardly been a man of any learning left . And is not that Clerke , who hath been ordeined by a Bishop , a wise man , to sware to root himselfe up , if not here , yet out of the land of the living . For he that is not a member of the Church militant , can never be a Saint in the Church triumphant .

CHAP. III. whether Prelacy in the Church of England were an usurpation .

1. THe Question proposed is , of Episcopacy ; the Oath is for the maintenance of Episcopacy ; and your endeavour is for the abrogation of Episcopacy . According to your sense therefore by Prelacy I understand Episcopacy , which you have vowed and covenanted to extirpate . Whether upon just grounds , or no , shall be now enquired . For the Office is either good or bad , lawfull or unlawfull , necessary or indifferent . If in it self bad , and utterly unlawfull , God forbid , but we should joyne in the extirpation of it . If indifferent , it is in the breast of authority , to allow , or disallow it . But if simply lawfull , and good , and necessary , for the being and continuation of a Church , then it is not in the just power of man to discard it , or cast it off . And yet you resolve , that b b I. G. p. 1. the Kings Oath to uphold Episcopacy is sin . If sin , then it necessarily followes , that Episcopacy in it self is naught , and utterly unlawfull . Thus in the first place you condemne all the Kings and Queens of this Kingdome , that have taken this oath . Secondly , you condemne those many Saints of God , that have discharged this Office of Episcopacy . Thirdly , You condemne all those Fathers , and Councels , which justify a necessity of Bishops . And last of all you condemn the whole Church of Christ , which from her Infancie hath been governed by Bishops . Is not this to c c Psal 89 50. blaspheme the footsteps of the Lords anointed ? Is not this to question the actions of those Saints d d S. Jude v. 3 ▪ to whom the Faith was first delivered ? Is not this to vilifie the Spouse of Christ , and Christ himselfe ▪ who hath suffered the Church to erre so foully from the beginning .

2. But how shall it be proved , that Episcopacy is so bad , that it is a sin to defend it ? An universall Proposition must have an universall Proofe . Exparticulari nonest syllogizari . A particular makes no proofe , but for that particular , whereof it treats . I● I manifest , that Monarchy , or Arist●cracy hath been a●used in such a State or Nation , by such or such a Prince , or Peeres , do I therefore justifie , that it is a sin to defend Moarchy , or Aristocracy ; O● if I shall make it appeare , That some Parliament men have abused that trust , which is committed to them , is therefore a Parliament naught ? This follows not ; but hereby I manifest , that they who at that time sat at the helme in that place , did abuse that , which in it self is good . Is the Apostleship naught , because Judas abused himself and that ? Is Episcopacy bad , because Gregory VII ▪ of Rome , George of Cappadocia , or Paulus Samosatenus abused their place and function ? Far be it from me to argue , or conclude in this manner . I have learned to distinguish between the office and the Officer : The Office may be simply good , and the Officer extremely bad . This then is no argument against Episcopacy , though perchance you may prove , that Episcopacy hath been ill managed .

3. But view we your own words , which are the minor of your conditionall Syllogisme ; which are these . e e I. G p 1. And truly as Prelacy stood with us in England ingr●ssing all ruledome in the Church into the hands of a few L. Bishops , I think it may be cleered to be an usurpation . And truly I think not . So you and I are of two severall opinions . But truly your thinking shall be cleered ●y this one argument . f f I. G p 1. That power , that dispoiles any of Christs Officers , of any Priviledge , or duty indulged or injoined them by the word of God , that power is an usurpation against the word . But this Prelacy did , as it stood in England Ergo , English Prelacie was an usurpation against the word of God .

4. How properly you speake , and how strongly you argue , let the intelligent judge : That you , and others may be sensible of the strength of your argument , under favour of Parliament , I shall invert it thus . That power that despoiles any of Christs Officers of any priviledge or duty indulged or injoined them by the word of God , that power is an usurpation against the Word . But this the Parliament doth , as it stands now in England Ergo , the English Parliament is an usurpation against the word of G●d . I hope you know your own argument ; though it alter a terme , it alters not the forme . g g I G. p 2. The Major , you say , is cleer of it self , it needs no proofe , as you conceive . The difficultie is in the Minor ; and that I make good thus , out of your own words . h h I. ● ▪ ● ▪ ● ▪ Presbyters are by Christs warrant , in Scripture indued with power to rule in their own congregations , as well as preach . But the Parliament hath banished many hundreds of us from our own congregations , and barred us from preaching therein . Ergo , The Parliament hath despoiled many of Christs officers of their priviledges and duties indulged , and injoyned them by the Word of God . You cannot deny us to be Christs officers , since we are Presbyters . That we are Presbyters , is acknowledged by your great Masters ; i i Ordinance for Ordinat . p 2. who grant all those to be Presbyters , who have been ordained by a Bishop j●yned with other Presbyters . And so , I am sure , we are .

5. Let a review be taken of the soliditie of your former argument ; and then we shall finde you offend in limine , in that Major , which is so clear of it self . For do not you say thus ? That power , that despoils any of Christs ●fficers of any priviledge , or duty indulged or injoyned them by the Word of God , that power is an usurpation against the Word . Had you said , That power , that wrongfully , or causelesly despoils any of Christs officers , &c. you had said something . You have not , it seems , learned to distinguish between justly and unjustly ; but we must . And yet k k I. G. p. 2. this Proposition is clear of it self , if we take your word . But Gods Word and yours , are two . Gods Word saies , l l Rom. 13. 1. Non est potestas nisi à Deo , There is no power but of God ; but you say , that there is a power , which is an usurpation against the Word of God . But how can that be usurpata , which is data ; both usurped , and given ? That it is given by God , m m Thou couldst have no power at all , ag●●nst me , except it were given thee from above S. Jo. 19. 11. our Saviour testifies , S. Joh. 19. 11. Indeed this power may be abused ; and the abuse of this power is an usurpation . The office is from God , the abuse from our selves . But you cannot , or will not distinguish between the office and the abuse . If all ●ffi●es must be discarded , because the officers have done a misse , what office will remain in this Kingdom ? I fear , not one .

6. We read , that n n Ier. 20. 2. Pas●ur the High Priest set Jeremie the Prophet in the stocks for preaching the truth , o o Ier. 19. 14. which the Lord had commanded him to preach . And yet who dares say that the High Priesthood in the old Law was an usurpation ? We know , that p p Prov. 8. 15. the office of a King is Gods own ordinance ; and yet we dare not say , that the power of Jehoi●kim King of Juda was an usurpation against Gods Word , when q q Ier. 26. 23. he slew Vrijah the Prophet . But we may safely and truly justifie , that he abused his power . And so did King Zedekiah , when r r Ier. 32. 3. he imprisoned Jeremiah for prophesying , what the Lord had injoyned him to denounce . Both Regall and Priestly power are the gift of God ; they cannot therefore but be good . But the abuse of this power to other ends then God gave it , is the viciousnesse of man , and therefore bad . s s 1 Reg. 2. 27. 31. Solomon made just use of this power , when he despoiled Abiathar the High Priest not onely of his priviledges , but also of his office , and of all that belonged to his office . The reason is , because t t Ib. v. 26. Abiathar for his treason deserved this and an heavier doom . And I presume , it was no usurpation in St. Paul , when u u 1 Tim. 1. 20. he delivered Hymeneus unto Satan , that he might learn not to blaspheme : nor yet when he x x Gal ▪ 1. 9. anathematized and accursed those Preachers , that taught otherwise , then they had received . If then our Bishops have made use of this power in silencing or depriving hereticall , schismaticall , or seditious Preachers , y y 2 Tim. 3 ▪ 2. &c. they have done no more then they ought to do . This therefore is no usurpation , but a just use of that power , which with their Orders was conferr'd upon them for this end and purpose .

7. I have done with your Major ; now to your Minor . z z I. G. p. 1. But this Prelacy did ▪ as it stood in England . What did it ? why it a a Ib despoiled Christs ●fficers ( the good Presbyters that preached up the Scottish discipline and doctrine ) of their priviledges indulged , and duty inj●yned them by the Word of God . If they deserved this censure , it was no despoiling , but a just deprivation . If they deserved it not , let it be proved . I am sure , Courts and Committees have been long enough open , to receive large informations , and easie proofs against them . And I am as sure , that our Saviour never indulged any such priviledge to his Apostles , or any other of his ●fficers , as to vent heresie , schisme , or sedition . If any Bish●p be faultie , I plead not for him . I justifie Episcopacy , not the Bishop . Judas was bad , cut his Episcopacy good ; Judas offended , but not his office . Judas was cut off , not his Episcopacy ; b b Act 1. 22. the office is continued , and a good man must be put into it . So St. Peter . And c c Act ▪ 1. 20. let another take HIS BISHOPPRICK . So the Spirit of Prophecie . Prelacy therefore is not in fault ; but the Prelate . And it is as false a speech to say ▪ Prelacy despoils any , as to say , Judicature wrongs any . Since we know , that Judicature is blamelesse , when the Judge is criminous . And as improper a speech it is to say , that a man is despoiled of his duty : I may be forbidden my duty , but not spoiled of it : because I am bound to discharge it , though forbidden , if unlawfully forbidden .

8. But what are these priviledges , and duties , whereof they are said to be despoiled ? The particulars are these ; d d Presbyters are by Christs warrant in Scripture indued with power to rule in their own Congregations , as well as to preach . See 1 Tim. 3. 5 & 5. 21. Heb. 13. 17 ▪ 1 Thes. 5. 12. I G. p. 2. Power to rule , and to preach in their own congregations ; and this power they are indued with ●y Christs warrant . Power to Rule , and by Christs warrant , sound high , and raise attention . And this they have as well , as much , as power to preach ; if we may beleeve you . As if they had ruledome ( as you call it ) from Christ himself . If this be doubted of , you give us Scripture for it , and that in foure severall texts . The first is this , e e 1 Tim. 3. 5. If any cannot rule his own house , how shall he take care for the Church ? Here is care to be taken for the Church , but no rule given to a Presbyter in the Church , unlesse you allow him as much power to rule in his Parish , as he hath in his own house . To which assertion no man , I conceive , will subscribe . It is required indeed , f f 1 Tim. 3. 1. if any Lay-man desire to be a Presbyter-Bishop , that before he be ordained , he be known to be such a one , g g Ib. v. 4. that could rule his own house well . But what is this to prove , that by Christs warrant in Scripture a Presbyter is indued with power to rule in his eongregation ? Alas , h h I. D. p. 12● ▪ this government , as your learned brethren confesse , is but domesticall in private families ; not Ecclesiasticall in the publick congregation . In like manner i i 1 Tim. 3 ▪ 12 ▪ Deacons must be such , as rule their houses and children well . And yet ye allow them no ruledome in the Church , but set Lay-Ruling Elders to over-top them . No warrant here for this Presbyteriall ruling power ; what may come hereafter , shall be examined .

9. The next proof is from the same Epistle ; the words are these ; k k 1 Tim. 5 ▪ 2● ▪ I charge thee before God , and the Lord Jesus Christ , and the elect Angels , that THOV OBSERVE THESE THINGS without preferring one before another , and do nothing partially . This is something , were it to the purpose . Here is a large authoritie given to Timothy in this Chapter ; and a charge in this verse , that he be carefull to discharge his office with integritie . But what is this to the point in question ? Alas , you are clean mistaken in your mark . It rests upon you to prove , that this power in Scripture is given to a Presbyter-Bishop ; whereas it is here given to an Apostle-Bishop ; who is clean of another , an higher order . If I should justifie , that a Sergeant at Law hath power to hear and determine Suits in Westminster-Hall , because the Justices of the Kings Bench , and Common Ple●● have such a Commission , you would think , I were beside the cushion ; and so are you .

10. In the third place , you produce a text of the same Apostle to the Hebrews ; where-in he commands his brethren , to l l Heb. 13. 17. obey those , that have the over-sight of them , and to submit themselves un●o them . No question , but they ought to do so . But who are these Praepositi , these Rulers , here mentioned ? Are they Presbyters onely ? Presbyters are not mentioned here ; and it is impossible to prove , that Presbyters onely are intended here ; unlesse they be the onely Church-governors . It is rather to be beleeved , that all Church-governors , or else the chief Governors , were here intended . That he speaks of Presbyters , I deny not ; but that he speaks of Presbyters onely , I utterly deny . When you can prove , that onely Presbyters m m Ib watch for the souls of the people , and that they onely must give an account for those souls , then shall I readily acknowledge , that the Apostle speaks only of Presbyters in this place .

11. If the Kings Majestie should command his Souldiers to obey their Commanders , could any man imagine , that he spake of the Lieutenants and Captains onely ? No wise man can have this imagination : but this must reach , to Majors , and Collonels , and all other in authority . Thus , when the Lord commands his people , to obey those Governors , that watch for their souls , he means not onely Deacons and Presbyters , but Bishops also . For as in an Army there are Captains over souldiers , and Commanders over Captains ; so in the Church , which is n n C●nt 6. 3. aci●s ordinata , a well-ordered Army , there are o o Episcopus est pres●yt●●is pr●positus Cypr ep. 10 Praepositi populo ▪ & Praepositi Presbyteris , Spirituall Governors of the people , and some set over both people and Presb●ters . Such were the Apost●●s in Scripture , and such their p p 2 Cor ● . 23. Philip. 2. 25 ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , their copartners in labour , and successors in office ; whom we now call Bishops . Such were Timothy and Titus , q q 1 Tim 5. 22. Tit ▪ 1. 5. who had not onely the power of Ordination , but of Jurisdiction also : that is , they had authoritie , not onely to set in order , what was amisse in the Church , and r r 2 Tim. 3. 5. T it 2. 15. & 3. 10. to reform the Laitie ; but to 1. convent , 2. silence , and 3. excommunicate the Clergie , even Deacons and Presbyters , if they deserved it .

12. For convention , in the first place observe , that s s 1 Tim 5. 19. S. Paul acknowledgeth in Bishop Timothy power to receive an accusation against a Presbyter , or Elder ; and upon proofe to rebuke him . Which could not be done without conventing him . 2ly . That the power to silence preaching Presbyters was in Bishop Timothy , these words manifest , t t 1 Tim. 1. 3. Thou maiest command some that they teach no other doctrine . And as for Bishop Titus u u Tit. 1. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , it be hoves him to stop the mouths of the disobedient and deceitfull , as also to x x Tit. 3. 9. stay foolish questions and contentions . And if this will not serve , then must they proceed to higher censures even to excommunication . For doth not S. Paul command Timothy , to y y 1 Tim 6. 3. 5. withdraw himself from those , that teach unwholsome Doctrine ? And what this means let Beza speake ; z z Beza & Piscat . in loc. Gravissime damnatos extra Ecclesiam ejicit , he casts for●h these as condemned men out of the Church . For as S. Cyprian speaks , a a Si qui cum Episcōp● non sunt , in Ecclesid non sunt ▪ Cypr. ep. 69 ▪ n. 31. They that are not in communion with the Bishop , are out of the Church . Timothy then being Bishop of that Church , and withdrawing his communion from them , they were no longer members of the Church . This power , we see , was in the Apostle Bishops ; but no man can shew that ever it was in the Presbyter Bishops , Par enim in parem non habet potestatem ; it is a sure rule , that no man hath power over his equall , while his equall .

13. The last place is reserved for the first in Scripture , which you have kept for your reserve to help at a dead lift ; and this it is . b b 1 Thes. 5. ●2 . We beseech you , brethren , that ye know them , which labour among you , and are over you in the Lord , and admonish you : A great friend of the Presbytery tels us that c c Hilar. Dial. Rom. in loc. apud Ambros . this is the same with that , which the Apostle speaks in another Epistle that those Presbyters are worthy of double honour , who labour in the word and doctrine . So then , in his judgement , this rule , you so much boast of is , but your labouring in the word and doctrine . And surely he hath two able men , that back him very well , viz. The●d●ret and Ca●vin . Theodoret d Theodoret ▪ in 1 ●he● . 5. 12. tels us , that when S. Pau saith , Qu●praesunt , th●se th●t are over you in the Lord , it is all one ▪ as if he ha● said , they that ●ff●● up prayers and supplica●ions for y●u . And Ca●vin thu● , e e Calvin in loc. Qu DOCENDO rite & fideliter GU●ERNANT , who by TEACHING orderly and faithfully GOVERN the people . And el●ewhere f f Caluin I●stit . ● . ● . c. 3. Sect. 15. he expounds this kind of G●verning by boris & salutaribus consiliis popu●o praeire , by guiding the pe●ple with good and wholesome counsell . The Preifis rule then consists in 1 Prayer for Gods people , in 2 Admonishing , 3 Inst●ucting , and 4 Advising them ; as also in 5 conveying to them those heavenly blessings by the Sacraments ; which in an ordinary way they could not otherwi●e obtain . This is all the rule , that I can find belonging to Presbyters . And this was ever allowed you in your own Congregations , while ye behaved your selves as the Ministers , of Christ in all meeknesse and sobriety , dividing the Word of God aright ; and while ye kept within the ru●e of faith .

14. Thus your ruledome ( my fellow Presbyters ) is come to no great matter by these texts . Shew me one place of Scripture , that allowes Presbyters to excommunicate , or absolve , of their own authority ; and I shall be of your mind , and justifie , that ye have susteined much wrong ; If ye have been suspended from officiating , or silenced , ye may thank your unbridled tongues , which have been so lavish in venting unsound and seditious doctrine . The Bishop in these cases hath but discharged that dutie , which is required of him by Gods Word . 1 ▪ Tim. 6. 3. 5. 2. Tim. 3. 5. Tit. 1. 11. Tit. 3. 9. And it is no more , then the Presbytery chalengeth to it selfe in those places , where it hath gained autho●i●y .

15. g g As Prelacy stood in ●ngl●nd , the Presbyters were ●x●●●●ed from all soc●●tie in Rule . I. G p. 2. That ye were excluded from all society in Rule ▪ is that , which troubles you . Society pretends equ●litie , and Rule is that which ye affect . So ye may be made Bishops , or B●shops fellowes , equall with them in rule and authority , all sh●ll be well , but till then we must expect no p●ace , if ye can hinder it . H●d your leading Church-men be●n made Bish●ps or Deanes , the K●ngs oath had been most just , and unalterable ; yea unquestion●ble . Some mens mouths have been stopt so heretof●re ; the more the pitie : And ye have gaped after such morsels . What the benefit hath been , is sufficiently discerned , and ambitious male-contents shall no more , I hope , be tempted in this manner to continue among us , when they are neither with us , nor of us . But , I pray you , what Society in Rule , can you chalenge with the Bishops , when by Scripture ye are made subject to them ? We know your pride ; Ye would faine be hail-fellows with your Governours both Ecclesiasticall and Civill . Faine would ye have the raines in your own hands , with Phaeton , though it were with the same issue . But how shall they learn to govern , that know not how to obey ? All Baristers are not qualified to be Judges .

16. But there is another thing , which troubles you marvelously , that you deem to be h h Which was much more preiudiciall to the dignity & lioerty of the Ministery , the Presbyters w●re subiected to a Lay Chancelor . I. G. p. 2. much more prejudiciall to the dignity and liberty of the Ministery ; namely to be subjected to a lay Chancelour . And yet how many lay Chancelours have you subjected us to ? i i The Clergie & their priviledge● are subiect to the Parliament . I. G. p. 7. To the whole Parliament ; that 's plaine ; and yet not so much as one Presbyter among them : And to every Committee-man both in Citie and Countrie , Whose busie Apparators are all persons disaffected to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England . And all this is for the dignity and liberty of the Ministery , according to your new Magna Charta . Thus much to manifest , that ye are deeply plunged in those crimes , which you boldly charge upon others . But this is no new , no strange thing . For this hath been generally observed ; when your great Masters blemish our most gracious Soveraigne with any foule or illegall surmise , they usually act it themselves . Dominisimiles , such Masters , and such Chaplaines . k k Greg Naz. orat . 52. ● 15. Par autem erat , ut vel quod accusant , non facerent , vel quod facerent , non accusarent . But it were meet , that either they should not do , what they blame ; or not blame , what they do .

17. And now , I beseech you which is most prejudicall , to be subject to one lay Chancelour in a Diocese , or to those great lay Courts of Lords and Commons and others at Westminster ? to so many lay Committees in the City ; to so many in every Countie ? Without whom ye are not able to subsist , nor to abide in your Congregations , if these men take but the least offence against you . And how can the Gentrie and Comminaltie of this Kingdome take it well , that you complain so much of one lay Chancelour in a Diocese , and yet enthrall them to so many lay Elders , Parochiall , Classicall , Provinciall , and Nationall . Say not , that there be preaching Elders joyned with them , least it be returned upon you , that the lay Chancelour is but the Bishops Officer in such cases of Judicature , as belong to his profession ; and to the Bishop he is accountable . But you can endure no loy Judges over you , on any hand . And whereas l l An● was not here ●●urpation against Gods direction ? I. G. p. 2. you charge the lay Chancelorship with usu●pation contrary to Gods direction , I am certain , ye have made use of it against Gods direction . For how many of you have been instituted into Benefices by lay Chancelours ? Qu● jure , comes not now to be scanned . Thus ye can abuse them , and yet use them . But I shall turn you over to the Doct●rs of the Commons ; them it concerns , they are well able to argue the case with you , and to wash off these aspersions .

18. Your first argument is , I hope , sufficiently confuted in the eye of indifferent and judicious men . I shall not therefore any longer insist upon it , but observe , at how low a rate you value authority . Nor Bishop , nor King , nor your Idolized Parliament shall be a Power , but an usurpation against God and his Word , if they deny you any priviledge indulged , or debarre you any dutie , which ye suppose to be injoyned you by the word . If they sequester you from the Pulpit , or from ruling in your congregations , farewell my great Lords and Masters at Westminster . And when they have sold the Bishops and Chapters lands , they shall no longer be a Parliament , but an Vsurpation ; because they have m m I. G. p. 6. despoiled you of those lands , which ye lay claim to , and which they ought to have disposed of , to supply you and your predicant brethren with such maintenance , as your selves hold sufficient .