〈…〉 omitted the Consi●●ration 〈…〉 of Dr. Stilling●●●●● 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 by Non 〈…〉 passed it by 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 I supposed 〈…〉 assign it 〈◊〉 the provocation which he 〈…〉 received from those who answered his Sermon , or 〈◊〉 , and so have ●●ssed it by , among such other excursions , as Di●●●es are incident unto , in their Controversal Writings . For that no Countenance was given unto it , either from Truth or any useful End as unto the present state of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 the Times , or rather 〈…〉 rest of some , then any just rational projections . For what other success , this Book hath had , I know not , nor am solicitous , Certain it is that many , of the same mind and perswasion with himself , have been encouraged and emboldened by it , Confidently to report ▪ t●●●●●e Non-Conformists are great promoters 〈…〉 Papal ●●terest● ye● 〈…〉 to facilitate its Introdu●t●●● 〈…〉 evident in the 〈…〉 Topi●●● 〈…〉 import●●● 〈…〉 need 〈…〉 were 〈…〉 from amongst 〈…〉 it came in , as 〈…〉 not●●●● will 〈…〉 influenced ●y 〈…〉 ●●vantages , to de●●●● 〈…〉 ●●cessary that such an 〈…〉 true Reason●●nd Means of the advance of Popery in this Na●●on , as shall give them occasion to consider themselves and their own ways ; For we are to look for the Causes of such Effects , in things and means , that are suited and fitted to be productive of them , so as that they cannot but follow on their being and operation ; and not in Cold Stories , Surmizes , and far fetch'd , or feigned Inferences . And if we do reckon that the real advancement of Religion depends onely on the secular advancement of some that do profess it , we may be mistaken in our measures as others have been before us .

But at present , the Insinuations of that Preface ; do seem to prevail much with those of the same Party with its Author ; who want nothing at any time but the Countenance of such a Pen and Story , to vent their ill will against Non-Conformists . Report say they and we will Report it . But also as he said , Mendacium mendacio tegendum ne perpluat . First evil Inventions , alway tend unto , and stand in need of new Additions , to render them useful unto their End , without which they quickly evaporate ; Wherefore least the Insinuations of this worthy Person , should not be sufficiently subservient unto the Uniting of all Protestants in one common Interest against Popery , which was the original Design of the Drs. Sermon , some have added unto it , that which is Homogeneal as unto Truth , and so easily mixing with the other Discourse ; that the Non-Conformists some of them at least , do receive or have received Money from the Papists , to act their Affairs and promote their Interest . And although this be such a putrid Calumny , such a malicious falshood , such a frontless Lye , as Impudence it self would blush at being made an instrument to vent it , and withal extreamly ridiculous ; Yet because it seems useful unto the Good End of Uniting Protestants , and Opposing Popery , it hath not onely been reported by sundry of the Clergy , but embraced and divulged also by some of their weak and credulous Followers , who seem to believe that other mens Advantage is their Religion . But when the utmost bounds of Modesty are passed , nothing but an outrage in ▪ Lying and Calumny , out of hopes that something will stick at last , can give Countenance to men in such false Accusations . And those by whom they are first whispered , probably understand better than the Non-formists what Influence Money , or the things which they know how to turn into it ; hath into their Profession , and actings in Religion . It seems to me that some such men are afraid , lest the present opposition unto Popery , should issue in such an establishment of the Protestant Religion , as that hereafter it should not be in the disposal of any , nor in their power to make a bargain of it , either for their Advantage or in their Necessity . For unless we should suppose such a defect in common Prudence , as is not chargeable on men of Understanding in other affairs , it is hard to judge that these things can proceed from any other ground , but a design to encrease distrusts and Jealousies amongst Protestants , to heighten their Differences , to exasperate and provoke them to Animosities , to weaken the hands of each Party by a disbelief of the Sincerity of each other in the same common Cause ; whence , whether it be designed or no , it will follow that we shall be all made a prey unto our restless Adversaries . For what else but a strong inclination thereto , can give the least Credit or Reputation to such vile insinuations , false Surmizes and Fables ( I do not say in the Preface but in the Reports that have been occasioned thereby ) wherein Folly and Malice Rival one another , against that plain , open , uncontroulable evidence , which the Non-conformists alwayes gave , and yet continue to give , of their faithful cordial adherence unto the Protestant Religion , and interest in the Nation . And what now if in way of Retaliation , a charge should be laid and mannaged against those of the Episcopal way , that they should contribute their assistance , whether knowingly , or being deluded , ( it is all one ) to the Introduction of Popery ; would not all things be cast into an admirable posture amongst us , for an opposition thereunto ? But let none mistake nor deceive themselves , neither the past Sufferings of the Non-conformists , nor their present hopes of Liberty , nor the reproaches cast upon them , shall shake them in their Resolutions for a Conjunction with all sincere Protestants , in the preservation of their Religion , and opposition unto all Popish Designs whatever . And ( to speak with Modesty enough ) as they have hitherto in all Instances of Zeal and Duty for the preservation of the Protestant Religion , been as ready and forward as any other sort of men , so whatever may befall them , however they may be traduced , or falsly accused , they do and will continue in giving the highest security , that Conscience , Profession , Principles , Interest , and Actions can give , of their stability in the same Cause . Onely they desire to be excused , if they make not use of this notable Engine for opposing of Popery , namely , the stirring up ( at this present time ) of Jealousies , Fears and Animosities amongst Protestants , which others judge serviceable unto that End . But that which animates all these insinuations , charges and Reports , is our Thankful acceptance of the Indulgence granted by his Majesty by a publ●que Declaration some years ago ; whereby it should seem the Papists thought to make some advantage , though they were deceiv'd in their Expectation . I must needs say that whatever be the true Case in reference thereto in point of Law , that in my Judgment it scarcely answereth that Loyalty and regard unto his Majesties honour , which some men Profess , when all his Actions are suited to their Interests , to continue such outcries about that which was his own sole Act by the advice of his Counsel . We did indeed Thankfully accept and make use of this Royal Favour ; and after that for so many years we had been exposed to all manner of sufferings and Penalties , whereby multitudes were ruined in their Estates , and some lost their Lives , and that without hopes of any Remission of severity from the Parliament that then sate , by their mistake of the true Interest of the Kingdom , wherein alone they did not miss it , we were glad to take a little breathing space from our troubles , under his Majesties Royal Protection , design'd onely as an Expedient ( as was usual in former times ) for the Peace and Prosperity of the Kingdome , until the whole matter might be settled in Parliament . And if this were a crime habetis confitentem reum as to my part . But because I know my self herein peculiarly reflected on , I do avow , that never any one Person in Authority , Dignity or Power in the Nation , nor any one that had any Relation unto publick Affairs , nor any from them , Papist or Protestant , did once speak one word to me , or advise with me , about any Indulgence or Toleration to be granted unto Papists ; I Challenge all the World who are otherwise Minded , to intermit their service for a season unto the great false Accuser , and prove the Contrary if they can ; The Persons are sufficiently known , of whom they may make their Enquiry .

But I can cast this also , into the same heap or bundle of other false Surmizes and Reports , concerning me almost without number ; which it would be a wonder that some men should pretend to believe and divulge as they have done , if we were bound to judge that their Charity and Prudence were proportionable unto their Dignities and Promotions . These things must be , whilst Interest , with Hopes and Fears , vain Love , and Hatred thence arising , do steer the Minds of Men.

But what if we have not design'd the prevalence or Introduction of Popery , yet being a company of silly Fellows , we have suffered our selves to be wheadled by the Jesuites , to be active for the cutting of our own throats ; for we are full well satisfied , that we should be the very first who should drink of the Cup of their fury , could they ruine the Protestant Interest in England . And into such an unhappy posture of Affairs are we fallen , that whereas it is Evident we do nothing for the promotion of Popery , but only , pray against it , preach against it , write against it , instruct the people in principles of Truth whereon to avoid it ; and Cordially joyn with all true Protestants in the opposition of it , wherein we are charged with an excess that is like to spoil all ; yet these Crafty Blades know how to turn it all unto their advantage . As it should seem therefore there remaines nothing for Non-conformists to do in this matter ; but to bind themselves hand and foot , and give themselves up unto the power of the Papists ; for all they do against them , doth but promote their Interest . But this I am perswaded they will be greatly unwilling unto , unless they are well assured , that their Episcopal Friends will be more ready to expose themselves to hazard for their preservation and deliverance , then yet they have reason to expect that they will . But for my part I was a long time since taught an Expedient by an eminent personage for the freeing my self from any inclination to a Compliance with Popery , and that in the Instance of himself . For being in Ireland when there was in former dayes , a great noise about Reconciliation ; a Person of his own Order and Degree in the Court of England , wrote unto him to inform him , of a Report , that he was enclin'd to a Reconciliation with Popery , or a Compliance on Good Terms with the Church of Rome ; and withal desired him , that if it were so , he would Communicate unto him the Reason of his Judgment . But that great and wise Personage , understanding full well whereunto these things tended , returned no answer but this onely ; That he knew no reason for any such Report ; For he was sure , that he believed the Pope to be Antichrist , which put an absolute Period unto the Entercourse . And I can insist on the same defensative , against forty such Arguments as are used to prove us compliant with the Papal Interest ; and so I believe can all the Non-conformists . And if this be not enough I can for my part subscribe unto the Conclusion which that most eminent Champion of the Ptotestant Religion in England , namely Whitaker , gives unto his learned Disputation about Antichrist ; Igitur ( saith he ) sequamur praeeuntem Spiritum Sanctum , & libere dicamus , defendamus , clamemus , & per eum qui vivit in aeternum juremus , pontificem Romanum esse Antichristum .

If this will not suffice , we know better how to spend our remaining houres of Life and Peace , then in Contending about impertinent stories and surmizes , exhal'd by Wit and Invention out of the bogge of secular Interest . And shall therefore only assure those by whom we are Charged , in the Pulpit , or Coffee-houses ; or from the Press , to Countenance the promotion of the Papal Interest in the Nation , that as they deal unjustly with us herein , and weaken the Protestant Interest what lies in them ; so let them and others do and say what they please , nothing shall ever shake us in our Resolution by the help of God , to abide in a firm Conjunction with all sincere Protestants for the preservation of our Religion , and in opposition to the Papists ; yea that we would do so with our lives at the Stake , if there were none left to abide in the same Testimony but our selves ; But if they think that there is no way for us to be serviceable against Popery , but by debauching our Consciences with that Conformity which they prescribe unto us , we beg their pardon , we are 〈…〉 Mind .

THE Differences and Contests among professed Christians about the Nature , Power , Order , Rule and Residence of the Gospel Church State , with the Interest of each Dissenting Party therein , have not only been great , and of long continuance , but have also so despised all ways and means of allaying or abatement , that they seem to be more and more enflamed every day ; and to threaten more pernicious consequents , then any they have already produced ; which yet have been of the worst of Evils that the World for some Ages hath groaned under . For the Communion , so much talked of , amongst Churches , is almost come only , unto an Agreement and Oneness in design for the mutual and forcible Extermination of one another ; at least this is the professed Principle of them who lay the loudest claim to the Name and Title , with all the Rights and Priviledges of the Church ; Nor are others far remote from the same Design , who adjudge all who dissent from themselves , into such a condition , as wherein they are much inclined to think it meet they should be destroyed . That which animates this contest , which gives it Life and Fierceness , is a supposed enclosure of certain Priviledges and Advantages Spiritual and Temporal , real or pretended , unto the Church-state contended about . Hence most men seem to think that the principal , if not their only concernment in Religion , is , of what Church they are ; so as that a dissent from them , is so evil , as that there is almost nothing else that hath any very considerable evil in it . When this is once well riveted in their Minds by them whose secular Advantages lye in the Enclosure , they are in a Readiness to bear a share in all the evils that unavoidably ensue on such Divisions . By this means among others , is the state or condition of Christian Religion as unto its publick Profession , become at this day so deplorable as cannot well be expressed . What with the bloody and desolating Wars of Princes and Potentates , and what with the Degeneracy of the Community of the People from the Rule of the Gospel in Love , Meekness , Self-denial , Holiness , Zeal , the Universal Mortification of Sin , and Fruitfulness in Good Works , the Profession of Christianity is become but a sad Representation of the Vertues of him who calls out of Darkness into his Marvellous Light . Neither doth there seem at present to be any design or expectation in the Most for the ending of Controversies about the Church , but Force and the Sword ; which God forbid .

It is therefore high time that a sober Enquiry be made whether there be any such Church state of Divine Institution as those contended about . For if it should appear upon Trial , that indeed there is not , but that all the fierce digladiations of the Parties at Variance , with the doleful effects that attend them , have proceeded on a false supposition , in an adherence whereunto they are confirmed by their Interests , some advances may be made towards their Abatement . However if this may not be attained , yet Directions may be taken from the Discovery of the Truth , for the use of them who are willing to be delivered from all concernment in these fruitless endless contests , and to reduce their whole Practice in Religion unto the Institutions , Rules , and Commands of our Lord Jesus Christ . And where all hopes of a general Reformation seem to fail , it savours somewhat of an unwarrantable Severity , to forbid them to reform themselves who are willing so to do ; provided they admit of no other Rule in what they so do , but the Declaration of the Mind of Christ in the Gospel , carrying it peaceably towards all Men , and firmly adhering unto the Faith once delivered unto the Saints .

To make an Entrance into this Enquiry , the ensuing Discourse is designed . And there can be no way of the Mannagement of it , but by a diligent impartial search into the Nature , Order , Power and Rule of the Gospel Church state , as instituted , determined and limited by our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles . When we depart from this Rule , so as not to be regulated by it , in all Instances of Fact , or pleas of Right that afterwards fell out , we fall into the confusion of various Presumptions , suited unto the Apprehensions and Interests of men , imposed on them from the Circumstances of the Ages wherein they lived . Yet is it not to be denied , but that much Light into the nature of Apostolical Institutions , may be received from the declared Principles and Practices of the first Churches for the space of 200 years , or thereabouts . But that after this the Churches did insensibly depart in various degrees from the state , Rule , and Order , of the Apostolical Churches , must I suppose be acknowledged by all those who groan und●r the final Issue of that gradual Degeneracy in the Papal Antichristian Tyranny . For Rome was not built in a day , nor was this change introduced at once , or in one Age , nor were the lesser Alterations which began this Declension , so prejudicial unto the Being , Order , and Purity of the Churches , as they proved afterwards , through a continual additional encrease in succeeding Ages .

Having affirmed something of this nature in my brief Vindication of the Nonconformists from the Guilt of Schisme , the Reverend Dr. Stillingfleet in his late Treatise entitled , The Vnreasonableness of Separation , doth not only deny it , but reflects with some severity upon the Mention of it ; Part 2. Sect. 3. pag. 225 , 226 , &c. I shall therefore on this Occasion reassume the consideration of it , although it will be spoken unto also , afterwards .

The Words he opposeth are these ; It is possible that an impartial Account may ere long be given of the state and ways of the first Churches , after the decease of the Apostles , wherein it will be made to appear how they did insensibly deviate in many things from the Rule of their first institution ; so as that though their Mistakes were of small moment , and not prejudicial unto their Faith and Order , yet occasion was administred unto succeeding Ages to encrease those Deviations , until they issued in a fatal Apostacy ; I yet suppose these words inoffensive , and agreeable unto the Sentiments of the Generality of Protestants . For ,

1. Unto the first Churches after the Apostles , I ascribe nothing but such small Mistakes as did no way prejudice their Faith or Order . And that they did preserve the latter as well as the former , as unto all the substantial Parts of it , shall be afterwards declared . Nor do I reflect any more upon them , then did Hegesippus in Eusebius , who confines the Virgin Purity of the Church unto the days of the Apostles ▪ lib. 3. cap. 29. The greater Deviations which I intend , began not until after the end of the second Century . But ,

2. To Evince the improbability of any Alteration in Church Rule and Order , upon my own Principles , he intimates both here and afterwards , that my Judgment is that the Government of the Church was Democratical , and the Power of it in the People in distinction from its Officers ; which is a great Mistake ; I never thought , I never wrote any such thing . I do believe that the Authoritative Rule , or Government of the Church , was , is , and ought to be in the Elders and Rulers of it , being an Act of the Office-Power committed unto them by Christ himself . Howbeit my Judgment is , that they ought not to Rule the Church , with Force , Tyranny , and Corporal Penalties , or without their own consent , whereof we shall treat afterwards . There are also other Mistakes in the same Discourse which I shall not insist upon .

3. This therefore is that which he opposeth , namely , that there was a Deviation in various degrees , and falling of from the Original Institution , Order , and Rule of the Church , until it issued in a fatal Apostasie . This is that which on the present Occasion must be further spoken unto ; For if this be not true , I confess there is an end of this contest , and we must all acquiesce in the State , Rule , and Order , that was in the Church of Rome before the Reformation . But we may observe something yet farther in the Vindication and Confirmation of this Truth , which I acknowledge to be the Foundation of all that we plead for in point of Church Reformation . As

1. That the Reasons and Arguings of the Doctor in this Matter , the Necessity of his Cause compelling him thereunto , are the same with those of the Papists about the Apostacy of their Church , in Faith , Order , and Worship , wherewith they are charged ; namely , when , where , how was this Alteration made , who made opposition unto it ; and the like . When these Enquiries are multiplyed by the Papists , as unto the whole Causes between them and us , he knows well enough how to give satisfactory Answers unto them , and so might do in this particular unto himself also ; but I shall endeavour to ease him of that trouble at present . Only I must say that it is fallen out somewhat unexpectedly , that the Ruins of the principle Bulwark of the Papacy , which hath been effectually demolished by the Writings of Protestants of all sorts , should be endeavoured to be repaired by a Person , justly made eminent by his Defence of the Protestant Religion against those of the Church of Rome .

2. But it may be pleaded , that although the Churches following the first Ages , did insensibly degenerate from the Purity and simplicity of Gospel Faith and Worship , yet they neither did nor could do so , from an Adherence unto , and abiding in their Original constitution ; or from the due Observation of Church Order , Rule , and Discipline , least of all could this happen in the Case of Diocesan Episcopacy . I Answer ;

1. That as unto the Original of any thing that looks like Diocesan Episcopacy , or the Pastoral Relation of one Person of a distinct order from Presbiters , unto many particular compleat Churches with Officers of their own , with Power and Jurisdiction in them and over them , unto the Abridgement of the exercise of that Right and Power unto their own Edification , which every true Church is entrusted withal by Jesus Christ , it is very uncertain , and was introduced by insensible Degrees , according unto the effectual working of the Mistery of Iniquity . Some say , that there were two distinct Orders , namely , those of Bishops and Presbyters , instituted at first , in all Churches planted by the Apostles ; But as the contrary may be evidently proved , so a supposition of it , would no way promote the cause of Diocesan Episcopacy , until those who plead for it have demonstrated the State of the Churches wherein they were placed , to be of the same nature with those now called Diocesan ; Wherefore this Hypothesis begins generally to be deserted , as it seems to be by this Author . Others suppose that immediately upon , or at , or after the Decease of the Apostles , this new Order of Bishops was appointed to succeed the Apostles in the Government of the Churches , that were then gathered or planted . But how , when , or by whom , by what Authority , Apostolical and Divine , or Ecclesiastical only and humane , none can declare ; seeing there is not the least footstep of any such thing either in the Scripture or in the Records that remain of the primitive Churches . Others think this new Order of Officers , took its occasional Rise , from the Practice of the Presbyters of the Church at Alexandria , who chose out one among themselves constantly to preside in the Rule of the Church , and in all matters of Order , unto whom they ascribed some kind of Preheminence and Dignity , peculiarly appropriating unto him the nam● of Bishop . And if this be true as unto matter of Fact , I reckon it unto the Beginnings of those less harmful Deviations from their Original Constitution ; which I assigned unto Primitive Churches ; But many Additions must be made hereunto , before it will help the Cause of Diocesan Episcopacy . What other occasions hereof were given or taken , what Advantages were made use of to promote this Alteration , shall be touched upon afterwards .

2. Why may not the Churches be supposed to have departed from their original Constitution , Order , and Rule , as well as from their first Faith and Worship , which they did gradually in many successive Ages , until both were utterly corrupted . The Causes , Occasions , and Temptations leading unto the former , are to the full as pregnant as those leading unto the latter . For

1. There was no vicious corrupt disposition of Mind , that began more early to work in Church Officers , nor did more grow and thrive in the Minds of many , then Ambition , with desire of Preheminence , Dignity , and Rule . It is not to be supposed that Diotrephes was alone in his Desire of ●reheminence , nor in the irregular actings of his unduly ●ssumed Authority . However we have one signal Instance in him , of the Deviation that was in the Church with him , from the Rule of its Original Constitution . For he prevailed so far therein , as by his own single Episcopal Power to reject the Authority of the Apostles , and to cast them out of the Church , who complyed not with his humour . How effectually the same Ambition wrought afterwards , in many others possessing the same Place in their Churches with Diotrephes , is sufficiently evident in all Ecclesiastical Histories . It is far from being the only Instance of the Corruption of Church Order and Rule , by the Influence of this Ambition , yet it is one that is pregnant , which is given us by Am●rose , for saith he , Ecclesia ut Synagoga , Seniores habu●● ▪ quorum sine consilio nihil agebatur in Ecclesia ; quod qua negl●gentia obsoleverit nescio , nisi forte doctorum desidia , aut magis superbia , dum soli volunt aliquid videri . In 1. ad Timoth. cap. 5. It seems there was some alteration in Church Rule and Order in his Time , whose Beginning and Progress he could not well discover and trace , but knew well enough , that so it was then come to pass . And if he who lived so near the Times wherein such Alterations were made , could not yet discover their first Insinuation , nor their subtle Progress , it is unreasonable to exact a strict account of us in things of the same nature , who live so many Ages after their first Introduction . But this he judgeth , that it was the Pride or Ambition of the Doctors of the Church , which introduced that Alteration in its Order . Whereas therefore we see in the Event , that all Deviations from the Original Constitution of Churches , all Alterations in their Rule and Order , did issue in a compliance with the Ambition of Church Rulers , as it did in the Papal Church ; and this Ambition was signally noted as one of the first depraved Inclinations of Mind that wrought in Ecclesiastical Rulers , and which in the fourth and fifth Centuries openly proclaimed itself unto the scandal of Christian Religion , there was a greater disposition in them unto a Deviation from the Original Institution , Rule , and Order of the Church , no way suited unto the satisfaction of that Ambition , then unto a Defection from the Purity of Faith and Worship , which yet also followed .

2. As the Inclination of many lay towards such a Deviation , so their Interests lead them unto it , and their Temptations cast them upon it . For to acknowledge the Truth unto our Author and Others , the Rule and Conduct of the Church , the Preservation of its Order and Discipline according unto its first Institution , and the Directions given in the Scripture about it , are according unto our Apprehension of these things , a Matter so weighty in itself , so dangerous as unto its Issue , attended with so many Difficulties , Trials and Temptations , laid under such severe Interdictions of Lordly Power , or seeking either of Wealth or Dignity , that no wise men will ever undertake it , but meerly out of a sense of a Call from Christ unto it , and in compliance with that Duty which he owes unto him . It is no pleasant thing unto Flesh and Blood , to be ingaged in the conduct and oversight of Christs Volunteers , to bear with their manners , to exercise all Patience towards them in their Infirmities and Temptations , to watch continually over their walkings and conversation , and thereon personally to exhort and admonish them all , to search diligently and scrupulously into the Rule of the Scripture for their Warranty in every Act of their Power and Duty ; under all their Weaknesses and Miscarriag●s , continuing an high valuation of them , as of the Flock of God , which he hath purchased with his own Blood , with sundry other things of the like kind , all under an abiding sense , of the near approach of that great Account which they must give of the whole Trust and Charge committed unto them , before the Judgment seat of Christ ; for the most part peculiarly exposed unto all manner of Dangers , Troubles , and Persecutions , without the least encouragement from Wealth , Power , or Honour . It is no wonder therefore if many in the Primitive times , were willing gradually to extricate themselves out of this uneasie condition , and to embrace all occasions and opportunities of introducing insensibly another Rule and Order into the Churches , that might tend more unto the Exaltation of their own Power , Authority , and Dignity , and free them in some measure , from the weight of that important charge , and continual care with labour , which a diligent and strict Adherence unto the first institution of Churches , and Rules given for their Order and Government , in the Scripture , would have obliged them unto . And this was done accordingly ; until in the fourth and fifth Centuries and so onward , the Bishops under various Titles , began by their Arbitrary Rules and Canons , to dispose of the Flock of Christ , to part and divide them among themselves , without their own knowledge or consent , as if they had conquered them by the sword . This Bishop shall have such a share and number of them under his Power , and that other so many ; so far shall the Jurisdiction of one extend , and so far that of another , was the subject of many of their Decrees and Laws , for the Rule of the Church . But yet neither did they long keep within those Bounds and Limits which their more modest Ambition had at first prescribed unto them ; but took occasion from these Beginnings to contend among themselves , about Preheminence , Dignity and Power , in which contest , the Bishop of Rome at length remained Master of the Field , thereby obtaining a second Conquest of the World .

3. That there was such a gradual Deviation from the Original Institution of Churches , their Order and Rule , is manifest in the Event . For the change became at length as great as the distance is between the Gospel and the Rule of Christ over his Church , on the one hand , and the Canon Law with the Pope or Antichrist set over the Church on the other . This change was not wrought at once , not in one Age , but by an insensible Progress even from the Days of the Apostles unto those dark and evil times wherein the Popes of Rome were exalted into an absolute Tyranny over all Churches unto the satiety of their Ambition . For

4. This Mistery of Iniquity began to work in the days of the Apostles themselves , in the suggestions of Satan and the Lusts of Men , though in a manner latent and imperceptible unto the wisest and best of Men. For that this Mistery of the Iniquity consisted in the effectual Workings of the Pride , Ambition , and other Vices of the Minds of Men , excited , enticed , and guided , by the craft of Satan , until it issued in the Idolatrous persecuting State of the Church of Rome , wherein all Church Rule , Order , and Worship of Divine Institution was utterly destroyed or corrupted , we shall believe , until we see an Answer given unto the learned Writings of all sorts of Protestants whereby it hath been proved .

These things are sufficient to Vindicate the Truth of the Assertion which the Doctor opposeth , and to free it from his Exceptions . But because , as was observed before , the supposition hereof , is the foundation of all our present contests about Church Order and Rule , I shall yet proceed a little farther in the Declaration of the Way and Manner whereby the Apostacy asserted was begun , and carried on . And I shall not herein insist on particular Instances , nor make a Transcription of Stories out of antient Writers , giving Evidence unto the Truth , because it hath been abundantly done by others , especially those of Magdeburg in the sixth and seventh Chapters of their Centuries , unto whose Observations many other Learned men have made considerable Additions ; but I shall only treat in general of the Causes , Ways and Manner , of the Beginning and Progress of the Apostacy or Declension of Churches from their first Institution , which fell out in the successive Ages after the Apostles especially after the End of the second Century , until when , Divine Institutions as unto the substance of them , were preserved entire .

Decays in any kind even in things Natural and Political , are hardly discernable but in and by their effects . When an Hectick Distemper befalls the Body of any man , it is oftimes not to be discerned until it is impossible to be cured . The Roman Historian gives this advice unto his Readers ; after he hath considered the ways and means whereby the Empire came to its Greatness ; labente deinde disciplina velut dissidentes primo mores sequatur animo ; deinde ut magis magisque lapsi sint , tum ire caeperint praecipites , donec ad haec tempora , anibus nec vitia nostra , nec remedia pati possumus , periculu● est . Liv. Praefat. His words do not give us a more graphical Description of the Rise and Decay , as unto Vertue and Vice , of the Roman Empire , then of the Roman Church , as unto its Rise ▪ by Holiness and Devotion , and its Ruine by Sensuality , Ambition , the utter neglect of the Discipline of Christ , and Superstition . But yet let any man peruse that Historian who wrote with this express Design , he shall hardly fix upon many of those instances whereby the Empire came into that deplorable condition , wherein it was not able to bear its Distempers nor its Cure , such as was the State of the Church before the Reformation . But besides the common difficulty of discovering the Beginnings and gradual Progression of Decays , Declensions and Apostacy , those which we treat of were begun and carried on in a mysterious manner , that is , by the effectual working of the Mystery of Iniquity . As this almost hid totally the work of it , from the Ages wherein it was wrought , so it renders the Discovery of it now accomplished , the more difficult . Passengers in a Ship setting out to Sea , oftimes discern not the progressive Motion of the Ship ; yea , for a while the Land rather seems to to move from them , then the Vessel wherein they are from it . But after a Season the consideration of what Distance they are at from their Port , gives them sufficient Assurance of the Progress that hath been made . So is this Declension of the Churches from their Primitive Order and Institution , is discoverable , rather by measuring the Distance between what it left , and what it arrived unto , then by express Instances of it . But yet is it not altogether like unto that of a Ship at Sea , but rather unto the way of a Serpent on a Rock , which leaves some slime in all its turnings and windings , whereby he may be traced . Such Marks are left on Record , of the Serpentine Works of this Mystery of Iniquity , as whereby it may be traced , with more or less Evidence from its Original Interests unto its Accomplishment .

The principal promoting causes of this Defection on the part of men , were those assigned by St. Ambrose in one Instance of it , namely , the Negligence of the People , and the Ambition of the Clergy . I speak as unto the State , Rule , Discipline and Order of the Church ; for as unto the Doctrine and Worship of it , there were many other causes and means of their Corruption , which belong not unto our present purpose . But as unto the Alterations that were begun and carried on in the State , Order , and Rule of the Church , they arose from those springs of Negligence on the one hand , and Ambition on the other , with want of skill and wisdom to mannage outward occurrences and incidencies , or what Alteration fell out in the outward state and condition of the Church in this World . For hence it came to pass , that in the Accession of the Nations in general unto the Profession of the Gospel , Church Order was suited and framed unto their secular State , when they ought to have been brought into the spiritual State and Order of the Church , leaving their Political State entire unto themselves . Herein I say did the Guides of the Church certainly miss their Rule and depart from it , in the dayes of Constantine the Emperour and afterwards under other Christian Emperours , when whole Towns , Cities , yea and Nations offered at once to joyn themselves unto it . Evident it is , that they were not wrought hereunto by the same Power , nor induced unto it , on the same Motives , or lead by the same means with those who formerly under Persecution were converted unto the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ . And this quickly manifested itself in the Lives and Conversations of many , yea of the most of them . Hence those which were wise , quickly understood , that what the Church had got in multitude and number , it had lost in the Beauty and Glory of its holy Profession . Chrysostome in particular complains of it frequently , and in many places cries out , What have I to do with this Multitude , a few serious Believers are more worth than them all . However the Guides of the Church thought meet to receive them , with all their Multitudes , into their communion , at least so far as to place them under the Jurisdiction of such and such Episcopal Sees . For hereby , their own Power , Authority , Dignity , Revenues , were enlarged and mightily encreased . On this Occasion , the antient Primitive way of admitting Members into the Church being relinquished , the consideration of their Personal Qualifications , and real Conversion unto God , omitted , such Multitudes being received as could not partake in all Acts and Duties of Communion with those particular Churches , whereunto they were disposed , and being the most of them unfit to be ruled by the Power and Influence of the Commands of Christ on their Minds and Consciences , it was impossible but that a great Alteration must ensue in the State , Order , and Rule of the Churches , and a great Deviation from their original Institution . Men may say that this Alteration was necessary , that it was Good , and Useful , that it was but the Accommodation of general Rules unto especial Occasions and circumstances ; but that there was an Alteration hereon in all these things , none can with Modesty deny . And this is enough unto my present Design , being only to prove , that such Alterations and Deviations did of old fall out . Neither ought we to cover the provoking Degeneracy of the Generality of Christians , in the 4 th . and 5 th . Centuries , with those that followed . The consideration of it , is necessary unto the Vindication of the Holy Providence of God , in the Government of the World , and of the faithfulness of Christ in his dealing with his Church . For there hath been no Nation in the World which publickly received Christian Religion , but it hath been wasted and destroyed by the sword of Pagan Idolaters , or such as are no better then they . At first all the Provinces of the Western Empire , were one after another made desolate by the Pagan Nations of the Northern Countreys ; who themselves did afterwards so turn Christians , as to lay among them the Foundation of Anti-Christianisme , Rev. 17.12 , 13. The Eastern Empire comprehending the Residue of the Provinces that had embraced the Christian Religion , was first desolated in the chief Branches of it , by the Saracens , and at length utterly destroyed by the Turks . And I pray God that the like Fate doth not at this day hang over the Reformed Nations , as from their Profession they are called . Do we think that all this was without c●use ? Did God give up his Inheritance to the spoil of Barbarous Infidels , without such provocations , as the passing by whereof , was inconsistent with the Holiness and Righteousness of his Rule ? It was not the Wisdom , nor the Courage , nor the Multitude of the●r Enemies , but their own Sins , Wickedness , Superstition , and Apostacy from the Rule of Gospel-Order , Worship and Obedience , which ruined all Christian Nations .