The New Discoverer DISCOVER'D .

By way of Answer to Mr. BAXTER his Pretended Discovery of the GROTIAN RELIGION , With the Several Subjects therein Conteined .

To which is added AN APPENDIX Conteining a Rejoynder to diverse Things both in the Key for Catholicks , and in The book of Disputations about Church-Government and Worship , &c.

TOGETHER WITH A Letter to the Learned and Reverend Dr. Heylis , Concerning Mr. Hickman and Mr. Bagshaw .

By THOMAS PIERCE Rector of Brington .

LONDON , Printed by I. G. for Richard Royston at the Angel in Ivye-lane . 1659.

IF thou desirest to know the Reason , why I begin to Mr. Baxter with more respect than thou allow'st him ; whereas I treat him in my Appendix with little more than he deserves , ( making almost as great a difference in my stile to him , as is observable in his to me , ) be pleased to accept of this hasty , but just accompt .

I was indulgent , in the beginning , to mine own particular Inclinations ; but at the end I consulted his greatest Needs . My Inclinations would ever lead me to speak as * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Rom. 15.2 . pleasingly as I may , but that my Iudgment sometimes corrects them , and makes them give way to my * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Rom. 15.2 . Neighbour's profit . His bitter Enmity against my person , which he hath sturdily concluded in a state of Damnation , and so by consequence a Reprobate , after his way of reasoning , ( though , blessed be God , his Conclusion is not deduced from any premises , save what his Passion and his Fancy have shap●d out to him , ) I say his Enm●ty to my person , did onely move me to forgive , and to use him gently . But when I beheld him a second time , as the bitterest Adversary of Truth , reviling the Fathers of the Church , and the Church herself , more than any Presbyterian I ever met with , ( unless I except Mr. Hickman , with whom I shall reckon in due time for his great uncleannesse , ) I durst not * * Gal. 1.10 . seek to please men , so as to cease to be the servant of Iesus Christ And therefore however I have begun my ensuing papers with what was most pleasant for me to write , yet have I suffer'd my self at last to adde such things in the Conclusion , as I found Mr. Baxter had need to read . For if , after my having been very liberal , I find my Client so much the worse ; the likeliest method to make him better , is to become for the future but strictly just . He is a different man in his book of Government and Worship , and in the later part of his Key for Catholicks , from what he was in his Discovery of the Grotian Religion , ( for so it seems he was pleas'd to word it ) and that did make him the fitter for somewhat a different Entertainment . † † Grot. Rel. ●r●f . Sect. 3. It is not long since he made profession , that if any should gather from his Discourse , my being such my self as he affirmed Grotius to have been , he protested against all such Accusations as no part of his intention : but in his two last Volumes his mind is changed , ( or else his Members have prevailed against his mind ) so far forth as to accuse me of downright Popery , and of having a hand in the Grotian plot , which ( if we may prudently believe him ) is to bring Popery into the Land , and together with that a Persecution . He takes it ill that I am suffer'd to have a * * Key for Cath. p ▪ 385 , 386. Rectory here in England ; and thereupon bewrayes his judgment , that I am fitter for the * * Key for Cath. p ▪ 385 , 386. Strappado : which whilst he saith that such as he cannot escape in my Church , ( implying me to be one of the bloodiest Papists , ( whether Spanish or Italian , he doth not say ) he doth abundantly insinuate his kindnesse to me

Had I a heart to return him Evil for Evil , I might fitly proclaim him either a Iesuite , or a Iew. For without question he is either , as much as I am a Papist : but I will not vie slanders with men of Toung , nor try the strength of my Invention to beat an Enemy at his own weapon ; for this were onely to be at strife , who should be the most impious . No , let the Rigid Presbyterian take such victories to himself , without receiving the trouble of being contended with at all . I may often times punish , but never wrong him : and when I punish the Malefactor , I spare the Man . * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Agape● . Diac. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. 83. Vengeance is a thing which I leave to God , I being fully content with a Vindication . 'T is true I prove him to be a † † See Append. Sect. 5. Papist by fourteen Arguments ; but they are Arguments onely ad Hominem , and professedly urged by a Prosopopoeia , and onely in order to his Conviction , that more may be said against him , than he can say against Grotius ; and that his injuries to Grotius do onely prove his own hurts . And having thus proved him to be a Papist , I freely * * Ibid ▪ p. 175. professe to believe him none .

I hope his Calumnies of Grotius , and the Episcopal Divines , will now obtaine the less credit with his most credulous Admirers , for that he hath poured out the same ( and a great deal worse ) against a person of great remarke amongst the Counsellours of State . * * Compare The Vindication of Sir Henry Vane , with Mr. Baxter's unchristian usage of him in his Key for Catholicks . The Vani or Vanists ( for he is pleas'd to speak in both Dialects ) are made the burden of his invective in his Key for Catholicks . In his Dedicatory Epistle , ( which some have call'd his Court-Flattery , ) he make's a grievous complaint against ten sorts of men , of whom he declare's he is very jealous . [ The third of these are the Vani , whom God by wonders confounded in new England , but have here prevailed far in the dark . ] To explain his meaning in the Epistle , he tell 's us † † Key for Cat● . p. 330 , 331. plainly in the Book , that the first sort of Iuglers , or Hiders of their Religion , under whom the Papists do now manage their principal design , are the Vani , whose Game was first plaid openly in America in New-England , where God gave his Testimonies against them from heaven upon their two Prophetesses , Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Dyer ; the later brought forth a Monster with the parts of Bird , Beast , Fish , and Man . The former brought forth many ( neer 30. ) Monstrous Births at once , and was after slain by the Indians . This providence ( he add's ) should have awakened the Parliament to a wise and godly jealousie of the Counsells and Designs of him that was in New-England , the Master of the Game , and to have carefully searched how much of his Doctrine and design were from heaven , and how much of them he brought with him from Italy , or at least was begotten by the Progenitor of Monsters . And lest his Readers should be to seek on whom he fasten's such ugly calumnies , he frequently * * Ibid. p. 319 , 329 , 338. nameth Sir Henry Vane , neither regarding the Quality , or Learned parts of that Knight , nor any the least Reverence or Care of Truth .

Of this , and many the like prancks , I am particularly concern'd to take some notice , first because Mr. Baxter hath coupled † † Ibid. p. 391. the Vani with Mr. P. And both with four sorts of men , by whom the Popish design is kept on foot ; to wit the Seekers , the Infidels , the Behmenists , and the Quakers . Next because mine own sufferings have taught me to look with indignation on other Men's , how little soever their principles agree with mine . And though I suppose Sir Henry Vane is very far from being partiall to the Episcopal Divines , ( with whom I will rather choose to suffer the greatest hardships , than embrace the * * Iam●s 4.4 . Friendship of the world , † † H b. 11. ●5 . or enjoy the pleasures of Sin for a season , ) yet are we bound to do him right , and to be sensible of his wrongs , and to afford him that deference , which both his Birth and his Breeding have made his due . When St Paul had to do with a person of honour amongst the Heathen , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . A●ts 26.25 . he was so civil as to call him most noble Festus . And he is sure a grosse Christian , who think 's it his duty to be a Clown . I cannot tell what judgement that Learned Gentleman may be of ; but he hath this commendation ( as well as Grotius ) that he is hated by Mr. Baxter beyond all measure ; and is sufficiently averse to the Presbyterians .

Christian Reader , have the patience to be pre-admonish'd of one thing more . The greatest abuse and the most groundlesse which I have suffer'd from Mr. Baxter ( in no less than three distinct Volumes ) is his indeavour to represent me , as an Enemy to Purity and pious life . Which however he hath done in as grosse a manner , as if he had tryed to what Extremities both of absurdity and Falshood , depraved Man may be transported by abusing the Liberty of his Will , ( which God could never predetermine to such uncleannesse , ) yet some at least of his Followers who have never yet seen him without his Vizard , have been betrayed by that confidence ( with which he hath written against his Conscience ) to incourage his calumnies with their belief . As for reason , or proof , he hath not offer'd any thing towards it , but to supply that defect , he hath thought it enough to declaim against me , for being supposed to have declaim'd against Purit●nes , neither naming any one passage in any papers which I had publish'd , nor so much as referring to any page where any such passage was to be found . I received letters of inquiry , [ where I had written against Puritanes , that Mr. Baxter should so largely rebuke me for it before the world ? My answer was , that I never did it , for ought I was able to remember ; and that untill Mr. Baxter could shew me where , I should not believe I had been forgetfull . Indeed I * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ch. 3. p. 75. cited that part of King Iames his Letter , which told the Bishops they had to do with two sorts of Enemies , Papists and Puritanes , and will'd them to goe forward against the one and the other . But it appeare's by these words , not that I , or Archbishop Spotswood , ( by whom the Letter is recorded ) but that King Iames , who writ the Letter , had sharply written against Puritanes . In so much that Mr. Baxter hath dealt with me , as he hath also dealt with Sir Henry Vane , whom he † † Key for Cath. p. 331. supposeth to have brought Corrupt Opinions out of Italy , when it appeare's that Sir Henry was never there .

But now admit that I had written against the Puritanes , before his clamour was put in print , ( as very possibly I did , though I professe I know not where , and much desire to be inform'd ) yet I had done no other thing , than had been donby the most eminent in point of Piety , Learning , Iudgment and Moderation , from the dayes of Queen Elizabeth , to these our own . And if I am an Enemy to Religion for having cited the words of others , what will be said by Mr. Baxter of Archbishop Whitgift , Archbishop Bancroft , Judicious Hooker , Judge Popham , Bishop Andrews , Bishop Carleton , Bishop Hall , Dr. Sanderson , ( with divers others , whom I have cited in the first Chapter of this Book ) whose just severity to the Puritanes may serve to put Mr. Baxter to shame and silence .

If he means no more than this , that I have cited out of the Writings of English and Scotish Presbyterians , their own * * ☞ See The Sel● ▪ Revenger exemplified ch. 3. p. 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , &c. Confessions of their own principles and practise too , he should have honestly told his Readers , that I had written no worse of the Presbyterians , than themselves had written of themselves . Nor should he have called them Puritanes , whom I had called Presbyterians , ( as themselves in their Writings have call'd themselves ) unless he was willing to acknowledge that they were both the same thing . Observe ( good Reader ) how the Case stands between us . It is confessed by Mr. Knox , that Iames Melvin ( with two more ) did privately murder the Archbp. of St. Andrews , which the same Mr. Knox doth withall commend for a Godly Fact . This Confession I † † Ibid. p. 8● observed , and shewed his page where it is printed . Again by 52. Ministers of the Province of London it was confessed ( from the presse too ) that instead of a Reformation they had a Deformation in Religion , — having open'd the very Flood-gates to all Impiety and profanen●sse , &c. This Concession I * * Ibid p. 81. observed , and shew'd the page where it was printed . That proceeded from the Scotish , this from the English Presbyterians . What may now be the reason , that Mr. Baxter pursues me with so much Rancor ? Was it my fault that the things were printed , ( without my knowledge or consent ) and printed by the Authors from whom I had them ? Or may not a man relate a passage , as he find's it printed before his eyes ? Which was worst of the two , that Mr. Knox the Presbyterian commended Murder , or that a man of the Church of England did fairly cite his commendation ? Let it be judg'd by my writings , and by the Authors whom I produce , whether I am so like an Enemy to Christian purity , as they ( who say it ) are Friends and Fautors to the most Heathenish Impurity to be imagin'd .

And because I have met with a sort of men , who having been led by blind guides , have stuck so fast in the ditch of error , as to believe the word Puritane is of a faire signification , and import's a man of a pious life , I think it my duty to declare , ( before I admit them to read my Book ) that whensoever I shall be found to speak severe●y concerning Puritanes , ( and that in meer satisfaction to Mr. Baxter ) I mean no other then have been meant by Bishop Andrewes of blesse● Memory , or by the learned and Reverend Dr. Sand●●son , with other persons of renown hereafter mention'd . Puritanes properly are things , which being inwardly full of Filth , do either esteem themselves pure , or would fain by others be so esteemed . And for the very same reason , that Bishop Andrews fasten'd the name of Puritanes on those old Hereticks , the Catharists , I may bestow it on the * * Ipsi Impuri cùm essent alios à se ut impures arcebant . Sicut Samaritas Geographus Arabs clamass● ait , Ne Attingas . Ejus Samaritarum moris etiam ad hunc locum meminit Hieronymus . vid. Grot. in Isa. 65.5 . Samaritans , those older Schismaticks amongst the Hebrews ; who reckon'd others so impure in comparison of themselves , that if a man drew neer them who was not one of their Faction , they would send him away with a [ Ne Attingas ] touch me not thou man of Sin . Such like Puritanes were they , whom God himself hath describ'd by the Prophet Esay [ A Rebellious people , which walketh in a way that is not good , after their own thoughts : A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face , that sacrificeth in Gardens , and burneth Incense upon altars of Brick , — which say , STAND BY THY SELF , COME NOT NEAR TO ME , FOR I AM HOLIER THEN THOU . Isa. 65.2 , 3 , 5. ] Yet as Godly , and as pure , as in the pride of their hearts they esteemed themselves , God denounceth them as fewel to the unclean Fire of Hell . For so the Chaldee Paraphrase doth understand the next words . These shall be a smoak in mine Anger , and a Fire that burneth all the day . Ibid. Such again were those Puritanes ( for I may boldly parachronize by so great an example as Bishop Andrews ) of whom we are told by the Royall Preacher , [ there is a generation who are pure in their own eyes , and yet are not washed from their filthinesse . Prov. 30.12 . ] These are persons the more desperate , and incapable of cure , the more difficult it is to make them feel that they are sick . Continuing pure in their own eyes , we cannot perswade them to * * 2 Cor. 7. ● . cleanse themselves from any manner of filthinesse , of flesh , or spirit . Thence said our Saviour to the Puritanes , who thought too well of themselves , to accept of him for their Physitian , [ Verily I say unto you that the Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you . Mat. 21.31 . ]

If when I shew my aversion to such as these whom God abhorreth , and give my inst●nce in Mr. Knox , with other rigid Presbyterians , ( as the Lord Chancellor Egerton had done before me ) adding the reasons of what I do from Notereity of Fact , and commonly too from their own Conf●ssions ; If ( I say ) in such case , Mr. Baxter and Mr. Hickman conclude themselves to be concern'd , without so much as demanding whether or no I mean them , they are ipso Facto their own Accusers . It is not my fault , that Hypocrisie is a Sin ; nor that I labour to make it odious . If men are conscious to themselves of being Hypocrites , as I am not able to make them less conscious , so neither would I , if I were able . My publick * * Premonition prefixt to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. ult. professions might h●ve ●ufficed , that when my word● are general , I ai●e at none in particular , unlesse I name them . I such as must acknowledge they were not nam'd , will needes be naming themselves in print , or otherwise make applications where I make none , they themselves must acknowledge , I cannot help it .

And therefore whatsoever unchristian speeches , I may continue to suffer for my Good wil , from such as ( in order to their gain ) do put on godlinesse for a disguize , I will not cease ( Good Reader ) to put thee alwaies in remembrance , that the difference is as wide betwixt Purity and Puritanism , as betwixt Holinesse and Hypocrisie . Let Epicharmus his Apophthegm never depart out of thy mind , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . be sober and distrustfull . Let the wisdom of the serpent protect the innocency of the dove . A prudent diffidence is a lesson which is at least as needfull , as it is difficult to be lear●t . Take that from * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Euripid. in Helenâ . Euripedes ; and this from † † N●vi & Artus s●pientiae , non temerè credere . Cicero de pe●itione Consul . Tully ; that not to be sway'd over hastily by the outward * * Mat. 23.28 . appearances of men , is no lesse then the Sinew and strength of wisdome . And therefore however it is natural for Gold to glister , yet remember that Art is the Apc of Nature , and that many things do glister which are not Gold .

Before thou seest my first sheets , be pleas'd to know that they were printed , before I saw the two Volumes to which I speak in my Appendix . If thou thinkst that I have err'd in my civil Expressions to Mr. Baxter , whose incivilities towards me made him unworthy of such a treatment ; remember my errors are on the right hand , whilst his are exceedingly on the left . And although I have taken a special care , not to be censur'd in his next Volume ( like them that sent him kind Letters ) for one of his * * Note the b●●barous Requital of C●v●l usage . flattering and fauning Adversaries ; yet I conceived it my advantage , to use him better then he deserv'd . But if thou art not of my opinion , and art so rigid an exactor of Arithmetical proportion in every exercise or act of vindicative justice , as not to allow those errors in me , which thou yieldest to be of the better sort ; it is but takeing thy Pen and Inke , and putting them all in the Errata .