CHAP. I. That there is a visible Discipline , or Politie of the Church under the Gospel , ordained by Christ ; and what it is : and how it differs from carnal Policy .

NOthing is more clear out of the word of God , then that there is a Gospel-Discipline , Wisdomes Politie , or Church-State for Saints of divine Institution , and by divine instruction ; Prov. 1.3 . To receive the instruction of ( Christ ) Wisdome , Justice , Judgement , and Equity ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Solomon ( who was a type of Christ ) teaches his Discipline in this Book of Proverbs , which you have some call his Ethicks , as relating to morall Precepts ; for Divinity is like some great Lady that is every day in a new dresse ; and Morality like to a handmaid that waiteth on her ; Sim. Christ [ the typified Solomon ] intends hereby to tell us of his Order , Divinity and Morality . and of the Discipline of Wisdomes house ( viz. his Church ) Prov. 8.1 , 2 , 3. and Chap. 9.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. he begins with this exhortation , Prov. 1.8 . My son hear the instruction ( or Discipline , as many read it ) of thy Father , Expos. viz. his spirituall documents , and teachings , From Fa●her and Mother . and forsake not the Law of thy Mother , that is , of the Church , Gal. 4.26 . who bears , and brings forth children to the Lord . So that it seems Christs Discipline ( which is of the Father , and of the Mother ) consists in the Spirit , Spirit and Truth . and in the truth , Joh. 4.23 , 24. not onely inwardly , but it is also outwardly ; as to outward Orders , Laws , and Ordinances of the Church . Thus the Lord opens the ear to Discipline , Expos. sayes Elihu to Job chap. 36.10 . and commands them from iniquity ; that is , sayes Calvin , he instructs them in his wayes , Gods design in setting up Gospel-Discipline . and teaches them to amend . This shews , that Gods designe in giving us so good a Gospel-Discipline , is , thereby to make us good and Gospel Disciples , both in knowledge and in practise , and is therefore of great concernment to us in teaching us these three things , To make us Gospel Disciples . 1 Subess● ; 2 Coesse ; 3 Praeesse .

First , to be obedient to his Laws , and Ordinances , ut discipuli , 1 For order . living together in Order : Secondly , to love one another , 2 For un●ty and all Saints living together in unity , ut socii , Psal. 133.1 , 2. 3 For edification of one ano●her . Thirdly , to instruct one another , and to strive together , to excell in exhorting , comforting , and teaching to the edifying of one another , 1 Cor. 14.12 . ut Magistri , as Masters of knowledge , Psal. 119.98 , 99. and therefore it is , that there is so great a need , and notable a use of this good order , and Gospel-Discipline amongst us , which God hath of his goodnesse , and in his wisdome provided for us . Hereby appe●rs Gods great love to us . So sayes old Bernard , super Cant. Serm. 23. What abundant cause have we to blesse the Lord ( who was no wayes bound to us ) that of his free love should let down a Discipline out of his owne bosome ( as it was brought by Christ to us from the Father for us to dwell in ? because the School-men could say , Th. Aqu. 22. Q. 80.1.3 . Expos. And his great care over us . Disciplina non debetur ex debito , quia inferiori non est aliquis obligatus , in quantum est inferior ; Man is the inferiour , therefore it is man that is obliged to the Lord his Superiour , for making so much , and so excellent soul-provision ( hence religio a religando ) Ma● . 24 45. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Who is a faithfull and wise servant , Expos. whom his Lord hath made ruler over his houshold , to give them meat in due season ? So we see the Lord takes care for us , and makes provision for poor souls , for he hath appointed , ( constituit being a compound word , is as much as to say , cum aliis statuit , whom the Lord hath appointed ( joyntly with others ) as an Overseer , ( super familitium suum , ) over a remnant of his family .

Now , The necessity of it is undeniable . woe bee to them that reject this Discipline of Gospel-institution , Psal. 50.16 , 17. a meer Moralist will tell you there is a necessity of Discipline . ( See but Tull ▪ in 's Offices lib. 8. & 9. de invent . ante finem libri ) and a meer Formalist will tell you , that there is a necessity of Church-Discipline , which is a principle own'd by all for a truth ( except Atheists ) bee they no more then meer pretenders , or professours . As for this Church-Discipline we shall finde it in the word , and fetch it from the Fountaine freely flowing forth through many more Scriptures , then I shall mention both out of Old and New Testament .

First , in the Old Testament , we finde many Prophesies , This Discipline is proved , 1 cut of Old Testament . and Promises filled with this , as Psal. 110.3 . Thy people shall bee willing in the day of thy power , in the beauties of holinesse , which must bee meant of this visible Gospel-Church-state , Expos. wherein Saints ( having communion with Christ , and one with another ) do worship the Lord , as appears Psa. 29.2 . It is the beauty of holinesse . Worship the Lord in the beauty of holines ; this is the Lords house , here is his worship due unto his name ; out of this Sion goes forth the Law , and it is beautifull for scituation . So in Isa. 2.2 , 3. It shall come to passe in the last dayes , that the mountaine of the Lords house shall bee established in the top , Expos. &c. which foresees the singular fellowship of Saints in these last dayes wherein we live ( largely ) exalting Gods owne way of worship , which he will bring forth with shoutings , and withall an attractivum bonum , a winning excellency will shew it selfe to the ravishing of the Saints , and the re-edifying of their soules as ( in statu quo prius ) of old ; so that the very out-casts of Israel shall ( more fluminis ) by a spirituall instinct , and from occult qualities flow freely ( and be fully satisfied ) unto it , yea up to it , which is a greater wonder .

The glory of this latter house shall be abundantly greater then the former , The glory of the latter house greatest . which notwithstanding was filled with his glory . This house the Prophet also premonstrates in Ezek. 43.10 , 11 , 12. which looks to the Gospel-time and Temple .

Secondly , in the New Testament , this truth triumphantly appears , Proved in New Testament by Christ for our Saviour testifies himself unto it , in Mat. 16.18 , 19 , and upon this rock will I build my Church ( in the Heb. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but , is not a copulate ) but Christ himselfe is this rocke that is pointed at for the Churches foundation , Expos. 1 Cor. 3.11 . or else is will fall : And as the verb metaphorically concludes this Doctrin of Church-Discipline ( being taken from a building consisting of many particular parcels made up into one , It is a building fitly compacted . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . also of such a Society which are of neer relation and sweet consanguinity ( spiritually taken ) including the order of the house , which is thus built up an habitation to the Lord through the Spirit ; It is not an ( openly ) mix●d congregation . ) So also the person and tense doe signally declare , Christ is yet about this building ( who alone is the Carpenters Sonne , the Son of Mary ) as afterward we shall shew .

For further proof , see Mat. 18.17 , 18. the Church is not there ment a mixed company ( sayes Cameron in loc Expos. ) nor a mixed worship ,

Ecclesiam esse misc●llaneam falsum oft dicere Cam. in loc. quia confusis ▪ cultibus confunditur v●rus Deus cum Idolis .

Vrsin in secundo praecepto .

Proved by the Apostles , and primitive Saints .

saith Vrsin : but you have here commanded and commended unto you by Christ , the good Gospel-order and Discipline thereof . This the Apostles practised , Act. 2.42 . and 46 ▪ 47. And in all the Epistles of Paul , it is apparent , Phil. 3.17 . 1 Thess. 1.7 . 2 Thess. 3.9 . Cum multis aliis , &c. This the Apostle preached , Act. 8.12 . instructing others in it , 1 Cor. 12.25 , 26 , 27. 1 Cor. 14.12 . and commending others for it , 1 Cor. 11.2 . Coloss. 2.5 . 1 Thess. 1.6 , 7. besides abundance of examples of all the Churches of Corinth , Rome , Phillippi , Macedonia , Antioch , Samaria , and the seven Churches of Asia ▪ So that we are encompassed about with a broad cloud of witnesses , Examples . and cannot but concurre with all in this received Axiome , or undeniable truth , that there is a Gospel-Discipline for the Saints to submit unto , and to walk under , together in order and unity .

This many call Ecclesiastick Politie , as Cartwright , Hooker , Christs Church Discipline , or Politie , why , and how called so . with many others , because that so much skill and judgement is required for the ordering of the affaires of the true Church of Christ , which we are here to treat of , 1 Tim. 3.15 . this same is by others called the Church visible consisting of beleevers in body together , and under outward formes , order , Coloss. 2.5 . and government , and under the power of Christ ( King , and Lawgiver ) committed to him by his Father , Matth. 28.18 . Joh. 5.22 . Joh. 13.3 . and delegated unto him , Visibly , and invisibly all one Church . and executed by him visibly and invisibly ; invisibly by his Spirit and word within , which are as the Ruling Elders and Officers , Joh. 14.16 , 17. Joh. 16.7 , 8. Sim. But visibly by his Ordinances , and Officers in the Church without , Ephes. 4.11 , 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 , 29. yet none ought to be a visible Officer ( no nor member ) but such a one as is ruled , directed , enabled , and qualified by Christ , and his Spirit , ordering within in their hearts ; So that the formall and spirituall , outward and inward , visible , and invisible make but one Church : But more of these things hereafter .

Onely this at present , before I proceed , How it differs from carnall worldly Polit●e . I must acquaint you that there is a most dimense difference between this Discipline and Politie in severall particulars , of which some I shall name , and so haste .

First , 1 One and the s●me in all places . Politie of Nations ( or rather Policy whereby states are ruled ) is not one and the same in all places , but as Physicke is administred according to the constitution and complexion of the body ; so is Policy , and not in all places alike , but according to the constitution and complexion of the people , Sim. and place ; one Nation is ruled this way , another that way , but Christs Discipline of his Church is one and the same in all places , to all people , 1 Cor. 7.17 .

Secondly , Politie also differs according to the times , but this Gospel-Church-state doth not , 2 In all ages . Cuncta temporum cursu mutantur . but is the same ( by rule ) in all ages , and at all times , be they what they will , Ephes. 3.21 . and Ephes. 4.11 , 12. Media cultus sunt immutabilia , till the coming of Christ , 1 Tim. 6.13 , 14. 1 Cor. 11.26 . Isa. 9.6 , 7.

Thirdly , Politie alwayes drives on a Selfe-interest , and seekes no further ; 3. In the interest it drives . but this Discipline of Christ drives on an interest above selfe ( which is , as having the Moone under her feet ) and is not therefore of this world , Joh. 5.30 . Joh. 7.16 , 17 , 18. Heb. 2.12 .

Fourthly , Politie is ordered by certaine outward Lawes , and rules left ( as a Gnomon ) or laid downe for the tranquillity of the State ; 4. In the Lawes outward , and inward . but this Church of Christ is govern'd by the Word without , and the Spirit within ( as will appeare hereafter ) in power ; and hence it is that Directories are out of date , Directories or Cannons are of no use therein . the Cannons discharged and broken in peeces , and Platformes of men no more minded then as they are the Word of God , and till further light be given from above , and till the Spirit lead us further into the truth .

Fifthly , Politie , and the Kingdomes of the world have many Kings , Emperours , and Rulers ; but the Church of Christ over all the world hath but one and the same head , 5. In the King and Governor . Ephes 1.22 . and Ephes. 4.15 . and Ephes. 5.23 . 1 Cor. 11.3 . Coloss. 1.18 . who is to rule them by Spirituall influences , and outward Ordinances .

Sixthly , Politie requires outward obedience , and no more ( be the heart never so bad ) but this Church-way of Christ calls for spirituall worship , 6. In obedience . Joh. 4.23 , 24. and the heart , Psal. 27.8 . Prov. 3.1 . Psal. 66.18 . Psal. 51.17 . Acts 4.32 . Act. 8.21 . & Act. 11.23 .

Seventhly , In Politie men have power of pulling downe , or setting up new Lawes by the Supreame authority of that Nation or State , 7. In altering or adding to Lawes . and their Lawes and Acts ( as those of the Parliament ) are binding , and of force : But in this Church of Christ there is no setting up new , or pulling downe old and true ; Christs Lawes and word must stand without adding , diminishing , or altering , Rev. 22.18 . this Discipline is not a nose of wax , When●e came Pope , Prelates Hierarchy . nor ( as honest Cartwright sayes ) taken out of Cannons , Lawes , Decrees of men , Popes , Prelates , or the like ; from which pit came all the Locusts , and Scorpions , the Romish Hierarchy , the Arch-Bishops and Bishops , and their Servants , Surrogates , Officials , Commissaries , and the rest of that trash and rubbish .

Eighthly , Polity hath no higher principle then reason , 8. In principle ▪ but this way of Christ is abundantly above , and yet in nothing against pure reason .

Ninthly , Polity is a great Fautor , and abettor of Customes , of long continuance , whereby the people are embondaged ; 9. About customs of long continuance . but this way of Christ is very much an enemy to all customes and traditions of men ( that are not of the Word of God ) though of ever so long continuance and use : Vide Vrsin de 2 praecepto .

Tenthly , Polity hath Corporall punishments , and power against opposers , enemies , offenders , or the like , 10. In power of making obedient , and punishing Offenders . Et ist●s vi coercere , ac ferro punire potest ; but the Church-power is from above , the weapons of her warfare are spirituall , Non ferro sed verbo , non vi & armis , sed vi & efficacia ; she uses the two-edged-sword of the Spirit , and Word , against all her opposers and offenders , neither are men compelled ( as by Politicall powers ) to obey , but they are drawne of God , and the Spirit constraineth them , Job 32.18 . 2 Cor. 5.14 .

Eleventhly , Polity is full of Tricks , Arts , Quilits , and Aequivocations , and lies ready at the catch , 11. In the nature of it . according to a Judges ( or great mans ) interpretation , or construction : but this Gospel-way is full of plainenesse , truth , and simplicity , 2 Cor. 1.12 . and 2.17 . and is not according to mans interpretation , but the spirits , Rom. 12.8 . 1 Cor. 5.8 . Rom. 16.19 .

Twelfthly , Polity consists most in the Forme , and lives most in the out-ward show , pomp , and appearance , 12. In the pomp and beauty of it . but this way of Christ consists most of inward beauty , pomp , and excellency , 2 Cor. 5.12 . and 2 Cor. 10.7 . Joh. 7.24 . and lives most in the spirit , and least in the forme .

Thirteenthly , In Polity is the greatest respect of persons , one higher then another , making some Slaves , and others Lords ; 13. In respecting ▪ persons or opinions . but in this Church-state of Christ it is an intolerable Tyranny , and hath not the least allowance , Mark 10.42 , 43. lest thereby we should have mens persons or opinions in admiration , Jam. 2.1.3 , 1 Pet. 5.3 .

Fourteenthly , Polity preferres men according to their outward parts , 14. In respect of gifts and abilities . fleshly habits , of learning , wit , or prudence ; but Christs Church-state sets up Christ , and his Spirit for Officers in chiefe , and such who are ruled and filled with the Spirit of Christ under them , so that not men , but Christ rules ; Judas that had not this Spirit proved a Traitor , so will others .

Fifteenthly , Polity grows every day more and more rusty , and the longer it lives , 15. In the Consequence of it . the more it will be out of date , and loathed at last , and like a Potsheard be dashed a peeces ; but this way of Christ growes every day more and more glorious , and will be the beauty of the whole earth ; Piety shall stand , whilst Policy shall fall , and the Church of Christ , that little stone ( cut without hands ) shall crowd Policy out of doores , and fill the whole earth , Dan. 2.35 . Rev. 11.15 . Psal. 48.1 , 2. Isa. 62.4.7 . In all these respects and many more ( might I not be too tedious ) I might easily demonstrate to all men the vast disproportion between this Gospel-Church-state and Policy , It differs from Ecclesiasticall Polity in a sense . whither in Church ( where it hath been set up instead of Piety ) or State , so that I meane not in any such sense that there is an Ecclesiasticall Polity , but as I have hinted before , and in order to visibles .

Now who hath been more politick and subtill then that Beast , that hath for so long usurped Christs Seat ? and what a many Romish Ornaments ( like unto the Aegyptian Jewels ) doe many men and Ministers yet retaine ? Who more Politick , then the Beast seven-headed , most subtill-pated in his Ecclesiasticall Discipline . fitter for a Golden Calfe , ( which is to be grownd to powder ) then to adorne the Temple , or Tabernacles of God ; O that they were sent away from whence they came ! and that we would come in sincerity to the Lords worke before us ! which is , the building of his house for his honour to dwell in .

But thus I have proved that there is a Gospel , orderly Church Discipline , and how farre it differs from Policy , whether called Ecclesiasticall ( as some make it to consist altogether in formes , and things carnall ) or civill .

Now the Lord lead us into his owne Spirituall Temple , and Gospel-Church-state by his owne light : for how sad a thing is it to see his flock so scattered among Wolves , and the Saints in a confused darke , corrupt , Disciplinary way of walking without order , rule , and ordinances ? which so many Soules doe sit moaning for , and in the want of them in this their Wildernesse-estate , wherein they have been lost for many ages together ; Saints susp●●ring ( yet aspiring ) in a strange Land . and whilst they are sighing and sobbing in a strange Land , they that have led them into this Babylonian Captivity , doe call upon them to sing the Songs of Sion ; but alas , their Harps are hung up upon the willowes , and they as in a strange Land are silent , which is the next thing I come unto .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Gnaraphel . CHAP. II. We have had our abode a long time under Antichristian darknesse and Discipline , and the Church was driven by the Dragon , and drawne by the Beast into a Wilderness for many hundred yeares , and ever since how miserably Soules have been blinded by bottomlesse smoake in a Popish Hierarchy , and so have continued to these dayes .

IN the next place we are to shew how for many Ages together we have fallen foulely short of this holy and wholsome Discipline of Christs Church , and have been abominably cheated with the rotten figgs , and choaked with the thick Romish foggs , and filthy infectious mists of Popish inventions , so that thereby the Sunne and the Aire have been abundantly darkned . The ( poore ) Church , Revel. 9.2 . Rev. 12.1 . she was before cloathed with the Sunne , encompassed round with purity of Religion , Expos. with brightnesse of Discipline , and in the clear light of Christ , What a happy condition the Church was in in the Apostles dayes both for Doctrine and Discipline . and Scriptures which were her rich ornaments in the twelve Apostles dayes ; yea and after that till Constantines time she wore this Crowne of the twelve Starres , those glistring lights . And not only were the Saints ( such as then lived ) above the Moone , and all sublunary enjoyments , but they had this borrowed light of the Word , meanes , and ordinances , to guide them in their pathes , and to direct them in their Discipline and Church state ; Mat 10.16 , 17 , 18. but alas ! ( as our Saviour foretold what would follow ) it fell out afterward that the red Dragon raged and watched to persecute the Church ) which was done very sorely in Domitians dayes ( and in Nero's ) at which time the Church was pure notwithstanding , Anno 110. vid. Euseb. lib. 3. chap. 29. 2 Cor. 11.2 . and ( as yet ) presented for a chast Virgin to Christ , though tormented , because she would not be deflowred , and although then ( the Apostles being all dead ) fierce wolves met together by Flockes , and false Teachers , The D●agon persecutes her . and Pseudo-Apostles rose up apace , to oppose openly true Doctrine and Discipline .

Rev. 12.4 . Anno 179. Anno 204. Anno 256. This continued under the Emperours , Verus , and Severus , and Valerianus ; O then ! how this red Dragon ( this bloudy Abaddon followed the Church , foaming with flouds of indignation , and yet for all that , the poore , and ( almost ) breathlesse Saints had a little respite under Galienus , Anno 262. and till that time I finde the Church continued yet very chast , Anno 162. Euseb. lib. 7 , c. 17. Images and Idols . Cent. 2 cap. 7. Anno 267. but then , presently after began Images to be set up , and Monuments to be erected in Caesarea Philippi , and other places , and in Dionysius his dayes Bishop of Rome , Anno 267. the Church began abominably to be deflowred and defiled ; so that the true Saints and Churches could not escape a most sad persecution under Dioclesian , Anno 306. Euseb. lib. 8. & 9. and most hot and heavie under Maximinus , that matchlesse Tyrant , till torments in his bowels moved his bowels ( against his will ) to mitigate the violence of the persecution ; this continued to the time of Constantine and Licinius ; Rev. 12.3 . and although the red Dragon could not have his wil ( do what he could ) with these his heads and hornes , with which he used to push at ,

She was brought into the Wildernesse .

When ? and how ?

Pareus . in Apoc. 12. v. 6. By loosing her Discipline .

and ( if he could ) to have pushed out the memory of the Saints , that the name of a Christian might not be left , yet the Church liv'd and thriv'd till she was in those dayes driven into the Wildernesse , which was worse then all the Persecutions of the Dragon before , and this was ( not mulatione loci , sed amissione ornatus ) by loosing her former light , life , liberty , excellency , purity , and lovelinesse ; her bright Discipline for darknesse of devotion , and devotion of darknesse ; her truthes for traditions , and Doctrines of Christ for inventions of men , and all this by her pretended friends at home ; for now the Dragon had dragg'd the third part of the Starres after him , viz. Meteors and wandring Starres , And how ? made up of earthy matter , but not fixed in the Globe of Heaven , them he hath cast downe with his tayle , i. e. by his Serpentine subtilties , insinuations , strength , policy , and poysonous infections ; Oh sad ! what Superstitions , Idola●ry , and will-worship began in those dayes to be inthron'd , and owned , yea in such a manner as is to be lamented at this day ! for then started up the solemne celebration , up-setting , dedication , Euseb. l. 10. cap. 3. Socrates , lib. i. cap 6. and adoring of Houses of Bricke and Clay , Lime and Stone , and Consecrating such kinde of places for the Temples of the Lord , calling them Catholicke , and Christning them Churches ; When meeting-places were made Churches . When Crucifixes , Reliques of Saints , &c. came up . yea then the superstitious Mother of Constantine ( viz. Helena ) went a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem , to finde out Reliques , and Monuments , and then began Crosses to be set up , and Consecrated , and Christ's Nailes and Reliques to be kept and ador'd , and Miracles ( pretended to be ) wrought by them , ( as they that loved Superstition and Idolatry did ( and doe ) report to this day . Thus , and many other wayes , Socrates , lib. 1. cap. 1● cap. 9. c. 17. was ( the poor woman ) the Church , forced into a fruitlesse , comfortlesse , dangerous , barren Desart-like condition , whilst Monkes and Popish Priests sprung up apace , Monkes , Priests . and whilst the glistring glory of the former ( true ) Discipline , Doctrine , and Ordinances did dye apace , and began to lye buried , and unregarded in the dust . But , ah blessed Lord , how excellently doth her deliverance draw nigh ! and that it is hard by will appeare in the following Chapters . In the meane time , let all discerning men judge ( to whom I appeale ) what a miserable state hath the poore Church ( visible ) been in ( to this day ) for many hundred yeares ? and how thicke and three-fold her miseries grew in upon her in the absence of that bright Discipline and Doctrine which she had in the Primitive times ; and also by the pride and presence of a cunning ( and curious ) counterfeit thereof , which hath ( crowded out the true , and ) continued amongst us to this day ? The proud Popish , and Prelatick Discipline quickly grew drunke , Popish Discipline . and was soone swallowed up , and swimming in the bloud of the precious Saints . The Moone was indeed ( then ) turn'd to bloud ( as well as the Sunne to darknesse ) and most Romanizing outragious Massacres of Saints , Swum in bloud and bloudy unsupportable Butch●●ies of Gods people were made , to maintaine the Doctrine and Discipline of those dayes , so that the Saints were accounted as sheep for the Shambles , and were killed all the day long ; yet a little respite was allowed them , There were hopes of the recovery of Gospel-Di●cipline in King Henry 8. and in Edw. 6. and liberty given to them ( through God's goodnesse ) in King Henry the eights time , and then the true Discipline , which seem'd to lye for lost and dead a long time ) which Christ hath left us in his Church , would faine have lived and breathed a little ; and so in Edward the sixth's dayes , and viriditie , very great hopes there was of her recovery , and she began to wax warme , and to sneeze out some good signe● towards it , but alas , they were soone lost againe ; and how lamentably did she lye againe at the Graves brinke in cruell and accursed Queene Maries dayes , Lit●le hopes left againe in Q. Maries dayes . and then she was given over ( indeed ) even by her Phisitians for lost , and past recovery ; untill it pleased the Lord to raise her up againe , and ( almost ) miraculously in Queen Elizabeths dayes , Great hopes of her restauration were in Q. Elizabeths dayes . and then we did verily expect her full recovery and restauration , according to the Primitive patterne and practise ; but well-a-day ! how were we deceiv'd ! for what by the ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) crafty cunning of the seducing Serpent which deceived Eve , and what by the insinuating subtilties of the Popish Prelates , and Mitre-mongers in those dayes , Cant. 1.6 . her Mothers Children were angry with her , and under pretence of Treasons , Rebellions , and robbing of the Magistrates of their right , But what hindred it ? and the like wrongfull accusations , those ( her enemies ) inveigh'd against this Discipline of Christ's Institution , ( accusing it to the Queen ) they called it a Schisme , a Faction , Sedition , and Heresie , and with this they charged the true Children of the Church , and impeached the precious ones ; Prelates falsly accused it to the Queen . as the Presidents did , that conspired against Daniel , Chap. 6. accusing him for the breach of the Kings command , because he kept his conscience , upright ; and as the Adversaries that would have hindred the building up of Gods house in Ezra's dayes chap. 4.13.16 . they charged them for rebellious , and for such as would rob the Magistrate of his right and revenews ; so did these in Q. Eliz. dayes , most cruelly doe the Accuser of the brethren's office against the Saints , branding and abusing them for seditious factious persons , and charging them for Innovators , Hereticks , erroneous ones , calling them Puritans , Brownists , Donatists , They falsely accused and abused the Saints that called for Discipline . Anabaptists , Sectaries , and such like ; saying , they would be the Destroyers of the Nation , and what not ? so that by this meanes the Church did seem black and odious to the world , being Sun-burnt , and set to be the keeper of other ( Antichristian ) strange vineyards whiles her owne was neglected , Cant. 1.6 . For it is in , and by the name of Christs own Church and Discipline , that such a Popish Hierarchy and Prelacy was canonized and consecrated , which carried a faire face , but a foule heart , and which was taken out of humane traditions , and inventions of the Papists coyne , and 〈…〉 Conclave and Canons , as will amply appeare by the beams of the Sun in this ensuing Tract . And certainly the Prelates and Papists did agree , and look very like one another in their Discpline , and in their opposing the Saints , and Christs true Church and Discipline . We might have said of them , as Aristotle once said of the Milesians , that the Milesians were not fools , Papists and Prelates alike in Discipline , and in opposing the truth . Prelates Mungrels . yet they did just the same things that fooles doe ; so these Protestants and Prelates were not Papists , ( no by no means ) and yet they did just as Papists doe , but they were indeed Mungrels , and meer Hermaphrodites in Religion , Nec vere viros , nec vere , mulieres , sed vere Histriones , neither Papists , nor Protestants , but both , or neither , or either , or any thing for their owne ends . Sim. A Roman Cardinal caused his Painter to draw out K. Solomon halfe in heaven , and halfe in hell , for which he was justly to be blamed ; but without any just blame might those Prelates be pictured out so , half way in heaven , for what they pretended , and for the good they did , but half in hel for what they intended , and for the evill they did in afflicting the Saints , accusing the brethren , persecuting the Church , and rendring the true Discipline of Gospel-fellowship odious , and despicable to Magistrates , Ministers , people , and all .

But furthermore , the Antichristian Hierarchy and Discipline was so indulgently fostered up by Monarchy , that King James could make it a maxime ( in which he proved a true Prophet ) No Bishop ,

K. James , No Bishop , No King .

Both alike have been from , and for the be●st , and shall be punished with the beast .

no King ; and it is clear to me out of many Scriptures , Dan. 2.34 , 35. Rev. 17.12 . and 18.3 . that they both live and dye together ( like Hippocrates twins ) receiving both alike , and at the same time power from , and punishment with the Beast . Wherefore let not the Prelates , nor Papists thinke to hold long in any place , for the day of the Lord his controversie for Zion shall finde them out ; neither need they to thinke their fall is by fortune , for it is appointed of old , and in these dayes wherein we are at suit with them ; let them not wonder if they all lose the day of us ( yea and the hot spirits , violent Presbyterians too ( so called ) who agree too much with Popery , and Prelacy as ( appears Ch. 9. lib. 2. at large ) and must meet with the like lamentable destiny and fate with you ; Presbyterians too must lose their Discipline in these dayes . for ( as M● . Hooker sayes in his Preface before his Survey of Discipline . ) There is no such thing as a Presbyteriall Church , i.e. a Church made up of the Elders of many Congregations Classic-wise to govern , Sim. &c. in the New Testament ; wherefore let them not wonder , if they also fall in the heat of this Suit ) seeing the Law and the Testimony is for us this Terme-time , Isa. 8.20 . The Law is for us , the day will be ours . and therefore the Judge must be for us too , and the day will be ours in despight of all the world , because that yee have trusted to forged titles that will hold no water . The Camel seeking hornes , Sim. lost his ears , and so have these Disciplinarians , they will not heare what belongs to their peace . In this Summers day of the Lord Jesus , the Sun will shine hot , and scorch , yea mel● ( violento aestu ) the waxen wings of all false-discipline , The heat of their Sun melt● their waxen wings . and thereby throw down that Icarus-like loftinesse of High-Presbytery , Popery and Prelacy in all Nations , and then the whole bulke and massie body of Antichrist must beat his heels in the ayre , and be found in the deeps , and drowned in the Ocean of everlasting misery , Sim. Rev. 19.19 . they are already under the burnings of that day in the torrid ( horrid ) Zone , and must shortly tumble into the tomb , where the worme dyeth not . This must bee for that they cannot bee converted into any other use for safety . As the black cloath that will take no other Dye , but must hold so , Simile . and is most rotten , uselesse , and unserviceable for weare ; Black Discipline will not be better , but bitter till it tumble . but the whit : will take any other Dye , so indeed will our Discipline of Gospel-institution , which is in these latter dayes to bee restored into its Primitive purity , as white , precious , spirituall , Lilly-like , and lovely , this shall be capable of any Dye , or administration , and Dispensation to the end of the world , any Dye it will take whereinto it is dipp'd by the hand of the Lord ; but the blacke , base , sooty , and darke Discipline of Antichrist , shall be but as a rotten ragge , and good for nothing , being in nothing capable of these latter dayes dyes , which will be of divers sorts , from one to another , yeare after yeare , and the best at last . But furthermore , the Dragon ( till these late dayes ) hath made use of earthly powers to oppose the Saints ( having no more place found for him in heaven ) but now it is that we heare the loud Voyce in heaven , ( viz. his Church ) saying , Now is come salvation , Church Discipline is best at last . strength , and the Kingdome of our God , and the power of his Christ , for the Accuser of our Brethren is cast down . Rev. 12.8.13 . And now shall the earth ( viz. earthly powers ) help the Woman , and swallow up the Dragons indignation , though the remnant of her Seed must yet meet with Warres , Conflicts , and oppositions for a time .

It remaines now , O England ! Ireland ! and Scotland , Exhortation to England , Ireland , and Scotland . that yee kisse the Sonne lest he be angry , and yee perish , Psal. 2.12 . and that yee cast away your Popish and foppish trash and trumperies , and those wicked traditions , formes , and ordinances of men , which have made yee Captives , and for many hundred yeares have inbondaged , and endungeoned ye up in darknesse and deceit ; for as we can cousen little ignorant Children , by giving them Counters , and taking away Gold , and those Counters too are only to quiet them ; Sim. so how easily can Antichrist cheat you , We have been cheated in our Child-hood with Copper , and counterfeit Coyne . which he hath done in our ignorance and infancy , by giving us Copper for Gold , and counterfeit ( Brazen-fac'd ) ordinances , and tooke away Christ's , telling us , that they were better which he gave us , and so quieting us for a long time ; but now alasse ! we are older , and we must be wiser , and not be so basely cheated out of our Ordinances , Orders , Doctrine , and Discipline , which Christ hath left us , when he went from us , but let us hold our owne , and keep our Gold ; and to encourage us , he hath promised us ere long to make another change in the Churches , and to give them gold for brasse , Isa. 60.17 . the precious for the vile , &c. Wherefore it is , O Friends , that this true Religion , Discipline , and Gospel-worship of Christ's owne Coyne , and Mint , having his owne Image of his most precious Gold , But Christs true Discipline is offered in these dayes with the crown of twelve Starres , and cloathed with the Sunne , i. e. Christ , the Churches Light , and Lord . is offered you againe , and ( once ) againe ; which hath often ( before ) been rigidly repulst , and put off with disdaine , and direfull reproach ; yet notwithstanding it is presented to you the third time , and comes crowned with the twelve Starres , and cloathed with the Sunne , I meane with Christ the Super-intendent , and sole Independent Lord , and Law-giver , yea and alone Light-giver to the Church and Saints . This is especially the Honour and Ornament of this Discipline , or Gospel-Politie , viz. to be cloathed with light , having Christ alone the Lord . Indeed , hitherto hath many a sad soule sate and sigh'd , yea and the Church in the Wildernesse too bewayl'd with Mary , weeping , Joh. 20.13 . Oh! They have taken away my Lord , and I know not where they have laid him .

Alexander used to say of his two Friends , viz. Craterus and Hephestion , that Hephestion loved Alexander , but Craterus loved the King , and yet the King and Alexander were both but one man ; and so Certes I may say of some in these dayes , who professe to be Christ's friends , Sim. they all love him as Christ Jesus our Saviour , for his sweetnesse , and excellency , and lovelinesse , and love , which is better then wine , and for his usefulnesse , &c. but how few of them that love him as the King ? to be commanded by him ? that are obedient to his Lawes , Sim. and Ordinances ? unlesse they be in the Congregationall orderly Courches , and there indeed Christ hath a few Friends , and tryed Subjects , but such Craterus's are rare too ; wherefore let all the faithfull friends of Christ ( of what judgement soever ) that are under his Command and Lordship , come and enter into these Gospel-wayes of Worship , into Christs order and path , ordinance , and Discipline ( for the Lord of the Mannour , I meane the God of this world , will take up all wefts and straies that are out of this way , The Devil takes up straies and empound them ) wherefore for shame friends make haste ! Hye out of Babylon , flye into Sion , into the Fellowship and Church-way of the Gospel , wherein Christ is King , and Lord ; and where this Sunne is highest , brightest , and swiftest in his ascendent motions , wherein Christ appeares in his richest perfection and fulnesse . For as Nature , Sim. who hath drawne with her Pencill a perfect Grasse-greene in the Emerald , ( as Pliny sayes ) a skie-colour in the Saphire , a fire colour in the Carbuncle , a sanguine in the Rubie , and a starry in the Diamond , hath also drawne all these together in one , viz. the Ophal : so hath Christ by his Spirit in his Church , Christ in the Churches their fulnesse . for there is one gift and grace in one Saint , another gift in another , and other graces in others , and blessings in the Gospell , and power in the Word , and sweetnesse in the Ordinances , and all in one , viz. the Church . Some excell in one thing , some in another , but the Church is the summary of all , all excellencies are there in one , viz. in one Christ , who is in every Church , the fulnesse and perfection of all ; Christ ( sayes Bernard , De advent . serm. 2. Sim. ) is the Bee which flew into the City of Nazareth ( which is interpreted Flower ) and there he alighted on the sweetest flower of Virginity that ever the earth bore ; and so doth Christ now in the Churches finde sweet flowers , who hath , There Law of Love . Et mel & aculeum ( sayes Doctor Rawlinjon on 's Mercy to a Beast , p. 13. ) both Mercy and Judgement , yea he is both Love and Law in all his Churches , yea the Law of Love , and the Lord grant we may finde it so in these dayes .

Heare , O Ireland ! heare the Lord ! run into his Courts , A word and a warning to Ireland . live in his Sanctuary ! for in a special manner I speake to you from the Lord , for whose sake I dare not bury these truthes as dead , or in silence , which doe so much concerne you ; and seeing I am now with you , I wish from my soule , that most of your Professors prove not Moone-sicke , I meane Lunaticks , that sometimes fall ( or plunge ) into the water , and sometimes into the fire , Sim. ( of persecuting the Saints that wil not over head and eares with them in the waters , Of Persecutors for forme , or judgement ▪ yee know what I meane ) for I shrewdly feare this ; wherefore I say , forsake not Aegypt to fall into Babylon , nor Babylon to fall into the forme againe , and to make a Church of forme meerly , and to drive in , or draw in poore hearts ( through ignorance and folly ) into a formall Discipline , by urging the forme , or tying others to such a judgement with you ; for this is clearly against God's designe , and Christs Gospel-Discipline , which is to be in the Spirit , and in truth : and therefore I have many precious and pregnant truthes to hand forth , and handle to you , as they are hearted in me from the Fathers bosome of light , in this ensuing Treatise , especially in Lib. 2. but in the meane time , make haste into Sion , into a pure , orderly , Gospel , Spirituall way of Worship , and the Lord be with you , and speed you . But if before I have done , some doe say , Why then we shall be persecuted by Presbyterians , or some ( call'd ) Independants , or the bitter ones of the Anabaptists , or the like , as well as by Malignants and open enemies ; Sim. I say , that they shall be but like Sampsons Foxes , who were themselves burnt amongst the Corne which they fired , Proph. but the Land brought Corne againe , Persecutors , Sampsons Foxes that burne up themselves , and benefit us . and the ground was made the better by it , and the fruitfull●r , but the Foxes came up no more ; so be yee sure , that such will by their persecutions , burne up themselves , but better the true Churches ; though it may be some members may suffer in the fire first ; yet take us the Foxes , the little Foxes , saith the Lord , Cant. 1. he will not suffer them to escape scot-free , Phil. 1.28 . for it is to them a token of perdition ( sayes Paul ) but to you of salvation , the true Churches shall ( maugre all their might and malice ) appeare again , and triumph the more , and be yet the more glorious and fruitful , but these persecuting Foxes can never come up againe , but must lye buried in the field which they have fired , and so be the Authours of their owne end . Wherefore feare not , my Friends , their frownes , nor crownes ; but as Alexander was wont to say to his Souldiers when they were in danger , Christ in you , and with you . Sim. or went on any designe , Sed habebis Alexandrum ; my brave Blades , you shall have Alexander with you ; Feare not . so say I , you shall have Christ with you , in the midst of you , and engaged for you ; feare not ! and then you shall no more be termed desolate , Isa. 43.3 . or forsaken , but be called the Lord's Hephzibah and Beulah ; but thus for the second chapter .