THE SUPREME POWER OF Christian States VINDICATED AGAINST The Insolent pretences of Guillielmus Apollonii , OR A Translation of a Book Intituled , Grallae , seu vere Puerilis Cothurnus Sapientiae , &c.

OR , The Stilts , or most childish Chapin of Knowledge upon which William Apollonius of Trever , and Minister of the Church of Middleburgh boasts , among such as are ignorant , in his patcht Rhapsodies , which hee set forth concerning Supreame Power and Jurisdiction in matters of RELIGION .

Against the Book of the most famous Dr. Nicholaus Vedelius , Intituled Of the Episcopacy of Constantine the Great .

Printed at London for George Whittington at the Blew Anchor in

HEE was not a foole who first affirmed , that there was nothing more prevalent than superstition to rule the multitude : for Christ most divinely foretold us , that the children of darknesse were wiser then the sonnes of light , so that oftentimes not onely the force of deceivers is great , but also the perversenesse of the multitude is such , that they will rather bee deluded , than listen to the Truth . Though God hath recommended his true worship to us , yet Satan hath prevailed more by superstition , then the Spirit of God by true Religion . All Ages can beare witnesse to this truth . When God imployed the divine Prophet Moses in a message to Pharaoh he armed him with the power of Miracles , but Jannes and Jambres resisted him , and that with such eagernesse , that for a while , they prevailed more with their false exorcismes , than hee did with his true Miracles . Solomon built and dedicated the T●mple , as it were to the perpetuall preservation of the true worship : scarce were forty years expired , wh●n Jeroboam a private man set up his Idols in Dan and Bethel , with such successe , that hee withdrew ten Tribes to his Idolatry . How violent was Jezabel , Ahabs wife , in the superstitious maintaining of Paal , that not onely did she extinguish both the people and worship of God , but also so terrified Elijah , who could procure fire from heaven , that he was forced to leave his station , and in his exile to wish for death , whom notwithstanding God had purposed to honour , by carrying him up to heaven in a fiery chariot . There is nothing more plaine , then that they who wickedly in ice men to superstition , are for the most part , more active and successefull then those who are the builders up of true Religion .

This bad successe in Religion proceeds from the multitude themselves , whose property it is to be led rather by opinion , then by knowledge , and to give their assent before they make triall , although envious men dia not sow tares in the night , yet the earth would produce thornes by reason of the ancient curse : although there were no inventers or teachers of superstition , yet the vaine multitude would devise to it selfe some superstitious worship . This calamity proceeds not from the want of truth , but from Gods just judgements : For as Adams sinne hath made the earth more apt to produce of its own accord tares , then all the industry of man can , to bring forth good fruite : Even so the old Serpent is more prevalent in bewitching mens mindes with superstition , then the fellow labourers of the Holy Ghost , in propagating the true Religion .

There was never any Age or Country of the world , which hath not had some time experience of this . Yet this was never more plainly seen then under the great Antichrist whom Paul foretold should bee armed with all deceiveablenesse , 2 Thess. 2. that he might intice such to beleeve lies , that were carelesse to beleeve the truth . Never was there any since the creation more guilty of this then the Bishop of Rome , who whilst hee obtrudes upon the people a hodge-podge of superstition , prevailes more with them then the Prophets and Apostles , by their true Religion , and Miracles . For these ( even Peter himselfe * * And the rest of the Apostles . ) could doe no more but undergoe torments and ignominy , and at last lay down their tortured lives , but he on the other side , being armed with superstition , and pretending Peters name and chaire , mounted up to such a height , that being honoured with three Crownes , two swords , and the spoyles of all Princes , he exalts himselfe above all worldly Potentates , and all such as are called Gods , sitting in the Temple of God , and pretending the Church , doth so bewitch men , that hee whom they see , call , and cry out , to bee wicked , a lyar , a falsifyer , doe notwithstanding beleeve him to hee the patron and judge of Religion . Such is the force of perswasion , arising from superstition , that men see not what they see , and beleeve they see what they see not , as if they were inchanted . Hence it is not to bee wondred at that the whole company of such cheaters , arme themselves with their own superstition , when they have a minde to deceive ; which like poyson as easily invades mens mindes , and taints them , as a tauny colour doth those who remaine a while in the Sunne , which insensibly and suddenly comes upon them , before they knew it came .

This corruption is not to be found , onely in popery , but among Protestants also , whose mindes being puffed up with the desire of ruling , and counting the simplicity of the Apostolicall Church sordid , they will rather rule then obey : So that they place the sanctity of Religion not in Gods Word , not in Faith , nor in the profession thereof , nor in any other reall worship , but in the right and ministry of handling these things , so that not onely in their Theses , but in full Volumnes they declaime for the sanctity of government , perswading the people with all the might they can , that the whole dressing of Church government at this day , is of such spiritualitie , that the politicall Magistrate , as being carnall , must bee totally separated from it . Hence may Ministers with ease hereafter withdraw their necks in Church-affaires from the power of the Magistrate , and then indirectly insult over , and prescribe Laws to the secular powers .

This new guise of Popery our famous Vaedelius foreseeing , did publish a Book concerning The Episcopacy of Constantine the Great , in which hee hath written of the right of Magistrates in Church-affaires at this day , but with such circumspection , that no moderate man can be moved , much lesse angred thereat , for hee feared ( as he intimated in his Preface ) lest the restlesse minds of contentious Church-men should be incensed , and now it was supposed that he had incurred their displeasure , but the book being in every mans hand , and approved by the testimony of D. Macovius and Rivet , it seemed to bee out of all danger of malice .

But the case was suddenly altered ; and our Vedelius was molested , not by neighbours , but by transmarin strangers from Zeland . For one William Apollonius did not onely spit in his face , but also pisse in his ashes . This man being led by the Genius of that wicked Destroyer , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . hath offered violence to the Ghost of our Vedelius not without indangering the peace both of Church and State , for not onely doth he rage against Vedelius , but also against all Christian Magistrates , in a large Booke , and that so lavishly , that he seemes to challenge to himselfe alone , not onely the Dictatorship of ruling , but of railing too : he doth in generall speak evill of Magistrates , but ( as it is thought ) tacitly flings all his darts against the Magistrates of Midleburgh , but hee hath so cunningly contrived the matter , as if hee had first casually found out the Errors and blasphemies of Vedelius , which afterward bee presented to the Consistory of Midleburgh , and then to the Classes of Walachria , by whose intreaty , hee undertook this taske , forsooth , unwillingly .

Hee hath adorned his work with a specious title , to wit , The Right of Magistrates in holy things : as if hee were about to fight for the honour of Magistrates , whereas he upbraides them every where in●uricusly with carnall violence , with nullity , and servility in Church-affaires . So that oftentimes hee makes secular powers , guilty of sacriledge , and of trampling upon the blood of Christ , if they offer to meddle with Ecclesiastick affaires , besides what hee hath prescribed . Now least this Walachrian should without controle write what hee pleaseth , Philarchiae pruriginem . against our famous Vedelius , and all godly Magistrates : I thought good to scratch with my pen , his itching desire of ruling : It is the part of your Highnesse to suppresse by your Authority this scab , that it may not spread too farre . I confesse I have in some places pulled him by the eares , somewhat roughly , but yet more modestly then hee deserved ; being no wayes desirous to wrestle with the shaddow of learning , but as they are wont to doe , who have the keeping of Lions , they beat a Dogge , that the Lion may be afraid ; so I thought good to beat this curre , that I might keep the Lions whelps within their dens , or grates . Who would roare aloud other wayes , but now whisper onely in corners . As sure as the Sun shines , this Walachrian device is borrowed from Popery , and Printed to this intent , that in Walachria , or at least in Midleburgh , Apollonius alone , with a few Classick Elders and assistants , might rule the rost . I speak not heare out of partiality ; for this William Apollonius is not known to mee , either by benefits or injuries , let every man beleeve or not beleeve as hee pleaseth ; my purpose is no other , then to make the device of this Apollonian Church sanctity , absurd and ridiculous , for it is not onely as like Popery as a Doves egge is like a Hens egg , but also it intendeth the same end , so that what the Pope doth openly and directly in challenging power over all secular Princes , this man by an indirect way , and cunning circuition , doth obtain over his Magistrates , and would make tryall of it , if occasion served ; the truth of both which , if I should in a short abridgement set down , I hope it shal not trouble you to run over , though perhaps your more serious imployments may deny you leasure to read the rest .

That old leven of Popery concerning the wonderfull sanctity and spirituality of the externall Ministery of the visible Church , hath been trampled upon by all Orthodox men . This the Pope , the fatall enemy of Christ , and the very Antichrist hath so dressed and polished , that hee hath perswaded the world to beleeve , that all Clergie-imployment is sacred and spirituall , and that the Clergie themselves , are all spirituall and holy , Whence men were possessed with a superstitious conceit , that it was neither lawfull nor possible for Lay-men to intermeddle with Eccles●astick affaires , that this charge belonged by divine and inviolable right , to the Clergie , or spirituall men onely : That this was the fruite or effect of their Vocation , and confirmation ( which imprints a spirituall and indelible character , upon the soule and body of Clergie men ) by the priviledge of which , they are preferred in holinesse to all other Christians , as being but Lay-men . That this game was borrowed from the ceremonies of the Jewish Synagogue , and Gentilisme , is apparent even to Papists themselves , if they are not blinde , but whosoever are conversant among the Romish Clergie , will finde that this ( spirituall character ) is of such efficacy , that for it a certaine honour of holinesse is ascribed , not onely to the persons themselves , though never so loud , but even to their vestments , and I doubt mee , to their very excrements . Ordination . Which priviledge because it ariseth from their Calling and Confirmation , hence it is , that from the first originall of Antichristianisme , sharpe disputations have been had concerning the right of Vocation , and its dignity , so that every one studyed how to snatch from each other the right and prerogative of conferring this sanctity . This is most clearely seen in the election and calling of the Popes . For not without divine appointment , did the Pope preferre himselfe to all Monarchs by this pretext of spirituality . Hence arose the fatall pride * * Typhus . of that seat and Bishop , in preferring himselfe , and his chaire in holinesse before all others , and chiefly in substracting from the Civill Magistrate , and arrogating to himselfe the right of his Vocation , as it were by an uncontrouled and divine priviledge . This arrogancy was foreseen by those excellent Emperours , Justinian , Mauritius , Lodovicus Pius , the Otho's , See Plati a in the lives of the Popes . and chiefly by Henry the third , who curbed it by divers Laws , and Penalties , reserving to themselves the right of election of Popes , untill Pope Hildebrand thrust Henry the fourth from this right asserting it to the Church , as her sacred property ; and so having undergone this * * Apotelesma . perfect work of Antichrist , and willing to shew his universall dominion , he compelled this Emperour to come in an humble manner to him , ( being then at Carnossa ) through ice and snow , these are Platina's owne words . The superstitious perswasion then of spirituality wherewith men were seasoned , was the first rise of Antichristian pride ; In vita Greg. 7 from this proceeded afterward the separation of Church-men from other Christians as Laicks , which exempted them at first from the power and command of the Civill Magistrate , in Ecclesiasticall businesse . Hence proceeded Ecclesiastick Courts of Justice , which being one Empire within another ; and a Kingdome within a Kingdome , it could not bee avoyded , but that these two powers and jurisdictions must needs dash one against the other , to wit , the Ecclesiastick and Civill , and this fell out many times with such eager contention , that the Christian world trembled at it , but by Antichrists fatall obstinacy , the Ecclesiastick Government in this strugling , obtained the Victory . That now the Pope being advanced by his two swords , and three Crownes , he sleights the Scepters of all Emperours and Kings .

This is the type of Popery , to which as an antitype answers Apollonius his Walachrian government , for with him nothing is more ancient , then to extoll the outward businesse of the Ecclesiastick Ministery , for holy , spirituall , and divine among men . * * Part 1 , p. 116 & p. 119. So that every where hee cries out , these affaires do belong to heaven , not to earth , and that the externall things of the Church , reach unto the soule ; and lastly , to bee of such a sublime nature , that it is impossible the art of Ecclesiastick jurisdiction should be exercised by the authority of the Magistrate ) so that as often as mention is made of the * * Choragium . Ampullantur dressing of Church matters , they in proud and haughty words affirme , that sacred things are not to bee touched : Of which notwithstanding there is nothing so high and difficult , which is not easie enough to him , that is but indifferently exercised . For these are preaching , and publick Prayer , the outward administration of the Sacraments , the making of Laws , for the outward order of the Church ; the greater and lesser censure , whereof this is , by suspending from the Lords Supper , that by separation from the whole body of the Church , by the uttering of certain words : Lastly , Election , and confirmation to Ecclesiastick Offices .

All which affaires at this day are known , to be performed by ordinary gifts , oftentimes in a humane and perverse way , even by such who being void of all Christian vertues , are laden with nothing else , but wickednesse : that Apollonius may obtrude superstition after a Popish manner , when hee searcheth after such abstruce mysteries of spirituality , in the outward works of Ecclesiastick dressing , that hee might make men think that what is performed by the Ministeriall function of the Church , is of a higher nature then mans capacity can reach unto , Whereas the whole dignity of these things ( as they are performed at this day ) depends from Christs generall institution , and from the common Law of Order .

Out of these lurking places , being driven after the Popish manner he flies to Ecclesiastick Vocation , and chiefly to confirmation by imposing of hands , which though at this day it be defiled and variously spotted , shewing no effects of spirituallity in those on whom it is conferred . Yet hee would faine perswade us that it is of wonderfull efficacy , for conferring of spirituall right , and spirituall prerogative , to performe the sacred Offices of the Church , that it hath such a speciall prerogative , so that hee accounts him * * Part 1. p. 87. & p. 71. sacrilegious , whosoever being destitute of the rights of Vocation , and Ecclesiastick Confirmation , will offer to put his hand to those internally externall , affaires of the Church ; which hee illustrates by the example of King Uzziah struck with Leprosie .

Out of which principles at last springs up the speciall Church-Government , which though every man may see it to bee in the world , and to bee exercised by too worldly meanes , and that by them who after confirmation , are oftentimes more carnall , than any Lay-men , yet hee will have us beleeve , that this Government is not o● this world ; not earthly , but heavenly , spirituall , holy , independent from any worldly power , in it selfe absolute , and as it were , of its own * * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . power , by reason of the inseparable subjection of Church-men to Christ , as his Legates : Whence belongs to them this right to hee Governours , Captaines , Pastors , Fathers ; under which titles it is lawfull onely for them to proceed , to Governe , to feed , to give laws , to punish , and that imperiously with power , and authority , Part. 2. p 323. in the formalities of the Church . Whence hee makes a rupture irreparable between the power or government of Magistrates , and of the Church , Part. 1. p. 91. 93. & p. 9● . Because they are so different in the subject , end , and meanes , that he thinks heaven and earth will be confounded if the Magistrate should offer to touch the internall things of the Church , For hee will not allow the secular power to bee in , but onely about the Church , which medleth with the circumstantialls , of the Church , onely as a separable accident , which the Church may easily want , and did want under the Apostles , and time of the first Reformation . So that as hee assevers , the Christian and godly Magistrate , hath no more to doe with Church-affaires , then the wicked hath , in respect of right , except in cases extraordinary , when the whole Clergie wants reformation , but yet on this condition too , that the judgement of this matter bee left to the Church-men : But if the Magistrate should meddle with any thing which hee calls formally Ecclesiastick , besides these cases , hee cryes out openly , that sacriledge and robbery is committed ; that the rights of Christs Spouse are violated , for which Christ shed his blood ; yea that the state of the Church was happier under the crosse , because of her free jurisdiction which then shee used , then now if the Magistrate offer to intermeddle with the Church-affaires , so that indeed hee counts , no better then Gibeonites , the religious Magistrates , who were not to serve in , but about the Sanctuary , and were not to meddle with , or touch any holy thing , but being tide to servile obedience in furnishing necessaries , were bound perpetually to acknowledge their fraud and prophanenesse .

Out of so many naughty rootes of Popery , it is no wonder if in Apollonius , and some of his followers ; this fruite proceed , not onely in speaking evill of secular Rulers , as often as they seeme to Clergie-men , to stumble upon the rights of the Church , but contrarily , they dare in secular affaires , prescribe to , and command the Magistrate , by their Pastorall authority ; so that no Catechisme seemes to them more holy , than that they assure one another , that the secular Magistrate , is simply to bee debarred from all things which they account Ecclesiasticall , and that they are not to be admitted into the meanest part of their modern Ecclesiastick spirituality , ( so faire as they performe the Office of a Magistrate ) the top of which spirituallity , if elsewhere they seem to touch , that they must bee resisted with might and maine , as profane men , either directly , or , if strength bee wanting , indirectly , and cunningly , Per cuniculos . in their private or publick declamations to the people . Sure Apollonius seemes in this work to sound the Alarum , and by his example to stirre up turbulent Ministers , to bee bold upon the Magistrate , when opportunity serves , and to shake off one time or other , their vile and violent , yoke . I doubt not but such kinde of vermine lurke else-where , but dull , and as it were sticking fast in their shell , of which notwithstanding none doth cherish such dastardly spirits , Puliatus . but that if this Black coat , and rude Wallachrian , shall finde good successe , in a short time great store of such Zelots will every where appeare .

I will no more prophesie , but now will produce the acts of Apollonius , and his fellow Walachrians , set out not a few years since ; which will teach us , that long agoe they were resolved , and purposed first to prescribe a Law to the Civill Magistrate in Ecclesiastick businesse , and then afterward in secular , and to leave no stone unmoved for weakning and shaking of their authority .

Not long since , 1 Example . when the King of England and his Parliament were warring , the Vicinity of places , and the Commerce of Religion , from that disturbed State , spread complaints among the people , which indirectly ( as usually ) seemed to require pity and helpe .

Apollonius with his fellows now a long time desirous of innovation , and whilest other Churches were quiet , did study to interpose himselfe in these troubles , that hee might bee known to the English , and prevailed so much by his accustomed Arts with the Walachrians , that among others he obtained the charge of comforting the Church there by Letters , and offering to them verball consolation .

This being known , the States of Zeland thinking with themselves , how dangerous it might bee , if the Ministers of Zeland , should intermeddle with the affaires of England without their advice , considering that not onely the differences waxed hot between the King and Parliament , but between the Parliament-men themselves , so that some affected this , others , that kinde of Church-Government . The States Ordered , that the Letter which was conceived and written by the Classick Ministers , should not bee sent to England , till first they had read and examined it . But when ( which is worth the noting ) the Ministers were warned in the name of the States , to deliver the Copy of their Letters , that they might peruse them , they presently and boldly refused , affirming , that in this matter they could not obey the State , untill first they had acquainted their Principalls , or Classiaries , by which answer they did plainly intimate that they acknowledged in Zeland other Principalls , besides the States , as not long after they made it really appeare . For whereas their minds now did swell with the * * Orgasm● . eager desire of ruling , which not long since they had contracted , out of Apollonius his writings , concerning the Right of Majesty : Having examined the States Mandat , they resolved not to obey it , but tacitly upbraiding them with hard-heartednesse , and pusillanimity , they involved themselves in the differences of England , having written Letters , in the Churches name to the Britaines , and against the States will , conveyed them thither , which that they might not seeme to have done under-hand , the same Apollonius by the * * Orgasm● . eager desire of ruling , which not long since they had contracted , out of Apollonius his writings , concerning the Right of Majesty : Having examined the States Mandat , they resolved not to obey it , but tacitly upbraiding them with hard-heartednesse , and pusillanimity , they involved themselves in the differences of England , having written Letters , in the Churches name to the Britaines , and against the States will , conveyed them thither , which that they might not seeme to have done under-hand , the same Apollonius by the command of the Walachrians , Printed afterward a Book of Considerations to the English , plainely intimating that by the right of their Hierarchie , they had so much resolution and power , that they might despise and reject the Orders and Councells of the Supreme Magistrate , not onely in Ecclesiasticall , but also in Secular Affaires , which concerned the state of the Common-wealth .

Vpon this Triall which they made of their Ecclesiastick jurisdiction , 2 Example . there fell out another not unlike this : The continuance of the unhappy Warre caused a great famine amongst the Irish , that not onely by report , but also by intimation from the Parliament , it was divulged that thousands of Irish were like to be starved , if they were not releeved the sooner , this matter being first brought to the States Generall in the name of the Parliament , and by them recommended to their Provinces : by the States of Zeland , Order was also taken in their publick meetings , that releefe should bee raised in all the Townes and Villages , within their precincts ; adding an expresse command , that the money should bee brought to the Table of Middleburgh , as to the common Exchequer , that with more certainty and expedition , aide might bee sent from the States Commissioners , to those miserable and panting people . Here Apollonius with his Complices , perceiving that by this meanes the distribution of the Money should bee taken away from the Churches jurisdiction and his power , they did not now tacitly whisper , but openly cry out , that they would not obey the States Order , but the Magistrates of Middleburgh being unwilling to give way to this disobedience and rebellion of Apollonius , and being also mindfull of the quarrell raised afore by him and his fellows , about the collection and distribution of the money of Sweibrugh , where they challenged all that right as sacred , and proper onely to the Church : Fearing also lest by these and such like Remora's , the ready and needfull benevolence that was raised , should bee retarded ; they no lesse piously then prudently , ordered to gather from house to house , neither was this a thing unusuall in that City ; where foure times in the yeare , certain deputed Magistrates together with the Deacons , use to gather mens benevolence from house to house , for the releefe of the poore . Here Apollonius with his Church-men made opposition , plainly threatning , that bee would not recommend the distressed : state of the Irish for any releefe from the members of the Church , as the custome was : whispering that it were better , there never were any Almes gathered , than that so holy a work of mercy should in such an unlawfull way be profained by the Magistrate . Willing also to shew his boldnesse in maintaining the sanctity of his jurisdiction , the matter being agitate in the Consistory , he drew it to the Walachrian Classis , by whose suffrages being assisted , by a large writing , hee signified to the Magistrates of Middleburgh , they should doe against the Scriptures , the custome of the Apostles , the modern right of the Church , against the confessions , and as it were the very Nationall Oath , and consequently to the prejudice of the whole Religion . If they presumed to touch with their secular and prophane hands , so sacred a businesse , as the collecting and distributing of Almes . Affirming that this holy work was injoyned by holy men , that is , by the Church , for holy men , and therefore could not bee lawfully exercised but by holy Church-men .

Which childish songs , though elsewhere . I did sleight with laughter , yet Apollonius made such account of them , that hee plainely affirmed in the fourth Article of his paper , which hee exhibited , that the ordering and disposing of collections or almes , appertain to the Church , and that they depend upon no power out of the Church , if this bee so , then the secular Magistrate hath now no more right to appoint Collections , among his subjects , whereof the greatest part are the Churches within their jurisdictions . For because the power of the Magistrate is not in , but ( about ) the Church ( as Apollonius finely sings elsewhere ) by this supposition , the Magistrate hath no power to impose any tax upon the holy people of the Church , for an holy use , for this were prophanation : but this right belongs to the Church onely , that is , to the Ministers , and Presbytery . And so if Apollonius by his divinity can make this good , it will follow that no member of the Church can bee sure what is his own , and that the Prince hath no more power over his Subjects , then the Ministers of the Church , over the Members of Christ : the chiefe power of the Civill Magistrate consisteth in imposing of Taxes on his Subjects ; but if Preachers may in the Church have such Arbitrary power , as hath no dependence on the Civill Magistate ; who doth not see a gate opened for Church-Governours not onely of absolute Ruling , but also of inriching themselves , after the manner of the Popes ; for whatsoever they by meanes of long gentlenesse of Princes , have scraped together , by their indulgences , donations , reservations , annates , and such like inventions , all these at this day must the Ministers obtain , under pretence of spirituall almes . Apollonius was not content to declare this in words , but hee must also in the triall thereof in deeds , For the Walachrian Classes , confiding to Apollonius his seeming reasons , did signifie to the Deacons according to their Authority , that they should not afford their help to the Magistrate , nor any way serve them in these kindes of collections ) neither did they this in private , but openly by their Letters , they signified so much to the Magistrates of Middleburgh , 24 of Decemb. 1643. which were subscribed in the name of the Consistory , by Jacob Anselaer , William Apollonius , Peter Velde , Anthony Bakelier . The roome of the Classes was filled up by S. Van Denyse , Isaac Horenbek , J. Vanden Brande , Minister of Ulyssing , who by this alone did shew , that hee had yeelded blinde obedience to Apollonius ; because hee made no scruple to give this Law to the Magistrate of Middleburgh ( and that in Christs right ) from which hee knew the Magistrates of his own Town were free , the Magistrates of Ulyssing collected from doore to doore , the Ministers of his own Town being neither consulted with , nor making resistance , so it appeares that by the sole instigation of Apollonius , Cusa est faba . because of his hatred against the Magistrates , this trouble was laid upon the Governours of Middleburgh : The event of this sedition was , that the prudent Magistrates of Middleburgh willing to yeeld to those times , suppressing their anger , gave way that the Ministers should make their Collections in the Church : but first swearing that all the money collected , should according to the States order , be brought to the Table . Howsoever this was done by Apollonius , yet it is most certain , that multitudes of Irish , were undone and perished , by reason of the hinderance caused by this contention . For although it was in every mans mouth , and oftentimes inculcated by the Ministers themselves , that many Irish would bee ruined and starved , if they were not the sooner supplyed , yet with Apollonius and the new Zelots , a needlesse strife about a small point of Ecclesiastick Right , did more prevaile , then the ruine and death of so many good men for want of necessaries .

Out of this fruitefull Garden of contentions about Apollonius his spirituality , 3 Example . much such like fruite of peevish and stubborne disobedience did grow up .

Now for a long time the Magistrate had permitted the use of Organs in the Church , to regulate the incomposed and confused singing of Psalmes ; being an ancient institution , and never disliked by the Ministers that were Apollonius his predecessors .

The secular Magistrates at that time did waver , for diverse causes , namely the close plottings of Apollonius , and his complices , striving what they could to remove from the helme of Government , all such as did not flatter Apollonius in his pride ; and that they onely should sit at the stern , whom either neere acquaintance , or their secret favour to Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction , had indeered to Apollonius but this combination and specious conspiracy was happily and prudently broke , by those who were then the chiefe Governours , in removing from publick employment some , upon just grounds , and placeing others in their roome ; yet doing nothing that might infringe their Priviledges .

The Magistrates being then wholly taken up with suites , agitate in the Courts of Justice , and not able to put an end to so many suites in Law . They according to their own desire , and of those who had suites depending , taking a pattern from Amsterdam , and other Townes , that they might bee eased of the trouble of small suites , appointed a Court of small businesse , as they call it , where every man may plead in his own case , without the helpe of Lawyers . When the Consulls did oftentimes in private consult ( as the custome is there ) about these matters , and not calling into their consultations those prime men of the Town , whom Apollonus favoured , be being incensed , that Civill affaires were not carryed , as hee would have them , did utter invectives daily out of his Pulpit against the Town Governours : whose violent carriage , when hee saw was stoutly slighted by them , hee drew all his colleagues to joyne with him in his boldnesse , these having got opportunity to speak with the Town Governours , hee did to their face grievously reprove them , objecting divers things , and sawcily carping at them , that the poynts of their accusation increased to the number of foureteen , some of which are these :

1. That being so often warned of removing the Organs out of the Church , they had not hitherto obeyed .

2. That they used private Conventicles in their consultations .

3 , That they had removed from the Helme of Government , able men , placing unfit men in their toome .

4. That they had erected New Tribunalls to the end that having found out wayes of profit , by their new Offices , they should ingratiate to them some Townesmen , to the violation of their Oath .

Lastly , That they were enemies to the Church , and by their actions shewed , they favoured Papists .

Of which fault , I thinke the Magistrates of that Town , are as free as any else-where . For it is known that not once , the Consulls themselves mistrusting the gentlenesse of the Sheriffe , or Chiefe Justice , have entred into Popish assemblies , and carryed away all their Masse furniture , or trumpery : teaching by their example , all other Magistrates , to suppresse these superstitious kinde of people . These and other things , which the Ministers by Apollonius , his instigation upbraided the Magistrates with , to their faces , were by them born with , as was fitting , gravely and wisely . Yet having taken notes of the chiefe heads of their accusation , by their pensionary , they exhorted the Ministers to peace and moderation , using then onely verball reproofe , although they knew Apollonius and some others to be bold incendiaries . But they reserved sharper reprehensions till occasion should serve : Many things might bee said of this nature : but Apollonius never left off to hunt after some high preferment in Holland or England , which at home amongst the Middleburgians hee could not procure that might give him content , by reason the Magistrates did so crosse him : to whom when he knew that all his mischievous plots were manifest , and despairing of Victory , yet hee gave not off with old dying Priamus , to fling weake darts that could not hurt , catching at every opportunity , which hee thought might either directly or indirectly hinder the Churches Peace , or the Magistrates esteem , and that not privately but openly , entertaining and hugging such occasions , as I will shew by one example more .