A TREATISE OF THE SABBATH-DAY . CONTAINING , A DEFENCE OF THE Orthodoxall DOCTRINE of the CHURCH of ENGLAND , against Sabbatarian-Novelty .

By Dr. FR. WHITE , L. Bishop of ELY .

The Third Edition .

LONDON , Printed by RICHARD BADGER . 1635.

OVR blessed Lord and Master , in one of His Evangelicall Parables , compares the Militant Church , unto a field , in which the Hus-band-man sowed good seede , but while men slept , Dormientibus multis in doctrinae simplicitate a a Tert. c. Praxeam cap. 1. , the enemy came and sowed tares , Avenarum sterilis foeni adulterium b b Tert. c. Haer. cae . 31. . Also , He resembles the same unto a Net , which being cast into the Sea , gathereth fishes , some good , and some bad . The Apostle likewise resembles the same ; to a great House , wherein are Vessels of Honour , and Vessels of dishonour . And the godly Fathers compare it , to Noah's Arke , in which were contained Beasts , cleane and uncleane , of each quality some ; wherein also was an impious Ham , as well as a pious and dutifull Sem.

Now the condition of the Church Militant being such : it cannot be otherwise , but that in all ages there shall bee found among those which professe Christ , not onely such as are vertuous and sound in faith : but also men of corrupt mindes , and reprobate concerning the faith : venimous Serpents , noysome tares , pestilent weedes , and uncleane beasts .

Our Saviour's owne prediction was : There shall arise false Prophets : and His admonition , beware of false Prophets : and His description , which come to you in Sheepes cloathing , but inwardly , they are ravening Wolves : Men , carrying a semblance , and having an outside of verity and holinesse : but inwardly , corrupt , deceitfull , and ravenous : working under hand , to infect and impoyson the flocke of CHRIST c c Tert. c. Haeres . c. 4. Quaenam sunt istae pelles ovium , nisi nominis Christiani extrinsecus superficies ? Qui Lupi rapaces , nisi sensus & spiritus subdoli , ad infestandum gregem Christi intrinsecus delitescentes ? . Saint Paul , a Master-builder of God's house , foretels : Oportet haereses esse , there must bee heresies among you : ut fides habendo tentationem , habeat & probationem d d Ibidem capite 1. Cypr. d. unit . Eccl. Fieri haec Dominus permittit & patitur , ut manente proprio libertatis arbitrio , dum corda & mentes nostras veritatis discrimen examinat , probatorum fides manifesta luce clarescat . , that they which are approved , may bee made manifest . And in his exhortation to the Bishops of Ephesus : After my departure grievous Wolves shall enter in among you , not sparing the flocke : Also of your owne selves shall men arise speaking perverse things , and shall draw disciples after them .

Now these propheticall predictions have beene fulfilled in all Ages , and in all states of the Militant Church . For in the Apostles owne dayes , sundry Heretikes , and Schismatickes rose up , Phigellus , Hermogenes , Philetus , Himinaeus , Alexander , the Nicholaitans , &c. But then after the blessed company of the holy Apostles , by severall wayes of death , had finished their course e e Egesip . ap. Euseb. li. 3. c. 26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. , the false and deceitfull conspiracy of impious errour , made entrance , Fraude & astutia illorum qui doctrinam à veritate alienam disseminare laborarunt : by the fraud and malitious craft of those men , who laboured to sow a seed of doctrine , disagreeing with truth .

And although by the power of Divine providence , the evil of Heresie and Schisme , was converted in the end , to the benefit and good of the true Church : ( for God , who is only good , would not permit evil to happen , but because He being also omnipotent , is able to turne it to good f f Aug. Enchir. c. 100. Qui bonus , non sineret mala fieri , nisi omnipotens etiam de malo facere posset bene . ; & Divine verity when it is discussed by the subtill opposition , and cavill of hereticall fraud , is with more diligence searched into , better understood , and more zealously defended g g Aug. de Civ . Dei , li. 16 cap. 2. Multa ad fidem Catholicam pertinentia , dum haereticorum callida inquietudine agitantur , ut adversus eos defendi possint , & considerantur diligentius & intelliguntur clarius , & instantius praedicantur , & ab Adversario mota quaestio , discendi existit occasio . : ) Yet for the time present , the same proved a grievous scandall , and in the afflictive times of persecution , it increased the misery of God's people .

The Gentile Infidels insulted over Christians , because of divisions , which by the fraud of Heretikes , were raised among them h h Clem. Alex. Strom. lib. 7. cap. 8. Cyprian . de unit . Eccles . Chrysost. in Act. Ap. hom. 33. & in cap. 1. Ep. ad Galat. Venit Gentilis & dicit , vellem fieri Christianus , sed nescio cui adhaeream : multae enim sunt inter vos pugnae , seditiones , & tumultus . Nescio quod dogma eligam , quod praeferam , singuli enim dicunt , ego verum dico . Hanc ob causam deridiculo facti sumus & Gentibus & Iudaeis dum Ecclesia in mille partes scinditur . : they scorned and derided their religion , imputing the base opinions , and actions of Heretikes , to the sound part of the Church in generall i i Baron . Anal. tom . 2. An. 143. n 4. Qui Christianis infensi erant Gentiles , &c. quaecunque erant Gnosticorum portenta , vel aliorum haereticorum turpitudines , omnia Christianis ascribebant , nimirum infames illos conventus , infanticidia , humanarum carnium esum , promiscuos concubitus , &c. Iust. Mar. Apol. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 4. ca. 7. Tertul. Apol. ca. 7. Athenag . Apolog. trium flagitiorum infamis rumor de nobis spargitur : impietas quae Deos tollat , epulae Thyesteae , concubitus incesti . Minutius Foelix● in Octavio pag. 3. & 8. : And alleaged this as a prime reason , wherefore they could not beleeve them , because they were divided into lo many factions , and for that their religion was a confused fardell , and rifferaffe , of various and prodigious opinions .

Now that which happened anciently , is fulfilled likewise in our dayes , both concerning the entrance and existence of Schismes and Heresies , And likewise the scandall arising from thence .

Therefore , if Schisme and Heresies have risen up in our dayes , it can bee no wonder ; For the Prophesies of CHRIST and His Apostles concerne our times , as well , ( if not more , ) than those which are past : and all the causes of Schisme and Heresie are now extant , which were in former ages . For the enemie that soweth tares , is neither lesse vigilant , nor lesse envious , than in old time : And on mans part , blinde zeale , vaine-glory , curiosity , selfe-love , desire of change and novelty , overweening of mens owne wit and learning , envying of others which excell in learning or authority , offence for want of preferment , dislike of that which is present , &c. These venemous rootes and seeds of Schisme and Heresie , are not wanting in these perillous times : And the corrupt soile of mans heart , is no lesse fertile , to nourish and bring them forth , than in the dayes of old .

But from this which is delivered , I shall intreat your Grace , and all other impartiall and intelligent Readers to consider the uncharitable construction of Romish Adversaries , who from the Rising up of some schismaticall spirits amongst us , conclude : That the maine body of our Church is schismaticall . For was the whole Church of Corinth reprobate and schismaticall k k Bosius de . sign . Ecclesiae . lib. 3. c. 5. Fitz. Simon . Britannomachia . p. 8. Rescius ministromachia . Staphil . d. Concord . Discipul . Lutheri . Gualter . Tabula . Chronograph . seculo . 17. pag. 823. Sciopp . Ep. d. Antichr . p. 21. & . p. 139. & p. 202. Cochelet . Caemiter . Calv. p. 625. , because some branches or members thereof , were such ? Or was it hereticall , because within it , some denied the Article of the Resurrection ? For if this had beene so , Saint Paul could not have saluted that Church , with such an honourable inscription : Vnto the Church of GOD which is at Corinth , to them that are sanctified in CHRIST IESUS , &c , A field ceaseth not to bee a good corne field , because some noysome weeds , and tares spring up among the wheat : And a good tree hath some degenerous branches , which deserve to bee pruned and lopped off .

Our Nationall Church of England is A Vine-yard of the LORD of Hostes : A sound body compacted , united , and knit together , in an uniforme profession of one and the same orthodoxall verity , which was once given to the Saints , in the holy Apostles dayes : And which in all substantials , was maintained by the holy Primitive Fathers : l l Tertul. d. Praescr . c. 38. Antiquum nihil aliter fuit quàm sumus . Our publike forme of Divine Service and worship is in every part thereof religious and holy , ( maugre the cavils of envious spirits , who have depraved it : ) The Ecclesiasticall Officers and Ministers of our Church are Bishops , Priests , and Deacons , such officers as have administred sacred things , in the Christian Church , yea , in all Christian Churches , for fifteen hundred yeares , ever since the holy Apostles dayes : and the divine benediction , providence , & protection of our great God and Saviour , hath preserved , comforted and honoured this Church and State , more then a man could have wished or expected , ever since our reformation : and that which S. Augustine delivered long since of Constantine the Emperour , hath been fulfilled in our Kings and Princes ; Constantinum Imperatorem non supplicantem daemonibus , sed ipsum verum Deum colentem , tantis terrenis implevit muneribus , quanta optare nullus auderet a a Aug. de civ . Dei l. 5. c. 25. . The Lord of Heaven replenished Constantine the Emperour , who duly served him and not Devils , with such abundance of temporal benefits , as a man durst not have presumed to wish or expect .

Now this which is hitherto delivered , is abundantly sufficient to justifie our Mother Church of England , against the unjust reproach and censure of any Adversaries , who shall traduce the same of being schismaticall ; for our Saviours owne prediction is ; Necesse est ut scandala veniant , it must needes bee that offences doe come : but when among us any offences happen , Sander . d. visib . Monarch . Tale est militantis Ecclesiae verriculum , quod quia tam malos quam bonos pisces comprehendit , interdum scinditur , & dirumpitur . they are reproved , confuted , and condemned , according to the direction of holy Scripture , and the forme and custome of Primitive times .

It is not within compasse of humane power , either wholly to prevent , or in an instant to restraine , the malice of Satan , and his schismaticall instruments , from vexing , renting , and disquieting the Church ; and therefore if our adversaries were guided with the spirit of charity ( as they that will be judges of other mens actions ought to be ) they would forbeare to censure or condemne us . For Charity envieth not , it thinketh no evill , it rejoyceth in truth , 1 Cor. 13.5 , 6.

Having delivered thus much in just defence of our Mother Church , against the uncharitable calumniation of Romish adversaries , I hold it meet in the next place to offer unto your Graces consideration , a view of the deportment of factious and schismaticall spirits , who have beene the authors and fomenters of the scandall , from whence our adversaries before mentioned , have taken occasion to traduce our Church and religion .

There started up in Queen Elizabeths raigne , a new a a Athanas . Quod non a Patribus profectum est , sed nuper inventum , quid de eo aliud existimari debeat , quam illud ipsum , cujus Paulus mentionem fecit , In novissimis , &c. 1 Tim. 4.1 . Presbyterian-sect , which tendred a forme of Discipline to the Queene , and to the State . And concerning this platforme of their Ecclesiasticall Discipline , they affirmed these things following :

First , that the onely Officers b b Travers . d. Discip . Eccl. pag. 142. ( horum ) Ecclesiasticorum magistratuum justae authoritati obtemperandum . ( Magistrates they tearme them ) who are to exercise this discipline , are Pastors , Doctors , and ( Vestrie ) Elders c c P. 123. Est Ecclesiasticus Senatus coetus Presbyterorum , &c. Presbyterorum nomen nusquam Diaconis in Scriptura tribuitur , sed Pastoribus , Doctoribus , & qui proprio nomine Presbyteri appellantur . . Secondly , this forme of disciplinarian Regiment , is the Scepter of Christ's Kingdome : The Standard of Christ : The Soule of the mysticall body of Christ d d Sions Plea , pag. 5. If the Hierarchie bee not removed , and the Scepter of Christ's governement , namely , Discipline advanced , &c. p. 110. It is the Scepter of Christ swaying his owne house according to his hearts desire ; the soule , &c. The chiefe commander in the Campe Royall , &c. : and a proper Character of the true Church . Thirdly , as the old Canonists say of the Papacie , GOD had not beene discreet , if hee had not made a Pope e e Extra d. Major . & obed. glossa . Non videretur Dominus fuisse discretus nisi unicum talem post se vicarium reliquisset . ; so likewise , say the Presbyterians , CHRIST had not proved Himselfe a Prophet like unto Moses in all things f f Trav. d. Discip . Eccl. p. 7. Quomodo Mosi fimilem fuisse dicemus , si tam necessariam doctrinam de Ecclesiae gubernatione , aut omnino praetermiserit , aut non aeque perspicue & perfecte explicarit ? Illam aut a Christo traditam fateri necesse est , aut eum non solum Prophetico , sed etiam Regio munere spoliare . , nor yet an absolute King , had he not ordained this disciplinarian Senate in his Church . Fourthly , these divine Magistrates and Senators , must exercise soveraigne authority , over all people ; and especially , over Kings , Princes , and Monarchs g g Id. pag. 142. 143. Huic disciplinae omnes orbis Principes , & Monarchas fasces suos submittere & parere necesse est . : Fifthly , all other formes of discipline and Church government , are unlawfull , and Antichristian , because they are not commanded and appointed by God's Word . Sixthly , the King and temporall State , have no authority , or command in matters Ecclesiasticall h h Id. pag. 191. The Church hath her lawes from the Scriptures , neither may any King make lawes in the house of Gods for if they might , the Scripture should be imperfect . : Sions Plea . pag. 285 If any object the Magistrates interposed authority , it is quickly answered , quod ejus potestas , &c. that his power is not to weaken any ordinance of God , but for guarding and making good all Gods ordinances with the sword , &c. ( no more than they have to administer the Sacraments ) but their only service is , to be the executioners of such decrees , as these Presbyterian Senators shall affirme to be the Lawes of Christ . Seventhly , the present forme of Ecclesiasticall government , by Bishops and their Officers is Antichristian i i Sions Plea . pag. 38. They derive their authority from the Pope p. 46. Their being is Antichristian , p. 292. The sons of the monstrous Gyant , the Ma● of sinne . . Lastly , the Liturgie and common Service of the Church of England , and the Rites and Ceremonies appointed therein , are popish and superstitious , for they were composed or brought in , by Bishops , who are a limbe of Antichrist : and confirmed by the humane authority of the Prince and temporall State : whereas no common service is lawfull in the Church , but such only as is formed by their Ecclesiasticall Senate , and after their own Presbyterian Lawes .

Fruits and consequents of the former dictates , are these which follow :

First , concerning the King himselfe : His royall Majesty according to these Presbyterian-rules , shall have no power to command his Clergy to keepe a Nationall Synode : he shall have no power at all , ☞ over these Ecclesiasticall Senators , to judge of any of their abuses , Id. pag. 331. An able Pastor ( H. B. ) in a generall Fast in London , pleading for reformation under Ioshua's removall of the excommunicate thing , told us in plaine tearmes , that the main thing was , That damnable Hierarchie ( of Bishops ) who made no matter of sinking Church and State , so they might swim in honours and pleasures . or to reforme and correct them : And if His sacred Majesty shall deny obedience and subjection to their classicall Mandates , these Senators have Soveraigne Power under Christ , to deliver him to Satan , and to lay the fearefull censure of Excommunication k k Trav. discip . Eccl. Excommunicatio est censura Ecclesiae qua aliquis gravioris sceleris reus , sine certi temporis praescriptione a sacris exclusus fidelium communione privatur , &c. Huic summos Magistratus & Reges parere , &c. Philippus & Theodosius Imperatores . Tho. Chartw . being asked whether the King himselfe was subject to excommunication , answereth : That excommunication should not be exercised upon Kings , I utterly mislike . upon him .

Secondly , concerning Bishops : whereas , in all religious Ages , and among all people professing Christ , the Bishops of the Church were highly honoured and respected because of their Office and Order : and their Doctrine , Precepts , Counsels , admonitions , reproofes , and censures , were of great authority : These Senators , and their Camerades , with their barking , barrating , and libelling , have brought , not onely their persons , but their venerable calling , into much contempt and hatred , as though it were some prophane and noisome evill .

Thirdly , they have with bitter clamors a a Amb. Epist. 42. Venenum in dentibus habent . Optat . Milevit . c. Parmen . l. 2. In corde livoris acuerunt novaculas linguae . , defaced the publike service of our Church ( being a forme of divine worship , of so good quality , as that since the holy Apostles dayes , the Christian world never enjoyed any more reverend and religious ) and by this meanes , the solemne worship of God and Christ , are neglected in many congregations : and instead thereof , an indigested forme and conception of extemporall prayer is brought in .

Now I humbly desire your Grace , and all benevolent and indifferent Readers , to consider the ungracious dealing of these men .

First of all , the generall ground of their proceedings by which they justifie themselves , and their own precepts , and condemne others , is this which followeth : No officer must governe or Minister in the Church : neither any forme of divine worship , or Ceremonies be used , but onely such as are commanded in the Word . It will be over-long to relate in what manner they prove this ; whether by the second Commandement b b Sions Plea . p. 87. In the 2d . Commandement is forbidden all will-worship , all rites & ceremonies of mans devising in God's worship : and further , every calling of Ministers and Elders that is not appointed and approved of God . p. 278. give the second Commandement the due extent : this Iron if it be well plied , will bow downe the backe of the Prelacie , and breake the iron sinew of all superstitious worship . : or by Ier. 7.31 . or by Exod. 25.40 . Looke that thou make them after their patterne which was shewed thee in the Mount : or by Omnis Planta , every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted , shall bee rooted up , Matth. 15.13 . But in conclusion they resolve us not , what they understand by the commandement of the Word : Whether a literall and formall Commandement : or a Commandement inferred by any necessary inference : or an example and president , which hath the force of a Law . Now we are certaine that their owne Presbyterian platforme , is warranted by no Commandement in any of these three senses . For we reade of no literall or formall Commandement for their Vestery Elders : Neither can they prove the ordination of this new generation , by any necessary inference of holy Scripture : and as for example of Scripture , we find none having the force of a law . The plaine truth is , we finde no example at all : For the Elders mentioned , 1 Tim. 5.17 . were Priests in holy Orders , as appeares plainely , by the eighteen and ninteen verses of that Chapter : But if some example had been extant , Vnlesse they can demonstratively prove , that such example hath the force of a perpetuall law , This will conclude no more for the perpetuall continuance of Vestry Elders : Then the holy Apostles observing the legall Sabbath ; Or their abstinence from bloud and strangled : Or their unction of the sicke with oile , will conclude for extreme unction : or for the keeping holy the seventh-day Sabbath : or for perpetuall abstinence from bloud or strangled .

These imperative men mightily forget their owne principle : For they create new Senators , Vestry-Elders , without any commandement of the Word : They command whatsoever their own working-heads affect , without commandement of the Word , to wit , Omni-parity of Church-men : Fathers to present their children in their own persons , at Baptisme : Christians to dreame religious dreames on Sunday nights : Parents to give significant names to their children , to wit : The Lord is neere : More triall : Reformation : More fruit : More joy : Sufficient : Deliverance : Dust , &c. But their negative precepts are sance number : no Private Baptisme : no Kneeling at the Communion : Bowing at the Name of IESUS : Communicating with a reading Minister : Keeping Christmasse-day , and other Holy-dayes : reading Homilies : Reading Apocrypha : Ringing more Bells than one upon a Sunday , or fetching a pint of wine out of ones owne house : Standing up at the Creed : Looking towards the Chancell in Common-prayer : Often rehersing the Lord's-Prayer : Reading the Letany , and Epistles and Gospels , &c.