An ansvver to the ten counter demands propounded by T. Drakes, Preacher of the Word at H. and D. in the county of Essex. By Will. Euring Euring, William. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription B13489 of text S114521 in the English Short Title CatalogTextual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 70 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 B13489 STC 10567 ESTC S114521 99849746 99849746 177088 2248542269

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. B13489) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 177088) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 787:06) An ansvver to the ten counter demands propounded by T. Drakes, Preacher of the Word at H. and D. in the county of Essex. By Will. Euring Euring, William. [6], 38 p. W. Brewster], [Leiden : Printed in the yeare 1619. Publication date and printer's name from STC. Answers STC 7186a: Draxe, Thomas. Anterōtēmata Thomæ Draks. Ten counter-demaunds propounded to those of the separation, (or English Donatists) to be directly, and distinctly answered. Reproduction of the original in Dr. Williams's Library. eng Draxe, Thomas, d. 1618. -- Anterōtēmata Thomæ Draks. Ten counter-demaunds propounded to those of the separation, (or English Donatists) to be directly, and distinctly answered. Brownists -- Controversial literature. eebo An ansvver to the ten counter demands propounded by T. Drakes, Preacher of the Word at H. and D. in the county of Essex. By Will. Euring n/a 1619 48 12928 2 0 0 0 0 0 1.55 B The rate of 1.55 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2013-10 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-10 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-11 Sampled and proofread 2013-11 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

AN ANSWER TO THE TEN COVNTER DEMANDS PROPOVNDED BY T. DRAKES Preacher of the Word at H. and D. in the County of ESSEX .

By Wil. Euring .

PROV. 9.12 .

If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe , and if thou be a scorner thou alone shalt suffer .

Printed in the yeare 1619.

To the Reader .

IT is the manner of some quarrelsome persons , that being beaten by one aduersarie , too strong for them , they are not quiet in their mindes till they haue got another , with whom they hope to deale well enough ; and to beate the former upon his back , wrecking upon him all that anger which they haue harboured in their heart against the other , but could not utter as they desired . So it seemes to be with this man : who having had of late ( as it is reported ) much combating with the Morris-dauncing-Papists and Athiests in his parish , whereof lately hee was Minister : And finding them too hard for him ; and that insteed of being sheep to follow him , they came with open mouth like wolues both against the sheep and Shepheard : he hath thought it best , seeing these wolues thus comming to saue himselfe by flying to an other place ; leaving the pore sheepe in the same fould with the wolues , to shift for themselues as they could . But not resting so , hee hath bethought him of an other sort of adversaries , with whom he hopes more easily to deale : and these are the poore Separatists ; against whom he hath also those Morris-dauncers , and many greater then they to take his part . Them he encountreth stoutly with Ten Counter-Demands ( as he cals them ) with which as with so many yron hornes , he hopes so to shake the silly Separatists , as not to leaue them a whole bone in their skin . But why doth he call them Counter-Demands ? Not because he hath answered , but onely seen , as I heare , 7 Demands of theirs , some good space since propounded by them . These he should rather haue answered , in my judgment , if he could , for the defence of his Church Communion , Government , Ministerie , and Worshippe . But it seemes he had rather aske , then answer questions ( as what bungler cannot better strike then fence ? ) and so his meaning is , to set these his Ten Counter-demands against their Seaven Demands , that so they might knock heads together , to see whose is hardest . Since then it must be so , I will first set downe those Seaven , and after answer his Ten , simply , without all doubt , yet as well as I can : but plainly , and distinctly as he desireth : Intreating thee , good Reader , to beare with my vnschollership , for I haue not been brought up among the Muses , but Mariners : and am unwillingly , though particularly , drawn hereunto by his importunity .

Quest. 1 Whether the Lord Iesus Christ haue in his last will & Testament given unto , and set in his Church , sufficient ordinary Offices , with their callings , workes , and maintenance , for the administration of his holy things ; and for the ordinary instruction , guidance , and service of his Church to the end of the world , or no ?

2. Whether the Offices of Pastors , Teachers , Elders , Deacons , and Helpers be those offices appointed in the Testament of Christ ? or whether the present ecclesiasticall offices of Arch-Bishops . Lord-Bishops , Suffragans , Deanes , Priests , Vicars , , Arch-Deacons , Prebendaries , Canons , Gospellers , Petty-Canons , Epistlers , Virgerers , Queristers , Organ-Players , Parsons , Curates , Chancelors , Commissaries , Proctors , Registers , Appariters or Sumners , Churchwardens , Doctors of Divinity , Questmen or Side-men , Deacons or halfe Priests , Chaplins or house-Priests , Clarkes , Sextons , and the rest now had and retained in the Cathedrall and Parishionall Assemblies of the Land , be those Offices appointed in Christs last will and testament , or no ?

3 Whether the calling , and entrance into the ecclesiasticall offices last before named , with their administrations , and maintenance now had and retained in England , be the manner of calling , administration , and maintenance , which Christ hath appoynted for the offices of his Church , or no ?

4 Whether every true Church of Christ , be not a company of people called and separated out from the world and false worship and waies thereof , by the word of God , and ioyned together in the fellowship of the Gospell , by voluntary profession of the faith , and obedience of Christ .

5 Whether the sacraments , being seales of the righteousnes which is by faith , may be administred vnto any other , but to the faithfull and their seed , or in any other ministery or manner then is prescribed , and appointed by Iesus Christ the Apostle and high preist of our profession ? And whether they be not otherwise administred in the parish assemblies of England at this day , or no ?

6 Whether the booke of Common prayer , with the feasts , fasts , stinted prayers , holly dayes , and leiturgy prescribed therein & vsed in the assemblies , bee the true worship of God commanded in his word , or the devise and invention of man for Gods worship and service .

7 Whether all people and Churches without exception , be not bound in religion , onely to receiue and submit vnto that Ministry , worship and order , which Christ as Lord and King hath given vnto , and appoynted in his Church : or whether any may receiue and ioyne vnto another devised by man for the worship and service of God : and consequently whether they that ioyne to the present Ecclesiasticall ministry , worship , and order of the Cathedrall and Parishionall Assemblies , can be assured by the word of God , that they ioyne to the former , ordayned by Christ , and not to the latter , devised by man for the worship and service of God .

AN ANSWERE TO TEN Counter-Demands , Propounded by T. DRAKES , Preacher of the Word at H. and D. in the County of ESSEX .

REverend sir , you haue given vs heer a Counter blow : and as it is reported , you yet thinke to giue vs , if not a greater , yet another Blow , but you earnestly desired to haue these your Ten Counterblowes directly and distinctly answered ; which I will labour to do God assisting mee .

Demand 1. Your first Demande is , Whether our seperation from your Church or Church-assembles of England , can in any probability be pleasing vnto God , seeing it hath had ( say you ) such vnhappy beginnings , and so many dismall and fatall events : the first founder of it comming to Iudas his shamefull and fearfull end , hanging him selfe : and the second ( you say ) totally recanting and comming againe to you : as divers of our proselites doe daily , &c.

Answere .

This is the sume or ground of your first Demande other words there are , here and there dropt from your pen , which giue no strength at all to your demand , & therefore I passe them by , and answer , yea . Though this be true that you haue saide , yet may our separation from your Church or parish-assemblies of England be pleasing vnto God : and for proof hereof consider what followeth .

This your demand is like as if a Cananite or Philistim should thus haue demaunded of the Israelites . Whether is it like that the wars you hould against vs , can in any probability be pleasing unto God , seeing that they haue had such vnhappy successe , with so many dismal & fatall events ? some were burnt with fyre , Nom. 11.1 some sunke into the earth aliue , Nom. 16.32.33 some were destroyed of serpents . Nom. 21.6 . some by the enemyes sword . Nom. 14.45 . some by the sword of their own brethren . Exod. 32 27. Euen Moses & Aaron , your first & greatest , yea principall pillars of greatest reckoning , died in the desert for their sin . And of sixe hundred thousand men that came out of Egipt to fight against us , Exod. 12.37 . onely two men are left aliue . Nom. 26.64 , 65 &c. What think you Sir ? Was this warre in any probability pleasing unto God ? if you say yea , you haue answered your demande your selfe : and discovered your owne folly : for thus you see a Pagan might haue pleaded against Israell , Gods true Church then , with as much collour and more truth , then you that are called a Christian , can doe against us now : and thus I thinke your first demande is sufficiently answered .

But it may be sir , you will not be thus satisfied , without your particulars be examined . M. Bolton , which ( you say ) was the first founder of our separation , hanged himself , as did Iudas : well . Proue you as much for Boiton as I doe for Iudas . As we deny Bolton to haue been the first founder of our separation , so sure I am , that Iudas was one of the first and principallest publishers of the gospell of Christ : for he was numbered with the Apostles , being one of the twelue and had received fellowship in their ministration , Act. 1.17 .

And will you now therefore call the Gospell and Christianity into question , as whether it be of God or no ? because this Iudas hanged himselfe : if no , what waight then is in your demand ? And now I pray you sir consider also that this M. Boltō , one of the Elders of that separated Church where of M. Fits was pastor in the beginning of Queene Elizabeths raigne , first revolted at Pauls Crosse , falling back again to you : and was reproved & excommunicated for this , by that separated Church : and afterward , not haveing grace to returne or repent hanged himselfe . This being so M. Boltons martyrdom is little for the credit of your cause , or Church , whereof he dyed a member .

The second you say totally recanted &c. And this you note to bee Browne . And say I , so did Demas . 2. Tim. 4.10 . which sometime was a fellow-helper with Paul as well as Luke Col. 4.14 . Phil. 2.4 . As divers others in all ages haue done , who loved this present world more then God . Can it not therefore stand with your liking Sir , that the Gospell which Christ or Paul preached , can in any probability bee pleasing unto God , because Iudas hanged himselfe , and Demas totally recanted it . I pray you Sir consider what the Apostle saith ; What though some haue not beleeved or been unfaithfull , shall their unfaithfulnesse , make the faith of God without effect ? God forbid . Rom. 3.3.4 .

And againe , consider I pray you : Christian religion was at a low ebb when so many went back from Christ , that hee said to the twelue , will yee also leaue me . Ioh. 6.66 . yet you see still Christianity florisheth : and wee , to our exceeding great comfort do behold it . And for us , though many bad ones haue gon a way , yet God bringeth better in their place dayly . And thus I thinke your first Demande is directly and distinctly answered , as you desire . Onely this I will further add concerning M. Browne , that he hath so left it in practise , as to shew the corruption of his heart ; yet so holdeth it in professed iudgement , as shews the strength of the truth , stil upholding it self in so evil a conscience : who professeth in keeping his Ministry , that he liveth of the spoiles of Babylon .

And for Master Boulton , although you think you haue great advantage against us in his case & some others , who haue faln from us : yet if things be rightly considered , the contrary will appeare . And as Abimelech king of Gerar , when he reproued Abraham for denying Sarah to be his wife , had more need to haue reproued himselfe for his want of the feare of God , & of common humanity , by which pore Abraham was driven to that strayt : so you , in upbraiding us with these mens fals , had more need reproue your selves , & your own most unmercifull dealings towards us , by which divers are forced to deny the truth as Abraham did his wife , against their consciences : whereuppon followeth most fearefull dispayre & sometimes such wofull events as this vpon Boltons Apostacie was ; & so you are before the Lord , made guilty both of the bloud of the bodies , & of the soules of those miserable men .

And whereas you haue a marginall note of one M. Nowel in Warwick-shire ; you are the first from whom I ever heard any thing of that man , and therefore this is all that I can say , If hee were not fully perswaded of the truth in that estate wherein he stood , but dyed with a troubled mind seeking the truth : what doth this make ether against us , or for you ? I see nothing , let wise men judge &c.

2 Demand . Your second demand is , as I vnderstand it . Whether our profession , religion , and discipline , as it standeth in opposition to your Parishassembles in England and the rest of the reformed Churches , can be of God , or haue any approbation from God : seeing that it hath no vertue , power , and efficacy in it , ( as the Gospel preached in your parishassemples through Gods blessings aboundantly hath ) to win , convert , and draw vnto our party , and profession , Atheists , Papists , Heretiks , rude , profane &c.

2 Answer . To this your demand I answere yea : our profession religion and discipline ( as you call it ) may be of God , and haue approbation from God , though not converting any such . And if it be so of God , as it be approved in his word , it is enough , though we haue not converted any at all ; and for proofe hereof , as also for further answer to your demand , consider this that followeth .

Your demand is like as if a Cananite should thus haue demaunded of Noah . Gen. 6. Can this thy Arke building , be of God , or haue any approbation from God , seeing that in all this time there appeareth neither vertue , power , nor efficacie to win , convert , and draw vnto thy party any at all ? for thou canst hardly shew any one person converted vnto thee by thy preaching , or Arke building these hundered and twenty yeers ? what thinke you Sir ? could Noah his Arke building be of God , or haue any , &c

Also , I pray you Sir consider with your selfe what answer you would haue made , if any of your Morris-dancing papists or prophane Atheists ( with whom you , but lately , were much cumbered ) should haue demanded the lyke of you ? Your administration , and ministeriall office , had so little vertue , power , and efficacy in it , among them , that you were glad to leaue them vnconverted & come away from them : and it may be , they deemed your ministry not to be of God , nor to haue any approbation from God : and you your selfe also peradventure , thinking the same thing , and seeing also that those to whom you sued for redresse , could not or would not giue any more vertue , power , or efficacy to your Ministry , and office , you tooke the best course , as you thought , even to leaue them in their Idolatry and prophanes and come away from them : for the which I would haue you minde well and consider what the Lord saith . Zacha. ●● . 17 . surely sir , seeing that you thus deeme of things by the effects , you can not but thinke very hardly of your selfe : considering the small effect your ministry hath wrought , especially amongst your Morris-dauncers .

And yet for further answer to your demand , consider sir , we are a poore weak dispised people here in England , hated and persecuted of all , or the most part in the lande : and therefore , if we haue any meetings or comming together on the Lords day ? they must be very private for feare of such persecuting adversaries as cannot indure ( and are ignorant of ) the truth of Gods ordinances to be taught and practised , so that Papists , Atheists , and such like profane , come not at our exercises : and how is it possible we should convert any that come not to heare vs ? If we should demand of you , how many Turks and Saracens haue been converted in your Parish assemblies , what answer would you giue vs , that will not answer your selfe .

2 To let passe the Churches in this way , beyond the seas , which haue their more free meetings , and able ministeries , and where this blessing of God in converting men , is more seen , then , I think , in any of the Parishes that ever you your selfe were minister of ( though you haue beene in more then a good many or then a good Pastour should or would be ) I may bouloly say , that we , how few or meane soever wee are ; do convert more to our Churches thou you do to yours . All these Atheists , Heretickes , and prophaine persons were as well of your Church before their conversion , as after : and for the Papists , eyther they come to hear you , and then they are of your Church also , namely Church-Papists , or not : and then , how doe you convert them by your ministry . Besides , it is evident , that the number of Papists do dayly increase in the land infinitely ; such is your plentifull conversion of Papists .

But indeede Sir , your following words , wherein you please to terme vs , refined reformers , saying , that we seduce only the sound , and pervert and estrange from you those that are otherwise well affected , & of som understanding &c. are worth the considering : and I intreat the Godly readers to take knowledg of this that followeth .

First I professe vnfainedly with an vpright heart as in Gods presence , who knoweth the secrets of all hearts : that neither I my selfe , nor any other ( to my knowledg ) that professeth the same course of true religion with me ) did ever intend or once conceiue , so much as in thought , any one poynt or parte of sedition , or evill conspiracie , against any mans person : much lesse against the kings maiesty his royall state , & government : but we do acknowledge his maiesty to be supreme governour in all his dominions in all causes and over all persons of what estate or degree so ever they be : and that no person may declyne or appeall from his authotity or iudgment in any cause whatsoever : but that in all things obedience is due vnto him , eyther Actiue if the thing commanded be not against Gods word , or Passiue if it be : except pardon can be obtained : and hereunto wee doe diligently exhorte and provoke all men at all times &c.

This being in the first place considered , it is true that you say : our cause hath wrought most vppon such as haue some vnderstanding and knowledg ; and are of tender consciences plyable to the truth : others of more corrupt consciences haue set against us , and against our cause , and blasphemed it &c.

The consideration of this , will in any wise mans iudgment rather lead vnto our cause , then from it , when the better sort , by your owne confession , doe come to vs , the worser and baser sorte remayne still with you . And this much for answer to your second demand , now to your third .

This your third demand is of another kinde differing from the former : for here you seeme to leaue your nationall Church and Parishassembles of England , and make your demand only for your reformed assemblies : wherein you say the Gospell is sincerely preached and professed , and the sacraments duly administred &c. But of this particular you shall haue answer when I come to your 7 and 8 demand ?

3. Demand . Your demand is here to know . Whether those reformed Assemblies whereof you speake are worse then the Iewes Sinagogues : and your ministers worse then the Scribes and pharises which sat in Moses Chayer ? Whom Christ commanded the people to heare &c.

3 Answ. Your demand then being onely in desence of your reformed Assemblies , it had been well , if you had shewed us where and which those assemblies be , that are reformed . Wee know indeed , that many amongst you both ministers and people haue made much suite to Parliaments , and wrote many bookes ( of which I haue read some ) for reformation of your Church and Ministery : but still to the best of our discerning , all your parish assemblies are as before vnder one and the same order , and maner of worshippe ministerie , and confusion of people : all governed by the fame spirituall laws , & spirituall Lords , their spirituall courts , and canons : all being stil one Church , all one communion and fellowshippe : so that your Demand being onely for your reformed assemblies , and yet you tell us not which nor where they be , how can wee giue you a direct answer to your demand .

First therefore tell us where and which those assembles be that are reformed , & then you shall haue a direct answer , God willing . In the meane time we will take this for one advantage among the rest : that is , that there appeareth a checke in your conscience , because you make your defence , or demand but for a part of your Church : that is , your reformed assemblies : whereby you intimate , that there is a worser sort of assemblies , that are vnreformed , which you will not pleade for : where as if your Church or Church-assemblies of England were Christs true Church , we thinke you should haue labored to defend the whole : is not every one of Christs true Churches to be defended ? how deceitfully then doe you deale with your Church that seeke to vphould your reformed assembles and neglect the rest : all being in one brotherhood and communion together ,

But it may be sir , you are driven to shift for your selfe : therefore if you will shew vs which be your reformed assembiles , we will shew you great difference between those Sinagogues of the Iewes , where Christ and his disciples did teach , and your parish assemblies : great difference betwene those that sat in Moses Chayre , which were in true office vnder Moses according to the law , and you , with the rest , that haue no true office vnder Christ according to the gospell . Your mighty reason a minore ad majus ( which words indeed I vnderstand not ) is this : If ( say you ) our Lord Iesus , his disciples and people , did not separate from thire Sinagogues and assemblies , that were in faith and maners more defectiue then ours are : much lesse ought they to separate from our assembles , wherein all the grounds of Christian religion are soundly held and professed , ( you might haue added ) and but few practise , neither of preists nor people , in whom couetousnes , wrath , enuie , and contention doe daily abound : many thousands neither knowing , nor regarding to know what true faith meaneth : and for their manners which you would seeme so much to commend : let the manners even of that Parish assembly wherein your selfe did of late exercise your spirituall authority in vain : as also the mannerly conditions and conversation of almost all in generall , testifie how true this your bold affirmation of their manners is : and withall , let the Readers minde , that although you boast of all the grounds of christian religion , yet it is but held and professed ; not practised among you : so that it may seeme you beleeue also , that to hould and professe , ( without obedience ) is sufficient for the salvation of the professors : but to the intent that this may be better discerned , I doe intreat and desire all that are christianly minded to reade and consider of these few places of scripture . Iam. 1.21.22.25.26 . Tit. 1.16.2 . Thes. 1.7.8.9 . Eze. 22.26 I will only poynt the places , let the godly reade and iudge .

4 Demand Now to your fourth demand , which is ; Whether those great multituds of people spoken of Math. 14.13.14.15 . &c. Ioh. 6.5.10.11 . can with any reason be denyed to be members of the visible church , though yet wanting the pretended constitution of the Separatists ? and albeit many of them ( you say ) were drawne , not by doctrine but by miracles , report , and with their desire to be fed : &c.

4 Answ. To this your demand I answer directly , yea : they may with good reason grounded on the word of God ( speaking as you doe of the multitude ) be denyed to be members of any visible Church , and this doth plainely apeare in the same 2 chapters ; namely , Mat. 14. Ioh. 6. which may also be compared with other scriptures to proue the same .

There were none of them members of the visible Church of Christ , but those that did visibly appeare to be Christs Disciples : but the multitude that followed him for their bellies sake were not his Disciples , as the very words of the text doe proue ; where a diffecence is put betweene the one and the other . First , looke Mat. 14.19 . where it is said , Hee caused the multitude to sit downe , and when he had blessed , & broke , he gaue it to the disciples & the disciples to the multitude . And when they had all eaten & were sufficed , he caused his disciples to enter into a ship while he sent the multitude away . Mat. 14.22.23 . Mar. 4.4 . If you say , he taught them altogether ; it is true : yet was it in parables : and afterward he expounded all things to his disciples aparte . Mar. 4.10.11.34.35.36 . Mat. 13.10.11.13.14.15.36 .

And thus it doth plainly appear that the multitude were not his disciples : and consequently , not members of any visible Church of Christ : for then he would not haue sent them away empty in their soules , and full in their bodyes , but he would haue expounded all things to them altogether , for their edification and further comfort . But the text doth plainly shew the disciples to be within : and the multitude to be without . Mar. 4.10.11.12 .

And whereas you further demand , Whether those 3. thousand in the second of the acts , that were converted at Peters Sermon , were not true members of a true visible Church before they had officers chosen among them ? &c.

I Answer yea , they were : this you say cannot bee refuted ; and it is true : but what haue you gained by this ? what doth this helpe the multitude spoken of before ? If I should charge you here with deceitfull dealing , by shuffling this place of the Acts with the other two places of scripture , therby to make your demand seem something , and of some weight , blinding therewith the eies of your readers ; I doubt you could hardly cleere your selfe with a good conscience : but howsoever you would seeme to shuffle them together to serue your turne , yet they are plainly distinguished thus as followeth ,

This place of the Acts , speaketh of three thousand godly penitent sinners , pricked in their hearts for their sins , and converted at that sermon : the multitude spoken of in the other two scriptures were not such , by your owne grant . Againe , these in the second of the Acts received the apostles doctrine gladly , and forsaking that froward generation with whom they lived , they ioyned them selues vnto the Church , as appearath in the 37.40 . and 41. verses . Now who can deny these 3. thousand ( though still the multitude be denied ) to be members of the true visible Church when the text saith they were added to the Church ? although it should be granted , that as yet they had no other officers chosen but the Apostles . But then say you , And why not our Church-assemblies in England , ( much more grounded in the faith ) a true visible Church . &c.

I answer no , it will not follow ; because ( howsoever some few of yow may be more grounded in knowledge of the truth then they were , and thereby your sins and transgressions much more greater against God , by knowing more , and obaying lesse ) your parrish assemblies were not at the first gathred from others by the preaching of the word , their hearts being touched with godly sorrow for their sins , neither do they yet appeare to be pricked in their hearts for their sins , as those three thousand were . Your parish assemblies do not gladly receiue the Apostles doctrine , and continue therein , with gladnes of heart to be directed , and ordered thereby , as they did : but every man among you , will doe what his owne heart listeth : euen according to the frowardnes and anger of his euill heart : so that were it not for the lawes of the nation and the power of the magistrates restrayning them more then the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles ; the manifold mischiefs that would be done by one against another among you through the enuie and malice of your euill and wicked hearts , is too manifest to be denyed , and too shamefull to be defended . I do hartely desire you , Sir , to examine your own heart well in this point , & minde well the exhortations that the Apostle giveth in Heb. 3.12 . 2. Cor. 13.5.6.7.8.9.11 . 1. Cor. 11.28.29.30.31 . you see and know that your Parish-assemblies are so far from continuing in the Apostles doctrine , that they neither konw ( therfore not receiue ) nor yet regard to know what the wholsome doctrine of the Apostles meaneth . I speake not this of all in particular , the Lord knoweth my heart is far from so thinking : I know many that haue tender consciences , and loving affections , and do well regard the best rhings : but I speake generally of the conditions of the most , with whom the better sort stand all in the communion , and in one order , or disorder rather : being mingled together all in one brotherhood : and that not by personall fayling , but by the very constitution and lawes of your Church , civill and ecclesiasticall , cleane contrary to the revealed will of God in his Word .

Even you your self Sir , that are a leader , and professe your selfe to be a guide to the blinde , you breake the law of God , , and defile his holy things : you put no difference betweene the holy and prophane , neither discerne between the vnclean and the cleane , so the Lord is prophaned among you . Eze. 22.26 . Consider I pray you and compare together these few places of Scripture Mat. 18.1516.17 . Rom. 16.17 . 1. Cor. 5.11.12.13 . 2 , Thes , 36.7 . &c. and then compare this order heere appointed by Christ , and his apostles , vnto the order of your Church and Parish-assemblies , & you shall see , even by these 5. places of scripture , how far you are from that holy order which Christ in his last will and testament hath given and appointed vnto his visible Church to walke in , and to practise .

You compell all that are of your Parish ( howsoever vnworthie or vnable ) to pay their offrings , and to receiue the communion , especially at your holy time of Easter : there is the table prepared , bread and wine set , come that will and welcom . Esay , 65.11.12 . yea if they be dwelling in your Parish , and will not pay their offrings , and come to the communion daily , they are by you presented into your spirituall Courts , thither they are summoned : if they appeare not obedienly , paying their fees , clearing the bookes &c. they shall be by that Court excommunicated out of your Parish-assemblies : and then , before they may be admitted againe either to the fore named banquet , or to your devine service ( as you call it ) their purses must pay deere enough for a blessing , or absolution , which they must receiue humbly kneeling on their knees before Mas . Commissary , or Mas . Chancellors worship : and if they die excommunicate before they haue received this bounsing blessing , they may not be brought into your holy ground to be buried there in christian buriall , ( as you call it ) vnlesse their friends will first purchase absolution for them . If the mould of this came not from Rome , then I pray you Sir , shew vs where you learned it : for in the whole Bible , we cannot finde any such spirituall order given or appointed by God vnto his Church .

5 Demand . Your 5. demand is Whether that in Constantines ( the first Christian Emperour ) tyme , and ever since , vnto M. Iohn Calvins dayes for the space of 13 hundered yeeres there was no Christian Churches in Asia , Africke and Europe , because they had the same outward constitution , formall state , Bishops , Archbishops , Metropolytans , and Church government , for substance , & substance of doctrine , that our English Church hath and retaineth &c.

To tell you the truth : I know not well how to answere this your demand : yet not because it is so divinely grounded on the word of God : but only because I want scoole learning , and knowledge of auncient Authors writings : as being not able to read and vnderstand them : so that now you haue me at a non plus : as wise men and fooles vse to say .

Yet this is one thing much to be lamented : that a man of your place and learning should leaue the Scripture , the true worde of the living God , and thus inquire of the dead : but according to the ould proverbe , like will to like .

5 Answer . Thus much I say for answer to this your far-fetched demand : I do beleeue and am fully perswaded by the word of God , that in whatsoever Emperours or Kings time , since the time of Christ : in what Nation or Country soever : whether in Asia , Africk , Europe , ( or wheresoever ) any Church or Churches hath been , is , or shall be gathered or constituted in any other manner , or by and with any other matter , vnder or vnto any other worship , ministry , spirituall Governours , or spirituall government , then the same for substance in manner and matter , which Christ and his Apostles haue appointed in the new testament : they are not the true visible Churches of Christ .

I do not meane hereby , an absolute true and perfect gathering or constituting : but that all things , both for the gathering and continuing of the true visible Church of Christ , must be ( so far as can be discerned by men ) agreable to the word of God , as God shall make men able to discerne and vnderstand the Scriptures . And this is all that I can say for answer to this your demand : only I will not loose the good advantage that I haue gained by the same ; which is this ; I see that you are not able to approue your Church by the word of God , and therefore you are driven to make inquiry , and to look about you to see if you can espie and find out any other Churches , though never so far of , whose constitution or gathering , ministry and worship , ecclesiasticall Governors and Ecclesiasticall government , is for substance lyke vnto you , hoping by them to iustifie your selues : but how like it is that other Churches can afoord you any help or sauegard , when as by the verdict of Gods word you stand condemned , let the godly iudge . Hee hath neede of a staffe that leaneth on a reed . And yet even for this your poore proof , it is affirmed by some , who know those histories , that it is a very boast without all truth , that the Churches either in Constantines time , or a long time after , were gathered by compulsion of all , tag and rag , in the empyre , as yours are of all , in the kindome : or that there were any such Arch Bishops , or Lord Bishops , with sole authority to rule and governe . Besides , let the Reader note how in your very Demand , you do grauut the great difference betweene the Churches since Calvines time , that is betweene all reformed Churches ; and your vnreformed Church of Enland .

6 Demand . Your sixt Demand is , Whether the reformed Churches in the lower and higher Germany , in France , the Churches in Geneva , &c. that come neerer to our constitution and discipline ( you say ) then yours in England do ; be true visible Churches or no ? &c.

To this your Demand , you haue added two branches depending vppon the former , the which I will answer , as you haue set them downe one afer another .

6 Answer . I answer yea , they are true visible constituted Churches , and haue a true and lawfull ministery set over them : both which , you in your Parish-assemblies want .

Then you further demand , and say . If they be such , why then do not we adjoyn our selues to some of those , but distaste them ( you say ) as much as wee do yours ? I thinke Sir , it had been a poynt of wisedom first to haue heard our answer before you had thus hastily affirmed , that we distast them as much as we do yours : but Solomon hath answered you for your haste , Pro. 29.20 . And I will answer your Demand .

I haue in my former answer affirmed them to be true constituted Churches , & that they haue a true & lawful ministry set over them : whereby you see we do not alltogether distaste them as much as we doe yours . And now to this your Demand ; which is : why we do not adioyne our selves vnto them &c. I think this may serue for answer : we can not vnderstand their language : and I think you cannot giue vs any good reason why we should adioyn our selves to worship God though in a true Church , when we can not vnderstand what they say : for how should we profit or be edified by their doctrine how should we say Amen to their giving of thanks , seeing we know not what they say ? 1. Cor. 14.16.17 .

You yet further Demand : Why we do not in iudgement assent vnto any or all those reformed Churches that with a ioynt consent ( as may appeare ( you say ) by the harmony of confessions ) acknwledge the Church of England to be a true Church , and giue it the right hand of fellowship ? how dare they ( say you ) refuse ? &c.

To this I answer : I do not know that the word of God bindeth vs to assent vnto the iudgment of true Churches , any further then we vnderstand their iudgment to assent with ( and agree vnto ) the word of God .

True Churches may err in their iudgment of another Church , especially if they be not rightly informed of their estate : as it appeareth the reformed Churches are not rightly informed of yours : for how then can they approue of the constitution , ministry , spirituall governours , & spirituall government of your Church to be warrantable by the word of God , but they must in so doing condemne themselues : for in all these points they are as far contrary to you , as white and black : true and false are the one to the other : and I suppose none will say that two such contraries can be both true . But mind with all : the Apostle saith to perticular Churches and persons , iudge ye what I say , 1. Cor. 10.15 . beleeue not every spirit , but try the spirits &c. 1 , Ioh. 4.1 . And againe , if any man preach otherwise vnto you then we haue preached , let him be accursed . Gala. 1.8.9 .

Now you seeme to teach vs another Gospell : for you would not haue vs iudge and try our selues and others by the word of God , but send to other Churches in Germany , in France , and Geneva , heare what they say and what they iudg for truth or falshood : if they approue , who dare disalow ? if they giue the right hand of fellowship , how dare we refuse ? &c.

Thus you daube with vntempered morter , haueing nothing but such ould popish valour to countenance your Counter-Demands : doth ill beseeme a man of your place and learning . Heare what the word of God saith , To the Law and to the Testimony : if they speake not according to this word , it is because there is no light in them . Isay . 8.20 .

Your leaving of this Law and this Testimony makes vs leaue you : you may as well bid vs put out our owne eyes , that other men may lead vs : and as soone will we follow you in that , as in this your popish counsell .

We haue learned to liue by our owne faith , and to know that every man must bear his owne burden , and answerr for him selfe vnto God . Hab. 2.4 . Gala. 6.5 . And to think that any may excuse them selues , or be the boulder because they haue the approbation of others , when they can not approue themselues by the word of God , will proue but an evill and false delusion of Sathan : therefore seeing that all men , even whole Churches may erre in their iudgments : let every man take heed how he iudgeth , and how he dependeth on other men , and makes flesh his arme , and will not heare the word of the Lord , that reproveth his iniquities : As for the reformed Churches , we beleeue that they reioyce for the many truthes you witnes against Popery , and we also do the like : but if you rely vppon their aprobbation , and will not examine your waies , and try your selves by the word of God , you may perish in your sins , and other churches shal not be able to excuse or saue you . And thus I think your sixt Demand is sufficiently answered . Let him that readeth consider .

7 Demand . Your 7 and 8 Demands are so much alike , that one may iudge them to be twins , they resemble either other , and so vnlike the rest : therfore this answer shall serue for them both vntill further occasion be offered . In your seventh Demand you thus begin . How can the Church , or Church assemblies bee false , &c.

7 Answer . I answer , your Church ( and Church-assemblies ) of England may be false for ought that you haue yet said to the contrary : but if we might intreat you to set foorth and shew vs the right forme and fashion of the building of your Church , we should the better discerne it , and giue you a directer answer to your Demand then now we can do : but in the meane time we will a little consider and examine what you say . In these words of yours , how can the Church or Church-assemblies &c. you grant the whole nation to be a Church : then me things you seeme to devide that Church into many Churches , calling them Church Assemblies : meaning thereby ( as I coniecture ) your Parish-assemblies .

8 Demand . And so it appeareth by your 8 Demand , where you write thus : How can the formall state ( as they call it ) of the provinciall , diocesan , cathedrall and Parishonall Churches of England , and the regiment thereof be vnlawfull , &c ,

Here you haue foysted in a word or two which I found not in the former , which word , because I vnderstand it not , as you ( peradventure ) meane : therefore I will not meddle with it : neither will I meddle with popish names and titles of your Churches , though you muster them vp so valorously as if you ment to terrifie the readers with the very names of them : only this I finde your demand in both , to be : how the Church ( and Parish-assemblies ) of England can be false ; the rest dropt , or rather scattered abroad throughout your Demands , is but your vnsavery salt , which you haue cast out vpon the dunghill of your counter work : all being ( as you think ) so couched together , as that it cannot be easily raked abroad : but I will try , if by the help of God and the truth of his word , I can shew what vnsavery stuffe it is .

8 Answ. To these your 7. and 8. Demands I answer : that to hould and maintaine a nationall Church : that is to hould , that any nation can be a church , now in the time of the Gospell , we deeme to be erroneous and false : and do affirme that no warrant or defence for it can be found in the word of God . It is an humane invention , and differeth from the testament of Christ , which sheweth many Churches to be in a nation or Country : as in Iudea Asia , Galatia &c. Gala. 1.2.22 . Rev. 1.4 . But not any nation to be a Church .

Now that yours is a Nationall Church , not only the name and title , as it is vsually called , ( besides your own grant ) but the constitution also sheweth : for it hath a pastor over the whole nation , the Archbishop of Canterbury , Metropolitan and Primate over all England : your most reverend father in God , who maketh & consecrateth the Diocesian Bishops , whereupon ariseth Diocesian Churches or Sees : and they againe make your Parish Priests , to the Archbishops : and to his successours the inferiour Bishops haue sworne ( So help them God in Iesus Christ ) all due reverence and obedience . This your book of consecration sheweth : and we desire you to shew vs warrant for those things in the Scripture , if you can : or else shew vs where you haue learned them .

In your 8 Demand you say thus ; The name , calling , and office of these Bishops ( for either you must meane these Bishops ( or the like ) or else you speake nothing to the matter in hand ) Whether ( say you ) wee respect , ordination of ministers , or power of jurisdiction : is the same for substance , expressed in the New testament . And this ( you say ) hath been and will be proved , seeing it hath had a continuall succession from the Apostles time vnto this day &c.

If you were as redy to proove , as you are to affirme things , then were your valour something worth . But you and the rest , are so loth to be drawne to prooue yow ministry and ordination by the word of God , that if you cannot make vs take your word for the lawfullnes therof , then you will try by all means possible how you can get vs into some prison , and keep vs there , vntill you haue founde your proofe out of some other darke corner : for by the light of Gods worde wee thinke you will never be able to proue the lawfullnes thereof .

These things that you say , have indeed been often by others affirmed : but never otherwise proved then by you at this present . But if you good sir , would now take the payns to proue what you haue saide , by the word of God , your paines would deserue thanks of many : And withall , let me intreat you sir I pray you ( because you say it hath had a continuall succession from the Apostles time vnto this daye ) to shewe me , for my learning , which of the Apostles was the Arch Apostle or Archbishop ( If you please so to call him ) ouer or before all the rest , and from whom ( or by what authority ) he had that high place and Lordly office . And also where , and with whom he left that his Arch-Metropolitane authoritie to lord it over the rest , as these do at this day , as you say .

I professe vnfainedly , that if I could see these things proved by the word of God , I would soon ( through Gods mercy ) change my minde .

But in the meane time , to let passe the rest of that frothie stuffe , which might be raked together in these your 7 and 8 Demands , I will come again to your 7 demand , though I could from the 16.17.18 . and 19. lines in your 8 Demand light you such a candle as I think you would be loath that any should see the light thereof , but I will not blow at that cole now , yet you ( against your will I am sure ) haue made a fayre beginning to kindle it , where you say thus , The Pope was not Antichrist before he had gotten the title of vniversall Bishop , nor compleat vntill he had gotten into his bands both swords , that is , both Civill and Ecclesiasticall Dominion : if I should now add but a little of your owne fuell to that coale , these your words would discover a great part of the mistery of iniquity which growes in your ministry at this day . But to let that passe , nothing doubting but God in his good time , by the brightnes of the Gospel , wil cause the same to appear more and more dayly , I will come to your 7 Demand , where you tell vs of the Gospell soundly and substantially taught and professed : and the sacraments so rightly administred and received in your Church , as for proportion no country in the world ( you say ) nor Nationall Church whatsoever , can affoord the like , &c

The like vaine boast of all the grounds of Christian religion , soundly held and professed , &c. I met with in your third Demand : but neither there nor heare you speake any word of the practise , Christian religion , and of the kingly power and office of Christ governing your Church : of these things you say nothing : nothing how Christ ought to reigne as King in his Church , by his owne Lawes and ordinances executed , and administred in and by his owne offices and officers which he hath given unto and appointed in his Church for that worke , Ephe. 4.11.12.13 . Rom. 12.6.7.8.9 . Not a word of this , I pray you Sir , let not this candle be light , howsoever you do : you may make your people think that Christ will be a Prophet to teach them , and a Priest to sacrifice for them , though he be not a King to rule and reigne over them in and by his owne Lawes and officers : they peradventure know not ( or dare not tell you ) that this is a denying of apart of the mediatorship of Christ : therefore Sir , as long as you can , let them not know the kingly office of Christ , nor what the Holy Ghost saith in Luk. 19.27 . let them know no other government , for the Church but your spitituall courts : it wil serue their turne well enough , untill the Lord shall moue their harts better to consider and discern the truth of his will reveiled in his word , which in his good time he will do unto all those that earnestly desire , and with upright harts seeke and labour to worship and serue him in spirit and in truth . And now I will labour to shew the deceit of your vainglory in boasting of the word and sacraments , which you say are so soundly taught and administred , &c.

You would haue us ( and all men ) take it for granted that the nation of England is the true visible Church of Christ : which you are not able to proue : then you go on , telling us of the sound and substantiall things in this your Church : but we would first intreat you to shew us your Church constituted and builded according to the scripture : if your Church be as you would make us beleue , then shew it , that we may see and discerne whether it be soundly and substantially built of choyse trees , and of pretious living stones ( to the best of mans discerning ) hewed and squared and fastned together according to the heavenly patterne : every stone living , elect and pretious : ( I say still in the best of mans discerning ) every stone hauing his beauty , his burden and order : all of them laboring to support one another , to edifie one another , to exhort , to admonish and reproue one another , that so they may be the habitation of God , as these scriptures do shew , Exo. 19.5.6 . and chap. 25.8.9 , 40. 1. Chro. 29.2 . Zach. 14.21 . compared with Heb. 8.1.2.5.6 . &c. Chap. 9.11.14.1 . Pet. 2.4.5.7.8.9 . Act. 2.37.41.42 . Rev. 1.5.6 , Heb. 3.13 . Chap. 10.24.15 . Lev. 19.17 . Gala. 6.1 2. with many other , which I omit .

The materiall Temple ( which was but a tipe of this ) we read to be built from the very foundation : of choise costly perfect stones : the beames and rafters of choise Ceaders , Algummim trees , 1. King . 5.17 . Chap. 6.7 . 2. Chro. 2.8 . Ezra . 3.7.12 . &c.

But of the incomparable beauty and unutterable excellency of this spirituall Temple ▪ under the holy ministry & happy government of Christ , it must be such as none may grow nor be planted there , untill they be first cut off from their corrupt naturall stock where they grew before : and then be grafted into the true oliue tree , the true vine : yea and being planted and ingrafted , that plant , that branch that bringeth not forth good fruit , but bringeth forth evill fruit apparantly seene and known , must be cut of and cast out , Rom. 11.17.18.19.20.21 . 1. Cor. 6.11 . Tit. 3.3 . &c. Rom. 6.4.5.6 . &c. Math. 3.10 . and 7.19 . and 15.13 . Luk. 13.6 . Ioh. 15.6 . Math. 18.15.16.17 . Rom. 16.17.18 . 1. Cor. 5.11.12.13 . Now shew us your Church to be thus built , and thus ordered according to the testament of Christ : I doe not meane thus built in perfect maner : but that every member of your Church in the plating thereof do in the best of mans discerning , according to Godly iudgment , in his or their measure , hewen , fitted and squared for the building , before ●e be fastned there into : for as the Apostle saith , We which liue , must no more liue unto our selues , but unto the will of him that dyed for us and rose againe : Ephe. 4.22.23.24 . 2 Cor. 5.15.17 . 1 Pet. 4.3 . We must be new creatures , for we are the workmanship of God created anew into Christ Iesus unto good works , which God hath ordayned that we should walk in them , Ephe. 2.10 .

When you haue proved ( and shewed us ) your Church thus framed , fashioned , and ordered , then we wil take a view of those things which you say ( but you proue not ) to be , therein so sound and substantially taught and administred .

But if you still boast of those good things in your Church , and yet your Church it selfe be built of rough tree , or rotten timber , hay and stubble , or of the thorns and bryers of the wildernes , and with such dead or hard stones as cannot be hewen and squared , and fastned into the building together , according to the heavenly prtterne , then is your Church a false Church , and deceitfull , notwithstanding all your sound and substantiall things therein : which things although they be ( indeed ) both sound and substantiall of themselues , yet will they not keep up your tottering building but in time it will fall and come to naught . And this at this time shall serue for answer to your 7 and 8 Demands : only thus much more : because I would not haue you any more boast , or go about to dasell our eyes with the sight of those things which you say are in your Church , untill you haue shewed us the true forme and fashion of the building of your Church , I will demand of you this one question ;

When the Prophet Haggai , chap. 1. reproved the Iewes for that Gods house was not builded among them : would it haue been a sufficient answer for them , thinke you Sir , to haue said to the Prophet thus , Wee haue costly and faire , sound and substantiall seelings of the sweetest and purest wood , costly carved and curiously wrought , with many goodly and rich hangings , cushings , carpets , and curtins , with so many other costly and sumptuous ornaments and deckings , yea all whatsoever , according to the appointment of the law for Gods house , as for the proportion , no Countrey in the world can afford the like . Nay Sir , admit they should also haue said thus . And behold also , we haue the foundation layd , and we haue many expert and excellent builders , all of them sound and learned workmen : and for instruments , also , to hew and square the timber and stone , we haue so good as non can be better : of which timber and stones also we haue so great plenty , and so excellent good , with all other things necessary to finish the building , as for proportion no country in the world can afford the like : therefore although the stones be neither layd , nor squared , nor the timber hewed , fitted nor framed : yet haue we the house of God well builded .

What think you Sir , would this haue been a sufficient answer to haue satisfied the prophet ? if no , consider then how little your vaine boast will stand you in stead in the day of your appearing : search the Scriptures , and you shall find there , that every true visible Church of Christ must consist of a company of people ( be they many or few ) that are called out and separated from the froward generation of the world , by the Gospell , ( Iohn . 15.19 . 17.6.9.11.14 , &c. Act. 2.40 . 2. Cor. 6.15 16.17.18 . ) and ioyned ( or built ) together into a holy communion and fellowship , among themselues , Act. 2.41.44 . Ephe. 2.13.19.20.22 . ) all of them being ( in their measure beleevers , pricked in their harts for their sinnes , and now laboring together to continue in the Apostles doctrine , Act. 2.27.42 .

Being thus coupled and knit together they are called in the Scripture the Temple of God , 1. Cor. 3.16.17 . the habitation of God , Ephe. 2.22 . the Church of God , 1. Cor 1.2.2 . Cor. 11. unto the which Church he daly addeth those that he will saue , Act. 2.41.47 . they are then called , Saints , Rom. 1.7 . 1. Cor. 1.2 . they are called Holy Bretheren . Heb. 3.1 . they are called the body of Christ , and members for their part of the whole building of God . Consider what is said , &c. 2. Tim. 2.7 . &c.

9 Demand . And now to your Counter-Demand , which is : Whether any new lawes can or ought to be made , or inacted : or any further reformation made without the christian Princes or Magistrats consent , &c.

9 Answer . I Answer no. And I further ad , that whatsoever subiects , of what degree or state soever they be , that shall go about either to inact any new lawes in the Kings Dominions , or to reforme the order and state of the Kingdome , contrary to that order which is already established , without the consent and lawfull authority of the Prince & Magistrate , he is by the word of God iudged and condemned worthy of damnation , Rom. 13.12 . 5.6 . Rev. 12.18.19 . And if for this his or their offence , the Prince and Magistrats do put him or them to death ( as by their lawfull anthority they may ) it is no more then they haue iustly and worthily deserved for their evill doings .

The next word in this your 9 Demand , are thus set downe , and thus odly pointed , or ever in a well ordered Church hath bin inacted , or made and whether , they haue done well , to separate without the Kings Maiesties leaue and licence , and consent of the state .

These your refined words , as they be in this fashion set downe , I doe not well vnderst and 2 therefore I will giue you no other answere then is already made in the former words : desiring that this which is heere answered may be compared with that which is written for answer to the last 4 lines of your second Demand , and I think it will giue sufficient satisfaction : and for the better cleering of all other meanings : I will demand of you these two questions desiring your answer , if not printed , yet under your hand writing .

Quest. 1. Whether Christ be not the only wise God and everlasting King , and perfect law giver to his Church : and whether all Kings , Potentats , Princes and people be not bound to submit themselues as true and faithfull subiects unto him and to his lawes given unto his Church : or whether any or all of them may by their royall power , learning or authority , alter , change , leaue out , or ad unto any of those lawes which Christ hath already set forth in his last will and testament .

Quest. 2 Whether every particular man ( and consequently all men be not bound by the word of God to separate themselues from every knowne sinne and error ( whether in faith , or conversation of life ) that the Lord shall giue him sight of : and labor diligently to reforme themselues and their families according to the law and will of God revealed in his word , without the consent of the Christian Prince and Magistrates under whom hee liveth : or whether they bee bound to go on and continue still in their sinne or error , and not to separate from the same untill they haue first sued for , and obtained the Princes and Magistrats leaue and licence and consent of the state , that is indeed and breifly whether God must be , God or no , eexcept men will giue him leaue .

10 Demand . your tenth and last Demand is . Whether it were not the Separatists best course to returne againe to Gods true Church and people , from whom ( you say ) upon some conceited hard dealing they haue made an unlawfull rent , and there to confer with the best learned : and if still their consciences be somewhat tender , to supplicate for some favour and liberty : or if ( say you ) they will not take this course : whether it weare not good for them for the avoiding of scandill , and in expectance of some prosperous successe by the permission of our noble King and bonorable Counsell , to remoue to Virginea , and make a Plantation there , in hope to convert infidels to christianity .

Although I can partly gesse in what humor you propounded this your Demand , yet I will not answer you according to that your humor , but I will answer you even as I desire to follow the truth in loue and peace with you and with all men .

I answer , Those that haue separated and made an unlawful rent from Gods true Church and people ( as you say ) it is the best course for them to returne againe , and with godly sorrow to manifest their true and unfained repentance for the unlawfull rent they haue made .

And that this may be the sooner effected and brought to passe : seeing that you still take it for granted that your Nationall Church , and Parish-Assemblies of England , is the true visible Church of Christ : I do once againe intreat you to shew vs the true forme and fashion of your Church : And lay you apart all wrath and Envious Anger , that so we may together in peace and love : you with us , and we with you , take a view and consider of your Church , and compare the form & fashion therof with the forme and fassion of the true visible Church of Christ , as it is described vnto us in the scripture : If you can proue your Church or parish assemblies to be like vnto that true visible Church of Christ both for true matter whereof it is built , viz. Saints : And also for the maner of the building , beeing coupled and combined according to the heavenly pattern . Both you and all men shall see , that I am willing , not onely to returne againe , but also to labour with godly diligence , to live in a holy communion and fellowshipe with you , laboring to obey the lawes and ordinances of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ , supporting and strengthning one another in all loue : And if this good and godly course maye be accomplished : not onely I my selfe , but all of vs , that now are separated from you , would much more willingly and gladly returne againe and labor to plant our selues againe in the meanest parte of England , to inioy peace with holinesse and to follow the truth in loue among our kindred and friends in our owne natiue cuntry , then either to continue where now many of vs as yet liue , or to plant our selues in Virginia or in any other country in the world , vppon any conditions , or hope of any thing in this lyfe whatsoeuer . Yet euen for Virginia thus much , When some of ours desired to haue planted our selues there , with his majesties leaue upon these three grounds , first , that they might be means of replanting the gospel amongst the heathens . Secondly that they might liue vnder the Kings government . Thirdly , that they might make way for , and unite with others , what in them lieth , whose consciences are greived with the state of the Church in England : the Byshops did by all means oppose them , and their friends therein ; and though they , aboue other men , pretend the planting of the Gospell amongst heathens , as you here do , yet haue they been rather content , that the most vile miscreants in the kingdom and such as were rather like to turne christians to heathens then to make of heathens Christians , then they .

And thus much for answer to your ten Counter Demaunds : nothing doubting but we shall be able to beare the waight of your next blow with patience , when it comes forth . If in the meane tyme I haue not answered you to any or all these your demands as you desire , yet I haue endevoured my selfe to do it according to truth in the best of my vnderstanding , as the word of God hath directed me .

I doe intreat you sir , not to suffer the vnaduised anger of your owne evill and froward hart , cause you to take things in the worst part ; although I confesse that at the first sight , or view hereof , this my harsh , rude , and vnlearned writing may seeme vnpleasant and offensiue : yet vppon better and more serious considerations you shall haue lesse cause to find fault .

Therfore sir , When you finde heerein any thing that may moue you to take offence , I pray you passe by it in loue , & shew you forth that godly patience , which you somtime teach to others . Remember sir , He that is slow to wrath , is of great wisedome : but he that is of a hastie minde exalteth folly , Pro. 14.29 . And againe , he that is slowe vnto anger is better then the mightie man : and he that ruleth his owne mynde is better then he that winneth a Citty . Pro , 16 , 32.

Consider also , sir , It is you that haue drawne me to write , and therefore you haue the lesse cause to be angry , with me : except your hart be enuious , full of deceit & malice , couetousnes , pride , and vainglory , Rom. 1.29.30.31 . against which things ( considering how euill they be in any ) it may be hoped that you haue learned to striue . Philip. 2.3 . and doe labour to be purged from an evill conscience , Heb. 10.21.22.23.24 , I pray you sir , beare with mee for writing thus vulearnedly : I haue endevoured my selfe in the best manner that I can , to speake according to the word , as taught of the holy Ghost : from which , where I haue swarved , or abused the same , I humbly craue of you , & of euery godly wise Reader , Christian correction , rather then pardon : for it ought to goe before , and shall be more profitable vnto me : yea greater every way shall the benefit therof be , both for me , and for others also : for I being better instructed , shall through Gods mercy , both repent and learne to amend my faults ; and others shall reape the fruits of Gods graces which more plentifully by your godly and diligent care , louingly to correct what you see amisse : vnto the which dutie of loue , if I may any way stir you and others vp , I shall not thinke my labour wholy lost , but shall be very glad to see you and others so well affected . Fare yee well .

Let all Glory and honor , praise and thankes be giuen to God alone .

FINIS .