I ſeek the Glory of God, and the Salvation of your Soul, and not my own Obedience.

Then manifeſt it not by words only, but by deeds and truth; which if you do, you will not threaten me with puniſhment to cauſe me to come, but with meekneſs and patience ſatisfie my Conſcience by the Word of Truth, (for this is the duty of the Miniſter of Chriſt, 2 Tim. 2.24.) that I may come with a willing mind, ſo ſhall I be accepted, 2 Cor. 8.12. Pſal. 110.3. For if by threatning me with puniſhment, as Impriſonment, Baniſhment, or Death, you cauſe me to bring my body, and not my ſpirit or ſoul, ſo ſhall I come near to the Lord with my lips, when my heart ſhall be far from him, which he accounteth vain worſhip and hypocriſie, Mat. 15.

I perceive what you aim at, you would have none brought to Church, but ſuch as come willingly of themſelves, ſo ſhould every man worſhip God as himſelf pleaſeth.

Your Concluſion I aim not at; for I acknowledge, that as there is but one God, ſo there is but one way of worſhipping him, out of the which way, whoſoever is, and repenteth not thereof, ſhall pay a dear price; and therefore it ſtandeth all men upon, not to pleaſe themſelves in worſhipping of him. But you perceive aright that I aim at this, That none ſhould be compelled to worſhip God, but ſuch as come willingly; for I will (by Gods aſſiſtance) prove moſt evidently by the Scriptures, that none ought, nor can be compelled to worſhip God to acceptance, by any worldly means whatſoever.

Prove that.

Well, I prove what I have affirmed, thus: Firſt, Heb. 11.6. Without Faith it is impoſſible to pleaſe God; and, Rom 14.23. Whatſoever is not of Faith, is ſin. Theſe two Scriptures prove moſt evidently, that whatſoever I have not Faith in, in worſhipping God, although it were undoubtedly true, I may not offer it up to God, for it is diſpleaſing to him, and it is a ſin againſt him: As alſo it appeareth plainly by him, that came unto the Kings Supper, and wanted his wedding garment, Matth. 22.

It is the Kings Law that you muſt go to Church, and therefore you muſt be obedient.

The intent of the Kings Law is not ſo, as appeareth both by the Statute for the Oath of Allegiance, and alſo by his Majeſties own words, manifeſted in his Apologie for the Oath of Allegiance, as is hereafter more fully declared. For, if the intent of the Law were to make me come to Church to worſhip God, and not of Faith, the intent of the Law were to compel me to ſin, which his Majeſty requireth not.

I deny not but whatſoever is not of Faith is ſin; but we would have you come to Church to worſhip God in Faith.

It is not ſo: you regard not whether I have Faith or no; for if you did, you would not urge the Kings Law againſt me, which is but a carnal weapon, and cannot beget Faith, and therefore is no ſure ground of Faith. For, in my obedience to God, I muſt not preſume above that that is written, 1 Cor. 4.6. For, the Word of God is the only ground of Faith, Rom. 10.17. and therefore if you would have me come in Faith, you would only urge the Law of the King of kings againſt me.

Have not all the Learned of the Land conſidered of theſe things, and ſet them down? Are ſuch ſimple men as you likely to ſee more than all theſe?

I demand of you whether they be not all ſubject to erre, as all men are; and therefore I muſt try their ſpirits, whether they erre or no, 1 Joh. 4.1. For I may not hold, either that they cannot erre, or that if I find them to erre, I muſt obey them notwithſtanding; do you not herein teach me that Popiſh and accurſed Doctrine, that you inveigh ſo much againſt in the Papiſts, That I muſt believe as the Learned of the Land believe?

I do not hold that they cannot erre.

Yes, you hold either that they cannot erre, or, if they do erre, I muſt obey them; for, if I do not obey them, you threaten me with puniſhment.

Nay, but I hold, that they being Learned do not erre, and therefore you muſt obey them.

Then this is your Argument, The Learned do not erre, and therefore muſt be obeyed. The Biſhops and the reſt of that rank are learned, and do not erre, and therefore they muſt be obeyed. Another Argument as vain as they may be collected from this ground: The Learned do not erre, and therefore muſt be obeyed. The Pope and the reſt of that rank are learned, (yea, as learned as yours) and do not erre, and therefore they muſt be obeyed. The one is as true as the other, but both abominable. If you prove, that they that want this Learning, muſt not meddle with the wayes of God but as theſe learned men teach them, then indeed you ſay ſomething; but if you cannot, as moſt certain it is you cannot, (for the Word of God is againſt you herein) then for ſhame to God and men leave oft your cruel perſecuting; For why do you perſecute men that cannot in faith ſubmit to your direction concerning the wayes of God, upon which conſiſteth their Salvation, if they walk in the true way of Faith with the love thereof, and their Condemnation if they walk in a by-path?

Then I perceive if a man can plead that he hath not Faith in any thing which the King commands, he need not to be obedient.

Would God all men could ſee your dealing herein. This is your uſual courſe when your mouth is ſtopped by the power of Gods Word that you know not what to anſwer, then you run to the Kings Command, and ſo make your matters good, like unto your predeceſſors the wicked Scribes and Phariſees, who when our Lord and Maſter had ſtopped their mouthes that they had no word of anſwer, then they ſought to make him a treſpaſſer againſt Caeſar; but I have learned in ſome weak meaſure, that as there is a Caeſar unto whom in conſcience I muſt be obedient, So there is another King, one JESUS, that is King of kings; unto whom if you will not be obedient, in giving unto God that which is Gods, He will tear you in pieces, when there ſhall be none that can deliver you, and cast you into the Lake that burneth with fire and brimſtone for evermore, where there ſhall be no reſt day nor night; and therefore agree with this your adverſary quickly, whilſt you are in the way with him.

The Power and Authority of the King is earthly, and God hath commanded me to ſubmit to every Ordinance of man, 1 Pet. 2.13, 14. and therefore I have faith to ſubmit to what Ordinance of Man ſoever the King commands, if it be an humane Ordinance, and not againſt the manifeſt Word of God, let him require what he will, I muſt in conſcience obey him, with my body, goods, and all that I have: But my ſoul, wherewith I am to worſhip God, that belongeth to another King, whoſe Kingdom is not of this World, Joh. 18.36. Whoſe People muſt come willingly, Pſal. 110.3. Whoſe weapons are not carnal, but ſpiritual, 2 Cor. 10.4, &c.

Is this all the Authority that you will give to the King?

VVhat Authority can any mortal man require more, than of body, goods, life, and all that appertaineth to the outward man? The heart God requireth, Prov. 23.26. He commanded to give unto Caeſar the things that are Caeſars, and to Himſelf the things that are His, Luk. 20.25. Now if all the outward man be Caeſars, and the inward man too, ſo that he muſt be obeyed is his own matters, and in God's matters alſo, then tell us what ſhall be given to God? If you, or any man, will give him more Power or Authority than I give him, then you give him more than his Majeſty requireth, as ſhall be ſhewed.

We do not ſay that the King can compel the ſoul, but only the outward man.

If he cannot compel my ſoul, he cannot compel me to worſhip God, for God cannot be worſhipped without the ſoul, Joh. 4.24. If you ſay he may compel me to offer up a worſhip only with my body, (for the ſpirit you confeſs he cannot compel) To whom is that worſhip? not to God. Then conſider you who they worſhip that are thus compelled, (ſay you by the King.) Let it well be here obſerved, that you make the King a commander of ſuch worſhip as is not to God, contrary to his Majeſties own mind, manifeſt in his Writings. But this you do, not to advance Gods Glory, nor the Kings Honour, but your own curſed kingdom of darkneſs, which you hold by flattery and falſhood. For, if this compelled worſhip (which is not to God) were taken away, then your kingdom would fall to Hell, from whence it came; and therefore all men may here ſee it is ſupported only by wickedneſs.

I confeſs the Kings Authority is earthly, but he is Head over the Church under Chriſt.

God forbid that any mortal man ſhould ſo equalize himſelf with Chriſt, who alone is Head of his Church, as the Husband is of the Wife, Eph. 5.23. and hath left no Vice-gerent in that his Office, for he is never abſent from his Church, Mat. 18.20 amd 28.20. All that any mortal man can be, is to be a ſubject of his Kingdom; for there is but one Lord, 1 Cor. 12.5. and one Law-giver, Jam. 3.12. And that this is ſo, his Majeſty confirmeth by his own teſtimony, in his Apology for the Oath of Allegiance, pag. 46, 47. But as I well allow of the Hyrarchy of the Church for diſtinction of Orders, (for ſo I underſtand it) ſo I utterly deny that there is any earthly Monarch thereof, whoſe word muſt be a Law, and who cannot erre in his ſentence by an infallibility of ſpirit: becauſe earthly Kingdoms muſt have earthly Monarchs, it doth not follow that the Church muſt have a viſible Monarch top: For the World hath not one earthly temporal Monarch; Chriſt is his Churches Monarch, and the Holy Ghoſt his Deputy. The Kings of the Gentiles reign over them, but ye ſhall not be ſo, Luk. 22.25. Chriſt did not promiſe before his Aſcenſion to leave Peter with them, to direct and inſtruct them in all things; but he promiſed to ſend the Holy Ghoſt unto them for that end. Theſe are his Highneſs own words, whereby it evidently appeareth his Majeſty challengeth no ſupremacy over the Church, but laboureth to overthrow that abominable exaltation of that Man of Sin in the Romiſh Profeſſion; for Chriſt hath given no Supremacy in, or over his Church to any mortal man, but expreſly commanded the contrary, as that place of Luke, mentioned by his Majeſty, plainly declareth. His Highneſs is ſupream Head and Governour over all his Subjects Bodies and Goods within his Dominions, and therein I deteſt and abhor all forreign Powers whatſoever.

But now for the thing in controverſie betwixt you and me, of compelling men by Perſecutions to do ſervice to God (as is pretended) wherein they have not Faith: it ſhall be manifeſt not to be of God, in that Chriſt Jeſus himſelf, the only Lord and Law-giver to the ſoul, neither had any ſuch Power and Authority, neither taught any ſuch thing to his Diſciples, but the contrary. Firſt, Mat. 28.18, 19. All Power is given me in Heaven and in Earth; Go therefore and teach all Nations. And 2 Cor. 10.4. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to caſt down ſtrong Holds, &c. Here we ſee Chriſt hath no worldly power, nor worldly weapons. Secondly, He practiſed and taught the contrary. When the Samaritans would not receive him going to Jeruſalem, Luke 9. his Diſciples would have had Fire come down from Heaven and devoured them, but Chriſt rebuked them, and ſaid, Ye know not of what ſpirit ye are of: for the Son of man is not come to deſtroy mens lives, but to ſave them. And the Apoſtle by the Spirit of Chriſt, 2 Tim. 2.24. commandeth the Servants of the Lord, not to ſtrive; but to be gentle towards all men, apt to teach, ſuffering the evil-men patiently; inſtructing them with meekneſs that are contrary-minded; proving, if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may know the truth, and come to amendment out of the Devils ſnare, &c. Theſe Scriptures need no explanation for this moſt evident Truth.

Well, yet notwithstanding all this, it is manifeſt in the Scriptures, by the Example of the Apoſtle Peter ſmiting Ananias and Saphira to death, Act. 5. and of the Apoſtle Paul ſtriking Elymas the Sorcerer blind, Act. 13.11. and alſo by delivering Hymeneus and Alexander unto Satan for the deſtruction of the fleſh; that puniſhment upon the body may be uſed, and the fleſh destroyed: For if it were lawful for them to ſmite to death, and the like, though by extraordinary means, then it muſt be lawful for us by ordinary means, ſince extraordinary means now fail: If you ſay it be not lawful for us, then you muſt ſay it was not lawful for them, and that were to accuſe them of laying a falſe foundation, which none fearing God will affirm.

I dare not once admit of ſuch a thought, as to diſallow the truth of that Foundation which the Apoſtles, as skilfull Maſter-builders, have laid: But for your Argument of Peters extraordinary ſmiting of Ananias and Saphira, he neither laid hand upon them, nor threatned them by word, only declared what ſhould befall them from God; and therefore ſerveth nothing to your purpoſe. Alſo that of Paul to Elymas, he laid no hands upon him, but only declared the Lords hand upon him, and the judgment that ſhould follow. If you can ſo pronounce, and it ſo come to paſs upon any, do it, and then it may be you may be accounted Maſter-builders, and layers of a new foundation, or another Goſpel. And for the Apoſtle Paul his delivering Hymeneus and Alexander unto Satan, 1 Tim. 1.20. it was not by any temporal ſword or power, but even by the Power of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, in his Name, by the ſword of the Spirit, 1 Cor. 5.4. And this was not extraordinary, but ordinary, to continue in all Churches to the end; and not to deſtroy the outward man, as you teach and practiſe, but to deſtroy thoſe luſtful affections which dwell in the fleſh, that ſo the fleſh being mortified, the Spirit may be quickned, and the Soul ſaved in the day of the Lord Jeſus. And whereas you ſay, that as they did it by extraordinary means ſo you may do it by ordirary means: If you would uſe only thoſe weapons which Chriſt commanded his Diſciples to uſe in this buſineſs, which are not carnal, we would agree with you herein; but if your ordinary means be ſuch as Chriſt never had, nor any of his Diſciples, then it is a means of your own deviſing, for Chriſt hath all means whatſoever for bringing men to the obedience of the Truth.

Doth not Chriſt in the Parable teach, that he compelled all to come in?

I demand of you, wherewith doth he compel them? he hath no carnal weapons: Doth he not compel them by his Word, which is his two-edged Sword? Heb. 4.12. Rev. 2.12. Doth he ſmite the Earth with any other weapons than by the breath of his lips? Iſa. 11.4

Well then, you ſee then compulſion may be uſed.

Yes, I confeſs to you ſuch compulſion as much as you will, if when you have done you will walk in his ſteps, who when the Gaderens prayed him to depart, he left them, and taught his Diſciples where they ſhould preach the Word of God, if they would not receive them, that they ſhould ſhake off the duſt of their feet for a witneſs againſt them, Mat. 10.14. which accordingly they practiſed, Act. 13.51. and 18.6. &c. He never taught them to pull the contrary-minded out of their houſes, and put them in Priſons, to the undoing of them, their wives and children: This was Saul's courſe when he was a Blaſphemer and Perſecutor, &c. Act. 9.1, &c. Chriſt taught his Diſciples to wait if at any time God would give the contrary-minded repentance, and not to prevent their repentance by ſeeking their blood.

I have heard you all this while, and by that I have heard, I ſee evidently that none ought to be compelled by any worldly means to worſhip God, neither can any be accepted in ſuch worſhip, in that it is Spiritual Worſhip that he accepteth.

Bleſſed be the Lord that you ſee it, I would not you only, but all men did ſee that the ſword of the Magiſtrate, and all afflictions proceeding therefrom, are only upon the outward man, and connot convert a ſoul from going aſtray, not beget faith; for, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, Rom. 10.17. and therefore is no inſtrument in this work. All that the Magiſtrate can do, is to compel me to bring my body; for, except there be a willing mind, which no man can ſee, there is no acceptance with God; and therefore it is not Gods Glory, nor my acceptance with him they ſeek by forcing me, but meerly their own Obedience, to God's great diſhonour, and the deſtruction of my ſoul, if I ſhould ſo do. But if it would ſuffice them to bring my body to that they call their Church, and require of me no worſhip: I will go when they will, only not when their falſe worſhip is performed. For I abhor the accurſed Doctrine of the Familiſts herein.

It is a lamentable thing to conſider how many thouſands in this Nation there be, that for fear of trouble ſubmit to things in Religion which they diſapprove of.

Oh! whoſe eyes do not guſh out with tears in the confideration thereof? ſeeing in all that God is highly diſpleaſed and all thoſe are under the Judgments of God everlaſtingly, if they repent not.

If it were as you would have it, that all Religions ſhould be ſuffered, how dangerous would it be to the Kings Perſon and State? what Treacheries and Treaſons would be plotted?

Indeed that is a thing greatly to be ſuspected: but if permiſſion of all Religions could be cleared in that, there is no queſtion but it might prevail with the King and State.

If it be not cleared of that, then let all men abhor it. It is the Commandment of him, who is the God, not of confuſion, but of Peace and Order, and therefore to be obeyed, Mat. 13.30. Let the good and bad grow together unto the end of the world; Suffering the contrary-minded patiently, proving, if God at any time will give them repentance that they may acknowledge the Truth, &c. Firſt, for all thoſe that ſeek and practiſe in themſelves Reformation in Religion, Satan himſelf cannot task them with the leaſt jot of Treachery: And for the Papiſts, may it not juſtly be ſuſpected that one chief cauſe of all their Treaſons hath been becauſe of all the Compulſions that have been uſed againſt their Conſciences, in compelling them to the Worſhip practiſed in publick, according to the Law of this Land; which being taken away, there is no doubt but they would be much more peaceable; as we ſee it verified in divers other Nations, where no ſuch Compulſion is uſed: for, if they might have freedom in their Religion, unto their faithful Allegiance to the King, the fear of the Kings Laws, and their own Proſperity and Peace, would make them live more inoffenſively in that reſpect.

Only the Papiſts are dangerous, in that ſome of them hold, That the Kings and Princes that be Excommunicated by the Pope, may be depoſed or murdered by their Subjects, or any other.

For that damnable and accurſed Doctrine, as we abhor it with our ſouls, ſo we deſire all other may: and therefore all the Laws that can be made for the prevention of ſuch execrable practices are moſt neceſſary. But now I deſire all men to ſee, that the Biſhops and we juſtly cry out againſt this accurſed doctrine and practice in the Pope and his aſſociates, That Princes ſhould be murdered by their Subjects for contrary-mindedneſs in Religion, yet they teach the King to murder his Subjects for the ſelf-ſame thing, viz. for being contrary-minded to them in their Religion. So likewiſe, as that accurſed doctrine is to be abhorred in the Papists, who teach Subjects not to be obedient to their Princes that are excommunicated by the Pope: even ſo is that accurſed doctrine of the Biſhops to be abhorred, who teach Princes not to protect their Subjects that are excommunicated by them, in not affording them either Law or Juſtice, nor to bear Teſtimony in any Court, Do not the Biſhops herein juſtifie this accurſed doctrine and practice in the Papiſts?

There is a great difference in the perſons, for the one are Princes, the other Subjects; and Subjects muſt be obedient.

Moſt true it is; but is it not alſo true, that Princes muſt afford all their Subjects Juſtice and Equity, although they be as Heathens and Publicans? For, if Princes be freed from doing Right and Juſtice, and protecting their Subjects that be excommunicated, why are not Subjects alſo freed from Subjection and Allegiance to their Princes, being excommunicated, if Excommunication be Chriſt's Law to all alike that will be ſaved, without reſpect of perſons. And alſo, Is not that Law of Chriſt herein to be obſerved, That whatſoevr ye would men ſhould do unto you, even ſo do ye unto them, Mat. 7.12. And therefore, as Princes would that all their Subjects ſhould be faithfull and obedient unto them; ſo ought Princes to be juſt and equal to all their Subjects, in maintaining them in every juſt and equal cauſe between man and man: For, For this cauſe (not for Religion) ſaith the Apoſtle, the Saints at Rome payed Tribute to Caeſar their Heathen Prince, who was againſt them in Religion. Shall they not eſcape Damnation for this accurſed doctrine and practice, and think ye you ſhall? Thou that judgeſt another, judgeſt thou not thy ſelf? By this it may appear, as alſo by exceeding many other doctrines and practices, how near you are to that bloody ſpiritual power, what pretences to the contrary ſoever you make.

It were a lamentable thing if that bloody Religion ſhould be practiſed again in this Nation.

I acknowledge it a bloody Religion, but God hath caſt down the Power thereof in this Kingdom, bleſſed be his Name: but I would you could ſee your own cruel bloody Religion; But that God of his mercy hath reſtrained it by the Kings Majeſty (who thirſteth not after blood) How many, only for ſeeking Reformation in Religion, have been put to death by your Power in the dayes of Qu. Elizabeth? and how many, both then and ſince, have been conſumed to death in Priſons? Yea, ſince that cruel ſpiritual Power hath been ſet up, hath not Hanging, Burning, Exile, Impriſonments, and all manner of contempt been uſed, and all for Religion? (although ſome for grievous Errours) and yet you ſee not this to be a bloody Religion. Further, You cry out of their bloody Cruelty; the reaſon is, becauſe you will not be of their Religion; And when you have done, your ſelves are moſt bloody and cruel (ſo far as is in your power) becauſe we, and all men will not not be of your Religion.

If men hold Errors, and will not obey the Truth, do they not ſin against God, and deſerve puniſhment?

Yes, ſuch deſerve puniſhment, but God hath appointed their puniſhment, and the time thereof. Their puniſhment, Rom. 2.8, 9. To them that are contentions, and diſobey the Truth, and obey unrighteouſneſs, ſhall be Indignation and Wrath, Tribulation and Anguiſh ſhall be upon the ſoul of every one that doth evil, Mark 16.16. He that will not believe, ſhall be damned, 2 Theſ. 1.8. In flaming fire, rendring Vengeance unto them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt; which ſhall be puniſhed with everlaſting perdition from the Preſence of the Lord, and the Glory of his Power. The time thereof is mentioned in the laſt recited place, ver. 7. When the Lord Jeſus ſhall ſhew Himſelf from Heaven with his mighty Angels. And Rom. 2.5. The day of Wrath. And ver. 16. At that day when God ſhall judge the ſecrets of men by Jeſus Chriſt. And Mat. 13.40, 41. At the end of this World the Son of man ſhall ſend forth his Angels, and they ſhall gather out of his Kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity, and ſhall caſt them into a furnace of Fire, &c. Here is ſhewed the Puniſher, the Puniſhment, and the Time thereof. This Puniſher hath commanded you to wait for their repentance (by his own example) which is in his hands to give them; and not to cut them off, and ſend them to Hell, as you teach and practiſe, which is contrary to God, who is patient towards mockers, which walk after their own lusts, 2 Pet. 3.3. Becauſe he would have no man to periſh, but would that all men whatſoever ſhould come to repentance. But you (contrary to Him) uſe all means you can to cut men off that they might periſh, in that you ſeek to deſtroy their bodies whilſt they remain in their errors.

I confeſs that God commandeth (Matth. 13.) that the good and bad muſt grow together unto the end of the World, but that is in the Church.

Well, if that be the true expoſition, I pray you why do you then excommunicate any out of your Church, contrary to your own acknowledgment? And here let all men take notice, that by this Expoſition you overthrow your own Excommunication quite, and accuſe Chriſt for giving a Rule, Mat. 18. and the Apoſtle Paul, and the Church of Corinth for practiſing that Rule, 1 Cor. 5. in caſting out of the Church: For you ſay, all muſt grow together to the end in the Church: But the Expoſition of the Law-giver himſelf is againſt you, that the Field is the World, ver. 38. Yet in that you confeſs that the Wicked and the Godly muſt be let alone in the Church unto the end, then much more in the World unto the end: For, if the Wicked pollute not the Church, ſure, it is they pollute not the World. This then you are commanded unto ver. 29, 30. Nay, gather them not, let them grow together unto the end of the World.

Let them come to Church, and they ſhall grow together unto the end.

Indeed I think ſo. Hereby you manifeſt you regard not how wicked and ungodly men be; ſo they come to your Church, you will not deſtroy them, though they remain in their abominable luſts: but if they will not come to your Church, let them be Wheat or Tares, you will gather them, and (as much as in you is) ſend them to burning. Herein all men may ſee, as I ſaid before, that you ſeek your own Glory and Obedience, and not Gods, and ſo exalt your ſelves above God, 2 Theſſ. 2.

Well, I bleſs God, I ſee this as clearly as the Sun ſhining in his brightneſs, That it is to fight againſt God to compel any, contrary to their conſciences, to perform any ſervice unto Him, in that there are ſo many places of Scripture commanding the contrary.

The whole New Teſtament throughout in all the Doctrines and Practices of Chriſt and his Diſciples, teach no ſuch thing as compelling men by Perſecutions and Afflictions to obey the Goſpel, but the direct contrary, viz. to ſuffer at the hands of the wicked; when they were perſecuted for Righteouſneſs ſake, to ſuffer it; when the unbelievers and wicked curſe them, to bleſs, and pray for their repentance, and that God would forgive them, and never lay theſe ſins to their charge, as our Saviour, Luke 23.34. Stephen, Act. 7.60. and the reſt did. And for a concluſion of this point, that your Faith may be full herein, conſider, that we are to wait for the Jews Converſion, and not to deſtroy them.

It is true, that might give all men ſatisfaction in theſe things.

Oh yes, if men had any regard of God or his Word, they would never deal more in this thing: the Lord, we ſee, Rom. 11. hath promiſed, That when the fulneſs of the Gentiles is come in, the Jews ſhall be converted. Now if the Jews, who are ſuch fearful Blaſphemers of Chriſt and his Goſpel, that contemn him and his Teſtament with all deſpite, if their Converſion muſt be waited for, that they may not be deſtroyed from off the face of the Earth, then who may not ſee (if they ſhut not their eyes) that the Converſion of all is to be waited for? and, that no man for blaſpheming Chriſt and his Goſpel may be deſtroyed, or afflicted by Impriſonments, Death, or any Calamity whatſoever.

It is not to be gain-ſayed with any ſhew of truth. I would God the Kings Majeſty would conſider of this point, ſeeing that the cruel Biſhops, by uſing his Power, commit ſuch ſin againſt God in this thing, both in perſecuting them that cannot in faith yeeld, and alſo in forcing them that do yeeld, contrary to their conſciences, to ſin againſt God, and to periſh, if they repent not.

I am perſwaded, that if his Highneſs did but once well weigh and conſider it, he would never ſuffer ſuch high iniquity to be committed againſt God, contrary to his expreſs Commandment, and all to be done by the King's Power, for nothing have they elſe to bear them out. The Lord perſwade the hearts of his Majeſty and his poſterity unto it, ſeeing his Throne is eſtabliſhed by him, that he and his Poſterity may ſit and reign over theſe Nations and Kingdoms, till Jeſus Chriſt the Commander of theſe things, come in his Glory to recompence every man according to his works, without reſpect of perſons.

If wicked Malefactors ſhould be let alone to the end of the World, then where is the Magiſtrates Sword? it is of no force if evil men may not be cut off.

I acknowledge unfeignedly, that God hath given to Magiſtrates a Sword to cut off wicked men, and to reward the well-doers, Rom. 13. But this Miniſtry is a worldly Miniſtry, their Sword is a worldly Sword, their puniſhments can extend no further than the outward man; they can but kill the body, Luke 12.4. And therefore this Miniſtry and Sword is appointed only to puniſh the breach of worldly Ordinances, which is all that God hath given to any mortal man to puniſh. The King may make Laws for the ſafety and good of his Perſon, State, and Subjects, againſt the which whoſoever is diſloyal or diſobedient, he may diſpoſe of them at his pleaſure; the Lord hath given him this Sword and Authority, fore-ſeeing in his Eternal Wiſdom, that if this his Ordinance of Magiſtracy were not, there would be no living for men in the world, and eſpecially for the Godly; and therefore the Godly have particular cauſe to glorifie God for this his bleſſed Ordinance of Magiſtracy, and to regard it with all reverence,

Were not Blasphemers put to death in time of the Law? Lev. 24.11, &c.

Yes, an Iſraelite blaſpheming the Lord, or doing any thing preſumptuouſly, which was Blaſphemy, Numb. 15.30. no Sacrifice was to be offered for him: But would you from hence have the Kings Majeſty put all his Subjects to death that contemn the Truth of Chriſt? If yea, ſee what will follow. All Papiſts ought to be put to death, who are direct Blaſphemers, Rev. 16.10, 11. When the Vial of Gods Wrath was poured upon the Throne of the Beaſt, (which all England confeſs is meant the Popiſh Power) they blasphemed the God of Heaven, &c. All the Jews, that ſpeak many things blaſphemouſly againſt Chriſt, ought to be put to death: Yea, of what Profeſſion ſoever he be, doing any thing preſumptuouſly againſt Chriſt, ought to be put to death by your Affirmation; no Sacrifice to be offered, no Repentance to be admitted, dye he muſt under two or three Witneſſes. But that this is moſt falſe, Chriſt and his Apoſtles in his Teſtament do manifeſtly declare, as is before ſhewed. Was not Paul a Blaſphemer? yet received to mercy. But this the holy Ghoſt teacheth from Blaſphemy under the Law, Heb. 10.28. He that deſpiſed Moſes Law, died without mercy, under two or three Witneſſes: Of how much ſorer puniſhment ſuppoſe ye, ſhall he be thought worthy, that treadeth under foot the Son of God, and counteth the Blood of the Teſtament as an unholy thing, wherewith he was ſanctified, and doth deſpite to the Spirit of Grace? ſpeaking of ſuch as had received and acknowledged the Truth, ver. 26. This is now the due proportion, an Iſraelite according to the fleſh, in the time of the Law preſumptuouſly ſinning againſt Gods Commandment, by his Command muſt die by the worldly Sword, no Sacrifice was to be offered for him: So in the New Teſtament, or time of the Goſpel, a ſpiritual Iſraelite according to the Faith, contemptuouſly or deſpitefully ſinning againſt Chriſts Commands, which he hath formerly acknowledged, deſpiting and contemning them, by his Command muſt die by the ſpiritual Sword, no repentance to be admitted, ſeeing he crucifieth again to himſelf the Son of God, and makes a mock of him, Heb. 6.6. David and Peter came not within this compaſs; though they ſinned of knowledge, yet they did it not contemptuouſly or deſpitefully, but through frailty. If an Iſraelite under the Law did ought through ignorance, as Numb. 15. or through frailty, as Levit. 6. there was Sacrifice for him: So under the Goſpel, an Iſraelite doing ought through ignorance, or through frailty, as Peter and Barnabas, with the reſt of the Jews, mentioned Gal. 2. or the Inceſtuous Perſon, 1 Cor. 5. there is Repentance for him. This is it that confounds all true Religion; That becauſe it was ſo in the time of the Law, therefore it may be ſo in the time of the Goſpel: by which reaſon men might ſet up as truly the whole Law, as ſome part, and utterly aboliſh Chriſt. I pray you ſeriouſly conſider what is here ſaid.

Hath not the King the ſame Power that the Kings of Iſrael had, who compelled men to the obſervation of the Law of God?

Firſt, I anſwer you: That the Kings of Iſrael had never power from God to ſet up any thing in or for the the ſervice of God, but that only which was commanded by God, Deut. 4.2. no, not ſo much as the manner of any Law, Numb. 15.16. and 9.14. and therefore this will not ſerve your purpoſe, that Kings may ſet up within their Dominions ſuch ſpiritual Lords and Laws for the ſerving of God; no, nor the manner thereof, as may beſt pleaſe themſelves, under what pretence ſoever; thereby making God for his Worſhip ſubject to their pleaſures. And his Majeſty acknowledgeth that Chriſts Church after the eſtabliſhing of it by miracles in the primitive time, was ever after to be governed within the limits of his revealed will. Speech at Parliam. Anno 1609. Secondly, the Kings of Iſrael might compel men to the Sacrifices and Ordinances of the Old Teſtament, all which were carnal, and purged not the conſcience, Heb. 9.9, 10. as Circumciſion, the Paſſeover, &c. But no mortal man, whatſoever he be, can compel any man to offer the Sacrifices of the New Teſtament, which are ſpiritual, and purge the conſcience, except he can beget Faith in him, and convert his ſoul. The Ordinances of the Old Teſtament were to be performed by the poſterity of Abraham according to the fleſh, that thereby they might be taught Chriſt: but the Ordinances of the New Teſtament are to be performed only by the poſterity of Abraham according to Faith, that have learned Chriſt, and have put on Chriſt, and ſo having Him, all things elſe appertain unto them. But one thing I demand of you, Who now is King of Iſrael?

I confeſs CHRIST is King of Iſrael.

Yes, CHRIST alone is King of Iſrael, that ſits upon Davids Throne, and therefore mark the true proportion: In the time of the Old Teſtament the Kings of Iſrael had power from God to compel all to the Ordinances of God, or to cut them off by their Sword from the earthly Land of Canaan, and the Promiſes thereof: So in the New Teſtament the King of Iſrael, Chriſt Jeſus, hath power from the Father to compel all to the Ordinances of God, or to cut them off by his Sword from the heavenly Land of Canaan, and the Promiſes thereof. The Kings of Iſrael only had this power under the Law, and the King of Iſrael only hath this power under the Gospel: And therefore whoſoever will challenge this power under the Goſpel, he muſt be the King of Iſrael in the time of the Goſpel, which is peculiar only to Jeſus Chriſt, unto whom all Power in Heaven and Earth is given.

And let it be here well obſerved, that by this opinion of yours you make the Kingdom and Ordinances of Iſrael under the Law, and the Kingdom & Ordinances of Iſrael under the Goſpel all one; directly contrary to the whole Scripture: for the Kingdom and Ordinances of Iſrael under the Law were of this world, but the Kingdom and Ordinances of Iſrael under the Goſpel are not of this world, as Chriſt the King thereof himſelf teſtifieth, John 28. And therefore you ſetting up a worldly King over this Heavenly Kingdom and Ordinances, you and all of your Profeſſion declare your ſelves to be of that worldly Kingdom, and ſo to look for that Heavenly and Spiritual King yet to come in the fleſh; being of the number of thoſe that deny Him to be come in the fleſh, and ſo are Deceivers and Antichriſts, whatſoever you ſay to the contrary.

Well, yet I cannot ſee, but that as the Kings of Iſrael had power from God to compel all their Subjects to the Worſhip then appointed; ſo the King, being a Chriſtian King, hath power to compel his Subjects to the Worſhip now appointed.

You may ſee, if you ſhut not your eyes, that what power the Kings of Iſrael had under the Law in matters of Religion, Chriſt Jeſus the King of Iſrael hath under the Goſpel: but I pray let me ask you this Queſtion, you ſay the Kings Majeſty hath this power as he is a Chriſtian King: my Queſtion is, Whether it appertain unto him as he is a King, or as he is a Christian?

Neither ſimply as he is a King, nor as he is a Chriſtian, but joyntly as he is compleat in them both: for I grant that no Heathen King hath power to compel in matters of Religion, but a Chriſtian King hath.

Then you confeſs that if a Chriſtian King may be deprived of his Chriſtianity, (for of his Kingdom or Kingly Power, or any part thereof, I affirm he may not be deprived) he hath loſt this power you plead for, in compelling men in matters of Religion: What ſay you to this?

I confeſs if he may be deprived of his Chriſtianity, he hath not this power I plead for.

Then I demand this Queſtion, Whether every Chriſtian, without reſpect of perſons, ought not to be ſubject to Chriſts Laws for his Salvation?

Yes, it cannot be denyed.

Chriſt hath given his cenſure, Excommunication, for the Salvation of every Chriſtian, That he that will not hear the Church, is to be as a Heathen and a Publican; that is, hath loſt all right and title in Chriſt, and in his Church, till he repent. Now I know it cannot be denyed, but every Chriſtian whatſoever is ſubject to ſin, and ſo to Excommunication, to be as an Heathen, &c. If you ſay, that Kings either are not ſubject to ſin, and to impenitency therein, and ſo not to this cenſure of Chriſt, of Excommunication for their impenitent ſin; then conſider what you make them, and God you make a lyer. If you grant (as you cannot deny) that Kings as well as others, are ſubject to impenitent ſin, and ſo to Excommunication for the ſame; then they being deprived of their Chriſtianity, by your own confeſſion, they are deprived of power to compel in matters of Religion, the which, if it were any part of their Kingly Power, they might be deprived of a part of their Kingly Power by being excommunicated. Conſider what a wicked doctrine you teach herein.

Doth not the Prophet ſay, That Kings ſhall be Nurſing Fathers, and Queens Nurſing Mothers to the Church? And alſo it is ſaid, that Kings ſhall hate the Whore, make her deſolate, eat her fleſh, and burn it with fire. Where we ſee, that Kings that have power and authority, ſhall deſtroy Antichriſts Kingdom, and nouriſh and cheriſh Chriſts Kingdom.

Moſt true it is, the Lord hath ſpoken it, and therefore it ought to be a great comfort to Gods People: but what is this to the purpoſe in hand, namely, That Kings may perſecute the contrary-minded. The words of the Prophet Iſaiah prove, that Kings and Queens that have formerly perſecuted and deſtroyed the Church, their hearts ſhall be turned by the power of Gods Word, to be lovers and preſervers of the Church. And the other place, Rev. 17.16. proves, that Kings ſhall make that Whore deſolate, &c. not by their temporal Authority or Sword (as ſome ſay, that make more ſhew of Religion than you do, although themſelves be now perſecuted, yet, if Kings were of their minds, would be as cruel as you, for they maintain the ſame thing) but by the Spirit of the Lords mouth, and the Brightneſs of his coming, 2 Theſſ. 2.8. For this kingdom of Antichriſt ſhall be deſtroyed without hand, Dan. 8. 25. only by the Everlaſting Goſpel, the true Armour indeed, wherewith the Witneſſes fight againſt the Antichriſt. As the Kings Majeſty, acknowledgeth, Apol. pag. 93.

You are ſo ſtiff againſt uſing of outward weapons in Church matters, Did not our Saviour make a Whip of ſmall cords, and whip the Buyers and Sellers out of the Temple? And why may not we follow his example?

In this and many other actions of Chriſt our Saviour, we are to conſider him as the fulfiller and ender of the Law; as in the action of the Paſſover, and ſending him that was clenſed of his Leproſie, to offer to the Prieſt the gift that Moſes commanded; in which things we are not to imitate him; for by him the Ceremonies are fulfilled and aboliſhed, and the everlaſting Goſpel eſtabliſhed, in the which we are to walk: and it were more than fooliſh to reaſon thus: Chriſt whipped wicked men out of Gods Temple made with hands, with whips made of cord; therfore we may whip wicked men out of Gods Temple made without hands, with whips made of cord. There is a wholſom doctrine to be collected from the Type to the Truth, as thus: Chriſt drove out wicked men out of the Temple made with hands, by a carnal or worldly whip; So Chriſt (by his People) muſt drive wicked men out of the Temple made without hands, by a Spiritual whip, even his Word, which is called a Whip or Rod. Rev. 2 27. and Pſal. 2.9. So is Excommunication, 1 Cor. 4.21.

If freedom of Religion ſhould be granted, there would be ſuch Diviſions as would breed Sedition and Innovaſion in the State.

Thus when your ſhews out of the Scripture are anſwered, then you run to conceits and imaginations, of Sedition, Innovaſion, and the like, thinking thereby to diſſwade Princes, and all that are in authority therefrom, knowing elſe your kingdom of iniquity would fall. But that it may appear to all that you deal deceitfully herein, let us conſider firſt the Scriptures; ſecondly, behold the ſucceſs, of ſuffering of Religion free in other Countries. And firſt, Chriſt our Saviour (who is that Prince of Peace, Iſa. 9.6. not of Sedition) hath taught, Mat. 10, and Luk. 12. That he came not to ſend Peace on the earth, but Debate; to divide five in one houſe, two against three, and three againſt two; the father againſt the ſon, &c. And a mans enemies ſhall be they of his own houſhold: And his deſire is, that the fire of ſuch Sedition ſhould be kindled. Where we ſee, this Prince of Peace putteth difference in Religion by preaching his Goſpel, which ſome receive as the ſavour of life unto them; others refuſe it, and ſo become enemies unto the Truth, and witneſſes thereof, as they did to Chriſt Jeſus himſelf and his Diſciples, and as you do to me and others. Secondly, behold the Nations where freedom of Religion is permitted, and you may ſee there are not more flouriſhing and proſperous Nations under the Heavens than they are.

The Convocation of Biſhops, and the reſt, have made a Canon, That whoſoever ſhall affirm that the Kings Majeſty hath not the ſame power in Cauſes Eccleſiaſtical under the Goſpel, that the godly Kings of Iſrael had under the Law, let him be excommunicated, ipſo facto.

Yes, they have ſo. In the beginning of his Majeſties Reign, when they had gotten him ſure unto them, of the which they ſo much doubted, as with my own ears I heard ſome of their chief followers ſay, when his Highneſs was coming into England: Now muſt Steeples down, and we ſhall have no more High Commiſſion! (with a lamentation they ſpake it) then they made this Canon; becauſe their conſciences are convinced, that they ſtand only by his Power, and if his hand be turned, their ſpiritual power of darkneſs falleth to the pit of darkneſs, from whence it came, and whither it muſt go, though there be never ſo much means uſed for the ſupporting of it; for the ſtrong Lord hath ſpoken it, Revel. 18. As for their ſending men to Hell (as they ſuppoſe) with their ipſo facto Excommunications; if they had no ſtronger weapons for the ſupportting of their kingdom, it would ſtand but a ſhort ſpace. If Iſrael now were of this world, as it was under the Law, then they ſaid ſomething; but if it be not of this world, as it is not, John 17.14. then the King of Iſrael is not of this world; for when this King came, the worldly Iſrael knew him not.

I ſee evidently, that all are but cavels, and that no mortal man can make any man offer Sacrifices under the New Teſtament, until he be a Believer and converted; for he muſt be in Chriſt before he may offer Sacrifices; for in Chriſt only the Father accepteth us. But what ſay you, Have they not power to compel men to come to the place where the Word is publickly taught, that they may be converted?

Well, then you ſee that the example of the Kings of Iſrael (who had power to compel them to Sacrifice, or to cut them off) applyed to earthly Princes, is gone, as a meer doctrine of man, and not of God. And for compelling men to hear, that they may be converted; we can learn of no better than of Him, who if we hear not we ſhall have a dreadfull recompence. He had all power in Heaven and in Earth for converting ſouls given unto him, and ſent his Diſciples, as his Father ſent him, Joh. 20.21. charging them that when they ſhould come into a City, &c. if they would not receive them nor their Word, to ſhake off the duſt of their feet for a witneſs againſt them, ſaying, it ſhould be eaſier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment than for that City or houſe. And ſo the Apoſtles went from City to City accordingly. Here were no Temples made with hands, nor worldly power to compel all to come unto them to hear the Word of the Lord, but they were commanded to go from City to City, and from houſe to houſe.

In thoſe dayes the Magiſtrates were Ʋnbelievers, but the queſtion is where Magiſtrates are Believers.

Chriſt had all power needful for that work: if Magiſtracy were a power needful for that work, then Chriſt had not all power; Magiſtracy is Gods bleſſed Ordinance in its right place, but let not us be wiſer than God to deviſe him a means for the publiſhing of his Goſpel, which He that had all power had not, nor hath commanded. Magiſtracy is a power of this world; the Kingdom, Power, Subjects and means of publiſhing the Goſpel are not of this world.

A goodly thing indeed that men muſt go about the Country to preach.

In your eſtimation it is baſe and contemptible; your Pomp and Pride will not bear this; it is more eaſie for you to hunt after Promotion till you come to the higheſt, in getting to be chief Biſhop of Biſhops within theſe Dominions, and then cometh your fall, full low, if you repent not: But the wiſdom of God hath appointed the chiefeſt Officers of Chriſts Kingdom, even the Apoſtles, thus baſely to go up and down to and fro to preach the Goſpel; yea, that worthy Apoſtle Paul preached this Goſpel night and day with many tears openly and throughout every houſe, Act. 20.

But if this be thus, as for my own part I am fully perſwaded it is, then I ſee the High Commiſſion cannot ſtand; for, as I take it, it is only for Cauſes Eccleſiastical.

So far as it is over Church-matters, it is moſt unlawful: for the Commiſſion for judging and puniſhing of the tranſgreſſors of the Laws of Chriſts Church is given to Chriſt the Monarch thereof, a part whereof he hath left to his Diſciples, which is no worldly Commiſſion or Power, but only the Power of the Lord Jeſus, the uttermoſt of which Commiſſion is Excommunication, 1 Cor. 5.

The High Commiſſion is from the King, and dare you once call it into queſtion?

If I do take any authority from the Kings Majeſty, let me be judged worthy my deſert; but if I defend the Authority of Chriſt Jeſus over mens ſouls, which appertaineth to no mortal man whatſoever, then know you, that whoſoever would rob him of that Honour, which is not of this world, he will tread them under foot: Earthly Authority belongeth to earthly Kings, but ſpiritual Authority belongeth to that one ſpiritual King, who is KING of Kings.

Well, all your pleading will not ſerve your turn, either you must come to Church, or elſe go to Priſon.

I have ſhewed you by the Law of Chriſt that your courſe is moſt wicked, to compel any by Perſecution to perform any ſervice to God (as you pretend.) Now I deſire alſo to ſhew you, that the Statute Law of the Land requireth only civil obedience, and his Majeſties Writings, maintaining the Oath of Allegiance, teſtifie the ſame.

This Oath was intended for the Papiſts, and not for you.

It is not ſo: for his Majeſty at the laſt Seſſion of Parliam. Anna 1609, ſaith thus; Some doubts have been conceived anent the uſing of the Oath of Allegiance; and that part of the Act that ordains the taking thereof is thought ſo obſcure, that no man can tell who ought to be preſſed therewith, &c. And therefore if there be any ſcruple touching the miniſtring thereof, I would wiſh it now to be cleared, &c. And thereupon this Statute was made, Anno 7. Regni Regis Iacobi, &c. Chap. 6. towards the latter end. And if any perſon or perſons whatſoever of, or above the age of eighteen years, do now ſtand, or at any time hereafter ſhall ſtand, and be preſented, indicted, and convicted for not coming to Church, or receiving the Lords Supper, according to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, before the Ordinary, or any other having power to take ſuch Preſentments or Indictments; or if the Miniſter, petty Conſtable or Churchwardens, or any two of them, ſhall at any time hereafter complain to any Juſtice of Peace near adjoyning the place where any perſon complained of ſhall dwell, and the ſaid Juſtice ſhall find cauſe of ſuspition; that then any one Juſtice of Peace, within whoſe Commiſſion or Power any ſuch perſon or perſons ſhall at any time hereafter be, or to whom complaint ſhall be made, ſhall upon notice thereof require ſuch perſon or perſons to take the ſaid Oath. And that if any perſon or perſons being of the age of eighteen years or above, ſhall refuſe to take the ſaid Oath, duly tendered unto him or her, according to the true intent and meaning of this Statute, that then the perſons authorized by this Law to give the ſaid Oath, ſhall and may commit the ſaid Offender to the common Jayl, &c. Where we ſee, that if any take the ſaid Oath at their firſt apprehenſion, they are not to be committed, or if they, being committed, take the ſaid Oath at the next open Court, they are be ſet at liberty; if they will not take the ſaid Oath, to be in a Premunire, as is at large in the Statute declared, and as is daily practiſed with Papiſts and others.

The Kings Majeſty requireth your Allegiance to be teſtified by your coming to Church.

I pray let me demand this Queſtion; Doth the King require my coming to Church to worſhip and ſerve God, or to worſhip and ſerve the King? If to worſhip and ſerve the King, I am ready to obey; if to worſhip and ſerve God, which none can do but of conſcience, the King himſelf ſaith he never intended to lay any thing to the charge of any for the cauſe of conſcience; and this coming to Church being a cauſe of conſcience, if not he, why do you lay any thing to my charge for the ſame? And therefore you wrong his Majeſty in thus affirming; for his Highneſs requireth only my faithful allegiance to be teſtified by the aforeſaid Oath, and therefore hath ordained it, as I ſhall ſhew by his Highneſs own teſtimony. If I ſhould come to Church, and not in conſcience, but for other reſpects, as many Papiſts and other Hypocrites do, to God it were moſt abominable; and what faithfulneſs can be hoped for in ſuch towards, his Majeſties Perſon and State? Can any godly wiſe man think that he that playeth the diſſembling Hypocrite with God, that he will do leſs with men, and will not work any villany, if it were in his power? and therefore herein you compelling me by tyranny, to bring my body whereunto my ſpirit cannot be brought, you compel me to hypocriſie with God and man: for if my heart were not faithfull in ſincerity to his Majeſties Crown and Dignity, as I take God to witneſs (before whom I muſt be condemned or juſtified) it is, theſe courſes would rather harden my heart to work villany than otherwiſe.

Now for his Majeſties many Teſtimonies in his Writings, they are worthy to be recorded with thankfulneſs to the Higheſt for guiding his heart and pen to write ſuch things.

In his apology for the Oath of Allegiance pag 4, he ſaith (ſpeaking of ſuch Papiſts as took the Oath of Allegiance) And I gave a good proof that I intended no Perſecution againſt them for conſcience cauſe, but only deſired to be ſecured of them for evil obedience, which for conſcience cauſe they were bound to perform. And pag. 60. (ſpeaking of Blackwel the Arch-Prieſt) he ſaith, I never intended to lay any thing to the ſaid Arch-Prieſts charge (as I have never done to any) for cauſe of conſcience. And pag. 127. he ſaith, Firſt, for the cauſe of their puniſhment, I do conſtantly maintain that which I ſaid in my Apology, That no man, either in my time, or in the late Queens, ever dyed here for his conſcience: for, let him be never ſo devout a Papiſt; nay, though he profeſs the ſame never ſo conſtantly, his life is in no danger by the Law, if he break not out into ſome outward act expreſly againſt the words of the Law; or plot not ſome dangerous or unlawful practice or attempt, &c. Where we may ſee in ſhort what is the whole ſum that he requireth.

And in his Majeſties Speech at the laſt Seſſion of Parliament, Anno Dom. 1609. where he ſaith he ſheweth his Subjects his heart, he ſaith thus; I never found, that blood, and too much ſeverity, did good in matters of Religion: for, beſides, it is a ſure Rule in Divinity, that God never loves to plant his Church by violence and bloodſhed, natural reaſon may even perſwade us, and daily experience proves it true, that when men are ſeverely perſecuted for Religion, the gallantneſs of many mens ſpirits, and the wilfulneſs of their humours, rather than the juſtneſs of their cauſe makes them take a pride boldly to endure any torments, or death it ſelf, to gain thereby the reputation of Martyrdom, though but in a falſe ſhadow.

A moſt undoubted Truth; which if be, (as moſt manifeſt it is by the Teſtimony of the holy Ghoſt throughout Chriſts Teſtament, as before is proved) then how curſed are all the rank of you that continually break this ſure Rule of God, thus confidently acknowledge by his Majeſty, planting your Church by violence and bloodſhed, forcing many thouſands againſt their conſciences to be of your Church, and to receive your Sacraments, by all the perſecutions that would follow if they do not yeeld; and thoſe that fear God more than men, and dare not yeeld, caſting them into noiſom Priſons, amongſt moſt wicked Blaſphemers of God, to the wounding of their ſouls, dividing them from their Wives, Children and Families, and from their Callings, ſome an hundred miles and more, utterly conſuming that ſubſtance they have, which ſuſtaineth the blood of them, their Wives and Children; ſeldom or never affording them Releaſe, but either by yeelding to you againſt their conſciences, or elſe by conſuming their bodies to death in Priſon, Baniſhment, or the like, leaving them and their Wives to horrible temptations of Adultery, by parting them and their Wives, and to all manner of evil, in taking them from their Callivgs, and ſo leaving them in continual Idleneſs. Is Gods Church thus planted? or, do Chriſts Diſciples thus plant?

Oh I ſee this ſpiritual power is little inforiour cruelty to the Romiſh ſpiritual power: I pray how, or when was this ſet up.