The pretence of Conscience and being satisfied in their way without assurance from the Scriptures is an unsafe foundation.

I Know it is the temper of many of you to say we are satisfied, and you feel a great deal of comfort in the way you take to worship God, and have the testimony of your Conscience that you do act sincerely, and as you think, for the glory or God. But how easily may Men flatter and deceive themselves with such pretences? Do not Jews and Mahometans, all Hereticks and Schismaticks pretend the same? And are not many of them fully as Zealous and consident in their way, and do they not as much condemn you in their thoughts as you can them? Nay those that killed the Apostles thought they did God ser­vice? So that to rely upon an inward satisfaction,Joh. 16.2. the pretence of Conscience, without solid reason and founda­tion in Gods word, is the common mistake that deludes the greatest part of Mankind. If ever then you hope to appear with comfort before God, you must lay aside fancy and perswasion, and examine both your Faith, and your Lives according to the holy Scriptures. If we or an An­gel from Heaven preach any other Gospel in part or in whole, or neglect any part of This, let him be accursed, Gal. 1.8. When our Saviour began to preach, this was the Summ of his Doctrine, Repent and relieve the [Page 4]Gospel, Mar. 1.15. When he sent his Apostles into the world, it was with this large Commission, Preach the Gospel to every Creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned, Mark 16.15, 16. S^t Paul afterwards speaking of the Day of Judgment, Says, God shall Judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ ac­cording to my Gospel, Rom. 2.16. Again, Christ Jesus shall he revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his power. The Gospel does not only contain promises but precepts, duties, as well as rewards. And therefore our Saviour when he is asked what a man should do to be saved, gives this answer, If thou wilt enter into life keep the Commandments. Again, if ye love me keep my Commandments. S^t James says, whosoe­ver shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all, Jam. 2.10. This contains all articles of our Creed, and all other Christian duties, we must not think then our Zeal for one duty, will excuse our neglect of another, we must not so much regard what we have done, but supply that we have not done. If through errour or mistake, any have lived in Schism, Heresie, Disobedience, or breach of any other command, he must repent and a­mend, for no confidence and self conceit can justifie us before God, while we live in neglect of our Duty.

Obedience to Governours and love and unity with our fellow Christians, necessary Duties of the Gospel.

AS our Saviour came into the World to reform the errours and vices of corrupt Nature, and teach Men the principles of Peace and Vertue, so in his Gospel he has given most severe commands of mutual love and o­bedience to his Bishops and Governours, because without it there would be nothing but ignorance and errour, quar­rels [Page 5]and confusion, and as it was in the Jewish Nation when there was no King in Israel, every one did what was right in his own eyes, so it will be in the Church where there are no Governours, or none that are hearkened to or regarded, every man will follow the de­vices of his own heart. Therefore when he founded his Church, the first thing he does is to appoint Governours with power not only to shut out of his Church, but out of Heaven, all those that contemn their authority and will not be governed by them. Matt. 16.18, 19. Ʋpon this rock will I build my Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, and I will give unto thee the keys of the King­dome of Heaven, whatsoever thou shalt bind on Earth shalt be bound in Heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven. And though in this place it be promised to S^t Peter, to shew that each single Bishop had that power in his respective charge whilst he lives in com­munion with and conformity to the Church, yet Matt. 18. it is said, whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven; and when our Saviour actually bestows this power, John 20.23. he gives it equally to all the Apostles, whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted, and whose soever sins ye retain they are retained. Again he says, he that re­ceiveth you receiveth me, he that rejecteth you rejecteth me, and he that rejecteth me, rejecteth him that sent me. And when he was going into Heaven, that he might fully provide for the order and government of his Church, he gives his Apostles authority over the whole World, to rule and to punish them, as well as to teach and comfort them; and this power is to last to the end of the World. All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth, go ye there­fore into all the World, make Disciples all Nations, and lo I am with you alwayes unto the end of the World, Matt. 28. The Apostle Hebr. 13. bids Christians remember them that have the Rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God, whose faith follow, v. 7. again, Obey them that have the Rule over you, and submit your selves, for they watch for your Souls, v. 17. And 'tis our Saviours express command, if he refuse to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as a Heathen [Page 6]and a Publican, and then he adds, to shew whom he means by the Church, that 'tis the Bishops and Governours of his Church, whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven, Matt. 18.17, 18. So that it is beyond all possible doubt that there are Bishops and Governours sent by Christ to continue to the end of the World, and there is a Church that must be hearkened unto, under peril of being shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

There must be a method and order observed in ap­pointing the Bishops and Governours of the Church, that Men may know whom they ought to obey, and whose punishments they ought to avoid.

ALL Men confess in general, that Christ has left Bishops and Governours in his Church, but they are not all agreed who are those who have this Authori­ty committed to them: Now there must be some orderly method for our direction in this as well as other matters, or else the Authority will signifie nothing, and not attain that end for which it was appointed. For if every body be left to follow whom he please, then all censures and excommunications will come to nothing, assoon as Men are shut out from one Pastor, they will run to another; if one will not comply with their humour, they will go to another that will, and so the Christian society, which ought to be the Pattern of order and unity, will be the most confused body in the World; every body will be­come his own Lord and Master, and will live and do as he lift, but how opposite is this to that command of our Saviour? If he refuse to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an Heathen man and a Publican, and to that of the Apostle, obey them that have the Rule over you: when at this rate no Man has any other Ruler but his own peevish will.

Our Saviour therefore to prevent this confusion, as he had Authority immediatly from God, so he gave his A­postles [Page 7]full Commission to send others with the like power of appointing new Bishops to the end of the World, as fast as any should dye or the places become void. And to this purpose he says, as my Father sent me, Joh. 20. that is with power of sending you, so send I you, with power of send­ing others. And lo, I am with you alwaies unto the end of the World; accordingly we find Paul and Barnabas ordain­ed by the appointment of the Holy Ghost, Act. 13.2, 3. and they again when they had received this power goe about ordaining Bishops in every Church where they were wanting, Acts 14.23. and then Acts 20. the Apostle ex­horts the Bishops to feed the Flock of Christ over whom the Holy Ghost had made them Bishops. Thus Timothy was or­dained by S^t Paul, and he had power to ordain others, but he is charged to lay hands suddenly on no Man, 1 Tim. 5.22. Titas also was left in Crete to ordain Elders and set in order the things that were wanting. So that Christ he first sent forth his Apostles, the Apostles they ordained and sent forth Bishops, they were to judge of their abi­lities, and so to give them charge of Souls, and the People were to hearken to them and obey them as appointed by the Holy Ghost, Act. 20. and so other Priests and Officers that follow their orders and directions, 2 Cor. 7.15.

What method was observed in appointing Bishops and Governours of the Church after the Apostles dayes.

'TIS not to be expected that the Names of all the Persons that were called to be Governours in the Church, and the places and bounds within which every Man was to exercise his Authority, should be set down in Scripture, no more then the Names and Places of Kings and Printes and Civil Governours are. The common rules of prudence and order are enough to direct in this as well as the other matters, so that all things be done decently and in order, and to the edification of the Church. Now the Rules of decency and order do require that [Page 8]Persons should be appointed peaceably, and therefore no Man must thrust himself into any Government till he be duely called and set apart for that Office, neither must any one usurp anothers place and disturb him in the quiet discharge of his duty. And then that all may be done to edification, tis fit the Persons should be able and well qualified to do their Office; so there must be Persons who have power to appoint, and judgement to examine and discern the fitness of the Men who are to be called to so high a dignity as to be Teachers and Governours of the Church; how they are for life and conversation; that Ma­gistrates and People can bear witness to, and are allowed to except against ill Men. But whether they are sound in Faith, and indued with knowledge and understanding rightly to divide the word of God, and discharge their duty, that was ever the Office of the Bishops to enquire, as also to ordain and appoint them, for they must lay hands suddenly on no Man, 1 Tim. 5.22. but are to commit this Authority to faithfull Men who are able to teach others also, 2 Tim. 2.2. again, how shall they Preach except they be sent, Rom. 10.15. no Man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron, Heb. 5.4. Now that was after a solemn and orderly manner, by Gods appointment he was legal­ly consecrated and set apart for that Office, Exod. 28. so were the Apostles, so were those sent abroad by the A­postles, and so Persons were appointed in all ages of the Church, being first examined and tryed, and then Or­dained and sent forth by the Bishops according to certain Canons, and the same order is observed at this day in all Churches that stand established in any setled Government. And thô there be a dispute in some places whether Bishops and Priests be of the same order, and upon that supposition that every Priest is a Bishop, and has Originally in him fullness of all Authority and Power, some do take it upon them to ordain thô meer Presbyters, yet it is upon that principle and supposition that a Presbyter is equal to a Bishop, and has Authority from Christ to ordain others by virtue of his Office, and so still they maintain that Men must be examined and ap­pointed [Page 9]by Bishops in a Regular manner, before they ought to be allowed to take upon them any Office of Preaching and Governing in the Church. And suppose a Bishop and Presbyter were one Order, and a Presbyter had equal Au­thority originally to Ordain as well as Bishops, which in the judgment of most Churches they have not; yet what an un­reasonable thing is it, to make use of a power of Ordina­tion which was never owned and allowed for 1500 years in the Church, and which does create many doubts and disputes and great confusion in the Church, when they may have Ordination from the Bishops, which all confess is sound and valid, and thereby Men may avoid giving scan­dal to many Churches, and raising Scruples in the minds of People at home, which all charity does require good Christians to prevent. Now this Succession of Bishops down from the Apostles time to our dayes,Luther T. 4. p. 6, 7, 8. Twenty years after his first appearing against the errors of the Church of Rome. The Apostles were called by Christ himself, the Apostles afterward called their Disciples, as Paul called Timothy and Titus. Who after­ward called the Bishops, the Bishops cal­led their Successors, and that Call continued to our times, and shall continue to the end of the World, and 'tis a mediate call, because it is by Men, yet it is Divine; and this is the generall call all over the World after the Apostles, nei­ther is it to be changed, but highly esteemed, by reason of some fanaticall Men which despise it, and boast of another better call, whereby they say they are moved by the Spirit to teach. But such impostors lye, they are moved by a Spirit indeed, but not by a good but a wicked Spirit—Wherefore we must not run into another Man's charge, as the Devil does stir up his Ministers to run where they are not called. has run as clearly and as evidently as the Succes­sion of our Kings in England since William the Conquerour, still one succeeding another, as any died or were removed, by Ordination and orderly appoint­ment to his Charge. But yet farther, to keep peace and pre­vent confusion, there must be some Canons or Rules, to re­tain every Man within the bounds of his duty, that one might not disturb another, or undoe what another had done. Now about chusing of Bishops and about excommunicating Of­fenders; Bishops may vary in their opinion, as it is known they often have done, one may be for this Man, and another for that, and unless there be some Rule to pro­ceed by, there will be endless Cuarrels and Disputes; therefore the general Rule of Decency and Order must come in here, and we must consider what direction the [Page 10]Scripture has given in this Case also. Now besides the Rule of common Prudence, that amongst Governours of all Societies, if they cannot otherwise compose any diffe­rence, they must sit down by the Authority of the major part: the Apostle tells us. The Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets, for God is not the Author of Con­fusion but of Peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints, 1. Cor. 14. much more then particular Bishops and Ministers ought to be subject to the rest of the Bishops. Then the gene­ral Rule of our Saviour is, If he refuse to hear the Church let him be unto Thee as an Heathen man and a Publican; not only no longer an Officer, but not so much as a member of the Church.

Now all Bishops being Governours of the Church, and Successors of the Apostles, one as well as another has right to judge in Cases that concern the peace and wel­fare thereof, but it is impossible they can all meet or be consulted in ordinary Cases, and therefore as in the Civil state, for better Order and convenience in administration of Justice or preserving Peace, the World is divided into Kingdoms, Provinces, Counties, Cities, &c. And the re­spective Governours have the certain bounds and limits of their jurisdiction, and every one is to take care of all things within his own charge, and not to intermeddle or thrust himself into another Countrey or Province. So by direction from the Apostles, the Bishops did by mu­tual consent set out the bounds of every Man's jurisdiction, according to Cities and Provinces; and Civil States have confirmed the same in after Ages. Thus S^t James was Bishop of Jerusalem, S^t Peter at Antioch, S^t Mark at A­lexandria, S^t Andrew at Byzantium now Constantinople, S^t Timothy at Ephesus, and Titus at Crete, &c. And after them other single Persons did succeed in their places, as we see it is at this Day, as one Bishop dyes another is chosen and Ordained to succeed in his Office. And as a City with the neighbouring Countries round it did make one Bishops Diocess, so several Cities and their adjoyn­ing Villages, did make one Province under one Arch-Bi­shop. And all matters that did concern the Church were [Page 11]to be determined by the mutual consent of the Arch-Bi­shop, and of all or the major part of the Bishops of each Province, and this was the Order derived from the A­postles, confirmed by the general Councils,S. Cypr. Ep. 68. can. A post. concil. Nice. and generally observed through all Ages of the Church. As for the Authority of Patriarchs, and of late years the usurpation of the Pope, these are all incroachments upon the Church, and so are the Assemblies of Presbyters without or in opposition to their Bishops, much more (the root of all confusion) an independencie of every Preacher in each single Congregation, and deviations from the Ancient and Apostolical Order.S. Cyprian Ep. 55. concil. A­frican. can. 28. The standing and generall Law and Tradition was that which best suits with the rules of Decency and Order, that Christians should not be drawn from their own Country, should not be put to long and tedious journies, but have all Matters ended at home by the Arch-Bishop and Bishops of each Province amongst themselves, who best know the state and condition of the People committed to their charge, and are bound by in­terest as well as duty, to consult the peace and welfare of their Dioceses. 'Tis needless to cite the Canons,See the 6 gen. Councils, and particular Councils con­firmed by them. the case is known to all Schollars that look into the antient Councils and Histories of the Church. And according to this universal Order of the Church, 'tis as easie for eve­ry one to know his own Spiritual Governours, as 'tis his Civil. Every Ones charge is allotted, and all within such bounds and limits belong to the Spiritual Government of the Bishop of the Diocess and his Assistants, and Minister of the Parish where he lives; and thus 'tis in all Kingdoms and Countries where the Christian Religion is professed, and this Order and Authority all sober Divines do own and acknowledge. But still it is with this limitation, pro­vided they hold the Faith and Unity of the Catholick Church, and keep within the Rules of the Gospel. For all Bishops and others are members of Provincial Churches, and must be subject to the Rules and Order of the Pro­vince; and all Provinces are members of the Catholick Church, and must keep the unity of Faith of Christs mystr­eal body. In rites and ceremonies, and private opinions [Page 12]in lesser matters, particular Churches may differ one from another, and each Province or Nation may consult and provide that which is best for themselves, but then as to Faith and other necessary duties, that must be the same all over the World, and nothing must be done con­trary to the Laws of Christian Charity, and that mutual Love that we ought to have for all our Brethren in Christ; much less ought we to do any thing contrary to that du­ty we owe to our Spiritual Fathers that are set over us by the Holy Ghost, Acts 20. and to the peace and settle­ment of the Catholick and our own particular Church or Parish. Now I cannot see what temptation any rational Man that wishes well to the promoting of the glory of God and advancement of true Religion, can have to change this antient Apostolical Order of a Synod of Bishops go­verning according to the Rules of the Ancient Church, and with the assistance of their Presbyters, for a Synod of Presbyters only, according to the late Modell of M^r Calvin invented at Geneva. Or what benefit the People would have by it who must still be left to the Minister of their own Parish; neither would they find themselves in a bet­ter but worse condition. Much less should make a Schism to inforce and bring in such a novelty and invasion upon their Spiritual Fathers and Brethren in Christ: or else to destroy all Church Govenment, as the Independants, Anabaptists and Quakers do, who set up Plow men and Thatchers instead of Bishops and Priests.

All Persons in this Nation are bound to joyn in Communion with their Bishop of the Diocess and Minister of the Parish where they live, and the great sin of those that neglect this Duty.

I Have made it evident beyond all doubt that there are Spiritual Governours appointed by Christ to continue to the end of the World, and all Christian People must [Page 13]be under the Authority and Jurisdiction of some or other of those Ministers; and that by direction of the Apostles, and constant Law of the generall Councils and tradition of all Christian Churches, and the Rules of Decency and Order, all Countries that own the Christian Religion, are generally divided into Provinces and Dioceses, &c. for the more peaceable management of all affairs. Things being thus settled, all those commands in Scripture that People ought to bearken to the Church; obey them that have the Rule over them; besides all those generall precepts, Honour thy Father and Mother, To know them that are over you in the Lord and admonish you, to esteem them highly for their works sake, &c. do oblige all People here in England to obey their several Bishops, and joyn in Com­munion with their respective Parishes, and those that do obstinately withdraw themselves from their obedience, do live in open contempt of Christ, and manifest viola­tion of his Holy Gospel, which does require all Men to maintain Love and Charity especially with their Fathers and Governours, and to keep the peace and unity of the Church. All such Men that wilfully and obstinately con­tinue in their Schism and disobedience, are not only shut out from the priviledges and benefits of the Gospel, but bring upon themselves all the curses and punishments denounced against such grievous Sinners, for those that are disobe­dient to parents are reckoned up amongst the most heinous Offenders, Rom. 1.30. 2 Tim. 3.2. Consider therefore how you will answer it to God in the dreadfull day, that do meerly neglect to joyn in the publick Service and Sacraments, and thereby disobey your Spiritual Fa­thers, and affront that Government which Christ has set in his Church for your good, and as the means to pro­more his Glory and your Salvation: 'Tis not Man but God that you reject, who gave us this Charge over your Souls, and you do despite to the Holy Spirit of grace, from whom we receive our Commission.

Besies the guilt of disobedience and contempl of Christs Ministers, you that assemble in Conventicles are guilty of Schism; which is a damning Sin, and a root of all confusion.

AS nothing is more agreeable to the Nature of God then Love and Unity, so nothing is more odious to his most Holy being, then Schism and Division: for the nature of Love is to unite all things in Peace and Order, but the nature of Schism is to bring all things to misery and confusion. Whatsoever therefore Schismaticks may pretend of Zeal for the glory of God, their advancing Piety, and setting up Religion in greater purity, the Scripture calls such courses the works of the flesh and pronounces the Persons that follow them Men of carnal affections.Rom. 16. Gal. 5. Those therefore that do not only withdraw from the obedience of their Lawfull Governours, but set up separate Assemblies under colour of purer worship, do plainly make a Schism in the Church and rend the Body of Christ in pieces, and are marked out by the Holy Scrip, tures for the grootest enemies of God and true Religion Our Saviour fays he that shall be angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the Judgment, and he that says unto him Rache, that is empty, vain Fellow, and so lighting and bringing his Person into contempt, shall be in danger of the Gounoil; but whosoever shall say thou fools shall be in danger of Hell fire. Now if it be so heinous a crime in the sight of God, to undervalue our Brother, what is it to despise our Spiritual Fathers, and contemn their godly commands and admonitions, moreover to tear and divide the Church of Christ; and instead of Love stirr up animosities and contentions, strife and hatred, as is too to evident, and from thence do genenally follow Massacres, Rebellions long and bloudy Wars Murder subversion of Kingdoms and States, destruction of Coun­tries, and all the cruelties and miseries that Mankind are lyable unto. As these things are manifest by experience, so Scripture tells us, Jude 18, 19. they spring from Schism; [Page 15] There shall be mockers in the last times, who shall walk after their own ungodly lusts, these be they that soparate themselves, sensual having not the Spirit; whereas none glory more of the Spirit then these Separatists, whom the Apostle charges with carnal and ungodly Lusts. Again, Rom. 16.17. Mark those that cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Do­ctrine which ye have Learned, and avoid them; for they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own helly, and by good words and fair Speeches deceive the heart of the simple. The Apostle pursues the same matter, 1. Cor. 3.3. Lor ye are yet Carnall, for whereas there is among you En­vying and Strife, and Divisions, are ye not Carnal and walk as Men? For while one saith I am Paul, and another I am Apollos, are ye not Carnall? Again, Galatians 5.20. reckoning up the works of the Elesh that shut Men out of Heaven, he says, the worke of the Flesh are manifest, which are these, he puts down Strife, Seaitions, or Schism and Divisions, Heresies, and then adds, v. 21. They that do such things shall not in herit the Kingdome of God. So that as Schism is an heinous Sin of its own nature, so it proceeds from a carnal mind, and that is the root of all other Evils and Disorders, James 4.1. From whence come Wars and Fightings a­mong you? Come they not hence even of your Lusts, that war in your members? Lust breeds Division, and Division breeds War. and War brings all other evils with it, especially civil and homebred Wars, which spring from this root of Schism.

If none of these temporal evils follow upon Schism (which God grant they may not) yet Schism brings in Heresie, Ignorance and Prophaness.

DID Men keep to the Rule of Gods word, and follow the interpretation of the Catholick Church, they would be secure from all danger of Heresie, ig­norance and profaness, and would have a sure di­rection to lead them into the way of Salvation. For all [Page 16]the Schisms, Heresies and mistakes that Men sall into, come by forsaking the guidance of the Church, and wresting the Scripture to their own destruction, which S^t Peter says many of the unlearned and unstable do.2 Pet. 3.16. So that in this case; the Scripture may be compared to an Apothecaries shop full of all fort of wholesome Medicines, if rightly applyed with judgement and discretion, but such as will prove deadly poyson, if taken at adventure and misimployed. Now our Saviour has given us the Scrip­tures for our direction, which with much study and pains, we may understand our selves for our own benefit and instruction: yet because few Men who are engaged in worldly pleasures and business, &c. do give themselves so much leisure as to read through and consider the mean­ing of the Scriptures, so as to be able to satisfie them­selves in all doubts and scruples that cunning Hereticks raise to pervert them from the Truth. Therefore Christ Jesus left Pastors and Teachers, and founded a Church, to continue a constant Pillar and Monument, to expound to us all difficult and hard places, and to condemn and cen­sure false interpretations, and stop the mouths of Sedu­cers, from spreading abroad damnable Heresies to the ruine of your Souls, and then that her Authority might not be despised,Matt. 18. The Scripture says, if any one refuse to hear the Church, let him be unto Thee as an Heathen man and a Publican. And for our better encouragement to hearken to her instruction, our Lord has promised that the gates of Hell shall never prevail against it, Matt. 16. And then to direct the unlearned and unstable, he has set Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14. for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we may henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, by the sleight of Men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, &c. So that we do not take off from the fullness and sufficiency of the Scriptures if rightly expounded and understood, but for the satisfaction of the [Page 17]unlearned and unstable, which are the greatest part of Mankind, we must remember, that God has kept up a Church and constant succession of Bishops and Ministers in an Orderly way, to teach us the true meaning of his Word, and to keep up Discipline and Order, and so to pre­serve us from the Heresies and false Interpretations of Schismaticks that lead Men unto errour and destruction. While Men therefore keep within the City, they are in no danger of being a prey to the wild Beasts, but if they run into a Wilderness, they may easily be destroyed by them. While they keep within the Ship they are secure from drowning, but if they forsake that, and commit themselves to the unconstant Waves, 'tis Ten Thousand to One if they do not miscarry. So while Men keep within the Communion of the Church, and follow the guidance of those Pastors which God has appointed to keep them steady, there is no danger of their Salvation; but if they forsake the Church, and run into Conventicles,Psal. 91.11. they go out of Gods way, and so out of his protection, and are exposed to all Heresie and Confusion.

If their Teachers do not Sin wilfully and lead them into Heresie, yet they may mislead them through ignorance and unskilfullness.

WHO can tell how oft he offendeth, nay the Heart above all things is deceitfull; therefore 'tis an easie matter for Men that follow the guidance of their own understanding, and neglect the command of the Church, to be deluded by the Devil, who often appears as an Angel of Light, and yet is still busie to seek whom he may devour. Neither can they hope for the blessing of God, and depend upon the promise of his direction, when they go into by Pathes and pursue their own devi­ces. How many plain things may such presumptuous Men overlook? how often may they misunderstand some parts of Gods word which want more care and attention? Besides. [Page 18]who can be sure that they come with all Languages and other helps to reading them, or take such pains to read and compare all Texts, as not to be ignorant in many duties of great necessity to be observed? And if the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the ditch: And no wonder if People perish for want of vision, when they wilfully run away from the instruction of the Church, and follow such ignorant guides who had need to be taught the first Principles of humility and understanding. Thô therefore by good Words and fair Speeches they may deceive the hearts of the Simple, and may gather many excellent expressions out of the Holy Scriptures, yet 'tis a great rashness and want of Judgment, for Men to trust their Souls upon the skill and understanding of such private Seducers; who by their ignorance may leave them without that sufficient instruction which is necessary to Salvation.

Objections and Questions against Conformity answered.

BUT some will Object, that their setting up Conven­ticles in opposition to the Bishops and Ministers, is no more then what the Bishops did in opposition to the Church of Rome, and therefore if they are Schismaticks now, the Bishops were also, by Reforming the Church without the Authority of the Pope and Church of Rome.

I answer, By the Council of Nice, and all other general Councils, and the constant Order of the Catholick Church, all Provincial and National Churches have power to Go­vern themselves, and reform any abuses or errours that have crept into their Communion. And our Bishops and Clergy did in an Orderly way lay aside several errours that are maintained by the Church of Rome, but still re­tain the Faith and unity of the Catholick Church, and we do also particularly blame the Roman Church for breaking the Order and rejecting the Traditions of the Primitive Fathers and general Councils, but do not at all break the Rule of Christian Charity to the Church of Rome, [Page 19]or any other Church in the World; we leave them to Re­form and Govern their own Churches, and do but use the same Liberty over our own Members, which Christ has given, and the Church has ever maintained, which we allow them to use over those of their own Commu­nion, for they ought to Reform those abuses as we have done.

Obj. But is there not a plain rent and division made in the Church by this Reformation, and those that were united before in One Communion, are broken into several parties.

Answ. That there are and must be Heresies and Schisms in the Church, we are taught by the Holy Scriptures,1 Cor. 11.19. That they which are approved may be made manifest. But we can­not answer for other Men, it is sufficient we break Cha­rity with no body; we pay all Love and friendship, and all that communion that one particular Church ought to pay to another, but we do not intermeddle with their private affairs, or disturb and embroyl their Communion; and if the Church of Rome, and other Churches that hold with her, would keep the same temper that we have and still do, we should quickly see an end of all our Divisions,Can. 30. for we differ from none but where they differ from them­selves, and depart from the Primitive purity of those Ancient and Apostolical Churches from whence they had their beginning. And as for that Obedience and Conformity which we require of our own Members, it is no other and upon far easier Terms, then all Churches do require of those that are under their respective Jurisdictions. So that we are neither the cause nor party in any Division. Other Churches that break communion with us, deny that Christian Cha­rity that One Member of Christs Body ought to pay to another; and those of our own Members that run into Conventicles, set up Altar against Altar, and divide themselves from our Communion, go against the plain word of God, which requires them to obey them that have the Rule over them, See my Evan­gel. and Cath. unity, &c. against the constant Order of the Catho­lick Church and general Councils, and contrary to the Doctrine and Command of all other Churches in the World.

Obj. But are there no Reasons then for Men to refuse the Communion of their particular Church and Bishop, and must every private Christian alwayes comply with their Governours, whatsoever they say or do.

Answ. They must obey their particular Church, in all things Lawfull, which are in all things not contrary to the word of God and the Catholick Church.

Obj. But who shall be Judge in this Case.

Answ. The sense of the Catholick Church in Cases of doubt is to be consulted.

Obj. But is it not hard to know where she may be con­sulted, and how to understand her Sense in any matter?

Answ. God has promised that the way shall be so plain, that a wayfaring Man though a Fool shall not err therein; Isa. 35.8. 1 Tim. 3.15. and for our direction tells us, the Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth. And thereupon he has commanded us to hear and obey the Church, and there is no doubt it will be an easie matter to understand what her Sense is, in all Ca­ses needfull for us to know.

Obj. But have not Bishops and Scholars themselves ma­ny disputes about the Church, and about her Sense in se­veral points, and how then can People know the Sence of the Church?

Answ. Men of some Judgment and little Reading, are willing to despise that Authority which is above their ca­pacity, and Men of great Reading and little Judgment, do not know how to reconcile the seeming differences in the Church, but if you consult your Bishops and Ministers, they will satisfie you concerning the Sense of the Catho­lick Church in all parts of your duty. For since God has made it our duty to hear and obey the Churches, he will order matters so that all People that are willing to follow her direction, may be guided by it: for God does not reveal any thing to us that we cannot believe, nor com­mand any thing which we cannot perform in the manner it is proposed to us.

Quest. What plain Rule will you give us to go by in this matter, for we would willingly know the Truth and hearken to the Church.

Answ. First in all Lawfull, and in most doubtfull matters, it is your duty to follow the command of your particular Church.

Quest. But what must I do in things that seem to me contrary to the Word of God, when such are commanded by my particular Church.

Answ. The second Rule then I would give you is, that if you think or are credibly told, you ought not to joyn with your particular Church in this or that Doctrine or practice, before you make a Schism, enquire of learned Men what was the Sense of the Primitive Fathers and generall Councils, and what is the generall opinion of other Churches, and most learned Divines about it, and be sure you have good Reason and Authority before you depart from your own Church in which you live and were Baptized.

Obj. This is the way to put me upon a tedious endless work, more then either I, or the Persons I consult will be ever able to go through.

Answ. No, no such matter, the Sense and Consent of the Scripture and of the Church is so clear in all points of duty that People are concerned to know and practice, and the Controversies are so few when rightly stated and understood, that want to be decided in Order to your doing your duty, that it will be no hard matter to re­ceive full satisfaction; for they are either such that have been long agoe decided, or the Church is wholly silent about them, and there is no evidence of Scripture to oblige you to depart from your particular Church upon that account.

Now consider in how many matters all Churches are agreed, and the Controversies long agoe setled.

First, against the Arrians and Socinians, Consess. Au­gust. which are long agoe condemned for Hereticks, and the Three Creeds that expound the Catholick Faith,See my enqui­ry into the means of a happy union. contrary to their per­verse interpretations, are generally received by all Churches. So likewise the Anabaptists and Quakers, who deny Infant Baprism, are likewise condemned by all Churches, and 'tis the constant Doctrine of the Catholick Church and all [Page 22]Reformed Churches, that to separate from their Lawfull Bishops upon the account of their requiring of them to joyn in stated Forms of Prayer, and for enjoyning decent Ceremonies not contrary to the Word of God, and there­upon to set up Altar against Altar, and run into private meetings, is that Schism condemned in the Holy Scrip­tures. So that not only from the Holy Scriptures, but from the interpretation of the Church, it is most evident that they hold pernicious if not Damnable errours, and in these points it will be an easie matter for every body to find satisfaction, and to know the Churches Sense concer­ning them. So that to joyn with such Dissenters, and to profess their Doctrines, is manifestly to oppose the Catho­lick Church, as well as the Word of God.

Obj. But if you put us to enquire into the Ancient ways, and consult the Sense of other Churches, and give us that Rule for our direction in matters of Controversie; we fear you have a design to lead us back to the Church of Rome, for they talk much of the Church, and the old Reli­gion, and tell us all the World is on their side.

Answ. That is the great weakness of some to imagine so, and by their speaking meanly of hearkning to the Au­thority of the Catholick Church, make many Suspect indeed that the Church of God has been altogether cor­rupted, and lost; or else no where to be found for many Ages but in the Church of Rome. Whereas if you will in­quire of your Bishops, and Divines of the Church of England, they will tell you that the pretended Authority of the Pope and Church of Rome, is contrary to the generall Coun­cils, rejected by the whole Church for the first Six Hundred Years and upwards, and condemned by the major part of the Bishops and Christian Churches, from the Apostles times, to this very day; nay the Church of Rome is the only Church by Name warned to take heed least she be Cut off from the Body of Christ, as the Jews were, Rom. 11. So that the Church of Rome is so far from being the Ca­tholick Church, that she is a very corrupt part of it; and those of that Communion that amongst us set up sepa­rate Assemblies, do oppose the constant tradition of the [Page 23]Catholick Church, the Canons of the generall Councils, and follow a private Spirit, and are as proper Schismaticks as any of our Fanaticks and Dissenters.

Obj. But those of the Church of Rome do not only charge us with Disobedience to the Pope, but with He­resie and false Doctrine, in rejecting many Articles of Faith and other Ancient practices of the Church.

Answ. But if you will consult your Bishops and Mini­sters, they will make it appear, that the Points we re­ject are so far from being Articles of Faith, and ancient practices, that they are Moddern errours and corruptions, not known to, or else condemned by the Primitive Church, and this we may see evidently made out by severall late Writings and Disputes.

Obj. I am glad to hear you say the Catholick Church does plainly condemn the Usurpations and Errours of the Church of Rome, as well as the Scriptures, which seem plainly against them, and we think against many Orders of the Church of England also that are meer Humane in­ventions, if not old Popish Superstitions, which we cannot Lawfully joyn withall, and therefore are forced to serve God in such a Manner as we can, and which we think is better pleasing to Him, thô in separate Congre­gations.

Answ. Humane Inventions, and Popish Superstitions, are frightfull words indeed; but so you must remember, are Slanderers, Schismaticks, Hereticks, and disobedient to Parents, &c. as all those are that accuse the Church, and cannot prove what they say.

Obj. But our Preachers have told us that these Orders of the Church are Popish, Anti-christian, &c. and there­fore our Consciences would condemn us, if we should com­ply with them.

Answ. But will you run into so great Sins against the plain Word of God, because your Preachers tell you so. I thought the Word of God had been your Rule, but now I perceive you follow your Preachers against the Word of God, and will not obey your Governours according to it.

Obj. We think our Preachers are Good and Holy Men, and Teach us the Truth.

Answ. Why should you not have as good an opinion of your Bishops and Ministers? But when the Preachers take upon them thus to draw you into Schism, Disobedience, and teach you to have uncharitable thoughts of your Go­vernours, and to condemn the Church and fellow Chri­stians; you ought to suspect if not their honesty, yet their Judgment and Discretion, for they are Men, and may be transported by Passion and Interest, or else through errour and mistake, and lead you into heinous Sins. For why should you think them wiser and better then all other Divines.

Obj. But I hope still they teach us right.

Answ. But it is not enough to say you hope, you must be sure the Governours of the Church are in the wrong, or else you are in a most miserable condition to run your selves into so many Sins and dangers by separating from them.

Obj. But my Conscience tells me I am in the right.

Answ. But 'tis not your Conscience will excuse you, unless you have some Command of God to build upon. Now turn your Bible over and over, you will not find any thing in the Scripture against any duty required by the Church.

Obj. But pray where have you any Command of God for your Common-Prayer and Ceremonies.

Answ. We are commanded in Scripture to make Prayers and Supplications for all Men,1 Tim. 2.1. and to see that all things be done Decently and in Order, and since the Words and Ce­remonies are not determined in Scripture, 'tis better the Governours should consider and make Rules and Orders, then to leave it to every bodies Fancy, so that we have command in Scripture for what we do. But, pray, where have you any command of God for your irreverent Prayers and disorder in Gods service?

Obj. Why do you call our Prayers and Service irre­verent and disorderly?

Answ. Because they are so, and cannot be generally o­therwise; for when every Preacher is to follow his own [Page 25]heated and Rambling fancy, and every Hearer is lest to Sit, or Kneel, or Stand, or Lye along; to put on his Hat, or put it off: what can commonly be expected, but irre­verence and disorder.

Obj. As for these Modes, Gestures and Postures, which you call Irreverent, we matter not them.

Answ. But thô you matter them not, yet the Scripture does require all things should be done Decently and in Or­der, 1 Cor. 14.40. and we find that our Saviour and his Apostles did kneel down and shew all outward Reverence, and there­fore we think the Church of England has good reason to require People to imitate their examples in behaving themselves Reverently and Orderly when they are in the House of God, and not let their Service be more rude there, then when they are at their houses at home: so that nothing is commanded in this kind, but what civili­ty and good breeding would teach Men to observe, and for which we have the command of God, and the example of Christ and his Apostles and other Holy Men.

Obj. Perhaps it would be better if People were more Re­verent at their Meetings.

Answ. But how can that be expected, when all your Prayers and the whole Performance is left to the Arbi­trary pleasure and discretion of every Preacher amongst you, who are Men, and those none of the ablest neither, and may err and be ignorant.

Obj. But we think they Pray by the Spirit.

Answ. What do you mean by Praying by the Spirit do you mean that the Holy Ghost does put all those words immediately into their Mouths, and so they use no other Prayers, but what are dictated by the Holy Ghost.

Obj. We do think so, and our Preachers keep us up in that belief.

Answ. But how do they prove this? For if that be true, all their Prayers are as Divine and Infallible as the Word of God it self. For the Holy Ghost is as Infallible now, as when he did guide the Apostles to write the Holy Scrip­tures. But it is evident to all the World, that these Prayers are often so far from being Divine, that they [Page 26]sometimes are such as scarce become a sober Man. There­fore you may see what Men your Preachers are that abuse you in this manner, and cheat you with false stories, if your Preachers are dictated by any Spirit, 'tis generally by the Spirit of delusion; for it is not to be thought, that the Holy Ghost will work a Miracle at every Conventicle, to inspire every dissenting Preacher, when ordinary gifts are sufficient not only for such, but much more excellent Prayers: And any One that will but attend those Meetings, and weigh their Prayers with Judgment, will find more of the errour and weakness of the Man, then of the least e­vidence of the Holy Spirit.

Obj. But we have heard other Men Pray and Preach, but could never find so much satisfaction and comfort as we do from these Men.

Answ. Perhaps their passionate way of speaking, their Noise, with now and then an affected Sigh and Groan, may stir up a present passion in you, as a good Actor at a Play does, who can make the People cry and laugh when he will; I hope therefore you will not say, that the Actor is moved by the Spirit, and those are all made Godly People, that are thus moved and affected as to burst into Tears; so that if you Judge of the soundness of your Re­ligion by such outward Passions, I fear the Player when he sets about it, will make you believe he is the most Sanctified Preacher. Setting then aside this which is no ar­gument of the working of the Holy Spirit, but an act of the Man, and all the efficacy is lost in an hour or Two, assoon as you come into Company, or are taken up with business and other affairs: You must not therefore Judge of your Religion by a sudden passion, but by your sound un­derstanding, and steady performing all parts of your Duty.

Obj. But this cannot be a sudden Passion only in me, but must be a real work of the Holy Spirit, because I find a great change in my Life, I am grown more sober, read and meditate upon Gods Word, and mind Religion more then I did before.

Answ. But that is no Argament that you are in a safe [Page 27]way, so long as you continue in Schism; for when the De­vil did find he could no longer ruine your Soul by open prophaness, he now may tempt you to more secret Sins, to more Spiritual wickedness, which are as heinous in the sight of God, and as dangerous to your Salvation.

Obj. We have satisfied our selves all along upon these accounts.

Answ. But you see they are weak grounds to rely upon, for all this while thô you are Zealous for some, you may be wanting in many other necessary duties, and you are guilty of Schism, disobedience to Parents, destroy all Discipline and Order in the Church, encourage Atheism and Pro­phaness, and endanger the safety both of Church and State, meerly upon fancies and humours, for I can call it no o­ther, because there is not One good thing that you can learn and observe there, that you cannot as well have and practice in the communion of the Church. Besides you act against the Sense of the Primitive Church, and all other Churches in the World.

Obj. If it be so, we are much mistaken, and greatly a­bused by our Ministers.

Answ. It is certainly so, and while you follow such blind and erring guides, no wonder if you fall into destruction.

Obj. We have been told by our Preachers, and there­fore did verily believe that the Ancient Church were Papists, and when the Divines of the Church of England did talk to us of following the Doctrine and Government of the Ancient Church, we thought it was only with a design to prepare the way to bring us to Popery.

Answ. Now I hope you are satisfied that the Church of England is no wayes inclining to Popery, but does endea­vour to teach you your Duty according to the Holy Scrip­tures, and further to confirm the Truth and soundness of their interpretation of Gods Word, by the Doctrine of the Primitive Church, and the generall Councils, and tra­dition of the Catholick Church. And this you may see if you read their late Writings, they do as heartily maintain against the Church of Rome, as they did before against the other Dissenters and Fanaticks.

Obj. I am very well satisfied now that the Men of the Church of England are far from being Papists, but you tell me that all other Reformed Churches do approve of the Church of England, and are ready to joyn with her in communion, and condemn those for Schismaticks that set up separate Congregations.

Answ. Yes I do so, and if you will but advise with your Bishops and Ministers, they will easily be able to prove it to your satisfaction. You may read much to this purpose in my Evangelical and Catholick unity, where you have the opinions of Luther, Melancthon, Bucer and Calvin, in their own words to this purpose.

Obj. Then therein I perceive our Teachers have greatly abused us also. Indeed I find many rational and sober Men of the Church of England, and I believe there may be a great deal of Truth in what you say, but yet they are of such a persecuting spirit, that they will let no body live quietly by them that are not of their perswasion, which we think to be a very ill temper, not becoming the mode­ration of the Gospel.

Answ. It is a sad thing that the Church of England, which is the most gentle and moderate, and does disclaim all cruelty and hard usage upon the account of Religion, should now be accounted the greatest Persecutor, as I per­ceive she is at this time. People strangely forget them­selves, and the opinions and practices of their own Party, when they lay such an accusation upon the Church of En­gland, which does disown any power of temporal punish­ment.

Obj. But there were many Statutes that did inflict se­vere penalties upon Dissenters.

Answ. These are made by the State for the security of the Government; for they finding Dissenters generally e­nemies to the publick Peace, and endeavouring changes and alterations by Mutiny and Sedition, saw it necessary by Penal Laws to restrain them from growing too nume­rous, and to keep them within the bounds of their duty.

Obj. But does not the Church of England then allow of Penal Statutes.

Answ. In a moderate way she does, to make Men hear and consider, but not to undoe them.

Obj. But surely Men need not to be used like Children, they have discretion to mind their duty, without being stir­red up by punishments.

Answ. They should have so, but 'tis plain that they have not,Rom. 13. and therefore God Almighty has placed Gover­nours and Officers to be a terrour to evil doers, and a praise and an honour to them that do well and mind their duty.

Obj. Yes, if punishments were inflicted on evil doers, we should like that well; but they punish Godly People because they will not go against their Conscience.

Answ. Do you account then all the Idle, Lazy people that lye at home and sleep, or else sit drinking at Ale­houses in time of Divine Service, and will never so much as take pains to understand their Catechism, and bring their Children to be instructed in the Grounds of the Christian Religion, Godly People. Now 'tis evident these idle and ignorant People, unless they be stirred up by pu­nishment, will never give themselves the trouble to under­stand and do their duty, and so will ruine their own and their Childrens Souls.

Obj. If you did punish only such idle and lazy. People that did live like Heathens, and require them and their Children to hear and do their duty, no sober Man but must approve of such Discipline, and will say such People deserve to be punished. But you punish Godly People that do read and meditate upon the holy Scriptures, and take pains to know and do their duty, thô they do not conform to the Church of England.

Answ. The Laws are made in generall for all that ab­sent themselves from the publick Service, for else all idle People would excuse themselves under that pretence of being Dissenters. Besides many are Dissenters not out of Conscience, but out of Pride, Humour, and for temporal advantage; and so run into Heresie, Schism, and De­struction. It is all the reason in the World that such car­nall affections should be restrained, and Men obliged to [Page 30]hear and consider the sober Instruction of the Church; and the design of all punishments is to that purpose, that men might not neglect their duty out of humour and laziness, &c.

Obj. You will not allow then, that the Church of En­gland is a persecuting Church.

Answ. No, by no means, no body can with any colour say that of Her; she does advise all Magistrates to use that wholesome Discipline which God has appointed, and which all Holy and Religious Magistrates have executed, to oblige People to hear and consider. For as all Parents are bound to teach and correct their Children if they be disorderly, so all Christian Magistrates, as they are common Fathers of their Countrey, ought to see their Children in­structed in the principles of true Religion, and have a right to punish their unruly and disorderly Children: ac­cordingly there are Laws for that purpose, which when executed as they ought to be, bring Peace and Holyness to a Nation; thô in the executing them there is great pru­dence and moderation to be used, which the Governours are to take into their Consideration.

Obj. But why do you say the Church of England is the most moderate Church in the World.

Answ. Because she like the true Mother, is for correct­ing and not destroying her disorderly Children.

Obj. Surely those that now cry up Toleration, and talk of liberty of Conscience, when and where they had power, were not for putting to death and exterminating those that did differ from them.

Answ. Yes, you may read lamentable Stories of the cruelty of the Anabaptists in Germany, and I need not tell of the cruelties and Murders committed by others, who would be representing the Church of England for a persecuting Church. I shall not name particulars, inquire and you will easily satisfie your selves that the Church of England does but advise such moderate discipline, as Fathers ought to exercise over their Children, when the Dissenters are generally not satisfied but with blood and destruction.

Obj. I cannot say, but you speak a great deal of reason in the defence of the Church of England, and I perceive many good Men think it no harm to joyn with her upon occasion, but they think they may also goe and hear a good Sermon in a Meeting.

Answ. But is not that to set up a Schism, and plainly to make a fraction in the Church, and it is encouraging Children to think meanly of, and to despise their own Mini­sters, Parents, and Masters, for what is it but the very case that, S^t. Paul. blames in the Corinthians, that one was for Paul, another for Apollos, another for Cephas; for thô a Dissenter may Preach well, yet when he does it in oppo­sition to the Church, without any call, and does draw People into parties, it is that Schism which is condemned by the Scripture, and will bring all those mischiefs that I have already spoken of; and does plainly teach Peo­ple to despise their Governours, Ministers and fellow Christians.

Obj. But why do you say those Preachers have no call?

Answ. Because most of them have no Ordination, and if they had, they have no Licence and Authority from the Bishops and Governours; and so by the Law of Christ, and the constant Rule of the Church, they have no power to Preach, for how shall they Preach except they be sent? If they were Ordained, they ought not to thrust themselves into another Mans charge.

Obj. Thô they have no outward Call from the Church, yet they are sent by Jesus Christ.

Answ. How do you prove that.

Obj. Because we find them endned with excellent gifts, and Christ did not bestow such Talents to be hid in a napkin.

Answ. Gifts are no Argument that a Man has a Lawfull call, for a Heretick or a Schismatick may have Gifts, and use them to divide and destroy the Church. Therefore as none must Preach without a call, so if any that are called turn Heretick or Schismatick, he may be silenced again, Titus 1.10. for besides gifts, there must be a sober and orderly Conversation, sound profession, Obedience to the [Page 32]Orders of the Church; and if this Method were not ob­served, and Men tied to be Peaceable and Cuiet, and subject to their respective Governours, the Church would be the most confused Society in the World.

Obj. I confess Ministers ought to be quiet and peaceable Men, and they ought to promote Love and Unity.

Answ. But after this way of running into Conventicles, there can be neither Love nor Unity, nor holiness in the Church, for one Preacher will be setting up in opposition to another, and Sects and Divisions will daily increase: And you see by experience Schismaticks differ one from another, as they do from the Church, and then fall a censuring and condemning one another, as much as they did the Church; and thence proceed Hatred, Strife, end­less Quarrels and Contentions, and Heresies; Ignorance and Profaness overspread the Nation, and all these mis­chiefs come upon us, because Men will not submit to that Order and Government that Christ has set in his Church, but after their own lusts heap to themselves Teachers having isching Ears. 2 Tim. 4.3. Now the Scripture says, Men that thus op­pose the Peace and Order of the Church must have their mouths stopped, Tit. 1.10, 11. But if they are not stopped, all good Christians ought to avoid having any thing to do with them, Rom. 16.

Obj. Then I perceive you would take away the liberty of Conscience granted by the Act of Parliament.

Answ. The Act of Parliament is only to free you from the punishment that might be inflicted upon you by Law on your Body or Estate, and is equally extended to Anabap­tists, Quakers, and other Hereticks, and almost Persons of all Perswasions whatsoever, and to keep them quiet as to the State under their perverse humours; and therefore was ne­ver meant to lead you to the way of Salvation, or to war­rant them to be good Christians; and my design is rightly to inform your Conscience, and perswade you not to use this liberty for a Cloak of maliciousness: and to take this opportunity to run from the truth, is the way to bring upon your selves everlasting destruction, as many do, that forsake the Church of England.

Obj. Do you think then we are in such a dangerous condition?

Answ. It is not for me to pronounce Sentence upon any One as to the other World; but according to the Rules of Gods Word, and the constant Sense of the Catholick Church in all Ages, and of all particular Churches at this day, for Men to set up Altar against Altar, and separate from their lawfull Governours without just reason, is that Schism condemned by the Gospel; and that there is no reason to separate from the Church of England, I have sufficiently shewed by taking off all the Objections against her Communion.M^r Baxter's A­pology pag. 8. I know how unable the Se­paratists were to answer the many Argu­ments of the Famous Arth. Hildersham, J. Paget, W. Brad­shaw, Brightman John Ball, and other old Non­conformists, for the lawfulness of Communi­cating with our Parish-Churches, in the Sacraments and the Litur­gy. I was ex­ceedingly mo­ved against Se­paration (true­ly so called) by considering. 1. How contrary it is to the Principle of Christian-love. 2. And how directly and certainly pernicious to the interest of the cause of Christ, and his Church, and of the Souls of Men, and how powerful a means it is to kill that little Love that is left in the World— 4. I was greatly moved in thinking of the State of most Churches in the World; if I travelled into Ahassia. Armenia, Russia, or among the Greek Churches, I durst not deny to hold communion with them. When I go to God in Prayer, I dare not go in a se­parate capacity, but as a Member of the Universal Church, nor would I part with my share in the Common-Poayers of all the Churches, for all the World— And having perused all the Forreign and Ancient Liturgies extant in Bibliotheca Patrum. I doubt not but our own is incomparably better then any that is there. And consider what M^r Calvin says in this Case, who does also own Bishops, Liturgies and Symboli­cal Ceremonies, as ours are, no just Cause of separating from the Church, viz. Institut. l. 4. c. 1. n. 10.

I have set down the Preaching of the Word and Admini­stration of the Sacraments, for the signs whereby to know the Church— For where the Preaching of the Gospel is reve­rently heard, and the Sacraments are not neglected, there for that time is a certain face of a true Church, and 'tis lawfull for no Man, without punishment, to despise her Authority, re­ject her Admonitions, be refractory against her Counsels, or mock at her Corrections, much less may he separate from her and break her unity. For our Lord does so highly esteem the Communion of his Church, that he does reckon him for a Re­negado and desertor of Religion, that does obstinately separate from any Christian Society, that does hold the true Ministry of the Word and Sacraments; from whence it does follow, that to depare from the Church, is to deny God and Christ: but how much the more ought we to take heed of such a wicked Schism; for while we go about as much as in us lyes to destroy the Truth of God, we deserve that God should thunder against us with the greatest force of his Wrath, to break as in pieces.

If some Men of better understanding by their dili­gence get to a knowledge of the principal parts of their Duty, yet the generality of People, Children and Servants, will be exposed to all Ignorance, Errour and Profaness.

IN the constitution of the Church, the very Order of the Service, and the solemn times set apart to bless God for the particular dispensations of the Gospel, such as the Incarnation of our Lord, at the Feast of Annunciation, com­monly called our Lady-day, his Birth at Christinas, and so his Passion, Resurrection, Asconsion, sending down the Ho­ly Ghost, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, with other par­ticular Seasons, are a standing Catechism, and with a little help will easily bring even Children to understand and remember all parts of their Duty, and for their fuller in­struction and admonition, the Minister is to Catechise in the Afternoons, and to teach those that are ignorant of these things, and to put all others in mind to think upon and observe what they do already understand. So that Persons that live in the Obedience of the Church, must be stupidly careless of themselves, if they want any thing ne­cessary for their edification in Faith and Love, and finally to attain Salvation; and if any generally are ignorant of these things, they are such who run away from their Go­vernours, and either through sloth or faction, would not give themselves the trouble to hear and receive the sober advice of their Ministers, and commands of the Church: Then under the Churches discipline, the admonition of the Bishops, the reproof of their Minister, good Neighbours and fellow Christians, did reform many of these abuses, and stir up others to a diligent attendance upon the pub­lick Service. But now all sorts of temporal punishments are in a manner Suspended, if you by running into Con­venticles, [Page 35]teach your Children and Servants, your Neigh­bours and Acquaintance, to despise the Authority of their Bishops and Ministers, and all the Spiritual discipline of the Church, you will be a means to encourage Ignorance and Profaness, and in a short time our People will fall into Atheism and Infidelity. For many from your exam­ple, taught to contemn the reproofs and censures of their Governours, will not only neglect the Communion of the Church, but all sort of exercise of Religion, and so turn Pagans, if not live altogether like brute Beasts. Others that have as yet some sparks of the Sense of Religion in generall left in them, yet running up and down from Place to Place, from one Sect to another, will be far from recei­ving that firm and setled understanding of the Grounds and Principles of Religion, which is necessary to keep them steady in their Duty, and to bulld them up to an Ho­ly and Heavenly conversation. So that you that withdraw your selves from the Communion of your Bishops and Mi­nisters of the Church of England, besides the great Sins of Disobedience, Schism, and contempt of the Church, and the danger you run of Heresie and damnable errour; you do by your pernicious example expose your Children and Servants, and multitudes of your fellow Subjects to Ignorance, Profaness, Infidelity, Atheism; and so instead of advancing purer Religion, you will bring the greatest part to no Religion at all; and these things we could in a great measure prevent, if you by running into Conven­ticles, and despising the directions of your Governours, did not give them occasion, and encourage them to run away from the sober instruction of the Church.

Let me therefore in the Name of God, (and as I have the generall care and charge of your Souls, and shall be ready to give any assistance and direction you stand in need of in your passage to Heaven) prevail upon you to take these things into your serious consideration. Religion is not a politick Engine to be used at pleasure, only to serve Mens turns upon occasion, and gratine their humour, and keep up the interest of a party, but 'tis the revea­led and unchangeable Will of God concerning our Salva­tion, [Page 36]and therefore must in all things be carefully perfor­med according to the Rules of his Holy Word; neither must we have an eye only to this or that particular Duty, but have regard to all his Commandments: Now Satan does often appear with strong delusions like an Angel of light, and his instruments do with good words and fair Speeches deceive the hearts of the Simple, and put many cheats and fallacies upon unwarie Souls, to bring them into destruction. But there are scarce any more weak and manifest, then those that you have been hitherto abused withall, and many of them now evidently false by your own confession, as that we were all Papists, we did worship Stocks and Stones, were only morall Men, without any dependance upon the Grace of God, and the direction of his Holy Spirit. And now these slanders are fully confuted, they turn to other devices, altogether as groundless and unreasonable▪ as that 'tis indifferent what manner of Governours Men live under in matters of Religion, so they live Holy lives, and that they in separating from the Church of England, doe no more then she did in Reforming from the Church of Rome; as if it were the same to have a publick Service that they do understand, with having a publick Service they do not, to have the use of their Bibles or not to have them, to worship Images, pray to Saints and Angels, be content with half the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or not, when our Lord requires the whole. To omit many other errours. And not only our Bishops and Clergy, but Princes and Parliaments did all agree to Reform these abuses, and settle our Church upon the sure foundations of Truth and Holiness, according to the Word of God, and constant Law and Order of the Catholick Church; and there is not one duty of Piety to God, Charity to your Neighbour, and Obedience to the Catholick Church, but you may better practice in the Church of England, then in any other Society or Communion. Deal seriously with your own Souls and Consciences, What can you learn and practice in any Meeting, that you cannot as well observe and be taught in the Church? Will you then merely for Fan­cies and Humours expose your own Souls, your Wifes [Page 37]and Children, and the whole Nation to the danger of all Heresies and Schisms, and bring so great a guilt and di­straction upon your selves and Country? If you are of­fended at the evil Lives of some of our Members, do you come in and joyn with us, and give them better example, and by your Holy and Orderly conversation so strengthen our hands to their shame and amendment, that we may all follow Peace and Holiness in this World, and Reign with Joy and Glory in the World to come; but if you still continue obstinate in your Separation, consider how you will acquit your selves at the great Day, of the guilt of Schism, Contempt of Christ and his Ministers, Disobe­dience to Parents, and from being the sad occasion of those Heresies, Profaness and Confusion that have been brought into the Church of God: and that I do not say this as my own opinion only, but that which was the fear and apprehension of Queen Elizabeth, and the Parlia­ment in the beginning of our Reformation, we may learn from their Words, wherein they did as it were by Pro­phesie, foretell the miseries which since fell upon our Nation, and were chiefly brought upon us by this Sin of Schism, and neglect of resorting to the Church.

All and every Person and Persons inhabiting within this Realm or any other of the Queens Majesties Dominions, 1 Eliz. 1. shall diligently and faithfully, having no lawfull or reasonable excuse to be absent, endeavour themselves to resort to their Parish Church or Chappel accustomed, or upon reasonable let thereof, to some usual place, where Common-Prayer and such Service of God shall be used in such time of let, upon every Sunday or other days Ordained and used to be kept as Holy-days, and then and there to abide Orderly and So­berly during the time of the Common-Prayer, Preachings or other Service of God there to be used and ministred, upon pain of pu­nishment by the censures of the Church—

And for the due execution hereof, The Queens most excellent Majesty, the Lords Temporal, and all the Commons in this Par­liament now assembled, do in Gods Name earnestly require, and charge all the Arch-Bishops, Bishops and other Ordinaries, that they shall endeavour themselves to the uttermost of their knowledges that the due and true execution hereof may be had throughout their Dioceses and Charges, as they will answer before God for such evils and plagues, wherewith Almighty God may justly punish his People for neglecting this good and wholesome Law.

Thô the mit ward Penalty be suspended, in some Cases, yet the Duty still remains, and the reason is the same, and we may mind Men of it. But what miseries and calamities our Nation has suffered by the neglect hereof since that time, need not be told the Men of this generation, wish the hinderers of the due execution of this Law formerly, that are left alive, would in time consider and repent.