A SPEEDY REMEDIE AGAINST SPIRITUALL INCONTINENCIE.

KIND Christian Friend, according unto your request, and importunate desire, and my weak ability, I have againe indevoured, a plaine and briefe reply to your Objections, for the lawfullnesse of Heareing in the publicke Assem­blies of our Land. I meane for you, and such whose eyes the Lord hath opened, so farre as to discerne the False Ecclesiasticall State thereof, as you confesse in your writing, and that you are already Seperated therefrom; which it may be you are, in your judgement and affection, though not in practise: because you suppose it to be a duty, or at least a liberty to partake with them in the Preaching of the Word there. Which practise I conceive (and shall indeavour further to prove) to be sinfull, and unwarrantable by the Rule of the Word, and by good reason, or consequence therefrom; and that in diverse respects.

First, it being granted that the Church Estate is False, it therfore cannot have a True Ministry, nor an ordinary right Administration, neither for themselves, nor others; and ther­fore no warrantable Hearing, praying, receiving the Sacrements, or other partaking of their Ministry: and this you must likewise needs grant, for a False Church cannot ordaine a True Mini­stry, [Page 2] [...] Company [...] Rebells in the Common-Wealth can make true Officers: But it is sinful for them so to continue in, or partake with that Church State, which is ge­nerally agreed upon to be Nationall, or Priestly, and not a particular Body, and therefore False: none of them being but a Congregation onely, and not a Corporation, (as were the Apostolicke and Primitive Churches of Christ.) Wherfore their Church State being such, and so farre unlike the Primi­tive patterne: it must needs therefore be sinfull partaking, for all those likewise whomsoever, that are there Congregated, and present with them in that worship, who (by the nature of their Church intention and constitution) are reall partakers with that False State of Church and Ministry: For that Universall Church State and Ministry requireth not any more uniting, or mighting of membership, but being there, and then assembled or present with them. For as in a worldly Assembly, where any act is done, good, or bad: all there, and then present are alike liable to the Law, to be justified, or condemned toge­ther: so in such an Ecclesiasticall Assemblie, all that come there, are as really then partakers with that State, and Body, one aswell as another: for all their private personall contrary intentions, have no warrant in institutions, as is plaine, 1 Cor. 10.14. to 22. Rev. 2.14.20. 2 Cor. 6.14.17. for those knew their Idolatry, yet thought themselves free from the same, though present thereat, which dissembling the Apostle there reproo­veth as Idolatry, and communion with evill.

And being (as aforesaid) Congregated in their worship, you doe thereby partake of their Altar, their counterfeit False insti­tutions and constitutions, as is plainly proved, 1 Cor 10.17,18. & 12.20. & 2 Cor. 6.14.17. For every devised constitution, or Church State invented by Mans braine, and used as a meanes to serve God in, and by, is an A false Church [...] an Idoll. Idoll, 1 Kings 12.28,29. Amos 4.4,5. & 5.5. and all such as come there, and then to worship God (els what doe they there) come under their institutions, and con­stitutions: and are therefore then Idolaters, as much as the rest then, and there present, because they worship God by an Idoll, a false Church State and Ministry, being constituted of the whole Nation, even all within the Kingdome, good, and bad, even as they were but the day before the Proclamation therof, for the most part Papists, with profane impuritants of all sotts: which hath now no warrant from the Word, but directly con­trary; as is plaine, Cant. 4.12. 2 Cor. 6.17, 1 Cor. 5. chapter, [Page 3] Rev. 22.14,15. Besides their Time, Place, Persons, Maintenance, and Meanes of Worship, are Institutions of their owne devissing, and therefore Idolls, of all which hereafter.

And this their humane Antichristian Church State, as it is said to be Priestly, Parishionall or Congregationall: so it is institutive likewise, because under a Nationall Church Insti­tution Authorized by the Civill State: wherefore all those that do partake of their Publicke Administrations, must needs partake of their Institutions, by vertue whereof they doe ad­minister: and so have communion in that Church State, aswell at in the Ordinances thereof, Mat. 23.17.20. Whereas in the Covenanted, and united Corporations, or particuler independent polliticke bodies, and Churches of Christ, union, and communion, is No commu­nion in a true Church state, but by un. on. restrained to the Members; if but 2 or 3, as Mat. 18.20. or so many as may ordinarily meet together in one place for edi­fication, as 1 Cor. 14.23. Ecclesiastically in Christs Name, and by his Power acting for him: and of such an encorporated Body, none can Ecclesiactically partake, or be Members thereof, but onely such as by due Order are added, or admitted into some such true society of Saints: all others doe but stand by, and are without, as 1 Cor. 5.12. having no rightfull power in, or priviledge to, Christs Instituted Ordinances, in that divine In­stituted corporated state, as Psal. 122. all, 2 King. 8.2.5.14.25.33. Psal. 147.19,20. which is a manifest difference, from their Church State, where all that are present are partakers and Members.

But it is objected by you, and in a Booke called Mr. Robin­sons, that thu Hearing aforesaid, is but a Morall act, and not Com­munion: and that Preaching the Word is not inclosed with any ditch, or hedge, human or divine, but lyes in common for all, and for the good of all, &c.

To which I Answer. First, it is the Scripture onely that is of Divine and Conscience-binding Authority, and no humane Authority, which only is the Argument from that Book.

Secondly, All that he aymeth at and indeavours to prove, is that one fully Seperated from the Church State of England, may beare the Ministers therof without communion with them, which Argument is not for those that are not Seperated there­from.

Thirdly, his Argument to prove it no communion, because it is not rightfull communion, is not good; for unmarryed persons can have adulerous marriage communion, though not right­full: [Page 4]they may not, nor ought not; yet they can, and too oft have communion appropriat to Marriage.

Fourthly, the whole and fole professed scope of that Book, is to prove it lawfull for those of his Church, or the like Se­perates, to Heare the Ministers of the Church of England, which is exprest in his Title thereof: but that point he never toucheth in his whole Booke after, either in generall, or by any particular affirmation, or positive proofe: but onely answe­reth one onely Argument, framed by himselfe: as if it were the onely Argument, that had been, or could be brought to disprove his Title and opinion; whereas there are many other, some of which I intend to shew you.

Fiftly, since his writing that Booke, he publickly professed and taught in the Church of Layden, whereof he was Minister, that this Hearing now in difference between us, was partaking, and sinfull partaking with a false Ministry, but not proper commu­nion therewith: and he was also then confuted therein, in the presence of neare 300. persons of that Church, and divers o­thers, and promised to desist from prosecuting that opinion, which he had made known.

Sixtly, that Booke was never Printed, nor intended for to be, by himselfe (though he lived at least a yeare after the wri­ting thereof) nor by the Church whereof he was; nor any of the like true State; nor with their consent: but an enemy of them and him, long after his death, and much longer after his writing it, having found it amongst his wast papers; and I think not knowing of Mr. Robinsons own abovesaid revocation of the Title and scope of that Booke: and being urged by his and their most inveterate enemies, got it Printed to Mr. Robinsons Friends shame, and many mens hurt, who were willing to be hurt thereby in their souls, and matter of divine worship, rather then they would be hurt in their worldly repute and wealth.

Seventhly, it is evident to the many that heard Mr. Robinsons said assertion, that this Hearing was sinfull partaking with that Mi­nistry: and the Arguments that prevailed with him so to speak in the full Congregation of that great Church, that he wrote not that Book after it, because there is no mention of any of those Arguments which then diswaded him from that secret opinion, which sheweth that he honestly kept his promise of his desisting its prosecution; though it escaped the fire, which I thinke it should not have done, if he, or his Friends had sup­posed it would have been Printed: for ever a [...]terward be con­tinued [Page 5]in his former and better judgement, according to his Iustification of Seperation in Print.

But to Answer those Objections (but briefly.) First, I deny not that it is meerly morrall, to speake, heare, write, conferre, to wash, eate, drinke, &c. yea even to preach, or pray among morral­lists: as when one preacheth the God of Nature to the Hea­then, which have no other State upon them but Nature, as Ioh. 4.39.42. Act. 11.19,20. & 17 23,24. but when a Pastor preacheth Christ, in the Church of Christ, it is Christian, Preaching Stative.stative; and Ministeriall, and so an Euangelicall Institution. And when a a Priest preacheth of Christ, in the Church of Antichrist, it is likewise Antichristian, stative, and Ministeriall, and so a Diabolicall Institution: and therfore in both more then morrall except that you will say (as some Famillistically professe▪ that though they be Ministers, yet they preach to Assemblies of unconverted and morrall men: not as to a Church: and that the Preachers are no Officers therein; which the Preachers themselves dare not say: for then they must hold as we by the Scripture last quo­ted. But when we goe to performe any one spirituall, and pub­licke instituted duty (for all institutions are duties, and not liberties) as to offer the sacrifice of prayer, praise, preaching or Heareing more then Morrall. Hearing the Word, or receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or Babtisme, in an instituted Ecclesiasticall state, by an instituted officer: it is then a spirituall duty, performed in obedience to God, and not a morrall act but divine, spirituall, and acceptable: unlesse we can worship God morrally, and acceptably; which is no lesse a falsity then an absurdity, Pet. 2.5. Wherefore so to speake, heare, washe, eate, drinke, as is aforesaid, is more then morrall: because then there is a prerogative precept, or an institution upon them in the administration, and much more the Sacraments, being of an instituted nature must therfore have an instituted person to admi­nister them (and not for imaginary reall presence thereat, as some fondly affirme; and therfore to avoyd that errour, runne upon a worse, which is, that any may aswell administer those instituted ordinances, as Baptisme and the Lords Supper, which are onely of an instituted nature, aswe [...] as pray, or preach the Word, which are morrall, and grounded in nature) Consider this diffe­rence; for though others can doe the same things, yet they may not: sor no personall private intentions have warrant in insti­tutions; as all may see by the example of Corah, Vzza, and Vzzia. All which shew, that onely the immediate warrant of God must be our guide therein. As in the Common-wealth, [Page 6]though it be lawfull for any to carve, cut, or worke upon Sil­ver, and to set the impression thereof on letters and evidence; yet so to do, in making and sealing with the figure of the Kings stamp and Seale, without the Kings commission, is Treason. I likewise grant that preaching, or Hearing the Word, is not inclosed with any hedge, ditch, l [...]ane of divine, but that it lyes in common for all, and for the good of all, as you say; provided alwayes that it be preached (if Officially and Autho­ritatively) first, in a true Church state: secondly, by those that have a lawfull Ecclesiasticall function, and calling thereunto: or else personally, as Prophetically by a guift, as Rom. 12.6. 1 Cor 14.3 24.29 to 35. Act. 11.20.21. Ioh. 4.28.34. otherwise God hath cursed those that dare assume this authority, and the par­takers therein, as is plain Numb. 16.1.3.11.33. 2 Chro. 26.16. 1 King. 12.31. yea although both Corah, and Vzza burnt true incense, and Ieroboams Priests true sacrifices, Amos 4 4,5. & 5.5. And that it is alike dangerous, and more sinfull in divers re­spects to partake in the worship of the Beast, now under the Gospell, see 2 Thess. 2.7.10.12. Rev. 14.9,10,11, &c.

And whereas it is likewise objected, both by you, and many others, that it is not communion, to beare them in the administration of the Word only, except in the Seales also. I Answer, this is a diffe­rence without distinction and shifting Sophistrie; and doe de­sire all were truly sencible thereof, that seek the Lord in since­rity. Because I must be briefe, I onely doe demand of you, or any, where God did ever in a Church state, seperate these two, the word, and the seales (having Officers for their due administra­tion) for if it be lawfull for one to Heare them, why not to re­ceive further benefit by them? seeing they doe one aswell as the other, as they be an instituted, and constituted Church and Ministry. All which are alike appro­priate it herunto. and Preaching of the word Ecclesiastically, is as reall a part of worship, as is the sealer; and therefore as incommuni­cable there, as was eating meat sacrificed to Idols, 1 Cor. 10. For there is foure parts of Apostolicall Church communion, Act. 2,42. that is, the Church, the Church States, Functions of those States, and the Sabbatticall Congregationall exerciseings of them all three: and from these Foure are answerable, the Mother, the Brest, the Nipple, and the Child sucking Milke from all three; in all which you plainly partake, and communicate, and so have your spirituall nourishment communicated from a false Church, which either poysons, or starves them according to that quan­tity ye receive thereof. And as the milke of the Word will nou­rish, [Page 7]being had in, and by, the true Mother or Church; so the Milke of the Whorish Church will poyson, by her unwhol­some Doctrines, and in time steale away the naturall affection from the true Mother, or Church: howbeit the word may be prosperous there, through the nature thereof to the elect, as Heb. 4.2.12 Isa. 55.11. and by the superabundant goodnesse of God, though it cannot be challenged, expected, or prayed for upon any Promise, they not being in the visible Antichrist's out of the state of Grace.state of grace, the true Church: but wallowing in, and wandering after a false Church, Rev. 13.3. Wherfore (in the feare of God) let all those who doe intend, or have already joyned themselves unto the Lord, in so neare a bond, as to be married to Christ; as Isa. 62.5. and so by that misticall union, are made one body with him; as Eph 5.30. having taken him to be their Husband, Lord, and Lawgiver, to be ruled and taught by him, who is their spirituall King, Priest, and Prophet: let them I say consider how dangerous a thing it is, to breake this their instituted state of worship, and to imbrace the bosome of a stranger, as Pro. 5.20. which the Lord cannot abide, Isa. 42.8. Psal. 73.27. & 106.39,40. And as there is but two estates properly wherein all creatures are com­prehended, that is to say, in this life the world, and the Church; in the life to come, heaven and hell: so that every one is either a member of Christ, and ought to be in his Church, or of the Di­vell belonging to the world, or false Church; and shall either raigne with Christ in eternall blisse, or ruine with the Devill and his Angels in eternall torments: which may be a reason suffici­ent to deterre persons, who be perswaded of their own perso­nall faith, and assurance of Gods love in Christ: yet doe content themselves to continue in a disorderly, and disobedient state of Idolatry. Which spirituall instituted Church state, true and false, is in Scripture set forth by the naturall instituted state of marriage: For as the true Church is a company of discernable Christians, entred into a Covenant of God to be his Sabbath assembling Corpo­ration, for his worship, and their own salvation: and the false Church in controversie, is a Regiment of Popish Priests, usurp­ing Gods Ordinances, and adding their own, for the same ends; I meane in their own pretence; though in truth and Gods ac­count, it is Idolatry, and worship, and communion with Devils, 1 Cor. 10.14. to 21. 2 Chro. 11.15. Rev. 9.20. So is true mar­riage a Mans and Womans covenanting with God and each other to be Husband and Wife, in obedience and love of Gods mar­riage order; and for the continuance of mankind; and false or [Page 8]usurped marriage, or its abusive communion is an agreement of a Man and a Woman to doe the worke, and take the pleasure of marriage, without and before the act and performance of the divine order of marriage, 25 Hos. 1.2,3. with cap. 3.3. which false Church, is the counterfeit of that blessed instituted order, and ordinance of God, for procreation, and preservation spirituall, which is called fornication, and whordome, v. 2. which false and counter­feit Ecclesiasticall state, is called a great whore, v. 1 as having rela­tion only to the City of Rome: with a cup of gold in her hand, v. 4. which Cup is (as I conceive) the Masse of false worship of the same false, and Antichristian Church state, the Kingdome of dark­nesse, or that habitation of Devils, and cage of every uncleane, and hatefull bird, as Rev. 18.2. but derived and received from Rome, and so disperst into diverse particulars of Nationall or other­wise false Church states; which Cup, is there said to be full of abomin [...]tions, and filthinesse of her fornications, v 4. and all the in­habitants of the Christian earth, are drunke with the wine of that old whores cup, as v. 2. chap. 13.8.16. & 18.3.23. And this Ido­latrous, glorious, Catholicke quaffing cup, hath Seaven severall sup­porting Pillers, or degrees of drunk [...]nnesse (the counterfeit of Wisdomes house Pro. 9.1.) wherby that old Babylonish Baude, doth intoxicate the heads and hearts of her silly passengers, as the Wiseman hath it, Pro. 9.15,16. And all those that are either her reall members, and constant customers, or any way intang­led with her institutions (if it be but delightfull dalliance with her, as some thinke this Hearing is) do in the sence, and by the proofe of Scripture then alike become her guests, by receiving her marke or lovetoken, either in their right hand, or in their fore­head, as Rev. 13.16,17. which shalbe plainly proved in the se­quell of this my Letter, which Cup I have divided into Sea­ven severall Drafts.

The First Draft of this Whorish Divellish delusion, is this deceivable, Nationall, E [...]clesiasticall state, with the renowned antiquity, and universality thereof: which as it had its begining, and growth, as 2 Thess. 2.7,8. so must it have an ending, as Rev. 18.7,8. Dan. 11.45. Maugre the malice of all her Mer­chants, Rev. 18.11.15. whereas the true Church state of Christ, the gates of hell cannot prevaile against it, as Mat. 16.18. Heb. 12.28. because it is in heaven, Gal. [...] 26. Rev. 21.10. which divine pollitticall state, hath been, and shall ever continue to the end of the world, in use and power: wherfore, as Babells fall is certain, as Rev. 18.2. and will be sodaine, as v. 10.19. why should not [Page 9]all Gods people (being by the Holy Ghost invited, be willing to come out of Babylon, as vers. 4. as by duty we are bound: and serve the Lord in due order, in his owne way, in his owne House, by his owne meanes, and amongst his fellow-sonnes in the fellowship of the Gospel, the true Church state, where onely he hath promised to accept us, as Eze. 20 40. Heb. 8.2.10.12. with 2.5. & 12.28. Ioh. 9.31. Mat. 18.20. 1 Pet. 2.5. for God never gave his Lawes and Ordinances Ecclesiasticall to any but to a true Church or State, as Mic. 4.2. Psal. 147.19,20. Isa. 8.16. nor any tolleration to exercise or enjoy them else­where, Ier. 2.17,18,19,36.

The second reason or ground against hearing aforesaid, is taken from their Office, which is also Antichristian and univer­sall, as is their Church state, they being all ordained, breathedon by the Bishops; and so those Frogges comming out of the mouth of the Beast and false Prophet, Rev. 16.13. are thereby fitted to officiate in any place they can get within that state, whether or no they have, or yet there be any Benefice or flock to feed, or rather to feed them. But as for the Churches of Christ, they choose out from amongst themselves, as Act. 6.6. Officers in every Church, Act. 14.23. and 1.21,23. such as the rule of the Word waranteth both for gifts and qualifications, where, being elected and ordained, they are onely bound to officiate and partake in as before: so likewise must there bee a functionall rite aswell as a gift, to officiate and serve God by, such offices which are onely five as our King Christ Iesus hath left his Church for the sufficient feeding and preserving both of the soules and bodies of his brethren, the Saints, which the false, apish and Antichristian church, hath likewise imitated, but doth after their owne order of infinite offices, officiate, not by Christs. Wherefore all that heare them so officiate, or preach in their publike, instituted, and consecrated places, must needs partake of that their universall Office, which ex­tendeth (not onely to a peculiar people, as in the Church of Christ) but to all that heare them, hee will be their Priest wheresoever they come: neither doe they preach (as you sup­pose and many professe) by vertue of gifts, (wherefore as you say, you doe heare them) but officially, and sent by the Pre­lates (whose mouthes they are to the people (witnesse their holy Orders, so called:) and so must all heare them (their in­stituted teachers) and at their owne instituted time, in their owne instituted place, by their owne instituted meanes, in their [Page 10]owne constituted state, and no otherwaies: however men (they consider not wether they obey God or man therein,) flatter themselves, making it as small a matter as going to Market, through commonnesse thereof being borne and brought up therein; yet is every such act both in their officers, an act of rebellion and treason against Gods prerogative Royall, so to continue, and officiate for Antichrist, and against Christ; and likewise for any to beare them so officially preach there as a­foresaid, for they must needs partake of their Altar, Anti­christ with his false instituted office and State, as 2 Chron. 11.15. 1 King. 12.31.33. and so be partakers of their sinne there­in, even as of their sacrifice, which is plainely forbidden, Amos 4.4.5. and 5.5. 1 Tim. 5.22. 2 Cor. 6.14.16.18. and a fearefull sinne of rebellion against God, as Ierr. 7.22,24. Rev. 18.4 and 14.9,10,11. And it is the property of Christs Sheepe to heare his voyce, his owne officers, and not strangers, such as come not in at the doore, by a true outward calling thereunto, which whatever they be, are not therefore true, but false Prophets, let them pretend what they can, they runne before they be sent, as Ier. 23.21,22,32. for though they may have never so great gifts or abilities, to preach as Corah, Dathan, and Ab [...]ram had, Numb. 16.2. yet it makes them not true officers without a true and visible or outward calling, which giveth right there­unto; no more then a man unmarried may procreate, or then any officer in the Common-wealth which doth officiate As a Cun­stable, or heads­man. for the King, for, or by his gifts or abilities thereunto, for divers of his Neighbours may excell him therein) but by vertue of his election and commission thereunto: onely whereby hee is enlighted more then any other, though never so able for gifts. and if any other shall presume or assume officially to deale with, or for others in the execution of the Kings Lawes, both he that so executeth, (although never so secretly, and those that doe submit thereunto (though never so simply) are both in a premunire, and transgressors of the Kings Lawes and Or­dinances. And much more equall is it, that Christ our King, Lord and Law-giver, should be submitted unto herein: and that none should dare to take this officiall honour unto him­selfe, except he be called of God, as Aaron was, Heb. 5.4. espe­cially under such a notorious rebell as Antichrist is, 2 Thess. 2.8. even the Devils vicegerent or Lieutenant, Revel. 13.2.4. and 9.1.2.11. and for this sinne, wee shall finde the Scrip­ture plentifully vindicating the honour and glory of God [Page 11]herein, on such who have presumed to approach so neere the Lord without this his Order, as Numb. 16.32,33. 2 Chron. 26.16.18.21. and 13.9,10. 1 King. 13.1.4.34. with any appearance of an office, as Act. 16.18. Rev. 2.2. And shall hee now permit any (under what pretence soever) to officiate us for him, but without his call or sending, visibly manifested [...] especially manifesting the contrary sending, and that by his implacable enemy Antichrist; who hath for a long time re­belled against Christ: and by his prevailing power and usur­ped authority, making both Lawes and Officers, of his owne invention, as is prophesied of him, Dan. 7.25. Ioh. 5.43. which onely well wayed, were enough to deter tender-hearted Chri­stians from submitting to him, or partaking with him, as Rev. 9.11. And as they have from this head, their false calling, so have they thence their false functions or Both which you justifie by Hearing them Preach. offices, none of those mentioned, Rom. 12. nor Ephes. 4. but confounding the Offices of Christ, both for order and number, to fit their owne humour

But as wee have a rule to know the Lawes, Offices and Officers of Christ, so have we a Warrant likewise to heare them, because sent and set up by him; and in hearing them, wee heare Christ that sent them, as Luk. 10.16. And so may expect a blessing of information, edification, and consolation by them, as the meanes sanctified of God for that end.

But on the contrary, if we beare any of Antichrists officers, as aforesaid, ecclesiastically, wee then heare the Bishop that sent and authorised them, the Pope, their elder Brother, that authorized the Bishops, and likewise wee heard their King and head the This is truth. Devill, as Rev. 9.11. that sent his Vicar the Pope, as the Apostle teacheth, 1 Cor. 10.20. 2 Cor. 6.15,16. 2 Chron. 11.15. wherefore consider this one particular, I beseech you, if this be not in a high manner to provoke the Lord, even as much as in you lyeth, to deny God, his Church, his Mini­stery and Administrations, and to give the glory thereof unto another, even his implacable enemy Antichrist, and so make their selves lyable to the judgements of God, in upholding the cursed kingdome of darknesse, which the Lord will destroy, 2 Thess. 2.8. which is the maine cause of our totall separation from them, knowing no good ground for Popish pardons Iesuiticall reservations and equivocations, nor for Familisticall intentions and evasions, herein wee dare not presume to par­take in their transgressions, Rev. 18.4. but as wee are bought [Page 12]both soules and bodies by so deare a price, 1 Pet. 1.18,19. wee beleeve wee ought to glorifie God to the uttermost, both in our soules and in our bodies, as 1 Cor. 6.20. Giving up our bodies a living sacrifice, in his holy service, acceptable to God accor­ding to his Word, Rom. 12.1,2. 1 Thess. 5.23. and have no fel­lowship with the unfruitfull workes of darknesse, but reprove them rather, as we are commanded, Ephes. 5. to 21. Then let Baals Prophets plead their owne cause, and let them preach to their pictured walls, for the Lord hath not raised us up Pro­phets to keep us in Babel, as Ier. 29.15. as some still plead, and as Iuda then said, whom the Lord threatneth, vers. 17. for their flattery and villany, vers. 23. but that we should come cleare out of her speedily, as chap. 51.6.45. Revel. 18.4. And not dare to have any dalliance with those spirituall Harlots in Gods spirituall worship, as Prov. 6.25. For as the same Wi [...]e man saith, vers. 27.28. Can a man goe upon coales, and his feet not be burnt; no surely, such are over-swayed with the sinfull con­ceits of their former contents, not considering the breach of their spirituall instituted state, which onely God hath blessed them in, and bounded them to, as in the naturall instituted state of marriage. And though wee have right unto all (both naturall and spirituall) benefits and priviledges, as you say both by the Word; and all other ordinances of Christ, as 1 Cor. 3.22. Yet are wee also tyed unto the stative instituted or­der of Christ therein, as were our first Parents Adam and Eve, Gen. 3.6. Rom. 5.19. Notwithstanding the otherwayes mani­fold use, both for delight therein, and benefit thereby; and because of the institutivenesse thereof, which they brake, they procured a curse both on themselves and their posterity, as vers. 15, 17, 19. Wherefore I pray you, and all Gods people, for this reason, to consider the danger, at how great a price you purchase the whores ware, and buy it no more, as Revel. 18.11. For it is forbidden Fruit.

For, as for the outward man, we must observe Gods order, both for backe and belly, though we (as all others) have a crea­ted right unto the creaturs, yet we may not take them of any, or where we find them; but must come unto them by the course and order God hath appointed us thereunto: so also may wee not in spirituall things (as some suppose) seeke to benefit our selves, but by obedience, as is plaine, 1 Sam. 15.22,23. Ecles. 4.17. or 5.1. Wherefore let all Gods people be warned of their Spirituall Incontinencie and Idolatry, which so much provo­keth [Page 13]the Lords jealousie, as Deut. 29.20. Exod. 34.14. Psal. 78.56. 2 Cor. 11.2. and not doat on these false, fabulous, and usurped Authoritive teachers, how excellently soever perso­nally qualified, as Israel of old did after the Aegyptians and Assiri [...]s, as Ezek. 23. chap. Exod. 16.3. Hos 12.1. which giddi­headednesse the Apostle likewise chargeth, both on the Pa­stors and people under the Gospel, to be carefully prevented as an ensuing scabbie sinne, 2 Tim. 4.3,4. For the practise of those persons that ruinate either Faith or Order, is abominati­on, bringing confusion, contrary to that course Christ hath set in his Church, 1 Cor. 14.33.40. And they must be avoided as unfit matter for the Churches of Christ, Rev. 21.27. whe­ther to be received into them, or being thereof to be retained; they ought therfore to be better informed, as Pro. 19.2. and by the same Wise man advised, Eccles 4.17. to take heed how they enter into the house of God, lest being unfit matter of a Church of God, and not partakers of the true order of Gods worship, all their services be but the sacrifice of Fooles, though them­selves be never so devout.

And as I conceive, such are all those, who by this inconti­nent confused course of Hearing aforesaid, without Gods order (as though our God were not still the God of Order, aswell of Religion or adoration, as of Creation, Procreation, and pre­servation) and by this their Babylonian oberration, they may be followers of any Religion; which, as I suppose, is rather ig­norance in you and them to whom I write (though they so doe rather through an inordinate desire of inward spirituall benefit) then ambition or any outward worldly respect, as it was at the first building of Babel, Gen. 11. who, having sinned and broken the order of God, thought by the height thereof, to preserve themselves, and prevent Gods Judgements from the like late generall Deluge. And as it was in them a sinfull ambition, so is it now likewise in these and them both an arro­gant presumption; and a cheefe meanes to reduce and re­taine others still in Babylon, or disorderly confusion.

This is the second drunken draft of the intoxicating wicked Wine of that Whores cup, Rev. 17.1,2,4. whereby her guests are so attended and supplyed with their red liquor, Prov. 23.30,31. that all are ready still to run thither.

[Page 14]A third reason and ground against Hearing aforesaid, is in regard of the Maintenance of those Ministers, which is either Jewish or Popish Tythes and Offerings, which is appointed and expected for their labours, from their followers, as a due re­ward thereof, and is indeed by them in reason not to be retai­ned or denyed. Wherefore, if this disorderly practise of Hea­ring be well weighed by those who so lust after that forbidden fruit, such as you I meane who are already (or suppose them­selves) separated from the false, and united to the true Chur­ches of Christ, and should depend on their owne officers, and appointed meanes f [...]r the Food of their soules, as Act. 20.28. 1 Pet. [...].2. And on whom their officers should depend for their maintenance, as 1 Cor. 9.11.14. 1 Tim. 5.17,18. and who suppose it a liberty to be partakers of their spirituall things, may see how injurious and unequall dealing it is, not onely to thrust out, and take up the rightfull roomes of others their flocke, but also to receive their officers spirituall things, if they doe not afford them their wages for maintenance, whereby indeed their craft is upholden, as are their Purse­vants, & the rest of their Commissary courts, that rude rabble of cruell hunters, Ezek. 13.18.20. which wages, if all Gods people would retaine, as they might, Revel. 18.11. and rather lose their worldly repute, and likewise refraine their fellow­ship in those Antichristian assemblies, as they ought, Ephes. 5.11. wee should not have so many proud priests, and misled poore people, as Revel. 18.22,23. which now all, some for feare, others for favour, follow the Whore as is professed, Rev. 13.15,16,17. and are thereby branded with her marke, and know not the danger, untill a dart strike through their liver, as Prov. 7.23.

Neither would there be so many empty [...] at the as­semblies of the Saints; for take away this hot Maintenance. coale from their live Altar, and their sacrifices and set service will quickly coole, as the Lord testified of the false Prophets of old, Mic. 3.5,11. so is it now with these Antichristian Priests, of whom the Prophet, Dan. 11.39. and the Apostle Iude hath long agoe told us these things, how that they should divide the Looke to this you landed men. land for gaine [...]; and doth not every Parish Priest expect, nay compell it, every one from his quarter, as Isa. 16.11. both of their lands and houses they will have Tythes, though wee come not to partake with them, else comes out their commischiefe courts wodden dagger, which hath by our Saviour himselfe bin told [Page 15]us before, Iohn. 16.2. which spirit begun in Diotrophes that do­mineering Doctor, their old predecessor, as 3 Ioh. 9.10. and of these false Prophets, and their profitable disposition, the Apostle, 2 Pet. 2.3. Iude. 11. hath at large fore-warned us: And that this their maintenance is a contrary course to Christs Church; is plaine, which is either a free benevolence, as Act. 5.4. Luke 8.3. or by their owne labours, as Act 20.33,35. or both, as occasion requires: Wherefore I beseech you to con­sider this their incontinencie, and their injury, and if you doe expect to meet the Lord in his ordinances, looke not so much to please your owne fantasies, but if you will run a whoring still after those spirituall Harlots, you must then likewise in reason pay them their wages, as before, which is not onely an absurdity thereon, but also a fearefull sinne, as Hos. 2 5,7,9. and 12.1. Isa. 55.2. Ezek 16.17,18. Prov. 3.9. Rev. 14 9,11. and 18.15,23.

Now one word more by the way to their Ministeriall men, who like Michahs wandring Priest, Iudg. 17.7.9.11.) are ne­ver satisfyed with their benefices, as Chap. 18.19.20. when will the Prophecie be fulfilled Zach. 13.4.5. And when will the day come that they will be ashamed of their vision, and leaue off their sinfull standing, and wait on the Lord in the way and meanes he hath sanctifyed for his worship and service, (and being found fit) bring their guifts for the repairing of the Saints, whom they have hitherto hindered, and in as much as they could ruinated: it may be they will now at the last help the Lord against the mighty, for wee know the times have not yet so well fitted their turning, yet the expected time of the wind turning to the truth, being now neere at hand, bid them hasten, for if with its turning hereafter, they expect to be carried in­to our companies, how can they free themselves from our jealousies, but rather be rejected, according to that prophesie, Ier. 51.26. Ezek. 44.10. to 14. Wherefore for their credits let them in time returne, and with us trust the Lord, who hath said he will satisfie the soules of his Saints that serve him, Psal. 36.8.9. and 65.4.132.13.15. Isa. 66.11,12. 1 Pet. 2.1.2. For what is it better for the best of them, and their doting disciples, the Professors so much complaine of the times They will be as the times be. if they doe still onely wish them better, and never help to make them so by their particular practise, nay lett hem looke to it lest (the world by wondring and wandring after, and resting upon them) they be not found the chiefe hinderers of the [Page 16] Lords Harvest, as Mat. 9.36,38. not onely by standing idle all the day-themselves, Mat. 20.6. but also disswade others from the Work of the Lord, saving with the idle Israelites, Hag. 1.2. that the time is not come that the Lords house should be built; What need wee trouble our selves therewith, wee must leave Reformation to them in authority [...] and so never reforme them­selves) as though the Lawes of God were not in force, nor use, but by the appointment and permission of Princes or Prelates, tis true that Princes may make the truth more free, but not more lawfull, in any time or place, Psal. 111: 8. But these carnall Gospellers with their great possessions, are like with Christs Camell, Mat. 19.20,22,24. to keep out of the King­dome of Heaven (the Church, Mat. 6.33. and 13.19,24,31,33,38,41.) for the way of the Gospel is too narrow and strait generally for them, Mat. 7.13,14. and fit for the poore who have nothing to lose, for it is such that the Lord doth chuse, Iam. 2.1,5. 1 Cor. 2.27,28. As for those whose godlinesse is gaine, who will be rich, they fall into snares and manifold temptations, 1 Tim. 6.5,9. which worldly wealth the Apostle then said, that some (but wee may now say that all) doe covet after, and so pierce themselves thorow with many errours; vers. 10.

But if you be not affrighted nor terrified enough for your owne sinful standing, and rebellious walking, neither have any hearts to so great a price of Christs wisdome, the true worship of the But dote on the world. Word, Rom. 12.1,2. which is that wisdome the wise man S [...]loman, so, much priseth in his Proverbs and divine Sen­tences, and else-where in the Scriptures, and if you be not yet perswaded hereof, leave off to oppose and And so adde affliction to our bands Phil. 1.16. raile against those that be, as did your proud predecessors the Scribes and Phari­sees, Mat. 23:13. else let some of your divine Doctors (which yet never any did) demonstrate to us, their warrant to dispense the Mysteries of life and salvation, by those, and to such, as it doth in that state, nothing belong or appertaine, as O impuden­cie and impietie! they all doe, like the false Prophet of old, Ier. 6.14.15.16. For by their flattery the poore people are kept still in blindnesse and pro­phanation of Gods Ordinances, as were the ancient Iewes, who cryed aloud, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, as they doe with lesse right, Ier. 7.4. Ioh. 8.33.37.39.44. And by this their gainefull great Net and flattering bait, they catch all commers, in hope that none will passe by their angles, as [Page 19] Hab. 1.13.15. Thus sell they Gods Ordinances for Iewish, and Popish Tithes and Offerings.

This is the Third drunken Draught, and contentious quarrelling cup, betwixt the Whore and her guests: whereupon the Glasse of her gaine is broken, and they refuse to make her satisfaction.

A fourth reason and ground against hearing aforesaid, is in respect of their consecrated houses, Cathedralls, Chappells, or Churches so called: because all those High Places have upon them an Antichristian institution, even from the first founda­tion of them, being then intended, consecrated or made holy, onely for their worship of God, and no other place by them permitted thereunto. And herewith they delude the people, who for the most part dote upon a materiall Temple still, under the Gospell: which is no other then to deny Christ to be come in the flesh, who is the substance of all things shaddowed under the Law, either in his Person or Church. And likewise the better to keep the People in hand: there remaineth a power of bles­sing or consecrating in them, as it is in God 1 Tim. 4.5. there­fore hath Antichrist assumed this power also, as Iohn. 5.43. 2 Thes. 2.4. Rev. 13.2,4,13,14. And as it is an ordinance of Antichrist to institute or consecrate a state, and persons to preach by and to, as before: so likewise hath he consecrated a time and places to preach in: which places being dedicated to and set apart for Gods publicke worship, and with­out the warrant of the Word, are Idols or Idolatrous monu­ments. as Iudg 17.5. Ier. 7.31. 1 King. 12.29.31. Hos. 4.4,5. and 5.5. And therfore of all other places unfit for Gods true worship who will not be worshiped with, or by an Idoll. And none can come to Heare the Word there; but must needs come under that their Institution and consecration, or execration rather, and so be partaker of their sinne therein. But as it was ever, so is ther now an appointed place by God, for his worship and seruice: as first under the Law Deut. 12. So likewise under the Gospell, but not so bondaging Mal. 1.11. For now the particular appointed place for publicke worship under the Gospell, is the Christs Court. encorporated cultive congregations of the Saints, wheresoever assembled, he hath there promised his presence, and acceptance. ▪ Mat. 18.20. and 28.20. 1 Cor. 11.18.20. [Page 20]and 14.23. 1 Tim. 2.8. Rev. 1.13. And this is one put of the Churches liberty under the Gospell Gal. 5.1. for as the The Temple typed out the congregation. Temple, or Place of Gods worship under the Law, was the Tipe of the Congregation of Christs worshipers under the Gospell Gal. 4.24.26. Heb. 12.18.22.23. 1 Cor. 3.17. So when Christ came that was Tiped and is now the way the truth and the life Ioh. 14.6. the Temple, with the rest of the Ceremoniall, Iu­di [...]all, and Leviticall worshipers, were abrogated and abolli­shed, as is manifested Ioh. 4.19. to 24. Act. 7.47.49. Heb. 3. to 7.1 Cor. 3.16.17. Ephe. 2.20.22. 1 Pet 2.5.9. Wherefore seing God hath now by Christ consecrated the whole earth, as before, and all other places are free for the Saints assembling (in the sight of God) however by men forbidden, then are all in this case to obey God rather then men, Act. 4.19.5.29. For this was Ephraims sin Hos. 5.11. and 8.114. for otherwaies by your pertaking with them there in their worship (as Hearing is) you doe not onely sinne against God therein your selves Gal. 2.18. but likewise justifie and uphold those Persons practise in those Idoll places, by going to the Most know no other Church. Church (as they say) and so by your example (who seem to be Seperated and have more knowledge) you destroy the weake soules amongst them, for whome Christ died: which even in things indifferently lawfull is a fearfull sin, 1. Cor. 8.10.11. Rom. 14.16. Eze. 51.54. wherby they are not only incouraged to continue in their Church state, but also discouraged for the sufficient feeding of the soule in the Churches of Christ, but need to behoulding to Anti­christ his implacble enemie, for some of his dainty Idolatry.

And as this Hearing, is an offence and cause of stumbling to the weake, who are yet without, towards whome wee are to walke wisely Col. 4 5. 1 Thes 4:12. Phil. 2:15. that by our con­versation they may be brought to acknowledg the truth, Deut. 4 6,8. which yet they are ignorant of, Ephe. 4.17,18. so is it likewise an offence to the breethren who have a charg to watch over one another, Lev. 19.17 Mat. 18.15. both in their cove­nanted duty of faith towards God, and of orderly walking one towards another, in the fellowship and order of the Gospell, but by such an extravagant wandering beyond the bonds of that body, or state, whereof wee are encorporate members, to their Idol Temples or Antichristian harlot houses aforesaid, is not only a breach of the true Church Covenant, but of the second Commandement, whereby God is greatly dishonou­red, his owne breethren, and other Churches burthened and [Page 21]greeved Rev. 2.24,25. 2 Cor. 2.1,5. Rom. 16.17. whom wee ought not to offend, 1 Cor. 10.32.

Consider likewise that by this your practice of Hearing in those their canonicall Churches, you worship the Beast Rev. 14 9. &c. And do apparently receave his marke in your fore­head, you then, as the rest there, are publickly discerned to be his guests, servants or slaves rather, by your so running with the confused rable to the same excesse of [...]ot forbidden 1 Pet. 4.3,4. For if you do professe Seperation from every false way, then are you under the Aposteles reproofe, Gal. 2.18. Because as in other their Antichristian institutions) so in this particlar of their place, you build againe that profession of theirs, which by your Seperation you seem to destroy, and so make your self therin a trespasser, which you cannot avoid: else let any shew some warrantable ground (which yet none could do) that you may come into those consecrated Cages, to Heare, and not come under (and so sm [...]dly partake in) that their Antichristian insti­tution therof, & if you do not professe Seperation as indeed you are not wholy; then are you likewise under the reproofe of that Apostle Tit. 1.16. and of our Saviour Mat. 23.28. and were better never seem to be seperated to Gods service: for by your double dealing betwixt Christ and Antichrist, you both justify the wicked and condemne the just which is Wherefore walke by some rule. Abomination to the Lord Prov. 17.15. and 28.4. and argueth that such per­sons understand not what their grounds lead them to perform: for if you be true scolars & Churches of Christ, they ought not to come within Antichrists scoole, but avoyd the dore of the harlots house Prov. 5.8,21. and to let them returne to thee, but returne not thou to them Ier. 15.19.

And if the case stand thus concerning the place of Gods worship under the Gospell, that as Christ hath appointed one place, so hath Antichrist appointed another, the one mount Eball which is cursed, the other mount Gerasim, which is blessed Deut. 11.29 how comes it then to passe that any of the reputed people of God, and Churches of Christ are so widely mistaken? as thus to wander from their own place, as the [...]illy Bird from her nest Pro. 27 8. would not the woman of Samaria wonder now, if she were amogst us, to see the Iewes, the reputed Christians of our times, medle with the Samaritans, the An­tichristians, from whom they professe Seperation, not in things naturall as our Saviour then with her: for we must live and grow together in the feild of the world Mat. 13.30. 1 Cor. 5.10.11. [Page 22] Phil. 2.15. But in things and actions meerly spiritual and that with approbatition, not by way of reproofe, as our Saviour there, being demanded of her where the rightful place of Gods worship was Iohn 4.20. he answered it was not now tyed to any materiall place, so it were in spirit and truth v 21.24. The Temple of Christs Church is built of living stones and a spirituall house, and now no more materiall, 1 Pet. 2.5, 1 Cor. 3.16.17. He. 3.6. And what though our Fathers worshi­ped in Mount Aives, and adored these Idolatrous monuments, let not us be led by their errours: Ier. 9.14. But let us be in­formed with the woman of Samaria that they worshipped they knew not what: and that it is the gates of Spirituall Sion that he loveth, above all their decked adorned dens. Psal. 132.13. It is a holy habitation, or mountaine of holinesse, the congregation of Saints where he hath Christ keepes a good House for all commers. placed all his spiritual springs. Psal. 87.2.7. Mic. 4.2. where he feedeth his flocke and sufficiently refresheth his Saints. Psal. 132.15. Wherfore then should any be so wavering, and still wandering from the waters of their own well Prov. 5.15. what have we to do in the way of Aegypt, to drinke the waters of Nilus? or what have we to doe the way of Ashur, to drinke of the water of the river? If you cannot answer man, nor your owne conscience herein; then ô how will you be able to answer the Lord at the great day of account? ô then in time let your owne wickednesse correct you, and your turnings back reprove you, for it is an evill and a bitter thing thus to forsake the Lord, Ier. 2.17,19,36. for which sinne the Lord first threatned, and at last brought great Judgement upon Israel of old, Isa. 8.6,7. Amos 4.4,5. and 5.5. Hos. 4.13,14. and warned Iudah to beware by them, vers. 15, 16, 17. And now inviteth all Gods people out of these their Ido­latrous dennes, Rev. 18.4. And if that these reasons and rules of Scripture the Commandements of God cannot prevaile with you, then looke and tremble at the late judgements of God upon these Idoll No other houses were hurt. Temples at divers times, in divers places of this Kingdome, which by the immediate hand of God, have been ruinated or defaced by fire and thunder, where many in them, in a miraculous manner have felt the heavie hand of God from Heaven, some to death, others their skin scorched and nothing seen on their cloathes: this (as I suppose) is to teach them, and all others, not to blaspheme the power of God, his worship, and Church of Christ, by attributing them to pen and materiall Temples; which wonders and great [Page 23]workes of a great God, methinkes should not be thus [...]lighted, but that men minde not Gods Word, will neither minde his workes, else would they minde and remember these things, and repent that with Ephraim they had been joyned to Idols, Hosea 4.17,19. And so I conclude this point with the words of Moses, saying to you, and all the people of God which heare hereof, Depart I pray you from the Idolatrous tents of th [...]se wicked m [...]n, Numb. 16.26.

This is the Fourth drunken draft, the Ale-bench of Antichrist, which is so deked and adorned with all naturall delights, to call in and please passengers, Prov. 6 13,16. that if any either horse or foot passe by her consecrated chambers, shee is ready to discharge her Canons.

A fifth reason and ground against Hearing aforsaid, is in re­spect of the Time of Gods worship, which in part they also make Idolatrous, although it be Gods owne time; for as be­fore it is proved to be Idolatrous to Heare the word amongst them, in respect of their false and counterfeit Church-state, Of­fice, Maintenance, and Place of worship, so likewise it is Ido­latrous in respect of the time of their worship, which Time is likewise consecrated and made holy by themselves, without the warrant of the Word, and therfore an Idol, 1 Kin. 7.12. and 32.33. And those that worship God by, in, or with an Idoll are Idolaters, as is confest by all, and proved, Exod. 20.4,5. Isa. 42.8. And that this is so with them in this particular is plaine and that by the testimonies of themselves, the preistly Hierarchie and powerfull reputed Church, the Clergy or spi­rituality of England: Deut. 4.20. and 9.19. and 21.3. Psal. 28.9. and 33.12. the rest, from the Observe thi [...] you Nobles. head to the foot (as they do hould, and professe) be but the laity, temporality, or carnalli­ty as, Psal. 2 1. and 3.6,8. and 33,10, which ecclesiasticall hie­rarchie, and preistly Canterburian Clergy, or Church of En­gland, have by their own usurped authority, published to the world, both by themselves the Bishops, and their impu­dent instruments the preists, divers Bookes to that purpose: that the Sabbath Gods Court day, our Lords redemption day, is no otherwise so observeable, morally and perpetually holy, then by them (the Church) enjoyned: and so a Church holy day [Page 24]as the rest of the daies in the Rubricke. And as on these their Holy daies, so for the Lords day it selfe, have they likewise com­manded, and strictly enjoined, that that part of the day onely whereon their Divine Sevice for sooth is said (for that is their proper worship) to be strictly observed as excomunicable: the rest of the day not so, but common & free: as is manifest by their Book of Tusteration for prophanation on one part thereof, and by the strict search of their forsworne Officers, on the other part thereof, in the time of their Divine Service, as they say: Besides all this, it is manifest by their usuall pleading & preach­ing thereof without reproofe: whereby they do plentifully declare to the world, if they will beleeve them (and by their subtill sophistrie have also stumbled some of the sincere weake ones therein that the Gospell Sabbath is no more Morrall or otherwaies a holy day, by divine authority, but by their making as aforesaid: which being held alterable: and soe being made holy by them or any other (though a true Church) is an Idoll, Exod 20.8. 1 King. 12.32.33. there being noe warrant of the word, neither prescept nor president, that can be produced for such a desolating abominating practise, as to nullifie the Lords own day, or to deifie any other day, wheron men ought to work Exod. 20.9. it being the onely prerogative of God, and beyond all mans power, who are plainely and powerfully forbidden to make any thing, or time holy: but take what God by his word hath made holy, sanctified and set a part for his service, by his re­vealed will in his Word, as aforesaid. And that this our Gospell and ancient observed Sabbath day (not the ceremonial Sabbaths Col. 2.16.) is still, as ever morally a blest and sancti­fied, holy joy-rest-day of God, for his Sonnes and our Saui­ours triumph in the great worke of our Redemption, or new Creation: and that it is simpathetically and endutiedly obser­vable to the Saints still, I dare not doubt, nor cannot, for what I ever yet, either saw, or heard, by any antisabbatanian Prelate o [...] person.

And though it be objected, that in the New Testament there is but little proofe, by litterall Texts by this our Gospel Sabbath day, neither any proofe for the breach thereof. I answer, first for reproofe their needed none, it was so zealously, and conscionably observed: but for proofe it being sufficient­ly grounded, first in the Old Testament, by God in the Crea­tion, in Moses and the Prophets, and also by Christ and his A­postles, and the examplary observance thereof in both those [Page 25]states and times, which were then by their instituting officers informed by word more fully therein: Which Sabbath, with divers other ordinances of Christ, as Baptisme, with the order of all administrations (now so much questioned) were power­fully and substantially instituted, in the Apostolicall primitive Churches, and they established therein, whose examplary practise might therefore be sufficient for the sincere establish­ment, which ordinances of God being before the beginning and Apostacie of Antichrist, ever without question, that wee read of in Scriptures, or others that I know of, generally and traditionally received, and conscionably observed by the Apo­stolicall Primitive Churches; therefore needed not so large a record of proofe, or reproofe: for as the Apostle saith, Iohn 21.25. Act. 1.23. If all things were written that were done and spo­ken, the world could not containe the Bookes: wherefore these, as other things of practise have beene received traditionally: as 2 Thess. 2.15. 2 Tim. 2.2. For though the Scriptures set forth all things and matters of faith to salvation, substantially, yet not circumstantially, of all things which doe appertaine to the Kingdome of God, but briefly for the reasons abovesaid, else the Gospel could not be a mystery, as 1 Tim. 3.16. Col. 1.26. And for the Sabbath, both our Saviour himselfe, Mat. 24.20. and the Apostle Iohn, Rev. 1.10. testifie of the practise thereof, the Apostle being then in the spirituall devotion and gracious extasie, requisite for the sanctitication of the Lords holy day; Christ then and therefore shewed him that admirable prophe­sie of the Revelation: which holy day and Iohns so using it, is therefore there so distinctly expressed: And our Saviours tea­ching and telling his Disciples things to come, and to be done, sheweth there, that the Gospel Our Sabbath Gods Ordinance in the Gospel. Sabbath day, was by them, (after the fulfilling of those severall things there pro­phesied, and long after the abolishment of the Legall Sab­bath) carefully and conscionably to be observed and kept, Mat. 24.20. which amongst them both in Christs and the Apostles times, was so sympathetically observed, that we read of no re­proofe thereof, (which sympathy and sincerity by the smoaky smother of the bottomlesse Pit, is in this particular and many other, too much lost and obscured amongst us) for in those primitive and purer Times, we finde their conscionable wal­king, and carefull keeping of this our Gospel Sabbath, which if it were the subject (and not too tedious and long for this place and occasion) might be more fully amplified and proved, [Page 26]which for the present I shall omit, and onely point you to the consideration of these Texts of Scripture following, Luk. 24.1. to 49. with its like in the other Evangelist, Act. 20.7. to 12. with vers. 6. saying that he was at Troas seven dayes before hee administred the Sacrament, because the Lords day was not in them, 1 Cor. 16.2. also Ioh. 20.19. to 25. and 26. to 31. Act. 2.1. to 22. with Levit. 23.10. to 16. which prove that the gifts of Tongues, and Prophesie, and Peters preaching to the con­version of 3 [...]00. soules, was on the Lords day; which places prove the now observed Sabbath day; and also the Congre­gationall ecclesiasticall exercisings, and enjoying of Gods in­stituted Ordinances, and Church worship thereon onely; which as it is, so also was tyed to an instituted time, and that of God, as is likewise plaine, Numb. 28.2. &c. 2 Chron. 31.3. Lev. 23.37,39. and never alterable, but by the special & imme­diate commission of God by his Prophets, as 2 Chron. 29.25. And for any other liberty which the opposers can prove for the contrary practise thereof under the Gospel (either to alter the Lords day, or exercise any part of worship on any other day) to me is very vaine and empty: And doe likewise beleeve that their putting downe, and off, Gods holinesse of his day, is Sacrilegious desolation, Rev. 2.22. And their putting up themselves, and on, their owne holinesse, on that day, or any other, makes it an Idoll, and themselves Idolators, which is abomination, Dan. 9.26,27. Yea, although it be the very same day of Gods appointing, yet now not so, by, and to them, and consequently by all that then and there joyne Which all bearers doe. with them; because Gods holinesse of the day is by them abrogated, by holding and making it alterable by them, to any other day; though for the present (as some subtilly say and write) it is by them (the Church) thought to be the best and fittest time, and therefore to be so esteemed and observed: therefore have also tollerated Gods instituted Ordinances, to be exercised out of his instituted time, on the weeke dayes.

Thus have they for their will, by the might of their power, and for the honour of their Hyerarchy, as is prophesied of them, Dan. 4.27. spake great things against the most High, [...]hinking that they may change times and Lawes, Dan 7.25. 2 Thess. 2.4 wherefore they having (more presumptuously then any of their predecessors the Popes before them) thus dischurched and unconsecrated Gods day; and on the contra­ry, churched and consecrated that day for their owne divine [Page 27]worship, as did Ieroboam of old, 1 King. 12.32,33. wherefore chose whomsoever that joyne with them therein and thereon, are alike transgressors, and alike [...] able to the the same punish­ment, one as another, as vers. 30. Wherefore then as you would avoid the wrath of God, and the judgements that have beene formerly manifested on Sabbath [...] afters; remember for hereafter that you presume not on Gods Prerogative, whose onely peculiar it is to appoint the Time, Place, Persons, Mainte­nance, and meanes of his owne worship and service; all other whatever man shall devise for, and besides the same, is in Gods account, done to and for our selves, as Pros: 10.11. Zech. 7.5,7. and so abominable, Lev. 19.3. to 37. because of mans inven­tion, which herein is treason, and in the highest degree dero­gatory to Gods glory, as Ier. 16.11,20,21. some of which sorts was, and is all Idolatry: and this Antichristian mystery of iniquity especially, Rev. 17.4,5. 2 Thes. 2.4. where hee is termed that usurper over all Gods Deputies, and their proper deputations of Gods honouring by his blessing and fanctifying, and therefore over this his first sanctified The Sabbath, Ordinance; ever since exceedingly dignified by his precepts and his Saints practise.

This is the Fifth Antichristian drunken draft, whereby the Whore [...] guests have so intoxicated their heads, that they now re­gard [...] Time for the performance of duty in Gods appoin­ted publicke Service, but their owne drunken humours.

My sixth reason and ground against Hearing in the publicke Assemblies of our Land, is in regard of the Meanes of their worship and service, which is properly their English Masse, or Service Booke, wherein is contained all their divine inventions, or ecclesiasticall administrations, both for matter and manner of their publike worship▪ but by the best, and most, now knowne to be an Idoll, as their owne former Parliament Peti­tions both against it, and the whose state of the [...] If then false, now worse. Church) doe at large declare, which comes not so properly within the compasse of this my present occasion, because it is by you (and such [...]emi-seperatists and reformists, to whom this is chiefely intended) protested against, and that you partake not [...]hore with; yet thus much I conceive necessary to shew that [Page 28]you doe also by your hearing there, uphold and acknowledge that old Idoll consequently, as doe all of them still; yea even their best Ministers (as they call them) who pray, and petition to Parliaments to be reformed, but doe not reforme them­selves; whose hypocrisie herein is most hurtfull, but least mis­trustfull: who in the first place I shall apparently prove to prop and uphold the English Masse, or Serv [...] Booke, so much by them disclaimed sometimes. First, by their oath at their admission into office, they doe all of them, (the best as the worst) solemnly sweare on their knees, that they will be con­formable to the Church of England, both in government and worship, that is already or shall be hereafter established; so by this oath, their service Booke containing their worship, is chiefly intended; which, with all their devised Discipline, false Doctrine, innovations and inventions, more then a good many, are thereby approved▪ (as it is by the ignorant beleeved) to be good, and according to Gods Word, when as they know they are nothing lesse. For as by that oath, they are made offi­cers in that state, so thereby they are bound to uphold all therein, by their best endeavours, even this false meanes of worship their Masse Booke, which they justifie both by their owne practise, and the peoples; who in this particular they labour to keepe blind-fold all they can, that they behold not their halting, but may all help to their maintaining; untill by a Parliament (the arme of flesh) they be by Lawes inforced to be reformed. And as they are all manifest Masse-mongers, and Service-saying Priests by profession, when as they accor­ding to their office and oath, doe sweare to be conformable to the said Service of the Church of England, though they should never doe it: so are they also by their obedient and dutifull doing of it, and that devoutly reading over and over againe, that their devised divine Service, and stinted number of pray­ers, which lame sacrifice they are not ashamed to offer to God in his See your re­ward, Mal. 1.7.8.14. publicke worship, though they be in their private de­votion. And this all of them (by vertue of that oath, and be­fore the Bishop breath the Holy, Ghost upon them) must doe themselves, or by their Substitutes and Servants, their journey men Priests, before they may preach the Word, else they are forsworne.

And now who is so blinde and will not see, whether this be not truth, and whose servants those best Priests be [...] for though a necessity be laid upon the Ministers of Christ, to preach the [Page 29]Gospel freely, 1 Cer. 9.10. yet those Service-sayers, and swore servants to the Beast, may not, no longer then their Priest­makers the Prelates will permit; for the powerfullest prea­ching of the Gospel of Iesus Christ, is by them made but a cir­cumstantial thing, to their divine Service (as they call it) which is enjoyned all of necessity, and their preaching but a liberty, (yea not a Witnesse all the silenc'd Mi­nisters. liberty if it be not liked) & so of lesse consequence by those Chemerims; for that to which the preaching of the Gospel must give place, is of most consequence; but the say­ing or singing of service in some part, and observance of cer­taine Ceremonies, is first urged, and to be observed, therefore that is most necessarie, and who (that will) sees not that it is by them so made: for besides this their devised service (a big­ger Idoll then that of Nebuchadnezar Dan. 3.1.1) they admit of preaching, onely the better to please the People, as did Nebu­chadnezars musicke ver. 5.7. that soe simple People may come and continue there, and be the better bewitched therewith to fall downe before the Idolls of Antichrist: which poor People (according to their Ecclesiasticall education) like they of Sa­maria, Act. 8.9. who were bewitched with the sorceries of Simon, and so doated thereon, that they thought it the great power of God, as vers. 10. even so these, because they have preaching, and some truths there taught: and as did those sub­till sophillers, the false Apostles, 2 Cor. 11.13,15. (more right­fully then your best Preachers) who to please the people the Jewes, Gal. 4.9.21. taught (aswell as your best Preachers) but mingled with the Gospel, Circumcision and the Ceremoniall Law, as ob. 5.1. to 4. Phil. 3.2,3. and so bewitched the people therewith, only to avoid the Crosse of Christ, Gal. 3.1. & 5.11.6.12. and that they might glory in their flesh, v. 13. And is it not so with these (even the best) Preachers of our times: (and worse too) for Circumcision, and the Ceremoniall Law, were once the Ordinance of God, and so was the false Apostles Of­fice, who preached in a true Church, though they were not sent by Christ, and not so discernable to the people, as these false Officers, and false Doctrines are, and all in a false Church: And the greatest plea these greatest Preachers have, for their dissembling, and so slavishly submitting to the man of sinne, is, because that thereby they may have Or else g [...] a Benefice. liberty to preach, else say they, our mouthes must be stope [...] and then how shall the people be converted? shall the poore people perish? A poore shift, and hath God such glory by [...] [Page 30]and need of your preaching, or your selves of maintaining? let all looke on your voluptuous living, your dainty dyet, your rich habit, your curious dwellings, large Benefices, and belo­ved liberties, and they shall seldome see them sold at so deare a rate as the Apostle setteth upon the priviledges of preaching and enjoying the Suffering for it. purity of Gods Ordinances in his owne or­der of the Gospel, Act. 20.23,24. Phil. 1.29. 2 Tim. 3.12. whereby you might bring more glory to God, and light to the people, then by your preaching by your false office, in a false state, to unfit people, in that condition you build and uphold them in; And as for their conversion of soules (whereby they so brag) all may see how true it is, if they do but consider their Church state, how false it is, both wherein, and whereunto they are converted; and likewise the preaching how little it profiteth. And as for Conversion, which they Their private interpretation. call the seale of their Ministery, from the 1 Cor. 9.1,2. it is not there meant, neither will it serve their turne, but to prove them Apostles (which they dare not affirme) and to constitute Churches, Church-states, the offices, and orderly use of all Ecclesiasti­call Ordinances: these foure were the seale of Pauls Apostle­ship which he there claimeth of the Corinthians. And since the Apostles time neither ordination of Officers, nor conversion of soules, was tyed to a Ministry (especially in a false Church) And for Conversion whereby. Conversion of soules, it's [...]yed properly to the spirit, by the word in the mouth of any, Act. 11.19.21. and as our Saviour reacheth, Ioh. 3.8. Isa. 55.10,11. Psal. 19.7,8. 1 Ioh. 3. [...]. [...] [...]. 1.23,25. Iam. 5.19,20. and 1.28,21. whereunto conversion ought to be attributed as the proper effect thereof in a true Church, Psal. 87.4. (as the Lord counteth Converts) and of the Ministry to feed the Flocke, who are or ought to be before converted, Act. 20.18. I [...]m. 5. [...]. But we s [...] the clean con­trary confused course amongst this their Ministry; for instead of separating them converted & saving them from the froward generation, Act. 2.40. they flatter them and build up all there, in which condition they all continue and content themselves Ier. 5.31. whereas the Apostle 1 I [...]. 3.3, saith, he that hath this hope in him (or is [...]ed) Pure worship. purifieth himselfe as he is pure, and cleanseth himselfe from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. 7.1. Psal. 119.32. And if the best of them, even as the worst, be in so bad a condition, even blind guides of the blind, why should not you, and wee, whom the Lord hath shewed them so to be, be likewise perswaded to be wholly separated, [Page 31]and let them alone, as our Saviour saith, Mat. 15.4 Yet doe I desire from my soule, that some of them whom I know, and hope well of (who seeme to be sincere) would examine them­selves seriously herein, and know [...]; and now in time like Israels 2 Chron. 11 14.Levites, leave their Benefices, and possessions, and bring their best abilities to the worke of the Lord, in his owne way of truth, and so deale faithfully for their owne soules, and thou­sands that doe dotingly depend upon them. I know that this is a hard saying, but ô beloved take heed of dissembling; and that with the Lord, who is the searcher of the heart, Ier. 17.9,10. Psal. 44.20,21. looke to your hearts in this particular e­specially, and consider of that saying of the Apostle, Rom. 3.8. Why doe we not evill that good may come thereof? For if this your preaching be so, (as at the best it is) hee saith that your dam­nation is just, and is worthy of a sharpe reproofe in the best, Gal. 2.11. to 14. wherefore as I consider your condition, so have I in love told you the truth as I conceive, earnestly desi­ring you to discharge a good conscience herein, both towards God and man, as the Apostle commandeth, 1 Tim. 1.5,19. 1 Ioh. 3.19,21. But to be briefe, and to returne to you my friend in the faith, though not in the fellowship of the Gos­pel, let us see, how you also helpe to uphold, and make up this their Masse of Idolatry, their English Masse, or Service Books, for as wee have found their best Ministers to be upholders of, and partakers in this their read-said-Service, the Masse Books, the proper meanes of Gods worship, so you the best and grea­test Luk. 12.7.8. professors, will also one day, I doubt, be found deepe transgressors therein, as they, and those who simply and di­rectly doe adore that written rotten old Idoll; For to them which know not your judgement, and doe see you at their worship in their Idoll Temples, at their Idoll time, though you come but to Heare the word (as you say) yet they not know­ing so much; are by your example encouraged to eate up all they having as good a stomacke to one part of that unsavoury sacrifice, as another; though you picke a bit thereof as your incontinent, q [...]asie stomacke will serve you. And likewise to the better [...]ort of professors which know your persons, and judgement, and see your practise therein: to them you teach first to make schisme in the Church, by partaking in one part of Church worship, and not in another; and likewise thereby you justifie their standing there, both for Church state, Mini­stry, and administrations, whereof you then partake as much [Page 32]as any of them, as it hath been before proved, and shewed to be a fearefull sinne, 2 Cor. 8. ch. and Rom. 14. ch. especially in you; Rom. 1.24. whereupon the weake being more confident (though too indifferent in Religion) doe depend; for whose sakes, and that it so much concerneth this our Country, who generally and traditionally walke in a course of Christianity, yet is meere Idolatry: I shall adde one Caveat more for its discovery, and remedy; for alas, is it not pitty, as the Lord said to Iona. 4.10,11. to see that there is even in such a Citie and Kingdome as this, more then sixe score thousand persons, that know not their right hand from their left in Religion; for our Land is too Laodicea like, and our age so indifferent, that if they have any profession, or forme of Religion, it How few doe separate. troubleth them not, whether they worship God truely by his Word, or falsely with the world. And though they cannot give a reason or grounded answer by the warrant of the Word, for what they doe; yet they can presently say slightingly, ô such a thing is of indifferencie, or a liberty: And this sophistry hath been the com­mon bane of tha Scriptures authority, whereby the Prelates have brought in every Ceremonie; whereas in deed and in truth, it is altogether contrary: For in the worship and service of God, nothing is simply indifferent in the use, but is either good or evill; according to the hindrance or furtherance it affordeth to the maine, else it is vaine; and vanity, even as in naturall and civill things and actions, it is evill: so is it in matters of Re­ligion chiefly, even the taking of Gods Name in vaine; for all things therein must be done decently and orderly, as 1 Cor. 14.26,40. therefore not of liberty or indifferencie, but of abso­lute necessity, for the advancement of Gods glory, if in Gods Worship and service, else it is vanity. Wherefore then let none doat of indifferencie of things therein; for if they cannot ap­prove their practise by the Word to be good, let them in the feare of God condemne it for evill, for what is not of faith is sinne, Rom. 14.23. For although those things and actions be right and true, which persons performe in Gods Worship (yea a Church it selfe) yet if they perceive and understand them not so to be, by the rule of Gods Word, as Ioh. 5.39. Pro. 19.2. it is to them as vaine, if (I say) they beleeve upon others affirmations, per­swasions, as 1 King. 13.18,19. or threatnings, or any meanes whatsoever, by any person or persons whomsoever, as I [...]. 2. to 10. Pro. 28 21. Ier. 9.13,14. Wherefore then let all to the Law, and to the Testimony, that perfect patterne and ride of righte­ousnesse, [Page 33] Psal. 19.7,10. 2 Tim. 3.15,16. Iam. 1.25. whereby at the last and great day of account, we must all be tryed; not only for these great and weighty matters of Gods worship and service, but also for every of our thoughts words, and actions that we have done in the flesh, 2 Cor. 5.10. Rom. 14.12 and will it serve your turne, or stand you in any stead then to say, ô such a Pope, or Prelate, such a Counsell, Church, v. people did so, said so, and commanded so: ô no, God never gave them (as some presumptuously assume) that absolutenesse The two hornes of the Beast. of authority, nor undoubted infallibility, Rev. 13.2,4,11. but must them­selves, at that generall assize, make answer for themselves, and shall not prevaile with that uncorrupted righteous Judge, nei­ther for themselves, nor their favourites, by flattery, nor feare, Psa. 49.6,8. then what will availe the peoples Popish plea Ig­noramus? sith the Apostle saith, 2 Thes. 1.8. that the Lord Je­sus will come in flaming fire, rendring vengeance to those that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of his truth, as ch. 2.10. Wherefore then let none d [...]re to breake any order, or Or­dinance of Christ, Mat. 5.19. and slightingly say of his worship, it is indifferent, as the manner of too many is, but learne to seare before the Highest, as Isa. 57.15. H [...]b. 1.13. whose eyes are pure, and cannot abide any iniquity, especially that of Idola­try, Isa. 42.8. And now to you again who are more judicious, & seem to love the Lord Iesus Christ, and look for life and salvation by him, I say, and earnestly desire you, that you be ruled by him, and in these weighty matters of his worship you be obedient to him, 1 Ioh. 5.2,3. Rom. 6.16. Act. 3.22,23. And seeing you professe the feare of the Lord, and de­sire (as you say) truly to serve him according to his word, and to forsake every false way, which that you may do, I shall ende­vour to direct you, to discerne of things that differ, lest that any of those who professe order in Religion, should by extreames run into confusion; wherefore take notice, and remember this one particular therein, that the worship and service of God in his instituted ordinances, are of great consequence: especially those which are of an instituted nature, & meerly immediate as the Sacraments are, & must therfore have an institituted order, (i.e. an instituted Officer) for their administratiō, as page 5. For Samuel being priest, might do al that Saul did when he was king 1 Sam. 7.6,15,17. but Saul might not do one actiō belonging to the Priesthood Sam. 18.8, to 15.1 Cron. 15.2. Num. 16.. The rest of Gods Ordinantes which are parts of instituted worship (as teaching, praying, ruling) are all of a morall nature, & are or may therfore both personally out, & by a membral right [Page 34]be exercised in the Church, by prophesie; as also elect, and ordaine their owne officers, Act 6.3. and 14.23. and 1.15. to the end; yet as these are personall (as in private) and membrall (as stative in the Church: so they are Worship of an Instituted nature. all institutive, (as offi­ciall) and immediate▪ and may not therefore admit of mans invention, or naturall reason, what this worship should bee, Rom. 1.22. but must take what God hath made, what ever it be, Exod. 20.4. For the instituted worship and service of God is not grounded nor taught in Nature, as it is instituted in the Churches; neither can a naturall man discerne the same with all humane helpes, what, and how it should be: And in this sence onely, all humane arts (though otherwayes never so Consider this all you who are accuracy minded ex­cellent, for the exposition of Scripture, and in all matters of Religion) all Philosophy, (that is naturall understanding and reason) are vaine, pernitious, and prohibited, Col. 2.18,18. for erecting of instituted worship onely, and no otherwayes; wherefore to avoid another extreame, confusion, late presump­tion and false affirmation, lately published (but not by the ap­probation or consent of any true Church, or person who knew what spirit they were of,) which is, that the Spirits teaching i [...] sufficient, without the helpe of humane learning: wherefore I would have you, and all Gods people beware, and spy out this false spirit, whereby is confounded all the degrees both of the spirit of gifts, the Spirit of grace, and that immediate divine infallible Spirit, whereby the Apostles of Christ (being of his Privie Councell) were guided, who thereby knew the whole counsell of God, Act. 20.27. and that without the need of the Word, or any humane helpe besides being conversant with Christ 40. dayes, they were taught and instructed in all things, for the true understanding, and teaching of Gods mind, con­cerning the Gospel, Act. 1.2,3. 1 Cor. 2.16. and 14.37. which way of teaching and learning none ever since had, or can ex­pect, as 1 Cor. 4.9. but are tyed to Gods will, already, and suffi­ciently revealed in his Word: by which immortall seed of the Word all are now begotten and taught, (either by reading or hearing it read) and thereby must walke, and take heed as unto a light shining in darke places, 2 Pet. 1.19. And if any speake not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them, Isa. 8.20. Psal. 119.105. &c. For this Word and will of God is left a perfect and sufficient rule for salvation, through Faith in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 3.15,17. without any further immediate revelation or inspiration; which then (for divers reasons) the [Page 35]Apostles and privie Counsellors of Christ had▪ being onely peculiar and usefull to them, (and the Churches, for a time) to instituting, planting, foundation laying, and for confirm­ing of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 3.10,11, Ephes. 2. [...]9. 2 Pet. 1.19,21. Heb. 2.3,4 G [...]. 3.5. yet for the divulging and teaching the same Word unto [...] and all naturall helps, was, and is requisite, which Christ had and the Apostles that wan­ted, were supplyed by the Holy Ghost, Act [...] 1 Cor. 14.18. and therefore of God, and not from the Devill, as the au­thor of that Book affirmeth: and that other [...] Treatise of N. [...]. And that the [...] appointed for Information of the Churches now is the [...], we may see a Tim. 2. [...]. which word, (and not Spirit they were to deliver to faithfull men, who were also by [...] to teach others distinctively, and not instinc­tiuely by that supposed Spirit▪ which the Author affirmeth, for in that [...] be quote [...] H [...]b. 8.9,10 1 [...]. 1 [...]. 2.27. Ioh. 14.26. 1 Cor. 2.15. which was po [...]lier to the Apostles Ephes. 3.4.5. for in [...] 1 Cor. 2.1 [...]. Now we have received, not the Spirit which is of the World, but the Spirit which is of God, hee speaketh of himselfe, and the other Apostles▪ in a transcendent manner as [...]. 15. and not of the Church. But (as he) so if any shall for he hath the Spirit of grace and guiftes, how shall [...]e or any, know it to be [...] or false, which he saith [...], which is the know­ledge [...] understanding of the literall words▪ and so the [...] ­ning of the Scriptures or word whereby the spirits must bee tried, [...] 1 Ioh. 4.1. 2 Tim. [...].16. Ioh [...].39. Isa. [...].20. and not [...] spirit by another▪ He then could not be confuted. which [...] all words▪ [...] can [...] institutively [...] being [...] they must [...] but [...]: And [...] lawfull [...] all [...] to [...], others [...], which is [...], and m [...]st usefull in [...] any understanding and truely, [...]r [...] [...]illy say, [...] and according to [...] (which cannot be corrupted) [...] know the [...] falsehood thereof by his spi­rit [...] not [...] silent, or else [...] to some o­ther [...] thereof▪ [...] then is the [...] except they must [...] for it, [...]r [...] other Doctrine; which were it the onely meanes of know­ledge [Page 36]to salvation, now how various and uncertaine [...] it be▪ how many millions of men [...] spirits should we [...]ve? that tenent of the Church of Rome were better. [...] the Church beleeves, for there were some foundation to [...] and build our faith open, but the other a fancie: Wherefore all Gods people are to take heed of this Hereticall b [...]asted Spirit, and to examine those lyars, that say they are Apostles (that is instinctive teachers) and are not, as [...]. 2.2,3. For i [...] this false Apostolicall Spirit, had beene as carefully kept out of all Churches▪ [...] that of Ephesus, [...] so high, as to [...], and [...] information in all truth, and Doctrine of Faith, and worship, which onely the Apostles of Christ (for the reasons aforesaid) had; ye [...], they had a further gift, of giving this gift unto others, as Act. 8.17,18. and 19.6. 2 Tim. 1.6. which hee, or others may so well If he had that Spirit, he was very uncharita­ble if he gave it [...]. claime, as the other: and as well as the Apostolicall, Prela­ticall, proud Papall spirits of our [...], who yet could never doe it, though they and their Antichristian Ancestours have, and still doe attempt the same, in making of every one of their Priests, by their br [...]hing, and laying their [...] them; saying, [...] the Holy Ghost; who are ever after reputed Spirituall men, and not before. And therefore ( [...] for what else) doe they so scorne the like and better gifts and abilities in others, to preach the [...] the [...] of that Booke whom some of them subtilty and suddenly [...] there­on, seeking (as they doe daily our reproach) like the false Apostles, of Paul, which was to him a great prick [...] flesh, [...] 1 Cor. 1 [...] 1 [...] and 11.21. and 12.7,8. but we hope (as [...]) [...] support to us, and the grea­ [...] glory [...] God, as word (And a [...] the [...] put [...], and [...] pressed [...] this point [...] him: I [...] leave [...] lay this dangerous Spirit that them­selves [...] all true worshippers to beware of [...] false [...] Spirit▪ [...] as it [...] as the [...] of the mystery of [...] (the stative Antichrist▪ which the Apostle [...] so much discovereth and condemneth [...] working in, and since [...]ning through all Religions, true and false [...] it hath beene as the [...] onely, but now beginneth, by the pulse of this Spirit (so [...]) to worke [...] a Baby likewise, which (as our Saviour hath long [Page 37]since said should) wee may shortly looke, to come to passe, [...]. 24.24. But [...] Saviour the [...], so I now lay, [...], vers. 26.

And as this Spirit hath beene the life of all false and erroneous Religions; so it is like to be still a disturber of the true▪ wherefore I have enlarged any selfe a little the more herein▪ because (as I conceive) it is like to bee a worse and more dangerous disease amongst Gods people, then the Antichristian, false order of Worship, which is easier discerned, being an object of the eye, then the other being seated [...] the [...], and so well pleasing and befitting▪ the qualification of the m [...]st, and those many times well gifted, as the Authour of than Booke, the scope whereof (in a word) maketh Religion (Familisti­cally whereof it is full) to consist of a Soule without a Bo­dy, making it all instinctive or spirituall: whereby, (in­stead of reproa [...] of the Antichristian Authoritive abuse of Humane L [...]wing and all use of Heathen Schollership, and Authours, as helpes to prove and erect any point of Faith or part of Instituted Worship) [...] maketh the Cure a worse Maladie then the Disease. And because this Insti­tuted Worship of God, is not grounded not taught in nature, as it is instituted: neither can a Naturall man [...] nor dis­cerne the same, with all humane helpes, but as he is spiri­tually informed from the Word, as aforesaid: And because by Nature, all men will be worshippers of God, Rom. 1.21.22. though in a Adam [...] [...]eated condi­tion and fall. naturall estate (as Adam in his created con­dition, 1 Cor. 15.45,47. where onely hee was perfect, but knew not the [...] of an instituted or heavenly Estate (which was proposed unto him upon condition, which hee accep­ted) and therefore fall therein. For hee could not fall in his perfect Creation: therefore is at the reason and ground (as of Adam Fall) so of all Idolatry and iniquity, Rom. 1.26. to the end; For as among the divers sorts and kindes of Idolatry, and Idolators, they all acknowledge God, the same Deitie▪ [...] and 1 [...]. [...]3. [...] 1.19, [...] manners, as [...] 23. yet the best th [...] ever they could imagine or devise: So is it likewise under the Gospell, with all who misse that patterne of wholesome words, [...] Tim. 1.13. H [...]. 8.5.6. ei­ther for matter, or manner▪ and without the warrant [Page 38]thereof, build thereon their owne devices, 1 Cor. 3.12,13. Mat. 15.8.9. especially that d [...]vellish device, and Antichristan great delusion, which hath so long deceived the Nations, and with holden the truth in unrighteousnesse, Rom. 1.1 [...]. and still worketh in the children of disobedience: I mean the Roman Papacie with its Antichristian Hirarchy, their spirituall Priest­hood; that rebellious and opposite state to Christ, 2 Thess 2.4. that falser of Christ, Rev. 13.11. Dan. 11.21. to 36. and 8.8. to 14. his Church, 2 Thess. 2.4. Rev. 2.9. his Ministery, 2 Cor. 11.14,1 [...]. 1 Ioh. 4.1. 2 Ioh. 7. else could it not be so strong a delusion as it is, and wa [...] prophesied of, Isa. 62.2. 2 Thess 2.11. Dan. 12.1 [...]. R [...]m. 13.8,16,17. for as this old imposter An­tichrist at the first did rise in the Church of Christ, as it was fore-told, Act. 20.29. 1 Ioh. 2.19. and thrust himselfe into the wedding Feast of his Churches, according to the parable, Mat. 22.11. so doth this subtill sophister still in his instru­ments, by the thread bare garment of devotion, and shew of godlinesse, colourably cover themselves with Christianity, though indeed they doe deny the power thereof, as 2 Tim. 3.1,5. 1 Tim. 4.1,2. and Christ to be come in the flesh, [...] Ioh. 4.3. that is to be the onely Lord and Law-giver to his Churches and people, Col. 2.18,19. and this is the greatest I­dolatry that ever was, Rev. 17.1,2. but I hope this prosperous Parliament will pull the Prelates the unbidden Bishops out of the Wedding Feast of our wealthy Kingdome; They are not Parliament proof [...]. are they not already speechlesse, so would they be livelesse, if the House were not heartlesse▪ But fearing to be tedious, and too long from the matter, which is the M [...]s [...]e, and so [...]ad, that it may be you desire of [...]eare no [...] it; wherefore I shall conclude with a generall caution, to all the Churches of the Separation, and to all that [...] the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, desiring to flye from Idolatry: That they come not under any hu­mane or Antichristian spirituall institution; because that they as Gods, knowing good and evill, Gen. 3.5. have presumed upon Gods peculiar Prerogative, as vers. 22. to appoint him a worship, which is forbidden [...], and that upon the [...] of death, as vers. 3. whatsoever it be therein, if of [...] invention, it is abomination. Exod. 20.4. [...] 7.25,26. O [...] you true worshippers, and Churches of Christ, loo [...]e to it, le [...] you as Israel of old, [...]s. 7.1. through neglect of watchfulnesse, permit any Ac [...] to partifie of their institutions, the execrable and [...] thing; and so become all alike transgressors there­in, [Page 39]as vers. 11, 12. 1 Cor. 5.6. Heb. 12.15. And who knowes but for neglect hereof, is the maine cause why the Israel of God have so long turned their backes upon their enemies, vers. 8. wherefore [...]ow at the last looke to it: up therefore and put the execrable thing (of H [...]aring or Preaching, or any other par­taking of Antichrists institutions) from among you, whomso­ever it be; for the charge and care is committed to you (as to Israel of old) for the cure, or cutting off of sinne, and sinners, Mat. 18.15,17. 1 Cor. 5. lest therefore by neglecting Christs Lawes, you be not onely haters of your Brothers soules, as Lev. 19.17. but also forfeit your state and Charter to your King Christ Jesus, as Rev. 2.22,23. Looke to it I say then, and labour for the preservation of the peace, and purity of your communion, Heb 12.15,16,28,29. Likewise besides these Hearers extravagant wanderers, and followers of the formall flockes of Christs Companions, Cant. 1.6. or other partakers of Antichrists institutions: There is another sort of new fan­gled opinionists, who are the domesticke disturbers and trou­blers of Israel and Sions peace, Cant. 2.15. these are unsound and unstable in the truth, who are onely constant in unconstan­cie, and carried away with every wind of Doctrine, by such as lye in wait to deceive: These innovators if they cannot leven and draw all others after them, then upon the least opposition or no just occasion, being brought by light affection they are lost by the like passion; and never stay, or like long any com­munion nor quietly keep their habitation: These are they that doe dis-separate themselves from Churches, Iud. 19, wherefore marke such who cause divisions and dissentions, and let them be timely cut off that trouble you, Gal. 5.12. for their false doctrines will fret like a Canker: Wherefore be carefull of your communion, and couragious for the Faith; and in these dangerous times, drinke no longer water, but take a little wine, for I feare you will finde enough to doe; now every one looks to advance their owne conceits: wherfore wisely watch over those within, and warily prevent them without, that none creep in without the wedding Garment, for of such you will have no comfort; neither of those who have not the judge­ment and affection, cleane come out of Babylon: for these giddy-headed Hearers, which halt betweene two opinions, the Church of Christ and Antichrist, to one in the forenoone and another in the afternoone; 2 Tim. 4.4.as if there were not meat e­nough in our Fathers house: such shamelesse sonnes and ser­vants [Page 40]are not as yet [...]it matter for a Church of Christ, which is a pure 2 Cor. 11.2. Virgin, and they having wanton whorish hearts cannot content themselves with one Husband: wherefore such Christians as would give up their names to Christ and his service, should consider, that Christ as a Master, doth exact all, and our best service: and as a Husband will admit of no corrivall. Let them see what Elijah the Prophet saith unto them, 1 King. 18.21. if the Lord be God follow him, and if Baal be God follow him: Mat. 6.24. 2 King. 5.18. 17.7, to 4.1 [...] For as also our Saviour saith, Yet cannot serve two Masters; wherefore let all Christians bee warned, and armed to answer Antichrists offers, of all plea­sures and profits of the world, with the glory of them, as our Saviour did his elder Brother, Mat. 4.9,10. Avoid Satan, for is [...] thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him onely shalt thou serve: but those that Heare in the Antichristian Assem­blies, serve Antichrist, as hath been proved: even that odious old over-turn'd Idoll the Masse Booke.

This is the sixth drunken draft, which it drunkennesse it selfe, the vomited morsels of the Whores Masse: wherewith by her ( [...] loathed) allurements, Sh [...]e hath p [...]ys [...]ed all Nations, Revel. 14.8. and without Gods Mercy, if they repented not, must with her for ever, drinke of the Wine of Gods wrath in Hell torments, Revel. 2.22. and 14.10. But blessed h [...] our good God, that old withered weather-beaten B [...]d and queen, who hath sit a [...] a Queene, Rev. 18.7. yet now begins to bide her head, for her generall hatred, being now desolate and naked, and ready to be rewarded with double torment: of dishonourable ru [...]es, and the fiery flames of her [...] indignation, Revel. 16.9.11.

[Page 41]And as wee have s [...]ne a briefe Description of the Idola­trous Antichristian Church state, with their Officers, Admini­strations, Maintenance of them [...] their Place, T [...]e, and Meane▪ of their false worship. Now in the seventh and last place, I shall offer to your consideration, their Spirituall King, or Head, under whom they all stand, serve, and obey his command, un­der whose power, and upon which Altar, they all doe officiate, and offer all their Religious Sacrifices and services; through­out Rev. 17.15. all the Nations of the Christian Earth, whereunto they [...] after the nature of a tyrannicall Head compelled, Rev. 3.15,17. and are thereby become his vassals, slaves and subjects, vers 14. worse then Israel under the Aegyptian Taskmasters: Would you know who this their King and Head is; it is the Officiall state of the Papacie or Popeship, termed, Rev. 9.11. the Angel of the bottomelesse pit Abaddon and Apollyon, because he domineereth over his Vassals in marshalling them to the mis­chiefeing Christs worshippers; as the Devill doth over his Regiments of vassall Devils, for the like end; especially be­cause hee as the Devils Lieutenant, so domineereth over his rabble of Cloistered Monkes, Fryers, Nunnes, and his Ca­thedrall Prelates, [...], P [...]ends, Commi [...]ss [...], Arch deacons,Ye all flow from the Fountaine and maine Sea of Rome.Priests and Deacons: So doth the God of this World, ru­ling visiblely, by his Vice-gerent, and eldest Sonne, the Pope, with the rest of that Crowned Clergie of Locusts, or Hirarchie of Priests, of divers degrees; who are a distinct body from the Laity, as before, pag. (left blank) Which together with the Head and Tayle thereof, make up that Monstrous [...] of [...], and beastly body of Antichrist, 1 Ioh. 2.18,22. 4.3. 2 Ioh. 7. 2 Thess. 2.3,8. Rev. 13.1,2. Dan. 11.36. and 12.11. Ephes. 6.12. For no civill or temporall Lord or King, can be, nor is their Ecclesiasticall Head, but [...]vnd or servant, what ever they say: For as Rome ever, so doth England; Bi­shops, literally deny, and with disdaine, disclaime it, proclai­ming the contrary to [...]o all the world, both in their Courts, and Booke of consecration of Bishops, especially, pag. 1 [...]. 11, 140. their place and Office to be [...], descended and deri­ved from Rome, and so is every Minister they make.

And this their Hirarchicall Head, hath for his owne being and better subsistance, made L [...]res, Offices; and Courts, where­unto his silly slaves and subjects; are enthralled, and insnared in spirituall bondage; to receive his subjective Marke [Page 42]of Obedience, either in their right hand (by Their Lord and Law-giver. powerfull com­manding for him) or in their fore-head (by publicke professi­on and submission unto him;) And this doth all their Eccle­siasticall Officers properly, and civill abusively. What their Lawes are, all are made to know; and for affection, or [...], submit thereto; or for opposition thereof, suffer thereby; [...] they have and shall, untill the limited and appointed time of those their spirituall taskmasters prevailing power be expir [...], Rev. 17.16,17. Which Lawes of theirs you may finde (not in the Booke of God) but in their owne Law Bookes, the B: of Canons, Councels, Bookes of Articles, Bookes of Record and Regi­sters, Bookes of Consecration, and Ordination, besides their Bookes of Homilies, and Common Prayer for worship. Rev. 20.12.

What their Courts are, all may (and many to their cost) know; as their Court of Delegates, their Inquisition, and High commission Court, Prerogative Court, Court of Arches, Court of Audience, Commissaries Court, and their Officials, Arch-Deacons Coun [...], and their Surrogate, with the rest of their Antichristian Visitation, or Circuit Co [...]ischiefe Courts: which as yet were never [...]eard of in the Apostolicall Primitive Churches: [...]o [...]e they not to be seene in the Scriptures, nor warranted thereby. Unto which Courts, all are likewise compelled, their owne [...] ­jects and [...]ves being summoned, they runne: others their op­posites being const [...]ned, or carried by the Civil Power, and found unconformable, are by the u [...]esistable argument of their Club Law, carried to prison, the Bishops black Court, where, instead of information, and supportation, either spirituall or naturall, they are without any reliefe by them but of bare walls there buried alive, if they will not submit to them, and so breake the necke of faith and a good conscience.

What their Offices and Officers are, besides their Preachers formerly treated of, are likewise knowne to bee more then a good many, from the Pope to the Pariter; whom you may finde according to their places and degrees in those Courts, pleading and fighting for this their Lord and Master with all, who are either for opposition, or otherwayes offen [...]ts in his Lawes, Pursev [...]ted, or ferreted before them. Which spirituall Proctors or Doctors of their Lawes, like faithfull and couragious Captaines, alwayes get the best (the Mor [...]its) of their captives, whatsoever the cause is, or which way soever it goes; for by these tyrannicall Lawes and Officers, like rave­ning Wolves, they can at their pleasures, pillage, and picke the [Page 43]pockets of their poore [...] servants; who must like silly Sh [...]epe [...] in the pound of their Popish Courts) l [...]e [...] to be [...] and [...] lightly beholding to these [...] last they may scape with a whole skin with­out [...]. And this Hydros or [...]even­headed [...] Beast, Rev. 13.1. who [...] the Kin [...] of the earth, 17.18. compelling them to be of his Church, and depend upon his power and will, as vers. 13. is a spirituall politicke state, or Ecclesiasticall Hirarchy of Priests properly; yet in respect of their power, their authori­tie is A spotted Beast. Rev. 13.2. civill as well as Ecclesiasticall, they having usurped, and Frances permitted them the exercise of both seates and swords till the appointed time, Rev. 17.17. this Antichristian spiritu­all Priesthood is that black and bloudy See or Church of Rome, with their derivers therefrom, which in respect of her false Church-state, Discipline & doctrine, is said to be a bloudy See; wherein every thing dyed, Rev. 16.3. this spotted Beast being a com [...]ound of both s [...]es, civill and Ecclesiasticall, are lively set out in their colours, to be of a tyran [...]all nature: by those Beasts, [...] 1 [...].2. by which wicked usurped power, they have ever man [...]fested their malice; first in killing Christ. Rev. 11.8. and is still as ever an opposite adversary to his Members, and a bloudy B [...]ch [...]er of the Saints, as was prophesied of them, Rev. 6.4.9.11. and 11.7. and 13.10.15. and is mani­fest to the world, by the wofull experience of the Saints suffe­rings; and their owne Histories, which testifie of their mani­fold [...], and persecutions of our predecessors, who witnessed and suffered for the truth of Gods worship; which Christi [...]s were called in their severall ages, by severall Titles (as now by [...]) and ever Hereticks, as not fit to live in a [...] wealth, onely because wee cannot conforme to [...].

[...] Christ in his Humanity [...] of his [...], they could not prevaile and [...] his Testimony, the [...]; ye [...] have they [...] it by their [...] policie, that [...] with the [...] the publicke ad­ [...] on [...] of our [...] for the [...] of [...] that so [...] of the (otherw [...] [...] be neither perverted nor depraved: [Page 44]which course, though the ecclesiasticall Courts have (because of the benefit thereof) assumed the power and [...] of, yet because of the good order thereof [...] them (which for their [...]y they seldome brea [...]e it is very profi­table for the peace and [...] publicke; that [...] per­mitted to pervert, in the least sence, any [...] [...]ename [...]: And therefore it is appointed that Executors, Ad­ministrators and overseers be made for every Will and Testa­ment, and if any be found to alter, adde or deminish any thing from the written will of the deceased, whether in name, word, or worke, to alter the fence, scope or plaine intent [...]ay the very letter thereof in what sence soever, by any person whatsoever there is due penalties provided for every such offence, the Pil­lary at the least, for every one that is found but to conceale, much more consent to such a fact. And the breach of this lau­dable Law, good nature abhorreth, as Gal. 3.15. Heb. 9.17. Wherefore (as the Apostle there argueth, good reason requi­reth, that likewise the last will and Testament of our Lord Je­sus, being sealed, signed and delivered in the presence of the Apostles and many Disciples, should neither bee [...]gared; nor added unto, upon those penalties the Apostle [...]otesteth unto them of Rev. 22.18,19. Prov. 30. And as this alteration is odious in nature, reason and custome of all men, as the Apo­stle in the former quoted place, Gal. 3.15. [...], that no man doth abrogate it; so indeed no man, but that [...], 2 Thess 2.3. the brazed The Prelates imposters. faced Bishops and they [...]herents, would thus deale with Christ, and those poore Orphants his Church, who have not onely altered his will? not onely in some letter, point scope, or sence thereof:) but have utterly abrogated and cancel [...]d it, either b [...] denying it altogether [...] the people, as in Rome; or the true interpretation, sence, or understanding thereof; (which is equivalent [...] elsewhere; and by putting out the power and Name of [...] from his [...] unfit for all people, times and [...] 2.4. [...] and of conscience [...] the Scrip­tures [...] these [...]ning [...] Executors and [...] if at all, as for the [...] [Page 45] [...] these are all their Ecclesiasticall [...], especially their Church-wardens, who [...] 2 [...] 22.) must, by vertue of their OathO wicked [...]., for the least Ceremonie, Betray their Minister, Father, Wise, or Brother, into the hands of those cruell hungry hunters. And thus have this Antichristian crew, cheated Christ, and cousen­ed his Church and children all they can, for a long time, by their forgery and perjury, wereof I doe accuse the Prelates especially, and hope that the Parliament will put them on the Pillery: and so I leave them to their mercy; and your Hea­ring, [...] consenting, and partaking with them, to your owne further discovery hereby and by Psal. 50.

Now wee have taken a vew of this ecclesiasticall hideous [...]ead, his power and practise, whom I am perswaded that you to whom I write, are already ashamed of, and are ready to af­firme, that you suppose you have, or doe desire to have nothing at all to do with in Gods worship: Wherefore it you will give me leave a little to play the Prelate, I will not put you to the Oath, but onely upon a few interrogatories, whereby you may see if you desire more then the most, who seeke information as cowards doe their enemies, not to meet with them) whe­ther you doe belong to that body, submit to that power, or partake with that their l. [...]; that is, whether you be an An­tichristian [...]; First, have you seene by the Scriptures, that the Church of Rome, with all their successours, derivers, and afferents, are all Antichristian, false and uncommunica­ble [...]? and that you may not, nor doe not partake therein as all? Secondly, doe you not partake with that head, in none of his ecclesiasticall institutions? [...] in his pub­lick worship, as in Sacraments, Hearing the Word, in his insti­tute of Time, Place, or persons he hath appointed thereto, and for [...] or Burying, &c. nor in receiving or executing any Oath or once ecclesiasticall there. Which are civill. Thirdly, doe you not submit to that power? as to obey their citations, summons, or other their ecclesiasticall commands? as for observed on of their Idoll dryes, [...] appeare at their Courts, or [...] in base to any of them, or their Officers? nor pay them no [...] to any of their [...]? If you can really answer no▪ then are you not [...] prope [...]y to [...] Church and Ministry: though [Page 46]you live or dwell in some Parish in the [...] Kingdome, you are not properly thereby members of th [...] Ecclesiasticall state, un­till you actively and passively partake the [...] or submit there­to, but if in any of those things (or the like) before mentioned, you doe ecclesiastically act, willingly, and contentedly con­sent to (I meane not passively for therein all doe) submit to that power, by obeying their Lawes and Officers, by which they doe administer, as in the point of Hearing there, though you should heare nothing but the truth there taught, which you cannot be sure of, but the contrary rather (yea usually rai­ling and preaching against what truth you practise further then they preach) yet doe you thereby uphold that cursed king­dome of darknesse, and partake with their Hearing is rebelling. rebellious power, by which they there stand and preach, though in appearance and by consequence of Christ, yet indeed for Antichrist, as hath beene plentifully proved: for it is not the truth, or false­hood of the Doctrines there taught, neither their persons, nor gifts of any which wee envie or seperate from properly; but their false ecclesiasticall state, and Romish spirituall Priest­hood, and Antichristian usurped power: (which is that Other our Saviour said, Ioh. 5.43. should come in his owne name) which wee cannot have any spirituall communion with, 2 Cor. 6.14. &c. and is the proper cause and reason of our Separation, wherefore wee and all Christs faithfull, loving, [...]l [...]t and loy­all subjects, beleeving and obeying Christ Jesus, our spirituall King, Priest, and Prophet, will he one day) say, [...] good and faithfull subjects and servants enter into your Masters [...] Mat. 25.14.21,24. Luk 19.12 to 20 but as for those others my enemies that would not that I should raign or rule o­ver them, bring them hither and [...]ay them before mee, as vers. 27.

Wherefore Christ Jesus, our spirituall King, of our spiritu­all Israel, having by himselfe, and his Apostles, proclaimed, L [...]. 8.1.9.2. Mat. 28.18.20. Act. 1.8.2.5. and make known the Gospel of peace, the meanes of life and salvation, to all his Elect, beleeving and obeying him, a Thess. 1.7,10. Heb.5.9. Why then should we (or any) dare to neglect so great salvati­on, especially Christ our Captaine having commanded the contrary, of all his loving, loyall and elected, [...], [...] of that cursed [...], Rev. 18.4. [...] by partaking in their singes, we partake of their plagues, [...]. 14.9.10,11. And all those make themselves Beh [...]ld and tr [...]. [...] to their [Page 47] [...] not, N [...] 19.22. Ier. [...] Act. 2.40. H [...]g. 2.14,17. 2 Cor. 6.14,17. Ephes. 5. [...] 6,7. And so shall suffer for their owne sinnes; for by their false power and state, being an uncleane thing, every spi­rituall action of publicke worship therein, is defiled, Ioh 14.4. and Christs fellowship rejected, Psal. 94.20. which is onely in his Churches, and owne wayes of truth, 1 Ioh. 1.6,7. 3 Ioh. 4. [...] 21.24. whereunto all the servants of Christ are bound to bring their best abilities for the honour of their King Christ, against this Romish rebell Antichrist; for our King Christ le­s [...] hath made his subjects freemen, and not to be entangled with any volke of bondage, though in a true Gal. 5.1. Church, much lesse to be enslaved to a false: For as the subjects of this our King and Prince of Peace, Isa. 9.6,7. are a free and willing people, Psal. 110.3. so likewise have they his Lawes a perma­nent firme foundation, and his offices certaine, by a free E­lection, as before. But this their terrible tyrant other Lords and Archbishops besides the Lord Jesus, Isa 26.13. 1 Pet. 5.3,4. and [...].25. rule, not over the bodies, but the consciences o [...] their [...]aves; who are either, permitted to chuse or refuse their obtruded officers, nor shall ever know all their Ecclesi­asticall Canonicall Lawes, but must be at the disposing and deposing of their Prelates; both for their officers and Lawes, to adde [...] diminish according to the times, [...] shall be best and most for the [...] of their Cr [...] great glory, [...] pleasures; their promise d [...]po [...]tion, on their Ma­ [...] [...] 4.8, [...] And i [...] this their conscience-commanding Castle, their [...] making such a terrible sound, and [...]nl [...]ing sn [...]hering [...]oake, Rev. 9.2. this terri­ble Tyrant so do minee [...]eth, and d [...]nn [...]eth their hear [...]s, and d [...]eth their eyes, that they [...] now [...],Isa 59.9. wonde­ring and [...] know not whither, Rev. 13.3 [...]4. And though God hath plainely declared his mind. P [...] 8.9. in the wonderfull things of the Law, and the glorious glad tydings of the Gospel the two Rev. 11.3. witnesses of the truth; yet are they by them [...] [...]ndes foot, vers. [...]. and c [...]u [...]ed as a strange thing, and these that walke thereby, as Isa. 8.1 [...]. But blessed be [...]ow good God for hi [...] happy instruments, and meanes a­mongst us, who by the Word, the Spirit of Christs mouth and brightnesse of his comming, hath so abolished this [...]east, dismissed this mist and cloud of ignorance, and that with a cloud of witnesses, who [...]ike in the truth, which begins a­gaine [Page 48]to revive, which [...] the [...] doe even gnaw their tongues, [...] God [...] ­ven, by [...] wicked opposition, and divellish divination, Rev. 13 [...]6 and 16.10,11,14. where I leave them [...] all spi­rituall communion with them, Ier. 7.23.31. 1 Sam. 15.23. as we a [...] taught, 2 Cor. 6 [...] 17. Rev. 18.4. and hath hereby beene plained [...] proved to [...] rebellion against God; which if you, or any other with mee, doe so apprehend, and hereafter amend. I shall thinke this my poore paines well bestowed, which for Gods glory (and now the common good) I have earnestly endeavoured; hoping that some Lot will escape for his life, Gen. 19.12,17. and by this little briefe and weake warning get out of this spirituall Rev. 11.8. Sodome and Babylon: if that the Scriptures, [...]. 5.39. the Commandements of God, Moser. and the Prophets, [...]ay Christ himselfe, vers. 46, 47. Act. 31.22,23. (whose authority here­in we are onely to obey) can perswade persons; else these my rude reasons, and all exhortations cannot prevaile: neither will they beleeve, no not if one come from the dead, as our Saviour saith, Luk. 16.31. wherefore I shall cease to detaine you any longer herein; leaving these my rude lines which, (in the distracted or rather extracted time from my cal­ling I have endeavoured for your satisfaction, to your seri­ous [...], and Gods blessing: unto whom I com­mend [...] Word of his Grace, which is a ble [...] in­ [...]o [...] you [...] up further, and give you an inheri­tance amongst them that are sanctified: by which Word if you Walke you shall doe [...], and witha [...] Noble [...] seare [...]ing [...]e Scriptures [...], Act. 17.11. 2 Tim. 3.15. whether those things bee so or no, For they onely are [...] you wise [...] to sal­vation, but as for those what either negligent by [...] obstinately stop [...] Psa. [...].4 [...] 14.15. and [...] aside by their owne [...] shall the Lord lead and reward [...] the workers Psal. 125.5. of iniquity but [...] I heare and hope [...] things of you, even such as doe ac­company salvation; so I desire likewise that you, and all those [...] on the [...] of the Lord Christ, should signifie the [...] of [...] from [...] 3, 7. especially [...] of [...] and follow not after that which is evill, but that which is good [...] For [...] that doth well, is thereby manifest on [...] of God, but he tha [...] doth [...] God [...] ought, [...].

[Page 49] This is the seventh and last (but not the least) drunken draft, their Captain and Kings health: wherewith their The Clergis and Church wardens.sub­stitutes, and sworne servants, have so long, and much urged their Subjects: that their addleThe Prelates. Hab. 2.16.17.beads are sicke, and the whole body faint: they are filled with shame for glory, and shame­full spewing, staggering, and finall falling without remedy. Rev. 1 [...]. chap. Wherefore [...] all yee deare rede [...]ed ones of the Lord, hearken to the voyce of the Lord: Go out of her my Phople, that you be not pertakers of her sinnes, least you be per­takers of her plagues. Rev. 18.4.

THE CHVRCH A CORPORATION.

IF Paul that glorious and great Apostle, and pri­vie Counsellor to Christ Jesus, that most glori­ous King of Saints; was so zealously affected, not onely for the honour of his Head and King Christ; but also for his deare brethren and Country-men the Jewes, that he wisht hee were accursed him­sel e, that they might be saved, and come to the acknowledge­ment of the Gospel of Christ, who is God over all blessed for ever, Amen. Then how ought every Christian also, who is a a true subject of Christ, be enflamed for Gods glory, and with affection to his Countrey herein; yea, even to take his Est 4.16. life in his hand so farre as [...]e may have any ability, warrant or cal­ling thereunto) for the advancement thereof: especially in such a time (as blessed be God) this is. Wherefore dearely be­loved Country-men, I though the meanest subject amongst the Saints being occasioned to write this former negative part of worship, have also added this positive part, for your sakes, whose welfare I wish as my owne, beseeching you to give me leave in love, even for the good of your soules, to tell you of your dangerous condition, in respect of your Phil. 2.10. acknowledge­ment of, and obedience to Christ Jesus, in his true worsh p and service, which is a matter of no small consequence as you may see, 2 Thes 1.8,9. and 2.10,11.

Besides, the Pagans, Iewes, and Mahometist [...], who doe all li­terally deny Christ Jesus to become in the flesh, and all salva­tion by him; and are therefore by Christians generally repu­ted [Page 54]no Churches: So also amongst Christians themselves, who doe professe Christ to be come in the flesh, and that they expect salvation by him, and are therefore baptized into his Name: yet notwithstanding there verball profession, the mul­titude and most, are not true but false Churches; because of their manifest denyall of Christ to be King, Priest, and Prophet, in his own Church state or Kingdome there to teach, and rule by his owne Lawes, Offices, and Ordinances; who do there­by in effect most disloyally deny him also, by their owne in­ventions, overthrowing his true Church, and true Religion therein, whereby in his Word he is exhibited to us, for our obedient acknowledgement of him. And amongst these Chri­stians ever since the generall apostacie of Antichrist, there hath beene and is, a continuall controversie what this worship and Church is; whereof there are seven severall sorts, who doe professe themselves true worshippers and Churches; yet are all disallowed of God, and Antichristian, or opposite to Christ: who by their owne inventions have fitted Christs Churches and worship to their Common-wealth, and not their Common-wealth to his Churches.

First, the Papists, who hold the sacred acceptable Church­state, to be the Papacie, with its body and Priesthood.

Secondly, the Prelatists, that it is the Arch-Prelacie, with its Sub-Prelates and Priests.

Thirdly, the Monarchists, that it is a Monarchicke Monarchy, with its authoritie.

Fourthly, the Statists, that it is a Common-wealth, with its Presbyteriall power.

Fifthly, the Presbyterians, that it is the Synod of a repub­lick, with its Presbyteriall power.

Sixthly, the Anabaptists, that it is the whole number of sin­cere professors of the Gospel, because by their approbation being baptized.

[Page 55]Seventhly, the Arminians, (Camelian-like) that it is any of these sixe, if they hold their Arminian Tenents, of justificati­on, For beleeving or working. ab interno hominis, originally and properly, which all these seven severall sorts doe; except some of the sounder Presby­terian Protestants; who yet cannot sufficiently confute the other, because of their ignorance of Adams created condition; and also because being in the same false confused Church▪state with them.

Some saying that they are true visible Christians, and there­fore a true visible Church. Others say they are Parishioners, of a Parish of our Countrie, and therefore members of a visi­ble Church. The third, that they are Protestant Subjects of a Protestant Kingdome; therefore members of a Prote­stant Church, and therefore true. A fourth sort, that the Parliament hath expressed and imported the Nation of Eng­land to bee a Church of Christ: but I am a denison of England, therefore of that Church, as it was with the No more nae­tionall Chur­ches, Act. 2 5.21.15.9. and 10.34,35. Iewes, Priests, and Levites after Moses, and in Abrahams Family: All which severall reasonings are ignorant and unsound affirmati­ons, missing the true forme of Gospel Churches: which severall Church estates, are (as I conceive) counterfeit and false Churches: and onely (as Cant. 6.7,8.) the Separated, Cant. 4.12. independent, spirituall particular politicke bodies or Corporation Churches, are true, according to the rule of the Word, and Apostolicall Primitive Patterne: as in all those places where the Church is called, a Body, a Citie, a Fel­lowship, a Brotherhood, and the like: which doe inclu­sively declare every such true Church to be a free and perfect State.

This true Church state, house, or Church of God, which is the Pillar, ground, Spring, Soule, and center of divine wor­ship, truth, or true word-set Scripture service of God, and communion betweene Christ and his Christians, in their com­pleat terrestriall state; is the Body or The Church state a Corpo­ration.Corporation of the cultive instituted Church of Christ; called also his Spouse, his Syon, his City, his Kingdome, his rest; which therefore must be our aimed and ended scope, till we finde a better and more com­pleat celestiall state of rest and glory. I call it a Corporation, be­cause that is the subject, root, and fountaine of policie or civi­li [...]ie, & all things politicall and civil; and the best notive terme [Page 55]or expresser of the divine Mystery of Christs Church: espe­cially because it is the Mount patterne, or instituted forme of the cultive Church of Christ (vulgarly termed his visible Church (it is also the most commonly known thing aud terme to every freeman of any body politicke, or re publike, regall, Majorall or dominall: A Corporation civill which is the divine Church patterne) may thus briefly be described and both bet­ter discerned.

Our King by his Regality, edicts a City forme, of body members (integrall and instrumentall) and their functions and fruits to all his subjects within the compasse, barres, and limits of a City (as London;) with charge and priviledge to all the said Inhabitants thereof, to encorporate themselves by mu u­all covenant, into that edicted forme of a City, and transforme themselves from their meere instinctive personality, into an in­stitutive Citinesse, or publicke republicke state; the which they accordingly constitute. This Corporation now beareth the resemblance of his whole Kingdome; and so is and may be Synecdochically called, as also a particular Church, may be called Christs Kingdome, which properly consisteth of the whole body of his Elect.

A Civill Corporation then is the divine patterne and plat­forme of Christs Church, or spirituall Corporation, and that by the divine instinctive and distinctive description of the Apostle, Rom. 12.4, [...], &c. with its paralell place, 1 Cor. 12. throughout especially, vers. 27. Now yee (the Church of Corinth) are the body of Christ: (not naturall, Sacramentall, nor mysticall; there­fore cultive, ecclesiasticall, and ministeriall institutive body politicke.) And its particular members: but not naturall, Sa­cramentall, nor (in this place mysticall onely: for though as fit matter of the cultive instituted Church, they were discern­able members of the mysticall, and universall body: yet here, and in this whole chapter, and the two next of the same scope and subject, they are noticeable onely and properly, as the en­corporate members, Free-men, or Citizens of the instituted, and then constituted Church corporate of Corinth; for else the whole mysticall Church could not then congregate in one place, to worship God as he required in his Word, in the ex­ercise and enjoyment of all his Ordinances: Wherefore that Body and those Members there spoken of, must needs be meant of the fourth fort of Christs Body; that is of his instituted cultive, and by themselves constituted body politicke: which [Page 56]politicall republicke, or corporation ecclesiasticall, is of a sta­tive nature; and not properly reall, actionall, nor personall: partly because it is instituted by a prerogating supreamacy, and partly because it consisteth of instituted offices; and especially because its subject, and centure is a Citty or corporation, which must needs be authoritive, and divinely preceptive in its insti­tution; and religiously receptive and federall in its constitution: both which are mentall, and not reall, stative, and not actio­nall: publicke, and not personall. This divine, politicke, pub­licke, authoritive, institutive The Chur [...]h. Corporation ecclesiasticall; as it is patterned by the vulgar civill one in the world: so is it by the same way and meanes, constituted, encorporated, or begun, by a publicke mutuall covenant with their King Christ Jesus, and one with another.

For as a worldly Monarches regal charter proposing a Citty priveledg, and imposing a Citty duty, being accepted, and submitted to by his subiects, is an infallable testimony of his royalty, and their loyalty of his Monarchship, Lordship, or Worship: and of their subjectship homage and worshiping him, or testifying to his Lordship, Kingship, Firstship, and Su­premacy.

So Christs Monarchike Word setting his spirituall Citie, both as his prime munificent permanent donation, at his en­trance or Corroation: and also as his proper perpetuation of his Gospel Kingdome, over and for his Elect, redeemed, called Saints, and holy worshippers, is his proper entrance on his Regall State, and his taking possession of his rich glorious and joyous Kingdome, by their willingly accepting, and enga­gedly submitting thereto; whereby they are transformed from their worldly personall estate, to Christs publike institu­ted estate.

Thus having drawne an Index, or briefe compendium of the Churches Codex, or larger description thereof, which being so great a Gospel Mystery, I leave to others better ability and opportunity. Because a Corporation, and not onely a Con­gregation.

And forasmuch as it is the generall imagination, not onely of the blinde and ignorant Atheisis and Papists, but also of the Professors of our times; who (according to their owne natu­rall principles) thinke that there is no more requisite nor ac­quisite truth, then what is to them, and their admired Rulers revealed, Ioh. 7.48. And likewise because of the generall ac­cusation of the proud Prelates and their adherents, Act. 28.22. [Page 58]that wee are onely for opposition of others, and what wee would not have, but know not what to have, [...]st. 3.8. And also because of the now expected ruination and finall fall of Babylon, Rev. 16.19. And for confirmation of weake brethren Luk 22.32. and information of such amongst, that doe belong to the Lords Election, 2 Tim. 2.10. I have thought fit (ha­ving before endeavoured the discovery of the And spirituall incontinencie. Mystery of ini­quity) not onely to lay downe what wee hold negatively, but also what is the Truth as we hold possitively, which here fol­loweth briefly.

As there is but one God (a) and Father of all, one Lord o­ver all; and one Spirit (b) So there is but one Truth (c) one Faith, and one Salvation; one Church (d) called in one hope (e) covenanted or joyned in one profession (f) guided by one rule (g) even the Word of the most High. a Gen. 1.1. Exod. 20.3. Isa. 46.9. Ephes. 4.6. b Phil. 1.27. Ephes. 2.18. and 4.3.4,6. c Ioh. 14.6. 1 Tim. 2.4. Ephes. 4.5. Isa: 46.13. Luke 2.11. Act 4.12. d Mat. 16.18. Rev 2.9. e Rom. 1.6,7 and 8.28,30. 1 Cor. 1.24,30. Ephes. 4.4 and 1.18. f Psal. 50.5. Isa 62.5. Act. 2.41,42,47. Ephes. 4.16. 1 Cor. 1.9. Phil. 1.5. and 2.1,2. 1 Ioh. 1.3,7. g Deut. 6.25. Phil. 3.16. Gal. 6.16. Ioh. 8 51. Rom. 10.8. 1 Ioh. 2.3,4,5.

And that the true (a) way of the publicke worship and ser­vice of God under the Gospel (b) must be according to the Primitive patterne (c) of the * Apostles, who only taught the Commandements (d) of Christ therein, and instituted but one Church-state, for * all persons, in all places, at all times, thence to the ‡ end of the world, Act. 10.34.15.9. ‡ 1 Cor. 15.24. Whose plat-forme and constitution of Churches, was (not Na­cionall, Dyocesan, nor Parishionall, and so Congregationall onely, but) corporationall, and particular (e) or distinct; as doth appeare by the practise of the Apostles, who planted par­ticular or severall Churches, in one country, citie, house, or place, wheresoever they found beleevers; and by their Epi­stles written unto them (f) and likewise by the seven (g) se­verall Churches in Asia the lesse. a Ioh. 4.24 and 14.6. b 2 [...]. 1.9,11. c. Exod. 25.40. 1 Chro. 28.11, to 19. Ezek. 43.10.11. [Page 59] Heb. 3.1. to 6. and 8, 5.6. Ephe: 2.20. 2. Tim: 1.13. d M [...]t. 28.19.20. Act. 1.1.23. 1 Ioh: 1.1. to 5. Gal: 1.10.12. Rom: 1 2 3. & 16.25.26. 1 Cor: 4.1. and 7.17. and 11 23. and 14.37 2 Tim: 1.13. 2 Pet: 1.16. and 3.2. e Act: 2.42. and 6.1.7. and 8.12.25. and 10.34. to 48. and 11.22. to 26. and 14.21. to 28. and 15.36. and 18.8.11. and 19.10. to 20. and 20.17. to 28. f Rom: 1.7. and 16.4.5. 1 Cor: 1.2. and 16.19. Gal: 1.2. Ephe. 1.1. Phil: 2. g Rev: 1.4. and 2.1.8.12.18. and 3.1,7,14.

A BRIEF AND PLAIN DISCRIPTION of a true Church of Christ, Proved by Scripture and Reason, as followeth.

Every true Particular, Visible (a) Constitu [...]ed (b) Church of Christ: is free (c) and independant (d) Spirituall house (e) Polliticke body (f) or corporation of discernable Saints (g) faithfull or holy People: with their Seed (h) not exceed­ing such a number as may ordinarily every Sabbath, meet toge­ther in one place (i) being all of one heart (k) called of God by the Gospell (l) Separated from the world, or all false worship, (m) into the communion or fellowship of his sonne Christ le­sus (n) and one with an other (o) in the faith (p) and Ooder (q) left the (r) Perfect & perpetual (s) rule of righteousnes: under their onely Spirituall head (t) Christ Iesus, by whose power and authority (v) they Elect and ordaine (w) their owne Offi­cers: Receive in Beleevers (x) Refute errours (y) Reforme evills (z) Cast out obstinae offendrs (a) and execute all Gods instituted ordinances.

[Page 60] The Churches JUDEX. Or Authoritative proofe. Heb. 4.12.

a Mat: 5.14,16. and 18.20. R [...]: 12.1. b. Deu: 26.17. Isa: 62,5. Ephe: 5,29,30. e Ioh: 8, [...]2. Gal: 4,26. and 5,1,13. 2 Cor; 3,17. 1 Pet: 2,9,16. Mat: 15,9. d 2 Cor: 12,13. Rom: 16,4. 1 Cor: 7,17. and 14,33. e Ioh: 4.23,24. and 14,17,26. 1 Cor. 2,10,12. Rom: 8,9. Ephe: 2,21,22. 1 Pet: 2,5. Heb: 3,6, f Rom: 12,4,5. 2 Cor: 6,16. 1 T [...]m: 3,15. Act: 2.42:45. 1 Cor: 12.7. to 27. Heb: 12.22. Ephes. 2.,19. and 4,16. g Lev: 20,26. Song: 1,16. Rom: 1,7. 1 Cor: 1,2. Ephe: 1,1,4. 1 Pet. 2,5.9.10. 2 Pet: 1,1 [...] [...]. Col: 1,2. and 3,8,2. Rev: 11,14. h Gen: 17.7,8. Mal: 2,15. Act: 2,39. 1 Cor: 7,14. Rom: 4,11. and 9,8. i Mat. 18,20. 1 Cor: 5,4. and 11,18,20. and 14,23. k Rom: 15,6. 2 Cor: 13,11. Zeph: 3,9. Act: 1,14. 2,46. Ephes: 2,18. and 4,3,6. Phil: 1,27. 2,2. 1 Pet 3,8. l Ioh: 6,44,45. Math: 11,12,25,27: Song: 1,1, to 3: Act, 3,23. Rom: 1,6. and 12,1. 1 Cor: 1,2,9,24. & 4,15. Col: 1,21,23. 2 Thes: 2,14. 2 Tim: 1, &, 10. Tit: 3,3,5. m Gen: 3,15. Exod. 34,12 to 15. Ezek: 44,7, to 10. Song: 1,6. Mat: 13,38, Act: 2,40,41. 1 Cor: 5,9,13. and 10.18. to 21. 2 Cor: 6,14,17. Ephe: 2,2,6. and 4,17. to 25. Rev: 18 4. and 14,9,10. n Ioh: 14,20,23. 1, Cor: 1,9. 2 Cor: 6,18. Ephe: 2,18,19. 1 Ioh: 1,3,6: H [...]b: 21,13. o Ioh: 17,11,21,23. Ephes: 3.9.2,9,22. and 4,25,5,7 to 11. Phil: 1 5. Heb: 10,25. p Act: 6,7. and 14,22.16,5. Rom: 1,5. and 14,1,23. & 16,26. 1 Cor: 2,5. and 16,13. P [...]l: 1,27: Col: 1,23. and 2,5,7. 1 Tim. 1,19. 4,1,6. 6.12. Heb: 10,23. Iude 20, ver. q Ioh: 14.6. 1 Cor: 14,40. Col: 2,5.6. 1 Chron: 15,13. r Num: 15,15,16. Deut: 4,2. to 6. Isa: 8,20. Luk: 16,29,31. Math: 15,9. Ioh: 5,39. Act: 20,32. Gal: 1,8,9. & 6,16. 3,15. Col: 2,8,18, to 23. Heb. 3,2,3. Iam: 1,25. 2 Cor. 3.9.11. Rom. 1.16. 1 Pet, 1.3.4.16. 2 Tim. 3.16.17. Rev. 22.18.19. Pro. 30.6. Psal. 19.7.8. and 119.144.172. 1 Chron 16.15.17. Psal. 111.8. 119,142.144. and 145.13. Luk. 1.33. 1 P [...]t. 1.25. Rev. 14.6. t Isa. 8.9.7. Hos. 1.11. Mat. 23.8.9.10. Mar. 10.42.44. 2 Cor. 1.24. and 4.5. Ephes. 1.22. and 2.20. and 4.15. and 5.23.24. Col. 1.18. and 2.10. to 20. Heb. 3.1. and 10.21. 1 Pet. 8.4.7. and 2.2.4. v Mat. 18.18.20. 28.18. Ioh. 3.35. 1 Cor. 5.4.5. [Page 61] w Numb 8.9.10. Act. 1.21. to 26. 6,2. to 6. and 14.23. 2 Cor. 8.19. 1 Tim. 3.10. Tit. 1.5. x Isa. 14.1.2. 60.4.8. Psal. 110 3 Luk. 17.37. Act. 2.41.47. and 9.26. and 11 24. and 16.5. and 18.27. and 19.18.19. Rom. 14.1. 2 Cor. 9,13. Col. 2.6. y Act. 15 6.7.22. and 20.30.31. 1 Cor. 14.29. Gol. 1.8. and 2.11. to 14. 2 Pet. 3.17. 2 Tim. 2.18. Heb. 13.9. 2 Thes. 2.8. 2 Ioh. 8.9. Iude 3, to 23. Rev. 2 15.15.20. z Lev. 19.17. Mat. 18.15.17. 1 Cor. 11.17. to 34. and 5.1. to 8. 2 Cor. 2.5. to 9. Rev. 3.1.3. a Gen. 3 23.24. and 4.11,12.14. Math. 18.17.20. 1 Cor. 5 4. to 11. Rom. 16.17. Gal. 1.8. Col. 4.17. 1 Tim. 5,1.2.19. to 25. Tit. 2.5. and 3.10. Rev 2.2.20. Psal. 94.20 and 149.6. to 9. b Deut 4.5.6. ch. Mat. 28.20. 1 Cor. 2.21.24.

The Churches VINDEX, or Reason Proofe

1. It must be a True Church: because that is the first of the five preceptive parts of Gods pure worship, even the pillar and ground of true worship: for God is a Spirit, and those that worship him, must worship him in spirit and truth: and unto this True Church onely belong the promises and blessings.

2. It must be a Particular Church; because the bounds or number thereof must be knowne, and be no further; or larger, then the membrall duties thereof doe extend, and may bee d [...]ily executed; which cannot be in a Nationall Diocesan, or Provinciall Church.

3. It must be a Visible and discernable Church, discernable and mentall in respect of its institutive corporationalnesse; visible and reall, in respect of its constitutive congregational­nesse, and actions thereof: As a City set on a hill, because it must be seene, and knowne to be the place where their pub­licke duties of Gods worship and service must be performed; there being no rule left to know an invisible Church by, but the Ordinances, Ministers and administrations are all visible, therefore must of necessity be performed in a visible state; as [Page 62]those distinct severall Churches were, which the Apostles planted and writ unto.

4. It must be Constituted, builded, covenanted, or coupled together, not loose or scattered stones; because Christ cannot be a corner stone, nor the Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists no Foundations, where Christs Habitation is not built, and so uncapable of such a guest.

5. It is a Free Church or State, both in respect of the Cere­moniall Law, or from all other humane inventions and com­pulsions, and also to embrace, receive, and set up any Truth.

6. It is an Independant Church, as all Cities are under one King or Head, one Law, one Order, one Government there­in, every one having as large and as free a Charter as another, and power equally and alike to execute the same.

7. It must be a Spirituall house or Church, not materiall, of Lime, Stone, and Timber; because that cannot be Christs Bo­dy, which his Church is; neither did he dye for such matrrials, but for his Church, who are his Members and Mysticall Body.

8. It must be a Corporation, a Spirituall politicke Body, or City; being thereby enfranchised, and a powerfull publicke state, really distinct from the rest of the World, thereby en­righted to, and enstated in all the Ordinance [...], and also tyed to the discharge of the diverse duties thereof; no Forrainers or others having any voyce therein nor priviledge thereto, but onely as spectators, by a morall right, in the naturall and mo­rall parts thereof; as prayer and preaching the Word, which is permitted all, being appointed of God there as one speciall meanes of conversion.

9. It must consist of discernable Saints, because onely such are true subjects, and that Kingdome, house or habitation of Christ where he dwelleth, must be holy as he is holy: that is, regenerated, prepared, hewed, swared, and purged from the rubbidge of their earthly and carnall condition, by repentance faith and obedience, before they be fit for the Court of Christ, that glorious state of grace.

10. It consisteth of their Children or Seed likewise, because that thereby onely is set out the free grace of God, they being also received into that As an Ap­prentise in a City. covenant of grace so well as their pa­rents, and thereby enrighted to Baptisme the seale thereof; [Page 63]and thereby engaged at the yeeres of discretion, actuall to e­state themselves into further priviledges; whereof they are capable by education, Gen. 18.19. being the seede of belee­vers; and whereby outwardly they are differenced from In­fidels.

11 It must not Exceed such a number as may ordinarily every Sabbath meet together in one place; because else some might lose their priviledges of Gods Ordinances, as in the great Anti­christian Assemblies, whose flockes are more in number then can bee daily fed, or knowne in State, or by Face:

12 They must be all of one Heart, in the band of love, else they cannot, like Davids Armies, 1 Chron. 12.38. set up Christ their King, to rule in his owne house by his owne Lawes, Mi­nistry, and Administrations, and because a Kingdome divided against it selfe cannot stand.

13 They must be called of God by the Gospel, because it is not nor cannot be by any humane power, who can onely speake to the eare, or compell bodily performance, but is proper and onely peculiar to the divine power, to draw or convince the heart: this Kingdome of Heaven suffers violence indeed, but the violent are not compelled thereto by others, but them­selves affectionately take it by force.

14 They must be Separated, &c. for their owne more comfortable society, and Gods glory; both by manifestation of the vertues of their vocation, and for others imita­tion.

15 Into the Communion of Christ, because they are spiritu­ally espoused or married to Christ.

16 And One with another, in all matters and meanes, both ecclesiastiall and personall, for their mutuall edification and consolation, and for naturall supportation.

17 In the Faith and Order, because thereby they mani­fest themselves, and the Church, to be of Christ; by the one alsoe they be Sonnes, and by the other the Servants of Christ.

18, Left in the Perfect and perpetuall rule of righteousness [...] First, it is a perfect rule, else Christ knew not how, or had not time, to make his last will and Testament; and so must be be­holding [Page 64]to men therein, and lesse faithfull then Moses over his house: but being perfect and plaine, there needs no Canons, nor Lawes more then Morall. Secondly, it is a perpetuall rule, else some time would have beene set for its continuance; but none is mentioned but the end of the world.

19. Vnder their onely spirituall head Christ Iesus; because from him alone, as Redeemer they have received their Charter▪ Lawes, and Ordinances, and power to execute the same in the Church; yet doe we acknowledge that God as Creator hath also deputed a supreame civill power to Princes, over the Church, to order them by Lawes civill, in their keeping all the ten Commandements.

20. By whose power and authority, they elect and ordaine their owne Officers.

First, because every Ordinance of Christ is given to, and in his Church; else had not the Church as much power, and priviledge for the soule, as the Common-wealth hath for the body; wherein every City or Towne corporate, and fellowship therein, hath this power.

Secondly, because that those amongst whom they are con­versant, can best judge of their fitnesse, and abilities, both for gifts and qualifications: likewise it furthereth the diligence and faithfulnesse of the Officer, that they to whom he is to ad­minister, have freely chosen him: it also bindes the people to greater love and obedience of, and maintenance to his person, and Ministry, whom themselves have made choise of.

21. Receive in beleevers, for manifestation of the Saints faith, love, and loyalty, for the benefit of society, and for the per­fecting and increase of Christs Body.

22. Refute errours; else all manner of abominations and Antichristian superstitian, might by the power and policie o [...] men, be brought in, and set up in the Church, which is the ground and pillar of true worship.

23. Reforme evils; from defiling, and for retaining the pu­rity of their communion, that their King Christ Jesus may be delighted to dwell amongst them, it being a pure and peacea­ble habitation of Justice.

24. Cast out any obstinate offenders; because their Charter is given onely to true and loyall subjects; and their Officers and Lawes likewise for suppressing of Rebels and Tra [...]tors which [Page 56]may arise, and through subtilty creep in amongst them: like­wise hereby is every particular Church discerned to be a living body as by receiving in nourishment, so by casting o [...] excre­ment.

25. And Execute all Gods instituted Ordinances; because they were therefore given them, and are bound thereunto, both in acknowledgement of their King Christ, from whom they re­ceived them all, and for their owne benefit; all powerfully and virtually, by their state; some as morall, enrighted and depu­tedly, by their members; others as institutive, officially and engagedly, by their officers.

You may see the practice of these particulars prescribed more at large, in our generall profession of Faith called the Apology. And in the Guid to Syon.

And now if hereby you doe discerne what a Church of Christ is; it remaineth for you, first, not to minde my wea [...]e managing and penning hereof, nor our walking herein, so much as the truth; and your owne duty, wherin every one particularly, is to yeeld universall obedience, as to every ordi­nance of Christ, so to his true Church-state especially; out of which no publick worship is performed Ezek. 20.40. 2 Cor. 7.1. acceptably. Where­fore we are wished by the Apostle, to cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit, and finish our sanctification and salvation in the feare of the Lord: and by the same Apo­stle beseeched, Rom. 12.1, [...] by the mercies of God▪ to give up our bodies (as well as our soules) a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to the living God, which is the worship of his Word, and not to fashion or conforme our selves therein to the World, but be changed by the renewing of the minde, that wee may prove what that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God is.

And now if by this briefe bit, the stomacke of your soules be whetted, enlightned, and affected to the truth, you may be further satisfied by divers ancient Barrowes Dis­covery. Ainsw. Coun­terpoise and Communion of Saints, &c. Bookes of our Ancestors, [Page 66]but especially by our generall information and confession of Faith, called the Apology; wherein is more at large laid downe our humble desires, and lawfull demands (concerning the truth of Religion) both unto the Parliament, and of the Universities of England, or any other, who would undertake, either by way of writing, or free conferencee and publicke set dispute, religiously and orderly, to debate our differences; that so the truth might come to light, which we have ever endea­voured, and by the silence of reformed Churches hath beene approved, and by our owne Nation, both these wayes, and meanes (and all other) hath beene hitherto denyed us: the one not offording us liberty of conscience [by suppressing our oppressors the Prelates] the other, in stead of answering our grounds by Gods Word, have by their irregular and unchri­stian carriages, in their priviledged places, and other personall private wayes, not onely smothered the truth, but also have cast many undeserved calumnies upon us; and not contented herewith they (having all power in their hands) have in what they can persecuted our persons, that so we might no more speake in Christs Name; prohibiting all passage of printing, reading, or keeping our Bookes; because (as wee thinke) that they dare not come to the light, lest they should be reproved, like their predecessors, Ioh. 3.20. And those cruell creatures and bloudy Bitesheepes, with their viperous Pursevants. vermine and Church-war­dens. vassals, who have received authority from their persecuting High Priests, have in all hostile, and mercilesse manner, a long time afflicted us; compelling some to blaspheme, a [...]d deny Christ, in his truth; and being more mad against us, they have persecuted us into strange Countries; and others that remaine, are either thrown into their prisons, if they cannot procure their death, or during their life, if they have any worldly wealth, fined them; or otherwayes their poore soules are hunted like Partridges on the Mountaines: and after they are dead, deny them buriall, unlesse the cruell and covetous minde of these grievous Prelates and Priests. Wolves may be satis­fied.

And though wee have beene, and are still thus used (which were lamentable, and too tedious to tell, even the particular kindes thereof) yet have wee ever patiently, Wee were ne­ver Rebels nor Traytors. conscionably, and unoffensively carried ourselves, both towards civill Au­thority, and in the Religious practise of Gods publicke wor­ship, [Page 67]so farre as hee hath beene pleased to reve [...]se unto u [...]r and doe purpose still (except wee can be [...]tter Informed) to continue therein, as God affordeth us opportunity, though to the losse of all outward preferments, what ever it might bee, yea even life it selfe, if it shall so please our God againe to ex­ercise and honour us.

And as our Predecessors have ever, so doe wee still main­taine the truth of Gods worship, in his true Church; and a just See Mr. Rob: justification of Separation. Separation from all false wayes, as of Papists, Ar [...]ini [...] Anabaptists, Fam [...]ists, Semiseparatists, and all Antichristian, or otherwise false Churches; whether Conformists, Reformists so farre as they differ in practise from the Word, and (their harmony of Confession) or any other maintainers of errour, heresie or faction: Ezra 4.3. who have nothing to doe with us, to build the house unto our God, but we our selves together will build it unto the Lord God of Israel: which spirituall Gospel house and holy habitation, the True Church state, and fellowship therein, we may not leave, Heb. 10.25. Rev. 2.13,24,25. but following the truth in love, must maintaine, edifie and re­paire the same, Ephes. 4.12. to 16. Iud. v [...] 20. For wee are not they that doe disseperate our selves to perdition, but fol­low Faith unto salvation. Heb. 10.39.

And that Separation which wee maintaine, is not from the Word, or true Churches (as wee are slanderously accu­sed) but from sinne, and communion therewith; especially, in all false worshipping of God.

And such a Separation would not be so unsavoury and strange (in these our dayes especially) if men were not strangers from the Common-wealth of Israel: 1 Pet. 4.4. For what age ever was there, wherein Gods people were not Separated from the World, in all false worshipping of God? Separation the old and true way of Religion. God himselfe did first teach it, when he made a Separation betweene the seed o [...] the woman, and of the Serpent, Gen 3.15. the fir [...] than Adam saw, in the Separation of Seths posterity from Cains, Gen. 4.16. and 6.2 Noah did the like, in Separating Sems posterity from Cains, Gen 9.25,26. and 11.31. Abraham was called out of Cald [...]e, Gen. 12.1. and Lot out of So­dome, Gen. 19 15,22. Israel out of Aegypt and Babylon, Exod. 4.29,31. and 20.4,5. Numb. 23.9. and 16 40. 2 Chron 11.13,16. Ezra. 6.21,22. and 9.1,2. Nehem. 9.1,3. and 10.28,30. [Page 68]and 13.3. Isa. 48.20. and 56.3. Ier. 15.19. Ezek. 22.26. and 44.7. to 23. C [...]. 1. [...], 7. Faithfull Iuda from rebellious Israel, Hos. 2.1,4. and 4.15,17. and 5.11. I [...]. 2.8. Christs Disciples from faithlesse Iewes and Gentiles, Mat. 7.13.16. I [...]. 10.4,5.26,27. and 17.6. to 20. Act. 2.40,41. and 19.9. Rom. 12.1,2. and 16.17,19, 1 Cor. 10.7. to the end. 2 Cor. 6.14. to the end. Ephes. 5.6. to 11. And all Gods people from the confused Babel of Antichrist, Rev. 18.4.7.13,14. S [...]d [...]e and Aegypt, Rev. 11.8. and that upon paine of the Lords wrathfull displeasure, Rev. 14.9,11. and 16.19. 2 Thess. 1.8,9. and 2.10,12. And the Church of England consisteth of a mixt multitude, even sinners of all sorts, who were never Se­parated from the World, Mat: 13,38. Phil. 2 15 truly con­stituted. nor yet acknowledged the order of the Gospel, but preach it downe all they can▪ neither have Christ to teach, or rule over them, as King, Priest and Prophet, by his owne Lawes, Offices, Officers, and Ordinances; but by the inven­tions of Antichrist, or oppos [...]e to Christ, who would compell al by his [...]used Canons, to carry his marke in their hand, or in their fore-head, and either by feare or flattery hath for 1300 yeares, deceived all the Nations of the * Christian earth, Rev. 14.16. because they regarded not to acknowledg God, nor the Gospell of his deare Sonne, in the love thereof, 2 Thes. 2: 9,11. nor on the conditiones theireof, Ma [...]. 16.24. Phil. 1.29. 2 Tim. 3.12. but being blinded, either by the baiting prosperity, or biting persecution of the world, 2 Cor. 4.4. the p [...]ople clymate, seate, or center of their soules, Mat. 6.21. their earthly worldly mindes can no more wag out of the wide way of the worlds Kingdome towards Gods Kingdome, Mat. 6.33. then the earth can be carried into the Clouds, or a stone ascend upward, Mat. 19.24. wherefore our Saviour saith, Streight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and f [...]there [...]e that finde it, Mat. 7.14.