Motions for Reforming of the Church of England in this present PARLIAMENT: most taken out of Irenaeus Quae. 1, [...]ether [...]renaeus be a fitt man to be followed in the point of discipline; seeing none of the Fathers in his time [...]rote [...] more corruptly in the thing then hee. Philadelphus.
MOTIONERS.
1. THat since the first reformation in King Edwards dayes was rather of the doctrine the of the discipline, and of the rites that were palpable grosse, which yet were retayned with a purpose they should be removed afterwards, and for to unloose by degrees the fast hold to the Romish Church: now since every Protestant is well informed of the change made in religion, that whatsoever in the religion or tending to the disturbing of the peace of the Church and the maintayning of hereticall doctrines be redressed.
2. That in that great worke of Reformation, which is of moment and consequence farre beyond the setling of civill affaires, there bee appointed by both the Houses a Committee or Convocation, or meeting of 40 or 50 English Divines; Men that were not of the late Convocation, and such as be unpartiall, learned, and uncorrupt in their lives and Doctrines, such as Dr. Ʋsher, Arch. B. of Armach, Dr. WilliamsQuae. 2, Archb. & Bb. and men conformable to the Popish Ceremonies be fit to have speciall hand in framing a setled platforme of Church government. B. of Lincolne, Dr. Precheaux, Dr. Twisse, and the like. With 10 Scots Divines, to which be called 8 Forraine Divines, of the most learned and famous, Such as Rivetus, Primrose, Moulin, and the like, who may treat and agree upon a setled plat-forme of Church Government,, sutable to the Monarchy of Great Brittaine, which ought to be ratified and enacted by Parliament.
3. That the Churches Discipline being established, a Nationall Synod be convocate that may frame a Confession of Faith, and reforme if need beQuae. 3, whether such as doubt, whether it be needfull to have the English Letturgie reformed, be not corrupt men, & unfit to motion for reformatiō the English Leiturgie, that without exception it bee received through out the K. Dominions; to which Synod may be called a competent number of Forraine Divines. [Page] However, since so many have beene so earnest of late to bee in Charity with the Romane Church, that they have beene uncharitable to the Reformed Churches.
Let Cannons be made in the Synod, and an act of Parliament for Ʋnion with other Protestant Churches in matter of Doctrine. And all the fire-brands of these late innovations in the Church, that have made us a laughing stocke to the neighbour-Churches, be sharply censured, if not cutt of as banes of the Church; Especially the first raysers of Altars. Such as Heylen, Pocklington, and the like.Qu 4, [...]hether [...] B [...], [...]ting [...]em [...] [...]rke, de [...]t [...]ot m [...] [...] [...]eater [...]ith [...]ent.
4. That the pleasures of our late Soveraigne King Iames, of blessed memorie, be executed, who sent his Divines to the Synod of Dort. That the Church of England afterwards should be bound by the decisions made there, and that Cannons be made conformable to the determinations of the Divines in that Sinod.
5. If Bishops be retaynedQuae. 5 whether men wishing the Bb. to be retained, are not herein enemies to the State, and seeke to hinder reformation (as it is to be wished) ther be no more distance between a Bishopp and an ordinary minister; & that Bishops be no more called Lords, & that they be enjoyned to preach dilligently as the duty of their place and office is.
6. That if some sit in Parliament, It must be upon woll Sackes and have no more priveledge by their office, and places then the Iudges the Lord Keepers & Treasurers, & that a certayn number of deputies from the national Sinod,Quae. 6, vvhether ministers more then other private men, ought to have either place or voyce in Parliament. whether Bishops or others be assisting both in the higher and the lower house, for delivering their advises vpon any clawes of acts that may entrench upon the Churches priuiledges, or are contrary to doctrine or good manners.
7: That the principall defect of our dicipline and the spring of all errors in doctrin and practise which is the want of Synods, be amended, and herafter all vissitations of Bishops be Synods, as by right they ought to bee and according to the Antient constitutions: as it appeareth by theQuae. 7. Whether Ministers in the Apostles time used to pay any such thing. Synodals which ministers pay at euery visitation, and that at Synods al Parish ministers, be sitting and covered and haue their voyce and the discussing of all the affaires of the diosesse, and [Page] making orders which may not afterwards be altered by the Bishops, but only by the nationall Metropoliticall Synods, which for the the publick vnion; is to be kept once every two yeares, neither was the Church of la [...] without Synods but in ENGLAND.Quae. 8. Whither Synods as [...] are [...]w, have [...]n any [...]here but [...]l [...]e, that [...] since the [...]postles [...].
8. That Bishops be Censurable by the Synod whether it be provintiall or nationall.Quae. 9. [...]f the mē [...]s of a [...]tionall provin [...]l Synod corrupt [...], and [...]ke Ca [...] a [...]inst the [...]ith, who [...] cen [...]re them [...]r it.
9. That an other course be taken for maintaining ministers and Bish: then that by tythes,Qu. 10. Whether it [...]more [...]cessary, [...]at there [...]t some [...]rse ta [...] to have [...]full & [...]d mini [...]rs, then [...] the [...]tenāce [...]he un [...]full & [...] me [...] in [...]. which still causeth suites between the parishers and ministers, the patron and incumbent keepes the minister from his Church [Page] while he followes sute to London.
And bring the holy ministers into obloquie and contempe, but an honorable Competent proportion, be appointed for the maintaining of each parish. Minister by the parishioners, & rated by the Parliament or Synod. And that the distinction of Deanes, Archdeacons, Parsons, Curates, Ʋicars, and Readers, be taken away, but let them be co [...]q [...]ls and more or lesse in number in one parish, according to the greatnes or wealth of the parrish.
10. That as Bishops in height of Iurisdiction and place by act are to be shortned, so an act be made from henceforth that all ordinary ministers which are too much villified,Quae. 11 Whither many of the ordinary Ministers, are not so vile as that there is no honour nor respect due to them. shall have more respect and honour then heretofore given to them, and that the ministers sons be preferred to the fellowship of Colleges
11 That the powerQu. 12. Whither it [...]e not meet [...]hat they should first shew by whose authority the keys belong unto th [...]m before the Parliamēt do grant such a thing. of the ecclesiasticall keyes such as belongs to the Bishops and ministers be restored to them according to the ancient constitutions of the primitiue Churches, & that there be no Censure past upon the Cleargy or people from Synods, Bishops or p [...]esbiteryes, but such as is spiritual, & [...]hat vsual penalty of imprisonment & fines be rendred again to be righ [...] owner, viz: to the C [...]vill M gist [...]ate, and the abuse of excommunications and the Oath Ex-Officio abolished.Qu. 13. W [...]her other abuses as vile a [...] these should not be abolished also.
Qu. 14 Whither it be not better that the Parliamēt should present to the King, all the Bishopricks in the land, & he take them into his owne hands. 12 That the Cleargie of the Diocesse shall choose their own bishops, or present to the Kings Majesty two, who may choose of them whom he pleaseth, and that every parish be patron of us parish, & haue the presentations of as many ministers as the floocke requireth, to the Synod or Bishop.
13. That insteed of chancellours Officials, Apparators, Registors, and such like grashoppers, there be someQu. 15. Whither it be not fit that these Motioners do prove the thing to be lawful, before the Parliament doe grant it. lay Elders that may sit in provintial Synods, and have their voyce in matter of Discipline & Church government, and that in a nationall Synod: there be some Lay-men likewise appointed by the Parliament.
14. That a better course be taken for the providing for the poor, & that both ministersQu. 16. Whither their motion be not gainst the Word of God, Act. 6.2.4. & the chiefe of the Parish shall oversee how Church-wardens do dispose of the Churches Treasury, & that they be not permitted under crime of Sacriledg to spend it upon themselues, & that every moneth they give account of whatsoever is received and layd out.
Quae. 17. Whither it [...]e imagi [...]able that [...]y Mini [...]ters, if [...]alled of God, as [...]as Aa [...]on, would propound [...]o raine a [...]hing to a Parliamēt 15. That the griping of Church duties and buriall Costs, exacted oftner more rigerously of the poore then the rich, be restrained, and that the ministers be contented with his yearly sallary, performing al the branches of his Calling, as Baptisme, Burying visiting the sick, without any further recompense but such as is tendered to him.
Quae. 18. Who must [...]resent the Parish Minister, [...]f he be a delinquent [...] most are 16. That hereafter none be cited by the Synod Presbitery or spirituall Court, without the knowledge of the parish minister, who ought to present the delinquent & haue his voyce in the Censure.
Quae. 19. Whither it bee meet that such men as complaine against the rigour of Bb. should be suffered to impose what they please upon others. 17. That it be not more in the power of Bishops to impose what they please upon the Cleargie, with such Rigurous penalties as they haue lately used for the oath of the sixt Cannon.
18. That the fountaines of learning, Cambridg and Oxford be purged from superstitious rites and Popish Doctrines; and Orthodox Readers be provided.
A humble Petition vnto the PARLIAMENT, for the Reforming of the Church of England: all taken out of the holy Scriptures.
PETITIONERS,
1. HOwsoever it cannot be denied, but some things in King Edwards days were wel reformed. Nevertheles many grosse corruptions were still retayned, both in the Church-lyturgy, discipline, ministery, and the very constitution of the Church it selfe. The which errors and evils haue been by sun dry learnedCartwright, Brightman, Parker, Ʋdal, Baines, Bates, Gilbie. Fenner, Ames Bastwick, Laiton, & others. and Godly men so plainly discovered, as that every sincere professour of the gospell, is now fully informed of the necessity of a chang: And are humble PETITIONERS that whatsoever shall appeare to be antichristian and unlawfull, may by thus [Page] present Parliament, be suppressed, and the ordinances of the Gospell set up, to the honour of Iesus Christ, & the perpetuall peace both of Church and common wealth.
2. whereas Iesus Christ Lord and King of his Church, hath set down vnto us in the new testament a setled platform of Church governm: M [...] 18, 15, 16, Eph. 11, 12, Hebr. 3, 2, 3, 4, 1 Tim. [...] 15, Esa. 9, Act. [...] 40. which is unchangable, best, perpetuall and common to all Churches,Mat. 2 [...] 18, 20, 1 Tim. 1 [...] 16, A [...] 1, 3, G [...] 1, 8, 9, Iud. 3, Rev. 14, 9 12, & 2 [...] 18, 19. and to which all churches and people must be subject, and not to any other devised by man whatsoever: And in this respect suteable (howsoever some otherwise vntruly insinuate) to the Monarchy of great Brittain, and to all kinds of Civill estates in the world. It is therefore againe desired, that the same be ratified and enacted by this present Parliament.
But if it be thought fit by both houses that there shalbe a committee or convocation and meeting of some divines to treat of the thing: Then our request is, that some zealous and godly ministers who have beē forced to fly out of the Realm, by reason of the Prelates persecution, may be called home. Such as are known to be impartiall learned and vncorrupt in life and doctrine. Men that haue not maintayned the open profanation of the Lords day, neither are ignorant or unsound in the point of Church government, as are our poopishly ceremonious divines,
3. We hould that there is not onlye need, but that it is of absolute necessity, that the English Liturgy be taken away becaus the same is a devised service Ex: 20 4, 5, Ioh. [...] 24, Rom [...] 8, 26, 27 [...] Iud. 24, Mal. 1, 14. Col. 2.8, 27, Gal. 3, 18.. Romish stuffe & termed by King Iames the English Masse, and fitly so because it was culled and wicked out of the popish danghill, the por [...]is & vile Masse Booke full of all abominations; and peaced and [Page] patched together without reason or order of edefication.
And this being abolished, our further request is, that this present PARLIAMENT will take such order as that no stinted or devised formes of prayer be by any nationall Sinod imposed (specially upon the ministers of the Gospel) in any part of the Kings Dominions: but as the Lord hath furnished them with spiritual giftsAct. 1, 24, 28, 1 Thes. 5, 17, Rom. 8, 26, 27, 1 Tim. 7, 17, Neh. 2, 4, Exo: 14, 15, 1 Pet. 2, 5, even so according to their present need and occasions; they may have their freedome alwayes to pray in the spirit, through the helpe of the holy Ghost. For if it had seemed good to the Apostles the last Pen-men of the holy Scriptures that any stinted formes or number of words should be repeated or read out of a prayer booke, they would certainly haue giuen commandement for the practise thereof but we find no prescript Liturgy in their writings nor had the primitiue churches any such thing, what ever the Iewes fable of Ezra and the Papists of St. Iames and St. Peter.
And as we like it well, that this PARLIAMENT should seeke for union with other Protestant Churches in matters of true doctrine; so also to accord with them in all acts of their lawful discipline: and chiefly in this, that they doe not force and compel people to become members of the Church, but let every congregation consist of a free and voluntary people, and as for such as are prophane worldly and wicked, let them be kept out of the Church, untill they be called of God unto repentance and faith in his promise.
4. Howsoever we agree unto the Articles of the Synod of Dort, in al points there treated and concluded against the Aruntians, yet we se not (by any warrant from the word of God) that it is lawfull for the ecclesiasticall officers of many churches to meet together, and by joynt authoritie to make constitutions and lawes and to impose them upon all churches.1 Pet. 5 2, 3, 2 Col. 5, Iam. 3, 1, Rev. 14 9, 10, 11,
This tyranie and usurpation we beseech the Parliament to prevent, and not to grant any liberty to convocations or Synods to make Ecclesiasticall Cannons for al Churches, but let every particular congregation (as a special prerogatiue wherwith [Page] shee is indued by Christ) be free from such bondag and burden.
5. Howsoever some wish that Bishops be retayned in their places, yet sure we are, that this PARLIAMENT shall very much glorifie the sonne of God, if as plants which the Father never planted they now roote them up: For since the Prophets Apostles and Evangelists were taken away from this world, there are not any other lawfull Bishops or Church-Governours then Bishops or O-verseers of particular Churches.Act. [...] 28, P [...] 1, 1.
6. And seeing they are no Ministers at all in the Church of God: but haue and do vsurpe the name and seate of the ministerie. Their calling being Antichristian and contrary to the word of God,2 T [...] 2, 3, 4 [...] 1 Pet. 1, 4, I [...] 22, 25 26, Ep [...] 8, 11, [...] 13, R [...] 9, 3, & 11, 17, [...] 14, 9, [...] wee therefore most humbly beseech this present PARLIAMENT: not onelie to take from them (as they justly deserve) all Civill authority: but also to doe to them as our Saviour dealt (Ioh. 2.) in whipping out the buyers and sellers and money-changer. For of a certayntie, they might better come into the Temple, then any Metropolitan or Diocesan Bishopp into the Church of God: yea and had more necessary use, but they had abused holie things and made it a denne of theeues.
7. The principall defect of discipline and the spring of all errours in doctrine and practice is not the want of Synods but rather of the knowledg of the Scriptures, For the testament of Christ shewes us no Provintiall, nationall, emperiall and mother like Church having sundry meetings or assemblies and speciall Pastors over the same. Neither hath Christ Iesus subjected any Church or Congregation of his, to any other Superiour Ecclesiasticall jurisdictinn then unto that which is with in it selfe: So [Page] that if a whole Church or congregation shall erre in any matter of Faith and Religion, no other Convocations, Societies, Combinations, or Assemblies whatsoever have (by any Commandement from the Lord) power to censure, punish, or controll the same; but are onely to admonish them in a brotherly way, and so to leave them to the immediate judgement of Christ. For Bishops therefore and Parish Ministers to come together to discusse of the affaires of the Diocesse, make orders, and decide and determine among themselves the cases and controverses of sundry congregations. It is a practise which the Apostles never knew, Syon hath not heard of it, Ierusalem which is aboue will not acknowledg it, but as it began with the oppressing the only lawfull politie of the Church, so the use of it hitherto hath been the cruelst and most ambitious tiranny in the world. And therfore the Parliamēt is humbly desired not to countenance so injurious & vnjust a course: but to stand earnestly zealous for the pretious liberty and priviledg of the Saints, the which Christ hath purchased for them with his owne blood.
8. As the ScripturesAct. 20 28. Rom. 12.8.7. Phil. 1.1. acknowledge no other for lawful Bishops, but such only as stand ministers to some particular Congregation, so neither doe they acknowledge any Ecclesiasticall censure rightly pronounced against them, unlesse it be done by that Church, of which they are members,Mat. 18 17.18. 1 Cor. 4.5.12.13. 2 Thes. 3.6. with Lev. 24.14.15.16 23. Iosh. 7 11.25. and by which they were elected into Office.
As for deposition, excommunicaton, and the like, done by Synods, whether Provinciall or Nationall, it is but of the Earth, newly devised, an addition, an institution, an ordinance of Kings and Princes. And this needs must bee so, because Christ hath not placed this power any other where, but in a true visible Church. Now there is no true visible Church, but a particular Congregation, Company, or Assembly of men, ordinarily joyning together in the true Worship of God. As for other Convocations, Synods, Societies, Combinations, &c. the Title of a visible Church is improperly, and untruely attributed unto them. Of this judgement are our English best Divines.D. Ames Eng. puritne. Baines Dioces. p 12. repl. to Down. Offer for conference, p. 2.
9. The right course for the due maintainance of ministers, is by the free and voluntary Contribution of the Church:1 Cor. 9 7.14. Gal. 6.6. 1 Thes. 5.13. 1 Tim. 5.15. with Pro. 3.9.10. Num. 18.8.32. Not that Parliaments or Synods should impose any certaine rate or summe upon any man, how much hee [Page] should pay, but this is to be left unto the Church, for every one to give according to the blessing which hee hath received of the Lord. And so Christ hath ordained, that they which preach the Gospell, should live of the Gospell, and not by Popish Lordships and Livings, or Iewish Tythes and Offerings: As for the Law of Tythes, it did cease with the change of the Leviticall Preisthood. Heb. 11. It is therefore humbly desired that the Land and revenewes of the Prelates and Cleargie yet remaining, may now by this Parliament 2 Co [...] 31. D [...] 17.1 [...] 19.20. Esa. 19 23. Ps. 3.4. Ez 20.4, 5 Pro. 3 10. Rev 17.1 [...] be taken away and converted to better use. As those of the Abbyes & Nunneries have beene by former Parliaments: Their originall beeing one and the same.
And further it is desired, that not the distinction alone of Deanes, Archdeacons, Parsons, Vicars, and Readers be taken away, but their offices and places also:Rev 11.18.14.8. [...] 10.12 16.10 & 17.18. & Chap. 2 Th [...] 3.8. in regard they are not elected, called, or ordained, according to Gods Word; but their entrance into the Ministery is by a Popish and unlawfull vocation, strange from the Scriptures, and never heard off in the primitive Church.
10. No doubt but it is the office & duetie of this present Parliament, to cherish and protect the true ministers of Christ;Esa. 23. & 3 10.12. D [...] 17.14 19, 20 Ps, 2, 11.12 72, & and on the other hand to suppresse and root out by their authority all false Ministers, and unlawfull Ecclesiasticall functions whatsoever.2 C [...] 29, & chap,
Therefore our humble Request is, that all Popish Offices, entrance, administration, and maintenance, with their Names, Titles, and Priviledges, may be now abolished, and that every Christian Congregation may have freedome to enjoy the publick ordinarie ministery of Pastors, Act. 17. 2 [...] Rom, [...] 7, 8 & Teachers, Elders, Deacons, and Helpers; as those onely which Christ hath appointed in his Testament, for the feeding, governing, and building up of his Church. And as every Congregation hath powerAct. 5. & 23. & 22.2 with 1.15. in Christ to take unto themselves meet and sufficient men into those offices, so (the Hierarchie, and their dependant Offices beeing all unlawfull and Antichristian, in the height of jurisdiction and place be taken away,) an act of Parliament be made, that from henceforth these true Ministers which are too much vilified, shall have more honour & respect then heretofore.
11. Howsoever the Papists doe place the power of the Keyes in the Pope, the Protestants in the Bishops, and the Reformed Churches in the Presbytery, Classes, and Synods: notwithstanding according to the Apostolick institution, every particular Congregation1 Co 5.4.11.12, 13. & Mat. 18.17. 1 Cor. 16.3, 2 Cor. 8.19. Act. 18.23. & 15.23. & 18.22. hath power in and for it selfe immediately from Christ, to exercise Ecclesiasticall government, and all other religions Ordinances: So that the power of Excommunication is in the body of the Church, whereof the parties that are to bee cast out, are members. And so farre is the power of Ecclesiasticall K [...]yes from belonging solelie to Bishops and Ministers, as that they themselves stand under it. For the Congregation, which did elect and ordaine them, may (if the cause so require) depose them from the M nistery they exercise;1 Tim. 3, 10. & 5, 22. Rom. 16.16. Phil. 3, 2. 1 Tim. 6.3, 5. Eze. 44, 12.13 Mat. 18.16. and if they remain obstinate and impenitent, orderly cut them off by Excommunication. And this is a truth, so cleare and manifest, viz. that according to the ancient constitution of the primitive Church, the power of he ecclesiasticall Keyes is given to the whole body of every Christian Congregation,Ps. 122.3. Act. 2.47. Rom. 16.2. Mat. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4. &c. (and not to any member apart,, or to more members sequestred from the whole, or to any other Congregation to doe it for them.) As that the learned on all sides, as Papists, Lutherans, Calvinists, Conformists, Non-Conformists, ancient Writers, with the publick Confession of all the Reformed Churches (what ever their practice be) give Testimony hereto, as we have it in our hands to shew, if the Parliament be pleased to call for it.
12. That there ought to be no Nationall, Provintiall, or Diocesian Bishops, wee have shewed before: neither are Churches to be made by the bounds and limits of Parishes, (for that is an ordinance of man, even the man of sin, and contrary to the faith and order of the Gospel) but to consist of a company of people called and separated from the world by the Word of God,Act. 2.39. & 19.9. Rom. 1.6.7. & 10 14, &c. and joyned together by voluntary profession of the faith of Christ in the fellowship and practice of the Gospel: and therefore no drunkards, no whoremongers, no prophane persons: at least, which are known, may be received, retained or compelled to be members in the Church of Christ,Mat. 3.7. 2 Cor. 6.14. Rev. 21. ult. num. 15, 27, & 22, 15. Esa. 35.8 9, &c. which is his body, whereof he is head, and his temple wherein hee dwelleth [Page] by his Spirit: but the House of God must be kept as neare as it is possible, free and cleane from all polutions and prophanations whatsoever. And to this Church Christ hath given his power to chuse and call into office among themselves, such as are fit, without going to Synods or Bishops, with Presentations of any, for that is but a humane device, and therefore by the Parliament not to be tolerated.
13. That in stead of Lay Elders to sit in Nationall and Provintiall Synods, (an office that hath no root in Christs Testament) let it be appointed by the Parliament, that every Christian Congregation shall have free liberty to elect and ordaine (as the Word requireth) Governours, or ruling Elders: Act. [...] 28. R [...] 12.8. Phil. 1. 1 Tim. 17. Ep [...] 11.12. 1 Cor. 28. n [...] 12.24, 2 [...] Exod. 3 [...] 42. De [...] 1.13. being men of life unreproveable, sober, gentle, loving, temperate: men of wisedome, knowledge, and sound judgement: that may sit in the Church, to see the Congregation holily and quietly ordered, discerne between cause and cause, plea and plea, and accordingly prevent and redresse evils.
14. A better course cannot be taken for providing for the poore, then that the Ordinance of the Gospel be observed: which is, that Deacons be chosen in every CongregationAct. 6. 1 Tim, 8.9. Ro [...] 12.8. 1 Cor. [...] 28. Ph [...] 1.1. being men of honest report, grave, temperate, not given to excesse, nor to filthy lucre; let these gather and collect by the ordinance of the Church, the goods and benevolence of the faithfull, and faithfully distribute the same according to the necessity of the Saints,
For Church-wardens, Side-men, and Collectours, their offices are unlawfull and hurtfull: unlawfull because they are counterfeits of Gods true Officers, namely, Elders and Deacons, also retaine the marke of the Beast in part, as fictions devised by men, and comming from Rome; hurtfull, because they are bound to most unlawfull conditions, for necessarily either they must be perjured, or sin grosly; as to present both Minister and people, if they be not superstitious and prophane: and thus they serve the tyranny of the Hierarchie, and minister matter of filthy lucre to the Harpies of the Prelates Courts, in so much that the more honest and better sort, avoide such places, as knowing they cannot exspect any blessing or protection from God therein.
15 Touching buriall of the dead, Gen, 23, 3, 4, 5, 9, 17, 18, 9, & 29, 21, 22, & 44 45. Luke 9, 60. it is no branch of a Ministers calling, nor doth any Church dutie belong unto it. For all praiers, either over, or for the dead, are superstitious and vaine no such thing was used in the Apostles time: neither do the Reformed Churches practise the same. The like may be said of the celebration of mariage; Gen, 2, 2 23. Ruth 4, 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 13. Ioh, 2, 1, 2, 3. Heb, 13.14. it is no Ecclesiasticall action appertaining to the Ministery, but civill, and so to be performed. For Baptisme as it is an ordinance of God: so it is humbly desired that it may be purged from all childish and superstitious toyes: and that no infant be admitted unto Baptisme, whose Parents (one at least) are not members of some particular Church. For the visiting of the sick, seeing the prescript service of it is taken out of the Masse-booke, we trust the Parliament will take course to have the same suppressed. That so as it is Gods will we should visit the sick, so we may do both his will, and worke in his own way.
16. For spirituall Courts so called, they are humane devises,Matth, 28, 20. with 6, 24 Ioh, 3, 35, 36, & 10, 4, 5, & 15 14, Rom, 6, 16. 2 Thes, 2, 3, 4, 8, Gal, 1, 8, Rev, 14, 4 2, 12. presumptuous insolencies, such as were never planted by the Apostles in the Primitive Churches, but long after erected by Antichrist against God, and his Christ, to the great prejudice and hurt of his Church, and the lawfull jurisdiction thereof. And therefore it is humbly petitioned, that as must prophane things, they may be by this present Parliament all rooted out, and utterly overthrown, without hope of restitution.
Touching Citations by Synods and Presbyteries, with the knowledge of the Parish-minister, and his presenting the delinquents, and having a voice in the Censure, &c, This neither is to be found in the Word of God, and therefore no Christian man or woman is bound to submit and yeeld obedience unto it. The rule of Christ for censuring delinquents, is (as we have declared) that the sentence and judgement of Christ bee given by the whole Church, whereof the parties are members, provided it be executed in a due manner; namely for sin, and that also duely convicted, and obstinately stood in.
17. Our humble suit is, that it would please his Majestie, and this present Parliament, that we may be suffered to live here in peacePs. 41 [...] 1. Pro, 3 8, 9. Ez [...] 6, 7. M [...] 6, 10, [...] 2 Chron 19, 10. Psal, 82 3, 4., professing and practising the truth of the Gospell, without molestation, either of Bishops, or any other, to impose what they please upon our consciences, with such rigorous penalties, as they have lately used: we carrying our selves as loyall Subjects, and leaving the suppressing, abolishing, or reforming of the abuses that we witnesse against, to his Majesties and your discretion.
18. As it is very meet that all Schools and Academies be purged from superstitious rites,Ps, 11 [...] 9, 99, 10 [...] 1 Sam, 1 [...] 9, 10, 2 Kin, [...] 3, 4, 5. Mat, 1 [...] 51, 52. and Popish doctrines, and Orthodox Readers be provided: so in speciall, that Popish degrees in Theologie, inforcement to single lifeHeb, 1 [...] 4, 1 Tim, [...] 2. in Colleges, abuse of the study of prophane Heathen Writers, with other like corruptions should be removed and redressed, that so they may be the Wel-spring and Nurseries of true learning and godlinesse.