A COPIE Of tvvo vvritings sent to the PARLIAMENT. The one intituled Motions for reforming of the Church of England in this present PARLIAMENT: Most taken out of Irenaeus Philadelphus. THE OTHER A Humble PETITION unto the PARLIAMENT, for reforming of the Church of England: All taken out of the holy Scriptures.

NEHEMIAH 13.14.

Remember mee, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the House of my God, and for the Offices thereof.

PSAL. 137, 8, 9.

O Daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed: Blessed shall he be that repayeth unto thee thy reward, which thou hast rewarded unto us.

O blessed shall he be, that taketh and dasheth in-peeces thy Babe against the Rock.

Printed in the Yeare MDC.XLI.

The humbly Supplication of sundry of his Maiesties Faith­full Subiects, who have now along time beene constrained to live as exiles abroad, or to endure other greevious Persecutions at home, for bearing witnes to the truth of Christ, against the corruptions of Antichrist, yet remaining in the Church of England.

To the Honourable and High Court of Parliament:

CRaving pardon upon our knees for our boldnesse, wee most humbly beseech you to heare us a little with pa­tience.

What DAVID spoke in his owne defence, when his elder brother charged him with Pride & haughtinesse of heart: 1 Sam. 17 28, Is our answer now unto all such as shall lay upon us the like accusation: vvhat have we now done? Js there not a cause? Sundry CAUSES there are which have moved us in all duetifull manner to become instant suters to his Highnesse, and to you in the Cause of Jesus Christ.

1.1: Cause of our Peti­tion. The great hope which his Majestie hath given of much good to bee done through the mercy of God, by your meanes in Church and Common­wealth.

2. We take our selves bound in conscience to speake at this present: Fearing least otherwise through our silence,2: Cause. the Motions which some have made, might prove hurtfull and perilous both to Church and State. How farre the Motioners are from speaking according to the law & to the testimonie, and seeking to have things reformed in the Church of England, Esa: 8, 20 agreeable to the Patterne of the new Testament. We shall shew in our next Petition. Onely two things we desire, may be here considered, as be­ing the speciall drift and maine of their Motions. First, in the whole there is much self-seeking: For to what end is it motioned to have the Parish-ministers raised up to an equall height (as it were) of power and authoritie with the Bishops? But that they and the Bishops together (keeping from the people their Rights and Liberties in the Gospell) may equally LORD it, and doe what they please, without controll. But our hope is that the PARLIAMENT,Psal: 122.8. beeing men in whome the Lord hath putt wisdome and understanding, will for their Brethren and Companions sake, yea and for their owne soules sake too, prudently foresee the evill, and prevent the Motion, and not put authoritie into their hands, who wilbe (if they have it) as great persecutors of the Saints, as the Prelates formerly have beene; and so instead of one Lordly and Domineering Bishop in a Diocesse, we shall then have one in every Parish, & in some more, to oppresse & suppresse all such as walke up to their light, more closely and conscionably in all Gods wayes then themselves: We know what we speake, and wee speake no more then what we have had wofull experience off, and can make good by proofe.

The next is their mixing of Heaven & Earth together: Motioning for a discipline, which is a very hotchpotch, a gallemowfry; compounded of Epis­copie, Presbyterie, and Poperie, thinking (in likelyhood) to please all sides, by framing (like the Samaritants) a worship of sundrie religions. But the Lord sees their halting,Mal. 1, 14. and will one day reward them for it, in their owne bo­some as they have deserved. Cursed is the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing.

3. Cause.A third CAUSE moving us to Petition, is in regard of you who are our PARLIAMENT-MEN, What Paul said to Agrippa, we say to you; wee thinke our selves happie, because we shall answer for our selves this day before you, whom we know to be expert in all customes and questions that are amongst us. In what a forlorne and desperate State our Kingdome was come unto, before you came together, wee are all very senceable off. And howsoever many true Causes thereof, have beene already discovered by your deepe wisdome and diligence: Notwithstanding give us leave to adde this unto the rest: That because the glorious Scepter of the Lord Iesus, hath not beene hitherto advanced in our Land as it should have been; our blessings have beene the fewer,1 Sam. 2, 30. and our crosses the more. Them that honour mee (saith the Lord) I will honour; and them that despise mee shall be ligh [...]ly esteemed.

And how farre it shall please God to goe forth now in the worke of re­formation by you, wee know not; But this we know, if you altogether hold your peace at this time, yet shall enlargement and deliverance arise unto the Kingdome of Christ from some other place. And truely just it wilbe with the Lord, to purge away such drosse & filth of the scarlet whore, with the blood of the Nation, which through your neglect shalbe left in the Land.Zach. 1, 14. Psal. 2. For thus saith the Lord of Hostes, I am jealous for Ierusalem and for Sion with great jealousie; and the Nations which will not kisse the Sonne, and come under the sweete and easie Yoake of the Gospell, hee will breake them in peeces with a red of Iron. Oh that you would looke but to for­mer PARLIAMENTS, and consider how their Statutes and Acts made about Religion, have occasioned afterwards sore troubles in the Land. And why? But because they were not made conformable to the will and Testament of Iesus Christ. And what better successe may we now expect, unlesse looking beyond State Policie, and carnall reason, there be a full closing with God in the truths of the Gospell.Prov. 21, 30. There is no wisdome, nor understanding, nor Counsell against the Lord.

We therefore before God and the Lord Iesus Christ, and the elect An­gels, beseech you to mind the necessity of a right and full reformation. For if your care and strivings tend this way, then shall the Earth yeeld her increase, and God, even our God, shall blesse us.

4: Cause.Our 4. and last CAUSE of Petitioning, is, for Sions sake the Mount of the Lords holinesse, and the place where his Honour dwelleth. That which we de­sire herein, is, that remouing the Hierarchy and devised Leiturgie, Christ true Ministerie, Worship, & Government, may be by Act established. But if [Page] it be doutfull to you whether our request be lawfull. Then our humble supplication is that it will please his majestie and the PARLIAMENT to have the difference on both sides tried and examined. as either that our Proposi­tions and reasons may be given to our opposites to answer, and their argu­ments (if they will set down any) to us, to answer by the word of God. Or that a conference may be had in writing, & the questions being first agreed vpon, and the arguments and answers advisedly set downe till both parties have fully sayd, (laying aside all by-matters) and so the whole exhibited to the PARLIAMEMT, to judg off. Or any other course which by you shall be thought meetest, for the finding out of the truth by the sacred Scriptures.

And if this may not be granted us, then our last request is, for our returne out of exile, and releasement out of bands, and that we may be suffered in peace under his majestiss government within his dominions (which we had rather then under any other whatsoever) to walke in the fayth of the Gos­pell, according to the testimony of Christ: we carying our selves in all loy­altie peace & godlines as becometh the faithfull subjects of the Lord. And this we hope will not be denyed, seeing strangers are suffered which differ (as well as we) from the Hierarchy & worship there established, we being his majesties naturall subjects.

But howsoever it be, wee wil not cease to pray for you. And that the Lord wilbe favourable to the land, and take away his wrath from it.

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.

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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 [...] [...]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.

POST-SCRIPT.

THat we be not mis-understood touching Provintiall and Nationall Synods; As if we should condemne all use thereof: we have thought good to speak a word or two, more fully in the thing. As to shew out of Antiquity how ancient they are: and what were the causes and grounds of their erection at the first: how far they are lawfull and ne­cessary in the Churches of Christ. And when and how they came to be abu­sed. And this we will do in a very briefe way: leaving a larger discourse till a more convenient time. That there were no Synods (according to the acceptation of the Word now amongst us) all the time that the Apostles lived here upon the earth, but every particular Congregation practised in, and for it selfe all the ordinances of God: It cannot be denied without losse of credit both to person and cause of the denyer, in the eyes of all reason­able menWhitgift against T. C. p. 180. 181. Bil­son perpet. gover. cap. 15, p. 361. Sculting hier. anar. l. 11. p. 134 Sutclif. di­scipl. c. 8. p. 353.. If we come down from thence to Trajans time, which was a­bout a 100. years after Christs Assention: we shal not finde in any approved Author,Centur. Meydenb. cont. 1. c. 4 cent. 6. 7. col. 591. so much as the name of any such thing.

From Trajan passe we to Severus reigne,Cent, 2, c, 7, p 137 135, Brig, o [...] R [...]c, 12 which was about the yeare 195. and let the approved Auhours of that age be read, and it will appeare (as cleare as the Sun at noone day) that the order of government was still popular [...] Neither was there any superiour Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, above the independant power which every particular Church had in it selfe.

Indeed between Severus and Constantines time, we read in Eusebius, Lib. 3. c. 22, & 5. c. 16. Irenaeus. l. 3. c. 1. 2, 3, Nicephorus, l. 4, c. 23 and other:: that neighbour Ministers came often together to confer of things serving for the generall good. But here let it be noted: 1. This they did of liberty, [...]nd not of d [...]tie [...], as if obliedged thereunto by any law of God.Zippe­rus, l. 3. c. 7, .2 It was a free for any of the brethren to be present, as for the officers.Cyp. i, 1 Epist. 4. 3. Whatsoever they did at such meetings, the same was of no force at all, as to be counted a Church [...]ct or sentence, untill the whole Congregation first knew of it, and gave their free consent unto the same.Gregor, Nazia. in orat. fun. de Patr.

This ancient comming together of Ministers and Brethren (call ye it a Synod or Convocation, or what you will) we hold both lawfull and necessary, the better to pre­ [...]erve peaceParker Eccl. pol. pu. 329. 330. with holinesse, and when any dangerous errours are broached, for to [...]uppresse them. But at these meetings of Ministers of sundry Churches, they medled [...]ot with Excommunication, Ignat. ad Philad. ad mag. Tral, Tertu. A­pol. c. 20. Atha. Ep, in pers. ad orthod. & Ep. ad So­li. vit, deg. & Ep. con. Nicae. c. 9 Eccl. hist, Bas. Epi. 58 ad Eli­tiū. Theo. l. 1. c. 19, election, and ordination of Church officers: for all such [...]hings they left as peculiar administrations to every particular Church: onely if there were Heresies broached,Cent. 2. c. 9, p. 159 160. 161 or some weightie point to be determined, every one [...]ave his judgement and advice, and afterwards signified what was done to the Chur­ [...]hes, who had still their liberty to receive, or reject what was before concluded.

And thus for the space of 200 or 300 years (as Brightman on Rev. cha. 12. p. 505. 506. edit. 3., Iacob neces. Resor. p. 57, &c., and o­ [...]hers, have well observed) the Primitive purity of Church government was not destroyed: [...]either had Satan as yet brought in Prelaticall and Synod [...]ll pride into the Sheepfold of the Lord: but every Congregation was free, and subject to no other Ecclesiasti­ [...]all jurisdiction, then unto that which was within it selfe.

Indeed about Constantines time, and after; as Cyprian Epist. de lapsis, l. 4, c. 4., Eusaebius l. 8. [...]. 1., and Am­ [...]rose Com. in 1 Tim. 5. testifie: and which is also affirmed by Casaubon ad Card. Peron, obs. 4. p. 30. 31., Whitaker de Rom. pont. cont. 4. p. 5., Mornaeus H [...]. [...]op, p. 37. 38., Brightman, Apoc. c, 2, p, 67. and others. Men began to devise a new order and manner of gover­ [...]ing Churches, as they thought fittest to agree with the times, and took away by lit­tle and little, the independant power and government of particular Churches. And had now their Councils and Synods to make what Canons and Laws they listed, imposing the same (nolens volens) upon all Congregations, not permitting the people to have a­ [...]y hand in the election of Ministers, excommunication, and the likeSee Beza in res. ad tract. de minst. Evan. de grad. c. 22. f. 154. 155. Synod, Laod. can, 13.. And how­ [...]oever the government left by the Apostles to the Churches, was rejected, under pretence to preserve the unitie and peace of the ChurchDuaraen. dist. 8., and for the avoiding of schismesField of the Church, l. 3. p. 157. 158. & de visib. non. l. 5. c, 4., factions, and for the unrulinesse of the peopleScvlting hierarch, anar, l, 11, p, 134., and to prevent other evils; yet whosoever will juditiously read the impartiall Writers of that age, hee shall finde that the corrupting at first of Church government, was principally through the prideGreg, l, 4, Epi, 38. and ambition of the Ministers, for beginning now to have some out­ward state and meanes in the world, thought it a disparagement, that the Bretheren should be equall with them in the affaires of the Church:Chrysost. in Mat, hom, [...]4, Hieron, in Epi, ad Gal, cvp, 4. Much lesse could they [Page] any longer indure to be under their admonitions and censures, how disorderly soe [...] they walked.

Adde to this another cause: viz. the negligenceHieron. n Esa. l. 6 c. 30. and idlenesse of the people, also the number of unfit members which were daily received, such asChrys. in opere im­perfect. hom. 44. knew [...] what their liberty in the Gospell was: besides about this time the civill Magistrat [...] joynes with the Innovatours and corrupters of Church government, and under divers threatnings, and severe penalties, commandeth every one to yeeld and conform themselves to the sinfull devices of their NEW MASTERS.

Having thus briefly declared, what was the discipline planted by the Apostoli [...] institution, See Cen. 5. ca. 9. de Synodis. in all Christian Congregations at first, we have now onely a word more to speake to the Parliament, being in hand at this present time, with the reforming of [...] Church of England.

Wise Polititians in their institutions of Government, do hold for an infallible m [...] ime, that for to reforme abuses and corruptions in States, a better course cannot be [...] ken, then to reduce things to their primitive originall. For as one truely saith,Field of the Church l, 2. p. 49. [...] first in any kinde or sort of things is truest and best,

Now our humble request is, that leaving the MOTIONS of mens braine, you w [...] looke backe to the Churches of the Apostolique institution, and from them take yo [...] patterne and platforme to walke by, for so God teachethMat. 28 20. Act. 1 3. 2 Tim. 1.13. Heb. 3.5. you to do. And it is i [...] deed the golden reed, Rev, 11. 1. Eze. 41 which Christ now putteth into your hands: saying unto y [...] Rise, and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein.

The authority of the Primitive Churches (saith Gerson De vit, spirit,) is above all Churches; [...] therefore it is not in the power of Pope, Councill, or Church, to change the doctrines and [...] ditions delivered by the Apostles.

Brightman Cha. 2. pag. 65. edit. 3. on the Revelation hath a singular passage to the same effect: T [...] first Government of the Church (saith hee) is common to all times and places: and it is [...] permitted to be at the arbitriment of men to follow what way they list, but that alwaies i [...] forming a Church, we must have recourse to the first beginnings: to the which as our onely [...] we must call back whatsoever strayeth from it: and that they are not to be turned and [...] according to the crookednesse and jarring sound of succeeding Churches.

Parker, Pol. eccl. l, 1, ca. 23. p. 59. & l. 3, pag, 95, & 30. in effect useth the very same expression. So Cartwright, Repl. to Whitg, l, 1 p, 25, 26. and [...] nolds, Confer. with Hart pag, 195. 459. yea and some Bishops too, as Iewell Defenc, Apol, par. 6, chap, 16, divis, 2, p, 762, and Bilson. Perpet, Govern, p, 3. And Hooker Eccles, pol, l, 4, p, 1 Cont, Mart, lib, 4, cap, 5. gi [...] reason for it thus: the first state of things was best, and therefore it must needs follow, customes, laws and ordinances, devised since, are not so good for the Church of Christ: b [...] best way is to cut off later inventions, and to reduce things to the ancient state wherein at [...] they were. And this agrees with Tertullians saying of old (with which we will end [...] Petition) That is truest which is first, that is first which is from the beginning, that is fro [...] beginning which is from the Apostles.

FINIS.

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