Church History of Britain

Exceptions to the First Article.

18. They are unsatisfied to swear, to maintain the Preservation of the Reformed Religion of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, as being ignorant (such their distance thence, and small intelligence there) of the particulars thereof. They are loath therefore to make a blind promise, for fear of a lame performance.

19. As for the Reforming of Religion (which necessarily implies a changing thereof) of England, and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government; they cannot consent thereunto without manifest scandal, both to Papists and Separatists. For (besides that they shall desert that just cause, which many pious Martyrs, Bishops, and Divines of our Church, have defended both with their ink and blood, writings and sufferings ) hereby they shall advantage the cavils of Papists against our Religion, taxing it of uncertainty, not knowing where to fix our feet, as always altering the same. Yea, they shall not only supply Papists with pleas for their Recusancy, Sectaries for their Separation, acknowledging something in our Church-Doctrine and Service, not well agreeing with God's-word; but also shall implicitly confess Papists unjustly punished by the Penal-Statutes, for not conforming with us to the same Public-Service, wherein some things are by ourselves, as well as them, misliked and disallowed.

20. Nor can they take this Covenant without injury and perjury to themselves. Injurie, by insnaring their consciences, credits, and estates, if endeavoring to reform Religion (under the notion of faulty and vicious) to which formerly they had subscribed, enjoined thereto by the Law of the Land, not yet abrogated, never as yet checked by the regrets of their own consciences, nor confuted by the reasons of others for the doing thereof.

21. Perjury, as contrary to the Protestation and solemn vow they had lately taken, and Oath of Supremacy, swearing therein to defend all the Kings Rights and Privileges, whereof His Spiritual Jurisdiction in reforming Church-matters, is a principal. Now, although a latter oath may be corroborative of the former, or constructive of a new obligation consistent therewith, yet can it not be inductive of a tie, contrary to an oath lawfully taken before.

Exceptions to the Second Article.

22. It grieveth them therein to see Prelacy so unequally yoke'd; Popery being put before it; Superstition, Heresy, Schism, and Profaneness following after. Such the pleasure of those that placed them, though nothing akin in themselves. But a captive by the power of others may be fettered to those whom he hates and abhors.

Consent they cannot to the extirpation of Prelacy, neither in respect,

• Of
  • 1 The thing itself, being persuaded that neither Papal Monarchy, nor Presbyterian Democracy, nor Independant Anarchy are so conformable to the Scriptures as Episcopal Aristocracy, being if (not of Divine in a strict sense) of Apostolical Institution, confirmed with Church-practice (the best Comment on Scripture when obscure) for 1500 years, and bottomed on the same foundation with Infants-Baptism, National Churches, observing the Lord's-day, and the like.
  • 2 Themselves, of whom,
    • 1 All when taking degrees in the University.
    • 2 Most, as many as are entered into Holy-Orders
    • 3 Not a few when lately petitioning the Parliament for the continuing of Episcopacy
    • 4 Some being members of Cathedral, and Collegiate Churches
      • have subscribed with their hands, and with their corporal oaths avowed the justification and defense of that government.
      • 3 Church of England, fearing many mischiefs from this alteration, (felt sooner than seen in all great and sudden changes) especially because the Ecclesiastical Government is so interwoven in many Statutes of the land. And, if Schisms so increase on the Suspension, what is to be expected on the Extirpation of Episcopacy.
      • 4 His Majesty,
        • as contrary to their Oath of Supremacy, wherein they were bound to maintain His
          • Privileges, amongst which a principal is, that He is Supreme moderator over all Causes and Persons Spiritual, wherein no change is to be attempted without his consent.
          • Dignity, The Collations of Bishoprics and Deanries, with their profits in their vacancies belonging unto Him, and the First-fruits and Tenths of Ecclesiastical Dignities, a considerable part of the Royal Revenue.

Here we omit their Plea, whose chief means consisting of Cathedral preferment, allege the like not done from the beginning of the world, that men (though deserving deprivation for their offenses) should be forced to swear sincerely, seriously, and from their souls, to endeavor the rooting out of that, whence their best livelihood doth depend.

Exceptions against the Third Article.

23. It grieveth them herein to be sworn, to the Preservation of the Privileges of Parliament, and liberties of the Kingdom, at large and without any restriction, being bound in the following words to defend the Kings person and Authority, as limited in the preservation and defense of true Religion, and the Liberties of the Realm; enlarging the former, that the later may be the more confined.

24. They are jealous what should be the cause of the inversion of the method, seeing in the Solemn Vow and Protestation, the Defense of the Kings Person and Authority is put first, which in this Covenant is postposed to the Privileges of Parliament. However, seeing the Protestation was first taken, the Covenant as the younger cannot disinherit the elder, of the possession which it hath quietly taken in men's consciences.

Exceptions to the Fourth Article.

25. They are unsatisfied whether the same imposeth not a necessity for children to prosecute their Parents even to death, under the notion of Malignants against all rules of Religion and humanity. For even in case of Idolatry, children under the old law were not bound publicly to accuse their Parents, so as to bring them to be stoned for the same; though such unnatural cruelty be foretold by our Savior, to fall out under the Gospel, of those that shall rise up against their Parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Exceptions to the Fifth Article.

26. They understand not what is meant therein by the happiness of a blessed peace betwixt these Kingdoms, whereof Ireland must needs be one, whilst the same is rent with a woeful war, and the other two lands distracted with homebred discords: whereof no settlement can be hoped until first all interests be equally stated, and the Kings Authority, Privileges of Parliament, and Liberties of Subjects justly bounded, and carefully preserved.

Exceptions to the Sixth Article.

27. They are unsatisfied therein as wholly hypothetical, supposing what as yet is not cleared by solid arguments, viz. that this is the common cause of Religion, Liberty, and peace of the Realms &c. And if the same be granted, it appeareth not to their conscience, that the means used to promote this Cause, are so lawful and free from just objections which may be raised from the Laws of God and man.

Exceptions to the Conclusion.

28. They quake at the mention, that the taking of this Covenant should encourage other Churches groaning under the yoke of Antichristian Tyranny, to join in the same, fearing the dangerous consequences this may produce to foreign Protestants, and enrage Popish Princes (in whose Dominions they live) to cruelty against them, as disaffected to their Government. Besides, when Divine Providence layeth such burdens on his servants, even the yoke of Antichrist is then the yoke of Christ, not to be thrown off with force, but to be born with the confession of the truth, prayers, patience, and Christian courage.

29. So much concerning the Covenant, which some three months after began to be rigorously and generally urged. Nor have I ought else to observe thereof, save to add in mine own defense, that I never saw the same, except at distance as hung up in Churches, nor ever had any occasion to read, or hear it read, till this day in writing my History, what ever hath been reported and printed to the contrary, of my taking thereof in London, who went away from the Savoy to the Kings quarters, long before any mention thereof in England.

30. True it is, there was an Oath which never exceeded the Line of Communication, meeting with so much opposition that it expired in the infancy thereof, about the time when the plot was discovered, for which M ^r Tomkins and M ^r Chaloner suffered. This was tendered to me, and taken by me in the Vestry of the Savoy-Church, but first protesting some limitations thereof to myself. This not satisfying was complained of by some persons present, to the Parliament, where it was ordered, that the next Lord's-day I should take the same oath in terminis terminantibus, in the face of the Church, which not agreeing with my conscience, I withdrew myself into the Kings parts, which (I hope) I may no less safely, than I do freely confess, because punished for the same with the loss of my livelihood, and since (I suppose) pardoned in the Act of Oblivion.

31. Now began the great and general purgation of the Clergy in the Parliaments quarters, many being outed for their misdemeanors by the Committee appointed for that purpose. Some of their offenses were so foul, it is a shame to report them, crying to Justice for punishment. Indeed Constantine the Christian Emperor was wont to say; If I see a Clergy-man offending, I will cover him with my cloak, but surely he meant such offenses as are frailties, and infirmities, no scandalous enormities. Such unsavory salt is good for nothing no not for the dunghill, because as the savor is lost which makes it useful, so the fretting is left, which makes it useless, whereby it is so far from being good compost to fatten ground, that it doth rather embarren it. Let Baal therefore plead for itself, nothing can be said in their Excuse, if (what was the main matter) their crimes were sufficiently proved.

32. But as to the point, hear what the Royal • sts at Oxford say for their Friends, whilst they conceive themselves to take just exceptions at the proceedings against these Ministers.

• 1. Some of their faults were so foul, that the foulness of them, is all that can be pleaded for them. For being Capital, the persons deserved to be outed of life, not of living, which leaves a suspicion of imperfect proof.
• 2. The Witnesses against them were seldom deposed on oath, but their bare complaints believed.
• 3. Many of the Complainers were factious people (those most accusing their Sermons who least heard them) and who since have deserted the Church, as hating the Profession of the Ministry.
• 4. Many were charged with delivering false-Doctrine, whose positions were sound, at the least disputable. Such those accused for preaching that Baptism Washeth away Original sin, which the most Learned, and honest in the Assembly in some sense will not deny, namely, that in the Children of God it cleanseth the condemning, and final peaceable commanding power of Original sin, though the stain and blemish thereof doth still remain.
• 5. Some were merely outed for their affections to the Kings cause, and what was malignity at London, was Loyalty at Oxford.

Yea many moderate men of the Opposite Party, much bemoaned such severity, that some Clergy-men, blameless for life, and Orthodox for Doctrine, were only ejected on the account of their faithfulness to the Kings Cause. And as much corruption was let out by this Ejection (many Scandalous Ministers deservedly punished) so at the same time the veins of the English Church were also emptied of much good blood (some inoffensive Pastors ) which hath made her Body Hydropical ever since, ill humors succeeding in the room, by reason of too large and sudden evacuation. But others of a more violent temper excused all, the present necessity of the Cause requiring it. All Pulpits in the Parliament quarters must be made like the whole earth before the building of Babel, of one language, and of one speech, or else all may be destroyed by the mixture of other Doctrines. And better a mischief to few, then an inconvenience to all. Safer that some (suppose unjustly) suffer, then that the success of the whole cause should be endangered.

33 Then came forth a Book called the First Century, containing the names of an hundred Divines sequestered for their faults with a promise of a second, which to my knowledge never came forth. Whether because the Author of the former was sensible that the subject was generally odious, or because the death of M ^r White, Licenser thereof, prevented any addition, or whether because dissuaded from the Design, suspecting a retaliation from Oxford. Sure I have been informed, that when some solicited his Majesty for leave to set forth a Book of the vicious lives of some Parliament Ministers, His Majesty blasted the design, partly because recrimination is no purgation, partly least the Public enemy of the Protestant Religion should make an advantage thereof.

34. To supply the vacant places, many young Students (whose Orders got the speed of their Degrees ) left the Universities. Other Ministers turned Duallists and Pluralists, it being now charity, what was formerly coveto • sness, to hold two or three Benefices. These could plead for themselves, the practice of M ^r Sanders the Martyr, who held two Livings at good distance, because he could not resign one but into the hands of a Papist, as these men would not surrender them to Malignants. Many Vicaridges of great Cure, but small value were without Ministers, (whilst rich matches have many Suitors, they may die Virgins that have no portions to prefer them) which was often complained of, seldom redressed, it passing for a currant maxim, it was safer for people to fast then to feed on the poison of Malignant Pastors.

35. Let us now look a little into the Assembly of Divines, where we shall not find them (as we might justly expect) all of one tongue and of one language, there being some not concurring with the major part, and therefore styled Dissenting Brethren. I know the Scotchs Writers call them of the Separation, but because mollifying terms are the best Poultesses to be applied to the first swellings of Church-differences, we decline these words of distaste. They are also commonly called Independents, though they themselves (if summoned by that name) will return to Vouz avez thereunto, as to a word odious and offensive in the common seund and notation thereof. For Independency taken for absolute subsistence

• Without relation to
  • 1 God
  • 2 King or State
  • 3 Other Churches
  • 4 Particular Christians
    • is
    • Profane & Blasphemous.
    • Seditious and Treacherous.
    • Proud and Ambitious.
    • Churlish and Uncharitable.

These Dissenting Brethren or Congregationalists were but five in the Assembly, though many more of their judgments dispersed in the land.

• 1 Namely, Thomas Goodwin bred first in Christ's-Col, then fellow of Katherine Hall in Cambridge.
• 2 Philip Nye, who had his education in Oxford.
• William Bridge, fellow of Immanuel College in Cambridge.
  • all three still alive.
  • 4 Sidrach Simson, of Queens
  • 5 Jeremiah Burroughs, of Immanuel
    • Col. in Cambridge, both deceased.

It is our unhappiness, that in writing their story, we have little save what we have collected out of the writings of pens professedly engaged against them, and therefore the less credit is to be given thereunto However in this Narration there is nothing of my own, so that if any falsehoods therein, they must be charged on their account whom the Reader shall behold cited in the margin. Otherwise I confess my personal respects to some of the afore named dissenters, for favors received from them.

36. Some ten years since the sinful corruptions (to use their own language) of the worship and government in this Church, taking hold on their consciences, unable any longer to comport therewith, they deserted their Native Country. This we believe the true cause of their departure, not what some suggest, that one for debt, and another for danger (to answer some ill interpreted words concerning the Scots ) were forced to forsake the Land, And although I will not say they left not an hoof of their Estates behind them here, they will confess they conveyed over the most considerable part thereof. Many wealthy Merchants and their families went over with them, so that of all Exiles (for so they style themselves) these may seem most like Voluntary Travelers for good company, though of all Travelers most like to Exiles.

37. Their reception beyond the seas in Holland was fair and civil, where the States (who though they tolerate, own not all Religions ) were interpreted to acknowledge them and their Churches by many signs of their favor. First,

Nor can there be a better evidence of giving the right hand of Fellowship then to give the full hand of liberality. A moitie of this people fixed at Roterdam where they landed, the other travelled up higher for better air to Wianen, and thence, soon after removed to Arnhein, a sweet and pleasant City. No part of Holland (largely taken) affording more of England therein, resembled in their letters to their Friends to Hertford, or Bury in Suffolk.

38. Then fall they to consult of Church-Discipline, professing themselves a mere abrasa tabula, with Virgin judgments, longing only to be married to the truth. Yea they looked upon the word of Christ ( Reader, it is their own expression) as impartially and unprejudicedly, as men made of flesh and blood are like to do in any juncture of time that may fall out, the place they went to, the condition they were in, and company they went with, affording no temptation to bias them anyway.

39. And first they lay down two grand ground-works, on which their following Fabric was to be erected.

• 1. Only to take what was held forth in God's word, leaving nothing to Church-practice, or human prudence, as but the Iron legs and Clay toes of that Statute, whose head and whole body ought to be of pure Scripture-Gold.
• 2. Not to make their present judgment binding unto them for the future.

Their adversaries cavil hereat, as a reserve able to rout all the Armys of Arguments which are brought against them, that because one day teacheth another, they will not be tied on Tewsday morning, to maintain their Tenants on Monday night, if a new discovery intervene.

40. In pursuance of these principles they pitched on a middle way (as generally the posture of truth ) betwixt Presbytery, as too rigorous, imperious, and conclusive, and Brownism, as too vage, loose, and uncertain. Their main platform was, that Churches should not be subordinate, Parochial to Provincial, Provincial, to National, (as Daughter to Mother, Mother to Grandmother, ) but Coordinate, without Superiority, except Sentority of Sisters, containing no powerful influence therein. Thus the Church formerly like a Chain with links of dependency on one another, should hereafter become like an heap of rings, each entire in itself, but (as they thought) far purer then was ever seen before.

41. The manner of their Church-service, according to their own relation, was performed in form following.

• 1. Public and solemn prayers for Kings and all in Authority.

  Reading the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament with exposition thereof on occasion.

  Administration of the two Sacraments, Baptism to Infants, and the Lord's Supper.

  Singing of Psalms, and collection for the Poor every Lord's-day.

  For Public Officers they had Pastors, Teachers, and Ruling Elders (not Lay but Ecclesiastic persons ) and Deacons.

As for Church-censures, they resolved only on Admonition and Excommunication, the latter whereof was never handselled in their Church, as no reason that the rod (though made) should be used where the Children are all quiet and dutiful. Synods they account useful, and in some cases necessary, yet so that their power is but Official, not Authoritative, whereby they may declare the truth, not enjoin obedience thereunto. Or take it in the language of one of their Grandees. Actus regiminis à Synodis debent porrigi non peragi, the latter belonging to the liberty of several Congregations. Their Adversaries object, that none can give in an exact account of all their opinions, daily capable of alteration and increase. Whilst such Countries, whose immovable Mountains, and stable Valleys keep a fixed position, may be easily surveyed, no Geographer can accurately describe some part of Arabia, where the flitting sands driven with the winds have their frequent removals, so that the Traveler findeth a hole at his return, where he left a hill at his departure. Such the uncertainty of these Congregationalists in their judgments, only they plead for themselves, it is not the wind of every Doctrine, but the Sun of the Truth which with its New lights makes them renounce their old, and embrace new resolutions.

42. Soon after a heavy Schism happened in the Church of Roterdam, betwixt M ^r Bridge, and M ^r Simson, the two Pastors thereof. Insomuch, that the latter rent himself saith one from M ^r Bridge his Church to the great offense thereof, though more probable, as another reporteth, M ^r Simson dismissed with the consent of the Church. However many bitter letters passed betwixt them, and more sent over to their Friends in England full of invectives, blackness of the tongue always accompanying the paroxisms of such distempers. Their Presbyterian Adversaries make great use hereof to their disgrace. If such Infant-Churches, whilst their hands could scarce hold anything fell a scratching, and their feet spurning and kicking one another, before they could well go alone, how stubborn and vexatious would they be when arrived at riper years.

43. This Schism was seconded with another in the same Church, wherein they deposed one of their Ministers (M ^r Ward I conceive his name) which was beheld as a bold and daring deed, especially because herein they consulted not their Sister-Church at Arnhein, which publicly was professed mutually to be done in cases of concernment. Here the Presbyterians triumph in their conceived discovery of the nakedness and weakness of the Congregational way, which for want of Ecclesiastical Subordination is too short to reach out a redress to such grievances. For seeing par in parem non habet potestatem, Equalls have no power over their Equalls, the agrieved party could not right himself by any appeal unto a Superior. But such consider not the end, as well as the beginning of this difference, wherein the Church of Arnhein interposing (not as a Judge to punish Offenders, but as a Brother to check the failings of a Brother ) matters were so ordered, that M ^r Ward was restored to his place, when both he and the Church had mutually confessed their sinful carriage in the matter; but enough, (if not too much hereof) seeing everything put in a Pamphlet is not fit to be recorded in a Chronicle.

44. More concord crowned the Congregation at Arnheim, where M ^r Goodwin and M ^r Nye were Pastors, wherein besides those Church-Ordinances formerly mentioned, actually admitted and exercised, some others stood Candidates, and fair Probationers on their good behavior, namely, if under Trial they were found convenient; Such were

• 1. The Holy Kiss.
• 2. Prophesyings when Private Christians at fit times made public use of their parts and gifts in the Congregation.
• 3. Hymns and, which if no better Divinity then Music, might much be scrupled at.
• 4. Widows as Essential She-Ministers in the Church, which if it be so, our late Civil-Wars in England have afforded us plenty for the place.
• 5. Anointing of dying people, as a standing Apostolical Ordinance.

45. Other things were in agitation, when now the news ariveth, that the Parliament sitting at Westminster had broken the yoke of Ceremonies, and proclaimed a year of Jubilee to all tender consciences. Home then they hasted with all convenient speed: For only England is England indeed, though some parts of Holland may be like unto it. Over they came in a very good plight and Equipage, which the Presbyterians (and those I assure you are quick-sighted when pleased to pry) took notice of. Not a hair of their head singed, nor any smell of the fire of persecution upon their Clothes. However they were not to be blamed, if setting their best foot forward in their return, and appearing in the handsomest and chearfullest fashion for the credit of their cause, and to show that they were not dejected with their sufferings.

46. Presently they fall upon gathering of Congregations, but chiefly in or about the City of London. Trent may be good, and Severn better, but oh the Thames is the best for the plentiful taking of fish therein. They did pick (I will not say steal ) hence a Master, thence a Mistress of a Family, a Son out of a Third, a Servant out of a Fourth Parish, all which met together in their Congregation. Some prevented calling by their coming, of OLD Parishioners to become NEW Church-Members, and so forward were they of themselves, that they needed no force to compel, nor art to persuade them. Thus a new Inn never wanteth Guests at the first setting up, especially if hanging out a fair Sign, and promising more cleanness and neatness then is in any of their Neighbors.

47. The Presbyterians found themselves much agrieved hereat. They accounted this practice of the Dissenting Brethren but Ecclesiastical felony, for at the best, that they were but Spiritual Interlopers for the same. They justly feared (if this fashion continued) the falling of the Roof, or foundring of the Foundations of their own Parishes, whence so many Corner Stones, Pillars, Rafters, and Beams, were taken by the other to build their Congregations. They complained that these new Pastors though slighting Tithes and set maintenance, yet so ordered the matter by gathering their Churches, that these gleanings of Ephraim became better then the Vintage of Abi-ezer.

48. Not long after when the Assembly of Divines was called, these five Congregationalists were chosen members thereof, but came not up with a full consent to all things acted therein. As accounting that the pressing of an exact occurrence to the Presbyterian Government, was but a kind of a Conseience-Prison, whilst accurate conformity to the Scotch Church was the very Dungeon thereof, A reginsine ecclesiastic • (say they) uti nunc in Scotia viget longius distamus, quippe quod (ut nobis videtur) non tantum à scriptures, sed ab ecclesiarum reformatarum suorumque Theologorum sententijs ( qui sub Episcoporum tyrannide diu duriterque passi sunt) plurimum distit. No wonder therefore if they desired a Toleratien to be indulged them, and they excused for being concluded by the Votes of the Assembly.

49. But the Presbyterians highly opposed their Toleration, and such who desired most ease and liberty for their sides when bound with Episcopacy, now girt their own government the closest about the consciences of others. They tax the Dissenting Brethren for Singularity, as if these men (like the five senses of the Church ) should discover more in matter of Discipline then all the Assembly besides, some moving their ejection out of the same, except in some convenient time they would comply therewith.

50. Hopeless to speed here, the Dissenters seasonably presented an Apologetical narrative to the Parliament, styled by them the most sacred resuge or Asylum for mistaken and misjudged innocence. Herein they petitioned Pathetically for some favor, whose conscience could not join with the Assembly in all particulars, concluding with that pitiful close (enough to force tears from any tender heart) that they pursued no other interest or design, but a subsistence (be it the poorest and meanest) in their own land, as not knowing where else with safety health and livelihood to set their feet on earth, and subscribed their names.

• Thomas Goodwin.
• Philip Nye.
• Sidrach Simson.
• Jeremiah Burroughs.
• William Bridge.

If since their condition be altered and bettered, that they (then wanting where to set their feet) since lie down at their length in the fat of the land, surely they have returned proportionable gratitude to God for the same. Sure it is that at the present these Petitioners found such favor with some potent persons in Parliament, that they were secured from farther trouble, and from lying at a posture of defense, are now grown able not only to encounter but invade all opposers; yea to open and shut the door of preferment to others, so unsearchable are the dispensations of Divine Providence in making sudden and unexpected changes, (as in whole nations) so in private men's estates, according to the Counsel of his will.

51. Such as desire further instruction in the Tenants of these Congregationalists, may have their recourse to those many Pamphlets written pro and con thereof. The worst is, some of them speak so loud, we can scarce understanding what they say, so hard is it to collect their judgments, such the violence of their passions. Only I will add, that for the main, the Churches of New-England are the same in Discipline with these Dissenting Brethren.

52. Only I will add, that of all the Authors I have perused concerning the opinions of these Dissenting Brethren, none to me was more informative, then M ^r John Norton, (One of no less learning then modesty ) Minister in New-England in his answer to Apollonius Pastor in the Church of Middle-borrough.

53. Look we now again into the Assembly of Divin • s, where we find D ^r Cornelius Burgess, and M ^r Herbert Palmer the Assessors therein, and I am informed by some (more skillful in such niceties then myself) that Two at the least, of that Office, are of the Qu • rum Essential to every lawful Assembly. But I miss D ^r William Twisse their Prolocutor lately deceased; He was bred in New-College in Oxford, good with the Trowell, but better with the Sword, more happy in Pol • mical Divinity, then edifying Doctrine. Therefore he was chosen by the States of Holland to be Professor of Divini • y there, which he thankfully refused. M ^r Charles Herle Fellow of Exeter College of Oxford succeeded him in his place, one so much Christian, Scholar and Gentleman, that he can unite in affection with those who are disjoin'd in judgment from him.

54. The Assembly met with many difficulties, some complaining of M ^r Selden, that advantaged by his skill in Antiquity Commonlaw, and the Oriental tongues, he employed them rather to pose then profit, perplex then inform the members thereof, in the fourteen queries he propounded. Whose intent therein was to humble the Jure-divino-ship of Presbytery, which though Hinted and Held forth, is not so made out in Scripture, but being too Scant on many occasions it must be peeced with prudential Additions. This great Scholar, not over loving of any (and lest of these ) Clergy-men, delighted himself in raising of scruples for the vexing of others, and some stick not to say, that those who will not feed on the flesh of God's-word cast most bones to others, to break their teeth therewith.

55. More trouble was caused to the Assembly by the Opinions of the Erastians, and it is worth our enquiry into the first Author thereof. They were so called from Thomas Erastus a D ^r of Physic, born at Baden in Switz • rland, lived Professor in Hidelbridge, and died at Basil, about the year one thousand five hundred eighty three. He was of the Privy Council to Frederick, the first Protestant Prince Palatine of that name, and this Erastus (like our M ^r Perkins ) being lame of his right, wrote all with his left hand, and amongst the rest, one against Theodor. Beza, de Excommunicatione, to this effect, that the power, and excommunication in a Christian State, principally resides in secular power as the most competent Judge, when and how the same shall be exercised.

56. M ^r John Coleman a modst and learned man, beneficed in Lincolnshire, and M ^r John Lightfoot, well skilled in Rabinical Learning were the chief members of the Assembly, who (for the main) maintained the tenets of Erastus. These often produced the Hebrew Original for the power of Princes in ecclesiastical matters. For though the New Testament be silent of the Temporal Magistrate, ( Princes then being Pagans ) his▪ • ermedling in Church-matters, the Old is very vocal therein, where the Authority of the Kings of Judah; as nursing fathers to the Church is very considerable.

57. No wonder if the Prince Palatine (constantly present at their debates) heard the Erastians with much delight, as wellcoming their Opinions for Country sake, (his Natives as first born in Hidelbridge ) though otherwise in his own judgment no favourer thereof. But other Parliament men listened very favourably to their Arguments ( Interest is a good quickener of Attention ) hearing their own power enlarged thereby, and making use of their Erastiens for a Check, to such who pressed conformity to the Scotch Church in all particulars.

58. Indeed once the Assembly stretched themselves beyond their own line, in meddling with what was not committed by the Parliament, to their cogniz • nce and consultation, for which they were afterward staked down, and tied up with a shorter tedder. For though the wise Parliament made use of the Presbyterian zeal and activity, for the extirpation of Bishops, yet they discreetly resolved to hold a strict hand over them; as not coming by their own power to advise, but called to advise with the Parliament. Nor were they to cut out their own work, but to make up what was cut to their own hands, and seeing a Praemunire is a rod, as well for a Presbyter, as a Praelate (if either trespass on the state by their over activity) though they felt not this rod, it was shown to them, and shak'd over them, and they shrewdly and justly shent for their over-meddling, which made them the wiser and warier for the time to come.

59. Indeed the major part of the Assembly endeavored the settling of the Scotch Government in all particulars that though Tweed parted their Countries, nothing might divide their Church Discipline, and this was labored by the Scotch Commissioners with all industry and probable means to obtain the same; But it could not be effected, nor was it ever settled by Act of Parliament. For as in Heraldry the same seeming Lions in color and posture, rampa • t and langued alike,) are not the self-same, if the one be armed with nails and teeth, the other deprived of both, so cannot the English be termed the same with the Scotch-Presbytery, the former being in a manner absolute in itself, the latter depended on the State in the Execution of the power thereof.

60. Insomuch that the Parliament kept the Coercive power in their own hands, not trusting them to carry the KEYS AT THEIR GIRDLE, so that the power of excommunication, was not entrusted with them, but ultimately resolved into a Committee of eminent persons of Parliament, whereof Thomas Earl of Arundel (presumed present because absent with leave beyond the seas) is the first person nominated.

61. A Treaty was kept at Vxbridge betwixt the Commissioners of the King and Parliament, many well meaning people promising themselves good success thereby, whilst others thought this Treatie was born with a dying countenance, saying there wanted a third to interpose to make their distances up by powerful persuasion, no hope of good in either without condescension in both parties. One may smile at their inference, who presumed that the Kings Commissioners, coming to Vxbridg, two parts of three to meet those of the Parliament, would proportionably comply in their yieldings. A weak Topical conjecture, confuted by the formerly going of the Parliaments Commissioners clean through to Oxford, and yet little condescension to their propositions.

62. Here M ^r Christopher Love (waiting on the Parliament Commissioners in a general relation) gave great offense to the Roialists in his Sermon, showing the impossibility of an agreement, such the dangerous errors, and malicious practice • of the opposite party; many condemned his want of charity, more of discreti • n in this juncture of time, when there should be a cessation from Invectives drives for the time being. But men's censures must fall the more lightly upon his memory, because since he hath suffered, and so satisfied here for his saults in this or any other kind.

63. with the Commissioners on both sides, certain Clergy-men were sent in their presence to debate the point of Church-government▪

For the King.
• D ^r
  • Benjamin
  • Henry
  • Henry
  • Steward
  • Shelden
  • Laney
  • Hammond
  • Ferne

For the Parliament.
• M ^r Steven Marshall.
• M ^r Richard Vines.

64. D ^r Laney proffered to prove the great benefits which had accrued to God's Church in all Ages by the Government by Bishops, but the Scotch-Commissioners would in no wise hear him, whereupon the Doctor was contentedly silent. Some discourses rather then disputes passed betwixt D ^r Steward, and M ^r Marshal, leaving no great impressions in the memories of those that were present thereat.

65. Only M ^r Vines was much applauded by his own party, for proving the sufficiency of ordination by Presbyters, because Ministers made by Presbyterian Government in France and the Low-Countries, were owned and acknowledged by our Bishops for lawfully ordained for all intents and purposes, both to Preach and Sacramentize, and no reordination required of them. Thus the goodness of Bishops in their charity to others, was made use of against themselves, and the necessity of the Episcopal function.

66. To return to the Assembly; the Monuments which they have left to posterity of their meeting, are chiefly these, Articles of Religion drawn up by them, and a double Catechism, one the lesser, the other the greater, whereof at first very few were printed for Parliament men, meaner folk not attaining so great a Treasure, besides their Directory whereof hereafter.

67. As for the conclusion of this Assembly it dwinled away by degrees, though never legally dissolved. Many of them after the taking of Oxford returning to their own cures, and others living in London absented themselves, as disliking the managing of matters. Such as remained, (having survived their great respect) and being too few to maintain the dignity of an Assembly, contented themselves with the notion of a Committee, chiefly employed to examine their abilities, and good affections, who were presented to livings. Till at last as in Philosphy, accidentia non corrumpuntur. sed definunt, they vanish with the Parliament, and now the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury comes next under our pen, whose trial being most of civil concernment, is so largely done in a book of that subject, that by us it may be justly omitted.

68. Next followed the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Sherif Chambers of London, bringing over night the warrant for the same, and acquainting him therewith. In preparation to so sad a work, he betook himself to his own, and desired also the prayers of others, and particularly of D ^r Holdsworth fellow prisoner in that place for a year and half, though all that time there had not been the least converse betwixt them. On the morrow he was brought out of the Tower to the Scaffold, which he ascended with a cheerful countenance, (as rather to gain a Crown, then lose an Head ) imputed by his friends to the clearedness, by his foes to the seardeness of his Conscience. The Beholders that day were so divided betwixt Bemoaners and Insulters, it was hard to decide which of them made up the major part of the company.

69. He made a Sermon-Speech, taking for his Text the two first verses of the •• . Chap. of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Let us run with patience the ra • e which is • et before us; Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our saith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the thro • e of God. Craving leave to make use of his notes, (for the infirmity of his aged memory) he dilated thereon about half an hour, which discourse, because common, (as publicly printed) we hear forbear to insert. For the main, He protested his own innocence and integrity, as never intending any subversion of Laws and Liberty, no enemy to Parliaments (though a mistaker of some miscarriages) and a Protestant in Doctrine and Discipline, according to the established laws of the land. Speech ended, He betook himself a while to his prayers, and after wards prepared himself for the fatal stroke.

70. S ^r John Clotworthy (a member of the House of Commons ) being present interrogated him concerning his assurance of Salvation, and whereon the same was grounded. Some censured this interruption for uncivil and unseasonable, as intended to r • ffle his soul with passion, just as he was fairly folding it up, to deliver it into the hands of his Redeemer. But the Arch-Bishop calmly returned, that his assurance was evidenced unto him by that inward comfort which he found in his own soul. Then lying down on the block, and praying Lord receive my Soul, the Executioner dexterously did his office, and at one blow severed his Head from his Body. Instantly his face ( ruddy in the last moment) turned white as ashes, confuting their falsehoods, who gave it out that he had purposely painted it, to fortify his cheeks against discovery of fear in the paleness of his complexion. His corps were privately interred in the Church of Alhal • owes Barking without any solemnity, save that some will say, He had, (in those days) a fair Funeral, who had the Common-Prayer read thereat.

71. He was born Anno 1573 of honest parents at Reading in Bark-shire, a place, for the position thereof, almost equally distanced from Oxford the Sc •• of his breeding, and London the principal stage of his preserment. His Mother was Sister to S ^r William Web, (born also at Reading) Salter, and Anno 1591 Lord Majon of London. Here the Arch-Bishop afterwards built an Almshouse, and endowed it with two hundred pounds per annum, as appeareth by his own Dia • y, which if evidence against him for his faults may be used as a witness of his good works. Hence was he sent to S ^t Johns College in Oxford, where he attained to such eminency of learning, that one since hath ranked him amongst the greatest Scholers of our Nation. He afterwards married Charles Blunt Earl of Devon-shire to the Lady Rich, which proved (if intended an advantage under his feet, to make him higher in the notice of the world) a covering to his face, and was often cast a rubb in his way, when running in his full speed to preferment, till after some difficulty, his greatness at the last made a shift to stride over it.

72. In some sort He may be said to have served in all offices in the Church, from a Common-Soldier, to a kind of General therein. There was neither Order, Office, Degree, nor Dignity in College, Church or University, but he passed thorough it.

• 1. Order, Deacon, Priest, Bishop, Arch-Bishop.
• 2. Office, Scholar, Fellow, President, of S ^t Johns College, Proctor, and Chancellor of Oxford.
• 3. Degree, Bachelor, and Master of Arts, Bachelor and Doctor of Divinity.
• 4. Dignity, Vicar, Prebendary of Stanford, Parson of Ibstock, Prebendary of Wesiminster, Arch-Deacon of Huntingdon, Dean of Colchester, Bishop of S ^t David's in Wales, Bath and Wells, and London, in England, and finally Arch-Bishop of Canterbury.

It was said of D ^r George Ablot, his Predecessor, that he suddenly started to be a bishop, without ever having Pastoral charge, whereas this man was a great Traveler in all Cli •• a • es of Church-prefermen, sufficient to acquaint him with an experiment knowledge of the conditions of all such persons who at last were subjected to his Authority.

73. He is generally charged with Popish inclinations, and the story is commonly told and believed, of a Lady (still alive) who turning Papist, and being demanded of the Arch-Bishop the cause of her changing her religion, tartly returned, My Lord it was because I ever hated a • oud. And being desired to explain her meaning herein, I perceived (said she) that your Lordship and many others, are making for Rome as fast as • e •• , and therefore to prevent a press, I went before you. Be the tale true or false, take Papist for a Trent-Papist, embracing all the derisions of that council, and surely this Arch-Bishop would have been made Fuel for the • ire, before ever or that persuasion. Witness his book against Fisher, wherein he giveth no less account of his sincerity then ability to defend the most dominative points wherein we and the Papists dissent.

74. However most apparent it is by several passages in his life, that he endeavored to take up many controversies betwixt us and the Church of Rome, so to compremise the difference, and to bring us to a Vi • nity, if not Contiguity therewith, an impossible design (if granted lawfully) as some every way his equals did adjudge. For composition is impossible with such, who will not agree except all they sue for, and all the charges of their suite be to the utmost farthing awarded unto them. Our reconciliation with Rome is clogged with the same impossibilities: She may be gone to, but will never be met with, such her • ride or as Peevishness not to stir a step to obviate any of a different Religion. Rome will never so far un-Pope itself, as to part with her pretended Supremacy and Infallibility, which cuts off all possbility of Protestants Treaty with her, if possibly without prejudice to God's glory and the truth, other controversies might be composed. Which done,