Antidoton or a soueraigne remedie against schisme and heresie: gathered to analogie and proportion of faith, from that parable of tares. Matth.13. Aug.ep.3.Nullorum disput.&c. We ought to haue no men their disputations (although men Catholike and praise worthie) in that count as we haue the canonicall scriptures: so that it should be vnlawfull for vs to improue and refuse some things in their writings, if happily we finde that they thought otherwise then the truth hath. Such a one am I in other mens writings, and so would I haue others to vnderstand of my writings. Clapham, Henoch. 1600 Approx. 117 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A18908 STC 5330 ESTC S111140 99846552 99846552 11529 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A18908) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 11529) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 203:07) Antidoton or a soueraigne remedie against schisme and heresie: gathered to analogie and proportion of faith, from that parable of tares. Matth.13. Aug.ep.3.Nullorum disput.&c. We ought to haue no men their disputations (although men Catholike and praise worthie) in that count as we haue the canonicall scriptures: so that it should be vnlawfull for vs to improue and refuse some things in their writings, if happily we finde that they thought otherwise then the truth hath. Such a one am I in other mens writings, and so would I haue others to vnderstand of my writings. Clapham, Henoch. 48 p. Imprinted by [Felix Kingston for] Iohn Wolfe, London : 1600. Epistle dedicatory signed by Clapham. Printer's name from STC. Leaf D3 verso of STC 5329 has errata for this--STC. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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We ought to haue no men their disputations ( although men Catholike and praise worthie ) in that count as we haue the Canonicall Scriptures : so that it should be vnlawfull for vs to improue and refuse some things in their writings , if happily we finde that they thought otherwise then the truth hath . Such a one am I in other mens writings , and so would I haue others to vnderstand of my writings . LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe . 1600. Principall positions proued in the discourse of the Parable . 1 That the kingdom of heauen ( Math. 13.24 . ) it is not vsed for the state of the world , but of the new Testaments Church . 2 That the Church is Catholike , and in some measure euer visible in this life . 3 That the Church of Christ was planted here in England , in the Apostles times : and continued notably vncorrupted till about , Anno Domini . 600. 4 That Anti-christianitie ( or the marke of the beast ) it is not considered in separable accidentall corruption in faith or manners : but in that is essentiall and fundamentall . 5 That the Tares in this Parable are wicked within the Church , and visible to the gouerners thereof . 6 That the Tares are onely such wicked as cannot with Churches peace and safetie be pulled vp . 7 That such Tares are of holy pollicie to be permitted : and yet no defilement to spirituall communion . 8 Brounistes outward ordination , proued more against Christes rule , then euer any was before . 9 That difference of torment and measure of glorie , abideth the damned and saued . TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE HIS VERIE GOOD LORD , SIR EDMVND ANDERSON KNIGHT , Lord Chiefe Iustice of her Maiesties court of the common Pleaes . THree mightie men , bringing of a Bethlehems waters vnto Dauid , he powres it foorth before the Lorde ( not quenching bodies thirst therewith ) because it was purchased with liues hazard . Vnto your Lordship I humbly present a moitie of waters drawne from mysticall Beth-lehem ( the house of Bread , the Church of Christ Iesus ) and they not purchased with lesse then the hazard of my bodie and soules saluation . If your Lordship shall deeme it good they be powred forth before the Lord for erudition to the soule , it is that I couet , and which some thirstie soules desire with great appetite . Dutie calleth me to offer it , and the experience I haue of your Lordship , tendring my good , it emboldens my presentation . b Pythagoras hauing instituted his Puple in the first place to worship ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) the immortall God ; he in the second place inioyneth that he reuerence ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) preexcelling Heroiks . Which Heroicall Personages are of auncient Hesiode couched in his fourth age ( c after them of Golde , Siluer , Brasse : but before that of yron obdured ) and determined for such , as had care of executing iudgement and Iustice by Land and Sea : maintaining and vpweilding the same by magnanimious and martiall valour : for the which they are tearmed there , Semi-Dijsts : but in sacred writ , d Gods : because his word is e committed to such in his Church . When I remember the vnion of your Lordships house with that of the right Woo. Moon-suns ( a family to whom I haue owed much from my young yeares ) I then methinks see Wisdome and Warre conioyned : without either of which , no common wealth can endure : and by the continuance of both which , my simplicitie hath been sheltred , and my innocencie shielded . So that I ( if any ) haue cause to auow allegiance ( not Tam Marti quam Mercurio , but ) to the Christian subiects of Wisdome and Valour . The schedule I present , it is an exposition of that f Parable of Tares , propounded by our Lord and Master Christ Iesus . Wherein is considered , first , the glorious estate of the New-testaments Church , first planted throughout the world by the Ministerie of the Apostles : then secondly , the corruption thereof through Ministers sleepie negligence : yea , the corruption so deeply setled therein , as well it might be in these latter times Reformed , but neuer quite purged of visible euill ( nor Replanted ) vntill the Sonne of man in his great day of haruest , doe that by the ministerie of his Angels . A doctrine so necessary , as without the knowledge thereof , a man shall either rush on the error of the right hand ( through desperate vn-bridled Zeale ) or on that on the left hand , through a frozen cold securitie . Such being my dutie , and such my presentation , I humbly so remaine Your Lordships dutifull Suppliant , HENOCH CLAPHAM . TO ALL SVCH SPECIALLY , AS whose soules distressed with our ages controuersies , doe desire resolution drawen from reason and experience . IF he be accursed by the law , that sets the blind out of his way , what better is his state that heareth the worde of an oth , and ( though he can ) will not giue in testimony of the truth ? Sure , he shall beare his iniquitie . These two lawes haue enforced me , first publikely to preach ; then secondly to publish the sequell in print . And so much the more , as the former two decrees of mount Sion , they concerne neerer then many . In my first looking after religion , my lot was to associate such onely , as onely tasted and affected another kind of ministerie , which ( as they said ) yet we had not in England . And that they tearmed the ministerie of Pastor , Doctor , Elders , Deacons , Widowes , due to euerie particular Church . Those words I soone learned : as also , that the Pastor was to exhort , the Doctor to teach or deliuer doctrine , the Elders to gouerne and exercise the disciplinall cens●res in common with Pastor and Doctor , the Deacons onely to attend poore and loue-feastes , the widowes to wait on the sicke . That platforme once swallowed , I then was easily perswaded that our Bishops , their Ordinations and all ministerie standing vnder them , it was Antichristian , and an Image of the beast . And looke how many corruptions , so many markes of the beast , which whosoeuer receiued in forehead or hand , euen all such should drinke of the cup of the wine of God his wrath . All this so hanging togither , except I would practise contrarie to my perswasion , ( as many deceitfully haue done ) out of the land I must , as I loued my libertie . I did so . First into the Low-countries I went , Afterwards into Scotland . After that againe into the Low-countries . Then again into Scotland : And once againe into Netherland , &c. Sometimes haled by this faction , sometimes pulled by that faction . But ( the Lord being mercifull vnto me ) howsoeuer I was notablie distract about externall Church-gouernment , yet ( as all my printed bookes will testifie ) I kept me euer fast vnto the maine point , that is , vnto the foundation of the Gospell , I had before here receiued : and had in Lancashire for some two yeares publikely ministred , being before ( now some nine yeares since ) ordained fully thereto by Bishop Wicham then Bishop of Lincolne . About some fiue years since , it pleased God to giue me an earnest desire to search antiquitie , if happily that way I might find any assured footing of scriptures sence , touching externall Church orders . Togither with this desire , the Lord afforded me plentie of bookes , first in Scotland , after in Netherland . The more I read those writers that liued in the first 400 years , the more I perceiued the former scales to fall from mine eies . And as the light of the faithfull increaseth till it be perfect day ; so , togither with my last returne for England , the foggie mist was risen and fled , the Sunne of righteousnesse shined vpon me : and that ( to the praise of God be it spoken ) in such euidence of scripture , as I hope my selfe enabled to draw ( as on a table ) an euident Idea and shape of that miscarying way , if so men will waigh it in simplicitie of spirit . Yet this must here be done but briefly according to the nature of an epistle . Pastor and Doctor are distinguished by them ( from Rom. 12.7.8 . ) by exhortation and doctrine . The Doctor is to be first exercised in doctrine , the Pastor in the second place is to exhort from that doctrine . From hence then must needs follow : first , that the Doctor is aboue the Pastor ; seeing the Pastor but buildeth vpon the doctrine of his Doctor : Euen as the Apostles laying the foundation , then were in an higher office then the Euangelistes or Pastors that but builded on the Apostles ground . And for this consideration , the Apostle Paul would not worke vpon others building . The order then must be thus ; Doctor , Pastor . And in Rom. 12.7 . Doctrine indeed is put before exhortation . Secondly , if doctrine and exhortation distinguish them , then it shall be as verily sinne for the Doctor in his exercise to meddle with exhortation , or for the Pastor to meddle with doctrine , as it was for Vzzah an inferiour Leuit to touch the Arke of God ( though in a danger to fal ) which medling with the Arke distinguished Aarons family , from the other two Leuits . Thirdly , then it skilleth not though the Pastor be a man of no learning ( for all the learning to speake of , lieth in a deliuerie of the scriptures naturall sense , with a drawing out of his proper doct●ines ) and to exhort , is so farre inferiour to doctrine , as the application of the medicine ( to a seen sore ) doth vtter no such knowledge , as the prouision and composition of the medicine . If they say , the Pastor is to exhort , but not onely , he may also teach : the like ( say I ) with as good reason may be spoken of the Doctor , not onely to teach , but principally . Which toyish order of teaching & exhorting , as no reformed Church abroad is acquainted with it ( for they acknowledge no sole Doctor , but of the schooles ) so their distinction of Not onely , but principally , as it may be vsed likewise in the following offices , so let vs see how much it maketh for them . The Elders they distinguish by Ruling ( from 1. Tim. 5.17 . ) as the Pastor and Doctor , by the word and doctrine . Here say they , are both sorts of Elders : Rulers in the first place , teachers in the second . First , touching the term●s ( word and doctrine ) doctrine being onely that which is drawne from the word , here so is no speech of the Pastor and his exhortation : and so no double honour for the Pastor . Secondly , if by Ruling in the first place , be meant onely a gouerning of the Church without doctrine , then the deliuerer of the word and doctrine last mentioned , he must be debarred Rule ▪ rule appertaining to the first ; doctrine , to the second . If it be replied , that the Pastor and Doctor also are to rule though not principally : so others may aswell reply , the Elders are not onely ( though principally ) to be exercised in Ruledome , for they also may teach . That the Elders might onely rule , not teach ; though they make him a Bishop ( in english Ouerseer ) yet they will vnderstand him vnder the word Deacon : for thus it is in the demonstration of discipline . Offices simple are Bishops Pastors Doctors Deacons or Church-seruants Ouerseers Distributors . Marke well , how first he maketh two sorts of Bishops ( Pastors and Doctors ) then two sorts of Deatons ; Ouerseers and distributors . First , a right plaine man may obserue , that to make an Ouerseer ( or gouerning Elder ) to be a Church-seruant , it is verie ridiculous . Secondly , to make Bishops one in the first diuision , & Ouerseers another in the second diuision : it is to make a difference between I and I : that is , a difference where none is . For Bishops and Ouerseers are all one : Bishops being the Greeke word , and Ouerseers the English. The diuision so of the offices , not onely void of diuinitie and art , but also of verie common sense . Yet a correction due to the sons of God , when they seeke to bring in their owne inuentions . But to what purpose haue they thrust the word Ouerseer vnder the word Deacon ? Because forsooth in 1. Tim. 3. they would not vnderstand the office of Elders in the word Bishop : because it is there required , that euerie Bishop ( or Church ouerseer ) he should be Apt to teach : and they would haue Elders of another stampe . Whereas that in 1. Tim. 3.1.2 . ( together with Act. 20.17 . where Elders are by vers . 28. expounded Ouerseers or Bishops , on all which the Apostle enioyneth teaching as he before had ) it plainly euinceth , that all Ouerseers are to be exercised in teaching . By both which plaine places , that more obscure place in 1. Tim. 5.17 . ( They that rule well are worthie double honour , specially they that tyre themselues in the word and doctrine ) it must be vnderstood , either of one and the same sort of Elders in the Church ; whereof all deseruing well , some ( by reason of more trauaile ) deserue better : or else ( whereto I rather condescend ) the first is spoken of Ouerseers to a particular Church : the latter ( for Kopiontes importeth we ari●omenes by trauelling to and fro , as in Iohn , Ch. 4. vers . 6. ) it implieth such Elders as Paul , Iohn , Peter , & others that trauelled from place to place , hauing care ouer many churches . Touching the Deacons ( who are to be employed onely in and about the poore and tables ) I take that onely were better ( as before ) turned into principally : and that by reason of more sufficient teachers present , as also such occasion about the tables and poore , as was in Ierusalem at the time of their first institution . But that there is no time nor place for the Deacon to preach and baptize , the scripture affordeth not that . The contrarie appeareth in Philip , preaching and baptizing in Samaria , before the Apostles came thither to promoue him into an Euangelists place : or yet the Angell had called him to any busines with the Eunuch . Besides , seeing the scripture requireth such a one to hold the mysterie of faith , to be full of the holy ghost , and of wisedome , it plainly argueth , it is , because he may assist in that busines . And seeing ( by all probability ) those seuen Deacons were of the 70 disciples ( for then they were in that Church ; and be sure that the people would choose the best ) it cannot be auoided , but Deacons must be fitted that way : that so ministring well , they may be preferred in time to a greater degree . For the Widowes in 1. Tim. 5. there is no controuersie : but that they should be concluded from Rom. 12.8 . ( he that is mercifull ) that is , worse then childish . For euerie child knows that He is not a She. The Brownists to couer this foppery , they say not Widowes , but Relieuers : that so vnder this new word they may steale into y ● Church , Widowers : so well as Widowes . Yet , where it is said , they should attend on sicke , as scripture speaketh of no such matter ; so , if we remember that she must not be vnder 60. years aged , as also one that hath no helpe from her kindred , it should seeme to me , that she is rather receiued to be ministred vnto , then to minister . Vnder excellent termes , thus odde inuentions of men haue beene broached . First , condemning things at home which they soberly vnderstand not : secondly , applauding things abroad , which scripture and antiquitie neither vnderstand . Yet because first abroad , and now at home I resist those nouelties according to knowledge : the Brownists abroad sparse notable vntruthes against me ( witnes those , to whom my treatise of the sinne against the holy ghost is dedicate ) and the seditious at home quickly sup vp the euomitings of the Brownist , that so thereby they may defile me and my ministery . The Pharisee an enemie to the Sadducee ; the Sadducee to the Pharisee : but both will ioyne in one confederacie against the truth . Further then I haue sound reason , I desire not to be accepted : but if my reasons be equiualent to the waights of the sanctuarie , cast not the precious pearle away because of the propounders basenes . The Apostle would know no one of the Lords people ( no not Christ ) according to the flesh : what art thou then to hold the faith in respect of persons ? Nine sermons I publikely and largely deliuered in Southwarke by London , vpon the Parable of tares . That I haue drawn into the compasse of one sermon for thy good . Common doctrines of ordinarie course I here haue omitted , holding me ( for the most part ) vnto certaine grounds of controuersie , by the which disquieted soules may be setled . I choose this Parable before other scriptures , because it is a ground of grounds for direction vnto Churches state and condition : the verie scripture which many peruert to their owne ruine : and yet ( ni malè memini ) the first scripture whereby I recouered my standing . Pray in humilitie yet thou read . Read without preiudicate affection . Ponder what thou readest : But giue no definitiue sentence , before thou haue read the whole . What here may be deliuered too succinctly , that ( if God will ) may once be deliuered more largely . Meane time , be thankefull vnto God for this , and helpe me with thy prayers . The Lords most vnworthie , Henoch Clapham . Math. 13.24 . Another Parable put he forth vnto them , &c. SEeing speech is here of a Parable , it would be considered , first , whether the word carie with it mo senses then one in Canonicall writ : and then , in what sense it is peculiarly vttered . For varietie of sense , I rest well resolued in that auncient collection of the Greeke father Chrysostome : who vpon the 48. Psalme according to the Septuagints or Greeks account ( for they ioyne the 9. and 10. Psalms in one ; with vs and the Hebrew distinctly two : and then for keeping the number of 150. psalmes , they cut the 147. psalme into two : beginning their 148. with the 12. verse , Laud the Lord O Ierusalem , &c. which account the old Latine also obserueth ) on the same 48. psalme , he collecteth two senses from the olde Testament , according to the Septuagints version : and other two senses in the new Testaments Greeke : that is , foure senses in the whole . In the olde Testament , he first obserueth it for a Rebuke or opprobrie : as where in psalme 44. we read , Thou hast set vs for a Parable , that is , for a by-word or marke of rebuke . And in Iudges 14.14 . it is taken for a Riddle : where of Samson Be-dan ( sprong of Dan ) it is written , Out of the eater came sweet , &c. which in vers . 12. is termed well a Riddle , but in the Greeke , a Parable . In the new Testament lieth other two senses , which Hysteron proteron ( for methode sake ) I rehearse thus . In Hebr. 11.19 . ( speech hauing passed of Abraham his offering Isaac ) it is said , That from the dead he receiued him ( En parabole ) in a Parable or type ; or ( as we haue it well ) after a sort . The fourth sense is that which here in Mathew is vsed , and that is for a Similitude : as if he should haue said , Another similitude Iesus he put forth vnto them . Wherin if we obserue , first the partie which propounds the parable ; then secondly , the parties to whom it is propounded , it shall carrie with it his proprietie of edification . The propounder is Iesus , in plaine English , a He that was appointed to saue his people from their sin : appointed by God the father to saue the whole Israel of God. The heroicke condition of his person ( essentially God , essentially man , by true distinction of natures , constituting but one person , Mediatour Christ ) it may cause vs with more reuerent attention to listen his similitude . For sentences deliuered by persons of state , they ordinarily stand for Maximes of mightie consequent . And if we consider his inestimable loue towards his people , that may moue vs more : for who will not be vrged by a sweet and trustie friend ? But if it be remembred , that he is not onely our mightie friend , but also He , whom the Prophets call b Counsailor , and the c Wisedome of God in whom the whole worke of Creation restes , surely , this may be a furtherance , ( not onely to attention , but also ) to perswasion for a readie receipt of those words of wisedome . Touching the parties to whom this Sauiour of ours speaketh , it is the multitude , his disciples not exempted . The Parable vnexpounded , is principally because of the people ; concerning whom the scripture had foretold d That in hearing they should not vnderstand , and seeing they should not perceiue , because of the fatnes of their hearts , &c. So that our Sauiour vseth not Parables so , but when he hath warrant of scripture : nor fat hearted and insensible soules are not so spoken vnto , but when scripture will be so verified vpon them . Our Sauiours enigmaticall speeches may teach vs to obserue the times ( and so Origen and others do read , Rom. 12.11 . Seruing ( Kairô ) Time , not ( Kuriô ) the Lord ) considering , e A word spoken in his place , is like Apples of Gold and pictures of Siluer . Vnto some , holy mysteries are to be sealed : but vnto leane hearted disciples , and such as will not play the hogs and dogs with pearles , the written mysteries of God are to be reuealed . His truthes are not like Isis and Osyris mysteries in Aegypt , who are to be locked vp in the bosomes of their sacred priests . Indeed , the priests of spirituall Aegypt do locke vp all from the people in an vnknowen tongue , saying : that f The people are swine and dogs , and holy things are not to be giuen vnto them . But no people are we to terme so , who minister an outward hope ( though mixed with infirmitie ) of being truly desirous to heare and vnderstand , not for cauillation but for edification . And seeing a Parable or similitude expounded , it is the plainest doctrine or forme of teaching of all others ( seeing it hath allusion to common naturall things , where with man is well acquainted ) as also , considering with the plainnes there is an eloquence naturall ioyned for beautification thereof vnto the eye of nature ; it should teach all ministers herein sometimes to be exercised , as was Salomon that great preacher of Israell : for of him ( carying a representation of our Iesus ) it is thus written : g The wiser the preacher , the more he taught the people knowledge , and caused them to heare , and searched forth and prepared many Parables . The preacher sought to find out pleasant words and an vpright writing , euen the words of truth . Yet , seeing Parables of themselues doe not naturally conclude or proue , but onely explaine and illustrate doctrine alreadie proued ( euen as in all schooles the axiome runs : Similia illustrant non probant : Similies do beautifie , but proue not ) therefore Parables must be no further pressed then may be found consonant to the analogie or proportion of faith . And for this cause , they may be termed as one well termed Aliegories , namely , h Sawces which none eate alone , but for seasoning of meat . So much briefly for the terme Parable , now to the matter so termed . It followeth in the text . Vers. 24. The kingdome of heauen is like , &c. ] Euerie comparison consisteth ( as Greekes speake ) of his Protasis and Apodosis : that is , of his proposition and reddition . The proposition is the thing propounded , the reddition is the application thereof . Here we haue to resolue the Parable thus : Looke how it befalleth a field first sowen with wheat , where into afterwards steps the enemie and scattereth his tares , &c. Euen so it befalleth with the kingdome of heauen . In the 12. i Chapter of this present Euangell , our Sauiour propoundeth a person out of whom the vncleane spirit goeth , but afterwards returneth to a stronger possession of that soule : he then applieth it to that generation saying : Euen so shall it be with this wicked generation . But his methode here contrariwise , euen so it shall befall the kingdome of heauen , As vnto a field sowen , &c. Placing that in the first place , which by the former president should naturally come in the second place . And this to teach vs , to vse and not to vse a naturall methode : that is , to our Christian libertie herein ; not to make our selues slaues to one forme , when Christ hath made vs free . And yet this no cloake for ignorant bablers , who oft speake despitefully of methode ; not because they know what it is ( for it may be they are void of all Art and learning ) but because literature hath no such enemie as ignorance . But let vs come vnto the thing compared . The kingdome of heauen is like , &c. ] To the sense of these words , first seuerally , then ioyntly . The word Kingdome ( as is also the Hebrew and Greeke ) it is deriued of the word King , as being the thing where abouts a King is exercised . And which more is , I take it to be compounded of King and Doome , ( and so by contraction Kingdome ) because hereabouts a King doth exercise his doome or iudgement . Vnto which kingdomes Constitution is required , first a King ; secondly a People ; thirdly Doome , iudgements or lawes ; fourthly , an Execution therof according to equitie . Which I passe by , as ordinarie common places . Touching the word Heauen ( or rather as it is in the originall k ( Ouranôn ) Heauens in the plurall number ) it is sometimes taken for the ayre ( as when we say , Frigidum Coelum , a colde heauen , that is , a cold ayre : or as the birds are said of l Moses to flie in the open stretching forth of the heauens ) sometimes it is taken onely for stretched out spheres , globes or seuerall circles wherein the stars be . Of which , some be termed in the Greeke , m Planets , in english , Wanderers , because of their swift and speedie motion : and those be seuen in number , wherof the Moone ( the lowest ) and the Sunne ( the middlemost ) are principall to vs ward for operation . But the one and the other restrained from n Smiting those that put their confidence in Israels God : not ( as o the heathen doe ) fearing the heauens face as a God. The other heauens are eyther the firmament wherein all the common stars be ( commonly termed fixed ) whereto Iehouah willeth p Abraham to cast his eye , telling him , so infinite should his seed bee . In which firmament are the stars , whereof the Lord speaketh to Iob , namely , Plejades , Orion , Matzaroch , Arcturus . Or else they be heauens inuisible , beyond the reach of our sight , whereof to dispute it is not fitting this place . Yet so farre as God reuealeth his workes vnto vs , so farre we may search , and with humilitie enquire for our comforts : yea , that so thereby we may so much the more be pricked to praise him in his workes : so much for the words seuerally , now ioyntly . The Kingdome of heauen , it being a phrase not fully found in those syllables , in any one place of the olde Testament , we are to seeke the originall vse thereof in the newe . The first Preacher of this phrase , it is Iohn Baptist in this present gospell , and Chap. 3.2 . where he cries , Repent , for the kingdome of heauen is at hand . In which speech he hath relation vnto that kingdome whereof Daniel speaketh , Chap. 7.14 . giuen by the ancient of daies vnto One like the sonne of Man : which in vers . 22. & 27. he communicates with the Saints of the most high , a kingdome after the receipt and possession thereof , appointed to endure for euer . Whereunto if we adde that to the Hebrewes , touching the remouall of the olde heauens and earth ( that is , q of the Iewish Church and pollicie ) that so a new kingdome might be receiued of the faithfull that should neuer be shaken , it shall so appeare euidently , that the kingdome of heauen here spoken of , it is no other thing then the state of the newe Testaments Church , whereto Iohn Baptist prepared the way , and baptized . Yea , that this conclusion is Catholike and subscribed vnto of all , euerie one that is read , can well enough testifie . The state of new Testaments Church it being so called , we therby may collect the grosse darkned iudgement of the world , who takes it rather for a kingdome of hell , then of heauen : and the rather because the appendices of this kingdome or Commonwealth are like to Iesus incarnate : that is , r Out of a drie ground , void of for me and beautie ▪ according to naturall insight ; and therefore a Kingdome like to the King , not of this world : but rather alotted to hang on the Crosse by the hands of the world . And for this cause , the Psalmist saith that , s The Kings daughter is all glorious within . And so our king h●mselfe saith t that this kingdome is within , & not to be seen of the world , or heretikes by Lo here , Lo there , as it were by outward appearances : on which externall show the Pre●●sian Pharisee then rested . Secondly , seeing the olde Testaments kingdome once shaken , it gaue place to this new kingdome and that for euer and euer : we first ought to obserue the former kingdomes basenes in comparison of this . Euen as we know the firmamentall starres to be inferiour for light vnto the Sunne , by reason their shine is darkenes , when once her beames irradiates our Hemi-●phere . v For if that which should be abolished was glorious , much more that which rema●neth is glorious . Nor can this be remembred without compassionating our elder brother the Iew : w●o ( poore soule ) not perceiuing the abolishment of the first ( by reason of the lawes letter , hanging as a vaile before his eies ) he therefore abhorreth communion with the second . x Standing with the elder brother without , grumbling and grudging at his yonger brother , feeding of the slaughtered Bullocke within Shems tent . Nor maruell I much at them , for many come within in part , they do in some part stand without , saying : They dare not touch , they dare not tast , they dare not handle , they dare not pray in a Synagogue , y Which al perish with the vsing , according to ( the destinie of ) commandements and doctrines of men . Which things indeed haue a shew of wisedom in a voluntary religion and humblenes of mind , and in not sparing the bodie ; but they are ( in troth ) of no value , saue for satisfying the flesh . For if we be risen with Christ , nothing to the pure can be vnclean ( if not of meat , z going with in vs , though vnder the law it was otherwise , much lesse of stones and timber without vs ) for all the creatures of God are sanctified vnto them by the word and praier : and it is lawfull a In all places to hold vp hands , prouided it be without wrath and doubting . Besides , this kingdome being of an euer-enduring nature and no more to be remoued , it not onely ●utteth off these heretikes that from Revel . 14.6 . d●●●eare themselues in hand , that this word of the kingdome s●all be vtterly abolished , and another new Gospell preached . For as b Paul commaunds vs to hold that Angell accursed that brings another Gospell , so that is nothing else but a renual of our Gospels preaching more vniuersallie : by the which a way is prepared to Babylons downefall . Which might well begin with our Wicliffe , and be continued through the midst of the Church by Luther and others . As , I say , the perpetuitie of this kingdome it cutteth off such new gospellers , so besides that , it c●n●inceth many of ignorance : who contrarie to scripture , all antiquitie and experience doe affirme , that there hath beene no visibilitie of the Church for former hundreds of yeares . Besides that , such a position is opposite to all those scriptures , Psal. 72.5.17 . Isa. 59.21 . Math. 16.11 . 1. Tim. 3.18 . Reuel . 11.2.3 . ( for as the Centurists well reason , if it continue vnder Antichristes tyrannie and exaltation , much more after ) but also , it is an embasing of this kingdome before the kingdome of Moses . For , was not the ancient Church ( the figure and type hereof ) was it not alwaies visible ? No , saie our ignorant Reformists and Schismatikes . The Church was inuisible in the time of Elias . But the Lord saith no : c First , by rebuking the Prophet , pronouncing vnto him that there were 7000. in Israell that did no outward homage vnto Baal . Nor let a man iudge otherwise it could be , seeing not onely there were plentie of Prophets when Obadiah hid them by 50. and 50. in a caue ; but also , d there were schooles of Prophets what time Elias was readie to be rapt vp . Secondly , the holy Ghost recordeth Elijah to haue spoken against Israel , not against Iudah . For as he knew that good Iosaphat at that time raigned in Iudah , so he wel knew , that there was not only the church visible , but also mightily reformed . Nor can I but wonder that man can read the third Chapter of e Luke , where the principall starres of the Church from the first Adam to the second are genealogically numbred , and yet after the reading thereof , not to see that euen in them the Church was ay visible . But those peruerters vnable to answer those scriptures , they will now presse me with men ( although at no hand we may presse them with men ) and that thus : To teach the Church ay visible , is to teach Poperie , and all our learned men haue alleadged this of Elijah against that doctrine , &c. I answer , it is false : not onely all ancients euer hold the Churches Euer-visibilitie , but also , all learned men of our age , ( amongst the rest read Caluin his Institutions , booke 4. Chap. 2. Section . 12. and Chap. 7. Sect. 25. Peter Martyr in his common places , Classis . 4. Sect. 41. place 6. the foure Centurists in Centurie 1. booke 2. Chap. 4. Also our Nowell on the Article , Communion of Saints , &c. ) to which purpose our mē against the Romanists haue commonly vrged that of Tertullian ( f Vbitres , Ecclesia est , etiamsi Laici ) A Church is where but three be , although they be Lay-people . They haue not alledged Elijahs complaint against Israel for prouing al nullity of Churches visibility ( for that is not the question betweene vs and Papists ) but it is alledged against visible Constitution of Church in Israel . The Romanists vrging their Church for vniuersall , and ay constituted according to the first patterne of externall pollicie , we affirme that the new Testaments Church sometimes looseth such visibilitie of vniuersalitie and externall constitution : euen as the ancient Church her figure did . If we consider typicall Israel , first we see her great and glorious going out with army of banners . Anone ten parts fall away , though midst these ten God ay stirred vp Prophets and prouoked some to an essentiall obedience at home , destitute of Iudahs sacrifices , and Church pollicie . Anone the two tribes goe into Babel , and Ierusalem is trampled vnder foote for many sabaoths . Yet the Church visible ( true Iewes and true Prophets ) though Priest and Teraphim ceased . Anone they returne backe by Cyrus , but still trampled vnder foot by Persians , Grecians , Seleucians . And all out of order when Messiah came : yea , high-priests made by Herod , that were not of Aarons line , as Iosephus g recordeth : and we may well credit a Ie●e when hee testifies their owne shame . So say we vnto the Romanistes , it hath fared with Christ his Church Catholike trod vnder foot for 1260. yeares , ( as Iacob Brocard , Fr. du●lan , Iunius , Napeir haue well obserued ) during which time our Church was in the midst of Babel : and the man of sin exalted in the midst of it . Which point obserued , it not onely stoppeth the Romanists mouth demaunding of vs , what are become of Grandfathers and Grandmothers ? but also it dammeth vp a foule stream that carieth many head-long into Schisme , expecting euerie sect a new forme of Churches beginning . Whereas alas , it may be reformed and purged , but no more is to be planted as at first it was by the Apostles ▪ For as the beginning of plantation was euer practised by miraculous ministers ( witnesse Moses and Aaron to Israel , and the Apostles to the new Testaments kingdome ) so besides that , it was to incommend vnto such Churches new lawes for the substance therof , which before they had not . As for vs Christians , we receiued such a kingdome , as for the substance thereof , it hath euermore preuailed against infernall powers . And gladly I would know of our Schismatikes , if so the Being vnder Romes gouernment , it simply or essentially caused all such to be limmes of Antichrist ; and that to be the beastes marke for the which all such should drinke of the wine of God his wrath , I would then demaund of them : First , where the Church then for 1000. yeares hath been visible ; and so consequently , what assurance they haue that their present faith for the substance therof hath preuailed ? They can make no answer but against all scripture . Secondly , I would know of them why the corrupt gouernment of Rome should make all vnder it Antichristian ; and then the h Nicolaitans , Balaamits , Iesabels disciples , and all Anabaptists they should not be to vs as well true visible Christians ? Seeing these were and are ( in the Brownistes iudgement ) vnder the true externall Church-gouernment of Christ ? Is Romes gouernment stronger for euill , then Christes for good ? Either here they must answer blasphemously , or else they must grant truly , That the essence or Being of true Christianitie and Antichristianitie , it res●eth not in outward Church-gouernment , but in an obedience and subiection to a foundation of faith truly Christian or Antichristian . And for this cause , as Antichrist is 2. Thess. 2.4 . termed ( i Anti-k●im●nos ) a a layer of an opposite foundation , so it is his false fundamentall doctrine which is his marke : euen as it is not outward Church-gouernment which marketh therfore out a true Christian ( for heretikes oft haue that skin of the sheepe ) but a firme biding by the foundation , as the Apostle noteth to the k Corinths . And this ground is it wheron Master Caluin stādeth , whē he beleeues the saluation of diuers Ancients liuing in too to corrupted ages . But here the Romanists will say , Then you Protestantes are gone out of the Church , inasmuch as you are departed from vs. I answer , we departed but from a notable foundation of faith opposite to the very grounds of the gospell . Which opposite ground as it was long in laying , so it was fully setled by thē in that infamous l Councell of Trident. Besides , we doubt not but we haue left some true Christians in that Church ( witnes such as amongst themselues , they daily persecute ) euen as the many thousands of Iewes left Daniel and some others behinde in Babell , what time they returned vnto Ierusalem . But as those of the returne could not be called schismatikes from Daniel ( first because the time of captiuitie was expired : secondly , because Daniel should haue done better to haue followed them , then they to haue returned vnto him ) euen such is our case . First , it was m decreed ( and experience will manifest that ) how we should be for 1260. yeares captiued : then that the beast should begin to kill faster then before ( the reason was , because now the Prophets were more zealous then afore ) whereupon a tenth part of the Beasts Citie or congregation should fall away from him : their kings and rulers now hauing in their heart to be auenged by fire on that purple whore , which before had made them drunken as swine . Our King Henrie began that worthie worke : his princely son Edward continued it happily : but our soueraign Queen Elizabeth , hath not only brought her own people vnder the banner of Iesus ; but hath lent her princely hand vnto Churche's all abroad ; countenauncing and assisting them with mon●e , men and sacred counsaile . So that it was well said of M. Penry in Scotland , that the Gospell was more beholden vnto Queene Elizabeth , then vnto all the Princes in Europe . Against which Elizabeth who so shall arise , let their forehead with Miriam be smitten with leprosie ; and not for seuen daies but seuen yeares ( yea for euer ) let them be abandoned the Commonweale of England . This briefly for the Churches perpetuitie , and for essentiall Christianitie touching faith & manners , euen through the midst of Antichristes pride and tyrannie . Other things will be necessarily met withall in the comparison following . So much for the thing compared . Like to a man which sowed good seed in his field , &c. Not to vrge here the care good householders should haue to see their fields , vineyards , gardens sowen and planted with that which is good ; that so they may not onely returne peeces of siluer to themselues , as the n vineyard of Baal-H●man did vnto Salomon : but also propound hereby good vnto the countrie , as resemblances of God his care to create all good & verie good : passing by that , let me directly come vnto the precise sense of the Parable . For the vnderstanding whereof , let vs heare what exposition our Sauiour himselfe giueth hereon . In verse 37. he saith , He that soweth the good seed is the sonne of man. And in the next verse , And the field is the world , and the good seed they are the children of the kingdome . A certaine poore soule once ignorant how any open wicked might vpon any occasion be suffered once to grow in the Church , he makes such an exposition here , as whereby he may shut Tares quite out of the Church , for thus he writes , o Did not God at first make the world , and all things in the same good ? was it not corrupted , &c. to this question I answer , it is true , he did so : but this is not consonant to this place : for the Sonne of man is not God the Creator , but God the Redeemer , neuer called Sonne of man vntill he was incarnate . So that here is no speech of worlds Creation , but of Christ Iesus incarnate : who by his owne ministerie and the ministerie of his Apostles did plant the childrē of the kingdome or new Testaments Church in the face of the whole world : and this by preaching the word of the kingdome , termed also the immortall seed of God. For here is no comparison framed to the world , but to the kingdome of heauen , the state of the new Testaments Church . Where he addeth ( and all our Schismatikes from him ) that here is no speech of the Church , because our Sauiour saith , And the field is the world , I would first demaund what they meane by the world ? By the world , they can not vnderstand the wicked , seeing before they say , God made the world , &c. But God made not man wicked ( except to Brounisme they adde Manichisme ) therefore by the worlde , they must meane the circuite of the earth , wherein Christ planted his Kingdome p from one corner and sea vnto another . Touching the tares , that in his own place . The Father hauing from mount Sion proclaimed his Sonne Regent from the Sunnes rising to his going downe , the Sonne labours the plantation of this his possession , by sowing the same Gospell , which of yore was preached to Dauid , to Abraham , and first of all to q Adam in Paradise . For the which , as Matthew produceth the Gospell from Dauid and Abraham ( because it was written in Hebrue , and specially for the Iewes , who altogether bragged of Abraham and Dauid ) so , Luke ( respecting Iew and Gentile and all ) he ioyneth the Church of peculiar faithfull on the one hand with God , and on the other hand with Iesus : because without respect of person , the Iesus was in Paradise first preached by God to Adam . This Gospell ( not yea and nay but Amen , Christ yesterday , to day and the same for euer ) by it the Sonne of man begetteth sonnes for his Kingdome , a Kingdome vnable to be shaken and remoued : except that Christ her foundation can be remoued . To omit common places here ( touching the Seede of God , state of Vnregeneration , Regeneration , &c. ) obserue wee here the fulnesse of time for Iaphets people ( the nations or Gentiles ) their comming vnto Shems tent ( whereof Noah arising as a Giant from wine , by the abundance of spirit did fore-prophecie ) but this receipt of the Gentiles a graffing in of the wild Oliue , is done ( oh the wisedome of God ) with a cutting off of the naturall Oliue ( Shems people ) who after the fulnes of the Gentiles be come in , are againe vniuersally to be receiued into the open state of saluation . That the Iew should first be exalted by reason of faith in Messiah , and the Gentile glorified that way in the second place , q Irenaeus vnderstood it typically by Thamars twynnes . The ancient r Tertullian vnderstood the case to be figured vnder Rebeccaes twinnes . The same doth s Augustine . As for t Theodoret , he conceiues also Lea and Rahel to be types of Iewes and Gentiles , the latter to be more acceptable to our Iaakob Israel , preuailer with God : and in u another place , vnder Zara and Phares , Thamars twinnes . And vsually vnder x Gedeons fleece & floore ( the one de●ed from heauē , when the other stood drie ) the ancients vnderstood the same mysterie : and thereunto doth Chrysostome applie the 6. verse of Psal. 72. And touching the recalling of the Iewes ( after fulnes of Gentiles come in ) as they y were not ignorant , so Gregorius Papa ( after whose time presently , euen fully in the Lords yeere 666. Machomed in the East & vniuersall Pope in the West , that two horned power was exalted ) he is plentifull in this z testimonie . The Church being at first shut vp amongst the Iewes ( elder brethren by grace from Shem , but Gentiles ( a Iaphets people by nature ) now the Church was to enlarge her tents and to stretch her coardes vniuersally through the earth : for which cause it is called Catholike and Vniuersall ; so it cutteth the throat of hereticall Donatists , that would shut it vp in a corner of Affricke , or in some chamber in London , or in some citie of the Low-countries . Nay , let the Pope of Donatisme say , that he hath some of his sheepe in the Low-countries , some in diuers holes in England , some in Ireland ( no Pastor or Bi●●op in England hath so large Iurisdiction ) yet for all this , so long as we remember that article of faith , I beleeue there is an holy catholike Church ( an article grounded on Scriptures enow ) wee dare not say but his Church is a faction gone out of the catholike Arke ( though our Sauiour a forbids going out vnto such desart and corner Gospels and Christs ) and by reason of such schisme ( although with such arguments as were able almost to ●educe the elect , couering their thorne and thutle schisme with shee●ish skin or conuersation ) by reason ( I say ) of such schisme , and vniuersal condemning all they depart from for onely visible limmes of Satan and Antichrist , we must beleeue they in such estate are exposed to the ouerflowing wrath of God. This Gospell of the kingdome , as the Apostles had commission granted and giuen for sowing throughout the earth , so the sound thereof went quickly through the earth . And no maruell , for now a Daniels stone was to roule all abroad : first , for battering downe opposite power , secondly , for setting vp a kingdome which should neuer be destroyed , the little stone so becomming a great mountaine . And though we Brittaines ( tearmed of their word b Brith , painted : because our people painted and dyed their bodies monster-like , as indeede wee were a most sauage Nation ) though we were couched here in an vttermost coast , yet it is registred to God his praise and our comfort , that c this Prouince was first of Prouinces in receiuing the Gospell openly , as Sabellicus testifies . d Polydore Virgil maketh Coyl the king here a receiuer of the faith in our Lo. y. 182. But the holy faith planted in our land before by Ioseph of Arimathaea , who with some others came hither , obtained a mile of ground neere Wels , afterwards called Glascon . And this by ancient Gildas testimonie should be in the yeere of Christ , 60. e Who also saith that they suffered a notable persecution here by Diocletian Romes Emperour . The excellent Theodoret writeth , f that the Apostle Paul ( presently after deliuerance out of his first captiuitie at Rome ) hee came then hither . This Apostle in his second Epistle to Timothie and last Chapter , he remembreth one Claudia an excellent christian woman then at Rome , whom Martial the Poet affirmeth to be of Brittaine , thus : Claudia g caeruleis cum sit Rufina Britannis edita , cur Latiae pectora plebis habet &c. In a word , the ancient Registers haue so vniformely consented in this point ( namely , that Britannia in the Apostles times it receiued the holy faith : as also that the Ministers were maried , nor after 600. y. ( what time Austin the Monke came hither from Rome ) could or would giue any hope of yeelding therein to Romes perswasion , whose Cities Ministerie then was much gone out of the way ) this point I say , is so vniformely witnessed , as our Schismatikes may so well aske me what assurance I haue that here was a king Henry , as demaund what assurance I haue of the other . And this comfortable point I haue the rather vrged , because some too ignorantly seeke the beginning of a Church here within these hundred yeeres ▪ and the Schismatikes impudently affirme , that they themselues are the first visible Church sprung vp in England . The founder whereof was Browne . Which man , if so he had been stirred vp by God to such a miraculous worke , not onely he should haue been vpheld in that worke ( as Moses and Aaron to the old Church , and the Apostles to the new Church : for God neuer forsooke his principall Church-planters ) but also , he should haue begun that worke with a better miracle , then by alluring seruants from their masters , children from their parents , wiues from their husbands , k with whom they had smitten couenant , although to their bodies hurt and affliction . Thus the seed of the kingdome vniuersally preuailed , maugre the malignitie of the Gentiles . l Eusebius recordeth that Tiberius Caesar hearing of the excellent things of Iesus , he motioned vnto Romes Senate , that Iesus might be enrolled in the number of their gods . The Senate replied , that now they could not consent to that , because the people alreadie had begun such a blaze , They hauing not first approued the same . Which no doubt ( saith Eusebius ) was done for this end , that the wholsome doctrine of diuine preaching it should not need the allowance and commendation of men . And surely ( were it not that with God euerie thing is possible , as also that the euent makes the thing manifest ) how hard a thing should it be to thinke , that the field of the world ouergrowen with Idols and diuels , it should by so weake an instrument as preaching ( and that of a Iesus crucified , and that by so meane persons as he sent out ) it should ( I say ) be subdued vniuersally in so small time , vnto the obedience of the Gospell ? But this was , that so the word of auncient prophecie it might be fulfilled . So much for the Churches vniuersalitie . It followeth . Vers. 25. But while men slept , there came his enemie and sowed Tares m in the midst of the wheat , and went his way . The enemie that soweth those Tares ( saith our Sauiour , vers . 39. ) is the diuell : and in the verse before , the Tares are the children of the kingdome or Church . As the son of man did not sow his children but by begetting them through the doctrine of truth ; so the diuell doth not create or sow these his children , but by causing them to be such through the doctrine of vntruth . And this his fact of vnhappines is said to be done of him while men slept , that is , while the Church ( and specially the Ministers thereof ) they were secure and watched not . The Apostle n Paul knowing by faith in this doctrine , that after his departure Wolues would enter into his Church ( yea , that of their owne selues some should arise , speaking peruerse things for drawing disciples after them ) he tels them the way of preuenting this euill , namely , that they should watch ouer themselues , and ouer the flocke ( for God neuer exacteth our seeking his glorie ( nor can we ) by the neglect of our owne soules : though some would closely teach the contrarie , namely , that they might doe euill to themselues that so good might come thereof , whose damnation is due ) for drowsie sleepines ( which after came to passe ) it would cause confusion enter and arise to the disturbance of all good . That it is said , the diuell soweth this tarish doctrine ( though he doth it onely by his ministers ) we must maruell thereat nothing at all . When the wicked were to cast some of the Smyrnians in prison , the holy Ghost saith , o The diuell shall cast some of you in prison . A King is said to doe that he doth by his Embassadour ; nor must the factors of Sathan thinke much to be called Sathan , p when as to Peter for an excellent dehortation our Sauiour saith vnto him , Come behind me Sathan : as for Iscariot , he was plainly termed Diuell . But this and some other common places I passe by , and come ( for that I specially professe herein ) vnto the points in controuersie . It is euer accorded vpon , that the Tares are wicked-ones , but what kind of wicked-ones , as also whether within the Church or without , therein is much dissonancie . Libertines say , that they are the whole bodie of wicked people in the Church : and so from our Sauiours speech ( Let them grow ) they would haue all excommunication ouerthrowen , and all wicked that wil , be admitted vnto the holy supper . Others , that they be heretikes , who are to be permitted of the Magistrate , if so happily they may become wheat by repentance . Others , ( whereof hereafter ) they vnderstand them to be such wicked only as are permitted of godly pollicie : that is , not for loue to them , but to the wheat or children of the kingdome . Touching their place , the Browniste affirmes them to be without the Church ; because our Sauiour saith , Let them alone : applying the Apostles speech thereto , q What haue I to doe , to iudge them that are without ? Others amongst our selues hold them to be hypocrites , or such wicked in the Church as are not of vs seene . Amongst which , r One great scholler writeth thus : I grant it no shame to the Churches to haue hypocrites , for as much as the iudgement of man cannot discerne them : and of them & no other is the Parable of Tares , which forbiddeth weeding vntill the day of haruest . And in s another place , he taketh vp a great Doctor for saying they are visible wicked in the Church , accounting it in him A bewrayall of great ignerance : but the good man too zealously vttered his owne ignorance herein , as will appeare . When it is said , that the Tares are in the midst of the wheat ( and the wheat is in the Church ) it presently conuinceth those that say , they are without . And when as it followeth . Vers. 26. And when the blade was sprung vp and brought forth fruit , the Tares APPEARED also . It hereby plainely ●nough appeareth , that so verily as the wheat appeared , so verily the Tares appeared . The children of the kingdome appearing such by their fruit , the children of Sathan that way appearing also . Nor appeares this lesse in this , that the Ministers after are grieued at the Sight of them : and for that doe interrogate , if so they may pull them vp ? If they had been without , it would not so haue troubled the minds of those that were within : and if they had been hypocrites or inuisible wicked , it could not haue troubled them at all . Those errors are by the Parable it selfe plainely ouerturned . But more plainely ( if God permit ) it shall appeare by conference of other scriptures . when as I come to examine our Sauiours words , Let both grow together , &c. Meane time obserue , that two sundrie seeds are sowen , & thereof ariseth two sundry sort of people within the Church . The first not onely within the Church , but of it also : and therefore termed children of the kingdome . The other within the Church , but not of it , and therfore termed children of the wicked . Contrarie seeds , so haue contrarie effectes . The house of Cloë in Corinth , by the fruit shewed thēselues to be true members ; others by vnbeleeuing the resurrection did show themselues to be troublous members : or rather a corrupt humour in the bodie that deserued to be purged . And surely , as we would be deemed followers of the sonne of man in a care of planting good , so we must endeuour our selues to sow onely good seed . If we come into pulpit with vnresolued opinions , we must leaue behind vs an vnresolued people , staggring , reeling and caried away with euerie wind of doctrine . But if we sow tarish doctrine in the pulpit , let vs know that the diuell will water it blade and fruit . If we will watch ouer the flocke , we must first watch ouer our selues : yea , take heed to our tongue , least it be set on fire from hell , and so conuert the Churches peace into a flame . Who would haue thought that Sadduces ( deniers of the resurrectiō ) should haue appeared in the Church of Iudah ? But the Leuites ( some of them ) leauing the altar , and betaking them t to Iudahs crowne and scepter , the Lord therefore did punish them with vnbeliefe , who should haue taught others the true beliefe . Who would haue thought that in the Asian Christian Churches such notable heresies could haue risen ? who would haue thought that in our Brittaine Churches so many horrours should haue risen ? But it is not to be wondred at : first because our Sauiour foresaw and forespake hereof , when as he thus assimilated his kingdome of heauen . Not saying it should be so in the world , but it should be so in the Church . Secondly , as through other Churches , so through ours this sleepie ministery hath passed , wherby an entrance hath been made , & a way paued vnto an Ocean of euils . And that which worse is ( of those that would be deemed Reformers ) many proue Deformers : and if in zeale they haue once stepped ouer shoes , they count it credit rather for Constancie sake to slosh in ouer boots , then with Augustine to write a booke of Retractations ; or with v Nathan to return vnto Dauid and confesse that the speech of Temples building , it was a speech without booke . These kinde of Constantines I haue met with abroad , and now find no such enemies at home . Let the secret Pharisaicall practices of some witnes that , euen what time I was publikely ( to the comfort of distressed soules ) exercised in Southwarke vpon this present parable . But the Lord rebuke Sathan . If I being once ouer-caried with their tarish doctrine , doe now go before them in pointing out , and remouing such scandales ( & all this without Magistrates constraint , or worlds allurement , witnesse my writings abroad published before in forraine parts ) then let them not thinke scorne or take it for a discredit to follow : least euerie faithfull Minister that commeth after , do both by word and writing cast the doung of their solemne assemblies in their faces . If they looke to be saued by holding the foundation , they must not be vnwilling to suffer the losse of their timber , hay , and stubble , when the fire of God in his spirit and word do offer to burne it . By the practise of the law , our own hand should first be vpon the beast , and this done voluntarily : but if men vpon a good meaning will couer those cattell of Agag , yet they shall bleat , crie out and pursue them vnto destruction . It followeth in the text . Vers. 27. Then came the seruants of the householder and said vnto him , Master , sowedst thou not good seed x in that thy field , from whence then hath it Tares ? 28. And be said , the enuious man hath done this . Two questions are propounded by the seruants vnto the householder , whereof this is the first , together with the answer . For the householder or master of the field , it is plaine before to be the sonne of man. Touching the seruants , some take them to be Magistrates in the Commonwealth : some take them to be Ministers in the Church : I vnderstand it to be spoken of both , and so both will well inough fit , first the Analogie and proportion of faith ; secondly , it accordeth aptly vnto the experienced state of Church and Commonwealth , though principally of Ministers . Then , when ? After the field ( through Ministers and Magistrates sleepie securitie ) was ouergrowen with Tares or 〈◊〉 wicked ones : Then ( as out of a sleep ) Magistrates and M●●●sters do arise : they ouersee the Catholike Church : they spie not onely offensiue things in the world ( whereof no maruell ) but also in the kingdome or new Testaments Church . They grieue at the sight , and troubled they are in their soule about the present Confusion . All this notably and comfortably laying downe , that in those last dayes God would not onely stirre vp zealous Ministers for Church reformation , but also excellent Magistrates ( as were Zerubbabel , Nehemiah and others ) for the reformation of Iudah . Nor was this vnseene of Iohn in Patmos , what time the Angell of God telleth Iohn ( in the solitarines of his spirit ) that the ten hornes ( or ciuill powers ) which once had subiected themselues vnto the whorish Citie ( Metropolitane then of the earth ) what time they lay asleepe by drinking her spirituall fornications , they finally should awake , And hate the whore , and shall make her desolate and naked , and shall eat her flesh and burne her with fire . For God hath put into their hearts to fulfill his will and to do with one consent , for giuing their kingdome vnto the Beast , vntill the words of God be fulfilled . But those wordes of God ( for the time of their sleepe ) once fulfilled , they arise ( as did Henry , Edward and Elizabeth in England ) setting fire on the whore for burning vp her abominations . And therefore thrice abominable those spirits , that by word or writing proclaime them Schismatikes ( as do the Papists ) or Suborners of the beasts kingdome ( as doe blind Reformists , Brownists , Anabaptists and Arrians ) . Touching the Ministers , seeing vnto them the more excellent charge of the Church is giuen , by how much more those euils creepe in through their predecessours negligence , by so much the more those their successours are stirred vp in an holy fierie zeale for remouing of present euils . Such a one was z For this purpose let the yong Student read the succession of Doctors , written by Simon de Voyon . William of S. Amour a doctor of Paris . After him Laurence an English man and doctor also there . Then Iohn Wicliffe here in England : and with him , Sautre a Priest. Iohn Hus a Bohemian , first student in Oxford . Ierom of Prage also a Bohemian : with multitudes not onely of Ministers , but also of inferiour callings , whom God stirred vp in all parts for recouerie of a better Ierusalem , then that in Iudea of Beniamin . But marke that those seruants of Christ , they trust not to their owne iudgements herein : and therefore , they runne vnto Christ to be enformed , by what meanes all this euill is come . Who , as they seeke to him , so from him they receiue a ready and faithfull answere . Who hauing vnderstood by the word of the Lord , that all this was the worke of Satan in his ministers , what time men lay asleepe in securitie ( euen as a Garden sowen and planted with good , it bringeth forth readily weedes of all sorts , after a little time of rest ) vpon this assurance ; Then the Seruants said vnto him , wilt thou then that wee goe and gather them vp ? 29. But he said , No : least while ye goe about to gather the Tares , ye plucke vp the wheat with them also . The second Interrogatorie and his answere followeth . The question propounded by the same seruants ( Magistrates , Ministers , zealous people ) the answere is returned by the same Housholder and Master of the Church Christ Iesus . By those holy hearted seruants their second demaund ( Wilt thou that we goe and gather them vp ? ) it plainly appeareth , that they not onely were grieued to see the Church pestred with such tarish companions , but also that they had a zeale burning in them , for rooting them vp : and yet discretion ioyned with zeale , in that they will not walke herein by any conceit of their owne , but onely by the rule of their Master Christ. Griefe at such tares ( I doubt not ) there is in many : zeale also for tearing vp such tares , I doubt not also there is in many : but a true contentment to passe by their owne conceipt , and to search out their Masters meaning for reformation , it resteth in ouer-few . Hee will walke by this rule , another by that rule for reformation of faith and manners . As for the Brownist , Anabaptist and Arian , they will walke by no rule for reformation of this wheat field , and purging it from weedes : but at one choppe , they hew downe all for Antichristian , and will haue no visible Christian to be found in this confusion of the field . Tut say they , labour we for curing Babel ( misapplying a Ieremies speech thereto ) we would haue cured her , but could not , therefore my people Go out . And so , when they haue separated from all , condemned all ( good and bad , Church and Babel : condemning the substance of faith and manners in all , because of some disputable accidents , or at most , because of some accidentall euils ) they must euery head beginne a new field , a new Church , and all new . And because all are not of one mind , therefore euery one begins a Church ( spicke and span new ) of a sundry fashion . The Brownist keepes the Baptisme he hath in our Church , but denieth the Ministeriall ordination ; appointing their lay-people to lay hands on Ministers heads , and so blesse them to their ministeriall office : alleadging the practise of Israels people , laying their hands on the Leuits heads Nomb. 8. Whereas alas , that was but their forme of Approbation , not of Ordination . For when the people ( or Elders of the people ) had laid on hands , the Leuits thereupon might not administer before the Lord : for their Ordination and blessing resteth to the high Priest : and thereupon came the holy Canon , b Without all contradiction , the lesser is blessed of the greater . For in Nombers 8. it followeth , that Aaron tooke the Leuites , filled their hands with oblation , with his hands did shake them before the Lord : and so ( after benediction ) did set them to the Altars worke . And this hath c Peter Martyr well obserued and distinguished . And indeed , the ancients made This ( not Teaching ) to be a cause of distinction betweene Episcop & Presbyter ( or Bishop and Priest : for these words are of the former Greeke corrupted ) namely , That the Bishop might ordaine , the Elder not ) for so Chrysostome ( hauing said that d Elders are vnderstood vnder the word Bishop 1. Tim. 3.1 . hee after saith : Inter episcopum & presbyt . &c. Betw●ene a Bishop and Elder there is almost no difference . For by Ordination alone , they are their superiours : and this ( power ) onely they are thought more to haue , then haue the Presbyters , or Elders or Priests . Therefore ( passing by Priestes , as all of them figures of Christ ) they casting eye vnto Church-order , they ordinarily cause resemblance alike to be had betweene Bishop & Presbyter , as was of old time betweene the high Priest and the ordinarie Priests : and the resemblance of common Presbyter and Deacon , to lie in such difference as was betweene the ordinarie Priest and common Leuits . And indeede , the trueth is such : though such as despise ancient record and reading do ( as some doe at home ) make sacred Ordination a friuolous ceremonie . Whereby the Brownists of common inferiour lotte , they haue learned to bid their father ( hee that begot them to that faction ) to kneele downe , and they t●● begotten children wil lay hands on & blesse their father : an Ordination more opposite to Christ for outward forme ( & that is it they speake of ) the if the Pope should blesse a man inferior . For they ( ek dramétr●u ) ful-but to Christs Canon , do appoint the lesser to blesse the Greater : whereas in the other , the Greater blesseth the lesser . But hereof I haue spoken in another Treatise . Touching the Anabaptists , they stand not partaking in the matter ( as doth the Brownist ) but they exusflate or blow off our Baptisme , so well as Ordination , saying : All that floweth from Antichrists ministers , it must be Antichristian . And so , one baptizeth e himselfe ( as Abraham first circumcis●d himselfe : mary , Abraham had a commandement ; they haue none , nor like cause ) and then he baptizeth other . But largely did Augustine confute this Rebaptization and Re-ordination in dealing against the Donatists , saying of the one and the other f The Catholike Church held it vnlawfull to repeat them . As for Cyprians r●baptizing such as had beene baptized by heretikes , g as he left such practise free vnto others their iudgement , imposing no law on any ( as appeareth in his epistles to Iubaian and Stephen Romes Bishop ) so the same opinion after was retracted by the Bishops . And in a detestation of such rebaptization it was which caused h Chrysostome thus to write : Qui secundo &c. He that the second ●ime baptizeth himselfe , he the second time crucifieth Christ. Touching our English Arrians , they deny all Baptisme and Ordination , till new Apostles be sent to execute those parts to the Gentiles , and Elias the Thisbite do come for that end vnto the Iewes . Thus ( not to speake of other their doctrines ) euery sectarie and schismatike hath his sundry Church and fashion of constitution : all of them ( in trueth ) notable schismatikes from the Common-wealth of Israel : as Moab , Ammon , Edom , and others made brea●h from the orderly seede of Abraham . But let them goe , the seruants of Christs fielde , they consult with their Master , and from him they receiue this answere : Do not teare vp the tares , let both grow togither vntill the last haruest &c. so farre is he from bidding them to go out , or yet pull them vp . Two notable questions do arise from hence : first , Whether perm●ssion of open wicked in the Churches fellowship ( for such be those tares ) it do not ouerthrow the Rule of excommunication taught in Matth. 18.17 . & 1. Cor. 5. Or if it do not , how then those places can be reconciled ? Secondly , How the permission of these shal not pollute , seeing some open wicked do pollute in 1. Cor. 5.6 . and Galat. 5.9 . Touching the first , I answere : Permit vnto Doomesday , and Excommunicate before Doomesday , they are as easily reconciled , as Dauids worde and practise is found good . When for his word it is written , i That he would not suffer a wicked man in his family : and yet for his practise , k he suffered Ioab in his family , leauing the slaughtering of him to Salomon his sonne succeeding . And in a word it is thus : Those that can be excommunicate without harming the wheat ( that is , without rending Churches peace and vnitie ) those are to be excommunicate : but such are to be permitted ( not for loue to them , but to the Lords wheat ) as the excommunicating of whom would rend the Church in peeces . The contrary practise is , to be peni-wise , pound-foolish . Nor is this resolution new , but ancient : for Augustine to the l Donatist hereof writeth thus : Ipse Dominus &c. To the seruants willing to gather the tares , the Lord hi●selfe saith : Suffer yee both to grow vntill the haruest : The cause hee premiseth saying : Least peraduenture while ye would collect the tares , together with the same ye pull vp the wheat . Wherein he sufficiently sheweth , when such cause of feare is not ( but a certaine safetie altogither of the graine with certaine stabilitie , abideth : that is , when as euery such one his crime is knowne to all , and to all appeaereth execrable , insomuch as it hath no one , or not such defenders through whom a Schisme may fall out ) then ( Non dormiat seueritas disciplinae ) Let not disciplines seueritie sleepe . Then this may well be done without spot of peace and vnitie ; as also , without detriment to the wheate , &c. Wherein he concludeth , a practise of disciplines seueritie , when Churches peace and vnitie may be preserued , but otherwise not . Nor is this permission a stranger in scripture , no more then the practise of excommunication . For as in 1. Cor. 5. the Apostle Paul vrgeth a putting out : so the Apostle Iohn m Diotrephes the affector of preeminence , a pratler , a busie bodie , and one that would neither himselfe harbour such as came from the Apostle , nor yet suffer others . The Apostle promiseth ( if hee come ) to lay him out in his colours , intending thereby no doubt to prepare a way for his casting out : but meane time hee permits him , inasmuch as he bids them not deliuer him to Satan . Such tares were the factious teachers in Galatia Churches ( ioyning Circumcision and Baptisme together &c. ) whom the Apostle in those wordes ( Would to God they were cut off ) doth secretly permit , in that he dare not ( as in another n case ) giue it in command . And when to the Corinthes he writes , I feare when I come againe , my God abase me among you , and I shall bewaile many : of them which haue sinned ALREADIE , & haue not repented of their vncleannes and fornication & wanto●nes which they haue committed : here the Apostle not wishing the Corinthes to deliuer such to Satan ( as in 1. Cor. 5. he willeth the incestuous to be giuen vp , for whose behoofe no one with face could stand ) but plainly seeing ( yet after a sort halfe winking at ) those notable euils , he giueth notice ( as Augustine also hence vrgeth ) that it was because of their tarish clasping condition . And for no loue to the tares , but for loue of Church and Common-wealthes peace it was , that Dauid permitted Shimei of Beniamins quarrelling tribe fauourite to Saul : as also suffered bloody Ioab to liue all his dayes , for that otherwise he might haue brought all the souldiers on his necke , for auenging the death of their worthy Generall . Now ( if a Tares condition be considered ) can any other conclusion be vrged ? for it is not , as many weeds who may be seuered without daunger : but as it growes vnder the leaues of wheat vnseene , like an hypocrite at first , so it 〈◊〉 after bewraies it selfe by the fruit : but then so clasping the w●eat by running about it , as it cannot be pulled vp th●n , but 〈◊〉 ●resent danger to the wheat . And such varietie of ●aladies ●●●etimes fall in mans bodie , whereof some may be purged ●●d some limmes cut off without the liues destruction : but some of such nature and in such p●rts , as they cannot be remoued , but with depri●ation of life . And for this cause ( namely for preseruation of life , and auoiding some great euil ensuing ) we oftentimes permit that we like not . Nor is he fit to gouerne a family ( much lesse a Church ) that walketh not by this rule & consideration . If any now demand what if Diotrephes repent , or for want of repentance he be by Iohn in after time cast out , is such a one yet a Tare ? Two answers are hereto framed . The first is , yea : as Simon was surnamed Leper ( because once a Leper ) so may such a one be called a Tare , because once a Tare . The second answer I giue thus : if either of the former things fal out , he may be said to haue stood ( for the former clasping season ) as a tare , but now he bewraies himself not to , be such : Euē as , the o incestuous person was deliuered vp to Satan for leauen & a seruant to Satan , who p after proued a man of true spirit & holines . The Parable ( as other Parables ) it must not be stretched beyond the purpose of our Sauiour made manifest by other consent of scripture : and so I haue proued Augustines collection to be found & irrefragable . If any reply , only those open wicked ones are Tares as die Tares ( because it is after said , they shall by the Angels in the great haruest be gathered vp ) ●so could add , because Tares are bid to grow vntil the last haruest , therfore none are Tares that liue not vntill the last haruest . As also , by that reason we should neuer know who are Tares vntill death : and so to no purpose commaunded to let them grow togither , seeing after death they can no more grow togither . To auoid such foolish consequents , the proprietie of a Parable must therfore ay be heeded . The former conclusion remembred , downe fals the Libertines collection , who would haue all publike wicked permitted : seeing here is not speech of all euill ones , but of a kind of euill-ones which cannot with kingdomes children their good be pulled vp , or cut off , by Magistrate or Minister . Euen as in the Parable of the q fiue foolish virgins , he declareth not open wicked , but hypocrites ( seeing they had their lamps and lights and went to meet the bridgroome so well as the other fiue . Nor was their foolishnes discouered to the Church , vntill they had slep the sleep of all flesh ( good and bad ) and were raised againe by the shout of the Archangell ) so euerie Parable hath his owne propriety . Here also falleth to ground all such as haue with Chrysostome and Erasmus vnderstood them to be heretikes , whom the Magistrates should permit to growe , vntill happily they might become wheat . Yet Chrysostome addeth : r Non prohibet , &c. Our Sauiour forbiddeth not to dissipate the conuenticles of heretikes , the stopping of their mouthes , to cut off all libertie of speaking : onely he forbids the killing of them . But as he hath no warrant hence of preseruing heretikes liues , so he hath warrant inough from many places , for scattering the assemblies , stopping their mouthes , &c. And surely , the Magistrate can neuer be thought to be zealous for the Lord , when he beares ( as the ordinarie States of Germanie doe ) a sword for their ciuill matters , but none for the Lords religion . To ground also here falleth the Anabaptistes doctrine of Christians vnlawfulnesse for bearing and exercising the sword against trangressors : seeing ( say they foolishly from hence ) they may liue to become true Christians . In a word , diuers fantasies here fall downe ( as Dagon before the Arke ) nor meruell , seeing tymber , hay and stubble is in the Lords day appointed to burne ; that so , gold , siluer , and precious stone it may be discouered for only sutable to the foundation of this heauens kingdome . Now to the second question , How the permission of such Tares ( or tarish persons ) they shall not pollute the fellowship ? That such permission is not sinne or pollution to the permitters , it appeareth if but in this , that Christ not onely aduiseth , but also commaundeth such permission for the peace & good of his wheat , or true sonnes of the Church . If first such open wicked vpon due sight and search be found ( not thistles , da●ke or such separable weeds : for it is presumed that such the seruants here had and would pull vp , but ) Tares , or to vs ward in a tarish estate : and if in the second place we permit those Bastards for the childrens sake onely , then such permission is no pollution to vs that haue so seene , sought and permitted . First , because our Sauiour enioineth such sufferance , and who dare make him a counsailour to euill , a maintainer of sinne ? Secondly , if the s Apostle touching sinne in his owne flesh resisting his will ( or law of the mind ) hauing will present with him , but wanting meanes to performe that is good : if notwithstanding this vnrulines of the flesh , he proclaimes himselfe deliuered from this sinne ( or bodie of death ) by Christ ruling in him by his spirit , &c. If I say , sinne dwelling in him , he is not therfore seruant to sinne but to Christ , because a better spirit or lawe ruleth in him : much lesse can another mans sinne pollute me or my new man created in Christ , who is so farre from being led captiue by his sinne , as I hate it ; and as meanes by God are giuen vnto me in my place , do labour the slaughter of his sinne and expulsion thereof : and when such meanes of remouing him is lacking to me , yet the good-will of remouing such a scandale is neuer lacking . Keeping thus my heart and conscience cleane , all things that are without , are to me cleane & pure . But if the conscience be priuie to a liking of the scandale , and negligent in vsing the fit meanes God hath granted for remouing such a scandale , then he is pollution vnto me , and my soule is attainted with his sinne . The one and the other of those conclusions , haue their ground also from that to Titus 1.15 . and in Marke 7.18.19.20 , 21.22.23 . But it will be obiected , in those two scriptures speech is onely of indifferent things : I answere , the doctrine is generall , and therefore appliable not onely to those indifferencies there mentioned : for nothing ( whatsoeuer ) is without can be pollution to vs , prouided there arise not in our heart a liking or consent to such euill , nor yet of vs be permitted , when apt meanes are granted for remoual , at least for bridling such euill . Touching this point , it is thus written in t Origen ( whether by him or another I contend not ) Illud tacendum non est , &c. That neither is to be concealed , ( namely ) that the knowen wicked hurt the Church , if so be that , either power of prohibiting them the Communion be lacking , or some reason of conseruing peace do hinder . It is plain that this is not hurtful to a man ( namely ) That there is some wicked man ( yea , a knowne wicked ) present with thee at Christ his Altar : though he be not prohibited , prouided by a good conscience discontented with him , he be separated from him . Manifest therefore it is , that to run with a thiefe , it is no other thing then eyther to steale with him , or with a pleasing heart to accept of his stealth . And that the Church hath euer been so minded , consider not onely her recordes for iudgement , but also for her continuall practise . Whatsoeuer therefore in any of my writings may seeme to conclude oppositiuely , I desire it may be reduced hither , where so fully and plainely I haue discussed the q●estion . Nor let any distinguish here ( against the streame of the whole Church ) between common communion , and the communion in the Lord his supper : for , besides the Ancients their meaning is plaine , we are to consider ; first , that the Church is commaunded by suppers administration to set forth Chri●tes death till he come : secondly , if no Tare may be permitted thereto , and there will be Tares vnto the worlds end ; then it followeth that the supper must neuer be administred . If it be replied ; though they be not excommunicate , yet they may be debarred the supper ; I answere , if Churches peace can be so preserued , they ought so to be restrained . Euen as in a familie , a wise householder or faithfull steward v He will give the meate in due season : and not onely that , but also grant vnto some leaue to feast , when ( for correction sake ) he appointeth some others to fast . A figure whereof vnder the law was this , and that vncleannes , for the which they were seuered for a season : x euen as the Magistrats s●ord a figure of our excōmunicating sword ; killing them in the flesh , that so they may rise and liue againe in the spirit . But if they cannot with peace and Churches vnion be restrained , they must be rather suffered to Grow in their euil , then ( by hindering the Lords raine and sacramentall showers ) the wheat should be hindered in their grouth . Let them grow togither ( saith our Sauiour ) vntill the haruest : though to the one sort , word , sacraments , fellowship shall be a sauour of life vnto life , but to the other a sauor of death vnto death : euen a sit was vnto such as brought oblations vnto the tabernacle , wherof some by the faithfull Priest were freely admitted : others against his wil ( as Ioab & Shimei ) but admitted , because otherwise by the sword they could not be peaceably cut off . So much for this point : it followeth . Vers. 30. Let both grow togither vntill the haruest , and in the time of haruest I will say to the Reapers , gather ye first Tares , and binde them in sheaues to burne them , but gather the wheat into my barne . As our Sauiour will haue the tares to grow togither with his children in the Church ( & this vntill the great haruest of God : that is , as is expounded vers . 40. vntill the end ( namely of all things ) what time he will send forth his Angels for gathering all those offensiue ones forth of the kingdome , vers . 41. ) As I say , our Sauiour willeth so long sufferance of the tares , so hence we are to obserue the forme of speech ( Let them grow togither vntill the haruest ) whence some conclude euery tare his particular haruest at the time of his death , as also a generall haruest of all in the end of the world . Touching such particular haruest here is no speech ( although it be true from other scripture , that the tree falling into the cold nipping y North it shall there lie ) the speech here is onely of the great vniuersall haruest , wherein finall doome is giuen to all . If any say , but all the tares which haue been some 100. yeares since are dead , &c. I answer , our Sauiour promiseth to his Apostles , that in executing their commission , he would be with them vnto the end of the world , and lo they died and ceased preaching and baptizing 1500. yeares since . The Apostle charged Timothie to keepe the commaundement vnspotted till the appearance of Christ Iesus , and Timothie fell on sleepe about 1500. yeares since also . As in the Apostles and Timothie , the whole bodie of ministery succeeding in that worke , it is vnderstood , so in the tares first considered amidst the wheat , there is vnderstood the whole corporation of such wicked in succession vnto the worlds end . A bodie of sinne or corporation of wicked , Christ Iesus speaketh vnto , when he thus saith to the Pharisees : Fulfill the measure of your sins , &c. that vpon you may come all the righteous blood of Abel the righteous , z vnto the blood of Zecharias ( the sonne of Barachias ) whom ye slew between the Temple and the Altar . From whence is apparant , as all the righteous doe make but one mysticall bodie whereof Christ is the blessed h●ad ; so , all the vnrighteous make their mysticall bodie of sinne , whereto Sathan is an accursed head . Let them grow together vntill the end ? If they could be withdrawne from , as Moses , Aaron , and the other faithfull of the congregation did withdraw their tents from a Korah , Dathan and Abiram ( whose sin lay not as B●ownists would haue it , in a forme of outward calling diuers from the rule prescribed : but first , their sin lay in murmuring against the chiefe Magistrate Moses , and the high Priest Aaron : secondly , in making a mocke of Sanctification and holinesse : thirdly , in rising vp rebelliously , for lifting vp themselues into place aboue the holy chosen of God : whereas , other supreame Magistrate then Moses might not be , nor any other high Priest then Aaron , during their liues , notwithstanding the whole people would haue giuen vnto them the best forme of outward calling they could deuise . ) If I say , the open wicked could be cald departed from ( as that rebellious ●rue vpon the Lords direction was departed from ) then we are so to do : but if the case be tarish , then we are to suffer such children of Belial to grow togither with the children of the kingdome , vnto the very end of all things . For separation in such case , it is ( as b Cyprian wel saith ) first a vendicating of that authoritie to our selues , which the Father hath giuen to his Sonne alone : and secondly , it is but a proud obstinacie and sacrilegious presumption ( quam sibi furor prauus assumit ) which a wicked frenzie assumeth to it selfe . Which speech of Cyprian , old Augustine borroweth and oft applieth against Donatus . Let them grow togither till haruest , &c. If tarish wicked ones shall grow vntill the vniuersall haruest of all the worlde , held and kept in the ende and vp-shot of this worlde , it is for those causes : first , for the humiliation of the wheate or children of the kingdome , by hauing such Canaanitish pricks in their eies and sides , able to vexe the very soule of Lot ; and also able to torment their soules with like sorrow , as were Ezekiels people that mourned continually for the wi●kednesses committed in the midst of Zion . Secondly , they are permitted c being filthy , to become more filthy : and beeing vnrighteous , to become more vnrighteous ( for Iohn must herein be vnderstood to speake of the wicked in the Church , such as Iudes spotted-ones in the feasts of Loue : and those in Corinths Church , whereof Paul saith , d And if any be ignorant , let him be ignorant ) that so fulfilling and vpheaping the measure of sinne , they may afterwardes haue the more notable fall , & breake-necke downe-fall . Were it not for this haruest , as the faithfull of all others were most miserable , so those grapling tares triumphing ouer the Lordes people , they were of all men most blessed . But , yea I say againe But there is a day comming , a blacke day , a gloomie day , a day of terrour and horrour to all the children of Belial . A haruest must haue reapers , & the reapers here be Angels . The greatnesse of the Reapers , it argues the greatnesse of the haruest . Nor maruell that both Haruest and Reapers be great , when as the great GOD is the sender forth of those Angels , and people are the matter that must be reaped . This Haruest is represented vnto e Iohn in Patmos , vnder the reaping of Grapes with a sharpe sickle ; and there by the ministerie of an Angell commanded so to by another Angell which had authoritie ouer fire . As it is very true , that Christ hath all absolute power giuen him ouer fire , water and euery creature , so I well like the iudgement of such as teach that the elements are committed by the Lord vnto the Angels , for vsing the same against the wicked , and in the behoofe of his children . Touching whose ministration Peter Martyr hath this : f Redeo itaque ad ipsos Angelos &c. I returne vnto the Angels themselues , by whose ministerie also I affirme , that God gouerneth physicall or naturall things . For by their meanes vndoubtedly the celestiall g Orbes are turned about : and admirable thinges be produced in Nature . For which cause it is elegantly written , That God himselfe is carried by the Cherubims . Here saith our Sauiour , the Sonne of man shal send forth his Angels , how doth this agree with that of Paul , h The Lord himselfe shall descend from heauen with a showte , with the voyce of the Archangell , and with the trumpet of God ? By which showte our Sauiour afterwards in the Gospell saith , i all the wise and foolish Virgins shal awake and be gathered to iudgement . Touching the sending forth of Angels ( or as Iohn hath in his Reuelation , an Angell ) as also touching those tearmes , a Showte , the voyce of a Trumpe , I take them to bee borrowed phrases adapted to haruest and sleepe . For a haruest , there must be Gatherers : for raising people out of sleepe , there must be some showte or loud voyce : euen so , for gathering this spirituall haruest , and for awaking the spirituall sleepers in the earths bowels , there must be a Gathering and a Noise : but touching the forme of all this in proprietie , I take it , we now are vncapable . Yet ( as in another place ) Lazarus his soule is by Angels ministerie conuayed into Abrahams bosome : and well inough also may be iudged on the other side , that the Gluttons soule was conuayed into hell ( according to that speech vnto another Miser , Thou foole , this night They shall take away thy soule ) so it may well be , that by the ministerie of Angels , the soules vnited to their bodies for ful doome , they shall be presented vnto iudgement . But yet this ministerie a power in mediatly deriued from the Archangell ( k Christ Iesus ) according to that in Iohns Gospel chap. 5.28 . The houre shall come , in the which all that are in the graues shall heare his voyce , that is ( as before ) the voyce of the Sonne of man : that is , of Christ Iesus in our nature appearing . Now must Cerinthus ( if before death he repented not ) now must he come forth and make his answere , for teaching that Iesus was not borne of Marie , otherwise then by knowing Ioseph her husband carnally . That he was not Christ ; but that Christ came vpon him in the forme of a Doue . And that Iesus suffered , but Christ fled away &c. Against whose abominable opinion touching Iesus his onely being man , Iohn is said to haue written his Euangell : which indeed affordeth arguments , specially for proofe of his Diuinitie . Now must the l Nicolaitans that died such , come forth & answere for their communitie of women . As also the Carpocratians for denying saluation to the flesh : with others their followers , holding it of the diuell : giuing it vp to all filthinesse , as it were therby to be auēged on the body , their soules prison . Now the m Ophitai ( who taught the Serpent which deceiued Eue , was Christ : who by that meanes made a way for reuealing himselfe after to mankind . And for this cause worshipped the serpent for Christ &c. vpon which the Church gaue them that name Ophitai or Serpentinists . ) Now must they come forth and know to their shame , that they worshipped the diuel of hell in stead of Christ. The n Montanists , who held Montanus for the holy Ghost , condemned mariage for filthinesse &c. now those blasphemous filthy tongues must come out and bee tormented with Diues tongue in hell fire . The o Arians ( who taught that there was a time wherein God was not a Father , nor the Sonne a Sonne : that the Sonne was not of one substance with the Father , but of another nature ; a creature and meere man : tearmed God onely in regard of office , as Magistrates be , &c. Now must they stand forth before that God who will to them indeed proue no Father , but a consuming fire . The p Macedonians , who taught the holy Ghost not to be God , but a seruant trudging about the businesse of the Father and the Son ; those now must to iudgement . And wel shal they know , that so they taught because they had not the holy Ghost . The q Anthropo-morphits ( so called , for attributing to God in proprietie , the very shape and proportion of Man ) they shal in this great day well vnderstand that they spoke and conceiued of spirituall things , but carnally as bare naturall men . Now the r followers of Apollinaris , they must answere for teaching Christ to ass●me onely a liuing bodie without a reasonable soule , substituting the Diuinitie in place of a soule : making a confusion of Diuinitie and humanitie ( as if Christ were neither God nor man , but a third thing mingled ) euen as wine and water mingled , is no more wine nor water , but a mixture or mingle mangle . s Pelagius faction ( holding man naturally to haue in his power to will and do well : ) they now shal find , that they both are supernaturall and diuine gifts . t Now the sect of Eutyches ( who held that Christ assumed no nature of ours : the Anabaptists doctrine in these dayes ) they shall in this day learne , that that body and soule shall be damned , the first fruites whereof were not first assumed by Christ Iesus . The u Mono-thelites ( so tearmed for teaching that Christ Iesus had onely one will ) they in this day shall be taught to their shame , that Christ had two wils vnconfounded : the one peculiar vnto his Godhead , which was ( as the nature was ) Infinite : the other peculiar to his manhood , and ( as it was ) finit . The first Will strong as God , the second infirme as man , but infirmity without sinne . In a word , all the wicked ( tares or other weeds ) they must now be seuered from the Lord his wheat : and that which more is , they must be collected and bound vp in sheaues . Not in one sheaue but sundrie , according to the measure of their euils . One faction in one sheafe , another faction in another sheafe : but all prepared for one hell , for one fire , euerlastingly burning . Yet ( though but one hell , one fire of wrath ) scripture seemeth to imply ( by vniuersall consent of the Church ) that the measure of torment shal be x diuersly proportioned , according to the proportion and qualitie of sinne in the subiect . Nor dislike I a certaine Ancient his iudgement touching this , namely , that as in creatures all apt to burne , yet some feede the fire more then the other ( as for example : oylie and gummie timber , more then fewell of a diuers nature ) euen so , of sinners damned , all capable to burne : but the same fire and torment more enlarged by the subiect it worketh vpon , as his sinne shall be more large and notable . Sin ( be it more or lesse ) is so considered as the subiect whereon the burning wrath of God shal haue matter to feed vpon for euer . And this is the way , whereby the iustice of God against sinne , it shall be declared a Iustice for euer . In this day , the Originists ( who haue taught that diuell and all shall once come out of that fire and be saued ) they shall find that sinne in the damned neuer dies ( nay , I rather thinke that it is encreased : if so sinne can be enlarged in hell : seeing sinne vnmortified , is budding & bringing forth more euil in thought word , worke ) and so consequently , the y gnawing worme neuer to die , that fire neuer to be put out . And as the tares ( the most politicall wicked ) together with the whole corporation of Satan , they thus shal find in the end , their glorie turned into shame , & their temporarie heauen into an eternall hell . So the Lord his wheat or children of the kingdome ( for though the other were in it , yet they were not of it ) they are in this great day gathered into the Lords barne . Though they grew together here , they must be seuered there . The wicked shall not stand in the assembly of the righteous : nor after that day , shall the soule of any righteous Lot , be combred and galled with Sodome . The Iebusits gall vs heere , but they drinke gall and wormewood for it there . We contentedly suffer here , but it is appointed that we shall be glorified there . Into the Lords barne , Abrahams bosome , Paradise , heauens glory we shall all be receiued : and there for eternitie placed . But as there is more or lesse measure of torment for the wicked ; so , shall there not be a diuersitie of glorification in Christ Iesus his members ? The vniuersall streame of antiquity concluding affirmatiuely , I dare not ioyne with them that conclude negatiuely . Besides , the scriptures they vrge to this purpose , I cannot see them otherwise applied then aptly and fitly . For our Sauiours words in Iohn , z In my fathers house are many dwelling Mansions ( if it were not so I would haue told ye ) I go to prepare a place for you . Where they reply that these seuerall mansions are to be vnderstood here in the Church : I answer , that cannot be : for the sundrie mansions must be considered in the place whither Iesus was repairing ( namely , in heauens glory ) and not in the earth whence he was departing . Which better appeareth in that after he preoccupates this questiō of the Apostles ( What shall become of vs meane time ? ) whereto he answereth their thought , saying : Though I go to prepare a place for you , I will come againe . And where the auncients do alleadge that of Paul : There is another glorie of the Sunne , and another glory of the Moone , and another glory of the Stars , ( for one Starre differs from another in glory ) a So also in the resurrection of the dead . If any here reply , that this is to be vnderstood of the first resurrection ( which is here ) from sinne , he speakes openly against the generall and scope of the Chapter : which was to teach the resurrection of our bodies ( not soules ) against some that in the Church denied it . Againe , if they say that the comparison is between earthly and heauenly bodies , in this place it is apparantly false : for here he concludes : Looke what difference in the glorie of Starres , ( though all glorious ) euen such difference in the resurrection of bodies , though all glorious : for before the resurrection , no bodie is glorious . And surely , were it we considered but the state of a bodie ( where we see all the members excellent , yet a difference of excellency : and yet the difference no cause of emulation in the bodie , because ech member hath that which is fitting his own place ) as also , if we consider that all the beauteous order of God it lieth in distinctions , it must help to perswade , that in his mysticall bodie there be an Identitie ( or One-nes ) touching the generall , Eternall life : yet there must be distinction or difference touching the measure of glorification . Where the aduerse minded do alledge that b Parable of the workmen , brought into the vineyard , some at the third houre , some at the sixt , some at the ninth , some at the eleuenth , agreeing , & so giuing to euery man a penie : and so hence affirme that no one differs in the measure of glory ; all obtaining but one and the same price , a peny : I answer : a Parable being a figuratiue doctrine , it must be expounded by that which is lesse figuratiue , or plainly proper . The Apostle hauing taught the Corinths so plainly of a difference ( not between corruptible and incorruptible bodies , but ) between glorie and glorie of bodies risen ; it shall be preposterous after so plain assertion , to conclude the contrary from a darke phrase . Secondly , c Augustine , Chrysostome and a thousands besides them haue deliuered a better sense of the peny , that is , how it importeth onely Eternall life . Which eternall life though one , yet vttering it selfe in more or lesse glorie , according to the place ech member then enioyeth in this mystical glorious bodie . Some here bring forth fruit an hundred fold , some sixtie , some thirtie . Vnto those of fruits an hundred fold , d Ambrose referreth the glory of the Sun ; vnto those of 60 the glorie of the Moone ; and vnto those that bring forth fruits thirtie fold , he sweetly referreth the glory as of commō stars . And surely , as the contrarie perswasion doth effect in men a remisnes and slouthfulnes in the Lords worke ; so , the beliefe of this doctrine is ( as a goad ) in our sides for stirring vs forward in the works of the vineyard : for out of the vineyard or Churches fellowship , no promise of peny or eternall life . Which point remembred , as it will cause his people to maintaine Churches vnitie ; so , the tares also remembred ( hauing place in the Church , yet finally damned ) it may force vs to make our election sure by good works . Not to make it sure vnto God by good works , but vnto our selues , as a certaine e Romanist well granteth . These be his words , Per illa verba 2. Pet. 1.10 . haberi non potest , &c. By those words of Peter ( 2. Ep. 1.10 . ) it cannot be vnderstood that election should be , because of workes following : but that by perseuerance in good workes , Predestination which is immoueable , it may be showen certaine to vs , by a coniecturall certaintie . As for all time spent out of the Church , or euilly spent within the Church , what shall we count it but time lost ? A certaine heathen could wel say : g There is no cause why thou shouldest thinke any old , because of his gray haires or wrinckles . He hath not for that loued long , but been long . For I pray thee : thinkest thou that he hath sailed much , who ( after his putting forth of the hauen ) is by a sore tempest driuen here and there , and by force of winds diuersly rushing , is all that while but come round about ? Such a one hath not sailed much , but hath been tossed much . Nor let vs thinke such vnfruitfull and time onely lost , but ( which more is ) a building vp of fagots for our owne burning : the breeding of a viper in our bosome : the laying of sondry stepping stones to eternal damnation . Wheras , in holy expence of time , we gaine more and more assurance by those fruits of faith , that our life is laid vp and hid in Christ , vntill his appearance . With whose appearance , as our glory shall begin , so neuer shall it end ( though wicked Chiliasts haue pronounced it to be but of a thousand yeares durance ) but as verily as we are by the holy Ghost ioyned to the Sonne , and the Sonne to the Father : so verily we cannot be any more pulled from the possessed glory , then the spirit can be rent from the Sonne , and the Sonne from the Father , and the father from himselfe . To which glorious Trinitie in Vnitie , all kingdome , power , and glorie be giuen for euer . Amen . Theodoret on Ezek. chap. last . An ende being put heere vnto my speech , we desire such as shall reade this booke , if so they find any thing herein interpreted by vs , worthy the tra●ell , they therefore would praise the Lord of All. But if the gayne answere not the Expectation , or that they find not fruit answereable to the labour , that then they would pardon the imbecillitie of Nature : but yet would embrace the minds alacritie ; recompensing our labours with their prayers : begging ( of the Sauiour of All ) remission of our sinnes : with whom , togither with the Father and the holy Ghost , be glorie for euer and infinitly euer , Amen . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A18908-e200 a 2. Sam. 2● . 16.17 . b Pythag. in his golden Epiks : the very exordium . c Hesiod in his opera and Die. d Psal. 82.1.6.7 . e Iohn . 10.34.35 . f Mat. 13 24. &c. Notes for div A18908-e610 A notable Motiue to the publication hereof . A ground of the Authors aberration . The authors voyages , yet he could be resolued . The time when , and Bishop by whom he was ordained to Presbyteral function . A meanes for his setling and reducement . Pastors and Doctors , their late description of offices , too to fantastical and new . Their Lay-Elders as fond . An inartificiall diuision in the Demonstration of Di●● . Their Deac●● mutilation . Widowes too childishly c●ncluded from Rom. 12.8 . How the former affected , do cary themselues towards the Author reclaimed . How the former affected do cary themselues towards the Author reclaimed . An equall petition for reading the sequell . Notes for div A18908-e1470 a Math. 8.21 . b Isa. 9.6 . c Pro. 8. & 9. Psa. 104.24 . d Vers. 14. &c. e Prou. 25.11 . f Hosius de expresso verbo Dei. g Eccle. 12.9.10 . h Zuingl . on his 52 art . i Mat. 12.43.44.45 . k So the Hebrew ( Shammajim ) plural . l Gen. 1.20 . m Iude. 13. n Psal. 121.6 . o Ier. 10.2 . p Gen. 15. ● . q Heb. 12.27.28 . r Isa. 53.2.3 . s Psal. 45. t ●uke . 17. ●0 . 21 . v 2. Co. 3.11 . x Luke . 15.25 . &c. y Col. 2.22.23 . z Mark. ● . 15 . a 1. Tim. 2. b Gal. 1. ● . c. c Rom. 11.3 ▪ 4.5 . d 2. King. 2. ● . 5.7 . &c. e Luke 3 23. &c. f Tertul. exhort . ad castitat . g Alleaged also by Eusebius in his ecclesiast hist. b. 1. chap. 7. h Reuel . ● . i Gra●●ed by Master Greenwood pr●●ace to 〈…〉 . k 1. Cor 3. see ●aluin there●n . l Held in Anno Dom. 1545 m As the auncient Prophets had a certaine terme of ye●rs ●o the ancient Church her 〈◊〉 so Iohn hath in 〈◊〉 11. those daies ( as their daies ) so many 〈◊〉 . So well vnderstood of ●a . Broc●r● . ● . Iunius , 〈◊〉 Ian , Napeir . n Canti● . 8.11 . o M. Bar. in his Disc. pag. 19. p Psal. 2.8 . & a 16 , ●7 , & 72 , 8 , ●6 , & ●9 25 which was neuer ve●ified in ●aui● , ●●lomon or any but ●hrist . q Gen. ● . 15 . whereto Paul relates Gal. 4 4. & Iohn Reuel . 12. q Iren. aduers. haeres . l. 4. ch . 42. r Tert. l. 1. cont . Iud. s Aug. ciuit . dei . l. 16. t Theod. qu. 89 u qu. 95. x ●ierom ad Pauli●●● d● ins●● . monachi . y Origen vnderstands it vnder Baruc● triumph , in Iudg. 5.2 . z Greg. moral . l 9 & supcant . 7.3 . &c. a Origen on Iosua , 〈◊〉 ▪ a Mat. 24. ●3 . 24 . ●6 . ●uke 17.23 . a Dan. 2. b Ca●bden in Brit. c Chemnitius out of Sabellicus . d Polyd l. 2. hist. Angl. e Gildas sapiens de excidio Britanniae . f Theod. l. 9. de cur . Graec. affect . g Hence it also seemeth that Brittains dyed their bodies with woad . k Psa. 15. ● 1. Pet. 3. ● . 1. Tim. 6.1 . ● . 1. Pet. ● . 18 . l Euseb. eccl . hist b. 2. c. ● m The Gre●●● is : 〈…〉 n Act. 20.28.29 . &c. o Reuel . 2.10 . p Math. 16. q 1. Cor. 5 . 1● . r T. C. his reply to Doct. W pag 241. of part . 2. s 1. Part. p●g . 34. t For this doe read the state of Maccabees in Ben-Gorion . v 2. Sam 7. x En sô so agrô . Reuela . 17.12 13 14 15 16 17 18. z He florished Anno. Dom. 1260. a Ierem. 51.9 . b Hebr. 7.7 . c Pet. Mar. on 1. Sam. 7. d So do all Ancients . e I knew one such , and sundry can witnes it . f Aug. cont . Parm. l 2. cap. ●2 . g See for this , Hierom aduers . Lucifer . h Chrysost. on hebr . 6. i Psal. 101. k 1. King. 2. l Aug. cont . Parm. l. 3. whom Iohannes Wolphius followeth in his answere to certaine questions touching the Church . m ● . Iohn 9. n 1. Cor. 5. o 1. Cor. 5. p 2. Cor. 2. q Math. 25. r Chrysost. hom . 47. on . Math. s Rom. 7.15.16 &c. That the Apostle speaketh in the person of the Regenerate , those so vnderstand : August in 2. Lib. contra 〈◊〉 l. Pelag . & Tho. Aqu●nas in Rom. 7. alleaging this of Aug. ( for before he alleaged another ●ense from Aug. l. 3. quaest . ) saying that Me●ior ista expositio sit . Ierom ( ad Cresiphont . ad●ers . Luci● . ) so vnderstands it : accounting the opinion of perfection to the Manechists : and ordinarily all our late writers so take it . t Origen on Exod. 20. & ● . comm . v Math. ●4 . 4● . x Aug. b. 5. ch . ●9 . of quest . on Deut. So hath Hierom to H●liodore . y Eccles. 11.3 . z Math. ● . 3. a Nomb. 〈◊〉 b Cyprian . l. 3. epist. 4. c Reuel . 22. ●● . d 1. Cor. 14.38 . e Reuel . 15.18 . &c. f Pet. Mart. on 1. King. 5. g Spheres or heauens . h 1. Thess. 4.16 . i Matth 25. k Iombard l. 4. dist . 43. B. Cerinthus . l Nicolaitans Carpocratians . m Ophita● n Montanists o Arians . p Macedonians . q Anthropomorphits . r Apollinarists s Pelagians . t Eutychians . u Monothelite . x Reue. 18.6 . y Isa. 66.24 . Reuel . 14.11 . z Iohn . 14.2.3 . a This clause in proprietie is the end of the verse . b Ma●● . 28.1 . &c. c Aug. hō . 67. on Iohn . Chrysost. or● Math. 20. d Amb. on 1. Cor. ●● . e Io. Vigueriu in Instit. The olog . Praedestinatio ●uae immobili●●st , quadam ceritudine conie● Iurali nobis erta ostendatur . g Seneca in ib. de vit . c ●reu . cap. 8. Thus I speak with ●he holy Greeke Fa●her .